bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Myeloid Response and Iron Status among Sudanese Pediatric ESRD on Hemodialysis through Reticulocyte Parameters and β-Globin mRNA Expression
Authors: Abdelrahman Abier Abdelaziz Makkawi , Marzouk Ahmed Ibrahim , Altayeb Osama Ali , Fadul Eman Abbas , Osman Mugtaba , Allam Nahla , Ahmed Nadia Madani Mohammed , Husain Nazik Elmalaika Obaid Seid Ahmed 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: This study explores anemia in Sudanese children with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis, focusing on the effectiveness of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rHuEPO) treatment. It aims to assess myeloid response and classify anemia types using reticulocyte parameters and β-globin mRNA expression.
Methods: Conducted in Khartoum State hospitals, the study included anemic children (≤15 years) undergoing hemodialysis and rHuEPO treatment. Flow Cytometry and RT-PCR were used to evaluate reticulocyte parameters and β-globin mRNA expression, respectively. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, logistic regression, and Receiver Operator Characteristics (ROC) curves.
Results: This study evaluated β-globin gene expression in 45 anemic Sudanese children using RT-PCR, revealing variable expression levels ranging from 1.2 to 5.3 folds. Flow Cytometry showed significant correlations with mRNA Fold Change Expression (FCE). Gated Mature Reticulocytes and Immature Reticulocyte Fraction (IRF) positively correlated with FCE (p-values <0.0001 and 0.0258, respectively), whereas Hemoglobin Content of Reticulocytes (CHr) had a negative correlation (p = 0.0022). Gender analysis indicated a significant association between gender and IRF, with males showing lower IRF (p = 0.017), supported by area under the curve (AUC) analysis (AUC = 0.800). Flow Cytometry reticulocyte count correlated strongly with mRNA expression (β = 0.1018, p < 0.0001). There was no significant gender differences in hemoglobin levels (p = 0.999), but a strong positive correlation between hemoglobin and β-globin mRNA expression (r = 0.875, p < 0.000) was observed. Age was identified as a significant predictor of CHr (β = 0.394, p = 0.039).
Conclusion: Significant variability in β-globin gene expression was observed. Flow Cytometry parameters showed strong correlations with mRNA expression. Gender differences influenced IRF levels, with males showing lower IRF. CHr and percentage of hypochromic red blood cells (%Hypo) were effective in assessing iron status and guiding rHuEPO dosage. The study highlights the potential of β-globin mRNA and reticulocyte parameters in diagnosing and monitoring anemia in pediatric ESRD patients. It underscores the need for precise, gender-specific approaches in treatment, laying a foundation for future research and improved therapeutic strategies.
Comparative clustering and visualization of socioeconomic and health indicators: A case of 47 counties in Kenya
Authors: KORIR EVANS KIPTOO 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Kenya as a country is still faced with uneven regional development seen across various economic sectors. The regions experienced inequalities in economic diversity, economic development infrastructure, human development levels, social structure and living conditions, as well as political representation and participation in decision-making. The aim of this article is to examine the dynamics of marginalization and regional inequalities in Kenya by grouping counties based on socioeconomic and health indicators. We also analyzed aggregated data from the World Bank country website, online publications, and county government websites. The data includes 24 variables and metrics describing counties; Fertility, mortality , social, education, population and development and access to social services. Principal component analysis was used to visualize socioeconomic similarities between counties and identify the indicators of maximum variation. Agglomerative hierarchical and K-means clustering were then used to identify county groups with similar socioeconomic and health performance. The grouped counties were then visualized on a geographic map. Five clusters were identified that may be useful to county and state governments in future plans to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Exploring the Therapeutic Efficacy and Pharmacological Mechanism of Guizhi Fuling Pills on Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis and Network Pharmacology Analysis
Authors: Wang Jing , Li Xinmin , Long Junzi , Gao Qian , Pan Mengyang , Yang Fangjie , Zhang Yasu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The roles of Guizhi Fuling Pills (GZFL) on the treatment of ischemic stroke (IS) are still controversial, and its pharmacological mechanism remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of GZFL for IS and reveal the underlying mechanism using meta-analysis and network pharmacology methods. Eight electronic databases were searched up to November 20, 2023. A meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4.1 software. The chemical compounds of GZFL were obtained using TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, and ETCM, and their putative targets were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction database. IS-related targets were collected using DisGeNet, Genecards, and DrugBank. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed in the Metascape. Molecular docking was carried out using AutoDock Tools and PyMOL software. Compared with conventional medical treatment alone, GZFL plus conventional medical treatment could significantly improve the clinical total effective rate and NIHSS scores. The addition of GZFL also improved whole blood high shear viscosity, whole blood low shear viscosity, and plasma fibrinogen, TNF-α and IL-6 levels. The top key active compounds included quercetin, kaempferol, catechin, and beta-sitosterol, and SRC, MAPK1, TP53, JUN, RELA, AKT1, and TNF were main core targets. GO analysis mainly included regulation of ion transport, cellular response to lipid, and inflammation response. The core pathways were enriched in lipid and atherosclerosis, cAMP, calcium, IL-17, and MAPK signaling pathways. The key active compounds had good affinity with the core targets. This study showed that GZFL displays anti-inflammatory, anti atherosclerosis and neuroprotective effects for IS patients.
Reduced Deltex1 Expression in T Cells Indicates Increased Disease Activity in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Tsai Hung-Cheng , Liao Hsien-Tzung , Chen Wei-Sheng , Lai Chien-Chih , Sun Yi-Syuan , Hsu Tzu-Sheng , Chen Ming-Han 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Deltex1 is a transcriptional target of NFAT that promotes T cell anergy. However, whether Deltex1 affects the properties of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are involved in the pathogenesis of primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), is unknown.
Methods
T cells were purified from peripheral blood using a negative selection method. Deltex1 mRNA levels were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of Tregs-associated molecules and the cytokine positivity of CD4 + FoxP3 + Tregs were analyzed using flow cytometry. The European League against Rheumatism Sjögren’s Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) and Patient- Reported Index (ESSPRI) were used to evaluate systemic disease activity and symptoms in pSS.
Results
Deltex1 expression in T cells was significantly lower in pSS patients than in age- and sex-matched healthy controls (p < 0.001). Deltex1 mRNA levels in T cells negatively correlated with visual analog scale scores for fatigue, ESSDAI, and ESSPRI (r = -0.334, p = 0.035; r = -0.364, p = 0.021; and r = -0.340, p = 0.032, respectively). Low Deltex1 levels correlated with some clinical manifestations of pSS, including immune thrombocytopenia, vasculitis, and autoimmune thyroiditis (p = 0.014, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively). The MFI of PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM-3, LAG-3 on Tregs and the percentage of interferon-γ +, interleukin (IL)-4+, IL-17A + Tregs were significantly higher in the low Deltex1 group (Deltex1/GAPDH ≤ 0.02) than in the high Deltex1 group (Deltex1/GAPDH > 0.02) (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Deltex1 may affect the properties of Tregs; thus, it is a potential biomarker of disease activity in pSS.
Application of geophysical and geochemical techniques for prospection of sulfide ore minerals in Drosh-Kaldam Gol area, Chitral, Northern Pakistan
Authors: khan Azeem , Rehman Khaista , Ali Asghar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Ground magnetic and electrical self potential methods of geophysical exploration have been employed for sulfide minerals prospects at Drosh-Kaldam Gol area of district Chitral, northern Pakistan. The core objectives of the study were to map subsurface sulfide mineralization, analyze structural lineaments and their influence on mineralization, ascertain the depth of causative source bodies, pinpoint economically viable drilling prospects in the area and validate integrated geophysical interpretations by cross-referencing them with the geochemical findings and information obtained from the shallow boreholes. The self-potential tool served to qualitatively delineate lateral variances in the dispersal of shallow sulfide minerals, notably pyrite and chalcopyrite, by analyzing the differences in natural surface potential while magnetic tool was employed to map the lateral heterogeneities in the Earth's magnetic field, aiming to delineate the distribution of magnetically susceptible mineralization, including magnetite associated with sulfide mineralization, as well as to qualitatively map geologic structures like faults or fractures that influence the distribution of mineralization. The acquired geophysical data reveals a shallow and sporadic network of circular to semicircular magnetic discontinuities which is one of the characteristic of porphyry deposits which is further supported in places by low SP signatures that might represent a stock work of fractures/veins in the subsurface that could potentially be the target zones for sulfide mineral prospection in the area. Structural delineation using horizontal gradient map of magnetic method shows that the area is characterized by NE-SW trending structural lineaments i.e faults or fractures. Based on the analysis of self-potential and magnetic profiles, the average depth to the top of the anomaly sources in the study area ranging from near surface to 22.37 meters. To validate the results, two shallow boreholes were drilled in the study area which intersects disseminated and fracture filled sulfide mineralization within the uppermost 6 feet of the surface, with the potential for continued mineralization at deeper depths. Based on the insights derived from integrated analysis of geophysical responses, core drilling data and geochemical outcomes it can be inferred that sulfide mineralization in Drosh-Kaldam Gol region is governed by northeast-southwest trending fault or fracture systems and is intricately linked with dioritic-granodioritic intrusion, exhibiting characteristics akin to porphyry systems.
Development and validation of a nomogram for prognosis of bone metastasis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma：A retrospective study in the SEER database and China cohort
Authors: Huang Bo , Wang Wei-Dong , Wu Fang-Cai , Wang Xiao-Mei , Shao Bu-Qing , Lin Ying-Miao , Zheng Guo-Xing , Li Gui-Qiang , Liu Can-Tong , Xu Yi-Wei , Wang Xin-Jia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, and individuals with both ESCC and bone metastasis (BM) often face a challenging prognosis that is difficult to predict. Our objective was to identify the risk and prognostic factors associated with BM in patients with ESCC and develop a nomogram for predicting Cancer-Specific Survival (CSS) following the occurrence of BM.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of data pertaining to ESCC patients with BM registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2015, as well as those treated at a Chinese institution from 2006to 2020. Clinicopathological features and significant prognostic factors for cancer-specific survival (CSS) were assessed through univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. Subsequently, a nomogram predicting CSS was developed utilizing the SEER database and externally validated using a real-world evidence from a Chinese cohort.
Results: A total of 266 patients from the SEER database and 168 patients from the Chinese cohort were included in the analysis. In the SEER cohort, the results of multivariate regression analysis indicated that chemotherapy, radiotherapy, liver metastasis, brain metastasis, and sex were independent prognostic factors for ESCC with bone metastasis. The prognostic nomogram developed in the SEER cohort demonstrated areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) of 0.823, 0.796, and 0.800, respectively, for predicting 3-, 6-, and 12-month Cancer-Specific Survival (CSS).In the Chinese validation cohort, the nomogram exhibited acceptable discrimination ability (AUCs: 0.822, 0.763, and 0.727) and calibration.
Conclusion: This study has constructed and validated a prognostic nomogram for predicting the CSS of ESCC patients with bone metastasis. The nomogram could potentially serve as a valuable tool for assessing survival and aiding clinicians in making individualized treatment decisions.
Techné of Rock Engravings –the Timna Case Study
Authors: Dubinsky Lena , Grosman Leore 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Traditionally, rock-engravings were studied through their visual characteristics. They have been analyzed with comparative and interpretative methodologies of iconography and iconology. However, there has been a recent shift towards identifying production processes, allowing reconstruction of operational characteristics through various methods. Nevertheless, the studies of the technological aspects focus on the operational and the mechanical, omitting the visuality of the outcome. No unified methodologies have been offered to both technological and visual perspectives. In the current paper we are using ArchCUT3-D software for computational analysis of 3-D data acquired from various rock-engravings located in Timna Park, southern Israel. We show how micro-morphological evidence, extracted from the engraved lines, can decode technical trends and variabilities in a technique’s particular implementation. Then, we conduct a focused examination of one group of engraved figures in order to establish a link between execution techniques and visual considerations. Based on our results and the following discussion, we suggest the term Techné to indicate the choice of technique that go beyond the instrumental or purely operative perspectives. We highlight the intentional choice, which design the visual rhetoric of the engraved marks and suggest cultural concepts that contrived the procedural processes.
Effects of Quasi-Steady Environment for PM2.5 Laser-based Monitoring System During Dry Season in Two Consecutive Years
Authors: Tomo Haryo , Dewi Kania , Lestari Puji 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
PM2.5 particulates are known to be air pollutant species that can be transported over long distances. The movement of PM2.5 in certain conditions is not only influenced by changes in microclimate, especially wind speed, wind direction and radiative transfer mechanisms, but also because of the nature of Brownian motion. In this paper, the behaviour of the presence of PM2.5 during the Dry Season will be presented in two consecutive years (2017 and 2018) where monitoring uses laser-based instruments. Monitoring is carried out in locations that have calm wind distribution characteristics that reach more than 60%, meaning that convective air mass movements occur in a minimum (quasi-steady) amount. By locating monitoring equipment at this location, it is expected to provide an overview of the PM2.5 concentration patterns both daily and monthly and prove the preposition that the two pollutant parameters are able to be present in locations that have quasi-steady conditions due to non-convective transport mechanisms.
Resilience of people with a history of mental disorder during the COVID-19 pandemic: an international 2-years longitudinal prospective study
Authors: Pinucci Irene , Tedeschi Federico , Serra Riccardo , Patanè Martina , Acartük Ceren , Andriani Dhini , Bryant Richard A. , Burchert Sebastian , Caggiu Giulia , Campos Daniel , Conflitti Claudia , Davisse-Paturet Camille , Félez-Nóbrega Mireia , Fuhr Daniela , Hall Brian , Haro Josep Maria , Huizinik Anja , Knaevelsrud Christine , Kurt Gülşah , Lam Agnes , Leijen Ingmar , Mediavilla Roberto , Melchior Maria , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Compagnoni Matteo Monzio , Naser Morina , Nicaise Pablo , Palantza Christina , Panter-Brick Catherine , Papola Davide , Quero Soledad , Prada Cristina Rodriguez , Seedat Soraya , Setyowibowo Hari , Smith Pierre , Waerden Judith van der , Walter Henrik , Witteveen Anke , Pasquini Massimo , Sijbrandij Marit , Barbui Corrado , Tarsitani Lorenzo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, the global population was exposed to a significant psychological distress, however, subgroups of vulnerable individuals proved resilient throughout the pandemic. This study aims to identify predictors of long-term, sustained resilience among people with a history of mental disorder during the first two years of the pandemic.MethodsIn this international 2-year, 5-wave longitudinal online survey, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, and the PTSD Checklist DSM-5 were used for a proxy measure of psychological distress. As possible predictors of sustained resilience, we investigated socio-demographic characteristics, economic and housing status, pandemic-related issues, chronic diseases, social support, fear of contamination and personal values which were investigated respectively through the Oslo Social Support Scale, the Padua Inventory, and the Portrait Values Questionnaire. Data were analysed with a Mover-Stayer Latent Transition Analysis model.ResultsNine-hundred and forty-three participants with a mental disorder were included in the analysis. Variables associated with a higher chance of sustained resilience were older age, maintaining a job, and having more people in the household. In contrast, female gender, losing job, difficulty in meeting basic needs, higher fear of contamination, hedonism, less social support and loneliness resulted in a lower likelihood of being sustained resilient.ConclusionThis study identified factors that predict sustained resilience in people with mental disorders. The newly discovered predictors of sustained resilience could prove invaluable in developing strategies to enhance the resilience of people with mental disorders during times of crises, such as pandemics.
Autistic adults have insight into their relative face recognition ability
Authors: Gehdu Bayparvah Kaur , Press Clare , Gray Katie L. H. , Cook Richard 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The PI20 is a self-report questionnaire that assesses the presence of lifelong face recognition difficulties. The items on this scale ask respondents to assess their face recognition ability relative to the rest of the population, either explicitly or implicitly. Recent reports suggest that the PI20 scores of autistic participants exhibit little or no correlation with their performance on the Cambridge Face Memory Test – a key measure of face recognition ability. These reports are suggestive of a meta-cognitive deficit whereby autistic individuals are unable to infer whether their face recognition is impaired relative to the wider population. In the present study, however, we observed significant correlations between the PI20 scores of 77 autistic adults and their performance on two variants of the Cambridge Face Memory Test. These findings indicate that autistic individuals can infer whether their face recognition ability is impaired. Consistent with previous research, we observed a wide spread of face recognition abilities within our autistic sample. While some individuals approached ceiling levels of performance, others met the prevailing diagnostic criteria for developmental prosopagnosia. This variability showed little or no association with non-verbal intelligence, autism severity, or the presence of co-occurring alexithymia or ADHD.
6Pgdh polymorphism in wild bulb mite populations - prevalence, environmental correlates and life history trade-offs
Authors: Unnikrishnan Pranav , Grzesik Szymon , Trojańska Magdalena , Klimek Beata , Plesnar-Bielak Plesnar-Bielak 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Genetic polymorphism in key metabolic genes plays a pivotal role in shaping phenotypes and adapting to varying environments. Polymorphism in the metabolic gene 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6Pgdh) in bulb mites, Rhizoglyphus robini is characterized by two alleles, S and F, that differ by a single amino acid substitution and correlate with male reproductive fitness. The S-bearing males demonstrate a reproductive advantage. Although the S allele rapidly fixes in laboratory settings, the persistence of polymorphic populations in the wild is noteworthy. This study examines the prevalence and stability of 6Pgdh polymorphism in natural populations across Poland, investigating potential environmental influences and seasonal variations. We found widespread 6Pgdh polymorphism in natural populations, with allele frequencies varying across locations and sampling dates but without clear geographical clines. This widespread polymorphism and spatio-temporal variability may be attributed to population demography and gene flow between local populations. We found some correlation between soil properties, particularly cation content (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) and 6Pgdh allele frequencies, showcasing the connection between mite physiology and soil characteristics and highlighting the presence of environment-dependent balancing selection. We conducted experimental fitness assays to determine whether the allele providing the advantage in male-male competition has antagonistic effects on life-history traits and if these effects are temperature-dependent. We found that temperature does not differentially influence development time or juvenile survival in different 6Pgdh genotypes. This study reveals the relationship between genetic variation, environmental factors, and reproductive fitness in natural bulb mite populations, shedding light on the dynamic mechanisms governing 6Pgdh polymorphism.