bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assay error detection when using common quality control targets across multiple instruments: An analysis using simulated and real-world data
Authors: Kilpatrick Eric S 
Published: January 2024

Background Clinical laboratories frequently implement the same tests and internal quality control (QC) rules on identical instruments. It is unclear whether individual QC targets for each analyser or ones that are common to all instruments are preferable. This study modelled how common QC targets influence assay error detection before examining their effect on real-world data. Methods The effect of variable bias and imprecision on error detection and false rejection rates when using common or individual QC targets on two instruments was simulated. QC data from tests run on two identical Beckman instruments (6-month period, same QC lot, n > 100 points for each instrument) determined likely real-world consequences. Results Compared to individual QC targets, common targets had an asymmetrical effect on systematic error detection, with one instrument assay losing detection power more than the other gained. If individual in-control assay standard deviations (SDs) differed, then common targets led to one assay failing QC more frequently. Applied to two analysers (95 QC levels and 45 tests), common targets reduced one instrument’s error detection by ≥ 0.4 sigma on 15/45 (33%) of tests. Such targets also meant 14/45 (31%) of assays on one in-control instrument would fail over twice as frequently as the other (median ratio 1.62, IQR 1.20–2.39) using a 2SD rule. Conclusions Compared to instrument-specific QC targets, common targets can reduce the probability of detecting changes in individual assay performance and cause one in-control assay to fail QC more frequently than another. Any impact on clinical care requires further investigation.
Mode-I analysis of glass fiber-reinforced polymer laminates toughened by interleaved polyamide 66 nanofibers and chopped carbon using acoustic emission
Authors: Salimi-Mofrad Hadi , Rahbar Ranji Ahmad , Saghafi Hamed 
Published: January 2024

The fracture toughness of epoxy resins is weak, so enhancing its properties is essential. In this research it was found that interleaving chopped carbon fibers and polyamide 66 nano mats between fiberglass reinforced plastic laminates with 110 µm thickness, increased fracture toughness in Mode I by 35 and 112%, respectively. Acoustic emission technique showed that damage mechanisms begin at further displacements of load point in modified samples. A hierarchical clustering model was used to classify various failure types. It was observed that matrix cracking, fiber breakage, and matrix cracking were the major damage mechanisms for Reference, chopped carbon, and nanomodified samples, respectively. The cumulative energy released by nanomodified samples was 83% lower than that of Reference and chopped carbon samples. A scanning electron microscope was used to validate different types of damage mechanisms.
Heat transfer investigation on the thermal energy storage using phase change material in low-carbon building
Authors: Xia Rujie , Li Delu , XiangLi Meiqin , Gao Xiling , Li Bingbing 
Published: January 2024

The use of high-conductivity porous medium is an effective method to enhance the heat transfer rate of phase change material (PCM) in thermal energy storage (TES), reducing the energy consumption of low-carbon buildings. This paper establishes a solid-liquid phase change lattice Boltzmann model of a TES unit and investigates the effects of Rayleigh number, inclination angle, porous array, and porosity. The findings indicate that inserting the porous medium enhances conductive heat transfer and weakens convective heat transfer. When the Rayleigh number is increased from 103 to 104, the liquid fraction increases by 3.0%, while an increase from 104 to 105 only results in a 1.6% increase, suggesting a diminishing effect of increasing the Rayleigh number. Results also show that the inclination angle can be disregarded in this study. Furthermore, increasing the specific surface area enhances conductive heat transfer. However, when the array n is changed to 7, the fastest variation of liquid fraction is obtained among the range from 5 to 9. Increasing the porosity will delay the moment that temperature standard deviation reaches to the maximum, getting the temperature distribution more nonuniform. The findings from this paper are valuable for the design of TES systems in low-carbon buildings. Practical application The porous medium can enhance heat transfer in the phase change process. In the field of low-carbon buildings, porous medium is applied to strengthen the energy storage rate. By investigating the parameters of the Rayleigh numbers, inclination angles, porosities and arrangement of porous medium arrays of the composed energy storage unit, the regularity of the effects on the energy characteristics are obtained, which would provide some valuable practice references for designing these parameters of the energy storage units in the future energy-efficient building sector.
Evaluation of Cd-induced cytotoxicity in primary human keratinocytes
Authors: Romashin Daniil , Arzumanian Viktoriia , Poverennaya Ekaterina , Varshaver Alexandra , Luzgina Nataliya , Rusanov Alexander 
Published: January 2024

An increasing number of studies have investigated the effects of Cd on human health. Cd-induced dermatotoxicity is an important field of research, but numerous studies have focused on the effects of Cd on the human skin. Moreover, most studies have been performed using HaCaT cells but not primary keratinocytes. In this study, we provide the results describing the cytotoxic effects of Cd exposure on primary human epidermal keratinocytes obtained from different donors. The subtoxic concentration of cadmium chloride was determined via MTT assay, and transcriptomic analysis of the cells exposed to this concentration (25 µM) was performed. As in HaCaT cells, Cd exposure resulted in increased ROS levels, cell cycle arrest, and induction of apoptosis. In addition, we report that exposure to Cd affects zinc and copper homeostasis, induces metallothionein expression, and activates various signaling pathways, including Nrf2, NF-kB, TRAIL, and PI3K. Cd induces the secretion of various cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, and PGE2) and upregulates the expression of several cytokeratins, such as KRT6B, KRT6C, KRT16, and KRT17. The results provide a better understanding of the mechanisms of cadmium-induced cytotoxicity and its effect on human epidermal skin cells.
Biological Control of Ustilaginoidea virens Using Chelerythrine Suspension
Authors: Wei Qinghui , Song Weifeng , Li Xinmin , Zhao Min 
Published: January 2024

Background High efficiency, low toxicity, and environmentally safe pesticides are increasingly being sought and developed to ensure sustainable development and high-yield agricultural production. Chelerythrine has strong inhibitory effects against the mycelial growth of crop pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum, Anthrax, and grey mold. Our previous studies have shown that chelerythrine inhibits fungus spore germination by up to 86.7% and induces the apoptosis of Ustilaginoidea virens cells. The application of chelerythrine as a green biological pesticide would not only enhance agricultural production but also enhance ecological protection. Materials and Methods The formulation of a chelerythrine suspension concentrate was selected. According to the ratio of experimental design requirements to preparation sample, six groups were set up in the field assay; the first spraying was performed approximately 7 days before the rice rupture period, and the second spraying was performed after 10 days. The control effect was investigated at the milk-ripe stage. The present study preliminarily investigates the safety of chelerythrine as a pesticide using the oral acute toxicity test for mice. Results In the present study, the effect of chelerythrine as the main ingredient in suspension concentrate formulations and its field effect on rice false smut (RFS) was investigated. The pesticide in the suspending agent was sprayed twice and had superior effects with regard to the prevention and control of RFS in the field. The control effect was 95.88% at an application rate of 192 mL/ha, with low residue, environmentally safe, and low resistance characteristics. An acute toxicity test following intragastric administration in mice showed that the LD50 of chelerythrine suspension was 1580 mg·kg−1, which was much lower than those of other low-toxicity commercial pesticides. Conclusion Chelerythrine suspension was a low-toxicity agent and exhibited the characteristics of an environmentally friendly plant pesticide. The application of chelerythrine suspension could facilitate the achievement of the goal of pesticide reduction efficiency.
Soil Quality Indicators in Peasant Agroecosystems in Paraíba State, Brazil
Authors: Melo David Marx Antunes de , Pérez-Marin Aldrin Martin , Araújo Alexandre Eduardo de , Oliveira Manoel Rivelino Gomes de , Macedo Rodrigo Santana , Nascimento Silvania Maria Souza Gomes do 
Published: January 2024

Background and Research Aims: Soil quality (SQ) is the basis for the Sustainability of Peasant Farming Systems (PFS). We hypothesized that different land uses modify soil quality through changes that can be analyzed by determining the Soil Quality Index (SQI). Methods: Soil samples were collected from the 0-20 cm layer in five subsystems of peasant agroecosystems located in the municipalities of Solânea (A), Casserengue (B), and Serraria (C). SQI was calculated using non-linear scoring, while a principal component analysis was performed using all data (bulk and particle density, total porosity, particle size, pH, macronutrients, and soil organic carbon) to determine a Minimum Data Set (MDS). Results: The MDS composed of P available, Ca+2, Al+3, sand, silt, H+Al, base saturation (BS%), and the aluminum saturation (AS%) indicate that these parameters can serve as indicators for soil quality assessment in peasant agroecosystems. Sand and silt are related to pedogenic processes and parent material, while the remaining indicators reflect management practices. Land conversion from forest to cropland decreased nutrient availability and soil organic matter in agroecosystems A (Arenosol) and B (Luvisol) and increased the cation exchange capacity in agroecosystem C (Lixisol). Conclusions: All agroecosystems showed low SQI values, highlighting the need to expand conservation practices in the studied agricultural subsystems, especially regarding the increase of soil organic matter. Our results contribute to improving the use and management of soils and the vulnerability assessment in peasant farming, an essential requirement for the sustainability of agroecosystems. Implications for Conservation: Our results also demonstrated that agroforestry practices can significantly increase soil quality and soil carbon sequestration, a viable alternative for maintaining organic matter in areas susceptible to degradation.
Validity and reliability of the Chinese version of digital health readiness questionnaire among hypertension patients in rural areas of China
Authors: Xu Linqi , Yu Tianzhuo , Leng Xin , Yu Tianyue , Scherrenberg Martijn , Falter Maarten , Kaihara Toshiki , Kizilkilic Sevda Ece , Van Erum Hanne , Kindermans Hanne , Dendale Paul , Tong Qian , Li Feng 
Published: January 2024

Introduction Digital health has the potential to support health care in rural areas by overcoming the problems of distance and poor infrastructure, however, rural areas have extremely low use of digital health because of the lack of interaction with technology. There is no existing tool to measure digital health literacy in rural China. This study aims to test and validate the digital health readiness questionnaire for assessing digital readiness among patients in rural China. Methods Due to the different Internet environments in China compared to Belgium, a cultural adaptation is needed to optimize the use of Digital Health Readiness Questionnaire in China. Then, a prospective single-center survey study was conducted in rural China among patients with hypertension. Confirmatory factor analysis was computed to test the measurement models. Results A total of 330 full questionnaires were selected and included in the analysis. The model-fit measures were used to assess the model's overall goodness of fit (Chi-square/degrees of freedom = 5.060, comparative fit index = 0.889, Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) = 0.869, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.111, standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.0880). TLI is a little bit lower than the borderline (more than 0.9) and RMSEA is higher than it (less than 0.08 means good model fit). We deleted two items 2 and 4 and the result shows a better goodness of fit (Chi-square/degrees of freedom = 4.897, comparative fit index = 0.914, TLI = 0.895, RMSEA = 0.109, SRMR = 0.0765) Conclusion To increase applicability and generalizability in rural areas, it should be considered to use the calculation of only the parts Digital skills, Digital literacy and Digital health literacy which are equally applicable in a Belgian population as in a rural Chinese population.
The Influence of Social Support on Self-Care Behavior among T2DM Patients
Authors: Hasan Abd Alhadi , Ismail Ahmed , Noor Hala 
Published: January 2024

Introduction T2DM is a chronic health condition that requires routine self-care. Despite T2DM patients being able to manage self-care behaviors, psychosocial factors, including social support, have been considered effective in improving diabetic self-care behaviors. Objective This study aimed at examining the influence of social support on self-care behavior among T2DM patients in Dr. Soliaman Fakeeh Hospital. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. The study was carried out at Dr. Soliaman Fakeeh Hospital using a sample size of 192 T2DM patients. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire comprised of a demographic section, the Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) section, and the Diabetes Self-Care Activities Questionnaire (DSCAQ) section. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Results The study analyzed data from 192 complete responses (91.86%) out of 209 respondents. Regarding gender, most of the respondents were female T2DM patients (n  =  103, 53.6%), while males (n  =  89, 46.4%) The highest level of social support was from the family (mean of 5.49). The highest performing self-care activity performed by the respondents was blood glucose monitoring (mean of 6.01). Analysis of the correlation between the Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and the DSCAQ revealed positive and significant correlations (r  =  0.370, p  =  0.001). Conclusions This study showed that social support influenced self-care behaviors in patients with T2DM. Therefore, interventions should be developed focused on enhancing the levels of social support and self-care behaviors.
Nurses’ and Midwives’ Awareness of the Recommended Breastfeeding Practices During the Pandemic of COVID-19 and the Associated Factors in Jordan
Authors: Jakalat Suad S. , Salameh Taghreed , Al Tarawneh Tamador , Shatnawi Fedaa , Al-ja’freh Sarah , Rayan Ahmad , Abu Sumaqa Yasmeen , Bani Mohammad Eslam , Al Hadid Lourance 
Published: January 2024

Introduction The COVID-19-related restrictions imposed to reduce viral transmission have highlighted the need to support the importance of maternal breastfeeding. Clear guidelines for consistent practices across settings have been drawn up on the basis of the best available data. Emerging recommendations call to increase nurses’ and midwives’ awareness of these guidelines. Objective This study aimed to explore nurses’ and midwives’ awareness of the recommended breastfeeding practices and associated factors in Jordan during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods An online descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted. This study was conducted in clinical settings representing Jordan's North, Middle, and Southern regions. One hundred seventy nurses and midwives were selected through a convenient sampling technique. Results The mean total score of the awareness was 7.78 (SD = 1.60); 62.9% of participants were highly aware of the recommended breastfeeding practices. Nurses and midwives who were aware of the recommended breastfeeding practices during the pandemic of COVID-19 (90.7%) were more likely to perceive COVID-19 preventive measures as effective than those who were not aware of breastfeeding practices (74.6%) (χ2  = 7.886, p = .005), while work experience in years (χ2  = 8.966, p < .01) was significantly associated with awareness of the breastfeeding recommended practices. Conclusion Most Jordanain nurses and midwives were highly aware of the recommended breastfeeding practices during COVID-19 pandemic. This awareness was positively associated with working experience and perceiving that the preventive measures of COVID-19 are effective. Educational programs for nurses and midwives about breastfeeding practice recommendations are necessary to help mothers obtain appropriate care and education.
The Cost of Safe Injection: Insights on Nonprescription Syringe Price Variability From Systematic Secret Shopping
Authors: Blough Malcolm J. , Rocha Amanda , Bratberg Jeffrey , Silcox Joseph , Bolivar Derek , Floyd Anthony S. , Gray Mary , Green Traci C. 
Published: January 2024

Background: Although the sale of nonprescription syringes in pharmacies is legal in most states, people who inject drugs (PWID) continue to face obstacles to syringe purchase like stigma, prohibitive costs, restrictive policies, and stocking issues. We examined the consistency of syringe pricing as another possible barrier. Methods: We analyzed data on syringe prices and other relevant variables from 153 unique secret shopper visits to 2 retail chain pharmacies in Massachusetts (MA), New Hampshire (NH), Oregon (OR), and Washington (WA) as part of the fidelity component of a large pharmacy-focused intervention study. Pretax prices from purchases made between August 2019 and May 2021 were adjusted for inflation to 2022 dollars, and a linear regression of the price of a 10-pack of syringes was constructed to examine the determinants of syringe pricing. Results: The average real price of a 10-pack of syringes across all states was $4.53 (SD = 0.99), with wide variability between pharmacies (max = $11.44, min = $1.70) and between states (mean OR = $5.76, WA = $4.74, MA = $4.33, NH = $4.30). Forty-seven percent (n = 72) of the purchases were taxed despite syringes being tax exempt in MA and WA, and not having a sales tax in NH or OR. The results of the regression suggest that certain needle gauges were associated with lower overall prices, while 1 pharmacy chain and 2 syringe brands were associated with higher overall prices. Conclusions: The high variability in syringe pricing presents another barrier to pharmacy-based syringe access since high prices may leave PWID no choice but to reuse or share needles, especially in areas with limited alternatives or without a syringe service program. Leadership from healthcare systems, pharmacy chains, and state and local policymakers is essential to reduce stigma and to implement policies that streamline syringe purchases, eliminate the taxation of exempt syringes in accordance with state laws, and reduce the variation in syringe prices.
The utility of the abdominal series in the emergency setting: a retrospective review
Authors: Hogan Sarah , Ward Joshua , Sala Eric 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The abdominal series (AXR) remains a frequently ordered test in the emergency department (ED), despite existing literature questioning its utility. The aim of this study was to characterize the use of the AXR in the ED by quantifying how often it is ordered and the frequency of subsequent imaging. Additionally, a time estimate in ED associated with the AXR was quantified. We hypothesized that there would be a low clinical utility of the AXR, and long associated time period spent in the ED.

Methods
A retrospective audit of AXRs performed in the ED from January to December 2019 was performed. The local picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and electronic medical record were used to collect the variables.

Results
Of 701 AXRs, 438 (62.4%) were reported normal, and 263 (37.6%) were abnormal. A Chi Squared test showed that the two variables (abdominal series result and follow up imaging completion) were significantly related, with p < 0.001. However, the effect size was small (Nagelkerke R square = 0.022). The average time spent in the ED for these patients was 7.27 h, and the average time between the AXR being ordered and interpreted was 1.31 h.

Conclusion
The majority of AXRs were reported as normal. Our results showed that AXR had a statistically significant, but low clinically significant predictive ability on subsequent imaging ordering. This supports our hypothesis that the AXR is of low clinical utility with respect to the rate of ordering follow up imaging. The AXR also translated to a quantifiable time interval during the patient’s stay in ED. Minimizing overuse of the AXR may result in a decrease in patient duration in the ED.
Sumoylation of SAP130 regulates its interaction with FAF1 as well as its protein stability and transcriptional repressor function
Authors: Chen Chang-Han , Lin Hung-Wei , Huang Meng-Fang , Chiang Chi-Wu , Lee Kuen-Haur , Phuong Nguyen Thanh , Cai Zong-Yan , Chang Wen-Chang , Lin Ding-Yen 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Fas-associated factor 1 (FAF1) is a multidomain protein that interacts with diverse partners to affect numerous cellular processes. Previously, we discovered two Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO)-interacting motifs (SIMs) within FAF1 that are crucial for transcriptional modulation of mineralocorticoid receptor. Recently, we identified Sin3A-associated protein 130 (SAP130), a putative sumoylated protein, as a candidate FAF1 interaction partner by yeast two-hybrid screening. However, it remained unclear whether SAP130 sumoylation might occur and functionally interact with FAF1.

Results
In this study, we first show that SAP130 can be modified by SUMO1 at Lys residues 794, 878 and 932 both in vitro and in vivo. Mutation of these three SUMO-accepting Lys residues to Ala had no impact on SAP130 association with Sin3A or its nuclear localization, but the mutations abrogated the association of SAP130 with the FAF1. The mutations also potentiated SAP130 trans-repression activity and attenuated SAP130-mediated promotion of cell growth. Additionally, SUMO1-modified SAP130 was less stable than unmodified SAP130. Transient transfection experiments further revealed that FAF1 mitigated the trans-repression and cell proliferation-promoting functions of SAP130, and promoted SAP130 degradation by enhancing its polyubiquitination in a sumoylation-dependent manner.

Conclusions
Together, these results demonstrate that sumoylation of SAP130 regulates its biological functions and that FAF1 plays a crucial role in controlling the SUMO-dependent regulation of transcriptional activity and protein stability of SAP130.