bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between cytokine cycling levels and Sjogren's syndrome: genetic correlation and bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Jiang Zong , Cai Xin , yao Xiaoling , Zhang Shaoqin , Lan Weiya , Jin Zexu , Tang Fang , Ma Wukai , yao Xueming , Chen Changming , lan Tianzuo , Liu Jiajun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a complex autoimmune disease influenced by genetics, yet its genetic underpinnings remain elusive. This study investigates the genetic correlation and potential causative link between cytokine cycling levels and SS.
Methods
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were conducted with 8,293 and 14,824 European participants to identify cytokines. The GWAS dataset for SS, comprising 368,028 individuals of European ancestry (2,495 cases and 365,533 controls), was sourced from the Finnish biological sample library. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SS were identified using Linkage disequilibrium score (LDSC) regression for Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was the primary analytical approach. Additional methods including MR Egger, Weighted median, and Weighted mode were employed for robustness assessment. Heterogeneity testing, horizontal pleiotropy testing, and Steiger testing were conducted for sensitivity analysis. Reverse MR analysis was performed to assess the potential for a reverse causal relationship between SS and cytokines.
Results
LDSC regression analysis identified 46 cytokines for bidirectional MR analysis with SS. The IVW method revealed significant associations of genetically predicted cytokines IL10RB (P = 0.019, OR = 1.138, 95% CI: 1.021–1.267) and CXCL11 (P = 0.015, OR = 1.269, 95% CI: 1.048–1.537) with increased SS risk. The absence of heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy in sensitivity analysis underscores the robustness of these findings.
Conclusion
The study suggests a potential causal relationship between genetically predicted cytokines and SS, particularly through IL10RB and CXCL11 cycles. Further research is warranted to elucidate the biological mechanisms by which cytokine cycling levels influence SS.
Preparation of Y Zeolite Molecular Sieve Based on Bentonite and its Catalytic Cracking Performance for Shale Oil
Authors: Liu Qinghua , Wu Xianglian , Tuo Changmin , Nulahong Aisha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper, Y-type molecular sieve was prepared by hydrothermal synthesis method using bentonite as raw material, which reduced the preparation cost of traditional molecular sieve and improved the comprehensive resource utilization rate of bentonite. The effect of metal composition in bentonite on the preparation of Y-type molecular sieve and the catalytic cracking performance of shale oil was investigated. XRD, SEM, FT-IR, BET and other characterization methods were used to investigate the physicochemical properties. The results showed that the Y-type molecular sieve prepared with bentonite as raw material has good morphology, small grain square block, high crystallinity, high acidity, and better specific surface area, pore size and pore volume. Compared with the Y-type molecular sieve (HY-2) prepared by the bentonite containing Fe, the Y-type molecular sieve catalyst (HY-1) prepared by the bentonite removing impurities such as metal Fe has higher crystallinity, stronger acidity, larger specific surface area, pore size and pore volume. The results show that removing metal Fe and other impurities from bentonite is beneficial to the synthesis of Y-type molecular sieve and can effectively improve its physical property structure. The catalytic cracking performance of the catalyst was investigated by using shale oil >350℃ fractions. The results showed that the content of gasoline and LPG reached 46.03% and 2.51%, the content of diesel oil was 41.14%, the content of dry gas and heavy oil was 0.87% and 8.28%, and the content of coke was as low as 1.16%. Compared with HY-2, the gasoline content of HY-1 reaction products is 56.66%, an increase of 10.63%, while the diesel and heavy oil contents are 32.89% and 6.43%, respectively, a decrease of 8.25% and 1.82%, indicating that HY-1 has stronger catalytic cracking performance and can convert more heavy oil and diesel into gasoline. Compared with commercial Y-type molecular sieve catalyst, the gasoline content of HY-1 is only 3.68% lower, while the coke content is 2% lower, indicating that the Mg and K contained in bentonite are conducive to the catalytic cracking reaction and improve the production of light oil. At the same time, the catalytic cracking performance of HY-1 has reached the performance of commercial products, and has high commercial value and research potential. By optimizing the reaction conditions, the gasoline yield of HY-1 reached 63.38%, an increase of 6.72%. The heavy oil content is only 3.78%, which is reduced by 2.56%, and has a lower coke rate of 0.93%. Therefore, it shows that the bentonite-based Y-type molecular sieve has good catalytic performance, which can reduce the cost of Y-type molecular sieve catalyst, improve the utilization rate of shale oil heavy oil, and create certain economic value.
Quantifying the nonrevenue water problem in a sub-Saharan African environment: a practical application in the Republic of Cameroon (Central Africa)
Authors: Mvongo Victor Dang , Defo Celestin , Tchoffo Martin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

A water distribution network faces a number of problems associated with its continuous aging process, including water loss. Nonrevenue water (NRW) is the water that is produced by a water utility but not sold to customers. This study aimed to update nonrevenue water (NRW) estimations in the water supply network in Cameroon to identify challenges in reducing the NRW in the country, as this approach is applicable in sub-Saharan African environments with similar affinity patterns. Data on water supply access in Cameroon were collected from the Joint Monitoring Program of the WHO and UNICEF, the IBNET, the Central Bureau of the Census and Population Studies of Cameroon, and the Demographic Health Survey. Microsoft Excel was used to assess the NRW volume based on the Wyatt/IDB methodology, including calculations of the supplied population, domestic consumption, nondomestic consumption, system input volume, and NRW. The results indicate that the global volume of NRW in the water supply network in Cameroon was 84.7 million cubic meters per year, including 82.4 million cubic meters in urban areas and 2.2 million cubic meters in rural areas. The cost/value of the water lost per year was 28.6 billion CFA francs (USD 47.6 million). This high level of water loss, particularly in urban areas, had an impact on the financial viability of the Camwater. Indeed, as of December 31, 2020, the liquidity ratio of 0.89 indicates that Camwater's activities do not generate enough cash to meet short-term commitments, while the solvency ratio of 2.2 indicates high long-term debt relative to the level of equity. By cutting Cameroon’s NRW to half its present level, approximately 1.2 million people could be supplied, including 1.1 million in urban areas and 100,000 in rural areas. The findings also suggest that a high level of NRW is influenced by rapid urbanization, outdated infrastructure, and a high level of poor operation and maintenance, including an ineffective record-keeping system and inadequate technical skills and technology.
Genetically predicted Vascular endothelial growth factor A mediates the association between CD3+ CD8+ TD T cell and Colorectal cancer: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zhang Qiao , Chen Binghe , Zhou Xuezhi , Cheng Sai , Hou Dong , Wu Xinjun , Zhang Dezhong , Zhu Shaohui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: The association between CD3 on Terminally Differentiated CD8+ T cell (CD3+CD8+ TD T cell) and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk remained uncertain. The study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between CD3+CD8+ TD T cell and CRC, as well as to quantify the role of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A (VEGF-A) as a potential mediator in this relationship.
Methods: The summary statistics dataset for the association of genetic variants with CD3+CD8+ TD T cell was obtained from the published IEU GWAS (N = 2911). The FennGenn consortium datasets R9, which included 293706 participants (6509 cases and 287137 controls), were used to identify genetic variants related to CRC. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was used to assess this association. Additionally, a two-step MR analysis was conducted to estimate the proportion of the effect of VEGF-A mediated CD3+CD8+ TD T cell on CRC.
Results: The results of IVW indicated that CD3+CD8+ TD T cell was associated with CRC (OR=1.053, 95% CI=1.004–1.104, P=0.032).The Cochran heterogeneity test showed no significant heterogeneity among SNPs of CD3+CD8+ TD T cell ( Q = 14.9807, P=0.7238, I2 =0.2683), and no considerable pleiotropy was detected for the association of CD3+CD8+ TD T cell with CRC( intercept = 0.015; p = 0.2917)，There was no evidence that genetically predicted CRC had an effect on CD3+CD8+ TD T cell risk (OR=0.943, 95% CI=0.851-1.044,P=0.259). There was evidence that genetically predicted CD3+CD8+ TD T cell had an effect on VEGF-A risk (OR=1.038, 95% CI=1.006-1070,P=0.021) and VEGF-A had an effect on CRC risk (OR=1.09, 95% CI=1.019-1.167,P=0.012).The proportion of genetically predicted CD3+CD8+ TD T cell mediated by VEGF-A was 6.17%.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study identiﬁed a causal relationship between
CD3+CD8+ TD T cell and CRC, with a small proportion of the effect mediated by VEGF-A, but a majority of the effect remains unclear. Further research is needed on additional risk factors as potential mediators. In clinical practice, more attention should be given to the Tumor immune microenvironment in the biological behavior of colorectal cancer.
The public health infrastructure of MSU-IIT: Assessment of perceptions from College of Engineering residents
Authors: Montemor Bernard Louis , Driz King Zhytt 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper delves into an assessment of public health and infrastructure readiness at MSU-IIT's College of Engineering. Stakeholder involvement is emphasized, encompassing students, faculty, and support staff, fostering a collaborative approach to highlight shared responsibility. The communication of findings and proposed improvements is integral, ensuring transparency and widespread access to the university’s health services. The assessment, scored at 2.5, reflects a moderate level of readiness, spotlighting balanced performance across criteria yet indicating areas for enhancement. Implications are explored across dimensions such as leadership, health information systems, workforce, logistics, and community engagement. There is a call for strengthening legal frameworks, financial support, and coordination mechanisms. The evaluation serves as a valuable starting point, offering insights for targeted interventions and strategic enhancements in specific aspects to elevate MSU-IIT's overall preparedness for health emergencies. The nuanced analysis provides a comprehensive roadmap for focused efforts, guiding the institution toward a more resilient and responsive health system.
Understanding the changes in spatiotemporal patterns of two carnivores in response to different anthropogenic pressures and ecological factors in Silwood Park, Ascot, London
Authors: Banerjee Anish 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Human induced habitat loss and disturbances is the driving cause of mammalian extinction. Moreover, these disturbances are also significantly affecting the spatiotemporal patterns of individual species. Two species which have been able to thrive in such human modified landscapes are the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the European Badger (Meles meles). Across an urban gradient both species display complex behavioral and ecological adaptations. However, there have been minimal studies on the specific impacts of anthropogenic pressures and ecological factors influence the spatiotemporal patterns of both species in semiurban landscapes. In this study, camera trapping was conducted to understand how ecological factors and anthropogenic factors influenced the spatiotemporal patterns of both species in Silwood Park, Berkshire. The study revealed that foxes were more nocturnal in grasslands and closer to roads and buildings. Surprisingly, fox relative abundance was higher with increased human activity. Meanwhile, badgers, which were completely nocturnal in this study, had higher relative abundance near buildings. Lastly, both species showed varied responses to the abundances of other recorded mammalian species. Nonetheless, these multifaceted results indicate the need for studies covering a larger urban rural gradient to understand the complex behavioral adaptations to human pressures.
Number of readmissions and its determinants among patients with heart failure at referral hospitals in Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia; 2023, A Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial model
Authors: Gedfew Mihretie , Tesfaye Bekele , Amha Haile , Wondie Tirusew , Gedif Getnet , Getaneh Wodajie , Akalu Tadesse Yirga , Yismaw Lieltework , Diress Gedefaw 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to determine the number of readmissions among patients with heart failure and identify the determinants of heart failure among patients at referral hospitals in the Amhara region, North western Ethiopia, in 2023.
Study design: A cross-sectional study design was employed using zero-inflated negative binomial models.
Methods: Data were collected from patients with heart failure at referral hospitals in the Amhara region from September 2022 to February 2023. The data were collected from 663 patients with heart failure using chart reviews and interviewer-administered questions.
Results: In this study, 237 (35.7%) patients with heart failure were readmitted at least once. The study showed that for every unit increase in the respiratory rate, the number of readmissions among patients with heart failure increased by 1.5% (IRR=.0.015; 95% CI=0.0004, 0.031), 0.044. In addition, as the duration of medication intake increased by one unit, the number of readmissions increased by 1.1% (IRR. =.0.011: 95% CI: 0.016, 0.051), 0.0001, while keeping all the other model variables constant. Similarly, compared with those of patients with good social support, the number of readmissions of patients with poor social support decreased by 59.4% (IRR=-1.595: 95% CI=-0.02, -0.005), 0.041. On the other hand, when thebody mass index increased by one unit, the odds of being in the always-zero group increased by 11.5% (IRR = 0.115: 95% CI: 0.035, 0.196), 0.004. Moreover, when the pulse rate increased by one unit, the odds of being in the always zero group decreased by 1.27% (IRR = -0.013: 95% CI: -0.025, -0.008), 0.036.
Patient or Public Contribution Determining the factors that lead to heart failure (HF) readmission is essential for developing effective interventions to lower the number of readmissions and hospital stays that may negatively impact patients’ and their families' overall socioeconomic status. Additionally, this study provides a baseline for the progress of nursing research and education as well as input for policy makers, all of which will help to improve nursing practice.
Novel Preconditioners for Unfitted FEM in DarcyFlow for Fractured Medium
Authors: Khan Wasif , Ahmad Shahbaz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We suggest using GMRES preconditioners to solve a saddle-point problemarising from the discretization of unfitted Finite Element Method (FEM) inDarcy ow for fractured media. These problems often occur when we use a specfic method to understand how uids move in complex situations, suchas multiple dimensions. We conducted a thorough study, examining the solutions, and found that our new way of preparing the problem makes thingswork better. Spectral analysis of the proposed preconditioners, along with numerical results, showed that our method works well, especially when combinedwith a exible-GMRES method. We applied our approach to solve problemsfrom a 2D test scenario, proving that our way is practical and useful.
AMS Classification: 74Sxx, 65N06, 65N12, 65F10.
Formulation and evaluation of controlled release mucoadhesive oral tablet of clarithromycin
Authors: chandu N.Sai , I.Nagaraju  , VIJAYKUMAR GAMPA 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The present investigation concerns the development of mucoadhesive tablets of Clarithromycin which were designed to prolong the gastric residence time after oral administration. Matrix tablets of Clarithromycin were formulated using four mucoadhesive polymers namely Carbopol 974P, HPMC K15M and HPMC K4M carried out studies for weight variation, thickness, hardness, content uniformity, swelling index, mucoadhesive force and in vitro drug release. Formulation of F9 and F12 which were formulated by using polymers, HPMC K14M, HPMC K15M and Carbopol 974P provided controlled release of Clarithromycin over the period of 12 hrs. The cumulative % of drug release of formulation F9 and F12 were 93.16 and 96.82 respectively. Invitro releases of F1 to F12 were found to be diffusion controlled and followed zero order kinetics. Formulation of F9 and F12 which were formulated by using polymers HPMC K4M, HPMC K15M and Carbopol 974P were established to be the optimum formulation with optimum bioadhesive force, swelling index & desired invitro drug release. Further investigations are needed to confirm the in vivo efficiency, long term stability studies are needed to stabilize the controlled released (F9 and F12) formulations.
SunSieve: Automated Solar-Powered Extraction of Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Seed, Pulp, and Juice Using Arduino Microcontroller
Authors: Nebrida Alan , Pilde Mae Joy U. , Madayag Lealyn V. , Bungubung Renato Allen S , Almeniana Klemens Von A. , Billo John John B. , Minia-Nebrida Joan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The SunSieve system, an innovative integration of solar energy and automated control technology for the effective extraction of Solanum Lycopersicum components, is demonstrated in this work. It addresses both concerns of processing efficiency and sustainability in the agricultural sector. By using automation and renewable energy sources, the study attempted to address the issues of excessive energy consumption, labor-intensive procedures, and quality control in the tomato processing industry. The study used a developmental research approach and involved developing and constructing the SunSieve, a solar-powered extraction device using an Arduino Uno microcontroller. The crucial steps of pH monitoring and UV sterilization were controlled by this controller, guaranteeing the safety and purity of the extracted juice. With an emphasis on optimizing production and reducing waste, the system's design made it easier to separate tomatoes into their seeds, pulp, and juice. The results of many tests showed that the UV light sensor operated consistently, activating to lower the level of microbes upon detection of juice and deactivating when the juice was not present to prolong the shelf life without sacrificing quality. The ideal pH range, which is critical for taste and safety, was maintained by the system between 4.0 and 4.50. Additionally, the system's effectiveness was shown by the processing times for pulp, juice, and seeds, all of which produced a consistent output of 1.3 liters of juice every trial. SunSieve's design, construction, and microcontroller integration produced a highly functioning system that assured juice quality. The experiment found that using smart technology and solar electricity in agricultural processing greatly increases output and quality of the final product. With its novel approach to tackling modern difficulties in the food processing sector, the SunSieve system provides insights into how automation and renewable energy may revolutionize agricultural processes.
Exploring the Impact of Dietary Factors on Intracranial Aneurysm Risk: Insights from Mendelian Randomization Analysis
Authors: Ma Junren , Zong Kang , Wang Yonghui , Wu Congyan , Liu Hanchen , Lin Ruyue , Li Rui , Zou Chao , Zuo Qiao , Xu Yi , Liu Jianmin , Zhao Rui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: While existing research has established a link between dietary habits and the incidence of intracranial aneurysms, the application of Mendelian randomization to explore this association remains largely uncharted.
Methods: n our study, we analyzed a wide array of dietary factors using data from the IEU Open GWAS project, which included meat varieties (oily fish, pork, lamb/mutton, beef and poultry), vegetarian foods (both cooked and raw vegetables, along with fresh and dried fruits), cereal and the frequency of alcohol intake. We included pooled intracranial aneurysm GWAS data from a comprehensive dataset of 7,495 cases as well as 71,934 controls. In MR analysis, we employed multiple Mendelian randomization techniques such as weighted median, MR-Egger, and Inverse Variance Weighted methods and rigorously controlled the false discovery rates through the Bonferroni correction across ten dietary exposures. The study's robustness was further ensured by assessing heterogeneity and pleiotropy using Cochran's Q test and MR-Egger method, supplemented by leave-one-out and MR-PRESSO analyses, thus solidifying the validity of our findings.
Results: Our analysis identified a significant association between cooked vegetables (OR: 2.296; 95% CI: 0.726 ~ 3.867; p = 0.0042) and an elevated risk of intracranial aneurysms. Besides, the initial analysis suggested a statistically significant association between the dried fruit (OR: 0.385; 95%CI: -1.842 ~ -0.067; p= 0.0350), frequency of alcohol intake (OR: 1.419; 95% CI: 0.039 ~ 0.661; p = 0.0276) and the risk of intracranial aneurysms. However, this significance was not sustained after applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple testing, indicating a need for cautious interpretation despite the initially promising findings. No causal links were found between intracranial aneurysms and other dietary intakes investigated in this study.
Conclusion: This study identified a clear causal link between cooked vegetable intake and an increased risk of intracranial aneurysm, while suggesting a potential connection between the frequency of alcohol intake and the elevated risk, although this association did not reach statistical significance after multiple testing corrections. Conversely, no significant associations were observed between the risk of intracranial aneurysm and the consumption of various meats, cheese, and other fruits and vegetables.