bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Meningitis after elective intracranial surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence
Authors: Chojak Rafał , Koźba-Gosztyła Marta , Gaik Magdalena , Madej Marta , Majerska Aleksandra , Soczyński Oskar , Czapiga Bogdan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractMeningitis is a potential complication of elective intracranial surgery (EIS). The prevalence of meningitis after EIS varies greatly in the literature. The objective of this study was to estimate the overall pooled prevalence of meningitis following EIS. Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase) were searched to identify relevant studies. Meta-analyses of proportions were used to combine data. Cochran's Q and I2 statistics were used to assess and quantify heterogeneity. Additionally, several subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the source of heterogeneity and examine differences in the prevalence based on variables such as geographical regions, income level, and meningitis type. The meta-analysis included 83 studies (30 959 patients) from 26 countries. The overall pooled prevalence of meningitis after EIS was 1.6% (95% CI 1.1–2.1), with high heterogeneity present (I2 = 88%). The pooled prevalence in low- to middle-income countries and high-income countries was 2.7% (95% CI 1.6–4.1) and 1.2% (95% CI 0.8–1.7), respectively. Studies that reported only aseptic meningitis had a pooled prevalence of 3.2% (95% CI 1.3–5.8). The pooled prevalence was 2.8% (95% CI 1.5–4.5) in studies that reported only bacterial meningitis. Similar prevalence rates of meningitis were observed in the subgroups of tumor resection, microvascular decompression, and aneurysm clipping. Meningitis is a rare but not exceptional complication following EIS, with an estimated prevalence of 1.6%.
Defective lysosomal acidification: a new prognostic marker and therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Lo Chih Hung , Zeng Jialiu 
Published: June 2023

AbstractLysosomal acidification dysfunction has been implicated as a key driving factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Multiple genetic factors have been linked to lysosomal de-acidification through impairing the vacuolar-type ATPase and ion channels on the organelle membrane. Similar lysosomal abnormalities are also present in sporadic forms of neurodegeneration, although the underlying pathogenic mechanisms are unclear and remain to be investigated. Importantly, recent studies have revealed early occurrence of lysosomal acidification impairment before the onset of neurodegeneration and late-stage pathology. However, there is a lack of methods for organelle pH monitoring in vivo and a dearth of lysosome-acidifying therapeutic agents. Here, we summarize and present evidence for the notion of defective lysosomal acidification as an early indicator of neurodegeneration and urge the critical need for technological advancement in developing tools for lysosomal pH monitoring and detection both in vivo and for clinical applications. We further discuss current preclinical pharmacological agents that modulate lysosomal acidification, including small molecules and nanomedicine, and their potential clinical translation into lysosome-targeting therapies. Both timely detection of lysosomal dysfunction and development of therapeutics that restore lysosomal function represent paradigm shifts in targeting neurodegenerative diseases.
Impacts of climate-resilient push–pull technology on farmers’ income in selected counties in Kenya and Tanzania: propensity score matching approach
Authors: Ouya Fredrick O. , Murage Alice W. , Pittchar Jimmy O. , Chidawanyika Frank , Pickett John A. , Khan Zeyaur R. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundAgricultural research and technology adoption play a key role in improving productivity and therefore generate impact on household livelihoods. The push–pull technology developed by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology and collaborators/partners has been recognized for its multiple roles in productivity improvement and income generation. However, the subsequent impacts after its adaptation to drier agro-ecologies have not been ascertained. Anex-poststudy was conducted to evaluate the impact of the climate-resilient push–pull technology on farmers’ income.MethodologyThis study was conducted in eight counties in Kenya and Mara region in Tanzania, involving 486 farmers; half were climate-resilient push–pull technology adopters. The study adopted the propensity score matching (PSM) technique in order to correct the self-selection bias in adoption.ResultsFrom the results, education of the farmer, household size, Tropical Livestock Unit and group membership positively and significantly influenced adoption. The average treatment effect on the treated was positive for all the matching methods; USD 455.8 for Nearest Neighbor Matching, USD 474.2 for the Kernel Matching and USD 439.1 for the Radius/Caliper Matching. The balancing test for self-selection bias showed that none of the observed covariates was significant after matching. The results demonstrate that adopting climate-resilient push–pull technology has a positive impact on the adopter farmers’ income. Adopter farmers were able to earn much more in terms of gross margin.ConclusionThe positive change in income for adopters was attributable to the technology. With increased incomes, farmers were able to access alternative foodstuff, hence had more food security and diversity than those without. Efforts to expand dissemination and adoption of climate-resilient push–pull technology will have positive impacts on adopting families and hence to the economy.
The impact of global changes in near-term climate forcers on East Africa’s climate
Authors: Opio Ronald , Mugume Isaac , Nakatumba-Nabende Joyce , Nimusiima Alex , Okurut Isaac Tom 
Published: June 2023

AbstractClimate change and air pollution are two interconnected daunting environmental challenges of the twenty-first century. Globally, stringent public health and environmental policies are set to mitigate the emissions of near-term climate forcers (NTCFs) because they double as air pollutants. While the global climate impact of NTCF mitigation has been investigated using coarse resolution climate models, the fine scale regional climate impacts over East Africa are not fully known. This study presents the first 2021–2055 downscaled model results of two future scenarios which both have increasing greenhouse gas emissions but with weak (SSP3-7.0) versus strong (SSP3-7.0_lowNTCF) levels of air quality control. NTCF mitigation is defined here as SSP3-7.0_lowNTCF–SSP3-7.0. The results reveal that NTCF mitigation could cause an increase in annual mean surface temperature ranging from 0.005 to 0.01 °C decade−1 over parts of Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. It could also cause an increase in annual mean precipitation ranging from 0.1 to 1 mm month−1 decade−1 over parts of Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, South Sudan and Ethiopia. Majority of the precipitation increase is projected to occur during the MAM season. On the other hand, Zambia, Malawi and southern Tanzania could also experience a decrease in annual mean precipitation by up to 0.5 mm month−1 decade−1. Majority of this decrease is projected to occur during the DJF season. These findings suggest that pursuing NTCF mitigation alone while ignoring greenhouse gas emissions will cause additional climate change over East Africa. Mitigating both of them concurrently would be a better policy option.
A new approach of microbiome monitoring in the built environment: feasibility analysis of condensation capture
Authors: Hampton-Marcell Jarrad T. , Ghosh Aritra , Gukeh Mohamad Jafari , Megaridis Constantine M. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Humans emit approximately 30 million microbial cells per hour into their immediate vicinity. However, sampling of aerosolized microbial taxa (aerobiome) remains largely uncharacterized due to the complexity and limitations of sampling techniques, which are highly susceptible to low biomass and rapid sample degradation. Recently, there has been an interest in developing technology that collects naturally occurring water from the atmosphere, even within the built environment. Here, we analyze the feasibility of indoor aerosol condensation collection as a method to capture and analyze the aerobiome.

Methods
Aerosols were collected via condensation or active impingement in a laboratory setting over the course of 8 h. Microbial DNA was extracted from collected samples and sequenced (16S rRNA) to analyze microbial diversity and community composition. Dimensional reduction and multivariate statistics were employed to identify significant (p < 0.05) differences in relative abundances of specific microbial taxa observed between the two sampling platforms.

Results
Aerosol condensation capture is highly efficient with a yield greater than 95% when compared to expected values. Compared to air impingement, aerosol condensation showed no significant difference (ANOVA, p > 0.05) in microbial diversity. Among identified taxa, Streptophyta and Pseudomonadales comprised approximately 70% of the microbial community composition.

Conclusion
The results suggest that condensation of atmospheric humidity is a suitable method for the capture of airborne microbial taxa reflected by microbial community similarity between devices. Future investigation of aerosol condensation may provide insight into the efficacy and viability of this new tool to investigate airborne microorganisms.

Importance
On average, humans shed approximately 30 million microbial cells each hour into their immediate environment making humans the primary contributor to shaping the microbiome found within the built environment. In addition, recent events have highlighted the importance of understanding how microorganisms within the built environment are aerosolized and dispersed, but more importantly, the lack in development of technology that is capable of actively sampling the ever-changing aerosolized microbiome, i.e., aerobiome. This research highlights the capability of sampling the aerobiome by taking advantage of naturally occurring atmospheric humidity. Our novel approach reproduces the biological content in the atmosphere and can provide insight into the environmental microbiology of indoor spaces.
How to decrease Test Anxiety: a focus on Academic Emotion Regulation, L2 grit, resilience, and self-assessment
Authors: Alazemi Asmaa Falah Theiyab , Jember Biruk , Al-Rashidi Anwar Hammad 
Published: June 2023

AbstractEffective education and evaluation may be achieved when the mental and emotional health of the students being evaluated are taken into consideration. As a consequence of this, the purpose of this research was to try to highlight the dynamic that exists between Test Anxiety (TA), Academic Emotion Regulation (AER), L2 grit (L2G), academic resilience (AR), and core of self-assessment (CAS). In order to accomplish this goal, 417 English as a foreign language (EFL) students from Kuwait were provided with copies of the Test Anxiety Scale, the Academic Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, the Language-domain-specific Grit Scale, the Academic Resilience Scale, and the Core of Self‑Assessment Questionnaire. The screening of the data using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) explicitly determined the impacts AER, L2G, AR, and CAS had on TA. It means that students who has developed a healthy state of AER, L2G, AR, and CSA could modulate their Test Anxiety skillfully. The implications of the study, which might lead to enhancements in language instruction and evaluation, are discussed in detail.
Large scale performance analysis of distributed deep learning frameworks for convolutional neural networks
Authors: Aach Marcel , Inanc Eray , Sarma Rakesh , Riedel Morris , Lintermann Andreas 
Published: June 2023

AbstractContinuously increasing data volumes from multiple sources, such as simulation and experimental measurements, demand efficient algorithms for an analysis within a realistic timeframe. Deep learning models have proven to be capable of understanding and analyzing large quantities of data with high accuracy. However, training them on massive datasets remains a challenge and requires distributed learning exploiting High-Performance Computing systems. This study presents a comprehensive analysis and comparison of three well-established distributed deep learning frameworks—Horovod, DeepSpeed, and Distributed Data Parallel by PyTorch—with a focus on their runtime performance and scalability. Additionally, the performance of two data loaders, the native PyTorch data loader and the DALI data loader by NVIDIA, is investigated. To evaluate these frameworks and data loaders, three standard ResNet architectures with 50, 101, and 152 layers are tested using the ImageNet dataset. The impact of different learning rate schedulers on validation accuracy is also assessed. The novel contribution lies in the detailed analysis and comparison of these frameworks and data loaders on the state-of-the-art Jülich Wizard for European Leadership Science (JUWELS) Booster system at the Jülich Supercomputing Centre, using up to 1024 A100 NVIDIA GPUs in parallel. Findings show that the DALI data loader significantly reduces the overall runtime of ResNet50 from more than 12 h on 4 GPUs to less than 200 s on 1024 GPUs. The outcomes of this work highlight the potential impact of distributed deep learning using efficient tools on accelerating scientific discoveries and data-driven applications.
Graphical Abstract
Lateral epicondyle to the joint line distance is a precise landmark for determination of an accurate knee joint line: an observational retrospective study
Authors: Aljuhani Wazzan S. , Alsaeed Abdullah A. , Alrashed Maali O. , Alanazi Abdullah M. , Alsalman Mohammed J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPurposeTo assess a quantitative and reproducible association between the position of the knee joint line and recognizable anatomical landmarks around it in order to help in restoring joint line in arthroplasty cases.MethodsMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of 130 normal knees were investigated. Anatomical measurements of the knee joint distances on the obtained planes were performed manually by distance measurements using a ruler tool, followed by 6 anatomical bony landmarks determination about the knee to identify the joint line which included the joint line, medial epicondyle, lateral epicondyle, medial flare, lateral flare, and proximal tibiofibular joint. The entire process was examined twice by two independent fellowship trained musculoskeletal radiologists, with a 2‐week interval between the first and second sets of readings.ResultsThe lateral epicondyle to the joint line of the knee (LEJL) could be a reliable landmark for accurate distance measurements for the knee joint line level, with an absolute distance of 24.4 ± 2.8 mm. The analysis showed that the femorotibial ratio between the LEJL and proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) was 1.0 (LEJL/PTFJJL = 1.0 ± 0.1), confirming the location of the knee joint at the midpoint between the lateral epicondyle and PTFJ, revealing two identifiable landmarks.ConclusionsLEJL is the most precise landmark for determination of an accurate knee joint line because the knee is located at the midline between the lateral epicondyle and PTFJ. These reproducible quantitative relationships can be widely employed in various imaging modalities to help restore the knee JL in arthroplasty surgeries.
Influence of molecular imaging on patient selection for treatment intensification prior to salvage radiation therapy for prostate cancer: a post hoc analysis of the PROPS trial
Authors: Tremblay Samuel , Alhogbani Mofarej , Weickhardt Andrew , Davis Ian D , Scott Andrew M , Hicks Rodney J , Metser Ur , Chua Sue , Davda Reena , Punwani Shonit , Payne Heather , Tunariu Nina , Ho Bao , Young Sympascho , Singbo Mahukpe Narcisse Ulrich , Bauman Glenn , Emmett Louise , Pouliot Frédéric 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
The impact of molecular imaging (MI) on patient management after biochemical recurrence (BCR) following radical prostatectomy has been described in many studies. However, it is not known if MI-induced management changes are appropriate. This study aimed to determine if androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) management plan is improved by MI in patients who are candidates for salvage radiation therapy.

Methods
Data were analyzed from the multicenter prospective PROPS trial evaluating PSMA/Choline PET in patients being considered for salvage radiotherapy (sRT) with BCR after prostatectomy. We compared the pre- and post-MI ADT management plans for each patient and cancer outcomes as predicted by the MSKCC nomogram. A higher percentage of predicted BCR associated with ADT treatment intensification after MI was considered as an improvement in a patient’s management.

Results
Seventy-three patients with a median PSA of 0.38 ng/mL were included. In bivariate analysis, a positive finding on MI (local or metastatic) was associated with decision to use ADT with an odds ratio of 3.67 (95% CI, 1.25 to 10.71; p = 0.02). No factor included in the nomogram was associated with decision to use ADT. Also, MI improved selection of patients to receive ADT based on predicted BCR after sRT : the predicted nomogram 5-year biochemical-free survivals were 52.5% and 43.3%, (mean difference, 9.2%; 95% CI 0.8 to 17.6; p = 0.03) for sRT alone and ADT±sRT subgroups, while there was no statistically significant difference between subgroups before MI.

Conclusions
PSMA and/or Choline PET/CT before sRT can potentially improve patient ADT management by directing clinicians towards more appropriate intensification.
Cholic and deoxycholic acids induce mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired biogenesis and autophagic flux in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Abrigo Johanna , Olguín Hugo , Tacchi Franco , Orozco-Aguilar Josué , Valero-Breton Mayalen , Soto Jorge , Castro-Sepúlveda Mauricio , Elorza Alvaro A. , Simon Felipe , Cabello-Verrugio Claudio 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Skeletal muscle is sensitive to bile acids (BA) because it expresses the TGR5 receptor for BA. Cholic (CA) and deoxycholic (DCA) acids induce a sarcopenia-like phenotype through TGR5-dependent mechanisms. Besides, a mouse model of cholestasis-induced sarcopenia was characterised by increased levels of serum BA and muscle weakness, alterations that are dependent on TGR5 expression. Mitochondrial alterations, such as decreased mitochondrial potential and oxygen consumption rate (OCR), increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and unbalanced biogenesis and mitophagy, have not been studied in BA-induced sarcopenia.

Methods
We evaluated the effects of DCA and CA on mitochondrial alterations in C2C12 myotubes and a mouse model of cholestasis-induced sarcopenia. We measured mitochondrial mass by TOM20 levels and mitochondrial DNA; ultrastructural alterations by transmission electronic microscopy; mitochondrial biogenesis by PGC-1α plasmid reporter activity and protein levels by western blot analysis; mitophagy by the co-localisation of the MitoTracker and LysoTracker fluorescent probes; mitochondrial potential by detecting the TMRE probe signal; protein levels of OXPHOS complexes and LC3B by western blot analysis; OCR by Seahorse measures; and mtROS by MitoSOX probe signals.

Results
DCA and CA caused a reduction in mitochondrial mass and decreased mitochondrial biogenesis. Interestingly, DCA and CA increased LC3II/LC3I ratio and decreased autophagic flux concordant with raised mitophagosome-like structures. In addition, DCA and CA decreased mitochondrial potential and reduced protein levels in OXPHOS complexes I and II. The results also demonstrated that DCA and CA decreased basal, ATP-linked, FCCP-induced maximal respiration and spare OCR. DCA and CA also reduced the number of cristae. In addition, DCA and CA increased the mtROS. In mice with cholestasis-induced sarcopenia, TOM20, OXPHOS complexes I, II and III, and OCR were diminished. Interestingly, the OCR and OXPHOS complexes were correlated with muscle strength and bile acid levels.

Conclusion
Our results showed that DCA and CA decreased mitochondrial mass, possibly by reducing mitochondrial biogenesis, which affects mitochondrial function, thereby altering potential OCR and mtROS generation. Some mitochondrial alterations were also observed in a mouse model of cholestasis-induced sarcopenia characterised by increased levels of BA, such as DCA and CA.
Pathophysiological functions of semaphorins in the sympathetic nervous system
Authors: Mizuno Yumiko , Nakanishi Yoshimitsu , Kumanogoh Atsushi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractUpon exposure to external stressors, the body senses them and activates the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to maintain the homeostasis, which is known as the “fight-or-flight” response. Recent studies have revealed that the SNS also plays pivotal roles in regulating immune responses, such as hematopoiesis, leukocyte mobilization, and inflammation. Indeed, overactivation of the SNS causes many inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune diseases. However, the molecular basis essential for SNS-mediated immune regulation is not completely understood. In this review, we focus on axon guidance cues, semaphorins, which play multifaceted roles in neural and immune systems. We summarize the functions of semaphorins in the crosstalk between the SNS and the immune system, exploring its pathophysiological roles.
Impact of Disasters on Older Adult Cancer Outcomes: A Scoping Review
Authors: Lynch Kathleen A. , Merdjanoff Alexis A. 
Published: June 2023

PURPOSE There is an urgent need to address the growing global cancer burden in the context of complex disaster events, which both disrupt access to oncology care and facilitate carcinogenic exposures. Older adults (65 years and older) are a growing population with multifaceted care needs, making them especially vulnerable to disasters. The objective of this scoping review is to characterize the state of the literature concerning older adult cancer–related outcomes and oncologic care after a disaster event. METHODS A search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science. Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines for scoping reviews, articles were extracted and screened for inclusion. Eligible articles were summarized using descriptive and thematic analyses. RESULTS Thirty-five studies met all criteria for full-text review. The majority focused on technological disasters (60%, n = 21), followed by climate-amplified disasters (28.6%, n = 10) and geophysical disasters (11.4%, n = 4). Thematic analysis classified the current evidence into three major categories: (1) studies concerned with carcinogenic exposure and cancer incidence related to the disaster event, (2) studies examining changes in access to cancer care and cancer treatment disruptions as a result of the disaster event, and (3) studies exploring the psychosocial experiences of patients with cancer affected by a disaster event. Few studies focused on older adults specifically, and most of the current evidence focuses on disasters in the United States or Japan. CONCLUSION Older adult cancer outcomes after a disaster event are understudied. Current evidence suggests that disasters worsen cancer-related outcomes among older adults by disrupting continuity of care and access to timely treatment. There is a need for prospective longitudinal studies following older adult populations postdisaster and studies focused on disasters in low- and middle-income country contexts.