bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Field Performance of NxTek™ Eliminate Malaria Pf a highly Sensitive Malaria RDT: Detection of infection among febrile patients, asymptomatic pregnant women and household contacts in Mpigi, Uganda
Authors: Kyabayinze Daniel J , Opigo Jimmy , Mbabazi Proscovia N , Amutuhaire Maureen , Rutazana Damian , Kajungu Dan , Kawooya Moses , Rutazaana Damian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: The World Health Organisation recommends that malaria case management is based on parasite-based diagnosis in all cases. However, currently available tools for clinical use have limitations, including the inability to detect low-level infections. Next-generation highly sensitive rapid diagnostic tests (HS-RDT) for Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) are commercially available but require field-based validation. This study evaluated the performance of the highly sensitive NxTek™ Eliminate Malaria Pf (NxTek) diagnostic test in health facilities and community settings in Mpigi district, Uganda, compared to the conventional rapid diagnostic tests (cRDTs) and evaluated a real-time data capture and transmission tools.
Methods: Between April and December 2019, we randomly enrolled symptomatic participants from the outpatient department (OPD), community settings and asymptomatic Antenatal Care (ANC) women. The participants were tested with both cRDTs and an HS-RDT to detect Plasmodium falciparum HRP2 antigen and quality-assured results with qPCR as a reference. All results were transmitted as geo-coded real-time data using a smartphone with custom-designed software.
Results: Among symptomatic participants at OPD, HS-RDTs showed 13.1% (110/8418) positive with the P.falciparum compared to 7.1% (612/8585) proportion positive for cRDTs. HS-RDTs detected 11% (384/3,490) positives among asymptomatic pregnant women at ANC. At iCCM testing points 79.7% (2,397/3,009) of the under-five age group were positive for malaria parasites on cRDTs. Follow-up to the homes of confirmed positive index contacts, HS-RDTs resulted in the detection of 21.1% (1,877) asymptomatic positive of different age groups. Acceptability of new technology was observed and demonstrated by the users. All health workers effectively performed HS-RDT testing after a one-day training session and transmitted real-time results through the 'Sympheos Collect' customized Android telephone application provided.
Conclusion: Using HS-RDTs increased case findings of low parasite density infections compared to cRDTs in study populations and allowed the elimination of malaria reservoirs through treatments. The introduction of HS-RDTs and Sympheos CollectTM data collecting systems are feasible, acceptable, easy to use and require minimal additional training. Further evidence is required to demonstrate the wide population impact of HS-RDTs on asymptomatic infections in various age groups.
Alleles on locus chromosome 4B from different parents confer tiller number and the yield- associated traits in wheat
Authors: Li Yahui , Hu Jinghuang , Qu Yunfeng , Qiu Dan , Lin Huailong , Du Jiuyuan , Hou Lu , Ma Lin , Wu Qiuhong , Zhou Yang , Zhang Hongjun , Yang Li , Liu Hongwei , Liu Zhiyong , Zhou Yijun , Li Hongjie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Pleotropy is frequently detected in agronomic traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum). A locus on chromosome 4B, QTn/Ptn/SL/Sns/Al/Tgw/Gl/Gw.caas-4B, proved to show pleotropic effects on tiller, spike, and grain traits using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of Qingxinmai × 041133. The allele from Qingxinmai increased tiller numbers, and the allele from line 041133 produced better performances of spike traits and grain traits. Several minor effective QTL on different chromosomes enhanced the effects of this locus. Several genes in the genomic interval of the locus on chromosome 4B were differentially expressed in crown and inflorescence samples between Qingxinmai and line 041133. The development of the KASP marker specific for the pleotropic locus on chromosome 4B is useful for molecular marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding.
Forecasting and analysing the GNSS vertical time series with an improved VMD-CXGBoost model
Authors: Li Zhen , Lu Tieding 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) vertical time series studies can monitor crustal deformations and plate tectonics, contributing to the estimation of regional sea-level rise and detecting various geological hazards. This study proposes a new model to forecast and analyze the GNSS vertical time series. This model is based on a method to construct features using the variational mode decomposition (VMD) algorithm and includes a correction function to optimize the eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm, called the VMD-CXGBoost model. To verify the validity of the VMD-CXGBoost model, six GNSS reference stations are selected within China. Compared with VMD-CNN-LSTM, the VMD-CXGBoost-derived forecasting RMSE and MAE are decreased by 20.76% and 23.23%, respectively. The flicker noise and white noise decrease by 15.43% and 25.65%, and the average trend difference is 1 mm/year, with a 15.14% reduction in uncertainty. Compared with the cubic spline interpolation method, the VMD-CXGBoost-derived interpolation RMSE is reduced by more than 40%. Therefore, the proposed VMD-CXGBoost model could be used as a powerful alternative tool to forecast GNSS vertical time series and will be of wide practical value in the fields of reference frame maintenance.
Low-dose rituximab for refractory idiopathic membranous nephropathy: A retrospective study
Authors: Guo Kaiqi , Xu Xingcheng , Zhu Huaxia , Huang Lanlan , Li Huimin , Li Xiaowei 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background The efficacy of rituximab (RTX) in the treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) has been confirmed, but the specific dosing regimens have not been standardized. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of low-dose rituximab (RTX) for the treatment of refractory IMN. Methods Data from 24 refractory IMN patients who received low-dose RTX treatment at our hospital between October 2018 and November 2021 were retrospectively analysed, and biochemical data at different time points were compared. Results The patients were predominantly male (n = 17) and had a mean age of 52.17 ± 8.28 years, a mean eGFR of 82.59 ± 26.26 mL/min/1.73 m2, a serum albumin (ALB) level of 20.4 ± 4.36 g/L, a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UPCR) of 9.53 g/g (interquartile range [IQR], 5.89 to 11.07), and a CD19 B-cell count at baseline of 296.83 ± 114.34/µL. Twenty-two patients were positive for the anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibody. After 12 months of RTX treatment, the serum ALB concentration increased by 8.03 ± 7.21 g/L compared with that at baseline (P < 0.05), and the UPCR decreased by 2.13 ± 4.82 g/g compared to that at baseline (P < 0.05). When the serum ALB concentration increased significantly, the UPCR decreased significantly, and the serum creatinine did not change significantly at different time points at 12 months. At a median follow-up of 28 months (IQR, 18 to 43), four patients achieved complete remission (CR), eleven patients achieved partial remission (PR), and one patient needed dialysis. The anti-PLA2R antibody status changed from positive to negative in 14 (58.3%) patients within a median of 9 (IQR, 5 to 22) months, and 13 (92.9%) patients achieved CR (3 patients) or partial response (PR) (10 patients). Among the 8 patients whose anti-PLA2R antibody status was persistently positive, only 1 (12.5%) patient achieved a PR. There was a significant difference in clinical remission between patients with and without a change in anti-PLA2R antibody status from positive to negative (P < 0.001). During RTX treatment, infusion reactions occurred in two patients, and nonsevere infections (pulmonary, skin and urinary tract infections) occurred in five patients. Treatment was discontinued in one patient due to severe pneumonia. Conclusion Low-dose RTX can induce clinical and immunological remission in refractory IMN patients. Despite the prolonged duration of remission, a remission rate of 62.5% was achieved during the 2-year follow-up period.
Magnitude of institutional neonatal morality rates in neonatal intensive care units of developing regions of Ethiopia: a retrospective review.
Authors: Ayenew Tamiru W. , Abraham Dawit , Tekeste Asayehegn , Alemayehu Legese , Shiferie Fisseha , Andarge Gashaw , Alemayehu Wondwossen A. , Tsegaye Sentayehu , Tadesse Derbe , Abera Yared , Tadesse Yenealem , Germossa Gugsa N. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Ethiopia is one of the top ten countries with the highest neonatal mortality rate in 2020. Nationally, 97,000 babies die every year in their first four weeks of life. Subnationalneonatal morality and hospital-level neonatal mortalities are variable, particularly in developing or pastoralist regions data are not readily available. This study aims to analyze the neonatal morality rate in eight hospitals in the four developing regions/pastoralist communities of Ethiopia.
Method: A retrospective review of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) routine facility follow-up data from eight hospitals in four developing regions of Ethiopia (Somali, Afar, Benishangul Gumuz, and Gambella) was conducted for the period of October 2020-September 2022. As part of the Transform Health in Developing Regional (THDR) activity, data wereroutinely collected from NICU service registers in these hospitals for routine activity monitoring purposes after NICU training and clinical mentorship was provided by pediatricians, neonatologists, and senior NICU mentor nurses from the Ethiopian Pediatric Society. Finally, descriptive analysis was carried out to determine institutional neonatal morality and its trend over time.
Results: Over the course of three years, 3,150 newborns were admitted to the NICU in the eight hospitals. The overall neonatal morality rate was 12.3% in the eight hospitals. The majority (81.2%) of admissions were from three hospitals, namely, Gambella, Asossa, and Dubti general hospitals. The hospital neonatal mortality rates were very variable among hospitals; the lowest was in Asossa hospital (5%),and the highest was in Dubti hospital (15%) and Gambella hospital (17%). The average institutional morality for eight hospitals has decreased by 2.3 percentage points over three years from 10.3% in 2020 to 8% in 2022.
Conclusion: The USAID's Transform HDR activity support provided to Hospital`s NICU service has contributed to the reduction of institutional neonatal morality rate by 2.3 percentage points over a three-year period. There was variability in the rates among different hospitals. Asossa Hospital had the lowest rate. In contrast, Dubti and Gambella hospitals had the highest rates. Further study is needed to determine why these events occurred and what factors contributed to these differences in these hospitals.
Thermohydrodynamic Processes in Water-in-oil Emulsions under MW Impact
Authors: Musin Airat , Iulmukhametova Regina , Zinnatullin Rasul , Kovaleva Liana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This paper presents the results of mathematical modeling of the water-in-oil emulsion dynamics under the thermal influence taking into account the thermal convection within the emulsion system. Two cases of thermal influence on the water-in-oil emulsion are considered: microwave impact and contact heating. Dimensionless parameters (Rayleigh, Ostrogradsky and Archimedes numbers) characterizing the state of the system are introduced. Numerical calculations of the emulsion system dynamics for various values of dimensionless parameters are carried out. Calculations showed that thermal convection occurs in the emulsion system. At the same time, thermal convection leads not only to distortion of isotherms, but it can also have a negative effect on the process of stratification of the water-in-oil emulsion. It is found that when critical values of Rayleigh and Ostrogradsky numbers are reached, both the character of the convective flows in the liquid and the sedimentation intensity of the emulsion drops change. Based on the results of multiparametric calculations, diagrams of the total emulsion stratification are constructed at the presence of thermal convection in a fluid. The diagram allows to estimate the possibility of stratification of the emulsion system under thermal exposure.
A Comparative Study between the Properties of Composite Nanofibers of Polyacrylonitrile - Titania and Amidoxime Polyacrylonitrile - Titania
Authors: Habeeb Salih Abbas 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This paper compares physical properties such as surface morphology, chemical bonding, crystalline properties and thermal stability of composite nanofibers produced by reinforcing polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with 5, 8 and 11 wt% titanium isopropoxide (Tipp), as well as the strengthening of PAN modified to amidoxime polyacrylonitrile (AOPAN) with 5wt.% Tipp. To achieve the required study, field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transforms infrared spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry-thermogravimetric analysis. The results demonstrated the emergence of new bonds when developing the PAN into AOPAN, represented by C–N and C = N groups. In contrast, no new bonds appeared at AOPAN in Tipp. As a result, the increment in the crystalline properties of the average crystal size and the percentage of crystallinity was the highest, 488.235% and 61.38%, respectively, when the PAN was developed into AOPAN compared to the results of these properties when strengthening the PAN with 5 wt. % Tipp was 222.8% and 38.56%, while properties declined when AOPAN was reinforced with 5 wt. % Tipp. The results also showed that the weight loss percentage decreased by 32.53% after producing the AOPAN as a result of a low increment in surface roughness as the root mean square by 43.95% and nanofiber diameters increased from 244.315 ± 54.721 nm to 341 ± 69 nm after the modification of PAN to AOPAN.
Aeration strategies and total nitrogen removal in a hybrid aerated treatment wetland
Authors: Miyazaki Caroline Kimie , Morvannou Ania , Higelin Elodie , Nivala Jaime , Molle Pascal 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of aeration strategy on the performance of total nitrogen (TN) removal in a compact hybrid aerated treatment wetland (TW), called Rhizosph'air®. The system combines a single-stage French vertical flow wetland with an aerated horizontal-flow wetland, offering a unique and flexible approach for optimizing TN removal. In total, seven experimental conditions were tested, with different aeration modes, hydraulic loading rates and ammonium addition. The wetland system demonstrated high performance in terms of chemical oxygen demand removal (&gt;85%) and solids removal (&gt;90%), regardless of the experimental condition. However, TN removal was found to be directly impacted by operational changes. Increasing the hydraulic loading rate from 0.15 to 0.25 m/day led to an improvement in TN removal, achieving over 60%. Furthermore, when ammonium was added to the inlet and when the aeration timing was synced with the timing of the influent batch load, the environmental conditions facilitated the denitrification process, resulting in TN removal of approximately 70% and the lowest effluent NO3-N concentrations (8.70 ± 4.40 mg/L). In summary, the timing of the aeration strategy according to influent batch loading improved TN removal, suggesting its potential for optimization in future studies.
Adsorption efficiency of biochar produced by aquaculture by-products for removing geosmin in aquaculture environment
Authors: Cui Yadi , Chen Xi , Pitakrattanawong Chompoonuch , Du Xiaolu , Qiu Liping , Xu Huimin , Chen Jiazhang , Meng Shunlong , Fan Limin , Song Chao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Aquaculture produces numerous by-products like aquatic plants, algae, and nutrient-enriched sediment annually, which are often discarded as waste, are not environmentally friendly, and are harmful to the environment. In this study, aquaculture by-products were utilized to prepare moss biochar at 500, 700, and 800 °C (BC500, BC700, and BC800, respectively); Elodea biochar (WBC800) at 800 °C; and sediment biochar (SBC800) at 800 °C. Characterization and experimental results showed that BC800 had the best adsorption effect on geosmin (GSM) under the same conditions; when using BC800 to treat GSM solution with a pH of 7, the adsorption efficiency of GSM was high (97.08%) under the conditions of dosage of 1.0 g, temperature of 25 °C, and adsorption time of 2 min. Adsorption is a multimolecular layer process that involves both physical aspects of porous adsorption and connections between chemical bonds. Biochar, derived from aquaculture by-products, is utilized to eliminate odorous substances in aquaculture environments, thereby promoting resource recycling.
Synthetic 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamides Induce Cell Cycle Arrest and
Apoptosis in Leukemia Cells
Authors: Ekaterina Zhidkova , Daria Stepanycheva , Lyubov Grebenkina , Ekaterina Mikhina , Varvara Maksimova , Diana Grigoreva , Andrey Matveev , Ekaterina Lesovaya 
Published: December 2023

Background::
A number of studies demonstrate the efficacy of ribavirin against various cancer
types in in vitro and in vivo models. However, ribavirin induces the development of multiple side effects,
suggesting a high demand for ribavirin analogues with improved therapeutic indexes.

Objective::
This study was focused on the analysis of ribavirin, its aglycon 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide, and
several of its derivatives activities in blood cancer cells in vitro.

Methods::
Four 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide derivatives were designed and synthesized. Antiproliferative
effects were evaluated in chronic myeloid leukemia cells К562 and acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells
CCRF-SB as well as in the cells of whole blood mononuclear fraction of healthy volunteers by cell counting
using the trypan blue exclusion method. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis under the influence of the compounds
were analyzed by flow cytometry with PI staining, and then apoptosis data were confirmed by Western
blot analysis for PARP1 and caspase-3 cleavage.

Results::
We demonstrated the significant antiproliferative effect of 5-(tetrahydropyran-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-
carboxamide and 1-(tetrahydropyran-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-carboxamide in leukemia cell lines in vitro in comparison
to non-transformed monocytes, providing the rationale for further studies of 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide
derivatives as anti-leukemia drugs.

Conclusion::
These results implied that the 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide derivatives exhibited their antiproliferative
activities by induction of cell cycle arrest. Consequently, 5-(tetrahydropyran-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide
and 1-(tetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-carboxamide may present antimetabolites with potential
anticancer efficacy.
Development and Evaluation of the Efficacy and Toxicity of a New Hybrid
Antimicrobial Peptide MY8
Authors: Alrabadi Nasr , Hamdan Maryam , Haddad Razan , Sabi Salsabeel H. , Masadeh Majed M. , Alzoubi Karem H. , Al-Batayneh Khalid M. 
Published: December 2023

Background::
Antibiotics have led to significant advancements in medicine. Unfortunately, they
were faced with the emergence of pathogen resistance. According to the World Health Organization, antimicrobial
resistance has been declared one of humanity's top ten global public health threats. The risk of those bacteria
is not only from their being resistant to multi-antibiotics but also from their ability to form biofilms, which
can be 1,000 times more resistant than planktonic bacteria.

Method::
This study used rational design to hybridize two antimicrobial peptides, aiming to enhance their efficacy
and stability with reduced toxicity.

Results::
The MY8 novel peptide was designed from the parent peptides BMAP-27 and CAMP 211-225. Some
amino acid modifications were introduced to the hybrid peptide to improve its physicochemical properties
guided by several software. Its antimicrobial activity has been studied against gram-negative and gram-positive
strains, which showed broad-spectrum activity with MIC values against planktonic bacteria ranging from
0.125 to 25 μM. In contrast, 25-200 μM were needed to eradicate biofilms. Moreover, the MY8 peptide
showed synergism with four conventional antibiotics., It also showed reduced toxicity against mammalian
cells and a slight hemolysis tendency towards erythrocytes.

Conclusion::
The design of the MY8 peptide was successful, resulting in a novel, potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial
peptide with reduced toxicity and possible synergism with conventional antibiotics.
PEGylation Strategy for Improving the Pharmacokinetic and Antitumoral
Activity of the IL-2 No-alpha Mutein
Authors: Díaz-Hernández Marianniz , Chang-Calderón Janoi , Álvarez Miguel Angel , Ruiz Ramírez Ingrid , Fernández Saez Olga Lidea , López Medinilla Armando , González Castillo Carlos Yordan , Diaz Borges Claudia , Lozada Chang Sum Lai , León Kalet , Carmenate Tania 
Published: December 2023

Background::
In a previous work, an IL-2Rβγ biased mutant derived from human IL-2 and called
IL-2noα, was designed and developed. Greater antitumor effects and lower toxicity were observed compared
to native IL-2. Nevertheless, mutein has some disadvantages, such as a very short half-life of about 9-12 min,
propensity for aggregation, and solubility problems.

Objective::
In this study, PEGylation was employed to improve the pharmacokinetic and antitumoral properties
of the novel protein.

Methods::
Pegylated IL-2noα was characterized by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, size exclusion chromatography,
in vitro cell proliferation and in vivo cell expansion bioassays, and pharmacokinetic and antitumor
studies.

Results::
IL-2noα-conjugates with polyethylene glycol (PEG) of 1.2 kDa, 20 kDa, and 40 kDa were obtained
by classical acylation. No significant changes in the secondary and tertiary structures of the modified protein
were detected. A decrease in biological activity in vitro and a significant improvement in half-life were
observed, especially for IL-2noα-PEG20K. PEGylation of IL-2noα with PEG20K did not affect the capacity
of the mutant to induce preferential expansion of T effector cells over Treg cells. This pegylated IL-2noα
exhibited a higher antimetastatic effect compared to unmodified IL-2noα in the B16F0 experimental metastases
model, even when administered at lower doses and less frequently.

Conclusion::
PEG20K was selected as the best modification strategy, to improve the blood circulation time of
the IL-2noα with a superior antimetastatic effect achieved with lower doses.