bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol use disorder among people diagnosed with Tuberculosis in a large urban case-finding project in central Uganda: prevalence, associated factors and challenges to treatment adherence
Authors: Bayigga Josephine , Kakai Ilona , Laker Eva , Ddungu Ahmed , Semakula Lynn , Nansereko Martha , Wiltshire Christine Sekaggya , Stavia Turyahabwe , Muyanja Stella 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Heavy consumption of alcohol increases the risk of developing active tuberculosis (TB), contributes to delayed diagnosis and affects adherence to treatment. Within a large urban case-finding project, we aimed to determine the prevalence of and factors associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and to understand the challenges that people with AUD face while seeking for TB services and adhering to TB treatment.
Methods
We carried out an explanatory sequential study in two large urban districts in Uganda. We collected quantitative data on the prevalence of alcohol use disorder using the Cut, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye opener (CAGE) tool. We used a Poisson regression model with robust variance to examine factors associated with AUD. Both the crude and adjusted prevalence risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were presented. We then conducted two focus group discussions with persons diagnosed with both TB and AUD. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were transcribed, data were analysed inductively and coded into themes using NVIVO version 12 software.
Results
Out of 325 people with TB people interviewed, 62 (18.7% 95% confidence interval [CI] 18% to 31%) had AUD. Majority 82.3% (51/62) were men. Being male aPR 2.32 (95% CI 1.19, 4.49) and living in an urban area aOR 1.79 (95% CI: 1.10, 2.92) were significantly associated with AUD. Among people with AUD, there was a tendency towards suboptimal TB treatment outcomes, although this did not reach significance aPR 1.65 (95% CI: 0.95, 2.85). Fourteen people (eight men and six women) with diagnosed with AUD attended two FGDs. People with AUD often did not disclose alcohol use during TB treatment and missed clinic refill appointments due to lack of transport fares to the clinic.
Conclusion
A significant proportion of people with TB have undisclosed AUD and experience several challenges while on TB treatment. TB care programs need to design interventions that actively assess for AUD and in order to address related challenges.
Genetic variation associated with increased lambda-cyhalothrin resistance in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in West Africa
Authors: Tossou Eric , Tepa-Yotto Ghislain T. , Goergen Georg , Tchigossou Genevieve M. , Tchouakui Magellan , Nguete Daniel Nguiffo , Amadou Laouali , Noussourou Moussa , Bokonon-Ganta Aimé H. , Wondji Charles , Tamò Manuele , Djouaka Rousseau 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) is a new serious destructive and widespread pest of corn which recently invaded subtropical regions worldwide. As this invasive species is spreading across the continent, it is vital to assess its susceptibility to currently used insecticides and establish the potential underlying resistance mechanism to better inform control programmes. In this study, we characterized the strains from eighteen fall armyworm populations from different countries in West Africa, established their susceptibility profiles to the main insecticides and genotyped the target site resistance alleles. The RFLP-PCR method showed that the majority of the population tested was a corn strain (72.5 – 100%) compared to the probable rice strain (0 – 27.5%). Tpi sequencing of the suspected rice strains revealed that almost all the samples analysed were from corn (>97%). Additionally, among the three insecticides tested, λ-cyhalothrin and chlorpyrifos induced the lowest toxicity against this pest, while emamectin benzoate exhibited moderate toxicity. Synergism tests performed to investigate the biochemical mechanism used by fall armyworm to breakdown λ-cyhalothrin indicated that metabolic enzymes (oxydases, esterase and the glutathion-S-transferase) play major roles in the resistance of λ-cyhalothrin observed in western Africa. Target mutation tests (qPCR) combined with previous synergetic tests showed that resistance to organophosphates and pyrethroids could be due to a biochemical mechanism + amino acid mutations (presence of the F290V mutation) or a biochemical mechanism (absence of the T929I mutation), respectively. The results of this study provide valuable information for supporting decisions related to sustainable fall armyworm control and applied resistance management.
How much progress has been made toward a smoke-free environment in the restaurants and bars of Japan following enforcement of smoke-free legislation? Two years longitudinal study in Japan
Authors: Kataoka Aoi , Muraki Isao , Nakamura Masakazu , Ito Yuri 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
In April 2020, the revised Health Promotion Act and Tokyo Metropolitan Ordinance to prevent second-hand smoke (SHS) exposure was fully enforced. The government has provided an exemption for small-scale, existing establishments by allowing them ‘unregulated’ status, and it is unclear to what extent indoor smoking bans have been applied in these small bars and restaurants. In this study, we report on indoor smoking status before/after the enforcement of the current legislation both regulated and unregulated restaurants and bars.
Methods
Self-questionnaire surveys were conducted in March 2020 and 2021. We applied the questionnaire to 6,000 restaurants and bars in Tokyo, Osaka and Aomori in the first survey and to 3609 restaurants in the second survey, including those that had responded to the first survey as well as 2800 additional establishments. We calculated the proportions of indoor smoking status before/after enforcement both regulated and unregulated establishments. In addition, we calculated the national estimate of indoor smoking status in all restaurants and bars in Japan after the enforcement using a restaurant guide website and the results of this study.
Results
The responded establishments were 879 to the first (response rate: 14.7%) and 837 to the second (response rate: 23.2%). Of all the establishments, 67.0% kept “separate smoking or smoking” status, and 62.1% of unregulated establishments kept “separate smoking or smoking”. Although all the regulated establishments were required to change to “no smoking” by law, 78.4% that were “separate smoking or smoking” before the enforcement did not change their indoor smoking status. The national estimate of smoking status showed that the proportion of “no smoking” would change from 54.5% to 69.4% after the enforcement. If all regulated establishments changed smoking status to “no smoking”, the ideal proportion of “no smoking” would be 85.8% in Japan.
Conclusions
More unregulated restaurants and bars changed to “no smoking” than planned before the enforcement. In contrast, most of the regulated restaurants and bars continued to be “separate smoking or smoking” in non-compliance with the legislation. In order to prevent SHS exposure in all restaurants and bars, we need comprehensive legislation for indoor smoking bans in Japan.
Investigating the Causal Association between Intestinal Microbiota and Esophageal Diseases Using Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization
Authors: kaihao Du , Lizhao Hou , Cong Liu , Pandeng Zhou , Yanzhao Li , Zhangtuo Xue , Zhanjin Wang , Zhan Wang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective: Using the Mendelian randomization approach with two-sample analysis, this study explores the causal relationship between gut microbiota and esophageal diseases, providing valuable biomarkers for early disease diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets for esophageal diseases.
Methods: Genomewide association data were analyzed with gut microbiota at the genus level as the exposure variable and esophageal diseases (Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, esophageal cancer, esophagitis) as the outcome variables. Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted using inverse variance weighted, weighted median, MR-Egger, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. Outlier tests, heterogeneity tests, sensitivity analyses, Pleiotropic analyses, and the removal of single nucleotide polymorphisms with confounding factors were performed.
Results: Three genera (Eubacterium eligens group, Actinomyces, Clostridium sensu stricto 1) were protective against Barrett's esophagus, while six genera (Oxalobacter, Allisonella, Ruminococcaceae UCG009, Haemophilus, Sutterella, Anaerostipes) were risk factors for Barrett's esophagus. Two genera (Lachnospiraceae UCG004, Methanobrevibacter) were protective against gastroesophageal reflux disease, and two genera (Prevotella 9, Anaerostipes) were risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux disease. Three genera (Coprococcus 1, Bilophila, Candidatus Soleaferrea) were protective against esophageal cancer, while six genera (Coprobacter, Catenibacterium, Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group, Marvinbryantia, Sutterella, Ruminococcaceae UCG010) were risk factors for esophageal cancer. Two genera (Parasutterella, Howardella) were protective against esophagitis.
Conclusion: Our study utilizes genetic prediction to identify specific GMs and establishes the causal relationship between them, potentially providing valuable biomarkers for early disease diagnosis and potential therapeutic targets for the four esophageal diseases mentioned above.
Insights into catalytic reforming from a new oscillating reaction
Authors: Christensen Jakob , Zhang Yu , Wang Qian , Glarborg Peter , Andersson Martin , Wagner Jakob B. , Johansen Keld , Torp Thomas , Jensen Anker , Hou Chaofeng , Ge Wei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
A new oscillating catalytic reaction is discovered: steam reforming of CH4 in the presence of SO2 over Rh nanoparticles. The reducing products from reforming convert SO2 into adsorbed sulfur, which deactivates the catalyst. Theoretical calculations show how sulfur adsorption causes a subtle shift in the atoms at the stepped edge of the nanoparticle by just one atomic spacing. This subtle change alters the step from a 211 to a 110 configuration, which lowers the reaction rate 25-fold. This quells the reforming reaction and sulfur is removed by steam as SO2. The edge atoms then shift back and reactivity reemerges, which initiates a new cycle. This illustrates how heterogeneous catalysts can be extremely sensitive to the detailed configuration of the active site, identifies the 211 step as the active site for the practically important steam reforming and shows how theoretical calculations can now predict the structural changes causing oscillations in catalytic reactions.
Effect of potassium on the agronomic traits and fruit quality of Lycium barbarum L
Authors: Wan Ru , Shi Zhigang , Li Yuekun , Huang Ting , Cao Youlong , An Wei , Zhang Xiyan , Zhao Jianhua , Qin Ken , Wang Xiao , Yang Libin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

To investigate the effects of potassium (K) application on the agronomic traits and fruit quality of Lycium barbarum L. (Goji), three levels of K fertilizer, namely LK (25 g/plant), CK (50 g/plant), and HK (75 g/plant), were applied to plants in phytotron for observing and measuring relevant indicators. The investigation involved seven agronomic traits: plant height, plant stem diameter, new branch increment, yield of fresh fruits per plant, dry fruit quantity within 50 g, ratio of different grade fruits, and ratio of longitudinal diameter to transverse diameter of Goji fruits. The results showed that K application level had significant effect on ratio of the longitudinal diameter to the transverse diameter of fresh Goji fruits, and that the influence on other agronomic traits was slight. In the meanwhile, the concentrations of amino acids, betaine, polysaccharides and flavonoids of Goji fruits in different levels of K fertilizer were tested. The K treatment increased the content of glutamic acid, and decreased that of flavonoids (P < 0.05), whereas the content of other amino acids, polysaccharides and betaine were unaffected. A total of 132 flavonoid metabolites was identified. Among them, K treatment up-regulated 36 metabolites and down-regulated 30 metabolites (P < 0.05). The results provided a basis for balanced K supply to regulate the agronomic traits and nutrients of Goji fruits.
Exendin-4-induced reduction of steatosis in HepG2 cells implicates upregulation of essential lipid metabolism genes via modulation of MALAT1
Authors: Khalifa Olfa , Ayoub Sama , Arredouani Abdelilah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The favorable effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) Exendin-4 (Ex-4) on steatosis induced by fatty acids such as oleic acid (OA) in HepG2 cells is characterized by the modulation of the expression of several long-non-coding RNAs, notably downregulating MALAT1. This in vitro study delves into the intricacies of MALAT1 involvement in the observed amelioration of OA-induced steatosis under the influence of Ex-4.
Methods
We established steatotic HepG2 cells by treating them with oleic acid (OA). Reduction of steatosis was induced by the treatment of steatotic cells with Ex-4, and gene expression was quantified using total RNA. HepG2 cells were transfected with short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) using lipofectamine RNAiMAX to induce the silencing of MALAT1.
Results
Exposure of HepG2 cells to 200nM of Ex-4 for 3h led to a significant reduction in lipid accumulation induced by OA stimulation. OA treatment resulted in a significant upregulation of essential lipid metabolism-related genes, SREBP-1, PPARγ, SCD1, FAS, ACC, DGAT1, DGTA2, CPT1A, MTTP, NR1H2, and CD36, with a concurrent downregulation of ACADL expression. The presence of Ex-4, in addition to OA, significantly mitigated the upregulation of SREBP-1, PPARγ, DGAT1, DGAT2, SCD1, ACC, and NR1H2. Interestingly, Ex-4 further increased CD36 expression, while it did not significantly affect the expression levels of FAS, ACADL, CPT1A, and MTTP. The silencing of MALAT1 expression had no significant impact on the expression levels of SREBP-1 and PPARγ observed in response to OA and Ex-4 treatment. However, it exerted varying degrees of influence on the expression of other genes. Remarkably, MALAT1 suppression robustly counteracted the exacerbated increase in CD36 expression induced by Ex-4.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that the beneficial effect of Ex-4 on steatosis could partially result from the downregulation of MALAT1, which in turn regulates several lipid metabolism genes, especially downregulation of CD36 and subsequent reduction of. Further functional investigations are warranted to confirm these findings in in vivo models of hepatic steatosis.
Harnessing Raman Spectroscopy for the Analysis of Plant Diversity
Authors: Jain Ekta , Rose Michelle , Jayapal Praveen Kumar , Singh Gajendra P. , Ram Rajeev J. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Here, we explore the application of Raman spectroscopy for the assessment of plant biodiversity. Raman spectra from 11 vascular plant species commonly found in forest ecosystems, specifically angiosperms (both monocots and eudicots) and pteridophytes (ferns), were acquired in vivo and in situ using a Raman leaf-clip. We achieved an overall accuracy of 91% for correct classification of a species within a plant group and identified lignin Raman spectral features as a useful discriminator for classification. The results demonstrate the potential of Raman spectroscopy in contributing to plant biodiversity assessment.
Watershed Prioritization using Morphometricand Land Use Land Cover Parameters of Kamalang River Watershed using Remote Sensing and GIS Technology
Authors: Rai Roshni , Pardeshi Suchitra S , Prbam Rocky 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
With the increase in population and constant need of land and resources activities like cutting of trees, traditional 'Jhum' cultivation (shifting cultivation) are rapidly destroying the virgin tropical vegetation, apart from which natural hazards such as floods, erosion, and Stormy weather etc. are some of the natural causes because of which the natural environment of Kamlang River watershed area is disturbed. To manage the natural resources like land and water, for mitigating the impact of natural disasters and for achieving sustainable development in the study area a quantitative analysis for prioritization of watershed through morphometric and land use land cover parameters is calculated using watershed as it is an ideal unit for the study area of Kamlang watershed. Remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques provide planners with decision making resources and tools hence it became a popular tool for such kinds of studies. Morphometric parameters (linear and shape) and land use land cover parameters were used for assigning ranks based on which prioritization and ranking were made for all the sub-watersheds. Various categories of priority from high to low rank were assigned depending on the parameters and lastly, the compound value (Cp) of all the sub-watershed was calculated. Higher Cp was of low priority, lower Cp was of higher priority. The study showed the presence of high priority in the sub-watershed of SW64 and SW65 based on morphometric studies. Whereas based on land use land cover more numbers of sub-watersheds are in the high priority range for example SW1, SW6, SW8, SW12, etc. The collective result of morphometric and land use/cover analysis, however, gives a different result i.e., only SW65 is in the high priority zone. This means the sub-watershed of SW65 is more prone to erosion due to its morphometry and land use land cover type. Therefore, the implementation of soil and water conservation measures for this sub-watershed is necessary.
Gene expression analysis of anti-TNF-treated rheumatoid arthritis patients reveals the links between NADPH oxidase expression profile and immunophenotypic changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Wysocki Tomasz , Wajda Anna , Kmiołek Tomasz , Wroński Jakub , Roszkowska Magdalena , Olesinska Marzena , Paradowska-Gorycka Agnieszka 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this research was to prospectively evaluate the impact of NOX2 gene expression profile (including NCF1, NCF2 and NCF4 genes) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) on immune signatures, clinical characteristics and responsiveness to anti-TNFα treatment in RA patients.
Methods
Blood specimens were collected from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and healthy control pairs before anti-TNF treatment and 16 RA patients were followed at two timepoints (months 3 and 6) populations were determined based on mRNA expression of nine selected genes (NCF1, NCF2, NCF4, TNFα, CD14, FCGR3A, CXCR3, CXCR4, CX3CR1). Four immunoregulatory cytokines concentrations during anti-TNF treatment. NADPH oxidase profile and immunophenotypic characteristics of monocytes and lymphocytes (IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, IL-17A, IL-10) were measured by ELISA. Differences between RA patients before and during anti-TNF treatment as well as between responders and non-responders were assessed.
Results
We observed the significant upregulation of NCF4 and CD14 expression in RA group. After anti-TNFα treatment, we demonstrated a significant association between mRNA levels of NCF1 and TNFα. The mRNA levels of NCF1 and CD14 positively correlated both in RA patients before anti- TNFα treatment (p = 0.03) and healthy controls (p = 0.014). Although no associations were found between NOX2 gene expression profile and anti-TNF responsiveness, we found that CXCR3 is significantly overexpressed in non-responders at month 3 (p = 0.004).
Conclusions
In contrary to previous reports we observed no relationships between NOX2-related genes expression and RA activity. TNFα inhibition has not influenced NOX2 expression either. Notably, this study indicate the novel links between expression levels of NCF1, monocyte differentiation antigen CD14 and TNFα. The additional finding of the study was the potential predictive value of CXCR3 expression for clinical response to anti-TNFα agents.
Methods to improve 5G signal transmittance in modern buildings
Authors: Xu Chen , Feng Jiqiang , Li Feipeng , Deng Kewen , Wang Xingyu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Modern buildings increasingly use low-emissivity (low-e) energy-efficient glass to achieve thermal insulation and reduce energy consumption. However, the low-e coating in energy-efficient glass also leads to high attenuation of wireless signals in the microwave frequency range (-25dB to -30dB), severely impacting the use of indoor wireless communication devices. In this paper, we investigate the use of Frequency Selective Surfaces (FSS) to address the indoor high attenuation issue of wireless signals. Through the transmission matrix method, we calculate the transmittance and reflectance coefficients of energy-efficient glass to optimize the unit structure of FSS, achieving enhanced indoor propagation of 5G high-frequency signals with dual polarization, wide-angle, and high transparency. The performance of FSS is verified through simulation and experimental validation. Without affecting the thermal insulation properties of energy-efficient glass, the signal attenuation in the sub-6G frequency range is reduced by 20-30dB, significantly improving the communication quality of 5G signals in modern building interiors.
Investigation of temperature-effect separation of monitoring data for large-span suspension bridges
Authors: ZHANG Wei , HU Yuanyuan , LUO Jing , Liu Wanjun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The Ministry of Transport has arranged and implemented numerous health monitoring systems for long and large bridges in Guizhou in recent years. Bridge safety duration may be estimated and residual bearing capacity can be estimated using the monitoring data that these systems gather. To more accurately evaluate the structural changes utilizing the bridge structure data, the association between the temperature, strain, and structural deformation data is investigated. The temperature influence is then separated out using the wavelet transform theory. The results show that there is very little variation in the surface temperature of steel truss beam constructions and the surrounding air during the winter months when solar radiation is low. Bridge supports' longitudinal deformation, vertical deformation, and structural strain are all significantly impacted by temperature.The main beam's longitudinal deformation and temperature have a stronger link with one another than they do with vertical deformation.The effects of temperature variations on bridge structural reactions can be efficiently eliminated by using wavelet transform to structural monitoring data for denoising, which enables the extraction of structural responses under vehicle loads. This makes it easier to analyze how the bridge structure will react to loads.