bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Lead Among Workers in City Bus Garage in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Abebe Merihatsidik Tesema , Kumie Abera , Wakuma Samson , Assefa Teshome , Yeleh Wossen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: One of the most unusable chemical exposures that occurred in automotive garage areas was lead. Occupational exposure of garage workers to lead dust commonly poses acute and chronic health risks that can be prevented. In Ethiopia, there have been limited studies on lead exposure among garage workers. Moreover, it overemphasized that workers are more exposed than non-garage workers to lead exposure. This study aims to assess the occupational lead levels in the blood and associated factors among garage workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was used to examine the BLL of 36 randomly selected garage workers by comparing them with 34 office workers who are matched by age and sex approximately. Specimens of blood and associated factors were collected by trained medical laboratory experts. The blood lead levels were measured in a certified laboratory using an MP-AES device. Finally, the data were analyzed using SSP Version 26.
Results: The mean age of exposed groups was 39.0 ±7.5 years, whereas the unexposed groups were 38.0 ±6.1 years. The mean blood lead level of exposed groups (29.7±12.2) µg/dl was statistically significant as compared to the mean blood lead level of unexposed groups (14.8±9.9) µg/dl. Both exposed and unexposed groups had no a statistically significant value in their occupational job positions. Of all the study participants, only 8 (22.2%) of exposed groups had high blood lead level than WHO and OSHA recommended limit (40µg/dl). The main statistically significant factors that increased the exposure of blood lead level of workers were extra working hours, long service years and prior employment in a garage.
Conclusions:There was a statistically significant difference among garage workers on their blood lead level (BLL) as compared to non-garage workers. Hence, it is advised that the garage management should apply good exposure prevention mechanisms and OSH training to workers.
Targeting of Mutant-p53 and MYC as a novel strategy to inhibit oncogenic SPAG5 activity in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Blandino Giovanni , Canu Valeria , Vaccarella Sebastiano , Sacconi Andrea , Pulito Claudio , Goeman Frauke , Pallocca Matteo , Rutigliano Daniela , Lev Sima , Strano Sabrina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease which currently has no effective therapeutic targets and prominent biomarkers. The Sperm Associated antigen 5 (SPAG5) is a mitotic spindle associated protein with oncogenic function in several human cancers. In TNBC, increased SPAG5 expression has been associated with tumor progression, chemoresistance, relapse, and poor clinical outcome. Here we show that high SPAG5 expression in TNBC is regulated by coordinated activity of YAP, mutant p53 and MYC. Depletion of YAP or mutant p53 proteins reduced SPAG5 expression and the recruitment of MYC onto SPAG5 promoter. Targeting of MYC also reduced SPAG5 expression and concomitantly tumorigenicity of TNBC cells. These effects of MYC targeting were synergized with cytotoxic chemotherapy and markedly reduced TNBC oncogenicity in SPAG5-expression dependent manner. These results suggest that mutant p53-MYC-SPAG5 expression can be considered as bona fide predictors of patient’s outcome, and reliable biomarkers for effective anticancer therapies.
Lipid Profile Alterations and Predisposing factors associated with Cardiovascular Diseases at Kibagabaga District Hospital, Rwanda: A cross sectional study
Authors: Yadufashije Callixte , Yolanda Imurinde , Mwanzia Lydia , Mucumbitsi Joseph , Muhimpundu Liliane , Izere Cedrick , Munyeshyaka Emmanuel , Habyarimana Thierry , Ndishimye Pacifique 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a public health concern. The World Health Organization reported that approximately 17.9 million deaths result from CVD annually, accounting for 31% of all deaths globally.
Methods: A cross-sectional study with 100 simple randomly selected participants was conducted. Blood samples were collected to analyze lipid profiles, such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels, of participants at the Kibagabaga District Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory. The questionnaire was used to record the predisposing factors associated with CVDs. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used for data analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for mean differences, while the chi-square test was used to assess associations between variables.
Results: Most of the participants (38%) were aged 51-60 years and were male (51%) or female (49%). Coronary heart disease (CHD) was the most prevalent CVD (62%) and affected 32% of males and 30% of females, while it accounted for 27% of the population aged 51-60 years. In all the four CVDs, LDL-C had the highest abnormal cases and stood at 97% (n=100), with 59 cases in CHD (n=62), 20 cases in stroke (n=20), 10 cases (n=10) in Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), and 8 cases (n=8) in Heart Failure (HF). The mean difference resulting from the variation in abnormal lipid profiles according to age group (Fcal=14.54327, p=0.001328; Fcrit=4.066181) and sex (Fcal=57.02564, p=0.000971; Fcrit=6.591382) was statistically significant. Alterations in HDL-C (x2=17, p=0.000698, 95% CI: 2.1, 22.9) were significantly associated with CVD incidence. Among the predisposing factors, only hypertension [(x2=10, 95% CI: (3.6, 21.4), p=0.01853] was significantly associated with CVD incidence.
Conclusion: Coronary heart disease was a common CVD, and alterations in lipid profiles were observed among CVD patients, with LDL-C being the most abnormal. Among the predisposing factors, hypertension was the significant contributing risk factor to CVDs. Regular monitoring of lipid profiles is recommended, and patients should respect the advice of physicians to prevent long-term morbidity and further complications of the disease.
Outcomes of Allogeneic Haematopoietic Transplant for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia in the Modern Era
Authors: Hamad Nada , Barge Luani , Tran Steven , Kennedy Glen , Ritchie David , Gottlieb David , Milliken Samuel , Spencer Andrew , Purtill Duncan , Perera Travis , Doocey Richard , Larsen Stephen , Butler Andrew , Bardy Peter , Greenwood Matthew , Durrant Simon , Curley Cameron , Stewart Caroline , Tam Constantine , Balendran Shalini , Ciaccio Pietro Di , Patil Sushrut , Han Min-Hi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
There is limited data on the use and outcomes of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in the modern era of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) treatment. The aim of this study was to examine CLL transplant outcomes with a focus on patients exposed to pathway inhibitors (PI) prior to transplant.
Data was collected through the Australian and New Zealand Transplant and Cellular Therapy Registry for all patients who underwent HSCT for CLL between 01/2009-12/2018. Transplant outcomes were compared between 2009-2013 (n=94) and 2014-2018 (n=50). There was a significant reduction in non-relapse mortality (NRM) from 42% (95%CI 31-52%) to 23% (95% CI 12-35%, p=0.02) between the periods however overall survival (OS), progression free survival and relapse were unchanged. Within the 2014-2018 cohort there was no difference in baseline characteristics between PI exposed (n=22) and naïve patients however 3-year OS was inferior in PI exposed patients: 54% (95%CI 35-82) compared to 91% (95%CI 80-100; p=0.03). In multivariate analysis, complete remission at the time of HSCT was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.54, 95%CI 1.04-6.18). Allogeneic HSCT remains a viable treatment option for selected patients with CLL however the finding of inferior OS in PI exposed patients requires further study.
Pulmonary rehabilitation for acute and stable COPD : a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Tzu-Ang , Mao Sheng-Ting , Chen Tzu-Tao , Yeh Yun-Kai , Chen Kuan-Yuan , Tseng Chien-Hua 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background Evidence for optimal timing of pulmonary rehabilitation initiation, especially during stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or following its acute exacerbation (AE), is conflicting.
Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were systematically searched from their inception until July 2022. The identified interventions were classified as single-component programs (endurance, resistance, and respiratory muscle training) and multi-component programs (combinations of these interventions). The revised risk-of-bias tool 2.0 was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. Network meta-analyses were performed separately for stable COPD and AECOPD using a random-effects model to calculate mean differences (MDs).
Results The analysis included 54 trials with 2,828 patients. For patients with stable COPD, multi-component rehabilitation programs combining endurance, resistance, and respiratory muscle training achieved the most significant improvements in the six-minute walk test (6 MWT) distance (MD, 72.09 m; 95% confidence interval [CI], 48.16–96.02) as compared to usual care. For patients with AECOPD, post-discharge initiation of rehabilitation with a combination of endurance and resistant training significantly reduced the readmission rate (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21–0.91); conversely, pre-discharge initiation of rehabilitation with endurance training alone achieved the most significant improvements in both the readmission rate (odds ratio, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01–0.56) and 6 MWT distance (MD, 167.69 m; 95% CI, 81.23–254.15).
Conclusion The integration of endurance, resistance, and respiratory muscle training led to notable enhancements in exercise capacity among patients with stable COPD. Additionally, prioritizing endurance training alone prior to discharge demonstrated the most favorable outcomes in both readmission rates and exercise capacity for patients with AECOPD, although further studies are warranted to validate these findings.
Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42020153375
Dynamic Clinical Success Rates for Drugs in the 21st Century
Authors: Zhu Feng , Zhou Ying , Zhang Yintao , Chen Zhen , Huang Shijie , Li Yinghong , Fu Jianbo , Zhang Hongning , Zhao Donghai , Lian Xichen , Zhou Yuan , Shen Xinyi , Qiu Yunqing , Han Lianyi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In clinical drug development, two fundamental questions remain unanswered: what is the success rate of drugs in clinical trial? how does such rate change over time? Herein, a systematic analysis on the dynamic change of drugs’ clinical success rates (ClinSRs) using data from 20,398 clinical trial pipelines of 9,682 unique molecular entities during the past two decades was presented. Our analysis discovered that ClinSRs had been declining since the beginning of 21st century, and hit the bottom in recent years even substantially lower than previous estimates. In-depth assessments further reported great variation among the ClinSRs of various diseases, developmental strategies, and drug modalities. A platform ‘ClinSR.org’ (http://ClinSR.idrblab.org/) was finally constructed online to enable the illustration of how ClinSR dynamically changes over time, automated update of ClinSR for the coming decade, and customized calculation of ClinSRs for any drug group of interest. In sum, this study met the critical demand for accurate, timely and persistent assessment of ClinSR, for now and the future, to aid pharmaceutical and economic decision making.
Spatio-temporal modeling of lake’s ecosystem and dynamism in response to changing environment. A case study of L. Olbolossat in Kenya
Authors: Nyambane Janice Kemunto , Kimwatu Duncan Maina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Lakes’ ecosystems are vulnerable to environmental dynamisms prompted by natural processes and anthropogenic activities happening in catchment areas. The present study aimed at modeling the response of Lake Olbolossat ecosystem in Kenya to changing environment between 1992 to 2022, and its future scenario in 2030. The study used temperature, stream power index, rainfall, land use land cover, normalized difference vegetation index, slope and topographic wetness index as datasets. A GIS-ensemble modeling approach coupling the analytical hierarchical process and principal component analysis was used to simulate the lake’s extents between 1992–2022. Cellular Automata-Markov chain analysis was used to predict the lake extent in 2030. The results revealed that between 1992–2002, the lake extent shrunk by about 18%; between 2002–2012, the lake extent increased by about 13.58%; and between 2012–2022, the lake expanded by about 26%. The spatial temporal changes exhibited that the lake has been changing haphazardly depending on prevailing climatic conditions and anthropogenic activities. The comparison between the simulated and predicted lake extents in 2022 produced Kno, Klocation, KlocationStrata, Kstandard, and average index values of 0.80, 0.81, 1.0, 0.74, and 0.84, respectively, which ascertained good performance of generated prediction probability matrices. The predicted results exhibited there would be an increase in lake extent by about 13% by the year 2030. The research findings provide baseline information which would assist in protecting and conserving the lake Olbolossat ecosystem which is very crucial in promoting tourism activities and provision of water for domestic and commercial use in the region.
Modulation of gut microbiota composition due to early weaning stress induces depressive behavior during the juvenile period in mice
Authors: Kamimura Itsuka , Miyauchi Eiji , Takeuchi Tadashi , Tsuchiya Noriaki , Tamura Kanami , Uesugi Ayumi , Negishi Hiroki , Taida Takashi , Kato Tamotsu , Kawasumi Masami , Nagasawa Miho , Mogi Kazutaka , Ohno Hiroshi , Kikusui Takefumi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of behavior and immunity in infants and juveniles. Early weaning (EW), a form of social stress in mice, leads to increased anxiety and an enhanced stress response in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during adulthood. Early life stress also modulates the immune system and increases vulnerability to infection. However, studies investigating the causal relationships among juvenile stress, microbiota changes, and immune and behavioral deficits are limited. Therefore, we hypothesized that EW alters gut microbiota composition and impairs the development of the nervous and immune systems.
Results: EW mice moved longer distances in the marble-burying test and had longer immobility times in the tail suspension test than normal weaning (NW) mice. In parallel, the gut microbiome composition differed between NW and EW mice, and the abundance of Erysipelotrichacea in EW mice at 8 weeks of age was lower than that in NW mice. In an empirical study, germ-free mice colonized with the gut microbiota of EW mice (GF-EW mice) demonstrated higher depressive behavior than GF mice colonized with normal weaning microbiota (GF-NW mice). Immune cell profiles were also affected by the EW microbiota colonization; the number of CD4+ T cells in the spleen was reduced in GF-EW mice.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that EW-induced alterations in the gut microbiota cause depressive behaviors and modulate the immune system.
Teachers’ Understanding of Learners Concerning Subject Science
Authors: Selpair Shweta 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Science has been influential in our personal and social lives since ancient times. It gained formal recognition in educational institutions, becoming one of the most esteemed fields of study. Historically, it was predominantly practised by privileged white males, documented using exclusive language, and funded by powerful agencies. These circumstances significantly influenced societal dynamics, particularly among those involved in science education. Science not only shaped their perceptions of society but also impacted their interactions, particularly concerning gender dynamics, notably observed in teacher-student relationships within science classrooms. Thus, this paper explores science teachers working in the government school’s perspectives on its essence, its relevance in students' social lives, and its gender implications. They also ponder upon the effect of teachers’ gender on classroom interaction. The data was collected from science teachers (5 males and 5 females) through questionnaires posing open-ended questions. By looking at its conclusion it is safe to say that, this study presents a contrary outlook of male and female teachers on the matter of science learning.
Low Noise and Complexity Deep Learning Decoder for MIMO in image transmission for health System
Authors: MOHAMMED WALEED MAJEED , UÇAN Osman Nuri 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The signals detections in MIMOs system under different noise channels is major challenges for researchers in this time. Hence, in this paper the deep learning (DL) techniques was used to optimize the noise effects and decrease the complexity of MIMO decoders. The computation complexities are straight relate to the numbers of node visit throughout the trees searches and the SNR ration. By use neural networks technique, the Deep Learning Detectors (DLD) were suggested. The DLDs methods detect signal transmit in any noise channels, afterward off-lines training phases. The detections processing of DLDs has low complexities than the averages decoder complexities, whereas exhibit respectable performances. The even more interested is a computation complexities of DLDs is constant crossways SNRs, in difference to the decoder detector, which have an exponent complexities crossways the SNRs. These constants complexity can be a useful in case of implement the detectors in training due to it can allows for improved optimizations of resource. To calculate the performances of our suggested methods we use a low levels simulators that generate a properly accurately models of a MIMOs systems with any noise channels under deep learning techniques.
Exploring the Plant Growth Promoting and Antifungal Potential of Endophytic and Rhizospheric fungi isolated from Litchi chinensis Sonn.: Metabolite profiling and Molecular characterization
Authors: Roy Amlan , Haloi Anuran , Kashyap Anurag , Gogoi Nirmali 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The unique characteristics of Tezpur litchi varieties in terms of their size, quality, taste and relatively small seed size helped to recognize the Geographical Indication (GI) in 2014. The present study aimed to investigate the endophytic and rhizospheric fungal communities associated with Tezpur litchi (var. Bilati) for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) and biocontrol potential. Fungal isolates were evaluated for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization activity (PSA), and antagonistic activity against the phytopathogen Alternaria alternata (MTCC 3880). The isolated fungi were found belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Mycelia sterilia. Promising results were obtained for IAA production, with the highest values recorded at 179.25 ± 3 µg ml⁻¹ and 143.13 ± 3 µg ml⁻¹ by soil isolate SF32 and endophytic isolate BE23, respectively. All isolates exhibited varying degrees of PSA, with the highest value (3.44 ± 0.04 SI) observed in endophytic isolate LE07. Antifungal activity screening revealed significant inhibition of A. alternata by endophytic isolate BE14 (41.9 ± 1.4 mm zone of inhibition) and soil isolate SF32 (29.4 ± 0.8 mm). Subsequent molecular identification 18S ITS rDNA sequencing confirmed BE14 and SF32 as Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus aculeatus, respectively. This study reports the association of P. citrinum in litchi and identifies the potential antifungal properties. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of the crude metabolite from P. citrinum revealed the presence of various functional groups, including alcohols, alkanes, and aromatic compounds. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis tentatively identified four major compounds: Succinic-acid-2,4,6-trichlorophenyl-3-methylbut-3-en-1-yl-ester, 1,5-but(3-cyclopentylpropoy)-1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltrisiloxane, Hexamethyl-cyclotrisiloxane and Tris(tert-butyldimethylsilyloy)arsane. These findings suggest the presence of potentially bioactive metabolites with antifungal properties in P. citrinum. In conclusion, this study highlights the diverse fungal communities associated with Tezpur litchi and identifies potential candidates for promoting plant growth and managing fungal diseases through eco-friendly approaches. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying the observed PGP and biocontrol activities of these promising fungal isolates.
5,5′-Dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoicacid) Enhances the Freezing Resistance of Hydrated Lettuce Seeds under Programmed Cooling Treatment
Authors: Han Yingying , Wang Jie , Li Liangbo , Wang Xiuli , Li Weijie , Song Danping , Liu Baolin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The hydrolysis of globulins is supposedly involved in freezing tolerance of hydrated lettuce seeds. Considering that globulins are constituted by two subunits with S-S bonds, lettuce seeds was imbibed in the aqueous solution of 5,5′-Dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoicacid )(DTNB), the Ellman’s reagent which can react with free sulfhydryl side chain of cysteine to form an S-S bond between the protein and thionitrobenzoic acid (TNB) residue. According to this study, DTNB improved seed freezing tolerance, as shown by the greater viability of hydrated seeds under programmed cooling (-1°C min− 1-) treatment. Calorimetric study showed delayed ice formation in DTNB treatment upon programmed cooling (-22.0°C in DTNB-treated embryos vs -19.3°C in control embryos). Two-dimensional (Two-D) electrophoresis showed that DTNB promoted the de-polymerization of seed storage globulins in cooling treatment. The globulins and their hydrolyzed polypeptides were extracted and the ice formation mode of the polypeptides with different molecular weight was detected with differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), which indicated that the smaller peptides gave higher onset temperature of ice formation and higher enthalpy of heat release. The concentration of disulfides bond and sulfhydryl groups in globulins was detected which indicated that DTNB could promote the formation of sulfhydryl groups, and reduce the amount of disulfide bonds under programmed cooling treatment. Moreover, DTNB increased the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, which indicated that DTNB promotes the anti-oxidation of hydrated seeds.