bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A First Trimester Combined Screening is Applicable and Cost-effective in the Screening of Trisomy 21 in Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Järvelä Josephine , Markkanen Helene , Äyräs Outi , Räsänen Juha , Kaijomaa Marja 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To compare the results of maternal age- and fetal nuchal translucency (NT)-based trisomy 21 screening and the combined first trimester screening (FTS) in 661 twin pregnancies.
Methods
During the study period, screening for trisomy 21 in twin pregnancies was based on maternal age and fetal NT. FTS risk value was calculated, but not used in counseling. The information regarding chorionicity was not considered in the calculation of the risk value. FTS results were retrospectively compared to those based on maternal age and NT.
Results
Six cases of trisomy 21 were identified in four twin pregnancies. The sensitivity of maternal age and fetal NT-based screening was 75%. Among all twin pregnancies, FTS sensitivities with cut-off levels 1/250, 1/300, and 1/350 were 75%, 75%, and 100%. The 100% sensitivity was reached at a cut-off level of 1/250 in monochorionic and at1/350 in dichorionic pregnancies. The false positive rates (3.7%, 4.1%, and 4.4%) of all FTS cut-off levels were lower than in screening with age- and NT-based screening (5.3%).
Conclusion
FTS is applicable in screening for trisomy 21 in twin pregnancies. Compared to screening by age and NT, the false positive rate is lower. If the chorionicity is not considered, the sensitivity is superior when a cut-off level of 1/350 is used.
Novel method for predicting the cracks of oxide scales during high temperature oxidation of metals and alloys by using machine learning
Authors: Wongpromrat Patthranit , Chawuthai Rathachai , Promchan Teeratat , Rojsanga Jularak , Chandra-ambhorn Somrerk , Nilsonthi Thanasak , Anantpinijwatna Amata 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In high temperature processes, the degradation of the materials is the major problem that may lead to higher maintenance costs and accidents. One form of the failure is the crack and spallation of the protective oxide film due to either the mechanical stress developing during the oxidation process or the thermal stress resulting from the mismatch of thermal expansions of oxide formed and alloy. Conventionally, the Pilling-Bedworth ratio (PBR) was used for predicting the crack and spallation of oxide by determining the volume changes of oxide and alloy. Although, the PBR is simple but it gives the inaccurate predictions. Therefore, in this work, the machine learning was used instead of PBR for predicting the formed of oxide produced and its spallation in the temperature range of 600–1200 oC. The alloy compositions, the oxide formed during oxidation, oxidation conditions and periods were inserted in the model as the inputs. From the results, the random forest with 15 estimators was the best machine learning model providing more than twice accuracy for predicting oxide spallation than using PBR.
Effect of the digestibility of cassava flour (Manihot esculenta crantz) by enzymes extracted from corn malt
Authors: Amisi Arthur Kapepa , CHIMANUKA Erick A. , KASEREKA Guelor L. , KIZUNGU Roger V. , BWANGANGA Jean-Claude T. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the digestibility of cassava starch by the enzymes extracted from corn malt, which will constitute one of the answers to the problem of integrating local products into the process in a modern brewery. Cassava starch solutions of different concentrations (E0: 0 g/L; E1: 1g/L; E2: 1.1 g/L; E3: 1.2 g/L; E4: 1.3 g/L; E5: 1.4 g/L, and E6: 1.5 g/L) were prepared and subjected to two treatments (gelatinized and non-gelatinized) and 5 mL of each were placed in a test tube. Three millilitres (3 mL) of the solution containing amylases extracted from malt corn were then added to each of the test tubes containing the cassava flour solutions. All the treatments were subjected to three temperature stages (50°C for 15 min, 90° C for 20 min, and 100°C for 75 min). Twenty-eight (28) objects (two duplicates) were experimented in a complete factorial design (2 treatments × 2 temperature levels). The results obtained showed that gelatinization had no effect, which could be due to the high optimum temperatures of corn enzyme activity. The concentrations also did not have significant differences which shows that these concentrations can well be used on an industrial scale to digest cassava starch by corn malt enzymes.
A multi-strategy improved rime optimization algorithm for three-dimensional USV path planning and global optimization
Authors: Gu Gaoquan , Lou Jingjun , Wan Haibo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The RIME optimization algorithm (RIME) represents an advanced optimization technique. However, it suffers from issues such as slow convergence speed and susceptibility to falling into local optima. In response to these shortcomings, we propose a multi-strategy enhanced version known as the multi-strategy improved RIME optimization algorithm (MIRIME). Firstly, the Tent chaotic map is utilized to initialize the population, laying the groundwork for global optimization. Secondly, we introduce an adaptive update strategy based on leadership and the dynamic centroid, facilitating the swarm's exploitation in a more favorable direction. To address the problem of population scarcity in later iterations, the lens imaging opposition-based learning control strategy is introduced to enhance population diversity and ensure convergence accuracy. The proposed centroid boundary control strategy not only limits the search boundaries of individuals but also effectively enhances the algorithm's search focus and efficiency. Finally, to demonstrate the performance of MIRIME, we employ 30 CEC2017 test functions to compare it with 11 popular algorithms across different dimensions, verifying its effectiveness. Additionally, to assess the method's practical feasibility, we apply MIRIME to solve the three-dimensional path planning problem for unmanned surface vehicles. Experimental results indicate that MIRIME outperforms other competing algorithms in terms of solution quality and stability, highlighting its superior application potential.
CAMKK2-AMPK axis endows dietary calcium and phosphorus levels with regulatory effects on lipid metabolism in weaned piglets
Authors: miao zhenyan , Sun Yanjie , Feng Zhangjian , Wu Qiwen , Yang Xuefen , Wang Li , Jiang Zongyong , Li Ying , Yi Hongbo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
In the realm of swine production, optimizing body composition and reducing excessive fat accumulation is critical for enhancing both economic efficiency and meat quality. Despite the acknowledged impact of dietary calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) on lipid metabolism, the precise mechanisms behind their synergistic effects on fat metabolism remain elusive.
Results
Research observations have shown a decreasing trend in the percentage of crude fat in carcasses with increased calcium and phosphorus content in feed. Concurrently, serum glucose concentrations significantly decreased, though differences in other lipid metabolism-related indicators were not significant across groups. Under conditions of low calcium and phosphorus, there is a significant suppression in the expression of FABPs, CD36 and PPARγ in the jejunum and ileum, leading to inhibited intestinal lipid absorption. Concurrently, this results in a marked increase in lipid accumulation in the liver. Conversely, higher levels of dietary calcium and phosphorus promoted intestinal lipid absorption and reduced liver lipid accumulation, with these changes being facilitated through the activation of the CAMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway by high-calcium-phosphorus diets. Additionally, the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the diet significantly altered the composition of liver lipids and the gut microbiota, increasing α-diversity and affecting the abundance of specific bacterial families related to lipid metabolism.
Conclusion
The evidence we provide indicates that the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the diet alter body fat content and lipid metabolism by modulating the response of the gut-liver axis to lipids. These effects are closely associated with the activation of the CAMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway.
Vaping Cessation Support Recommendations from Adolescents Who Vape: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Pbert Lori , Dubé Catherine E. , Nagawa Catherine S. , Simone Dante P. , Wijesundara Jessica , Sadasivam Rajani 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Youth vaping is an epidemic, being more prevalent than any other tobacco use. To inform cessation interventions, we explored what adolescents perceive to be their reasons for quitting and strategies to help in their quit efforts.
Method
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a convenience sample of 11 adolescents reporting vaping in the past 90 days and recruited from a high school in Massachusetts. Interviews were transcribed, and dual coded. Inductive thematic analysis was employed and thematic summaries were prepared.
Results
Reasons adolescents reported for quitting included: cost; experiencing “nic-sick” from nicotine withdrawal or excess intake; negative impacts on mood, concentration, or health; and experiencing symptoms of nicotine dependence. Nearly all tried to quit multiple times. Barriers to quitting included: exposure to vaping; access to vape products; stress; and “cool” new products or flavors. Quit strategies included: avoiding others vaping; seeking social support to quit; addressing peer pressure to continue vaping; learning successful quit strategies from peers; and using distraction strategies or alternatives to vaping.
Conclusion
Many adolescents who vape want to quit and most have tried multiple times. Interventions need to engage adolescents with varying reasons to quit, barriers, and quit strategy preferences.
Clinical Trial Registration
This study is registered through ClinicalTrials.gov. The trial registration number is NCT05140915. The trial registration date is 11/18/2021.
Characterization of Allium tuberosum rottl. Peptides with Dual Inhibitory Activities against Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV
Authors: Nong Nhung Thi Phuong , Lee Chia-Hui , Hsu Jue-Liang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Two peptides with dual functionality, namely LLPSY and NAPALVY, exhibit inhibitory effects on both angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidaseIV (DPP-IV), were successfully identified from the hydrolysates of Allium tuberosum. Peptide isolation involved reversed-phase chromatography, and peptide sequences were characterized through liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis and de novo sequencing. Notably, the Lineweaver-Burk plot analysis revealed that LLPSY (IC50: 15.66 ± 1.11 µM) acted in a non-competitive manner, whereas NAPALVY (IC50: 3.42 ± 0.79 µM) exhibited competitive inhibition, potently inhibiting ACE. Their stability tests against ACE further revealed that LLPSY acted as a real substrate, while NAPALVY functioned as a true inhibitor of ACE. In terms of DPP-IV inhibition, LLPSY (IC50: 2.48 ± 0.10 mM) was identified as a competitive inhibitor, whereas NAPALVY (IC50: 7.63 ± 0.52 mM) displayed noncompetitive inhibition. Both peptides exhibited true inhibitory effects on DPP-IV. Docking simulations provided insights into peptide-enzyme interactions. These novel Allium tuberosum-derived peptides hold promise for controlling blood pressure and blood glucose.
A deadlock in health service delivery: Examining revenues lost from implementation of user fee exemption policy in Tanzania
Authors: Ndomba Teoford S. , Maluka Stephen O. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Tanzania, like other low and middle-income countries (LMICs), introduced user-fee exemptions in early 1990s for the purpose of increasing access to health care services for the poor and the most vulnerable groups. User-fee exemptions are granted to pregnant women, children under 5, persons above 60 years and patients with chronic diseases. While there is consensus on the effects of user fee exemptions on access to health care services, there are growing concerns that user fee exemptions are the source of poor quality of health services in public health facilities. However, studies on exemptions have predominantly focused on the demand side, looking into whether the poor and vulnerable groups receive the required health care services. Therefore, there is scant knowledge of the effects of user fee exemptions on the supply side. This study examined revenues lost due to implementation of user-fee exemptions in public health facilities in Tanzania.
Methodology: This study employed a case study design, and used documentary reviews and in-depth interviews in data collection. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyse qualitative data, whereas Microsoft Word Excel application was used to analyse the quantitative data extracted from documentary reviews.
Results: The findings indicate that public health facilities lost substantial revenues mainly from service functions such as medicines, medical consultation, laboratory, and delivery services. However, there were no mechanisms in place to offset the revenues lost by health facilities. Consequently, the loss significantly jeopardised provision of health care services.
Conclusion
The study concludes that public health facilities in Tanzania lose a substantial amount of revenues due to the implementation of user fee exemption policy, which significantly jeopardises provision of health care services. The government should increase subsidies to public health facilities and increase efforts to effectively implement health insurance schemes because they are viable and reliable sources of revenues for improving service delivery.
NAT10 affects the progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and M2-type polarization of macrophages by regulating CCL2
Authors: Cai Teng , Dai Jianye , Lin Yanyan , Bai Zhongtian , Meng Wenbo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly lethal hepatobiliary tumor and its incidence is on the rise. As a cancer of unknown primary causes, the pathogenesis and related biomarkers of ICC still needs to be investigated. N-acetyltransferase 10 (NAT10) is essential for cellular mRNA stability and tumor cell progression; however, the detailed mechanism underlying its role in ICC is unknown. Here, we examined the role of NAT10 in ICC and deeply investigated its effect on macrophage polarization. Tissue microarray (TMA) analysis shown that high expression of NAT10 was positively associated with poor clinicopathological manifestations of CCA. Silencing of NAT10 inhibited the proliferation of ICC cells in vitro and tumor growth in vivo, whereas NAT10 overexpression promoted ICC progression. Mechanistically, NAT10 binds to the C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) mRNA and elevates its protein levels, thereby promoting the proliferation of ICC cells and M2 polarization of macrophages. Molecular docking screening and the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) identified a natural product, berberine (BBR), which targeted CCL2 and thereby inhibited ICC progression and reduced M2 polarization of macrophages. In summary, NAT10 promotes ICC progression and M2 polarization of macrophages by increasing CCL2. BBR inhibits ICC progression by targeting CCL2 and is an attractive novel compound for targeted therapy.
A Cadaveric Study of the Rotator Cable: Interrogating the Suspension Bridge Model
Authors: Kanne Timothy , Lusk John , Clark Cassidy , Jones Cody , Kanne Leanna , Cawley Daniel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of this cadaveric study was to study the anatomic relationships between the rotator cuff muscles and the rotator cable.
Methods: In 30 formaldehyde-fixed shoulders from 20 cadavers, the rotator cuff and rotator cable were dissected and the glenohumeral joint opened. The orientation and attachments of the rotator cable to the rotator cuff muscles were studied and the severity of any osteoarthritis, labral pathology, and rotator cuff pathology present was documented. The width and thickness of the infraspinatus attachments to the rotator cable were measured.
Results: The infraspinatus muscle was noted to be more loosely adherent to the rotator cable, while the supraspinatus and teres minor were tightly adherent to the cable. Specifically, the superior-most portion of the infraspinatus was found to be less tightly adherent than the inferior-most portion in 26 of the 30 shoulders studied. There was a correlation between increased thickness of the inferior-most portion of infraspinatus and more-than-minimal osteoarthritis and labral pathology (p=0.0477, p=0.0409, respectively).
Conclusions: While the supraspinatus and teres minor muscles were tightly adherent to the cable in all shoulders, the degree of attachment of the superior-most portion of the infraspinatus muscle was notably less in 26 of the 30 shoulders studied. This could mean that only the inferior portion of the infraspinatus participates in stress shielding through the cable or be a compensatory response to increased load on the tendon. This work is expected to provide insight into the function of the rotator cable and the different functions of the infraspinatus.
High responsivity all-fiber-integrated perovskite photodetector based on FA0.4MA0.6PbI3
Authors: Zhang YuChen , Liu Jie , Ma Chenghong , Fan Yanqi , Miao Yinping , Li Xiaolan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Perovskite exhibits advantages including tunable bandgap, high absorbance and self-assembly, making it potential for high-performance photodetection. In this study, we report an all-fiber-integrated photodetector (AFPD) based on FA0.4MA0.6PbI3 perovskite. The thickness of photodetector’s active layer is designed based on the thin-film waveguide mechanism to optimize device’s responsivity. Theoretical analysis and simulation results indicate the presence of a strong mode field in the active layer meeting the resonance thickness condition, which exhibits the potential to enhance material’s light absorption efficiency and improve device’s responsivity even in a thinned film. Metal-Semiconductor-Metal (MSM) photodetector based on FA0.4MA0.6PbI3 is directly deposited onto a side-polished multimode fiber (SP-MMF). Light transmitted in fiber leaks from core to the MSM photodetector through the polished surface of SP-MMF, inducing a detection response. Experimental results demonstrate that the device achieves a responsivity of 3.2 A/W to 650 nm light, with both rising and falling edges of the response time reaching 8ms. The proposed AFPD exhibits advantages including high responsivity, short response time, low insertion loss and all-fiber integration, providing a reliable solution for the development of high performance AFPD.
The Impact of University based Science Workshops on UAE School Students’ Perceptions of Science Study and Careers
Authors: Dickson Martina , McMinn Melissa , Bradley Curtis , Grenon Muriel 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

As the United Arab Emirates (UAE) transitions from a country with a primary dependence on fossil fuel revenue to one driven by a knowledge-based economy, it is becoming increasingly important to have national representation in key employment sectors, one of which is STEM. In order for this to become a reality, representation of Emirati STEM students in higher education is critical. In this research study, Emirati high-school students took part in university-based workshops led by undergraduate science degree students, also Emirati. In order to explore their views on the experience, and investigate whether this impacted on their views about studying science, science careers, and themselves as future scientists, we collected qualitative focus group interview data from 56 students and quantitative survey questionnaire data from 203 students in this mixed methods study. Key findings were that participating in the workshops within the university setting (and away from the school setting) were instrumental to their impact, and that being taught by trainers of their own culture and nationality was powerful enough to make some students consider studying science at university. The findings of the study have implications for universities and schools in terms of effective intervention planning and recruitment design to increase interest in science or science-related degrees.
Response of gut microbiota, antioxidation, and disease resistance to pacific shrimp fed distiller's dried grains with solubles replaced soybean meal
Authors: Yohana Mpwaga Alatwinusa , RAY Gyan Watson , Yang Qihui , Shiyu Kou , Tan Beiping , Wu Jiahua , Mao Minling , GE Zhan bo , Feng Lan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This experiment aimed to examine the potential of distillers dried grains soluble (DDGS) meal as a substitute for soybean meal (SBM) in the Pacific shrimp diet. The study aimed to investigate how DDGS affected disease resistance, antoxidation, and gut microbiota. 840 shrimp were given varied diets with varying concentrations of DDGS. D1 (0%), D2 2%, D3 4%, D4 6%, D5 8%, D6 10%, and D7 12% were the DDGS levels. Each group had three replicates of the 56-day experiment. Initially, the weight was 0.19 ± 0.00 g. The survival rate was consistently 100% for shrimp-fed DDGS, except for group 7 (14%) and the control group, where shrimp mortality was observed. The total protein (TP) content was improved as the inclusion level of DDGS increased. The glucose (GLU) exhibited a downward trend with higher DDGS inclusion. Similarly, the TG and CHO levels in the serum decreased as the DDGS levels increased. The activities of ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) decreased as the dietary DDGS increased, with the control group showing significantly higher ALT and AST activities than those fed DDGS diets (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity significantly increased with higher DDGS levels, while the MDA (malondialdehyde) activity showed the opposite trend. Notably, the control exhibited the highest MDA activity value. The most prevalent phylu found in the gut microbiota were Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Upon completion of a 7-day bacteria challenge, it was observed that shrimp fed with the control diet had a lower mortality rate compared to those fed the DDGS diet. Based on the parameters measured in this study, it was determined that replacing 10% of SBM with DDGS in the feed of Pacific shrimp is feasible.