bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing the waterbodies through water quality index and zooplankton diversity for environmental sustainability of Bankura, West Bengal, India
Authors: Mahanty Subhajit , Saha Dipankar , Karmakar Ajay , Mandal Saptarshi , Mandal Rakesh Kumar , Bhutia Dechen Doma , Majumder Surajit 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Waterbodies play a fundamental role within the society, impacting various aspects of our lives. In an aquatic ecosystem, plankton diversity regulates the productivity of these waterbodies. The distribution patterns of plankton are closely associated with the distinct physicochemical attributes exhibited by each waterbody. This research aims to investigate the intricate relationships between physicochemical parameters and plankton distribution across diverse waterbodies encircling the Bankura district. The focal point of this study is to discern the correlations between physicochemical parameters and plankton distribution within the specified waterbodies. The comprehensive approach here involves the collection of both water and plankton samples, followed by a meticulous measurement of physicochemical parameters and plankton diversity, adhering to well-established methodologies. The sampling was done between August 2022 to May 2023. The study sites have been classified into two categories. Normal waterbodies and bloom forming waterbodies. Statistical methodologies are harnessed to find correlations and interdependencies. One way ANOVA of all physicochemical parameters and zooplankton showed highly significant difference (p<0.05) between two categories of waterbodies. The results unveiled significant insights, particularly the notable Pearson’s correlation (p<0.05) between different physicochemical parameters and zooplankton group. Occasionally, waterbodies became enriched with nutrients (PO4-3-P, NO2--N), which subsequently trigger excessive plant growth, a phenomenon recognized as eutrophication, culminating in the formation of toxic red algal blooms. One potential causative agent behind these red blooms is Euglena sp. Several diversity indices are used to evaluate the abundance and species richness in the waterbodies. Water quality index of different study sites has been developed to find the status of the waterbodies. The current investigation strongly underscores the significant correlations that exist between the plankton diversity of the studied waterbodies and their underlying physicochemical attributes. This insight not only enhances our comprehension of the intricate dynamics within these ecosystems but also emphasizes the imperative role of physicochemical parameters influencing plankton distributions.
Evaluation of the Effect of Melatonin Treatment on Telomere Length of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Ozdemir Ayla Eren 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effect of diabetic retinopathy and melatonin treatment on the relative telomer lengths (RTL) in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model.
Background: TL can be used to evaluate diabetes mellitus, its complications, and the effectiveness of its treatment. However, TL assessment has not been performed in retinal cells in a diabetic retinopathy model until now.
Methods: Forty Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into four groups. The experimental groups were: Control Group (C): non- diabetic rats; Diabetes Mellitus Group (DM): rats induced to diabetes without treatment; Melatonin and Diabetes Mellitus Group (Mel +DM): rats induced to diabetes and after confirmation, treated with melatonin; Melatonin Group (Mel): rats were not induced to diabetes, treated with melatonin. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin solution after 12 h food fasting. For eight weeks after the diabetes was induced, melatonin was administered via subcutaneous injection at a dose of 10 mg / kg. RTLs were measured by qPCR method with modifications. The comparison of averaged data among groups was performed using least significant difference (LSD) and Kruskal – Wallis Test and One way ANOVA test.
Results: RTL was significantly similar in control and melatonin group. RTL was thinnest in DM group, in addition melatonin treatment significantly prevented the RTL shortening in DM + Mel group (p=0.031).
Conclusion: We demonstrated that diabetic retinopathy led to the shortening of RTL in RPE cells in rats and melatonin treatment prevents this shortening.
Sequential conformational transition of ArnB, an archaeal ortholog with Sec23/Sec24 core motif
Authors: Essen Lars-Oliver , Korf Lukas , Steinchen Wieland , Watad Mohamed , Bezold Filipp , Vogt Marian , Selbach Leon , Penner Alexander , Tourte Maxime , Hepp Sebastian , Albers Sonja-Verena 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
ArnA and ArnB serve as regulators within the archaellum regulatory network by affecting the levels of archaellum components ArlB and ArlX in response to nutrient cues. Together, they form either a loose or a tight complex, whose transition is directed by phosphorylation via the kinase ArnC. For a structure-based analysis of this transition we solved a cocrystal structure of the ArnA/ArnB complex revealing that the zinc finger domain of ArnA interacts with the β-sandwich and C-terminal domain of ArnB. HDX data corroborate the phosphorylation-dependent transition from loose to tight ArnAB complexes. This transition depends on a structural transformation of ArnB by sequential phosphorylation, exposing the interaction surface of the C-terminal domain of ArnB for the forkhead-associated domain of ArnA. Furthermore, we found a striking structural similarity between ArnB and the membrane-curving proteins of the COPII vesicle system, Sec23/Sec24. The common Sec23/Sec24 core motif can be found in all domains of life, where it can apparently adopt a multitude of different functions. Overall, this implies that Sec23/Sec24 orthologs with a function in vesicle formation arose in Lokiarchaeota from related, but not necessarily functionally linked relatives as found in TACK Archaea.
Early-pregnancy N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide level is inversely associated with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Takahashi Masaya , Suzuki Luka , Takahashi Nanase , Hanaue Mayu , Soda Masahiro , Miki Tamito , Tateyama Naoko , Ishihara Shiro , Koshiishi Taro 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the major causes of high maternal and fetal/neonatal morbidity and mortality rates. Patients with HDP have significantly elevated N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels at diagnosis; however, the NT-proBNP levels during early pregnancy are largely unknown. This study aimed to validate the association between HDP and early-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels. This retrospective study evaluated 111 pregnant women who developed HDP and 681 who did not. The HDP group had significantly lower early-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels than the without HDP group. However, the two groups did not significantly differ in terms of the late-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels. After adjusting for confounding factors such as age, body mass index, aspirin use, parity, and blood pressure levels, high early-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels were associated with a lower HDP risk. Early-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels ≥ 60.5 pg/mL had a negative predictive value of 96.8% for ruling out HDP, with a sensitivity of 87.4% and specificity of 62.9%. In conclusion, elevated early-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels were associated with a lower HDP risk. Moreover, a cutoff point of ≥ 60.5 pg/mL for early-pregnancy NT-proBNP levels had a high negative predictive value and sensitivity for ruling out HDP. These findings can provide new clinical implications of these associations.
The Importance of Plasma Renin Concentration in Intensive Care Patients with Circulatory Shock
Authors: Turan Yasemin Bozkurt , Karakurt Sait 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
Renin is a hypoperfusion marker and a good index of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the plasma renin concentration (PRC) can represent a tissue perfusion marker for predicting mortality in patients with circulatory shock in intensive care.
Method:
This prospective study involved patients aged 18 or over in a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU). Sixty-nine patients were included, 37 of whom constituted the circulatory shock group, and 32 a non-shock control group. Blood specimens were collected to measure PRC levels. Combined tests including PRC, mottling scores, central venous saturation of oxygen (ScvO2), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and lactate were constituted.
Results:
The patients’ mean age was 61.5 (±16.4) years, and 58.0% (n=40) were men. Mean number of days in the ICU, ICU 28-day mortality, ICU 28-day dialysis requirements, ICU 28-day mechanical ventilation requirements, and adrenalin, noradrenalin, and terlipressin use were all higher in the patients with circulatory shock (p<0.05). Three-day survival following discharge from the ICU, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and ScvO2 levels were lower in the patients with circulatory shock (p<0.05). Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, lactate, creatinine, CRP, procalcitonin, PRC, and mottling score values were higher in the circulatory shock group (p<0.05). Median overall survival time (OST) was higher in the non-circulatory shock patients (17.00 days; Wilcoxon χ^2=5.016; p=0.038). The increase in mottling (HR:1.64(1.15 – 2.33); p<0.01) and PRC (HR=1.01(1.00 – 1.02); p<0.05) levels and the decrease in GFR (HR=0.98(0.96 – 0.99); p<0.05) values in the ICU patients were correlated with length of survival (-2 Log Likelihood=59.237; Chi-square=17.105; df=3; p<0.001 (p=0.0007)).
Combined test 1ᵈ (PRC, mottling, ScvO2, CRP, and procalcitonin), combined test 2ᵉ (PRC, lactate, and mottling), combined test 3ᶠ (PRC, lactate, mottling, CRP, and procalcitonin), and lactate emerged as indicators of 28-day mortality in patients with circulatory shock (p<0.05), although PRC did not represent such an indicator (p>0,05).
Combined test 1ᵈ (PRC, ScvO2, CRP, and procalcitonin) and combined test 3ᶠ (PRC, lactate, CRP, and procalcitonin) emerged as markers of 28-day survival in patients without circulatory shock (p<0.05), but not combined test 2ᵉ (PRC and lactate), PRC, or lactate (p>0.05).
Conclusion:
A significant association was observed between PRC levels and survival. Combining PRC levels with lactate, mottling score, CRP, and procalcitonin results in better prediction of mortality than PRC alone. PRC levels have the potential for use as a good marker for patients with circulatory shock.
Systemic Immune Inflammation Index as a Predictor of Disease Severity in Tetanus Patients
Authors: Cheng Dai , Jizheng Huang , Wei Sun , Liang Li , Guolei Han , Hao Yang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
This study aimed to analyze the predictive value of the systemic immune inflammation index (SII) for the severity of disease in tetanus patients.
Methods
Clinical data of 34 tetanus patients admitted to the Second People's Hospital of Fuyang from January 2019 to December 2022 were analyzed. Based on whether patients received intensive care unit (ICU) treatment after admission, the patients were divided into ICU and non-ICU groups. The diagnostic value of SII for the severity of tetanus was assessed.
Results
Among the 34 patients, 18 (52.90%) were classified into the ICU group, and 16 (47.10%) into the non-ICU group. There were statistically significant differences in white blood cell count, platelet count, neutrophil count, and SII between the two groups (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that SII was a risk factor for tetanus patients requiring ICU treatment. The area under the curve (AUC) for SII predicting ICU treatment in tetanus patients was 0.896 (95% CI 0.790–1.000, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
The SII can serve as an objective predictive indicator for tetanus patients requiring ICU treatment.
Improving the timeliness of birth registration in Fiji through a financial incentive
Authors: Linhart Christine , Singh Neel , Nadakuca Meli , Saumaka Varanisese , Congdon Carlie , Serrao Sharita , Taylor Richard , Morrell Stephen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Fiji is a Pacific Island nation of 884,887 (2017 census), with the predominant ethnic groups indigenous Fijians (iTaukei) (62%) and Fijians of Indian descent (31%). In Fiji, birth registration is considered on-time if completed within one year of a child’s birth. From August 2018 to July 2020, the government implemented a financial incentive tied to on-time birth registration called the Parental Assistance Payment Program (PAPP). This study reports on the effect of the PAPP on the timeliness of birth registration in Fiji.
Methods: Unit record birth registration data (n=117,842) for children born during 2016-22 were obtained from the Ministry of Justice. Mean birth-to-registration intervals (days between date-of-birth and date-of-registration) and the likelihood of on-time birth registration were analysed before the PAPP (January 2016–July 2018) compared to during the PAPP (August 2018-July 2020), by sex and ethnicity of the child, and by maternal age and marital status.
Results: Whilst the PAPP was available, the mean birth-to-registration interval declined sharply by 81%, from 665 days (95%CI: 658-671) to 124 days (121-127). The largest declines were among i-Taukei children (803 to 139 days, 83%) compared to non-iTaukei (283 to 76 days, 73%); mothers aged 10-19 years (880 to 134 days, 85%) compared to ≥20 years (653 to 123 days, 81%); and single mothers (983 to 145 days, 85%) compared to married mothers (570 to 115 days, 80%). On-time birth registration increased from 57% to 93%, and the adjusted odds ratio showed that children born during the PAPP were 5.2 times more likely to have their birth registered on-time compared to children born before the PAPP (p<.0001). When the PAPP was discontinued in August 2020, the birth-to-registration interval increased sharply in all population groups.
Conclusions: During the two-year period the PAPP was available, it was highly effective at improving the timeliness of birth registration, particularly among iTaukei children, young mothers, and single mothers. After the PAPP was discontinued, the timeliness of birth registration deteriorated sharply. Longer post-PAPP follow-up time (≠5 years) is required to determine whether the timeliness of birth registration has deteriorated to levels similar to those during the pre-PAPP period.
Malaria outbreak investigation in Siraro District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia,2021
Authors: Mideksa Girma , Gezahegn Takele 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
In Ethiopia, malaria is highly seasonal in many communities with epidemic-prone transmission patterns and serious public health emergencies that have a major impact on health and the economy. This investigation aimed to assess malaria outbreaks, identify their risk factors and provide appropriate control & prevention measures of the infection in Siraro district,west Arsi,Oromia,Ethiopia.
Methods
A unmatched case-control study with a 1:1 case-to-control ratio was conducted in the Siraro District from 16 June 2021 to 03 August 2021. Seventy-four randomly selected cases and controls participated in this study. We reviewed the previous five year’s malaria data to establish a threshold level. Both descriptive and analytical statistical procedures were performed. The data were entered using Epi-Info version 7.2.4.0 software and analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent factors associated with malaria infection.
Results
plasmodium Falciparum accounts for about 81.4%. Age group ≥ 5 years were the most affected with an attack rate (AR) of 2.04/1000. Multivariate analysis revealed the place of stay during night adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 5.62, 95% CI = 1.016–31.069, a person with malaria in the house with AOR 15.74,95% CI = 3.029–81.865, presence of stagnant water near to house AOR of 25.60, 95% CI = 4.696-139.649, availability of plants with temporary water pools in the compound an AOR of 90.94,95% CI = 9.019-917.012 and a person who does not hear about malaria prevention on insecticide-treated bed nets utilization adjusted Odds Ratios (AOR) of 0.14,95% CI: 0.076, 1.061 were the main associated risk factors for the occurrence of the outbreak.
Conclusions
The main risk factors for the outbreak were people with malaria in the house, stagnant water, and plants with temporary water pools and it was positive for Anopheles larvae. We recommended identifying potential vector breeding sites and environmental management through community participation and redistribution of the ITN before malaria season and ITNs utilization gaps through health education.
Needs analysis of the construction of regional ethics committees at the grassroots medical institution based on the Kano model in Shanghai
Authors: Huang Dongmei , Wu Jiajun , Xiao Jiewen , Xie Renwei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: To investigate the demand for the establishment of a regional ethics committee (REC) among grassroots medical personnel in a district of Shanghai China. The findings of this study will serve as a reference for the future construction of the committee.
Methods: Using a questionnaire based on the Kano model to conduct the survey on 606 grassroots medical personnel in Shanghai to investigate their needs for the construction of RECs.
Results: Among them, 77.23% reported having knowledge of the RECs, 68.15% of respondents believed that the regional health administrative department or a level 2 or above comprehensive medical hospital recognized by it after evaluation should be responsible for constructing the RECs. Out of the 38 construction demand survey projects, 4 are Must-be Quality, 19 are One-dimensional Quality, 7 are Attractive Quality, and 8 are Indifferent Quality. The quadrant matrix diagram shows that 19 requirements are in the advantage area, 8 requirements are in the area that needs improvement, 7 are in the secondary improvement area, and 4 are in the maintenance area. No reverse or problematic attributes were found.
Conclusion: In the construction of RECs, relevant departments can use the attributes of the needs as benchmarks and promote construction in a hierarchical and phased manner. This will gradually achieve full coverage of the needs at all levels and track changes in the types of needs. The aim is to achieve a dynamic balance of the various types of needs at a higher stage.
Advancements in Helicobacter pylori: A Novel Culture AA-Medium for Helicobacter pylori Detection
Authors: Al-Rubaye AbdulRahman A. , Al-Thwaini Amina N. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

This research provides crucial insights into the detection and culturing of Helicobacter pylori, a significant pathogen associated with gastric diseases. New culture media were prepared as X1, X2 and X3 in comparison with Columbia blood agar. Culturing success varied between Columbia blood agar and the novel X1-media which named as AA-media, while it failed on X2-media and X3-media. 48.8% of the positive samples were successfully cultured on Columbia blood agar and AA-media. Remarkably, colonies on AA-media displayed larger and distinct features within the first 24 hours, a stage achieved on Columbia blood agar after 48 hours. This research underscores the importance of considering alternative culture media to improve culture processing and obtaining rapid and distinctive results for the accurate diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori-associated diseases.
RETRACTED: Precise baseline determination for InSAR formation-flying satellites based on spaceborne BDS-3 and GPS observations
Authors: Peng Dachen , Shao Kai , Gu Defeng , Zhang Houzhe , Huang Zhiyong , Yi Bin , Zhu Jubo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Determination of Significant Factors for Sugarcane Fiber Extraction as Potential Dielectric Composite Material
Authors: Zainol Norazwina , Radzi Mohamad Eizlan Mohammad , Aziz Nor Hazwani 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study aims to determine the significant factors involved in the extraction of sugarcane fiber as a potential dielectric composite material. The factors include sugarcane waste weight (0.5 and 2.5 g), ratio of sugarcane waste to distilled water (1:15 and 1:20), boiling time (30 and 50 minutes), and cutting length (5 and 10 cm). The factors were analyzed using the Design-Expert software through a two-level factorial analysis to determine the significant factor. The extracted fiber was analyzed for cellulose content using a Kurschner-Hanack method, and the permittivity value was determined through an Agilent vector network analyzer (VNA). The results show that the ratio of sugarcane waste to distilled water and boiling time were the two most significant factors contributing to the cellulose content and permittivity value of the extracted fiber. The best conditions for sugarcane extraction were obtained at 2.5 g sugarcane waste, 1:20 ratio of sugarcane waste to distilled water, 50 minutes boiling time, and cutting length of 10 cm, resulting in 47.25% cellulose and 3.12 permittivity value. The findings of this study suggest that sugarcane waste could be a potent material for dielectric composite with a suitable application as a microwave absorber.