bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodegradation of ethylene vinyl acetate using Klebsiella aerogenes isolated from Effective Microorganisms
Authors: Maidarjav Amarbayasgalan , Nyamjav Indra , Kim Hong Rae , Suh Dong-Eun , Lee Sukkyoo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The amount of global plastic waste on land or in the marine environment is a critical environmental issue. Plastic biodegradation by microorganisms, wax worms, and enzymes has become one of the most popular solutions because it produces no harmful environmental derivatives for ecological plastic waste. This study revealed the biodegradation pathway of ethylene vinyl acetate by the bacteria strain Klebsiella aerogenes EM011, which was isolated from effective microorganisms. We identified that K. aerogenes can survive in a carbon-free environment, using ethylene vinyl acetate films as the sole source of energy and decomposing ethylene vinyl acetate microparticles. Next, we examined the degradation of the plastic surface after bacterial treatment using scanning electron microscopy. We detected the modifications in the imaged area of the plastic by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Based on the imaging analysis, we conducted Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses to detect changes in functional groups and chemical components, elucidating alterations on the surface of the treated plastics. Through these physicochemical analyses, the formation of carbonyl groups (C = O), ester groups (C-O), and hydroxyl groups (-OH) confirmed the degradation of EVA plastic. Furthermore, oxidation led to the decomposition of the ethylene vinyl acetate film, resulting in changes to the plastic characteristics. These alterations were validated by thermal gravimetric analysis and Gel Permeation Chromatography. These findings show that the K. aerogenes EM011 strain has a role in accelerating the biodegradation of ethylene vinyl acetate plastic.
Impact of HIV exposure without infection on hospital course and 30-day mortality among young children in sub-Saharan Africa: a multi-site cohort study
Authors: Lwanga Christopher , Aber Peace , Tickell Kirkby D. , Ngari Moses , Mukisa John , Atuhairwe Michael , Brown Lindsay , Mupere Ezekiel , Potani Isabel , Shahrin Lubaba , Morgan Brooks , Singa Benson , Nankabirwa Victoria , Mugambe Richard K. , Mukasa Zakaria , Walson Judd L. , Berkley James A. , Lancioni Christina L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) young children are at increased risk of hospitalization and death as compared to HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) children. The drivers of poor outcomes among HEU children remain unknown, limiting the development of interventions to support this vulnerable population.
Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of data from a large multi-country prospective cohort Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition (CHAIN) Network study. Hospitalized children aged 2-23 months were followed from an index admission for 6 months after discharge to determine acute and long-term outcomes. Data from the 5 sites in Uganda, Kenya, and Malawi were included. Using perinatal HIV exposure (HEU and HUU) as the primary exposure and adjusting for child, caregiver, and household characteristics, we compared 30-day survival outcomes, nutritional status, illness severity, and utilization of inpatient resources.
Results: We included 1486 children: 217 HEU and 1269 HUU. Wasting and stunting were more frequent in HEU than HUU children, with adjusted OR 1.46, 95% CI (1.06-2.01) and adjusted OR 2.03, 95% CI (1.42 – 2.90), respectively. HEU children were twice as likely to have a prolonged hospital stay compared to HUU children [adjusted OR 2.17, 95% CI (1.23- 3.80)], despite no significant difference in the prevalence of severe illness at admission [adjusted OR 1.25, 95% CI (0.88-1.77)]. Admission diagnoses and use of inpatient resources also did not differ significantly between groups. HEU children had an increased risk of mortality during the 30 days following hospital admission [adjusted hazard ratio 1.75, 95% CI (1.09- 2.80)].
Conclusions: HEU childrenare more likely to be wasted and stunted, have prolonged hospital stay, and die within 30 days of hospitalization, as compared to HUU children. Hospitals in settings where maternal HIV infection remains common should ensure that maternal HIV status is established among children requiring admission and build capacity to provide additional hospital monitoring and early post-discharge support for HEU children.
Patient Driven EKG Device Performance in Adults with Fontan Palliation
Authors: Laubham Matthew , Dodeja Anudeep K , Kumthekar Rohan , Shay Victoria , D’Emilio Nathan , Conroy Sara , Mah May Ling , Alvarado Chance , Kamp Anna 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the KardiaMobile (KM) device in adults with a Fontan palliation, and to assess the KM function as a screening tool for atrial arrhythmias.Background While patient driven electrocardiogram (EKG) devices are becoming a validated way to evaluate cardiac arrhythmias, their role for patients with congenital heart disease is less clear. Patients with single ventricle Fontan palliation have a high prevalence of atrial arrhythmias and represent a unique cohort that could benefit from early detection of atrial arrhythmias.Methods This single center prospective study enrolled adult patients with Fontan palliation to use the KM heart rhythm monitoring device for both symptomatic episodes and asymptomatic weekly screening over a 1-year period. Accuracy was assessed by comparing the automatic KM to physician overread and traditional EKG.Results Fifty patients were enrolled and 510 follow up transmissions were received. The sensitivity and specificity of enrollment KM-auto compared to EKG was 65% and 100%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of enrollment automated KM interpretations (KM-auto) compared to the electrophysiologist interpretation (KM-EP) was 75% and 96%, respectively.Conclusion In the adult Fontan palliation, the accuracy of the KM device to detect a normal rhythm was reliable and best with a physician overread. Abnormal or uninterpretable KM device interpretations, symptomatic transmissions, and any transmissions with a high heart rate compared to a patient’s normal baseline should warrant further review.
Clinical features associated with poor response and early relapse following BCMA-directed therapies in multiple myeloma.
Authors: Kumar Shaji , Rees Matthew , Mammadzadeh Aytaj , Bolarinwa Abiola , Elhaj Mohammed , Bohra Arwa , Bansal Radhika , Khot Amit , Ailawadhi Sikander , Parrondo Ricardo , Chhabra Saurabh , HAYMAN Suzanne , Dispenzieri Angela , Buadi Francis , Dingli David , Warsame Rahma , Kapoor Prashant , Gertz Morie , Muchtar Eli , Kourelis Taxiarchis , Gonsalves Wilson , Rajkumar S , Lin Yi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Three classes of BCMA-directed therapy (BDT) exist: antibody drug-conjugates (ADCs), CAR-T, and T-cell engagers (TCEs), each with distinct strengths and weaknesses. To aid clinicians in selecting between BDTs, we reviewed myeloma patients treated at Mayo Clinic with commercial or investigational BDT between 2018–2023. We identified 339 individuals (1-exposure = 297, 2-exposures = 38, 3-exposures = 4) who received 385 BDTs (ADC = 59, TCE = 134, CAR-T = 192), with median follow-up of 21-months. ADC recipients were older, with more lines of therapy (LOT), and penta-refractory disease. Compared to ADCs, CAR-T (aHR = 0.29, 95%CI = 0.20–0.43) and TCEs (aHR = 0.62, 95%CI = 0.43–0.91) had better progression-free survival (PFS) on analysis adjusted for age, the presence of extramedullary (EMD), penta-refractory disease, multi-hit high-risk cytogenetics, prior BDT, and the number of LOT in the preceding 1-year. Likewise, compared to ADCs, CAR-T (aHR = 0.28, 95%CI = 0.18–0.44) and TCEs (aHR = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.39–0.93) had superior overall survival. Prior BDT exposure negatively impacted all classes but was most striking in CAR-T, ORR 86% vs. 50% and median PFS 13-months vs. 3-months. Of relapses, 54% were extramedullary in nature, and a quarter of these cases had no history of EMD. CAR-T demonstrates superior efficacy and where feasible, should be the initial BDT. However, for patients with prior BDT or rapidly progressive disease, an alternative approach may be preferable.
Forecasting Nigeria Foreign Exchange Rate Dynamics
Authors: Ampitan Kehinde Ronald , Akintunde Abosede Adeola 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This study introduces an examination of the forecasting of Nigeria’s foreign exchange rate dynamics using time series data considering the Monthly official foreign exchange rate between the Nigerian Naira and the US Dollar. Utilizing the Box-Jenkins ARIMA approach, the monthly data spanning from January 2011 to December 2023 was forecasted. Analysis of the results indicated that the series achieved stationarity upon differentiation. Through diagnostic evaluation, it was determined that the ARIMA (0, 1, 2) model was the most suitable based on the Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). Projections for future exchange rates indicated a consistent revaluation of the Naira. These predictions could offer valuable insights for policymakers in Nigeria to anticipate the Exchange rate variations and potential fluctuation ranges of the Nigerian Naira against the US Dollar in the future.
Multi-Task Agent Hybrid Control in Sparse Maps and Complex Environmental Conditions
Authors: Wang Linhai , Yu Su , Li Mou , Wei Xiaolong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

With the rapid development of space exploration technology, the detection of extraterrestrial bodies has become increasingly important. Among these, path planning and target recognition and positioning technologies are particularly critical for applications in intelligent agents with low computational power operating in complex environments. This paper introduces an A* path planning algorithm with an adaptive heuristic function, which demonstrates improved robustness in low-resolution maps and can plan paths that stay as far away from obstacles as possible, even when the accuracy of the prior map is limited. Additionally, this study proposes a Dynamic Environment Target Identification and Localization (DETIL) algorithm, which includes the identification of unknown obstacles and the spatio-temporal dimension clustering to locate points of interest. Simulation results of the mixed control scheme using both algorithms indicate that the improved A* algorithm reduces the maximum elevation difference by 55% and the maximum cumulative elevation difference by 68% compared to the traditional A* algorithm. The unknown obstacle identification component of the DETIL algorithm can recognize all obstacles along the path, while the spatio-temporal dimension clustering section improves the average number of target discoveries by 152% over the conventional DBSCAN clustering approach.
Can motion onset VEPs see through the blur?
Authors: Kordek David , Young Laura , Voda Petr , Kremláček Jan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Motion-onset visual evoked potentials (MO VEPs) are robust to dioptric blur when low contrast and low spatial frequency patterns are used for stimulation. To reveal mechanisms of MO VEPs robustness, we studied whether the resistance to defocus persists even when using a high-contrast checkerboard using digital defocus in the emmetropic eyes of 13 subjects (males 20–60 years). We compared the dominant components of MO VEPs to pattern-reversal VEPs (PR VEP), which are sensitive to the blur. For stimulation, we used checkerboard patterns with 15´ and 60´ checks. To defocus the checkerboard, we rendered it with a second-order Zernike polynomial (\({Z}_{2}^{0}\)) with an equivalent defocus of 0, 2, or 4 D. For PR VEP, the checkerboards were reversed in terms of their contrast. To evoke MO VEP, the checkerboard of 60´ checks moved for 200 ms with a speed of 5 or 10 deg/s in the cardinal directions. The MO VEP did not change in peak time (P ≥ 0.0747) or interpeak amplitude (P > 0.0772) with digital blur. In contrast, for PR VEP, the results showed a decrease in interpeak amplitude (P ≤ 6.65ˑ10 − 4) and an increase in peak time (P ≤ 0.0385). Thus, we demonstrated that MO VEPs evoked by checkerboard, structure containing high spatial content, can be robust to defocus.
Pan-cancer analysis shows that TNFSF4 is a potential prognostic and immunotherapeutic biomarker for multiple cancer types including liver cancer
Authors: Deng Zhaoda , Li Lincheng , meng Zihe , Zeng Guineng , Cao Rui , Liu Rong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
As a member of the TNF superfamily, TNFSF4 is expressed on antigen-presenting cells and activated T cells by binding to its receptor TNFRSF4. However, tumorigenicity of TNFSF4 has not been studied in pan-cancer. Therefore, comprehensive bioinformatics analysis of pan-cancer was performed to determine the mechanisms through which TNFSF4 regulates tumorigenesis.
Methods
RNA-seq data for 33 cancers was analyzed from UCSC XENA database. Online websites and databases were used to investigate TNFSF4’s biological function, epigenetic modifications, genetic alterations, and tumor immunity. Furthermore, cell phenotype experiment and tumor xenotransplantation experiment were performed to determine the biological functions of TNFSF4.
Results
The pan-cancer analysis showed that TNFSF4 was upregulated in several tumors. Significant relationships between TNFSF4 expression and single cells were also observed in numerous cancer types. TNFSF4 expression correlated with the expression of immune checkpoint genes and could influence various drug sensitivity. Vitro and vivo experiments showed that TNFSF4 could promote the development and progression of HCC.
Conclusions
TNFSF4 was upregulated in multiple cancer types and promoted the development and progression of cancers through several mechanisms including regulation of the tumor-infiltration of immune cells. Our study shows that TNFSF4 is a promising prognostic and immunotherapeutic biomarker in some malignant tumors.
Patterns of psychiatric healthcare use during pandemic times among boys and girls with pre-existing diagnoses: A Norwegian nationwide primary and specialist healthcare registry study
Authors: Lund Ingunn Olea , Jensen Pia , Madsen Christian , Hauge Lars Johan , Havdahl Alexandra , Reneflot Anne , Brandlistuen Ragnhild , Ask Helga 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic introduced complexities that were likely more demanding for some groups, such as children and adolescents, and especially those with pre-existing mental health diagnoses. This study examines long-term patterns of psychiatric healthcare utilization among this vulnerable group, providing insights into shifts in psychiatric healthcare use during a global health crisis.
Methods
We use data from the primary and specialist healthcare registries available from the Norwegian emergency preparedness register for COVID-19 (Beredt C19) to estimate patterns of psychiatric healthcare utilization. The data spans the years from 2017 to 2022, covering children and adolescents aged 6–19. We identified young people with recent diagnoses of mental health conditions and compared weekly consultation volumes before and during the pandemic for mental health conditions overall and the following diagnostic categories separately: anxiety/depression, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders (ADHD), sleep problems, and Autism Spectrum Diagnoses (ASD). Analyses were stratified by gender.
Results
There was a consistent trend of lower-than-predicted weekly healthcare consultations among young people with pre-existing mental health diagnoses in both primary and specialist healthcare during the pandemic. The reduction was more pronounced in later follow-up periods. The study highlights gender disparities, with boys experiencing more notable declines in healthcare consultations, especially in specialist care. Additionally, the time trends varied across different diagnostic groups. While consultations for sleep problems and anxiety/depression were consistently below the predicted levels, declines in ADHD occurred later in the pandemic. Consultations for ASD were in line with predictions much of the time. However, there were periods with lower-than-predicted consultations before, during, and after social restriction phases. The data suggests an overall decline in healthcare utilization rather than a shift between sectors.
Conclusion
The findings offer insights into healthcare utilization during pandemic times among children and adolescents with pre-existing mental health diagnoses. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and support for this group, ensuring accessible and responsive healthcare during public health emergencies.
The Role of Fetal Echocardiography in Predicting Postnatal Pulmonary Venous Obstruction in Neonates with TAPVR – A single center experience
Authors: Alqahtani Manal , Tolani Drishti , Dugulescu Mirela , Keelan Jenna 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Totally anomalous pulmonary veinous return (TAPVR) is a high risk and rare cardiac malformation with a low prenatal detection rate and predicting obstruction in these cases is difficult. We sought to investigate fetal echocardiographic parameters associated with postnatal pulmonary venous obstruction (PPVO). We performed a retrospective review of 26 patients with TAPVR who had a fetal echocardiogram from 2010 to 2021. Blinded readers analyzed the fetal Doppler features of the pulmonary veins (PV) and vertical veins (VV) at final fetal assessment. Of the 26 patients, 17 (65%) were prenatally diagnosed and 10 (38.5%) developed PPVO. All patients had associated congenital heart disease. Compared to patients without PPVO, patients with PPVO had a lower VV variability index (VI) (0.51 (0.17–0.79) vs 1.43 (0.54–2.58); p = 0.003), a higher likelihood of having an abnormal VV or PV Doppler pattern (p = 0.042, p = 0.015 ), a higher VV minimum velocity (0.435 m/s (0.17–1.05) vs 0.14 m/s (-0.16-0.35) p = 0.001) and a higher VV mean velocity (0.641 m/s (0.31–1.15) vs 0.321 m/s (0.19–0.5); p = 0.009). A fetal VV VI of ≤ 0.8 was associated with PPVO (100% sensitivity, 86% specificity). Our data show that some fetal PV and VV Doppler indices are significantly different between those that develop PPVO and those who do not, with the most significant difference seen in the VV variability index and VV minimum velocity. Prenatal predictors of PPVO have the potential to influence prenatal counseling, perinatal care, surgical timing, and outcomes associated with this critical diagnosis.
High-entropy superparaelectrics with locally diverse ferroic distortion for high-capacitive energy storage
Authors: Li Hao , Duan Jianhong , Wei Kun , Du Qianbiao , Ma Linzhao , Yu Huifen , Qi He , Zhong Gaokuo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Superparaelectrics (SPEs) are considered promising candidate materials for achieving outstanding energy storage capabilities. However, due to the complicated local structural design, simultaneously achieving high recoverable energy density (Wrec) and energy storage efficiency (η) under high electric fields remains a challenge in bulk SPEs. Herein, we propose utilizing entropy engineering to disrupt long-range ferroic orders into local polymorphic distortion disorder with multiple BO6 tilt types and rich heterogeneous polarization configurations. This phenomenon reduces the switching barriers during polarization rotation, thereby facilitating the emergence of SPE behaviors with ideal polarization forms. Furthermore, it enables high polarization response, negligible remanent polarization, delayed polarization saturation, and enhanced breakdown electric fields (Eb) in high-entropy SPEs. Consequently, we achieve an extraordinary Wrec of 15.48 J cm–3 and an ultrahigh η of 90.02% under a high Eb of 710 kV cm–1, surpassing the comprehensive energy storage performance of reported bulk SPEs. This work demonstrates that entropy engineering is a viable strategy for designing high-performance SPEs.
Significant overlap of inflammatory and degenerative features on imaging among patients with degenerative disc disease, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis and axial spondyloarthritis: a real-life cohort study
Authors: Ziade Nelly , Udod Melanie , Kougkas Nikolaos , Tsiami Styliani , Baraliakos Xenofon 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Differentiating between degenerative disc disease (DDD), diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) represents a diagnostic challenge in patients with low back pain (LBP). We aimed to evaluate the distribution of inflammatory and degenerative imaging features in a real-life cohort of LBP patients referred to a tertiary university rheumatology center.
Methods
In a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients referred for LBP, demographics and symptom information were collected. Conventional radiographs (CR) and MRIs of spine and sacroiliac joints (SIJ), ax. SpA-like changes were considered in the spine in the presence of erosions, sclerosis, squaring, and syndesmophytes on CR and bone marrow oedema (BMO), erosions, sclerosis, and fat lesions (FL) on MRI. SIJ CR were graded per New York criteria; BMO, erosions, FL, sclerosis and ankylosis were identified on MRIs. The final diagnosis made by the rheumatologist was the gold standard. Data were presented descriptively, by patient and by quadrant, and compared among the three diagnosis groups.
Results
Among 136 referred patients, 71 had DDD, 38 DISH, and 27 axSpA; median age 62 years [IQR55-73], 63% males. On CR, SpA-like changes were higher in axSpA in the lumbar (50%, vs DDD 23%, DISH 22%), in DISH in the thoracic (28%, vs DDD 8%, axSpA 12%), and in DDD in the cervical spine (67% vs. DISH 0%, axSpA 33%). On MRI, BMO was higher in DISH in the thoracic (37%, vs DDD 22%, axSpA 5%) and equally distributed in the lumbar spine (35%-42%). FL were more frequently identified in DISH and axSpA in the thoracic (56% and 52%) and in DDD and axSpA in the lumbar spine (65% and 74%, respectively). Degenerative changes were frequent in the three groups. Sacroiliitis (NY criteria) was identified in 49% (axSpA 76%, DDD 48%, DISH 29%).
Conclusion
A significant overlap was found among DDD, DISH, and axSpA for inflammatory and degenerative imaging features. Particularly, SpA-like spine CR features were found in one-fourth of patients with DISH, and MRI BMO was found in one-third of those patients.
A Fractional Adaptive Type-2 Fuzzy Structural Control System: Theorical/Experimental Study
Authors: Zhang Chunwei , Liu Meihua , Mohammadzadeh Ardashir , Taghavifar Hamid 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A new modified sliding mode control (SMC) method based on type-2 fuzzy neural networks (T2FNNs) is introduced for the active mass damper (AMD) systems. An adaptive T2FNN is used in the switching part, and another adaptive T2FNN is used to estimate the uncertainty of the AMD system. T2FNNs are adopted to predict the system's uncertainties and establish a dynamic model of the AMD system, independent of the mathematical model. The chattering phenomenon is also taken into account and analyzed. The stability is studied by using the Lyapunov approach to derive training rules for both T2FNNs in dynamic modeling and switching part. Numerical simulation and experimental verifications confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of the designed T2FNN based SMC. The results reveal that the designed controller outperforms the conventional controllers in reducing the vibration peak and reducing the root mean square (RMS) value of structural displacement and acceleration. It also exhibits good robustness against external disturbances and structural dynamic perturbations. The suggested algorithm combines the advantages of adaptive control and fuzzy logic, addressing the issue of chattering in control and overcoming the lack of self-learning capability in conventional SMCs.