bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Outcomes of Infectious Keratitis Associated with Contact Lens Wear Following Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Case Series
Authors: chanbour wassef , Cao Angela , stevens dylan , miller Victoria , vania rashidi , Hou Joshua 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objectives To report on the clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients who developed infectious keratitis associated with contact lens wear following penetrating keratoplasty (PK).Methods A retrospective chart review was performed to identify all patients who underwent PK between November 2012 and January 2023 at a single tertiary referral practice, and subsequently developed contact-lens related infectious keratitis. Electronic medical records of 74 identified patients were reviewed to obtain data about demographics, ocular history, contact lens usage, microbial culture reports, visual acuity, treatment, and clinical outcomes.Results Contact-lens-associated infectious keratitis occurred in 9 patients, more frequently in males (66%), and patients had a mean age of 54.5 +/- 11.8 years old. The identified causative organisms included: Moraxella nonliquefaciens (N = 1), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (N = 1), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (N = 3), Staphylococcus epidermidis (N = 1), Streptococcus mitis (N = 1), Candida albicans (N = 1), Candida parapsilosis (N = 2), and Acanthamoeba (N = 1). Contact lenses were used following PK for an average of 9.1 +/- 10.8 months before development of keratitis. Patients were followed for 31.8 +/- 30.2 months after infection. The mean best corrected visual acuity without contact lenses prior to infection was 20/150 and decreased to 20/260 post-infection. Complications following the contact-lens-associated infectious keratitis included: central corneal haze (N = 8), chronic corneal epithelial defects (N = 3), perforation (N = 3), endophthalmitis (N = 1), and enucleation (N = 1). Three grafts required repeat PK.Conclusions Contact-lens-associated infectious keratitis following PK have high rates of complication. Patients should be monitored closely for signs of infection.
Reversible and Irreversible Mechanisms of Li-CO2 Batteries
Authors: Li Yafei , Zhang Xinxin , Wang Yu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Li-CO2 batteries are considered a versatile solution for CO2 utilization. However, their development, including reversibility and efficiency, is impeded by an inadequate understanding of Li-CO2 electrochemistry, particularly the decomposition of carbon and the generation of by-product O2. Here, using Ru (reversible) and Ir (irreversible) as model catalysts and employing state-of-the-art first-principles calculations, the rechargeable/reversible mechanisms of Li-CO2 batteries are disclosed. We find that electrolyte, often neglected or oversimplified in Li-CO2 modeling, plays an essential role in CO2 activation, and C-C coupling affects the generation pathways of discharge intermediates due to the sluggish kinetics. The results rationalize experimental observations, which are also examined by constant-potential modeling. Specifically, by exploring the kinetics of the charging process, we discover that the reversibility of Ru is attributed to its ability to suppress O-O coupling while co-oxidizing Li2CO3 and carbon. In contrast, Li2CO3 decomposition on Ir preferentially produces O2, during which carbon can only be partially decomposed. These findings solve long-standing questions and highlight the necessity of describing the explicit solvent effect in modeling, which can promote further studies on Li-CO2 batteries.
Retinal complications following COVID-19: Real-life insights and implications
Authors: Orešković Emma Grace , Drača Nataša , Lazić Ratimir , Ivezić Borivoje , Jonjić Ivana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose: This case series investigated and elucidated various retinal pathologies observed in patients with COVID-19 infection. We sought to understand the prevalence and manifestations of these conditions by exploring the link between COVID-19 and retinal pathologies.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who subsequently exhibited retinal pathologies. Medical records and ophthalmic imaging data were thoroughly reviewed to identify specific cases of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM), bilateral Krill’s disease, and vessel occlusion.
Results: Our analysis revealed a spectrum of retinal pathologies in patients with COVID-19 infection. These included CSCR, PAMM, bilateral Krill’s disease, and central retinal artery occlusion. These pathologies appear to be closely associated with the inflammatory and thrombotic effects of the virus on the retina.
Conclusion: This case series demonstrates the importance of recognising and promptly managing retinal pathologies in individuals recovering from COVID-19 to mitigate vision loss. Although our findings suggest a strong connection between these ophthalmic manifestations and COVID-19 infection, further research is warranted to establish a definitive correlation and expand our understanding of these conditions in the context of post-COVID-19 recovery.
Aeromonas Bacteremia in a Patient with Decompensated EtOH Cirrhosis
Authors: Gore James , Ebiai Ruona , Sharma Sakshi , Regennitter Nicholas , Bhamre Sneha , Romo Karina G. , Jakher Haroon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aeromonas hydrophila is a gram-negative rod, aquatic microorganism implicated in clinical disease, including skin soft tissue infections and rarely, bacteremia. In patients with cirrhosis, Aeromonas bacteremia has been associated with higher mortality than bacteremia caused by other organisms. The following presents a case of a woman with cirrhosis and lower extremity wound exposed to brackish water, found to have Aeromonas hydrophila bacteremia.
An alternative soil erodibility estimation approach for data scarce regions: A case study in Ethiopian Rift Valley Lake Basin
Authors: Aga Alemu Osore 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Soil erodibility (K) is an essential factor for erosion prediction, conservation planning and assessment of sediment related environmental problems. K estimation methods have been developed in many soil erosion and water quality models, which are developed for soil data rich areas and pose a challenge for areas with limited data. Unlike others, by using the erosion productivity impact calculator (EPIC) model, the required soil parameters for calculating K can be extracted from the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) world database. In order to verify the FAO soil database and develop an alternative K method (KET) by mimicking the equation of K used in the EPIC model, we collected 203 soil samples from different soil units in the Ethiopian Rift Valley Lake Basin (ERVLB). Unlike the K of EPIC model, KET is developed based on the physical properties of soils that can be easily measured in a laboratory. The results from KET were compared with those from the EPIC-K. Statistically, the performance of KET is excellent and the soil analysis result of ERVLB deviates from the FAO soil database on lower altitude areas of the basin. When KET is projected for overall soil units of the country, it predicts 35.7% of the country soil with less than ±5% relative error. On average, the KET can be applied to overall country soils with a relative error of −9.88% with a standard deviation of 6.4. By applying KET, the ERVLB and the country K map were produced. We recommend that the K map developed for ERVLB can be confidently used since it is validated using field data.
Clinical value of the noninvasive myocardial work-up technique in the evaluation of patients with end-stage renal disease complicated by myocardial infarction
Authors: Chen Linli , Tu Meilin , Zhang Zhengxian , Gu Meiyu , Wang Lu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective: To retrospectively analyze the clinical diagnostic value of the noninvasive myocardial work technique for evaluating myocardial infarction in patients with end-stage renal disease.
Methods: Ninety-one patients with end-stage renal disease admitted to our hospital from March 2020 to December 2022 were included, and 39 patients with myocardial infarction were included in the study cluster; the other 52 patients with simple end-stage renal disease were included in the control cluster. Echocardiographic parameters and noninvasive myocardial work parameters were contrasted between the two clusters to explore their ability to predict adverse events and determine their prognostic value.
Results: The echocardiographic parameters LVEF and E in the study cluster were lower than those in the control cluster, and the echocardiographic parameters LVEDD, LVESD, LVEDV and LVESV were greater than those in the control cluster. There was remarkable variance between the two clusters (P<0.05). The noninvasive myocardial work parameters GCW, GWI and GWE in the study cluster were lower than those in the control cluster, and the GWW and GLS parameters were greater than those in the control cluster. There was remarkable variance between the two clusters (P<0.05). There was no marked difference in LVEF or noninvasive myocardial work parameters between the two clusters before the operation. The noninvasive myocardial work parameters GCW, GWI, GWE and LVEF in the two clusters after surgery were markedly increased, and the GWW and GLS parameters were markedly decreased. The incidence rate of adverse events in the study cluster was 38.46%, which was greater than that in the control cluster (9.62%). There was remarkable variance between the two clusters (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: A noninvasive myocardial work technique can detect each segment of the cardiac cycle, can be used to quantitatively analyze the function of the left ventricular myocardium, can accurately predict myocardial damage in patients with simple end-stage renal disease and patients with myocardial infarction, and can be used to evaluate patient prognosis and treatment safety. This prediction method has the advantages of high prediction accuracy and specificity.
The effect of coaching on health information literacy in patients with chronic kidney disease: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: HU Yimin , ZHANG Bin , HU Zhihao , HUANG Jingwen , WANG Ling , WEI Yuting , ZHENG Baojia , XUE Qing 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background:
Since chronic kidney disease is highly insidious in the early stages, most diagnosed patients have already developed irreversible renal failure. There is a lack of effective implementation and standardization of health education management for patients with chronic kidney disease, and the impact of health education management on health information literacy is not yet known.
Methods:
This randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted from March 2022 to March 2023. A total of 130 patients with chronic kidney disease stage 3–4 were selected from a tertiary hospital in Zhuhai via a convenience sampling method, and were then randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The Health Information Literacy Questionnaire for Chronic Kidney Disease was used to assess the health literacy of the patients at month 0 and month 12. In addition, the renal function-related indices of the patients were measured before and after the intervention. The study adhered to CONSORT guidelines.
Results:
There was no significant difference between the two groups in health information literacy, platelet count, glomerular filtration rate, or albumin level. However, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in health behavioral status such as information acquisition, checkups, and physical activity. Subgroup analysis revealed that hemoglobin was significantly higher in non-employed patients than in the intervention group. There was a significant improvement in hemoglobin level after receiving health guidance in patients with intermediate education, and acquisition capacity and estimated glomerular filtration rate in the intervention group were lower than in the control group for patients with elementary education.
Conclusion:
Receiving health coaching helped to improve self-management behaviors and hemoglobin levels of patients with stage 3–4 chronic kidney disease. Education level is an important factor influencing the effectiveness of health coaching techniques.
Clinical trial registration:
This study was prospectively registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry on November 10, 2021, with registration number: ChiCTR2100053103.
Chromatographic analysis of methyl hippuric acid metabolite in the urine of petroleum workers and evaluation of cytogenetic changes of epithelial cells in buccal mucosa smears
Authors: Chethan T R , Gurupadayya B M , Doddawad Vidya G , PR Hemanth Vikram , Mounika P 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Millions of workers in various occupational settings face potential exposure to hazardous substances, including a wide array of compounds found in petroleum derivatives. Among these compounds, toluene and xylene are prominent examples known for their genotoxic properties. Toluene and xylene, both belonging to the aromatic compound family, give rise to the main metabolic byproducts of hippuric acid, (o, p, m) methyl hippuric acid.
Methods: HPLC approach is used to analyze the urine of petroleum workers who are exposed to toluene and xylene to assess their concentrations of the metabolites. Hippuric acid and (o, p, m) Methyl hippuric acid. The micronucleus assay of buccal mucosa smears can be used to evaluate the genotoxic effects of these exposures in petroleum workers. Occupational exposure to petroleum and its derivatives may cause DNA damage and chromosomal abnormalities in buccal mucosa cells, indicating a potential increased risk of cancer and other health effects.
Results: The Method was developed for Hippuric acid and (o, p, m) Methyl hippuric acid of urinary samples of petroleum workers. The urinary HA, (o, p, m) MHA levels in cases were found to be 26.042 µg/ml with standard deviation value is 12.38. The study focused to examine the cellular alterations in exfoliated oral epithelial cells, particularly cytomorphometry and micronuclei, which were examined using PAP-stained smear to determine the existence of micronuclei.
Conclusions: The urinary HA, (o, p, m) MHA levels were highly significant and the prevalence of the condition was found to be greater among petroleum workers compared to the control population. It is observed that more micro nuclei were found in buccal mucosa of petroleum workers than control subjects. Hence it is suspected to induce toxicity in petroleum workers.
In-silico characterization and gene expression analysis of HSP101 under heat stress conditions
Authors: Kumar Prafulla , Kumar Ravindra , Gangwar Lokesh Kumar , Kumar Amit , agrawal Ankit 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
To understand the genetic and molecular mechanisms that regulate heat stress responses in wheat genotypes, gene expression analysis and in-silico characterization of heat shock proteins 101 (HSP101) was performed. Three isoforms of HSP101 genes (HSP101a, HSP101b, and HSP101c), known for their roles in plant growth responses and adaptation to heat stress were examined. qRT-PCR analysis revealed constitutive expression of HSP101 transcripts in wheat plants, with maximum expression observed at 40°C heat shock treatment. Heat-tolerant genotypes (DBW 90, RAJ 4083, and DBW 71) exhibited a progressive upregulation of HSP101 gene transcripts with increasing heat shock treatments. For the in-silicocharacterization of HSP101a, HSP101b, and HSP101c transcripts gene sizes were found 240bp, 214bp, and 183bp through automated sequencing. The BLAST analysis confirmed their high homology with chaperone proteins and other HSP101-related genes in wheat. Phylogenetic comparisons, and amino acid translations provided insights into their evolutionary relationships and similarities with proteins from different plant species. Predictions of physio-chemical properties indicated that the proteins were basic in nature, and subcellular localization of HSP101a and HSP101b was extracellular, and HSP101c found mitochondrial in nature. 3D model of protein was also generated using SWISS MODEL, for understanding their molecular functions and active site identification. The Ramachandran analysis confirmed the structural quality of the protein models, with most residues falling within favored regions. This study provides valuable insights into the expression and molecular characteristics of HSP101 heat shock proteins in heat-tolerant wheat genotypes, contributing to a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in heat tolerance of wheat.
Low-pass whole genome sequencing as a cost-effective alternative to chromosomal microarray analysis for low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Mazzonetto Patricia C. , Villela Darine , Krepischi Ana C. V. , Pierry Paulo M. , Bonaldi Adriano , Almeida Luiz Gustavo D. , Paula Marcelo G. , Bürger Matheus Carvalho , Oliveira Ana Gabriela , Fonseca Gustavo G. G. , Giugliani Roberto , Riegel-Giugliani Mariluce , Bertola Débora , Yamamoto Guilherme Lopes , Passos-Bueno Maria Rita , Campos Gabriele da Silva , Machado Ana Claudia Dantas , Mazzeu Juliana F. , Perrone Eduardo , Zechi-Ceide Roseli M. , Kokitsu-Nakata Nancy M. , Vieira Társis Paiva , Steiner Carlos Eduardo , Gil-da-Silva-Lopes Vera Lúcia , Vieira Daniela Koeller Rodrigues , Boy Raquel , Pina-Neto João Monteiro , Scapulatempo-Neto Cristovam , Milanezi Fernanda , Rosenberg Carla 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We recently demonstrated that low-pass whole-genome sequencing (LP-WGS) with 1x coverage is equally sensitive and specific as chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) for detecting copy number variants (CNVs). Although in Europe and USA the first-tier tests have already transitioned to whole-genome or exome sequencing, even CMA is still unavailable for approximately 71% of the Brazilian population, who exclusively rely on public health system (~ 140 million people). LP-WGS, costing only a quarter of CMA's price, presents a more economical, faster, and technically simpler alternative for detecting CNVs. In this study, we assessed the efficiency and reliability of LP-WGS as a more affordable alternative to CMA. A total of 1363 patients with unexplained neurodevelopmental delay/intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, and/or multiple congenital anomalies were enrolled. Those patients were referred from fifteen Nonprofit Organizations and University Centers located in different states in Brazil. The analysis of LP-WGS at 1x coverage (> 50kb) revealed a positive testing result in 22% of the cases (304/1363), in which 219 and 85 correspond to pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) CNVs and variants of uncertain significance (VUS), respectively. The 16% (219/1363) diagnostic yield observed in our cohort is comparable to the 15–20% reported for CMA in the literature. The use of commercial software, as demonstrated in this study, simplifies the implementation of the test in clinical settings. Particularly for countries like Brazil, where the cost of CMA presents a substantial barrier to most of the population, LP-WGS emerges as a cost-effective alternative for investigating copy number changes in cytogenetics.
Study on the effect of grade change on rheological parameters of pipeline hydraulic coal transportation
Authors: Zhao Li-an , Jian Chunsen , Cai Ronghuan , He Peng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Pipeline transportation of coarse-grained solid-liquid two-phase flow is suitable for long-distance transportation of coal, and currently there are more studies on pipeline abrasion, while there are fewer studies on the prediction of particle size refinement after particle abrasion and the optimization of rheological parameters in the optimization of the combination of coarse and fine particles in the pipeline transportation of coarse-grained coal slurry, and this article proposes to adopt the abrasion equilibrium equations for the refinement of coarse-grained coal slurry hydrodynamic conveying, based on the method of the synthesis of the experimental data and the theoretical analysis. The solution model of particle refinement is given, and the viscosity prediction formula when mixing coarse and fine coal samples is also given by theoretical derivation. The analysis of the experimental data shows that with the prolongation of the conveying time, the content of the coarser particles decreases significantly, the proportion of <0.074mm fine particles increases significantly, and the viscosity of the coal slurry has a tendency to increase, but the magnitude of the increase gradually slows down. Comparison of the predicted and measured values of the particle refinement model showed that when the slurry conveying time was 30 minutes and 50 minutes, the maximum deviation between the predicted and measured values of the model was not more than 10.00%, and the results of the data analysis showed that the crushing rate function was the power function of the average particle size of each particle level, and the viscosity increased with the increase of conveying time. For the optimization of particle size grading, the Herschel-Bulkley fluid model description is used to give a prediction model of viscosity after grading, and the existing experimental data are used to verify the model, with a coal slurry concentration of 58% and different proportions of coarse and fine coal samples blended, the minimum value of viscosity exists, and the viscosity prediction equation is given, and the results show that the most deviation between the predicted value and the measured value is 5.23%. The coarse particle content with the lowest viscosity can be solved by using the theoretical formula for the viscosity reduction effect of blending.
Hydrogeochemical characteristics of surface waters and sediments impacted by acid mine drainage: Case of eMalahleni, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: Shumba Albert , Gitari Mugera , Mudzielwana Rabelani , Ayinde Wasiu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
This study focused on evaluating the hydrogeochemical characteristics of acid mine drainage (AMD), surface water and sediments as well as the associate ecological impacts. Samples were collected from seven distinct locations in Emalahleni, South Africa. Physicochemical parameters of water samples were measured in the field while chemical and mineralogical analysis was done in the laboratory. The results showed that AMD was characterised by low pH (2.69 to 3.30) and high EC (1863–3110 µS/cm), Fe (20–56 mg/L), Al (51–89 mg/L), Mn (9–21 mg/L) and other toxic metals which were above South African guidelines for wastewater discharge. The hydrogeochemical facie revealed the dominance of Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl water type. PHREEQC geochemical modelling, showed that alunite was oversaturated at the decant point while silicates containing minerals such as K-feldspar, k-mica and kaolinite were undersaturated, indicating their potential dissolution from surrounding geology. Sediments characterization showed the presence of goethite while at decant points and downstream of the wetland, precipitation of amorphous Fe(oxy)hydroxides and schwetmannite was observed. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) indicated extreme pollution in sediments from S1 with (Cd, As and Zn), S4 (As) and S7 (Pb). The potential ecological risk index (RI) showed low ecological risk for the presence of toxic metals in S4 and S7 and very high risk at S1. Cd was observed to contribute to the highest levels of contamination at S1. Sediment quality indices showed that AMD was likely to cause impact to sediments. AMD from decant point contaminants sediments, river and dam water due to its low pH and continued oxidation of pyrite. To alleviate environmental impacts caused AMD, innovative treatment approaches are recommended.