bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined short-term exposure to meteorological, pollution factors and pertussis in different groups from Jining, China
Authors: Cao Haoyue , Hou Weiming , Jiang Jingjing , Wang Wenjun , Jiang Wenguo , Yun Xiang , Yuan Juxiang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Previous studies have typically explored daily lagged relationships among pertussis and meteorology, with little assessment of effect and interaction among pollutants mixtures.
Methods
Our researchers collected pertussis cases data from 2017–2022 as well as meteorological and contaminative factors for the Jining region. Firstly, we reported the application of the moving epidemic method (MEM) to estimate epidemic threshold and intensity level. Then we developed a weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model to assess single, multiple effects and interaction of meteorological and pollution factors on pertussis cases for different sex, delayed and epidemic threshold groups.
Results
There has been a yearly upward trend in the incidence of pertussis in Jining regions. High prevalence threshold years were in 2018–2019, the epidemic peak was mainly concentrated in 32 weeks. Totally, pertussis infections disease was separately 2.1% (95% CI: 1.3, 2.8 and 1.1% (95% CI: 0.3, 1.9) higher per decile increase in temperature and SO2. And pertussis infections disease was 1.1% lower per decile increase in humidity. In the different stratified analyses, air pressure was a strong negative effect in males and in the lagged 11–20 days group, with 7.3% and 14.7%, respectively. SO2 had a relatively weak positive effect in males, females and the group after 20 days lag, ranging from 0.5 to 0.6%. The main positive effectors affecting the onset of disease at low and high threshold levels were O3 and SO2, respectively, while the negative effectors were SO2 and CO, respectively.
Conclusions
This is the first mathematically based study of seasonal threshold of pertussis in China, which allows accurate estimation of epidemic level. Our findings support that short-term exposure to pollutants is the risk factor for pertussis. We should concentrate on pollutants monitoring and effect modeling.
Talaromyces marneffei central nervous system infection unveiled by the novel Mp1p antigen detection assay in AIDS patient
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Wang Jing , He Jing , Zhang Haiyan , Luo Ming 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: In acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, Talaromyces marneffei (T. marneffei) infections are mostly disseminated and may involve the skin, mucosa, respiratory system, digestive system, lymphatic system, and as some reports indicate, the nervous system. Mp1p, a cell wall-specific polysaccharide in T. marneffei, is used for laboratory diagnosis of T. marneffei in blood and urine samples. However, the diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) infection by T. marneffei in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has not been reported.
Case presentation: We present the case of an AIDS 35-year-old woman who has had dizziness and headache and was infected with central nervous system Talaromycosis.Magnetic resonance imaging scan which showed intracranial infectious lesions, altered brain atrophic, and periventricular demyelination.The Mp1p antigen was positive by using immunofluorescence in the CSF. T. marneffei was isolated from the CSF.After antifungal treatment, her clinical symptoms significantly improved.
Conclusions: The case illustrates important features of this nervous system infection and the role of antigen detection in early diagnosis. The T. marneffei Mp1p antigen in CSF was detected using a T. marneffei antigen detection kit, which allows early and rapid diagnosis of talaromycosis.
Predictive value of inflammatory factors and lymphocyte counts in tracheal intubation and death after infection with COVID-19
Authors: xu zhongying , Zhang Debao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Objective This study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of inflammatory cytokines and lymphocyte levels in predicting disease progression among patients with COVID-19 infection.Methods Ninety-two hospitalized COVID-19 patients were retrospectively included as subjects for this study. General clinical information and various indicators, including lymphocyte count, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), were collected. All patients received treatment according to the ninth edition of the guidelines for COVID-19. Incidences of endotracheal intubation and mortality within 28 days were observed.Results 1.Lymphocyte count and inflammatory factors demonstrated predictive value for endotracheal intubation in COVID-19 patients. The critical lymphocyte count value was 0.91, with a sensitivity of 38.8%, specificity of 92.9%, and AUC of 0.687 (95% CI: 0.580–0.795). The critical IL-6 value was 38.21, with a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 63.3%, and AUC of 0.771 (95% CI: 0.6670.872). The critical IL-8 value was 54.09, with a sensitivity of 61.9%, specificity of 75.5%, and AUC of 0.665 (95% CI: 0.545–0.771). The critical IL-10 value was 5.05, with a sensitivity of 71.4%, specificity of 65.3%, and AUC of 0.712 (95% CI: 0.601–0.813). The tumor necrosis factor cutoff was 1.98, with a sensitivity of 52.4%, specificity of 73.5%, and AUC of 0.648 (95% CI: 0.530–0.756). 2.Lymphocyte count and inflammatory factors also exhibited predictive value for death in COVID-19 patients. The critical lymphocyte count value was 0.56, with a sensitivity of 71.2%, specificity of 57.5%, and AUC of 0.641 (95% CI: 0.528–0.754). The critical IL-6 value was 53.05, with a sensitivity of 75%, specificity of 71.2%, and AUC of 0.770 (95% CI: 0.6690.870). The critical IL-8 value was 54.09, with a sensitivity of 62.5%, specificity of 63.5%, and AUC of 0.687 (95% CI: 0.5780.796). The critical IL-10 value was 5.05, with a sensitivity of 70%, specificity of 63.5%, and AUC of 0.683 (95% CI: 0.5740.792). The tumor necrosis factor cutoff was 0.98, with a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 34.6%, and AUC of 0.636 (95% CI: 0.523–0.749).Conclusion Elevated inflammatory factors and decreased lymphocyte levels have prognostic value for predicting endotracheal intubation and mortality in COVID-19 patients, providing valuable insights for clinicians in anticipating disease progression.
A Programmable Microfluidic Platform to Monitor Calcium Dynamics in Microglia during Inflammation
Authors: Jones Caroline , Shebindu Adam , Kaveti Durga , Umutoni Linda , Kirk Gia , Burton Michael 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Calcium dynamics significantly influence microglial cell immune responses, regulating activation, migration, phagocytosis, and cytokine release. Understanding microglial calcium signaling is vital for insights into central nervous system immune responses and their impact on neuroinflammation. We introduce a calcium monitoring micro-total analysis system (CAM-μTAS) for quantifying calcium dynamics in microglia (BV2 cells) within defined cytokine microenvironments. The CAM-μTAS leverages the high efficiency pumping capabilities of programmable pneumatically actuated lifting gate microvalve arrays and the flow blocking capabilities of the Quake valve to deliver a cytokine treatment to microglia through a concentration gradient, therefore, biomimicking microglia response to neuroinflammation. Lifting gate microvalves precisely transfer a calcium indicator and culture medium to microglia cells, while the Quake valve controls the cytokine gradient. In addition, a method is presented for the fabrication of the device to incorporate the two valve systems. By automating the sample handling and cell culture using the lifting gate valves, we could perform media changes in 1.5 seconds. BV2 calcium transient latency to peak reveals location-dependent microglia activation based on cytokine and ATP gradients, contrasting non-gradient-based widely used perfusion systems. This device streamlines cell culture and quantitative calcium analysis, addressing limitations of existing perfusion systems in terms of sample size, setup time, and biomimicry. By harnessing advancements in microsystem technology to quantify calcium dynamics, we can construct simplified human models of neurological disorders, unravel the intricate mechanisms of cell-cell signaling, and conduct robust evaluations of novel therapeutics.
Disabling foot pain and its impact on daily living among people with Psoriatic Arthritis in Singapore: A cross-sectional observational investigation
Authors: Teo Vanessa HY , Chia Kai Li , Bowen Catherine , Lahiri Manjari , Cheung Peter PM , Turner Deborah E , Carter Kate 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)-related foot involvement has been shown to have a profound impact on daily functioning, with most studies having focused on predominantly Caucasian populations. The aim was to describe disabling foot pain (DFP) and its impact on daily living in PsA in Singapore.
Methods
A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted using clinical data collected during a single-visit to a rheumatology clinic in Singapore. Records for adults with physician-diagnosed PsA were reviewed for sociodemographic information, disease characteristics, global disease activityand burden. Foot-specific measures included clinical assessment and the Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index used to define DFP and evaluate between-group differences.
Results
Forty-two participants with PsA (83% female, 57% Chinese, 31% Malay, 9.5% Indian, mean (SD) age 54-years (16)) attended the rheumatology clinic over the study-period. The median (IQR) disease duration was 2-years (11) and all were taking current DMARDs. Global disease measures demonstrated mild-to-moderate global disease activity and mild functional impairment, and were significantly higher in those with DFP.
Despite 90% reporting to be coping well with their condition, self-care and having emotional support (n=38), this study sample demonstrated high levels of anxiety/depression (29%), sleep disturbance (34%) and fatigue (24%), and a lack of disease- and drug-specific knowledge (64%). Further management was indicated for medication adherence counselling (48%), occupational therapy (43%), physiotherapy (36%) and podiatry (30%).
Nearly half had current foot pain with 40% reporting DFP (n=17), which caused significantly greater difficulty walking 3km and with 1-2 household tasks than those without DFP (p<0.05). Rearfoot enthesitis (plantar fasciitis, Achilles enthesitis) was the most common cause of DFP (67%) with pain lasting longer than 1-year. 72% were overweight or obese, with a high proportion not engaging in any cardiovascular exercise (70%). Three of 42 participants had previously seen a podiatrist.
Conclusions
People with DFP in PsA experience more severe global disease activity, reduced mobility and higher levels of negative impact on their daily lives in Singapore. In the absence of working in a multidisciplinary-team, there is value in comprehensive assessments that have potential to capture a holistic view of personal impact and improve person-centred care in PsA.
Exploring the Potential of PEG and Sucrose as Growth Retardant of Geranium wallichianum
Authors: Ashraf Zubair , Khan Sabaz Ali , Baig Ayesha , Akhtar Gulzar , Hussain Imran , Sajjad yasar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Geranium wallichianum is a medicinal plant belonging to the Geraniaceae family. It is mainly found in the East Asian Himalayas. Because of its numerous ethnomedicinal uses in the community, this plant is threatened by over-exploitation and over-harvesting. Pakistan has already lost its population by more than 75%. Considering its medicinal importance, this plant must be conserved before it becomes extinct. This study aimed to provide the protocol for in vitro conservation of G. wallichianum. Owing to the plant conservation applications of osmotic stress inducers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) and sucrose, their ability to regulate the in vitro growth of this medicinally significant plant was evaluated. Using nodal segments as explants, the effect of Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of PEG (0, 0.5, and 1.5%) and sucrose (0, 4, and 8%) on various growth parameters was investigated. At 45-day intervals, PEG (0.5 and 1.5%) treatment was found to be more effective than sucrose treatment in reducing in vitro growth (0.92 and 0.57 cm), with minimum fresh (0.06 and 0.04 g) and dry weight (0.04 and 0.02 g), respectively. Total soluble sugars (4.07 and 4.12 mg/g) and total phenolic content (0.96 and 0.19 mg/g) were significantly increased by PEG treatment (0.5 and 1.5%, respectively), whereas total chlorophyll content (0.17 and 0.14 mg/g) and total protein content (2.38 and 2.32 mg/g) were decreased. In addition, Pearson correlation analysis confirmed that total phenolic content was negatively correlated with chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and total chlorophyll content, whereas shoot length was negatively correlated with total phenolic content but positively correlated with fresh weight and dry weight. According to the principal component analysis, total phenolics and total sugars, which clustered distinctly from the other parameters, indicated relatively higher osmotic stress responses to PEG and sucrose. Based on these findings, it appears that PEG was more effective than sucrose at slowing in vitro growth during short-term conservation.
Cervical cancer of unknown primary: Unveiling primary tumor sites through machine learning on DNA methylation signatures
Authors: Stark Leonhard , Kasajima Atsuko , Stögbauer Fabian , Schmidl Benedikt , Rinecker Jakob , Holzmann Katharina , Färber Sarah , Pfarr Nicole , Steiger Katja , Wollenberg Barbara , Ruland Jürgen , Winter Christof , Wirth Markus 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
The unknown primary in cervical cancer of unknown primary (cCUP) results in invasive diagnostic and unspecific treatment options for patients. The most common histological subtype, squamous cell carcinoma, can stem from various tumor primary sites including the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, facial skin, lungs, and esophagus. DNA methylation profiles are highly tissue specific and have been successfully used to classify tissue origin.
We aimed to implement a SVM based classifier with publicly available DNA methylation profiles of commonly cervically metastasizing squamous cell carcinomas (n=1103) in order to compare the tissue of origin of own squamous cell cCUP samples (n=28). Methylation analysis was performed with Infinium MethylationEPIC v1.0 BeadChip by Illumina.
Results
The highest overall accuracy of tested classifiers was achieved by support vector machine algorithm with 87%. Sqamous cell cCUP samples on DNA methylation level resembled squamous cell carcinomas commonly metastasizing into cervical lymph nodes.
The most frequently predicted entity was oral cavity (11 39%) followed by oropharynx and larynx (both 7, 25%), skin (2, 7%) and esophagus (1, 4%). These rates did not differ from expected distribution of lymph node metastases in literature.
In tSNE clustering, cCUP samples graphically distributed into three different groups corresponding to clusters of cervically metastasizing cancer entities.
Conclusions
On DNA Methylation level cCUP is comparable to cancer entities that commonly metastasize to cervical lymph nodes. Our SVM based classifier can accurately predict these cancers and could greatly reduce invasiveness of cCUP diagnostics and therapy after clinical validation.
Behavioral, cognitive and emotional determinants of getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and the mediating role of institutional trust among young adults in Cyprus
Authors: Konstantinou Pinelopi , Kyprianidou Maria , Christodoulou Andria , McHugh Louise , Constantinou Marios , Epiphaniou Eleni , Vahey Nigel , Nicolaou Christiana , Middleton Nicos , Karekla Maria , Kassianos Angelos P. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Vaccination uptake is a complex behavior, influenced by numerous factors. Behavioral science theories are commonly used to explain the psychosocial determinants of an individual’s health behavior. This study examined the behavioural, cognitive, and emotional determinants of COVID-19 vaccination intention based on well-established theoretical models: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, and Behaviour (COM-B) and the Health Belief Model (HBM). Additionally, it examined the mediating role of institutional trust in the relationship between determinants of these models and vaccination intentions.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to May 2022, where university students in Cyprus completed an online survey.
Results
A total of 484 University students in Cyprus completed an online survey, with 23.8% reporting being vaccinated with fewer than three vaccination doses and/or no intention to vaccinate further. Hierarchical logistic regression analysis showed that higher scores in institutional trust, perceived severity, motivation, physical and psychological capability were significantly associated with higher odds of vaccination intention. Higher psychological flexibility and not being infected with COVID-19 were also associated with higher odds of vaccination intention, but not in the final model when all determinants were included. Additionally, significant indirect effects of psychological capability, motivation and perceived severity on vaccination intention were found to be mediated by institutional trust.
Conclusions
When tackling COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy, behavioural, cognitive, and emotional aspects should be considered. Stakeholders and policymakers are advised to implement targeted vaccination programs in young people while at the same time building trust and improving their capabilities and motivation towards getting vaccinated.
Adsorption of Congo red dye from aqueous solution by using siderite waste accompanying phosphate mines: Performance and mechanism
Authors: Talaat Aya , Gabr Rabei M. , Moneim Mohamed A. , Ahmed Ezzat A. , El-Ayaat Abdalla M. , Abukhadra Mostafa R. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Natural siderite (NS) collected from Abu Tartur area, Egypt was used as an adsorbent of Congo red from an aqueous solution. Activated siderite (AS) was prepared by calcination at 350°C for 2 hrs. The AS adsorbent was characterized by various physicochemical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Surface area measurement (BET), XRF analyses, and texture analysis. The impact of various adsorption parameters (adsorbent dosage, Congo red concentration, pH, contact time, and temperature) was studied in a batch system in order to optimize the maximum dye sorption. The optimum parameters were found to be pH. 2, initial dye concentration 150 mg/L, contact time 30 minutes, and adsorbent dose 0.2 g. Adsorption kinetics and equilibrium isotherm of the ANS adsorbent were studied using pseudo-second-order, intra-particle diffusion, and Elovich models. Moreover, Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were applied for the interpretation of the obtained equilibrium data. The obtained data were found to best fit the Langmuir model, while the adsorption kinetic followed the pseudo-second-order equation. The intra-particle diffusion investigations indicate that the diffusion process is not the rate-controlling step. The analysis of our data was extended to estimate the kinetic and thereafter the thermodynamic functions. Accordingly, the functions such as free energy change (ΔG°), enthalpy change (ΔH°), the activation energy of adsorption (Ea), and entropy change (ΔS°) were estimated and found to be -226.42, -2.443, 33.71 kJ/mol and 0.751 kJ/mol.K, respectively. Overall these findings let us infer that the use of ANS as an adsorbent has the potential to be an effective and cheap adsorbent for removing dyes from industrial wastewater.
Numerical Simulation of the Effect of Initial Generator Capacitor Voltage on Granite Fragmentation by High Voltage Pulse Discharge
Authors: Che Long , Pan Linlin , Gu Xiaohui 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

High voltage pulse discharge technology has been proven to have good prospects in rock fragmentation and drilling, yet its mechanisms are not fully understood and there are many influencing factors, which are the main obstacles to restricting the commercialization of this method. This study investigates the discharge channel responses in the process of high voltage pulse discharge crushing granite by using physical-mathematical model and numerical simulation model, which includes the state, electrical characteristics and physical feature of the discharge channel, and analyzes the effect of the initial generator capacitor voltage. The results show the discharge voltage and current, the maximum depth and width of the discharge channel developing into the granite obtained based on the simulation can effectively reflect the experimental results. In addition, the simulation of the initial generator capacitor voltage from 240kV to 420kV illustrates the number, time, cross-sectional area of the main discharge channel between the two discharge electrodes, power and energy of injection into discharge channel, the maximum conductivity, length, pressure, radius of the discharge channel and the extended maximum depth of the main discharge channel increase as the initial generator capacitor voltage increases. This suggests that to enlarge the initial voltage of the high voltage pulse discharge power supply can improve the fragmentation effect. This study has a certain guiding significance for improving crushing efficiency, optimization of the discharge electrode structure and selection of the power supply parameters in the process of high voltage pulse discharge crushing granite.
The Performance of Preclinical Medical Students in Traditional and Competency-Based Curricula: Menoufia University Experience
Authors: Abdou Asmaa Gaber , El-Dien Marwa Mohammed Serag , Elnasr Suzan Elsayed Abo , Abo-Zaid Nehad Ahmed , Ali Mohammed Essam , El-Haroun Hala , Awad Marwa Mahmoud , Elbermawy Manal Ibrahim 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: Egypt's undergraduate medical students have been following a standard curriculum known as the 6+1 curriculum or the traditional curriculum for many years. However, five years ago, Egyptian universities adopted a new competency-based and integrated curriculum. The competency-based curriculum aims to develop professional competent physiciansequipped with knowledge and skills. Aim: This study aimed to compare the academic performance of Menoufia medical students during the preclinical phase in both traditional and competency-based curricula.
Methods: A retrospectivecohort study was conducted on two consecutive batches of medical students at Menoufia University. The first batch (411 students) followed the traditional curriculum, and the second batch (675 students) followed the competency-based curriculum.
Results: Students in the traditional curriculum achieved significantly greater GPA (p=0.010) and overall percentage (p=0.018) scores than didstudents in the competency-based curriculum.
Conclusions: The pooreracademic performance of students in the competency-based integrated curriculum compared to that in the traditional curriculum may be attributed to factors such as frequent examinations, limited time available for modules, and the fact that they were the first batch to experience this new system.