bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioaccessibility-corrected probabilistic health risk assessment of dietary metal(loid) exposure in six major food groups in children from Northwest China
Authors: Wang Beibei , Zhang Liwen , Feng Weiying , Zhang Han , Duan Xiaoli , Qin Ning 
Published: January 2024

AbstractDietary exposure to heavy metals and metalloids [metal(loid)s] deserves increased attention; however, there is a lack of a comprehensive understanding of the risks of dietary exposure from multi-type food intake and multi-metal(loid) exposure using a bioaccessibility-corrected method. Here, we determined the concentration and bioaccessibility of six toxic metal(loid)s in six major food groups in an industrial city with intensive smelting activity. By incorporating children’s dietary patterns, the probability distribution of health risks from dietary metal(loid)s exposure was assessed. Marked differences were observed in the dietary exposure characteristics within metal(loid)s and major food groups. Cereal and vegetables were the major food groups local children intake. Cereals, meat, beans, and aquatic products had the highest concentrations of Cu and Cd, Pb and Cr, Ni, and As, respectively. Generally, meat, eggs, and aquatic products exhibited higher bioaccessibility than cereals, beans, and vegetables. The bioaccessibility of metal(loid)s decreased in the following order: Pb > Cr > Cu > Ni > As > Cd. For non-carcinogenic risks, the average hazard index was 7.3, with 99.6% exceeding acceptable levels. Arsenic was the dominant risk element and aquatic product was the main risk source. The aggregated carcinogenic risk was 3.4 × 10–3, with Cr the major risk contributor and cereals and meat the dominant food sources. The findings demonstrated that (1) the metal(loid) dietary exposure risk of children from areas with intensive smelting activities should be taken seriously, and (2) it is necessary to identify the specific food category and metal(loid) based on a comprehensive analysis of the metal(loid) concentration and bioaccessibility, and dietary habits of the population to effectively reduce risk.
GIS-based multi-influencing factor (MIF) application for optimal site selection of solar photovoltaic power plant in Nashik, India
Authors: Rane Nitin Liladhar , Günen Mehmet Akif , Mallick Suraj Kumar , Rane Jayesh , Pande Chaitanya B. , Giduturi Monica , Bhutto Javed Khan , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Tolche Abebe Debele , Alreshidi Maha Awjan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe significant natural energy sources for reducing the global usage of fossil fuels are renewable energy (RE) sources. Solar energy is a crucial and reliable RE source. Site selection for solar photovoltaic (PV) farms is a crucial issue in terms of spatial planning and RE policies. This study adopts a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Multi-Influencing Factor (MIF) technique to enhance the precision of identifying and delineating optimal locations for solar PV farms. The choice of GIS and MIF is motivated by their ability to integrate diverse influencing factors, facilitating a holistic analysis of spatial data. The selected influencing factors include solar radiation, wind speed, Land Surface Temperature (LST), relative humidity, vegetation, elevation, land use, Euclidean distance from roads, and aspect. The optimal sites of solar PV power plant delineated revealed that ‘very low’ suitability of site covering 4.866% of the study area, ‘low’ suitability of site 13.190%, ‘moderate’ suitability of site 31.640%, ‘good’ suitability of site 32.347%, and ‘very good’ suitability of site for solar PV power plant encompassing 17.957% of the study area. The sensitivity analysis results show that the solar radiation, relative humidity, and elevation are the most effective on the accuracy of the prediction. The validation of the results shows the accuracy of solar PV power plant prediction using MIF technique in the study area was 81.80%. The integration of GIS and MIF not only enhances the accuracy of site suitability assessment but also provides a practical implementation strategy. This research offers valuable insights for renewable energy policymakers, urban planners, and other stakeholders seeking to identify and develop optimal locations for solar energy power farms in their respective regions.
Novel nanotherapeutics for cancer immunotherapy by albumin nanoparticles functionalized with PD-1 and PD-L1 aptamers
Authors: Jiang Qiping , Yao Fengjiao , An Yacong , Lai Xialian , Li Xundou , Yu Zhen , Yang Xian-Da 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
PD-1/PD-L1 blockade plays a crucial role in cancer immunotherapy. Exploration of new technologies to further enhance the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade is therefore of potential medical importance. Nanotherapeutics can accumulate in tumor tissues due to enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects. In this study, a novel nanotherapeutic for cancer immunotherapy was implemented with albumin nanoparticles functionalized by both PD-1 and PD-L1 aptamers.

Results
Albumin nanoparticles (NP) were functionalized with either PD-1 aptamers (PD1-NP), PD-L1 aptamers (PDL1-NP), or both types of aptamers (PD1-NP-PDL1). Average sizes of PD1-NP, PDL1-NP, and PD1-NP-PDL1 were 141.8 nm, 141.8 nm, and 164.2 nm, respectively. PD1-NP had good affinity for activated T cells that expresses PD-1. Similarly, PDL1-NP could bind with MDA-MB-231 or CT26 tumor cells that express PD-L1. Moreover, the bispecific PD1-NP-PDL1 could bind with both the activated T cells and the PD-L1-expressing tumor cells, and tether the two type of cells together. Functionally, aptamer-modified nanoparticles exhibited stronger immune-stimulating effects vs. free aptamers. Specifically, PD1-NP or PDL1-NP induced stronger lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against PD-L1-expressing tumor cells in vitro vs. free PD-1 or PD-L1 aptamers. Animal studies also showed that PD1-NP or PDL1-NP significantly improved antitumor efficacy against CT26 colon cancer in vivo vs. free PD-1 or PD-L1 aptamers. Importantly, the bispecific PD1-NP-PDL1 further boosted the in vivo antitumor efficacy compared with PD1-NP or PDL1-NP, without raising systemic toxicity.

Conclusion
The results suggest that the bispecific PD1-NP-PDL1 is a promising nanotherapeutic to improve the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade, and may have application potential in colon cancer treatment.
Ocular biomarkers of cognitive decline based on deep-learning retinal vessel segmentation
Authors: Li Rui , Hui Ying , Zhang Xiaoyue , Zhang Shun , Lv Bin , Ni Yuan , Li Xiaoshuai , Liang Xiaoliang , Yang Ling , Lv Han , Yin Zhiyu , Li Hongyang , Yang Yingping , Liu Guangfeng , Li Jing , Xie Guotong , Wu Shouling , Wang Zhenchang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The current literature shows a strong relationship between retinal neuronal and vascular alterations in dementia. The purpose of the study was to use NFN+ deep learning models to analyze retinal vessel characteristics for cognitive impairment (CI) recognition.

Methods
We included 908 participants from a community-based cohort followed for over 15 years (the prospective KaiLuan Study) who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and fundus photography between 2021 and 2022. The cohort consisted of both cognitively healthy individuals (N = 417) and those with cognitive impairment (N = 491). We employed the NFN+ deep learning framework for retinal vessel segmentation and measurement. Associations between Retinal microvascular parameters (RMPs: central retinal arteriolar / venular equivalents, arteriole to venular ratio, fractal dimension) and CI were assessed by Pearson correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The correlation between the CI and RMPs were explored, then the correlation coefficients between CI and RMPs were analyzed. Random Forest nonlinear classification model was used to predict whether one having cognitive decline or not. The assessment criterion was the AUC value derived from the working characteristic curve.

Results
The fractal dimension (FD) and global vein width were significantly correlated with the CI (P < 0.05). Age (0.193), BMI (0.154), global vein width (0.106), retinal vessel FD (0.099), and CRAE (0.098) were the variables in this model that were ranked in order of feature importance. The AUC values of the model were 0.799.

Conclusions
Establishment of a predictive model based on the extraction of vascular features from fundus images has a high recognizability and predictive power for cognitive function and can be used as a screening method for CI.
Feasibility, safety and effectiveness of prednisolone and vitamin B1, B6, and B12 in patients with post-COVID-19-syndrome (PreVitaCOV) – protocol of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre trial in primary care (phase IIIb)
Authors: Tengelmann Caroline , Joos Stefanie , Kaußner Yvonne , Malzahn Uwe , Lunden Laura , Klug Andreas , Häusler Karl Georg , Escales Catharina , Maetzler Walter , Hügen Klemens , Zolk Oliver , Heuschmann Peter U. , Förster Christian , Kaduszkiewicz Hanna , Gágyor Ildikó 
Published: January 2024

AbstractBackgroundAfter infection with SARS-CoV-2 a relevant proportion of patients complains about persisting symptoms, a condition termed Post-COVID-19-syndrome (PC19S). So far, possible treatments are under investigation. Among others, neurotropic vitamins and anti-inflammatory substances are potential options. Thus, the PreVitaCOV trial aims to assess feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of treating patients in primary care with prednisolone and/or vitamin B1, B6 and B12.MethodsThe phase IIIb, multi-centre randomised, double-blind, and placebo-controlled PreVitaCOV trial has a factorial design and is planned as a two-phase approach. The pilot phase assessed feasibility and safety and was transformed into a confirmatory phase to evaluate effectiveness since feasibility was proven. Adult patients with PC19S after a documented SARS-CoV-2 infection at least 12 weeks ago are randomly assigned to 4 parallel treatments: prednisolone 20 mg for five days followed by 5 mg for 23 days (trial drug 1), B vitamins (B1 (100 mg OD), B6 (50 mg OD), and B12 (500 µg OD)) for 28 days (trial drug 2), trial drugs 1 and 2, or placebo. The primary outcome of the pilot phase was defined as the retention rate of the first 100 patients. Values of ≥ 85% were considered as confirmation of feasibility, this criterion was even surpassed by a retention rate of 98%. After transformation, the confirmatory phase proceeds by enrolling 240 additional patients. The primary outcome for the study is the change of symptom severity from baseline to day 28 as assessed by a tailored Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) total score referring to five symptom domains known to be typical for PC19S (fatigue, dyspnoea, cognition, anxiety, depression). The confirmatory trial is considered positive if superiority of any treatment is demonstrated over placebo operationalised by an improvement of at least 3 points on the PROMIS total score (t-score).DiscussionThe PreVitaCOV trial may contribute to the understanding of therapeutic approaches in PC19S in a primary care context.Trial registrationEudraCT: 2022-001041-20. DRKS: DRKS00029617. ClinicalTrials.gov: F001AM02222_1 (registered: 05 Dec 2022).
Validity and reliability of the Arabic version of the population postpartum depression literacy scale (PoDLiS): a web-based survey in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlAteeq Deemah , Almajed Ebtesam , AlZabin Alya , AlOtaibi Aisha , Salamah Rawan Bin , AlDhafyan Shahad , AlMutiri Wijdan A. , AlHarbi Asma , AlQntash Norah , AlTamimi Reem , AlRasheed Raghad , Fayed Amel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Proper knowledge about postpartum depression (PPD) will help recognize symptoms and encourage women to seek the needed professional help. Until now, there has been a scarcity of research on the literacy level of PPD among the Saudi population and the factors affecting it. This study translated the Postpartum Depression Literacy Scale (PoDLiS) into Arabic and evaluated its psychometric properties. Furthermore, the Saudi population’s mental health literacy for PPD and the factors associated with it were examined as a secondary objective.

Methods
This cross-sectional study involved 2,336 participants selected via convenience sampling from all over Saudi Arabia, all of whom willingly agreed to participate. Data collection was done through an online questionnaire using Google Forms, covering sociodemographic characteristics and the Arabic PoDLiS.

Results
The Arabic version of PoDLiS showed acceptable goodness-of-fit between the observed data and the resulting six-factor solution, RMSEA = 0.049, 90% confidence interval RMSEA (0.010–0.050), pCLOSE = 0.742, CFI = 0.962, TLI = 0.940, χ2(270) = 1576.12, p-value = 0.742. The total Cronbach’s alpha (α) of the PoDLiS showed acceptable internal consistency, measuring at 0.742. High literacy was seen in married and young participants with a postgraduate degree and sufficient household income who have known someone with PPD. Significantly lower literacy was seen in male, non-Saudi participants and those residing in the central and northern regions of Saudi Arabia.

Conclusions
The Arabic version of the PoDLiS showed good psychometric properties, and it can be used to assess PPD literacy among perinatal women and to examine the impact of PPD awareness programs. Despite reporting relatively good PPD literacy in the Saudi population, there is a persistent gap in participants’ beliefs about available professional help and the attitudes that facilitate recognizing PPD. Our findings highlight the importance of implementing public education campaigns to improve overall knowledge about PPD and promote prevention, early recognition, and treatment of PPD.
Severe COVID anxiety among adults in the United Kingdom: cohort study and nested feasibility trial
Authors: Crawford Mike J. , King Jacob D. , McQuaid Aisling , Bassett Paul , Leeson Verity C. , Tella Oluwaseun , Di Simplicio Martina , Tyrer Peter , Tyrer Helen , Watt Richard G. , Barnicot Kirsten 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
People with severe COVID anxiety have poor mental health and impaired functioning, but the course of severe COVID anxiety is unknown and the quality of evidence on the acceptability and impact of psychological interventions is low.

Methods
A quantitative cohort study with a nested feasibility trial. Potential participants aged 18 and over, living in the UK with severe COVID anxiety, were recruited online and from primary care services. We examined levels of COVID anxiety in the six months after recruitment, and factors that influenced this, using linear regression. Those scoring above 20 on the short Health Anxiety Inventory were invited to participate in a feasibility trial of remotely delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Health Anxiety (CBT-HA). Exclusion criteria were recent COVID-19, current self-isolation, or current receipt of psychological treatment. Key outcomes for the feasibility trial were the level of uptake of CBT-HA and the rate of follow-up.

Results
204 (70.2%) of 285 people who took part in the cohort study completed the six month follow-up, for whom levels of COVID anxiety fell from 12.4 at baseline to 6.8 at six months (difference = -5.5, 95% CI = -6.0 to -4.9). Reductions in COVID anxiety were lower among older people, those living with a vulnerable person, those with lower baseline COVID anxiety, and those with higher levels of generalised anxiety and health anxiety at baseline. 36 (90%) of 40 participants enrolled in the nested feasibility trial were followed up at six months. 17 (80.9%) of 21 people in the active arm of the trial received four or more sessions of CBT-HA. We found improved mental health and social functioning among those in the active, but not the control arm of the trial (Mean difference in total score on the Work and Social Adjustment Scale between baseline and follow up, was 9.7 (95% CI = 5.8–13.6) among those in the active, and 1.0 (95% C.I. = -4.6 to 6.6) among those in the control arm of the trial.

Conclusions
While the mental health of people with severe COVID anxiety appears to improve over time, many continue to experience high levels of anxiety and poor social functioning. Health anxiety is highly prevalent among people with severe COVID anxiety and may provide a target for psychological treatment.

Trial registration
Retrospectively registered at ISRCTN14973494 on 09/09/2021.
Barriers and enabling structural forces affecting access to antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria
Authors: Oturu Kingsley , O’Brien Oonagh , Ozo-Eson Philomena I. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps to improve quality of life and reduces the spread of HIV. However, while a lot of studies focus on supply factors, such as resources for the purchase of antiretroviral drugs, demand and structural forces are not given much emphasis. In this paper it is argued that structural forces shape the way people access antiretroviral therapy in Nigeria.

Methods
A Grounded Theory methodology was undertaken in the research. Semi structured qualitative interviews were administered to select people living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria. This was facilitated by the Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) to understand their perspectives with regard to barriers and enablers to ART access in Nigeria. Thirty persons living with HIV/AIDS were interviewed and recorded. The interview recordings were transcribed and coded using a constructionist epistemological approach. This was triangulated with results of preliminary and secondary literature review analysis.

Results
In this research, the participants discussed structural forces (barriers and enablers) that influenced how they accessed ART. These included economic factors such as poverty that enabled transactional sex. Unequal gender relations and perceptions influenced how they accessed ART. The participants’ belief in ‘God’ and religious activities such as ‘prayer’ and the use of ‘traditional medicine’ had an impact on how and when they accessed ART. Political activity at the international, national, and local levels influenced access to ART as well as resources. The individual’s familial, social, and organisational connections also influenced their ease of accessing ART.

Conclusions
This study identifies structural forces that affect access to antiretroviral therapy and provides recommendations on how they can be harnessed to enable improved access to ART and consequently improved health.
Demographic and socio-economic factors affecting bed net ownership, usage, and malaria transmission among adult patients seeking healthcare in two Ghanaian urban cities
Authors: Paintsil Ellis Kobina , Boadi Enoch , Dwamena Anthony , Addo Bless Hayford , Kumi Agyei , Obiri-Danso Kwasi , Ofori Linda Aurelia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The most cost-effective malaria prevention and control strategy is the use of a bed net. However, several factors affect the ownership and usage of bed nets among the adult population. Hence, this study aimed to examine socio-demographic factors affecting bed net ownership, usage and malaria transmission among adult patients seeking healthcare in two Ghanaian urban cities.

Methods
This hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted, between January and September 2021, at Bremang Seventh-Day Adventist Hospital, Suame Municipal, Ashanti Region and Sunyani Municipal Hospital, Sunyani, Bono Region, Ghana. Structured questionnaires were administered to a total of 550 participants to ascertain their ownership and usage of the bed nets. Afterwards, finger prick blood samples were collected for malaria microscopy. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PR) and their respective 95% CIs were calculated, using Poisson regression with robust standard errors, to show associated variables in bivariate and multivariate analyses respectively. R software (version 4.1.1) was used to perform all statistical analyses.

Results
About 53.3% (n = 293) of participants owned at least one-bed net but only 21.5% (n = 118) slept under it the previous night. Those married were 2.0 (95% CI: 1.6 – 2.5) and 2.4 (95% CI: 1.6 – 3.5) times more likely to own and use a bed net respectively than those who never married. Also, pregnant women were 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1 – 1.6) and 1.8 (95% CI: 1.3 – 2.5) times more likely to own and use a bed net respectively than non-pregnant. Even though income levels were not associated with bed net ownership and usage, students were 0.4 (95% CI: 0.2 – 0.6) and 0.2 (95% CI: 0.1 – 0.5) times less likely to own and use bed net respectively compared to formally employed persons. The overall malaria prevalence rate was 7.8%. Malaria-negative patients were 1.6 (95% CI: 1.2 – 2.0) and 2.4 (95% CI: 1.4 – 4.1) times more likely to own and use bed nets respectively than malaria positive. Patients with tertiary education recorded the lowest malaria prevalence (3.5%, n = 4). None of those with a monthly income > $300 recorded a case of malaria. On the contrary, majority 83%, n/N = 25/30) of the malaria-positive patients earned ≤ $150.

Conclusion
The National Malaria Control Program should conduct comprehensive mapping of all urban population segments before launching mass bed net distribution campaigns, taking into account demographic and socioeconomic factors to enhance bed net utilization and reduce malaria prevalence.
Incidence of renal cell carcinoma after solid organ transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Chang , Geng Hefeng , Li Yannan , Sun Fang , Sun Huiwei , Zhang Yingshi , Zhao Qingchun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The incidence rate of malignant tumors after solid organ transplantation is higher than the normal population. The aim of our study is to identify the risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) after liver, kidney, heart and lung transplantation, respectively, and suggest that transplant patients can be screened early for tumors to avoid risk.

Methods
PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library from their inception until August 16,2023. Retrospective and cohort studies which focus on the statistical data of standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of RCC after solid organ transplantation (SOT) more than one year have been included and extracted. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD4202022343633.

Results
Sixteen original studies have been included for meta-analysis. Liver transplantation could increase the risk of RCC (SIR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.53 to 0.93) with no heterogeneity(P = 0.594, I2 = 0.0%). And kidney transplantation could increase the risk of RCC(8.54, 6.68 to 10.40; 0.000,90.0%). Besides, heart and lung transplantation also could increase the risk of RCC(SIR = 0.73, 95%CI: 0.53 to 0.93; SIR = 1.61, 95%CI:0.50 to 2.71). Moreover, significance could also be found in most subgroups, especially the European group and retrospective study group. What’s more, after removing studies which have a greater impact on the overall outcome in RCC rate after kidney transplantation, heterogeneity did not solve and significant different was also observed in the European group (7.15, 5.49 to 8.81; 0.000, 78.6%).

Conclusion
Liver, kidney, heart and lung transplantation patients have an increased risk of processing RCC compared to the general population and most subgroups, especially in geographic location of European subgroup, which suggested that patients should be screened frequently after transplantation.