bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of potential microbial agents with two new entomopathogenic fungal strains to control the red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Pu Yu-Chen , Zheng Zong-Wei , Ding Can-Hui , Chen Xian-De 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Entomopathogenic fungi, representing a class of microbial agent, have been widely used in the field of pest management. The objective of this work was to isolate different species of fungi and to evaluate their virulence against the destructive and invasive red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Results
Two new entomopathogenic fungal strains isolated from dead diseased RPWs were identified as Metarhizium anisopliae ZZ-A1 and Fusarium oxysporum ZZ-L1 using growth characteristics, morphology, and rDNA-ITS sequence amplification. Bioassays showed that M. anisopliae ZZ-A1 strain exhibited significantly higher corrected mortality than F. oxysporum ZZ-L1 strain (90.92 vs. 77.28%) in fourth instar RPW larvae 12 days after treatment with a concentration of 1.0 × 1010 conidia/ml, as well as low median lethal concentration (LC50) and median lethal time (LT50) values.

Conclusions
The results suggest that both fungal isolates can potentially be developed as effective and persistent a microbial agent against this widespread pest, RPW. However, M. anisopliae ZZ-A1 showed relatively higher insecticidal activity than F. oxysporum ZZ-L1.
Association of ADAM33 gene with COPD pathophysiology: a case–control study
Authors: Soomro Tahmina , Mallah Manthar Ali , Nisa Zaka Un , Asim Naeem , Aslam Reema , Kafle Akriti , Khatoon Nafeesa 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Worldwide, Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a main cause of morbidity and mortality. Considering the global increase in the prevalence of COPD, research on the genetic factors that predispose to COPD is reviving. Recently, ADAM 33 has been found to be related to severe lung function decline and COPD.

Aim and objective
The present study is carried out with the main aim of determining the association of SNP, i.e., S2 (rs528557), with COPD.

Method
A case–control methodology is used to recruit participants. 50 COPD patients over 40 years of age and with a history of more than 20 pack years of cigarette smoking were enlisted. The same number of age and gender-matched controls with no COPD history were involved. PCR sequencing was used to analyze the genetic polymorphism of the ADAM 33 gene (SNP, i.e., S2 (rs528557). Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21. The Chi-square test was used to determine the difference in SNP rs528557 genotypes and alleles between controls and COPD.

Results
The findings of this study revealed that the G allele was present in all COPD cases (100%) and 72% of control (p = < 0.001). The minor C allele was 14% and 32% in COPD patients and control, respectively. The G/G genotype is overrepresented in cases (25.5%) than in the control (9.2%). The C/C genotype is overrepresented in controls (3.8%) than in COPD patients (0.9%).

Conclusion
The findings of this study demonstrate a significant association of the ADAM 33 gene (SNP, i.e., S2 (rs528557) with COPD pathophysiology in the studied group.
Evaluation of Telenomus remus (Hymenoptera: Platygastridae) as a biocontrol agent of Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) based on two-sex life table and functional response analyses
Authors: Shen Zhen , Liu Li-Hui , Zang Lian-Sheng , Deng Tie-Jun , Luo Zhen-Bao , Gao Jun-Yi , Tang Liang-De 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundTelenomusremusNixon is an important egg parasitoid ofSpodopteraspp. pests and, as such, has potential as a biological control agent.Spodopteralitura(Fabricius) is a significant pest of many economically important crops worldwide. This study was conducted to evaluate the demographic parameters and functional response ofT.remuson theS.lituraeggs.ResultsT.remuscan lay 186.90 eggs/female in the lifetime, adult preoviposition period was 0 days, total preoviposition period was 10.03 days, and the ratio of female and male offspring was 0.495 and 0.421, respectively. In addition, most females emerged from 24 h-old eggs, whereas most males emerged from 48 h-old eggs. The intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, net reproductive rate, mean generation time, and population doubling time were 0.3506 d–11.4199 d–192.45 offspring/individua, 12.91 days and 1.98 days, respectively. The net killing rate ofT.remusonS.liturawas 101.49 eggs/female, indicating the high capacity ofT.remusto parasitizeS.lituraeggs. Moreover, the higher the egg density, the higher the parasitism rate by femaleT.remus, although there was a trend of parasitism stabilization at an egg density of 100, indicating a type II functional response curve for this parasitoid.ConclusionOverall, these findings suggest thatT.remuscan be efficiently reared onS.lituraeggs and shows potential as biocontrol agent for this economically important pest species.
Validation of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Robotic Endometrial Cancer Staging Surgery: Results From a High-Volume Center in India
Authors: Roy Arunava , Rout Subhashree , Bhaumik Jaydip 
Published: November 2023

PURPOSE Lymph node involvement is one of the most important factors influencing recurrence and survival in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). However, the therapeutic role of lymphadenectomy in early-stage disease has been called into question. Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping may be an acceptable alternative to omitting lymphadenectomy or performing a complete lymphadenectomy in patients with EC. To validate SLN biopsy (SLNB) using indocyanine green (ICG) dye and near-infrared imaging in the background of comprehensive lymphadenectomy in patients with EC undergoing robotic staging surgery at Tata Medical Center. METHODS This was a single-center, prospective observational study involving patients with EC undergoing robotic staging. Patients received a standardized cervical injection of ICG at the 3- and 9-o'clock positions, with the dye reinjected if mapping failed. Depending on preoperative histology and radiological staging, patients had SLNB or comprehensive systematic lymphadenectomy in addition to SLNB. RESULTS The study included 105 female patients, of whom 71 underwent SLN and full lymphadenectomy and 34 underwent only SLN. There was bilateral mapping in 92 (87.61%) patients, with no mapping in one patient. In 18 patients, ICG dye was reinjected. With the exception of one, the rest had successful mapping after reinjection. The sensitivity of the SLN-ICG algorithm was 92.3%, and the negative predictive value was 98.3%. Ultrastaging necessitated upstaging in 8.57% of patients. CONCLUSION With a very high negative predictive value, SLN mapping with ICG dye has a high degree of diagnostic accuracy in detecting lymph node metastases in EC.
Multi-polarized Fabry-Pérot resonator cavity using multilayer partially reflective metasurface in X-Band
Authors: Yang Pei , Dang Bo , Li Lipin , Ren Zhiping , Dang Ruirong , Jia Huiqin 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we propose a multi-polarized Fabry-Pérot resonator cavity (MPFPRC) by integrating the multilayer partially reflective metasurface (MPRM), the feed of multi-polarized slot coupling patch antenna and the reflective ground in X-Band. The MPRM consists of first-layer square metal patches, second-layer metal ground with square slots, third-layer square metal patches and fourth-layer partially reflective patches. Based on the MPRM, the proposed MPFPRC is capable of transforming 0°, 45° and −45° linearly polarized (LP) waves emitted by the feed into LP beam, left-handed circularly polarized (LHCP) beam and right-handed circularly polarized (RHCP) beam, respectively. Finally, the designed MPFPRC is simulated, processed and measured. The experimental results verify that the −3 dB gain bandwidth of LP is 9.1–10.2 GHz, the −3 dB gain bandwidth and 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of the LHCP are 9.0–10.0 GHz and 9.2–10.0 GHz, and the −3 dB gain bandwidth and 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of the RHCP are 9.0–10.0 GHz and 9.3–10.0 GHz.
Counting the Dead in Nursing Homes during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jany-Catrice Florence , Delouette Ilona , Lefebvre-Chombart Amélie , Nirello Laura 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This article analyzes the genesis and consolidation of the “statistical argument” (Desrosières 2008) of mortality during the pandemic. Public health data are approached from the perspective of “biopower” which can be read as a statization of life, combining the power of both science and the state. The authors explore the social conditions of the production and dissemination of mortality data in French nursing homes in a period of strong uncertainty. The web of interactions between agencies of public health generates vagueness and uncertainty, but also weak and fragile data, in a period nevertheless marked by the centralization of power. The fragility of mortality data is mirrored by the fragility of the nursing home as institution — an expression of numerous fallibilities, in particular economic (lack of resources), symbolic (out-of-sight situations) and institutional (tension between health and social care).
Technical Note—Cloud Cost Optimization: Model, Bounds, and Asymptotics
Authors: Qu Zihao , Dawande Milind , Janakiraman Ganesh 
Published: November 2023

A Near-Optimal Capacity and Scheduling Policy for Cloud Users In “Cloud Cost Optimization: Model, Bounds, and Asymptotics,” Qu, Dawande, and Janakiraman study a long-term, dynamic resource-optimization problem for firms managing various cloud resources to process incoming computing tasks over time. Cloud resources vary in attributes, such as computing speed, memory, accelerators, and storage, tailored to different computing tasks, such as data warehousing, scientific computing, machine learning, and data processing. Firms can choose reserved resources for long-term commitments at lower costs or on-demand resources for flexibility at a higher price. Firms face three key trade-offs: the cost disparity between reserved and on-demand resources, the variation in resource attributes affecting performance and cost, and the challenge of balancing delay and resource costs. We propose an asymptotically optimal policy, demonstrating its effectiveness through a detailed numerical study based on Amazon Web Services data.
Never say never: successful extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) following a prolonged out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: Canziani Laura , Orlando Francesca , Villa Michele , Cassina Tiziano 
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) may be a life-saving rescue therapy for patients with severe cardiac disease of any origin and circulatory failure. Data in the literature have demonstrated that the use of advanced mechanical circulation has resulted in improvements in both survival and quality of life; despite this, cardiogenic shock and refractory cardiac arrest remain conditions with high mortality. Opportune identification of patients who can benefit from it may improve outcomes. However, the shortage of guidelines on indications often results in a high mortality rate and poor outcome. Due to ethical issues, randomised controlled studies with VA-ECMO have not been conducted so no recommended evidence-based guidelines exist for VA-ECMO patient-selection criteria. Therefore, the indications depend only on expert opinion after reviewing the literature. Case description: We report the case of a young female patient who presented with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to spontaneous coronary dissection. She was treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) with excellent results in terms of short and long-term survival, and neurological outcome. This was despite the presence of several clinical and laboratory negative prognostic factors on the basis of the current literature, and the lack of general consensus among the relevant medical personnel. Conclusion: We were able to explain the favourable outcome only on the basis of clinical data. We can conclude that the availability of advanced resources in the area (timeliness of the rescues, quality of the resuscitation, an advanced haemodynamic management centre nearby) has contributed to determining the complete clinical and neurological recovery of the patient.
Epidemiologic features of neonatal sepsis and its COVID-19 associated temporal patterns in Jimma Medical Center, Ethiopia: A Joinpoint regression analysis
Authors: Geleta Daniel , Abebe Gemeda , Workneh Netsanet , Beyene Getenet 
Published: November 2023

Background
Neonatal sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates across all regions, including Africa. Compared to developed and some developing countries, there are relatively few epidemiological trends for neonatal sepsis and associated patterns with COVID-19 in Ethiopia. We modeled an epidemiological trend and pattern to aid in the monitoring of changes in neonatal sepsis.

Methods
Retrospective data were collected from all admissions to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Ethiopia at Jimma Medical Center between May 2019 and April 2022. We analyzed the monthly neonatal sepsis incidence, mortality, and case-fatality rates using STATA software. Finally, we modeled a monthly time series of neonatal sepsis incidence trends and patterns associated with the COVID-19-impacted period using Joinpoint software. For all analyses, a P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant at the 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results
In the 36 months, 6796 cases were admitted to the NICU, with a 9.5% (95% CI: 9.1, 10.0) incidence rate of neonatal sepsis. The overall admission mortality rate was 16.5% (95% CI: 13.6, 19.8), while sepsis-attributed mortality was 7.1% (95% CI: 5.8, 8.5). The data showed an unstable decreasing trend for three Joinpoints (August 2020, December 2020, and August 2021). Notably, a decrease in the incidence trend was observed from May 2019 to August 2020 (MPC, -4.1; 95% CI: -7.6, -0.5; P = 0.03), followed by a sharp increase (MPC, 23.7; 95% CI: -13.8, 77.7; P = 0.24) from August 2020 to December 2020. From December 2020 to August 2021, there was again a decreasing trend (MPC, -13.8; 95% CI: -23.3, -3.5; P = 0.01), followed by a slight increase from August 2021 to April 2022 (MPC, 4.2; 95% CI: -8.4, 18.6; P = 0.52). Finally, the study revealed an association between patterns of neonatal sepsis incidence trends and COVID-19, with a Joinpoint jump model comparability ratio (CR = 0.43) between pre- and COVID-19-impacted periods.

Conclusions
Neonatal sepsis was prevalent at Jimma Medical Center, but it was on an unstably declining trend. The current results suggest a potential temporal association between the intensity of COVID-19 containment measures and a change in the incidence trend and patterns of neonatal sepsis. However, the quantified contribution of a particular containment measure requires further investigation.
The impact of national income and vaccine hesitancy on country-level COVID-19 vaccine uptake
Authors: Moradpour Javad , Shajarizadeh Ali , Carter Jasmine , Chit Ayman , Grootendorst Paul 
Published: November 2023

Background
The rapid development and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines helped reduce the pandemic’s mortality burden. The vaccine rollout, however, has been uneven; it is well known that vaccination rates tend to be lower in lower income countries. Vaccine uptake, however, ultimately depends on the willingness of individuals to get vaccinated. If vaccine confidence is low, then uptake will be low, regardless of country income level. We investigated the impact on country-level COVID-19 vaccination rates of both national income and vaccine hesitancy.

Methods
We estimated a linear regression model of COVID-19 vaccine uptake across 145 countries; this cross-sectional model was estimated at each of four time points: 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after the onset of global vaccine distribution. Vaccine uptake reflects the percentage of the population that had completed their primary vaccination series at the time point. Covariates include per capita GDP, an estimate of the percentage of country residents who strongly disagreed that vaccines are safe, and a variety of control variables. Next, we estimated these models of vaccine uptake by country income (countries below, and above the international median per capita GDP) to examine whether the impact of vaccine hesitancy varies by country income.

Results
We find that GDP per capita has a pronounced impact on vaccine uptake at 6 months after global rollout. After controlling for other factors, there was a 22 percentage point difference in vaccination rates between the top 20% and the bottom 20% of countries ranked by per capita GDP; this difference grew to 38% by 12 months. The deleterious impact of distrust of vaccine safety on vaccine uptake became apparent by 12 months and then increased over time. At 24 months, there was a 17% difference in vaccination rates between the top 20% and the bottom 20% of countries ranked by distrust. The income stratified models reveal that the deleterious impact of vaccine distrust on vaccine uptake at 12 and 24 months is particularly evident in lower income countries.

Conclusions
Our study highlights the important role of both national income and vaccine hesitancy in determining COVID-19 vaccine uptake globally. There is a need to increase the supply and distribution of pandemic vaccines to lower-income countries, and to take measures to improve vaccine confidence in these countries.
Assessment of long-lasting insecticide nets coverage, utilization, and associated factors among households in malaria elimination districts of Arsi Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Hunde Olana Yadate , Hailu Haimanot Ewnetu , Wondimu Jimmawork , Dinku Belachew , Ewnetu Wegene 
Published: November 2023

Background
Malaria is a major global public health problem, with a particular burden of disease in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Access to Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) for at-risk populations, ensuring its appropriate utilization and identifying the barriers are important for malaria prevention, control and elimination. This study aimed to assess coverage, utilization and associated factors of Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) among households in the Arsi Zone of Oromia Region, Ethiopia.

Methods
Community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2021. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to recruit 1250 households from five districts out of 21 Malarious districts in the Zone. Proportional allocations of households were done in each sampled kebeles and simple random sampling was used to draw the study participants. Data were collected by trained data collectors using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and observation. The collected data were exported to and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Variables with a p-value below 0.2 at bivariable logistic regression analysis were entered into the multivariable logistic regression model. We presented findings using an adjusted odds ratio with 95%CI at a p-value of less than 0.05.

Results
Out of the total of 1250 households 99.5% of surveyed owned LLINs and 27.1% of them had slept under the net the night before the survey. The factors associated with LLIN usage included being in the age range of 40 to 49 years (AOR; 1.82, 95%CI 1.01–3.25), preference for conical-shaped LLINs (AOR = 2.36; 95% CI: 1.33–4.18), not believing LLINs expired within 6 months (AOR 3.75, 95% CI 2.31–6.09), reporting a mosquito bite as a mode of malaria transmission (AOR = 2.46; 95%CI: 1.01–5.98), employed (AOR = 9.0; 95%CI: (4.22–20.02) and type of sleeping bed (AOR =: 17.4; 95% CI, 11.74–26.03). On the other hand, households with two and above sleeping rooms were less likely to use LLINs (AOR = 0.46; (95% CI: 0.23–0.88).

Conclusion
Even though the ownership of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets was high, the actual utilization was very low. Promoting the usage of LLINs utilization among those at most risk, through intensified health education activities will be helpful.
Comparison of stereopsis thresholds measured with conventional methods and a new eye tracking method
Authors: Liu Lu , Yu Bo , Xu Lingxian , Wang Shiyi , Zhao Lingzhi , Wu Huang 
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Stereopsis is the ability to perceive depth using the slightly different views from two eyes. This study aims to conduct innovative stereopsis tests using the objective data outputted by eye tracking technology.

Methods
A laptop and an eye tracker were used to establish the test system. Anaglyphic glasses were employed to execute the stereopsis assessment. The test symbol employed was devised to emulate the quantitative measurement component of the Random Dot 3 Stereo Acuity Test. Sub-pixel technology was used to increase the disparity accuracy of test pages. The tested disparities were: 160″, 100″, 63″, 50″, 40″, 32″, 25″, 20″, 16″, and 12.5″. The test was conducted at a distance of 0.65m. Conventional and eye tracking stereopsis assessments were conducted on 120 subjects. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to test the difference, while the Bland-Altman method was used to test the consistency between the two methods.

Results
The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed no significant difference between conventional and eye tracking thresholds of stereopsis (Z = −1.497, P = 0.134). There was a high level of agreement between the two methods using Bland- Altman statistical analysis (The 95 per cent limits of agreement were −0.40 to 0.47 log arcsec).

Conclusions
Stereoacuity can be evaluated utilizing an innovative stereopsis measurement system grounded in eye tracking technology.
A Tale of 2 Tics: Endoscopic Treatment of Perforated Periampullary Diverticulum Within a Giant Duodenal Diverticulum
Authors: Arayakarnkul Suchapa , Inal Ekin , Mehta Amit , Ngamruengphong Saowanee 
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT
Periampullary diverticulum presenting with severe complications, such as perforations, is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Traditionally, only surgical or conservative management has been warranted. In this case, we present a 76-year-old woman with a spontaneously perforated periampullary diverticulum, located within a larger duodenal diverticulum, who achieved complete recovery with endoscopic closure after an initial unsuccessful attempt at surgical management. This case report highlights the role of endoscopy in the treatment of complicated diverticulum perforation.