bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short Birth Interval and Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Arba Minch, in Gamo Zone SNNPR Ethiopia: Evidences from Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites
Authors: Dalbo Mulugeta , Ayele Gistane , Getahun Dinkalem , Kote Mesfin , Baharu Alazar , Awoke Tadesse 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Short birth interval (SBI) is a leading threat to maternal and child health in Sub-Saharan countries. To tackle the problem, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends elapses of 33 months between two consecutive live births. However, most women in developing countries do not adhere to these recommendations.
Methods
Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the magnitude and associated factors of short birth intervals (SBIs) at the Arba Minch Health and Demographic Surveillance System Site (AM_HDSS). It was based on longitudinally collected data from January 2009 to December 2022. The inter-birth interval (IBI) was dichotomized as "short" when it is less than 33 months and "normal" when it is greater than or equal to 33 months. STATA version 17 was used to enter, clean, and analyze the data. A chi-square test was conducted to test the association between the short birth interval and explanatory variables. A multilevel logistic regression was fitted to determine factors affecting short birth intervals. AOR with a 95% CI was used to identify predictors and a P value less than 0.05 was used to declare the level of significance.
Result
From the 10,128 cohorts of reproductive-age women in this study, 4,340 (43%) experienced a short birth interval. Educational status (no formal education AOR 1.51 (95% CI: 1.09, 2.10), primary education AOR 1.48 (95% CI: 1.06, 2.07), occupation (sales and services) AOR 1.77 (95% CI: 1.34, 2.33), and home delivery AOR 1.83 (95% CI: 1.42, 2.45) and delivery attended by other than health professional and not assisted AOR 0.74 (95% CI: 0.55, 0.98), and parity three and above AOR 3.04 (95% CI: 2.60, 3.56), were significantly associated with short birth intervals.
Conclusion
The prevalence of short birth intervals in this study was 43%, meaning that 4 out of 10 women experience short birth related maternal health complication. Maternal education, occupation, parity, place of birth, and the person who attended delivery were factors significantly associated with a short birth interval in this study.
Emergence of the South Atlantic Convergence Zone–ENSO connection
under global warming
Authors: Park Jae-Heung , Kug Jong-Seong , Yang Young-Min , Park Hyo-Jin , Kim Geon-Il , Oh Ji-Hoon , Liu Chao , An Soon-Il 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
South America has been warming faster than the surrounding oceans in recent decades, leading to changes in its precipitation patterns, particularly the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) in the subtropical region. Through an analysis of observational reanalysis datasets, this study reveals an emerging link between the SACZ in the boreal spring and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) in the following winter. In recent decades, the variability of SACZ during boreal spring accompanies an anomalous precipitation dipole between tropical and subtropical South America, resulting in the development of a local meridional circulation. This convective activity over tropical South America, in turn, affects the Walker circulation over the Pacific, thereby influencing the evolution of ENSO events. Further analysis based on historical and future scenarios suggests that the lagged SACZ–ENSO connection is projected to be strengthened in the future, implying a high likelihood that the emergence of the observed connection in recent decades is attributable to anthropogenic forcing.
A Decade Under the Microscope: Analyzing Fetal Death Rates in the United States (2005-2021), a CDC Wonder Analysis
Authors: Chughtai Muhammad Aswab Iqbal , Younas Shandana 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background:
Availability of the CDC WONDER database provides us the opportunity to analyze fetal demise data from the last decade and uncover any underlying patterns.
To the best of our knowledge, these trends in the U.S. population have not been explored recently.
Objectives:
The purpose of this study was to determine the directionality of trends and the regional differences in intrauterine fetal deaths in the United States from 2005 to 2021.
Methods:
Data from the CDC WONDER (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiological Research) database were inspected from 2005 to 2021 for fetal mortality in the U.S. Comparisons with respect to year, sex, race/ethnicity and geographic region were performed.
Results:
Between 2005 and 2021, 406240 total fetal deaths occurred. Total fetal deaths per year have gradually decreased over a span of 17 years from 2005 (25894) to 2021 (21105). On Comparison of the Census Regions, Census Divisions and States, the highest number of fatal deaths was in the South (168595; 41.5%), South Atlantic (90827; 22.4%) and California (43368; 10.7%), respectively. From the numbers provided, we determined that the Non-Hispanic white racial and ethnic group had the highest number of fetal deaths (148091; 36.5%). Of the fetal deaths on record, 52.7% were identified as male and 47.3% as female. 241714 (59.5%) of the fetuses weighed 1499g or less. 91.7% of the fetuses were from singleton pregnancies. 97.8% of the fetal fatalities were in hospitals. The highest number of deaths (21929; 5.4%) was at 21 weeks gestational age. 79.8% of the demised fetuses were delivered vaginally. 6.9%, 4.8%, 5.1%, 0.6% of the pregnant women were diabetic, chronic hypertensive, gestational hypertensive and eclamptic, respectively.
Diabetes mellitus increases risk of adverse drug reactions and death in hospitalised older people: the SENATOR trial
Authors: Chinmayee Anagha , Subbarayan Selvaranai , Myint Phyo K , Cherubini Antonio , Cruz-Jentoft Alfonso Jose , Petrovic Mirko , Gudmundsson Adalsteinn , Byrne Stephen , O'Mahony Denis , Soiza Roy L 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in older people. Older people with diabetes mellitus may be at especially high risk of ADRs but this risk has not been well studied. This study aimed to compare severity and type of ADRs in hospitalised, multimorbid older people with and without diabetes and secondly to assess the impact of ADRs on mortality, rehospitalisation and length of stay.
Methods: Participants in the SENATOR (Software Engine for the Assessment and optimization of drug and non-drug Therapy in Older peRsons) trial were assessed for 12 common and ‘other’ prevalent and incident adverse drug reactions using a blinded end-point adjudication process. Descriptive analyses, logistic regression and mediation analyses were undertaken.
Results: Of 1537 people in the SENATOR trial, 540 (35.1%) had diabetes mellitus (mean age 77.4 ± 7.3 years, 58.5% male). In the total population, 773 prevalent and 828 incident ADRs were reported. Both prevalent and incident symptomatic hypoglycaemia and incident acute kidney injury (AKI) were significantly more common in people with diabetes (p<0.05). Patients with diabetes had higher all-cause mortality at 12 weeks than those without (9.1% vs 6.3%, p=0.04). Mediation analysis revealed that mortality was significantly higher (OR = 1.43, Sobel test p=0.048) in people with diabetes and ADRs causing AKI.
Conclusions: Older multimorbid people with diabetes presenting to hospital with acute illness have significantly more ADRs than those without, and a significantly higher mortality that is mediated by medication-associated AKI and poorer renal function.
Characterisation and Prediction of Drought-Tolerance Genes of Nigerian Common Beans using Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: El-Sunais Yusha'u 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The research aimed to identify and characterize genes associated with drought tolerance in Nigerian common beans using Genome-Wide Association Studies. A total of 200 common bean accessions and their phenotypic data were used for the study. The bean accessions were genotyped using the BARCBean6K_3 Infinium BeadChips and SNPs were called using Genome Studio V2011.1. A filtering process was applied to remove any SNPs that had a high missing data rate (> 10%), a high heterozygosity rate (> 10%), or a low minor allele frequency (< 5%). The remaining SNPs were 3385, which were used for data analysis using GLM, MLM, and FARM-CPU statistical models corrected with PCA and Kinship to detect significant SNPs. These SNPs were then identified using the Andean whole-genome reference sequence Pvulgaris442_v2.1 for candidate genes within 50 kilobases (50kb) on either side of the SNPs. The results of the study revealed that the SNP density within 1 Megabase (Mb) regions showed significant variation in Pv02, Pv03, Pv04, Pv07, Pv08, and Pv11, indicating that these regions likely contain genes associated with drought tolerance. A total of 7 significant SNPs (S2_48101058, S3_8020543, S7_613684, S7_4257528, S8_57314881, S4_18561541 and S4_40027357) were identified, which yielded 10 candidate genes for drought tolerance. Four genes (Phvul.001G032600, Phvul.001G064300, Phvul.001G063500 and Phvul.001G064000) were reported to be involved in drought-tolerance, response to osmotic stress and response to water stress. The remaining six genes (Phvul.001G031900, Phvul.001G031300, Phvul.001G037000, Phvul.001G037100, Phvul.001G037200 and Phvul.001G067300) were enzymes and proteins responsible for plant growth and development, as well as for their resistance to environmental stress. The findings of the research contribute to the understanding of the genetic basis of drought tolerance in common beans, which can be applied to other crop species and regions.
A Novel Variant in NSUN2 Causes Intellectual Disability in a Chinese Family
Authors: Yang Qi , Zhang Qiang , Qin Zailong , Yi Shang , Luo Jingsi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

NSUN2-intellectual disability syndrome, also known as intellectual disability type 5 (MRT5), is an autosomal recessive disorder that is characterized by intellectual disability (ID), postnatal growth retardation, dysmorphic facies, microcephaly, short stature, developmental delay, language impairment and other congenital abnormalities. The disease is caused by mutations in the NSUN2 gene, which encodes a tRNA cytosine methyltransferase that has an important role in spindle assembly during mitosis and chromosome segregation. In this study, we recruited a family that had two individuals with ID. Whole exome sequencing was performed to identify a homozygous frameshift variant (c.1171_1175delACCAT( p.Thr391fs*18*)) in NSUN2 (NM_017755.5) in the proband. The varint was confirmed as segregating in his affected brother and his parents by Sanger sequencing. The individuals that we described showed a similar dysmorphology profile to that associated with MRT5. To analyze the correlations between genotypes of NSUN2 and phenotypes of individuals with ID, we examined 13 variants and the associated phenotypes from 27 ID individuals in current and previous studies. We concluded that mutations in NSUN2 cause a wide range of phenotypic defects. Although some clinical manifestations were highly variable, the core phenotypes associated with NSUN2 mutations were dysmorphic facies, microcephaly, short stature, ID, growth restriction, language impairment, hypotonia and delayed puberty. Our study expands the genetic spectrum of NSUN2 mutations and helps to further define the genotype-phenotype correlations in MRT5.
Congenital simple hamartoma of the retinal pigment epithelium: a case report
Authors: liu pei , An Guangqi , Li shu , Lu chenyu Lu , Chen Haoxiang , Du Du liping , Jin xuemin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
This case report describes a patient with Congenital Simple Hamartoma of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium (CSHRPE) who underwent vitrectomy surgery to relieve vitreomacular traction (VMT) and observed the resulting effect.
Case presentation:
A 10-year-old child with a history of poor vision since childhood visited our hospital. The child was diagnosed with CSHRPE based on clinical manifestations and multimodal imaging examinations, including fundus color photography, fluorescein angiography, OCT, and ultrasound. The tumor was located in the macular area and was accompanied by noticeable VMT. To alleviate VMT and improve vision, the child underwent vitrectomy combined with air tamponade. Postoperative follow-up revealed improved vision, significant improvement in the retinal structure of the macular area, and near-normal fovea. However, there were also small gaps between retinal layers, pigmentation, and some residual hyperreflective lesions.
Conclusions
Relieving VMT in patients with CSHRPE can help improve vision and restore the retinal structure in the macular area. It is possible that CSHRPE primarily affects the outer layer of the retina rather than the entire thickness.
Specific immune status in patients with active thyroid-associated orbitopathy before and after methylprednisolone therapy
Authors: Song Shihan , Li Wei , Tu Yunhai , Chen Lili , Fang Yenan , Shen Bingyan , Wu Wencan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose:Therapy with intravenous glucocorticoids (GCs) is a safe, effective, and cost-effective first-line treatment modality used by most clinicians to treat thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO). The disturbing of immune function play key roles in the pathogenesis of TAO. However, the impact of GCs on immune status in TAO patients is unclear.This study aim to investigate the influence of intravenous methylprednisolone(IVMP) pulse administration on the immune status of patients with active TAO.
Methods:Patients with active moderate-to-severe TAO were enrolled. All patients treated with IVMP pulses (6×0.5 g on a weekly schedule, accumulating dosage: 3.0 g) throughout the study period. Immune status was assessed using the peripheral blood of patients before and after IVMP pulse treatment by using mass cytometry for accurate immunotyping of cell populations. Patients’ clinical activities were assessed using the clinical activity score (CAS). Statistical analyses were performed using t-test. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.
Results:Six patients with active moderate-to-severe TAO were recruited. The CAS decreased significantly from a median of 4.2 (range 3.0–5.0) to 1.5 (1.0–2.0) after IVMP pulse therapy. The rate of activated T cells (expressing HLA-DR), central memory Th1 cells, central memory Th2 cells, conventional DC (cDC) cells in TAO patients have been decreased after IVMP pulse therapy, but the rate of natural killer cells increased.
Conclusion:The relieved of the CAS in patients with active TAO receiving IVMP therapy, were accompany with a decrease in activated T cells, central memory T cells and cCDs.
The origin of the ionic atmospheric particulate matter in a southern Mediterranean city by method cross-checking
Authors: KCHIH Hassen , Perrino Cinzia , Cherif Semia 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In order to trace the origin of the atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and their water-soluble ionic components, the airbone particles were first collected on PTFE filters than analyzed by ion chromatgoraphy at different sites in the southern Mediterranean city of Tunis (Tunisia) where very rare studies on air pollution are available. These analysis allowed the calculation of the matrix of correlation, the neutralization factors, the ions ratio values and the ionic temporal variation essentially during a sand storm for three different sites: Traffic, Industrial and Urban Background sites. The innovative cross-checking of the various calculations confirm the non-marine origin of K+, Ca2+ and SO42−: soil dust origin of K+ and Ca2+, and combustion origin of SO42−. The Na+ and Cl− have pure marine origin, whereas Mg2+ has mainly a marine and slightly a crustal origin. NO3− and NH4+ have an anthropogenic origin, either from combustion and/or industrial origin. The acidic ions were essentially neutralized by NH4+ and Ca2+.
A Conducting Polymer-based array with Multiplex Sensing and Drug Delivery Capabilities for Smart Bandages
Authors: Meng Lingyin , Liu Sheng , Borsa Baris , Eriksson Mats , Mak Wing Cheung 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Effective individual wound management, particularly in cases of prolonged healing and increased infection vulnerability, has prompted the development of wound theranostics, combining real-time diagnostic assessment and on-demand treatment. We present a multifunctional conducting polymer-based smart theranostic bandage platform that integrates pH sensing, pH-compensated uric acid (UA) biosensing, and on-demand antibiotic release using different conducting polymers, each leveraging their advantageous intrinsic properties. Specifically, the polyaniline-based pH sensor operates reversibly across a broad pH range (4–10), while the functionalized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-based UA biosensor exhibits a linear response up to 0.9 mM UA. Simultaneous detection of pH and UA allows accurate UA determination via pH compensation. Upon detecting abnormal pH/UA levels, the polypyrrole-based drug carrier releases ciprofloxacin via an electrical stimulation (0.6 V), successfully inhibiting bacterial growth in vitro. The array is assembled as a 3D patch, connected to a flexible printed circuit board, and embedded in a wound bandage, offering potentials for remote wound monitoring, targeted treatment, and wireless wound management.
Informing existing Technology Acceptance Models: A qualitative Study with older Persons and Caregivers
Authors: Felber Nadine Andrea , Lipworth Wendy , Tian Yi Jiao (Angelina) , Schwab Delphine Roulet , Wangmo Tenzin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
New technologies can help older persons age in place and support their caregivers. However, they need to be accepted by the end-users to do so. Technology acceptance models, such as TAM and UTAUT and their extensions, use factors like performance expectancy and effort expectancy to explain acceptance. Furthermore, they are based on quantitative methods. Our qualitative study investigates factors fostering and hindering acceptance among older persons and their caregivers for a variety of assistive technologies, including wearables, ambient sensors at home with and without cameras and social companion robots. The goal of this paper is twofold: On the one hand, it investigates the factors of technology acceptance models in a qualitative setting. On the other hand, it informs these models with aspects currently overlooked by them. The results reveal that performance expectancy and effort expectancy are relevant for acceptance. We also find that reliability, anxiety around technology and different social aspects have an influence on acceptance of assistive technology in aged care for all end-user groups. Our findings can be used to update current technology acceptance models and provide in-depth knowledge about the currently used factors.
Cost of illness due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Among Infants Hospitalized in Argentina
Authors: Dvorkin Julia , Sosa Emiliano , Vodicka Elizabeth , Baral Ranju , Sancilio Andrea , Dueñas Karina , Rodriguez Andrea , Rojas-Roque Carlos , Carruitero Patricia B. , Polack Fernando P. , Pecenka Clint , Libster Romina , Caballero Mauricio T. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background. Information is scarce regarding the economic burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in low-resource settings. This study aimed to estimate the cost per episode of hospital admissions due to RSV severe disease in Argentina. Methods. This is a prospective cohort study that collected information regarding 256 infants under 12 months of age with acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) due to RSV in two public hospitals of Buenos Aires between 2014 and 2016. Information on healthcare resource use was collected from the patient’s report and its associated costs were estimated based on the financial database and account records of the hospitals. We estimated the total cost per hospitalization due to RSV using the health system perspective. The costs were estimated in US dollars as of December 2022 (1 US dollar = 170 Argentine pesos). Results. The mean costs per RSV hospitalization in infants was US$587.79 (95% confidence interval [CI] $535.24 – $640.33). The mean costs associated with pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission more than doubled from those at regular pediatric wards ($1,556.81 [95% CI $512.21 – $2,601.40] versus $556.53 [95% CI $514.59 – $598.48]). Conclusions. This study shows the direct economic impact of acute severe RSV infection on the public health system in Argentina. The estimates obtained from this study could be used to inform cost-effectiveness analyses of new preventive RSV interventions being developed.
Assessing accuracy and reliability of modern 3D reconstruction and measurement techniques in the evaluation of Byzantine baths: a case study
Authors: Karolos Ion-Anastasios , Bellos Konstantinos , Bitharis Stylianos , Tsioukas Vassilios , Pikridas Christos 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In recent years, sophisticated 3D reconstruction and measuring techniques such as Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS), LiDAR applications, and Photogrammetry have gained popularity for surveying and mapping of physical environments. Using a case study of UNESCO-recognized Byzantine Bath monument, we examine the accuracy and reliability of different techniques. To assess the accuracy and dependability of modern 3D reconstruction and measurement systems, we created 3D models of the area of interest using a combination of Terrestrial Laser Scanning, LiDAR technology in conjunction with Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) systems and algorithms. The geometric features of the 3D models were evaluated by comparing the data generated by these approaches to ground-truth measurements. With errors ranging from 0.01 to 3.2 cm, our results demonstrated that the majority of the available techniques produced highly accurate and trustworthy 3D models of the monument. The TLS and SLAM approaches performed admirably in terms of capturing fine features and the monument’s geometry. Also, the iPhone solution occasionally was more effective at capturing the surface's geometry, texture and colour. Our work demonstrates the efficacy of modern 3D reconstruction and measurement techniques for surveying and mapping environments with precision and dependability. To evaluate our results, we use open-source algorithms and tools in order to quantify the differences from point cloud to ground truth point cloud in many different scenarios (vertical/horizontal sections and floor analysis on the z-axis component).
Assessment of water soil erosion using the RUSLE method coupled with RST and GIS approaches in a semi-arid region (southeastern Tunisia)
Authors: mnasri hayet , Sahnoun Houda , Abdelkarim Bilel , Nunes Adélia , Mahmoudi Salah 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In semi-arid regions, soil erosion by water presents the major problem that affected the soil degradation. Thus, an adequate management strategy must be applied in order to restore this vital environmental resource. Several methods were used to assess soil erosion based on climatic, geologic and geomorphologic parameters. In this work a modified RUSLE model coupled with GIS and remote sensing technique were used to estimate soil loss in the Oueds El Ghram and Bou-Said basins (south-eastern Tunisia). The results showed that the soil erosion rate in the study basins varied between 0 and 16 t/ ha/yr. The most influencing parameters are slope, lithology, and precipitation. The high to very high affected areas are located in the mountainous parts of the basins and occupied 2.86% of the total surface of the study area. This work can be used as a foundation for a new management strategy that helps to minimize soil degradation and to restore this environmental resource in the study region.