bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical profile, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular analyses and treatment of pilocytic astrocytoma: an eight year study from a tertiary health care centre in North East India
Authors: Ahmed Shabnam Akhtar , Barua Navanil , Borah Nabajyoti , Haque Inamul , Barman Ananya , Dandapath Iman 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Pilocytic astrocytoma (PA) is a central nervous system (CNS) World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 glial tumor that is highly prevalent in children and young adults. The main aim of the study was to assess the frequency, clinicopathological features, and treatment of PAs along with their immunohistochemical and molecular analyses in patients from Northeast India. About 144 glial tumors were diagnosed in patients from 3 to 75 yrs of age from January 2015 to March 2022. Nine pediatric PA patients were identified and their clinical data were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry (IHC), fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH), and molecular analysis using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were performed. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software.

Results
The mean age of the glioma patients was 41.7 yrs ± 18.2 with a male/female ratio of 1.3:1. The most common form of the glial tumor was found to be astrocytoma CNS WHO grade 2 (31.9%). The frequency of PA CNS WHO grade 1 was 6.9%. The pediatric PA cohort had a mean age of 9.2 yrs ± 4.9 with a male/female ratio of 2:1. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) positive immunostaining and retention of transcriptional regulator alpha-thalassemia mental retardation X-linked protein (ATRX) expression was seen in all the tested PAs. The KIAA1459-BRAF fusion was detected in four PAs. Surgical intervention with total or radical tumor excision was performed for the PA patients. Eight PA patients exhibited improved condition post-surgery.

Conclusion
With the advent of healthcare and newer diagnostic facilities there is an increased incidence of glial tumors in developing countries. A combination of histological, immunohistochemical, and molecular analysis is very important for the diagnosis, accurate treatment, and prognosis of PA patients.
The roles of immune cells in Behçet’s disease
Authors: Hu Dan , Guan Jian-Long 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBehçet’s disease (BD) is a systemic vasculitis that can affect multiple systems, including the skin, mucous membranes, joints, eyes, gastrointestinal and nervous. However, the pathogenesis of BD remains unclear, and it is believed that immune-inflammatory reactions play a crucial role in its development. Immune cells are a critical component of this process and contribute to the onset and progression of BD. By regulating the function of these immune cells, effective control over the occurrence and development of BD can be achieved, particularly with regards to monocyte activation and aggregation, macrophage differentiation and polarization, as well as T cell subset differentiation. This review provides a brief overview of immune cells and their role in regulating BD progression, which may serve as a theoretical foundation for preventing and treating this disease.
Food waste supply and behaviour towards its alternative uses in Kampala city, Uganda
Authors: Ssepuuya Geoffrey , Nsiyona Elsie , Kakungulu Moses , Alowo Jane Frances , Nampala Paul 
Published: October 2023

AbstractSolid waste management is a major challenge in sub-Saharan Africa in general and its food waste component is high and increasing with the rapidly increasing population. Survey data (class p1) collected from households, hotels, restaurants, schools and produce markets were analysed using descriptive and logistic regression analyses for insights into the types and amounts of food waste, and respondents’ attitudes and practices towards its collection, disposal and alternative uses. Households produce the highest amounts of food waste compared to institutions (hotels, schools and restaurants) and produce markets. In a week, about 96, 72, and 93% of all the respondents in households, institutions and produce markets respectively experienced food waste at least one to three times. On average, with a solid waste collection coverage of 45%, households, institutions and markets in Kampala can respectively supply 680, 80, and 8 t of food waste daily. Moulding, poor food storage, food leftovers, food expiry and excess food produce were the major reasons for condemning food to waste. Over 90% of the respondents recognized food waste as a problem, and as a resource especially for use in livestock feed production, and were willing to consume house crickets raised on feed from food waste. Lower levels of education (none, primary and secondary levels), unemployment, and being divorced at household level were positively associated with recognizing food waste as a resource [X2 (21, N = 209) = 137.77, p =  < 0.0001] and re-use for alternative purposes [X2 (21, N = 209) = 47.44, p = 0.001] by households and institutions [X2 (14, N = 92) = 30.97, p =  < 0.019]. Majority of the respondents were willing to donate food waste, especially married people and institutions that have been in existence for a period of 5–10 years.
Allelic variation in TUSC1 gene: rs1462218557 is associated with male infertility and azoospermia
Authors: Vahidi Emami Zahra , Sheidai Masoud , Kalhor Naser 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Male infertility is rapidly growing, and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) association studies are of critical importance. Tumor suppressor candidate 1 (TUSC1) gene is associated with azoospermia. We investigated association between rs1462218557 in TUSC1 with azoospermia.

Methods
We performed tetra-ARMS PCR analysis and sequencing on healthy and infertile individuals.

Results
Tetra-ARMS PCR results revealed that the allele frequency of the SNP for T alleles was 0.66, while the same value for C allele was 0.36. It was different from the previous reports of the other countries because they reported the allele C as the frequent allele and it was considered an ancestral allele. The genotype frequencies obtained showed that 67% of the samples were heterozygotes (T/C), while 33% were homozygotes (TT). SNP-STAT analysis showed a significant association (p = 0.04) with the studied SNP and azoospermia in Iranian samples.

Conclusions
The present study reports a new allele frequency of rs1462218557 in TUSC1 gene, which may be associated with azoospermia in Iranian people. Moreover, no association was observed between neighboring sequences/SNPs with male infertility.
The use of radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy in the curative treatment of cancer: results from the FORTY (Favourable Outcomes from RadioTherapY) project
Authors: Mee Thomas , Kirkby Norman F , Defourny Noemie N , Kirkby Karen Joy , Burnet Neil G 
Published: October 2023

Objectives
Radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy play key roles in the curative treatment of cancer, alone and in combination. Quantifying their roles is essential for equipment provision and workforce planning. The estimate that 40% of cancer patients are cured by RT has been used extensively to inform and influence policy but is relatively old and warrants review.

Methods
Patient, tumour and treatment event data was obtained for the 5 year period from 2009 to 2013, allowing a further 5 years for survival outcomes to be known. We analysed patient-level data on utilisation of surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy in cancer patients in England. Data were sourced from Public Health England, using National Cancer Registrations, the National Radiotherapy Dataset (RTDS) and the Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy Dataset (SACT). All tumour sites (excluding C44) and ages were included. We analysed three cohorts: all patients [n = 1,029,569], patients who survived 5 years or more [n = 537,970] and patients who survived &lt;5 years [n = 491,599].

Results
Overall cancer-specific 5-year survival was 52%, and in those patients, surgery was the most common curative treatment, with 80% receiving surgery, alone or in combination; radiotherapy was delivered to 39% and chemotherapy to 29%; 45% received two and 13% all three modalities.

Conclusions
The high proportion receiving multi-modality treatment emphasises the importance of integrated, resourced, multidisciplinary cancer care. Radiotherapy was delivered to almost 40% of patients who survived 5 years which underlines its importance in cancer management.

Advances in knowledge
The results are essential in planning cancer services. They also inform the public health narrative.
Households with and without the presence of adolescents, probability of expenditure on food consumed away from home, according to ENAHO 2021: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lozada-Urbano Michelle , Del Castillo Giuliana , Llañez Soledad Dionisia , Dextre Maria Luisa , Padilla Sarria Angel Porfirio , Huamán Franklin , Huaita Acha Delsi Mariela , Rivera-Lozada Oriana 
Published: October 2023

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the probability of spending on food consumed outside the home in families with and without adolescents. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, quantitative study, developed with the report from the National Household Survey (ENAHO) of Peru for the year 2021. Households selected from the database included those with an adolescent and without an adolescent in its composition and who made expenditures on food consumed away from home. Households were selected according to number of household members, place of origin, sex of the self-reported head of the household, ethnicity, educational attainment, marital status of the head of the household, age of the head of the household, and according to the poverty variable. Results: Households with adolescents and without adolescents spend monthly in Food away from home [Peruvian Soles (USD), SD]; [216.1 (57.17), 3.82] and [159.1 (42.10), 2.94] respectively. The average expenditure (Peruvian Soles) on food consumed away from home according to the poverty variable (extreme poor, poor and non-poor) in households with the presence of adolescents was (46.28, 118.89, 258.33), respectively. This expenditure in Food away from home is higher when comparing it to households without adolescents. Therefore, there is a significant expenditure in Food away from home in households with adolescents. Conclusions: It is important to create a culture for purchasing food that does not harm health. Keywords: food, expenditure, adolescents, ENAHO, poverty.
Drivers of green purchasing behaviour: a systematic review and a research agenda
Authors: Yusoff Nuryusnita , Alias Mazni , Ismail Norhazlin 
Published: October 2023

Background: Green purchasing is an important aspect of sustainable consumption, which decreases society’s environmental effect. Although numerous research has been conducted to investigate the determinants of green buying behaviour, there has been a lack of effort in comprehensively analysing these findings. The purpose of this study is to examine the available literature on the factors that influence green purchasing behaviour. Methods: The review focused on empirical research published in peer-reviewed English-language publications between 2017 and 2021 in Web of Science and Scopus. The research took place from May to June 2021. Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) is used to assess the risk of bias in systematic literature reviews. Results: 41 articles were included, with significant focus on the retailing sector. Most of these studies were centred in Asian countries, primarily China and India. The Theory of Planned Behaviour was the most prominent, appearing 15 times, followed by the Theory of Reasoned Action (seven times). Analysis identified five main themes and 15 sub-themes related to green purchase behaviour drivers. These themes were categorized by occurrence: People (34 papers), marketing (13), knowledge (12), environment (12), and influence (nine). The dominant driver was people (34 studies), encompassing sub-themes including motivation (three), perception (eight), behavioural (13), and psychographic characteristics (10). Conclusions: This study has given an overview of the present status of green purchasing behaviour, which serves as a foundation for future studies and guidance for policymakers and practitioners. However, it does not include unpublished materials and non-English papers. Secondly, it focuses on articles from two databases within the last five years which doesn't encompass all article types, prompting the need for future exploration. Thirdly, extending the review's time frame could unveil more pronounced GPB patterns. Lastly, although all eligible papers were assessed based on criteria, the chance of overlooking some papers is acknowledged.
Sample size in educational research: A rapid synthesis
Authors: Besekar Smruti , Jogdand Sangita , Naqvi Waqar 
Published: October 2023

Background: By conducting an in-depth study of the publications, a review was conducted with the goal of evaluating the sample size in educational research. The sample size, represented by the letter “n,” is a key factor in this research because it specifies the number of participants who represent the target population. Although various studies have been published in the literature defining the processes for calculating sample sizes, there is still much uncertainty. It is vital to understand that there is no single all-encompassing method for determining sample sizes for different study designs. Instead, different study designs call for different approaches to determine sample numbers. Methods: Information was retrieved from the databases in accordance with updated PRISMA recommendations. The keywords used for the retrieval of the relevant articles from two databases (Google Scholar and PubMed). The articles were selected by thorough scrutiny and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Seven articles were selected from the 9282 articles. The comparison was made among the studies in the relation to methods, objective, and outcome from the enrolled studies. Conclusions: The evaluation of the seven studies as a whole concluded that the sample size for testing any novel approach essentially required 24.24 participants in each group. The median sample size for the simulation-based educational research was 30. Further research is required to determine the proper sample size based on a single universal formula for all types of designs.
A survey of the training experiences and needs on Wellcome Trust PhD programmes
Authors: Fawcett Charlotte , Sandilands Kathryn , Ng'ang'a Rispah , Muasya William , Budriunaite Ieva , Andleeb Humma , Gatua Winfred , de Abreu Nunes Laetitia , Oketch John , Piazza Giulia G. 
Published: October 2023

Background: Training for PhD researchers was previously identified by the Wellcome Trust funded Emerging Research Cultures project as an area for further investigation to ensure an inclusive culture which enables PhD students to become well-rounded researchers. Methods: The Taskforce on Training conducted a survey of 36 Wellcome Trust-funded PhD students and 10 programme administrators to evaluate the provision of training in eight key areas. This survey examined a number of issues, such as availability and knowledge of training, potential gaps in training, and the perceived usefulness of training. Results: PhD students reported that training was generally useful and viewed as important; technical training in particular was highly valued. However, the survey identified that students desired additional training in project management and personal development. A survey of programme administrators highlighted the wide variety in training availability for students across several Wellcome Trust programmes currently run in the UK. Conclusions: In response to these findings, a number of recommendations were made. These included: promotion of peer mentoring for PhD students, and alternative methods for delivery of well-being training. However, this report only explores the views of a limited number of Wellcome Trust funded PhD students and would benefit from further research into the experiences of PhD students, programme administrators, and PhD supervisors.
Investigating the mood effects of nature sounds and soothing images in adolescents: A proof-of-concept randomised control pilot study
Authors: Ryynanen Jasmiina , MacLennan Keren , Witten Emily , Tipp Cheryl , Wisdom Stella , Chan Stella W. Y. 
Published: October 2023

Background: High prevalence of mental health problems in adolescents indicates a need for more accessible evidence-based interventions. Connection with nature and soothing imagery based on compassion focused therapy (CFT) have both been shown to offer mood benefits, with a recent study showing that both nature related sounds and soothing images were effective in reducing negative affect and depressive mood in adults. This pilot study aimed to extend this line of research by examining whether nature related sounds and soothing images could, independently and/or collectively, improve adolescents’ mood. Methods: Our online study included 88 adolescents, aged 13-17, randomly allocated into one of three experimental conditions (viewing soothing images, listening to nature related to sounds, or combined). They also completed pre- and post-assessments of positive affect, negative affect, serenity affect, state anxiety and state depression. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were indexed at baseline using standardised self-reported measures. Results: Adolescents, regardless of group, reported an increase in serenity affect and a reduction in negative mood states across time. Additionally, these mood changes appeared to be more pronounced in those with higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms at baseline. Conclusions: Our findings provide preliminary evidence that, upon further research development and replication, nature related sounds and soothing images could be incorporated into therapies such as CFT to support mental health in young people. Registration: ISRCTN16916695.
Scalable orthogonal delay-division multiplexed OEO artificial neural network trained for TI-ADC equalization
Authors: Zazzi Andrea , Das Arka Dipta , Hüssen Lukas , Negra Renato , Witzens Jeremy 
Published: October 2023

We propose a new signaling scheme for on-chip optical-electrical-optical artificial neural networks that utilizes orthogonal delay-division multiplexing and pilot-tone-based self-homodyne detection. This scheme offers a more efficient scaling of the optical power budget with increasing network complexity. Our simulations, based on 220 nm silicon-on-insulator silicon photonics technology, suggest that the network can support 31×31 neurons, with 961 links and freely programmable weights, using a single 500 mW optical comb and a signal-to-noise ratio of 21.3 dB per neuron. Moreover, it features a low sensitivity to temperature fluctuations, ensuring that it can be operated outside of a laboratory environment. We demonstrate the network’s effectiveness in nonlinear equalization tasks by training it to equalize a time-interleaved analog-to-digital converter (ADC) architecture, achieving an effective number of bits over 4 over the entire 75 GHz ADC bandwidth. We anticipate that this network architecture will enable broadband and low latency nonlinear signal processing in practical settings such as ultra-broadband data converters and real-time control systems.
Female-controlled dual protection methods: Prevalence, predictors, experiences and perceptions among young women living with HIV in northern Uganda–A mixed-method study protocol
Authors: Kumakech Edward , Acen Joy , Musinguzi Marvin , Ebong Doryn , Okello James 
Published: October 2023

Study background
The use of dual protection methods among young women living with HIV (YWLHIV) aged 15–24 years in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is poorly researched despite the double risk of unintended pregnancy and HIV. Even more scanty is literature on the use of female-controlled dual protection methods. We propose to determine the female-controlled dual protection prevalence, and the predictors among YWLHIV in northern Uganda. The study will also explore the YWLHIV’s experiences and perceptions regarding the female-controlled dual protection methods.

Materials and methods
This study will employ a mixed-methods design. The study area will be Lira district and Lira city located in northern Uganda. The setting for recruitment of participants will be the public health facility–based anti-retroviral therapy (ART) clinics. These ART clinics serves a total of about 1,771 YWLHIV. A sample of 425 YWLHIV will be selected by stratified random sampling from the ART clinic registers. The three strata of interest will be the YWLHIV attending the ART clinic at referral hospitals, health centers level IV (primary healthcare centers), and health centers level III (dispensaries). The primary outcome will be the use of the female-controlled dual protection methods. The outcome will be measured by asking the YWLHIV ‘what methods under their control as YWLHIV do they use to protect against both unintended pregnancy and HIV during sexual intercourse with their male partners.’ The questionnaire also has measures for the unintended pregnancy, HIV status, and the potential predictors. Qualitative component of the study will be in-depth interviews of the participants about their experiences and perceptions regarding the female-controlled dual protection methods. Data collection was still ongoing at the time of first submission of this study protocol to the journal (14th March 2023). The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 will be used for the statistical analyses. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate regression analyses will be used to establish the prevalence, associated factors and the predictors of the outcome respectively. The statistical significance level of 5% and 95% confidence interval will be considered. In-depth interviews will be manually analyzed using a thematic analysis approach for codes, themes, and categories.