bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of extreme weather events on agriculture and women's food security in Cameroon
Authors: Takamgno Célestin Sikubé , Maisonnave Hélène , SIKUBE Nina FOTSO MAYAP 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
This study evaluates the socioeconomic and gendered impacts of extreme weather events on food security in Cameroon by combining an estimation of changes in agricultural yields because of climate change in the country with quantitative modelling. The estimations are modelled using an autoregressive distributed lag, while a computable general equilibrium model in which agricultural production is differentiated by agroecological zones is used to assess the economy-wide impacts. We find that the high savannah and bimodal forest zone are the zones most affected by climate shocks regardless of the scenario tested and that female workers are the most affected, irrespective of their level of skill. Food insecurity is worsened, especially among female-headed households living in rural areas. These results help us to better assess the differentiated impacts of climate change to formulate more targeted adaptation policies.
JEL Classification: Q54; Q18; J16; C68; O55
Optimizing packaging materials for prolonged freshness of marigold loose flowers
Authors: MB Viresh , Jain Ritu , Sethi Shruti , Singh MC , Tiwari AK , Singh Babita , Lekshmy S , Prabha Ratna , Bana RS 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The primary challenge for the freshly harvested flowers is their perishable nature, which severely limits their shelf life, typically ranging from 2 to 3 days, depending on prevailing meteorological conditions. The short storage life and poor keeping quality are the principal constraints in marigold marketing. To tackle the twin challenges, the present research was conducted to identify suitable packaging materials for extending the storage life and preserving the quality of loose marigold flowers when stored under both ambient (30 ± 2º C) and cold (5 ± 1º C) environments. Five different packaging materials, namely, muslin cloth, poly propylene woven bag, low density polyethylene (LDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and shrink-wrap were used. The study was carried out in the Completely Randomized Design (factorial) with two replications. Greatest improvement in shelf life of marigold loose flowers was achieved using shrink-wrap (19.0 days) and HDPE (18.5 days) in cold storage. Marigold loose flowers packed in shrink wrap, either under ambient or cold storage, exhibited the longest shelf life (4.5 and 19.0 days, respectively). Additionally, shrink-wrapped flowers demonstrated superior characteristics such as flower diameter, brightness, moisture content, carotenoid content, membrane stability index, enzyme activity, as well as reduced shrivelling, weight loss, and respiration rate. In the like manner, shrink-wrapped flowers also exhibited the highest levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and guaiacol peroxidase activity. The use of shrink-wrap effectively delayed the senescence of marigold flowers by regulating enzymatic activities, ensuring freshness under both room temperature and cold storage conditions. The present study reports an important outcome that shrink wrap not only improves shelf life considerably but highlights that it maintains the physiological and biochemical properties of marigold for a significant period.
Validation of Turkish Psoriatic Arthritis Screening Tool (TurPAS) for Psoriatic Arthritis: A Cross-sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Kılıç Şeyma Başar , Kulu Huzeyfe , Salman Hüseyin , Bektaş Murat 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: Psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic immune-mediated disease that affects skin, nails, tendons, and joints. Several screening tools such as PEST, PASE, EARP, STRIPP, SIPAS, TOPAS have been developed and validated for identifying patients with suspected PsA in dermatology clinics.
Objective: Herein, we aim to validate and evaluate the performance of TurPAS in patients with PsO compared to the EARP questionnaire.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in collaboration between dermatology and rheumatology clinics at Aksaray University Hospital, a tertiary referral center. All patients were examined for dermatologic aspects in the dermatology outpatient clinic and TurPAS and EARP questionnaires were performed by the same dermatologist. The patients who met CASPAR criteria were classified as PsA in addition to appropriate clinical findings.
Results: In our study, 119 patients (n=72; 60.5% female) with PsO were included. Mean±Standard deviation (SD) of the patients were 44.9±14.3 (range; 18-83) years and median (IQR) PsO duration were 10 (14) years. Median (IQR) TurPAS and EARP scores were 2 (3) and 3 (5), respectively. Overall, 39 patients (32.8%) met the CASPAR criteria and were classified as PsA. The best diagnostic accuracy was observed in ≥3 positive items with 82% and 70% sensitivity and specificity (PPV: 57.1%, NPV: 89%, Likelihood ratio [LR]: 2.7, diagnostic accuracy: 74%) for TurPAS and ≥4 items with 74.4% and 86.3% (PPV: 72.5%, NPV: 87.3%, LR: 5.4, diagnostic accuracy: 82.4%) for EARP.
Conclusion: In our study approximately one-third of patients with PsO were diagnosed as PsA. TurPAS had acceptable diagnostic performance compared to the EARP questionnaire.
WITHDRAWN: Numerical Study on the Performance Evaluation and Thermal Management of Automotive Exhaust Thermoelectric Generator using Pin fins
Authors: Veer Chander , Kansara Keyur , Singh Shobhana 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The utilization of thermoelectric power generators presents a viable prospect for the recuperation of waste heat that results from exhaust gases within the automotive sector. The optimal performance of thermoelectric modules in waste heat recovery applications is heavily dependent on the design of the heat exchanger. The current study employs numerical methods to examine the efficacy of pin-fin configurations on the hot-side heat exchanger surface in enhancing heat transfer and thereby improving the conversion efficiency of TEG. Specifically, the study explores the impact of inline, staggered, and progressive arrangements of pin-fins in the direction of the exhaust stream. The heat exchanger is subjected to variations in fin thickness ranging from 10 mm to 18 mm to improve heat transfer in each configuration. The study conducts simulations on every fin configuration, utilizing three distinct inlet velocities (4 m/s, 6 m/s, and 8 m/s) and five different inlet temperatures (423 K, 473 K, 523 K, 573 K, and 623 K). The assessment of the heat exchanger’s performance is conducted by means of the thermal-hydraulic performance coefficient (THPC) and the temperature uniformity index. Meanwhile, the evaluation of the TEG device’s performance is carried out by estimating its rated power output and the conversion efficiency of TEG. According to the findings, the staggered fin arrangement exhibits the highest Thermal Hydraulic Performance Coefficient (THPC) and power generation capability, while the progressive and inline fin configurations follow in descending order. The utilization of fins with a thickness of 18 mm in a staggered arrangement yields a peak rated power output of 53.42 W. The implementation of pin fins in a staggered configuration within the heat exchanger amplifies the heat transfer from the exhaust gas to the thermoelectric module. Consequently, there is an increase in the output power with respect to the given temperature difference.
Investigation of the predictive value of blood parameters and ratios on knee prosthesis loosening in patients after knee arthroplasty
Authors: Kurt Mehmet , Yılmaz Selçuk , Dülgeroğlu Turan Cihan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objectives
In this research, it was aimed to evaluate the predictive value of blood parameters and ratios on knee prosthesis loosening in patients after knee arthroplasty.
Methods
A total of 221 patient files having knee prosthesis attempting to our clinic between 2018 and 2022 were retrospectively examined. Patients were divided into two groups as loosening (n = 108; 48.9%) and not loosening (n = 108; 48.9%) groups. Monocyte/HDL ratio (MHR), Albumin/CRP ratio (ACR), Eosinophile/lymphocyte ratio (ELN), MPV/PLT ratio (MPR), Monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), Platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and Hemoglobin/Platelet ratio (HPL) parameters of patients were calculated.
Results
HDL, albumin, hemoglobin, ACR, PLR and HPL levels were significantly higher in loosening patients (p < 0.05). CRP, neutrophile, lymphocyte, monocyte and MHR means were significantly higher in no-loosening patients (p < 0.05). Loosening was significantly correlated with gender (r = 0.141; p < 0.05), HDL (r = 0.474; p < 0.01), albumin (r = 0.349; p < 0.01), CRP (r=-0.466; p < 0.01), neutrophile (r=-0.167; p < 0.05), lymphocyte (r=-0.240; p < 0.01), monocyte (r=-0.380; p < 0.01), hemoglobin (r = 0.254; p < 0.01), MHR (r=-0.513; p < 0.01), ACR (r = 0.496; p < 0.01), PLR (r = 0.142; p < 0.05) and HPL (r = 0.204; p < 0.01). Binary logistic regression analysis results showed that MHR (B=-0,415; p < 0.01), ACR (B = 0,048; p < 0.01) and HPL (r = 30,640; p < 0.05) had significant predictive value for knee prosthesis at multivariate level. predictive value of MHR (AUC = 0.798; p < 0.01), ACR (AUC = 0.786; p < 0.01) and HPL (AU = 0.618; p < 0.01) were statistically significant. For MHR 6.2481 cutoff level, sensitivity was 72.2% and specificity was 10.6%. For ACR 8.6380 utoff level, sensitivity was 84.3% and specificity was 59.3%. For HPL 0.0506 cutoff level, sensitivity was 63.9% and specificity was 54.0%.
Conclusion
MHR, ACR and HPL may be used predictors of knee prosthesis after knee surgery.
Evaluation method and application of water-rich of clastic rock aquifer in mining seam roof
Authors: Qiu Mei , Shao Zhendong , Zhang Weiqiang , Zheng Yan , Yin Xinyu , Gai Guichao , Han Zhaodi , Zhao Jianfei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Clastic rock aquifer of the coal seam roof often constitutes the direct water-filling aquifer of the coal seam and its water-rich is closely related to the risk of roof water inrush. Therefore, the evaluation of the water-rich of clastic rock aquifer is the basic work of coal seam roof water disaster prevention. This article taked the 4th coal seam in Huafeng mine field as an example. It combined the empirical formula method and GRNN neural network to calculate the development height of water-conducting fracture zone, determined the vertical spatial range of water-rich evaluation. Depth of the sandstone floor, brittle rock ratio, lithological structure index, fault strength index, and fault intersections and endpoints density were selected as the main controlling factors. A combination weighting method based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), Rough Set Theory (RS), and Minimum Deviation Method (MD) was proposed to determine the weight of the main controlling factors. Introduced the theory of unascertained measures and confidence recognition criteria to construct an evaluation model for the water-rich of clastic rock aquifers, the study area was divided into three zones: relatively weak water-rich zones, medium water-rich zones, and relatively strong water-rich zones. By comparing with the water inrush points and the water inflow of workfaces, the evaluation model's water yield zoning was consistent with the actual situation, and the prediction effect was good. This provided a new idea for the evaluation of the water-rich of the clastic rock aquifer on the roof of the mining coal seam.
Combined pretreatment neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-lymphocyte ratio predicts survival and prognosis in patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Yang Dong , Li Yi , Li Pian , Meng Zhen , Hu Xueyin , Huang Zichong , Huang Heqing , Dong Huan , Qin Yating , Chen Cong , Chen Xinghua , Li Zhiru , Zhou Ziyan , Kang Min 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Local recurrence and distant metastasis is the main cause of treatment failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). It is necessary to find a reliable, economical and convenient prognostic indicator to accurately predict the prognosis of NPC. The clinical significance of the combination of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) is unclear. This study investigated the predictive value of pretreatment NLR (pre-NLR) combined with pretreatment PLR (pre-PLR) for the survival and prognosis of NPC.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 765 patients with non-metastatic NPC. The NLR and PLR before treatment were examined. The pre-NLR-PLR scoring criteria and grouping were as follows: HRG, score of 2, high pre-NLR and high pre-PLR. MRG, score of 1, either high pre-NLR or high pre-PLR. LRG, score of 0, neither high pre-NLR nor high pre-PLR. We compared survival rates and factors affecting the prognosis among different groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to identify the cutoff-value and discriminant performance of the model.
Results
The ROC curve indicated a cut-off value of 3.29 for pre-NLR and 196.74 for pre-PLR. The 5-year overall survival (OS), locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) of NPC patients in HRG were significantly poorer than those in MRG and LRG. The pre-NLR-PLR score was positively correlated with T stage, clinical stage, ECOG score and pathological classification. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that pre-NLR-PLR scoring system, ECOG score and pre-ALB were independent risk factors affecting 5-year OS, 5-year LRRFS and 5-year DMFS in NPC patients. Age, T stage, smoking history were independent risk factors for 5-year OS. Age, pathological type, smoking history were independent risk factors for 5-year LRRFS. T stage and N stage were independent risk factors for 5-year DMFS. The ROC curve showed that area under the curve (AUC) values of pre-NLR-PLR of 5-year OS, LRRFS and DMFS in NPC were higher than those of pre-NLR and pre-PLR.
Conclusions
pre-NLR-PLR is an independent risk factor for the prognosis of NPC. The pre-NLR-PLR scoring system can be used as an individualized clinical assessment tool to predict the prognosis of patients with non-metastatic NPC more accurately and easily.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Increases the Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yuan Quan , Shen Zixiong , Zhang Jiujiang , Liu Qing , Whang Huimin , Li Yang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)is a common autoimmune disease, and some observational studies have indicated an association between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and RA. However, the causal relationship between the two remains uncertain.
Methods
We employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal effect between GERD and RA. Two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) analysis was conducted using summary data from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS).
Results
The MR results for GERD on RA suggested a causal effect of the genetic susceptibility of GERD on RA (discovery, IVW, odds ratio [OR] = 1.41, 95%confidence interval [CI]:1.22–1.63, p = 2.81×10− 6; validation, IVW, OR = 1.38, 95%CI:1.23–1.55, P = 1.76×10− 8), while the results of the reverse MR analysis did not reveal compelling evidence that RA can increase the risk of developing GERD.
Conclusion
Our bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian randomization analysis provides support for the causal effect of GERD on RA. This discovery could offer new insights for the prevention and treatment of RA.
Studies on impurities and degradation products in a potential antipsychotic agent, SIPI6398, using HPLC, semi-preparative LC, LC/ESI-MS and NMR Analyses
Authors: Zhou Ainan , Zhu Hengyi , Qian Hao , Chen Xiaowen , Li Jianqi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
N-((1r,4r)-4-(2-(4-(benzo[d]isothiazol-3-yl) piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)cyclohexyl) furan-2- carboxamide hydrochloride, SIPI6398, is a potential multireceptor antipsychotic drug candidate under preclinical development. In this study, the related substances in SIPI6398 bulk substance were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Specifically, its five storage degradation products (6398-YH1, 6398-YH2, 98-6-YH1, 98-6-YH2, 98-6-YH3) were isolated using semi-preparative liquid chromatography and characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. In addition, one reversed-phase liquid chromatography method was developed for the quantification of eleven potential impurities and the main constituent, respectively. The method was validated and utilized during the impurity studies and quality control analysis during the kilogram-scale preparation of SIPI63968.
Reversible complexation mediated polymerization (RCMP) starting with a complex of iodine with organic salt andthermal initiators
Authors: Fang Xiya , Feng Zongze , Liu Yunhe , Zhang Xiaotao , Wang Honggen , Shi Yan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Herein, we developed a reversible complexation mediated polymerization (RCMP) starting with a complex of iodine and organic salt as a deactivator and a thermal initiator for continuous regeneration of the organic salt activator. This novel polymerization method can be called as initiators for continuous activator regeneration (ICAR) RCMP, as inspired by the denomination of ICAR ATRP. The synthesis of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) (Mw/Mn < 1.3) with good controllability was achieved via this technique when the concentration of the deactivator complex was as low as dozens of ppm. The studied three kinds of iodine complexes showed high control on the polymerization of MMA. The effects of initiator and deactivator complex concentration on the polymerization process were researched in detail. Furthermore, the accessibility of PMMA prepared by ICAR RCMP to chain extension and block copolymerization confirmed that this novel polymerization approach afforded polymers with high chain-end fidelity. The substantial decrease in the concentration of deactivator complex or activator plays a critical role for the production and application of well-defined polymer prepared by this method.
Postbiotic effect of Escherichia coli CEC15 and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 on amurine model of 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis
Authors: Glória Rafael de Assis , Silva Tales Fernando da , Gomes Tomás Andrade Magalhães , Vital Kátia Duarte , Fernandes Simone Odília Antunes , Cardoso Valbert Nascimento , Ferreira Ênio , Chatel Jean-Marc , Langella Philippe , Cherbuy Claire , Loir Yves Le , Jan Gwénaël , Guédon Éric , Azevedo Vasco Ariston de Carvalho 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Postbiotics are preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confers a health benefit on the host. The Escherichia coli strains Nissle 1917 (EcN) and CEC15 have shown beneficial effects, in their live form, in murine models of intestinal inflammation, such as colitis and mucositis. However, the use of live bacteria, in special by immunocompromised individuals, had raised concerns. Based on this, the present study evaluated the effects as postbiotic of heat-inactivated, and cell-free supernatant preparations of EcN and CEC15 in attenuating 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-induced intestinal mucositis in mice and compared them with the probiotic effects of the live preparations. BALB/c mice were fed daily, by gavage, with 1010 CFU of live or inactivated bacteria, or with 300 µL of cell-free supernatant for 12 days. On the 10th day, all animals, except for the control group, received an intraperitoneal injection of 5-FU (300 mg/kg). After 72 h of 5-FU administration, animals were euthanized, and the ileum and blood were collected for analysis. Treatments with live and heat-inactivated CEC15 mitigated weight loss, preserved intestinal length, reduced histological damage, maintained goblet cells, decreased neutrophil infiltration, and modulated expression of inflammatory and barrier genes, when compared to 5-FU mucositis controls. EcN showed more limited effects. CEC15 upregulated mRNA expression of the mucin MUC2 and tight junction protein TJP1. Overall, CEC15 demonstrated protective effects against 5-FU-induced mucositis, whatever the way it was administered: live bacteria, heat-inactivated bacteria, or cell-free supernatant. This suggests CEC15 mediates a protective response via secreted metabolites and does not require viability.
A Phase I open-label, dose-escalation study of NUC-3373, a targeted thymidylate synthase inhibitor, in patients with advanced cancer (NuTide:301)
Authors: Spiliopoulou Pavlina , Kazmi Farasat , Aroldi Francesca , Holmes Thomas , Thompson David , Griffiths Lucy , Qi Cathy , Parkes Matthew , Lord Simon , Veal Gareth , Harrison David , Coyle Vicky , Graham Jill , Evans Jeffry Thomas , Blagden Sarah 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose
5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is inefficiently converted to the active anti-cancer metabolite, fluorodeoxyuridine-monophosphate (FUDR‑MP), is associated with dose-limiting toxicities and challenging administration schedules. NUC-3373 is a phosphoramidate nucleotide analog of fluorodeoxyuridine (FUDR) designed to overcome these limitations and replace fluoropyrimidines such as 5-FU.
Patients and Methods:
NUC‑3373 was administered as monotherapy to patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to standard therapy via intravenous infusion either on Days 1, 8, 15 and 22 (Part 1) or on Days 1 and 15 (Part 2) of 28‑day cycles until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Primary objectives were maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) and schedule of NUC‑3373. Secondary objectives included pharmacokinetics (PK), and anti‑tumor activity.
Results
Fifty-nine patients received NUC-3373 in 9 cohorts in Part 1 (n = 43) and 3 alternate-weekly dosing cohorts in Part 2 (n = 16). They had received a median of 3 prior lines of treatment (range: 0–11) and 74% were exposed to prior fluoropyrimidines. Four experienced dose-limiting toxicities: two Grade (G) 3 transaminitis; one G2 headache; and one G3 transient hypotension. Commonest treatment related G3 adverse event of raised transaminases occurred in < 10% of patients. NUC-3373 showed a favorable PK profile, with dose-proportionality and a prolonged half-life compared to 5-FU. A best overall response of stable disease was observed, with prolonged progression-free survival.
Conclusion
NUC-3373 was well-tolerated in a heavily pre-treated solid tumor patient population, including those who had relapsed on prior 5-FU. The MTD and RP2D was defined as 2500 mg/m2 NUC‑3373 weekly. NUC-3373 is currently in combination treatment studies.
Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov registry number NCT02723240. Trial registered on 8th December 2015.
https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02723240