bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protocol for scoping review to identify current paediatric hypertension surveillance techniques in the sub-Saharan African region
Authors: Alaofin Omotayo Solomon , Gafane-Matemane Lebo , Mokwatsi Gontse , Jobe Modou , Kruger Prof Ruan 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective This scoping review aims to evaluate the surveillance approaches currently being used in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to identify paediatric hypertension. The review will further identify barriers and limitations in paediatric hypertension surveillance techniques.Introduction: Globally, hypertension is the major cause of preventable death due to its contribution to the cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality. Approximately 1.28 billion individuals worldwide are currently living with hypertension with higher prevalence in low-and middle-income countries. Despite clear evidence worldwide that high blood pressure (HBP) in children and adolescents largely contributes to the burden of CVD at adulthood, the burden of hypertension among children and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is poorly documented due to lack of systematic approach.Inclusion criteria: This review will include peer-reviewed articles of any study design published in SSA region using the following criteria: articles reporting surveillance of paediatric hypertension among children and adolescent; articles reporting lack of appropriate guidelines and challenges impacting screening and diagnosis. Articles published in English as well as languages other than English where the translation is available will be included.Method and analysis: The scoping review will adopt the five stages of the Arskey and O’Malley methodological framework. Electric literature search will be conducted on the following data bases: MEDLINE, ERIC, PubMed, EBSCOhost, Health Source - Consumer Edition, the Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied, Health Literature (CINAHL), with Full Text, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Google Scholar, Academic Search Complete and African Journals OnLine (AJOL). Grey literature search will be conducted on selected databases for relevant peer-reviewed articles. Articles selected will be screened separately by two of the co-authors, while the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for Scoping Reviews will be used to prepare and present the result of the scoping review.
Enhancement of poly‑γ‑l‑diaminobutanoic acid production in Bacillus pumilus by repeated pH shocks
Authors: Li Shu , Wang Nan , Li Xiaoting 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study investigated the effect of pH on poly-γ-l-diaminobutanoic acid (γ-PAB) production by Bacillus pumilus in batch fermentation. In the natural fermentation where pH was not controlled, pH decreased from initial 7.0 to 3.0 in 18 hours and γ-PAB production was 428.6 mg/L. In the pH-controlled fermentation, B. pumilus tended to proliferation at higher pH, while γ-PAB synthesis was favorable at lower pH, in which the optimal pH for γ-PAB production was 4.2, and γ-PAB yield reached 2284.5 mg/L. Adopting a pH shock strategy which lasted 9 hours in the pre-fermentation phase, biomass (OD600) and γ-PAB yield of B. pumilus were obtained as 61.3 and 2794.6 mg/L, respectively, which were 10.8% and 22.4% higher than those in batch fermentation without pH shock. Subsequent fermentation of repeated pH shocks showed that a further higher productivity could be achieved, in which the final OD600 reached 65.1, and γ-PAB production reached as high as 3482.3 mg/L, which were increased by 6.2% and 17.1% compared with those in single pH shock, respectively. This study demonstrated that B. pumilus can synthesize more γ-PAB at suboptimal pH and provided a novel approach to regulate γ-PAB synthesis.
Prevalence, clinical characteristics, and long-term outcomes of new diabetes diagnosis in elderly patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Xue Zheng-Kai , Dai Xin-Ya , Ren Jia-Yi , Liu Tong , Zhang Yu-Kun , Hu Su-Tao , Wang Peng , Wu Xue , Zhang Jing-Kun , Tse Gary , Park Soohyung , Choi Cheol-Ung , Choi Byoung-Geol , Rha Seung-Woon , Chen Kang-Yin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Previous studies have reported associations between newly diagnosed diabetes and poor outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but there is limited data focusing on elderly patients (age ≥ 65). This study aimed to analyze the prevalence and clinical implications of newly diagnosed diabetes in elderly patients who underwent PCI. From 2004 to 2021, a total of 2456 elderly patients who underwent invasive PCI at Korea University Guro Hospital were prospectively enrolled and followed up for a median of five years. The primary endpoint was five-year major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Cox regression was used to evaluate whether newly diagnosed diabetes impacted on long-term clinical outcomes. Newly diagnosed diabetes was presented in approximately 8.1–10.9% of elderly patients who underwent PCI. Those who had a new diagnosis of diabetes had a higher risk of MACE than previously known diabetes (25.28% vs 19.15%, p = 0.039). After adjusting for significant factors, newly diagnosed diabetes remained an independent predictor of MACE (HR [hazard ratio] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.24–2.17, p < 0.001), cardiac death (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.29–3.59, p = 0.003) and repeat revascularization (HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.09–2.11, p = 0.013), but not for non-fatal myocardial infarction (HR 1.66, 95% CI 0.94–2.12, p = 0.081). Newly diagnosed diabetes was associated with an increased risk of five-year MACE compared with non-diabetes and previously diagnosed diabetes in elderly patients underwent PCI. More attention should be given to those elderly newly diagnosed diabetes population.
STEMming the Dowry Tradition: Empowering Girls in India
Authors: Hussain Malik Altaf , Tyagi Malvika , Kumar Deepak 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The underrepresentation of girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields remains a critical issue, especially in developing countries where it is often exacerbated by entrenched social and cultural norms. This paper investigates the economic implications of the dowry system in India on the allocation of household financial resources and its consequent impact on girls' enrollment in STEM education. Drawing on data from the India Human Development Survey (IHDS-II), we rigorously analyze how the societal obligation to provide cash dowries diminishes the funds available for girls' education, with a pronounced effect in the relatively cost-intensive STEM fields. Our findings, robust across various individual, household, and community variables, indicate a substantial and pervasive influence of cash dowry practices on educational outcomes for girls. These results underscore the urgent need for policy interventions that address the deeply-rooted societal norms influencing educational choices, thereby contributing to the discourse on promoting gender equity in education within socio-economically diverse contexts.
Transcultural adaptation and validation of the Korean version of the Types of Positive Affect Scale (TPAS): Application of the item response model
Authors: Choi Yoon Young , Chun Hae-ryoung , Cho Inhyung , Park Sujin , Cho Eun-Yi , Park Sunghyun , Cho Sung-il 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Affect is a crucial factor that influences both mental health and quality of life. The Types of Positive Affect Scale (TPAS) is an instrument for measuring positive affect. It is commonly used in studies of mindfulness, stress, quality of life, and self-compassion. This study translated the TPAS into Korean and validated it.
Methods
International Testing Commission (ITC) standards were followed during the translation procedure. The participants answered sociodemographic questions and completed the translated version of the TPAS, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS). Data were collected from 352 healthy Korean adults. Item responses analysis with rating scale model, confirmatory factor analysis, and correlation analysis were used for validation.
Result
Cronbach’s alpha was high for all measures (TPAS = .94, PANAS = .86, BDI = .92). A one-factor model for the TPAS showed a poor fit, a two-factor model showed a good fit, and a bifactor model showed the best fit (CFI = 0.94, TLI = 0.93, RMSEA = 0.081 [range: 0.072–0.09]). Item response analysis showed acceptable fits for all items except items 4 (infit = 1.51) and 7 (infit = 1.76).
Conclusions
The Korean version of the TPAS is suitable for use in the Korean cultural context. However, items 4 and 7 should be omitted or interpreted with caution.
Validation of a New Point-of-Care Calcaneal Ultrasound Densitometer (BeeTLe)
Authors: Adami Giovanni , Rossini Maurizio , Gatti Davide , Serpi Paolo , Fabrizio Christian , Lovato Roberto 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Introduction
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) represents the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD). However, its size and bulkiness limit its use in mass screening. Portable and easily accessible instruments are more suitable for this purpose.
Materials and Methods
We conducted a study to assess the repeatability, sensitivity, accuracy, and validation of a new ultrasound densitometer for the calcaneus (BeeTLe) compared to standard DXA. BMD (g/cm2) was measured at the femoral and lumbar spine levels using DXA (iLunar General Electric), and the Bone Quality Index (BQI, a dimensionless measure of bone quality) was measured with BeeTLe in patients attending the osteoporosis clinic at two bone specialist centers. The Bland-Altman test and simple linear regression were used to evaluate the association between values measured with the two instruments. Additionally, the ability of the T-score calculated with BeeTLe to identify patients with previous osteoporotic fractures was tested using ROC curves.
Results
A total of 201 patients (94.5% females) with a mean age of 62.1 ± 10.2 were included in the study. The BeeTLe instrument showed a coefficient of variation (CV, in 23 repeated measurements) of 1.22%, which was not statistically different from the CV of DXA (1.20%). Figure 1 shows the regression curves between BQI and BMD at the femoral neck (r2 0.500, p < 0.0001), total femur (r2 0.545, p < 0.0001), and lumbar spine (r2 0.455, p < 0.0001). Figure 2 displays the Bland-Altman plot for T-score differences at various sites. Figure 3 presents the ROC curves describing the ability of BeeTLe and DXA at different sites to classify patients with fractures vs. non-fractured (AUC not significantly different).
Conclusion
In this preliminary study, BeeTLe, a new point-of-care ultrasound densitometer, demonstrated good repeatability and performance similar to DXA. Therefore, its use can be proposed in screening for osteoporosis.
A comprehensive cutting tool adaptation method of multi-feature part based on evolutionary game
Authors: Huo Yunliang , Zhou Yunqing , Liu Junbo , Zhang Ming , Li Zhenlong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The adaptation of cutting tools is the key link of machining, although a lot of work has been done to achieve tool selection for single features, relatively little research on tool scheme adaptation for multi-feature parts as a whole. In order to take into account the factors of matching, efficiency, cost, manufacturability, and environment, a comprehensive optimization method of a multi-feature tool scheme is proposed in this work. Firstly, the critical tool of a complex feature is defined, and a tool combination method with complex single features is proposed to generate an efficient tool strategy. Secondly, a tool scheme optimization model of multi-feature parts is constructed, where each machining feature is mapped to a game player in the model space, and the set of available tools is mapped to the player strategies. In addition, the classical evolutionary game algorithm is improved to adapt to the model, according to the large difference in the number and type of features of parts. Finally, a square test piece is taken as an example to verify the proposed method, and the results show that the method presented in the paper can efficiently obtain the customer-preferred tool scheme.
Analyzing Coulomb Stress Changes and Seismic Activity following the 1999 Chamoli Earthquake in Garhwal Himalaya, India
Authors: Mahto Pooja , Gupta Subhash 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
On March 29, 1999, the magnitude Mw 6.6 Chamoli earthquake ruptured the Garhwal Himalayan region of the North-Western Himalayas. We investigated the correlation between changes in Coulomb stress and the distribution of aftershocks in the region of the 1999 Chamoli earthquake, which occurred on and off the Main Central Thrust fault. The USGS identified it at 30.49° N and 79.29° E, at a depth of 19 km; the GCMT solution suggested thrust faulting on a fault that slanted slightly to the north. On the plane that dips gently to the north (strike 290°, dip 14°, rake 90°), there is thrust motion, according to the moment tensor solution derived from the USGS earthquake catalogue. Furthermore, 4.34E + 18 Nm is the calculated seismic moment for this event. To understand the mechanisms behind the aftershocks, an in-depth study of this event and its subsequent seismic activity has been carried out. Based on the position of the aftershock sequence, seismicity was primarily limited to the southern region of the MCT zone. A fault area of 26.07 X 13.93 km2 has been obtained. The computed dip slip is 0.81m, while the shear stress change over the area is 1.72Nm.
Acute obstruction of the right coronary ostium after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement. Is it time to enhance coronary obstruction risk prediction?
Authors: Garcia-Garcia Juan Francisco , Morales-Portano Julieta Danira , Andrade-Cuellar Elias Noel , Pérez-Castellanos Jesus Ricardo , Aquino-Bruno Heberto , Melendez-Ramírez Gabriela 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a well-established therapy for aortic stenosis, known for its safety and efficacy across a spectrum of patient risks compared to conventional aortic valve replacement (AVR). Despite its advantages, complications have been identified during or after the procedure. In a case involving a 72-year-old man with multiple comorbidities and severe aortic stenosis, pre-procedural planning revealed factors suggesting a higher risk for complications, such as calcifications in the ascending thoracic aorta, aortic valve, and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). The patient was considered at low risk for coronary obstruction. However, during TAVR with a 23 mm Sapiens 3 bioprosthesis, the patient experienced sudden dyspnea and chest pain. Coronary angiography revealed a contrast defect in the right coronary artery ostium, leading to immediate angioplasty, which was successful. While pre-procedural protection was deemed unnecessary in this case, it highlights the importance of considering factors beyond coronary height, such as calcium distribution and valve length, in predicting and preventing potential occlusion of coronary ostia during TAVR. Improved risk prediction is crucial in mitigating the occurrence of life-threatening complications.
Unveiling the Role of SLC27A2 in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia: Insights into Immune Evasion and Prognosis
Authors: Lu Lihua , Li Jiazheng , Zheng Yongzhi , Luo Luting , Huang Yan , Hu Jianda , Chen Yanxin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Solute carrier family 27 member 2 (SLC27A2) is involved in fatty acid metabolism in tumours and represents a prospective target for cancer therapy. However, the role and mechanism of action of SLC27A2 in acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) remains unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the intrinsic associations between SLC27A2 and ALL and evaluate the prognostic significance, biological functions, and correlation with immune infiltration.
Methods
We used the transcriptome and clinical data from the TARGET dataset. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the SLC27A2 low- and high-expression groups were analysed for prognostic implications and functional enrichment. Furthermore, we analysed the relationship between SLC27A2 gene expression and immune cell infiltration using the ESTIMATE method, which was evaluated using the TIGER platform. Finally, we knocked down SLC27A2 in the Jurkat ALL cell line and conducted cell proliferation, western blotting, flow cytometry, and CCK-8 assays to elucidate the biological function of SLC27A2 in ALL.
Results
Patients with ALL who have higher expression levels of SLC27A2 have poorer overall survival and event-free survival. According to the gene set enrichment analysis, DEGs were primarily enriched with immune system processes and the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. There was an inverse relationship between SLC27A2 expression and immune cell invasion, suggesting its involvement in tumour immune evasion. In vitro experiments showed that knockdown of SLC27A2 inhibited cell proliferation and protein expression and altered the Akt pathway, with a reduced proportion of B cells.
Conclusion
SLC27A2 plays a vital role in the development of ALL.
Risk factors and prognostic impact of severe neutropenia in the first cycle of trifluridine-tipiracil for metastatic colorectal cancer patients: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Omori Yoshiro , Matsukuma Satoshi , Kawa Mikiko , Ishimitsu Kazuki , Kawaoka Toru , Akiyama Norio , Tokuno Kazuhisa , Fujita Yuji , Sato Shinya , Yamamoto Shigeru 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Several studies have reported that chemotherapy-induced neutropenia in the early phase contributes to better outcomes of patients treated with trifluridine-tipiracil (FTD/TPI) treatment. We aimed to identify the risk factors for severe neutropenia during FTD/TPI treatment, and their impacts on overall survival (OS).
Methods
This single-center retrospective study included patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer who were treated with FTD/TPI between May 2014 and April 2023. The primary endpoint was OS, and the secondary endpoint was severe neutropenia in the first cycle of FTD/TPI. We assessed the association between outcomes and potential confounders using multivariate analysis.
Results
Of the 85 total patients, 24 developed severe neutropenia during the first treatment cycle. The risk of severe neutropenia adjusted for initial dose reduction was defined as renal impairment with creatinine clearance (Ccr) of < 60 mL/min (adjusted odds ratio, 3.83; 95% confidence interval, 1.29–12.43) and absolute neutrophil count (per 1,000/µL: 0.54, 0.32–0.85). In our Cox hazard analysis, the independent factors associated with OS were neutropenia ≥ Grade 1 in cycle 1 or 2 (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.37; 95% CI 0.19–0.72), combined treatment with bevacizumab (0.55; 95% CI 0.32–0.94) and number of metastatic organs (1.58; 1.21–2.07). Severe neutropenia in cycle 1 was not associated with OS (1.13, 0.62–2.04).
Conclusion
Renal impairment was associated with the severe neutropenia treated using FTD/TPI. It remains unclear whether severe neutropenia in the early phases of FTD/TPI treatment is a predictor of favorable outcomes.
Association between uric acid and referable diabetic retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Rivera-De-la-Parra David , Hernández-Jiménez Sergio , Almeda-Valdés Paloma , Aguilar-Salinas Carlos A. , Graue-Hernández Enrique O. , Pérez-Peralta Liliana , Jiménez-Corona Aida 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Plasmatic uric acid (UA) has been inconsistently associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Specific sight-threatening stages of DR have not been studied for its association with UA.
Patients and methods:
Cross-sectional, comparative study. Between 2014 and 2018 we recruited 210 Mexican individuals > 18 years-old with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Clinical, ophthalmological and biochemical assessment was performed with standardized funduscopic examination. Certified readers classified DR stages. The association between DR and UA was assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis, calculating odds ratios (OR) and 95%CI, after adjustment by covariables.
Results
Two hundred and ten patients were included, 41 (19.5%) had referable DR. Subjects with referable (severe or worse) DR had longer diabetes duration 22 (15–28) vs 15 (8–20) years (p < 0.01), higher levels of uric acid 6.5 (5.8–8.1) vs 5.4 (4.5–6.6) mg/dL (p < 0.01), systolic blood pressure 130 (120–140) vs 120 (110–130) mmHg (p < 0.01), diastolic blood pressure 78.4 ± 9.7 vs 75.4 ± 9.2 mmHg (p = 0.03), and lower glomerular filtration rate (MDRD) 54.1(41.5–69.6) vs 87.3 (66.8-108.3) mL/min/1.73m2 (p < 0.01) compared with those without referable DR. With multiple logistic regression after adjustment, per each unit of change (mg/dl) in UA the probability of having referable DR increased 45% higher (OR = 1.45, 95% CI 1.12–1.87, p < 0.01). When UA was evaluated as dichotomous variable, those with levels ≥7.8 mg/dL had almost two times (OR = 2.81, 95% CI, 1.00-7.9., p = 0.49) the probability of having referable DR compared with those with levels < 7.8 mg/dL.
Conclusion
UA may contribute to the microvascular damage in retinal vessels and therefore hyperuricemia could be a therapeutic target to prevent DR progression.
Genetic Profiling of Plasmodium falciparum Antigenic Biomarkers among Asymptomatic Pregnant Women on Intermittent Preventive Treatment with Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine from Southwest Nigeria
Authors: RI Funwei , Olaleye A , Noblefather U , Hammed Wasiu , CJ Elikwu , Akinmade Adepoju , Okangba C , Akinyede A , Ojurongbe O , Falade C , Walker O 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The genetic complexity of Plasmodium falciparum is a contributory factor to the emergence of drug-resistant parasites. The WHO recommends intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) in malaria endemic settings. This study evaluated the prevalence of the Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance-1 gene (mdr-1), genetic diversity of merozoite surface proteins (msp-1, msp-2) and glutamate-rich protein (glurp) among pregnant women from southwest Nigeria.
Methods
One hundred PCR-confirmed Plasmodium falciparum isolates, comprising visit 1 (V1) (n = 52), delivery (n = 31) and cord blood (n = 17), were randomly selected for analysis. The mdr-1 haplotypes were evaluated using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RLFP), while the msp-1, msp-2 and glurp genes were genotyped using nested PCR. Allelic frequencies, proportions and multiplicity of infection were calculated, and the p value was considered ≤ 0.05.
Results
The mdr-1 (N86/N86Y) combination was detected in 11.8% (V1), 61.3% (delivery) and 58.8% (cord blood) from the isolates (p ≤ 0.05). The mutant (N86Y) haplotype was detected only in cord isolates (5.9%). The allelic frequency distribution for msp-1 was 245 (K1 = 81, MAD20 = 85 and RO33 = 79), and that for msp-2 was 110, representing 43.6% (FC27) and 56.4% (3D7), respectively. While glurp expressed the least allelic frequency of 25, 84% (V1), 12% (delivery) and 4% (cord), respectively (p ≤ 0.05). msp-1 and msp-2 recorded higher MOIs than glurp.
Conclusion
Antigenic falciparum strains with N86Y Pfmdr-1, msp-1, msp-2, and glurp may compromise the effectiveness of IPTp-SP in southwest Nigeria. The search for newer drug formulations for IPTp may be needed.