bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of global sea surface temperatures to Kiremt rainfall in the contrasting topography of northern Ethiopia
Authors: Hadush Kibrom , Mariam Haileselassie G. , Shiferaw Henok , Gebru Girmay , Kelem Goitom , Zenebe Amanuel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Studies on rainfall variability in relation to the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) effects in arid and semi-arid parts of northern Ethiopia have been less investigated. This paper explores the rainfall variability in relation to SST over northern Ethiopia during the main rainy season "Kiremt” on monthly and dekadal (Ten days) time scales. Daily rainfall records (1988–2017) from 41 meteorological stations were used across four homogeneous rainfall zones in the northern highlands and lowlands of Ethiopia. Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models were introduced to examine the relationships between global SST and Kiremt rainfall and to predict monthly and dekadal rainfall. The results show that there is a unique rainfall pattern in the contrasting area of northern Ethiopia (< 80mm/month in the lowlands and about 350mm/month in the highland). The variability in sub-seasonal rainfall in the lowlands and highlands is mainly attributed to SST in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Changes in SST in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans have also had a profound impact on seasonal rainfall variability, regardless of their strength and the lag-time effect. Increasing SST in the western equatorial Pacific and tropical Atlantic Ocean enhances rainfall over the northwestern highlands and northeastern lowlands, whereas warming SST in the eastern and central equatorial Pacific Ocean causes a decrease in monthly and dekadal rainfall. Overall, prediction of monthly and dekadal rainfall variations in the study site performed well with R2 28% − 61%.
Qualitative and Quantitative Evaluation of the Image Quality of MDCT Multiphasic Liver Scans in HCC Patients
Authors: Sayed Mohamed El , Rawashdeh Mohammad , Safwany Mohamed M. El , Khedr Yasser I. , Soula Moustafa A. , I.E Islam , Ali Magdi A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:
The quality of CT images obtained from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is complex, affecting diagnostic accuracy, precision, and radiation dose assessment due to increased exposure risks.
Objectives:
The study evaluated image quality qualitatively and quantitatively by comparing quality levels with an effective radiation dose to ensure acceptable quality accuracy.
Materials and Methods
This study retrospectively reviewed 100 known HCC patients (Li-RADS-5) who underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) multiphasic scans for follow-up of their health condition between January and October 2023. The evaluation involved quantitative and qualitative analyses of parameters such as SD, SNR, and CNR, as well as a qualitative assessment by two radiology consultants. The outcomes were compared, and the effective dose was calculated and compared with both quantitative and qualitative assessments of image quality.
Results:
ROC curve analysis revealed significant differences in CT image quality, with high to moderate specificity and sensitivity across all the quantitative parameters. However, multivariate examination revealed decreasing importance levels, except for the CNR (B, 0.203; p = 0.001) and SD BG (B, 0.330; p = 0.002), which increased in B. The CNR and SD BG remained independent variables for CT image quality prediction, but no statistically significant relationship was found between the effective dose and image quality, either quantitatively or qualitatively.
Conclusion:
This study underscores the vital role of both quantitative and qualitative assessments of CT images in evaluating their quality for patients with HCC and highlights the predictive importance of the CNR, SNR, and SD. These findings emphasize the value of these devices in assessing and predicting outcomes to minimize the effective dose.
Fear of cancer recurrence in adolescent patients with malignant bone tumors: A cross-section survey
Authors: Ye Qun , Xue Meng , Yu Qunfei , Ren YING , Long Yao , Yao Yuhong , Du Jinlei , Ye Tian , Feng Xiuqin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim: To investigate the current status and factors influencing fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) related to malignant bone-tumors in adolescent patients.
Design: A cross-sectional survey.
Methods: In total, 269 adolescent malignant-bone tumor cases were treated at two hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China from January 2023to December2023. Patients completed a General Information Questionnaire, Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form (FoP-Q-SF), Family Hardiness Index (FHI), and a Simple Coping Style Questionnaire (SCSQ).
Results: The total FoP-Q-SF score for adolescent malignant-bone tumorpatients was 33.07 ± 5.85, with 122 (45.4%) patients scoring ≥ 34; the FHI score was 57.88 ± 5.01; and the total SCSQ score was 32.14 ± 3.43. Pearson’s correlation analyses showed that family resilience and positive coping negatively affected FoP in patients, with total effect values of -0.559 and -0.468 (P < 0.001), respectively, and negative coping positively affected FoP in patients, with a total effect value of 0.483 (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analyses showed that per capita-monthly family income, disease duration, tumor stage, family hardiness, a positive coping score, and a negative coping score were the main factors influencing FCR in these patients (P < 0.05).
Conclusions: FCR in malignant-bone tumor adolescent patients is profound. Healthcare professionals should develop targeted interventional strategies based on the identified factors, which affect these patients; helping patients increase family hardiness, helping patients to positively adapt, and avoid negative coping styles.
Genome-wide association and expression analyses of programmed cell death associated genes provide novel insight into therapeutic target in differentiated thyroid cancer
Authors: Zhang Qinnan , An Nan , Li Xueqing , Zhang Panpan , Yang Qian , Pan Fanfan , Wang Kai , Zha Bingbing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has been increasing in recent years with high risk of recurrence and metastasis. Inducing programmed cell death (PCD) is one of the most promising therapy in the development of anti-DTC agents. However, which genes play the key roles in DTC remain unclear.
METHODS
Based on 14 kinds of PCD patterns, we leveraged Summary-data-based Mendelian randomization (SMR) analysis, integrating DTC GWAS (Cases comprised of 649 patients had histological proven) with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) from blood in eQTLGen and verifed in thyroid tissues of GTExV8 to explore the causality between different PCD genes and DTC in genomic and transcriptomic backgrounds. scRNA-seq analysis was linked to individual genetic variation to reveal cell specificity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and tumor microenvironment, respectively. Furthermore, we also analyzed the relationship of susceptibility genes and immune infiltration and clinicl correlation with the pathological stages.
RESULTS
The results suggested that 55 PCD genes in blood exhibited association with DTC, 48 of which were enriched in PBMCs. 13 genes were found in thyroid tissue cis-eQTL, 12 of which could be verified in tumor microenvironment. Among these, 6 genes consistently replicated in both blood and thyroid tissues were proposed preferentially. These genes were associated with 3 distinct PCD patterns: Apoptosis (NFATC4, RPS3 and TM2D1), Lysosome-dependent cell death (CTNS and GCC2), Autophagy (TPCN2). Besides, the expression levels of RRPS3 and TM2D1 genes in elderly (> 65 years old) patients with thyroid cancer were significantly lower than those in young. And it was worth noting that the expression levels of CTNS, GCC2, TM2D1 and TPCN2 genes gradually decreased with the increase of T stage.
CONCLUSIONS
This study uncovered several PCD related genes protecting against the development of DTC. These results provide a basis for further exploring the regulatory mechanisms of PCD on DTC, which might open up new therapy target for DTC based on inducing in programmed cell death.
Taiwan Chingguan Yihau (NRICM101) prevents kainic acid-induced seizures in rats by modulating neuroinflammation and the glutamatergic system
Authors: Hung Chi-Feng , Chiu Wei-Che , Chen Jia-Cih , Chuang Wu-Chang , Wang Su-Jane 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Taiwan Chingguan Yihau (NRICM101) is a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used to treat coronavirus disease 2019; however, its impact on epilepsy has not been revealed. Therefore, the present study evaluated the anti-epileptogenic effect of orally administered NRICM101 on kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures in rats and investigated its possible mechanisms of action. Sprague‒Dawley rats were administered NRICM101 (300 mg/kg) by oral gavage for 7 consecutive days before receiving an intraperitoneal injection of KA (15 mg/kg). NRICM101 considerably reduced the seizure behavior and electroencephalographic seizures induced by KA in rats. NRICM101 also significantly decreased the neuronal loss and glutamate increase and increased GLAST, GLT-1, GAD67, GDH and GS levels in the cortex and hippocampus of KA-treated rats. In addition, NRICM101 significantly suppressed astrogliosis (as determined by decreased GFAP expression); neuroinflammatory signaling (as determined by reduced HMGB1, TLR-4, IL-1β, IL-1R, IL-6, p-JAK2, p-STAT3, TNF-α, TNFR1 and p-IκB levels, and increased cytosolic p65-NFκB levels); and necroptosis (as determined by decreased p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL levels) in the cortex and hippocampus of KA-treated rats. The effects of NRICM101 were similar to those of carbamazepine, a well-recognized antiseizure drug. Furthermore, no toxic effects of NRICM101 on the liver and kidney were observed in NRICM101-treated rats. The results indicate that NRICM101 has antiepileptogenic and neuroprotective effects through the suppression of the inflammatory cues (HMGB1/TLR4, Il-1β/IL-1R1, IL-6/p-JAK2/p-STAT3, and TNF-α/TNFR1/NF-κB) and necroptosis signaling pathways (TNF-α/TNFR1/RIP3/MLKL) associated with glutamate level regulation in the brain and is innocuous. Our findings highlight the promising role of NRICM101 in the management of epilepsy.
Assessment of validity and reliability of the Feedback Quality Instrument
Authors: Amirzadeh Sahar , Rasouli Davood , Dargahi Helen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the research was to investigate the psychometric features of the Feedback Quality Instrument (FQI) in medical students, emphasizing the instrument's utility as a tool for evaluating the quality of feedback provided in clinical contexts and the importance of performing so for medical trainees.
Methods and Material: The Persian version of the FQI was evaluated for content validity through a focus group of medical education experts. The questionnaire's face, content, and construct validity were assessed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis, internal consistency, and inter-rater reliability. The questionnaire was revised and pilot-tested, with 110 medical students completing the final version. The data was analyzed using AMOS26.
Results:The content validity index equaled 0.88(>0.79). The content validity ratio which represents the proportion of participants who agreed on a selected item was 0.69(>0.42). For reliability, Cronbach alpha was equaled to 0.98.
Conclusions: The Persian version of the Feedback Quality Instrument (FQI) was found to be valid and reliable in assessing feedback quality in medical students, providing valuable insights for other institutions. Future research could compare the predictive value of this test with other measures of feedback quality with educational and clinical outcomes.
Identification of mucosal microbiome-host gene interactions in ulcerative colitis patients
Authors: Kim Namjoo , Gim Jeong-An , Lee Beom Jae , Choi Byung il , Yoon Hee Sook , Kim Won Shik , Kim Seung Han , Joo Moon Kyung , Park Jong-Jae 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The role of gut microbiota in clinical applications, such as markers for diagnosis, prognosis prediction, and therapeutic agents in inflammatory bowel disease, is still unclear. Here, we analyzed the mucosal microbiome, which can discriminate between the active state of moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC) and normal state, and explored the correlations between microbes and host genes by integrating 16s RNA sequencing and RNA sequencing in the colonic mucosa of UC patients and healthy controls. Correlation analyses were performed between the mucosal microbiome and host gene expression, followed by a network analysis. The DEG results showed that 28 and 18 genes were expressed at higher levels in the UC and normal groups, respectively. GSEA revealed 1,857 gene sets to be enriched in the UC group. In UC, we found a higher abundance of taxa such as genera Lactobacillus and Neisseria and less abundance of species such as Bacteroides coprocola, Bacteroides phlebeius, and Parabacteroides merdae. Significant positive gene-taxa correlations were observed between Lactobacillus and REG4 (Spearman rho = 0.86), Bacteroides coprocola and NBR1 (Spearman rho = 0.75), Bacteroides plebeius and COLCA2 (Spearman rho = 0.77), and Parabacteroides merdae and UTX-AS1 (Spearman rho = 0.74). Our results provide the basis for the role of microbiota in colonic mucosa in the initial development of UC, and the integrated analysis of the host microbiome and genes can serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and treatment target in UC patients.
Heterarchical modelling of comminution for rotary mills: Part I — Particle crushing along streamlines
Authors: Bisht Mukesh Singh , Guillard François , Shelley Paul , Marks Benjy , Einav Itai 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Rotary mills aim to effectively reduce the size of particles through a process called comminution. Modelling comminution in rotary mills is a challenging task due to substantial material deformation and the intricate interplay of particle kinematics of segregation, mixing, crushing, and abrasion. Existing particle-based simulations tend to provide predictions that cannot cope with the large number of particles within rotary mills, their wide range of sizes, and the physics dictating the crushing of individual particles. Similarly, there is currently no deterministic modelling means to determine the evolving population of particle sizes at any point in time and space within the mill. The aim of this two-part contribution is to address these gaps by advancing a framework for a novel stochastic comminution model for rotary mills, which has a well-defined deterministic continuum limit and can cope with arbitrarily large numbers of particles. This work describes the basic physics and structure of the new model within a heterarchical framework for ball and autogenous grinding mills. The primary focus of this Part I paper is to develop a computational model for the integration of motion of material along streamlines inside a mill. Coupled to this process is the kinetic physics dictating particle crushing. In a subsequent work, Part II, segregation and mixing will be added to this model such that realistic behaviour from the mill can be observed.
Effect of Household Diet Quality on Health Outcomes in Nigeria
Authors: Jerumeh Tolulope Rachael 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This study examines the impact of household diet quality on health outcomes in Nigeria, utilizing 2018/2019 General Household Survey data. Employing various techniques, including Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDDW), Food Group Diversity Score (FGDS), and Probit model, the research assesses diet composition and its alignment with dietary guidelines. Findings indicate prevalent consumption of grains, plantains, roots, tubers, meat, fish, poultry, other vegetables, and pulses, while dark green leafy vegetables and eggs are less consumed. The average Global Dietary Resilience (GDR) score is 10.5, reflecting halfway adherence to WHO recommendations. Urban households exhibit a slightly higher GDR score (10.66) than rural counterparts (10.50). Urban diets, rich in health-protective foods, also feature elements that contribute to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The study establishes that enhanced diet quality significantly reduces NCD risk in adults and lowers stunting prevalence in under-five children. It emphasizes the necessity for policies and interventions to elevate household diet quality in Nigeria. Targeted efforts are recommended to promote healthier dietary choices, particularly in urban areas with elevated NCD prevalence, through interventions and campaigns.
Bronchoscopic management of bronchopleural fistula using free fat pad transplant with platelet-rich plasma: A case study
Authors: Wang YuHsiang , Huang Hsu Chih , Lin Frank Cheau Feng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
A bronchopleural fistula (BPF) occurs when an abnormal connection forms between the bronchial tubes and pleural cavity, often due to surgery, infection, trauma, radiation, or chemotherapy. The outcomes of both surgical and bronchoscopic treatments frequently prove to be unsatisfactory.
Case presentation
Here, we report a case of successful bronchoscopic free fat pad transplantation combined with platelet-rich plasma, effectively addressing a post-lobectomy BPF. Contrast-enhanced chest tomography revealed pleural thickening with heterogeneous consolidations over the right upper and middle lobes, indicative of destructive lung damage and bronchiectasis. The patient underwent thoracoscopic bilobectomy of the lungs. During surgery, severe adhesions and calcification of the chest wall and lung parenchyma were observed. The entire hilar structure was calcified, presenting challenges for dissection, despite the assistance of energy devices. Bronchoscopic intervention was required, during which two abdominal subcutaneous fat pads were retrieved.
Conclusion
This innovative approach offers promise in the management of BPF and signals potential advancements in enhancing treatment efficacy and patient recovery.
Gender-specific effect of dietary fatty acids on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Shi Jiejun , Chen Jianhua 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic hepatic disease worldwide. Dietary fatty acids are tightly associated with the development of NAFLD while in-depth large-scale clinical researches are few.
Methods
A retrospective case-control study was conducted based on the data from the 2017–2018 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Weighted multivariable logistic regression, smooth curve fitting and forest plot were used to describe the relationships between dietary fatty acids, related ratios and NAFLD. Subgroup analysis focused on the influence of gender, weight and age on the forementioned relationships.
Results
A total of 2470 adult participants were included in this study. Logistic regression analysis showed that dietary fatty acids were positively associated with NAFLD (odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) > 1 and P < 0.05) except for polyunsaturated fatty acid. Subgroup analysis stratified by age stage and weight grade revealed that forementioned association was significant only in the age group of 37–55 and obese individuals. Ratios of unsaturated-to-saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated-to-monounsaturated fatty acids showed protective effects on the onset and steatosis severity of NAFLD only in males based on stratified logistic regression analysis (all the OR [95% CI] < 1 and P < 0.05) and smooth curve fittings.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that adjustment of dietary fatty acids can be used as a preventive strategy for NAFLD. Increasing the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in the diet, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids, is promising to prevent NAFLD in middle-aged obese men.
Sustainable precast composite deep beams including concrete with partial replacement (50%) of recycled coarse aggregate
Authors: Shakir Qasim M. , Alghazali Asmaa F. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Three new sustainable models of a hybrid deep beam have been proposed in this work, which are the curved (CRV) and the arched (ARC1) and the modified arched (ARC2) in addition to the conventional (HRL) hybrid model that uses recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) instead of natural aggregates. The specimens indicate that steel fiber concrete (SFC) is used in high stress concentration areas and sustainable concrete is used in other areas. In relation to the parameters, the effects of hybridization types and inclined stirrups have all been studied. Results revealed that the failure capacity was increased by 8%, 22%, 21%, and 22%, for the for hybrid models respectively. On the other hand, the specimen (CTRL-SFC) showed a 19% enhancement. Regarding the flexural toughness, enhancement in 13%, 39%, 34%,71% for the hybrid models respectively compared to the non-hybrid model (CTRL-R50).The respective enhancement for the specimen (CTRL-SFC) was 52%.For the effective stiffness, results showed small range of enhancement (1.5-9)%. It is evident that the specimens' internal reinforcement detailing is adequate to stop the semi-diagonal mode of failure, which is an extremely brittle mode of failure. Furthermore, a replacement rate of up to 50% does not significantly affect the overall response. Moreover, The results of the tests indicated that the inclined alignment of the stirrups prevented diagonal cracking more than their vertical alignment. The proposed curved and arched models may be used with multi-concentrated loads, prestressed beam, precast walls. The proposed models aimed to produce lightweight / sustainable /low cost /high performance precast deep beams with compared to the horizontal hybrid model.
Analysis of Wear Characteristics of Hydrodynamic Seals During Start- up Using 3D Fractal Characterization and Study of Opening Performance Degradation Mechanism
Authors: Bi Enzhe , Li Shuangxi , Zhai Zhixing , Huang Baiqi , Liu Xinghua , Zhang Jiangteng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
To investigate the degradation mechanism of the opening performance of hydrodynamic seals during multiple start-ups, a model was proposed to analyze the wear characteristics during the start-up process, and an experimental study was conducted. It has been discovered that the state evolution of the hydrodynamic seal during the single start-up process occurs in five stages. The main factor that influences the deterioration of the initial performance of hydrodynamic seals during multiple start-ups is the decrease in the depth of the root groove. To prevent the deterioration of the initial performance of the hydrodynamic seal, it is essential to minimize processing errors in groove depth and reduce the residence time during the mid-speed and mid-load stages of the starting process.