bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leach’s storm-petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous), a long-lived seabird shows flexible, condition-dependent, feeding strategies in response to poor chick condition
Authors: Haussmann Benjamin D. , Lichtner Kayla E. , Mauck Robert A. , Haussmann Mark F. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background. Parent-offspring conflict represents the sensitive balance of resource allocation between self-maintenance and reproduction. Two strategies have been proposed to better understand how species manage this conflict. In fixed level feeding behavior, parents feed offspring consistent quantities of food. While flexible feeding shows plasticity in parental allocation based on offspring need. Life-history theory predicts that parents of long-lived species prioritize their survival and may favor the fixed level hypothesis to maximize lifetime reproductive success. In this study, we highlight the natural variation of parent-offspring allocation strategies within a unique population of Leach’s storm-petrels (Hydrobates leucorhous), and through month-long food supplementation and restriction manipulations, we investigate how chick condition affects parental provisioning during the chick-rearing period of reproduction. Results. We show that the parents upregulated chick feeding frequency of nutritionally deprived chicks, resulting in a larger total amount of food delivered during the study period. Additionally, the proportion of nights when both parents fed was highest in restricted chicks, and the proportion of nights when neither parents fed was lowest in restricted chicks, suggesting that storm-petrel parents shorten their foraging bouts to deliver food more often when their checks are in relatively poor condition. Conclusions. Our results support that Leach’s storm-petrels use a flexible level feeding strategy, suggesting that parents can assess offspring condition, and respond by feeding chicks at higher frequencies. These data provide insight on how a long-lived seabird balances the energetic demands of themselves and their offspring during the reproductive period.
Study on risk zoning of regional flood disaster based on GIS
Authors: Jin Peijian , Shi Zhikun , Ge Suling , Yan Weilong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Based on natural geographic and socio-economic data, we constructed a regional flood disaster evaluation index system by analyzing the formation and influencing factors of flood disasters. This index system takes into account various indicators such as hazard factor risk, vulnerability of the disaster-bearing environment, and disaster prevention and mitigation capacity. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used to give weight to each index, and the weighted comprehensive method was used to construct the comprehensive evaluation index and establish the flood evaluation model. Flood risk zoning for Changchun city based on GIS spatial analysis. The results show that Yushu City, the northern part of Nong 'an County, Dewei City, and Jiutai District are basically low-risk areas because of less rainfall and flat terrain; Although there is rainfall in Kuancheng District, the northern part of Gongzhuling City and Erdao District, the regional disaster prevention and mitigation ability is good, and it is basically a general risk area; However, Lvyuan District, Chaoyang District, Nanguan District, the south of Gongzhuling City and Shuangyang District belong to flood disasters with greater risk and significant risk.
WITHDRAWN: The multi-integrated DNA Bioinspired hydrogel with synergic effect of MB and AuNP with conductive, self-healing, and antibacterial properties as a wearable skin-like sensor
Authors: ELHAM elham , deigner Hans-Peter , faupel Franz , Tjardtsc Tim , daneshmand negin , altintase zynep 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In recent years, the world of wearable technology has witnessed groundbreaking advancement with the development of hydrogels in transdermal skin wearable patches. However, it remains a huge challenge to develop hydrogel-based wearable skin-like sensors with superconductivity, high sensitivity, and self-healing properties. On the other hand, the use of biomaterials such as borax hydrogel in wearable technology enables the development of flexible but not with excellent electrical conductivity and tensile strain. Here, we introduce a novel DNA bioinspired by PVA-AuNP-DNA-MB-MXene (PADMM)-borax hydrogel, which could bring both improve properties of the highly strain sensitive (GF = 4.9), self-healing (within 10 min, 93% healing efficiency), and excellent antibacterial activity. Here, the ion conductivity and antimicrobial effects could be improved by the synergistic effect of AuNPs and the MB effect in the multi-integrated DNA bioinspired network compared to the PVA-MB-DNA-MB-MXene-borax hydrogel (PDMM)-borax and PVA-MXene (PM)-borax hydrogels. Our hydrogel showed perfect ability as a wearable skin-like sensor to monitor human movement, including large deformations (finger, elbow, wrist) and tiny deformations (mouth movement) in real-time. Thus, our DNA-bioinspired PADMM-borax hydrogel combines therapy appeal with strong functionality as a transparent patch, opening up a world of possibilities in various industries for personalized healthcare monitoring.
Exploring the validity of routine individuated service data for antenatal HIV surveillance in the Western Cape
Authors: Jacob Nisha , Rice Brian , Heekes Alexa , Johnson Leigh F. , Brinkmann Samantha , Kufa Tendesayi , Puren Adrian , Boulle Andrew 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
In the Western Cape, South Africa, public-sector individual-level routine data are consolidated from multiple sources through the Provincial Health Data Centre (PHDC). This enables the description of temporal changes in population-wide antenatal HIV seroprevalence. We evaluated the validity of these data compared to aggregated program data and population-wide sentinel antenatal HIV seroprevalence surveys for the Western Cape province.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of all pregnancies identified in the PHDC from January 2011 to December 2020. Evidence of antenatal and HIV care from electronic platforms were linked using a unique patient identifier. HIV prevalence estimates were triangulated and compared with available survey estimates and aggregated programmatic data from registers as recorded in the District Health Information System. Provincial, district-level and age-group HIV prevalence estimates were compared between data systems using correlation coefficients, absolute differences and trend analysis.
Results
Of the 977800 pregnancies ascertained, PHDC HIV prevalence estimates from 2011–2013 were widely disparate from aggregate and survey data (due to incomplete electronic data), whereas from 2014 onwards, estimates were within the 95% confidence interval of survey estimates, and closely correlated to aggregate data estimates (r = 0.8; p = 0.01), with an average prevalence difference of 0.4%. PHDC data show a slow but steady increase in provincial HIV prevalence from 16.7% in 2015 to 18.6% in 2020. The highest HIV prevalence was in the Cape Metro district (20.3%) Prevalence estimates by age group were comparable between sentinel surveys and PHDC from 2015 onwards, with prevalence estimates stable over time among younger age-groups (15–24 years) but increased among older age-groups (> 34 years).
Conclusions
This study compares sentinel seroprevalence surveys with both register-based aggregate data and consolidated individuated administrative data. We show that in this setting linked individuated data may be reliably used for HIV surveillance and provide more granular estimates with greater efficiency than seroprevalence surveys and register-based aggregate data.
Catecholamine concentration as a predictor of mortality in emergency surgical patients
Authors: Suh João Isuk , Roza Daiane Leite da , Cadamuro Filipe Matheus , Malbouisson Luiz Marcelo Sá , Sanches Talita Rojas , Andrade Lúcia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Trauma and emergency surgery are major causes of morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine whether serum levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine are associated with aging and mortality.
Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted in the surgical critical care unit. We included 90 patients who were admitted for postoperative care, because of major trauma, or both. We collected demographic and clinical variables, and the serum levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine.
Results: For patients in the > 60-year age group, the use of vasoactive drugs was found to be associated with undetectable levels of epinephrine, (OR [95% CI] = 6.36 [1.12, 36.08]), p = 0.05). For the patients with an undetectable level of epinephrine, the in-hospital mortality was higher among patients with a norepinephrine level ≥ 2006.5 pg/mL (OR [95% CI] = 4.00 [1.27, 12.58]), p = 0.03).
Conclusions: There is an association between age and mortality. Undetectable serum epinephrine, which is more common in older patients, could contribute to poor outcomes.
Optimizing Photovoltaic System Performance through the Design and Development of an Artificial Neural Network MPPT Control
Authors: Meddah Mohamed , Belarbi Ahmed Wahid , Negadi Karim , Djaballah Younes 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This article conducts a thorough comparison of three Maximum Power Point Tracking control techniques for photovoltaic systems: Perturb and Observe, Incremental Conductance, and Artificial Neural Network. The study aims to identify the most effective MPPT method by subjecting each technique to numerical simulations. The article explores the performance, efficiency, and robustness of Perturb and Observe, Incremental Conductance and Artificial Neural Network in capturing the maximum power output from photovoltaic panels under varying environmental conditions. Following rigorous testing through numerical simulations, the superior technique is selected for implementation in a grid-connected photovoltaic power conversion chain. This research contributes valuable insights into the optimization of photovoltaic system performance through advanced MPPT control strategies, facilitating informed decisions for practical applications in renewable energy systems.
Low expression of TOX predicts poor prognosis of patients with breast cancer in the real world: a retrospective study
Authors: Tan Chunlei , Wu Danping , Yang Xiaotian , Zhang Shiyuan , Liu Shuqiang , Yu Boqian , Yu Xiao , Xiu Yuting , Huang Yuanxi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: TOX is a transcription factor that is implicated in the regulation of T cell exhaustion in tumors. TOX has been proven to have prognostic value in some malignant tumors. We aim to analyze the expression of TOX in breast cancer patients, and the association between TOX and prognostic significance in patients with breast cancer.
Methods: 313 breast cancer patients were enrolled into the current study. The expression of TOX was determined by the immunohistochemistry assay in breast cancer tissues. The relationships between TOX and clinical pathological variables in breast cancer were performed via chi-square test. Survival curves were performed by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. The potential independent factors were assessed by Cox model regression analyses. Nomogram models, calibration curve, decision curve analyses were applied to analyze the clinical utility of the predictive models.
Results: According the semi-quantitative scoring under electron microscope, 129 breast cancer patient samples were classified into low group, and 184 breast cancer patient samples were classified into high group. Patients with high expression of TOX had survived longer than those with low expression of TOX (DFS: 71.70 vs. 64.05 months; OS: 81.03 vs. 73.72 months), and the difference in survival time between the two groups was statistically significant (DFS: χ2=11.6300, P=0.00065; OS: χ2=11.4200, P=0.00073). Patients with high expression of TOX had survived longer than those with low expression of TOX in patients received adjuvant therapies, especially in patients with chemotherapy (DFS: 72.85 vs. 64.53 months, P=0.00029; OS: 82.06 vs. 74.29 months, P=0.00033). Based on the Cox model regression analyses for DFS and OS, multivariate analysis indicated that TOX [DFS, hazard ratio (HR): 0.412, 95%CI: 0.248-0.684, P=0.001); OS, HR: 0.395, 95%CI: 0.237-0.660, P＜0.0001] was the potential prognostic factor. The established nomogram was used to predict survival and the calibration curve analysis had performed that the predicted line was well-matched with base line in postoperative 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rate.
Conclusions: The expression of TOX is a potential prognostic factor, and can be a promising biomarker for predicting survival and guiding treatment strategy in breast cancer patients.
Effects of salt reduction project implemented by local governments in Nakatsugawa City: study protocol and participant characteristics for observational study
Authors: Teshigawara Shiho , Yamada Yohei , Ando Yuichi , Sato Motoki , Sato Juichi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The salt intake among the Japanese population exceeds recommended levels, contributing to adverse health outcomes. The age-adjusted mortality rate due to cerebrovascular disease in Nakatsugawa City, a mountain town in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, is higher than the national average. The prevalence of hypertension, a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease, is also higher than the national average. A leading factor contributing to these health challenges is the high salt intake among Nakatsugawa residents. Consequently, Nakatsugawa City initiated a 3-year salt reduction project modeled on the Aki area as part of its health promotion endeavors, targeting all residents, including adults and elementary school and junior high school students. We present a protocol for our observational study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this comprehensive salt reduction initiative.
Methods
This salt reduction project will target approximately 2,000 residents of the Aki district, and this study will invite a total of 93 households with elementary or junior high school students in the Aki district for participation. Intervention strategies for this project include classes on the theme of salt reduction and salt reduction in school lunches at elementary and junior high schools, lectures on salt reduction in the community, regular communications on the theme of salt reduction, distribution of low-salt seasonings and blood pressure monitors to households, and evaluation and feedback of individual salt intake.
Discussion
Overall, 69 households (74.2%) and 253 individuals (61.4%) participated in the project's evaluation study. Analysis of urinary salt content measurements revealed that the estimated daily salt intake across various age groups exceeded the standard daily intake specified in the 2020 Dietary Intake Standards for Japanese by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare. These findings underscore Nakatsugawa City's suitability as an implementation area for a salt reduction project. The project's first year cost was approximately $45,300, aligning with the project's $150,000 scheduled total budget for the initial year within the 3-year project duration. The first year of the intervention is progressing as planned, encompassing both effective implementation and adherence to budgetary allocations. The findings could provide valuable insights into the impact of this salt reduction initiative on health outcomes.
Trial registration:
This study complies with the "Ethical Guidelines for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects" December 22, 2014 (partially amended on February 28, 2017): Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and was approved by the Bioethics Review Committee of the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine (2020/5/29, approval number 2020-0040).
The effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on platelet aggregation: a real-world clinical trial
Authors: Huang Xiangqian , Zhang Xiaoming , Zhou Da , Lan Duo , Wang Mengqi , Ding Yuchuan , Ji Xunming , Meng Ran 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background and purpose
There were reports that Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) combined with aspirin induced bleeding events and the mechanism was not clear. Herein, the effects of GBE on platelet aggregation were discussed.
Methods
A total of 87 patients entered into this real-world study consecutively and finished final analysis, including 37 cases with internal jugular venous stenosis (IJVS) and 50 cases with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Patients with AIS were divided into synergism group who underwent GBE combined with aspirin (66%, n = 33) and the aspirin group who underwent aspirin only (34%, n = 17). Patients with IJVS underwent GBE intravenous infusion only (n = 37). Data of plasma platelet and coagulation at baseline prior to and day 1 and 5 post-treatment were analyzed. And the antiplatelet activities were determined at baseline and day 5 post-treatment, respectively.
Results
GBE inhibits AA-induced rather than ADP-induced platelet aggregation, a directional trend in reduced rates of platelet aggregation was stimulated by AA on day 1 (P < 0.001) and day 5 (P = 0.040) and prolongs TT and APTT at the same time.
Conclusions
GBE could synergize with aspirin on inhibiting platelet aggregation in the suppression in AA pass way. Long-term combination of GBE and aspirin may increase the incidence of bleeding.
Black Dad Shine: A Concept Mapping Approach to Identifying the Qualities of Black Father Flourishing
Authors: Powe Paula Marie , Tan Amber , Crossett Thea , Durham Aki Jamal , Pedersen Sarah 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Black men in America face systemic and structural barriers that have persisted for years. These barriers create inequities that can negatively affect their physical and mental wellbeing and their fatherhood and family experiences. Previous research on Black fathers has highlighted deficits, with minimal studies focused on solutions, particularly as conceptualized by Black men themselves. Based in health equity, the current study utilized concept mapping, a community-based participatory research method, to assess what Black men in America need to flourish in the socioecological context in which they live. Black participants (n = 9), from a pre-established community advisory board that is working on a peer intervention to address early childhood adversity and toxic stress in the Black community, brainstormed 60 unique items associated with Black father flourishing and grouped these items into 6 unique clusters. Two clusters focused on Black men seeing themselves, their purpose, and their fatherhood role in a positive light (Positive Internal Mindset; Purposeful Leadership), 2 focused on healthy relationships (Sustained Mentorship and Accountable Growth; Receptivity to Influence), 1 focused on the tools necessary to build and maintain healthy relationships (Tools of Relational Engagement), and 1 focused on equitable access to external resources (Gatekeeper-less Resources). Participants ranked “a sense of purpose” and “positive self-image" as most important to Black father flourishing and “mentorship” and “encouragement” as the most feasible to address through a peer intervention. By centering the voices of Black men and those who support them, this study highlights stakeholder priorities about best practices for Black fatherhood.
Ecologic imprint and taxi costs associated with different fractionation schedules for prostate cancer radiotherapy: An exemplary calculation from Thuringia, that makes you think …
Authors: Wurschi Georg W. , Graf Maximilian , Weimann Steffen , Straube Christoph , Domschikowski Justus , Münter Marc , Pietschmann Klaus 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background In times of climate change, energy transition, an aging population and skyrocketing social costs, improving the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of healthcare systems has become increasingly relevant. We evaluated three internationally established fractionation schedules for prostate cancer radiation therapy (RT) with respect to their ecological and health-economic impacts.Methods We analyzed the data of 109 patients with prostate cancer, who underwent outpatient radiation therapy at Jena University Hospital in 2022. Using the distance between their homes and our facility, carbon dioxide (CO2)-emissions and taxi costs were estimated for normofractionated RT (39 fractions), moderately hypofractionated RT (20 fractions) and ultrahypofractionated RT (5 fractions).Results Travel distances of 1616 km, 848 km and 242 km were calculated with corresponding costs ranging from 638 € (ultrahypofractionated RT) to 4255 € (normofractionated RT). The travel distance, CO2-emissions and transportation costs could be reduced by up to 85% by hypofractionation.Conclusion (Ultra-)hypofractionated radiation therapy for prostate cancer has great potential to protect the environment and lower healthcare costs. From this point of view, it should be regarded as new standard of care. However, the new short-term concepts place high demands on the accuracy of dose application which causes increased (technical and personnel) effort. To facilitate general use, adequate pricing structures and reimbursement mechanisms need to be established in the German health care system, ensuring equitable access to this innovative treatment option for all eligible patients.
Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and change in tumor load on MRI to assess response and prognosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Janssen L. M. , Vries B. B. L. Penning , Janse M. H. A. , Wall E. , Elias S. G. , Salgado R. , Diest P. J. , Gilhuijs Kenneth G. A. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In this study, we aimed to explore if the combination of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and change in tumor load on dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) leads to better assessment of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) in patients with breast cancer, compared to either alone.
Methods
In 190 NAC treated patients, MRI scans were performed before and at the end of treatment. The percentage of stromal TILs (%TILs) was assessed in pre-NAC biopsies according to established criteria. Prediction models were developed with linear regression by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and cross validation (CV), with residual cancer burden (RCB) as the dependent variable. Discrimination for pathological complete response (pCR) was evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC). We used Cox regression analysis for exploring the association between %TILs and recurrence-free survival (RFS).
Results
Fifty-one patients reached pCR. In all patients, the %TILs model and change in MRI tumor load model had an estimated CV AUC of 0.69 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53–0.78) and 0.69 (95%CI 0.61–0.79), respectively, whereas a model combining the variables resulted in an estimated CV AUC of 0.75 (95% CI 0.66–0.83). In the group with tumors that were ER positive and HER2 negative (ER+/HER2-) and in the group with tumors that were either triple negative or HER2 positive (TN&HER2+) separately, the combined model reached an estimated CV AUC of 0.72 (95%CI 0.60–0.88) and 0.70(95%CI 0.59–0.82), respectively. A significant association was observed between pre-treatment %TILS and RFS (hazard ratio (HR) 0.72 (95% CI 0.53–0.98), for every standard deviation increase in %TILS, p = 0.038).
Conclusion
The combination of TILs and MRI is informative of response to NAC in patients with both ER+/HER2- and TN&HER2 + tumors.