bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tobacco smoking and prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases in rural South Africa: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Chidumwa Glory , Olivier Stephen , Ngubane Hloniphile , Zulu Thando , Sewpaul Ronel , Kruse Gina , Rigotti Nancy A. , Siedner Mark J. , Reddy Krishna P. , Wong Emily B. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
South Africa is facing a convergence of communicable diseases (CDs) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The contribution of tobacco use to the burden of these conditions is unknown.
Methods
We analyzed the associations between current tobacco smoking and four important CDs and NCDs in Vukuzazi, a cross-sectional study of individuals aged 15 years and older conducted between 2018–2020 in a demographic surveillance area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Data on HIV, active tuberculosis (TB), hypertension and diabetes mellitus were collected via direct measurement from participants.
Results
Of 18,024 participants (68% female, median age 37 years [interquartile rage 23–56 years]), 1,301 (7.2%) reported current smoking. Prevalence of HIV infection was similarly high among people who currently smoked (34.6%) and people who had never smoked (33.9%). However, among people living with HIV (PLWH), there was a higher prevalence of detectable viremia in people reporting current smoking compared to people who reported never smoking (28.8% vs. 16.6%; p-value < 0.001). Active TB was more prevalent in people who currently smoked than in people who never smoked (3.1% vs 1.3%, p < 0.001). In contrast, the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus were lower in people reporting current smoking than in people reporting never smoking (17.1% vs 26.0% (p < 0.001), and 2.5% vs 10.2% (p < 0.001), respectively). In sex-stratified multivariable analyses that were adjusted for potential confounding factors (including body mass index for the NCDs), the magnitude of differences in CD prevalence between people who currently smoked and people who never smoked decreased, whereas the lower prevalence of NCDs among people reporting current smoking persisted.
Conclusions
In rural South Africa, smoking is associated with higher rates of active TB, and people with HIV who smoke have worse disease control. In contrast, hypertension and diabetes mellitus are less common in those who smoke. Interventions to screen for TB among those who smoke and to address smoking among people with HIV may be particularly impactful.
Evaluation of a Structured Self-Management Training for Peer Supporters with Type 2 Diabetes and Arterial Hypertension, led by a Specialist Nurse
Authors: Virtič Tina , Mihevc Matic , Zavrnik Črt , Lukančič Majda Mori , Gorenjec Nina Ružić , Susič Antonija Poplas , Klemenc-Ketiš Zalika 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Training of peer supporters is critical because the success of the entire peer support intervention depends on the knowledge and experience that peer supporters can share with other patients. The objective was to evaluate the pilot implementation of a specialist nurse-led self-management training for peer supporters with type 2 diabetes (T2D), with or without coexistent arterial hypertension (AH), in terms of feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness.
Methods:
A prospective pre-post interventional pilot study was conducted in two Community Health Centres in Slovenia from May 2021 to August 2022. Purposive sampling was performed to recruit eligible patients to become trained peer supporters volunteers. Training was led by an educator, a specialist nurse, and was based on the comprehensive curriculum using the Diabetes Conversation MapsTM. Data were collected from medical records, by clinical measurements, and using questionnaires on sociodemographic and clinical data, the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, knowledge of T2D and AH, and the Appraisal of Diabetes Scale, and evaluation forms.
Results:
Participants evaluated the training as highly acceptable and satisfactory. After training, peer supporters’ knowledge of T2D (p<0.001) and AH (p=0.024) improved significantly compared with baseline knowledge. 6 months after training, their weight decreased significantly (p=0.022) from 85.8 (SD 19.5) kg at baseline to 84.2 (SD 20.0) kg and body mass index (BMI) decreased (p=0.020) from 30.4 (SD 6.2) at baseline to 29.8 (SD 6.2).
Conclusion:
Self-management training for peer supporters, led by a specialist nurse, proved feasible, acceptable, and effective. It resulted in improved knowledge and positive changes in self-management behavior of peer supporters, as evidenced by the decrease in their BMI over a six-month period. This suggests that ongoing self-management training for peer supporters could be an important component of a successful peer support intervention for people with T2D and AH at the primary healthcare level.
Trial registration:
The research is part of the international research project SCUBY: Scale up diabetes and hypertension care for vulnerable people in Cambodia, Slovenia and Belgium, which is registered in ISRCTN registry (https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN41932064).
Identification of GBP2 and TMSB10 as Immune-associated Genes in Hypertension Nephropathy by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis and Machine Learning
Authors: Liao Xiaolin , Lu Huaguan , Liu Jianjun , Wang Yuhong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Clinical and experimental proof suggests that hypertension nephropathy (HN) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Our study aims to disclose the role of immune-related genes in the progression of HN. Using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, two human HN gene expression datasets (GSE37455 and GSE37460; n = 35) along with the relevant controls (n = 43) could be as the discovery metadata to analyze for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HN. Three different machine-learning algorithms were integrated to screen immune-related genes in HN. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to estimate diagnostic efficacy. The diagnostic value and expression levels of these candidate genes were validated in the GSE104954 dataset (20 HN patients and 3 controls). Single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to evaluate immune cell infiltrations, and immune checkpoints were quantified. The expression of the potential genes was confirmed in vivo. As a result, a total of 220 DEGs were identified between HN and control samples in these datasets, of which 52 were immune differential genes. The magenta module in WGCNA was the highest correlation. Two immune-associated genes GBP2 (guanylate binding protein 2) and TMSB10 (Thymosin β10) for HN were obtained after the intersection of genes screened by machine learning. The expression levels of GBP2 and TMSB10 were validated using discovery and validation cohort data sets. Following the ssGSEA analysis, we identified potential immune cell types in HN patients, as well as revealed the correlation between immune-related genes (GBP2 and TMSB10) and immune cells. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of GBP2 and TMSB10 in vivo were consistent with the bioinformatics analysis which confirms the accuracy of our analysis. Our results demonstrated that GBP2 and TMSB10 are promising immune-related genes for the diagnosis of HN, which may help in the development of more precisely tailored HN immunotherapy.
Differential expression of COL6 family is a potential tumor marker for predicting gastric cancer
Authors: Ma Lei , Wang Yanfeng , Li Tao , Ling Jun , Wang Bao-Zheng , Cai Wei-Ji , Qi Lihua , Chen Jing , Liu Qilun 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in the worldwide and is the leading cause of death in patients. Despite significant advances in treatment, the 5-year survival rate remains low. Therefore, the discovery of tumor markers that can predict gastric cancer and estimate its prognosis will improve this situation.
Methods
In this study, TIMER2, Kaplan–Meier plotter and GEPIA databases were used to analyze the expression of COL6 family gene in gastric cancer tissues, and analyzed their relationship with different pathological stages and tumor prognosis. Meanwhile, we analyzed the Genetic Alteration, Co-expression, Neighbor Gene Network, Interaction Analyses, enrichment analysis and immune infiltration analysis of COL6 in Patients with GC in cBioPortal, STRING databases and XIANTAO platform.
Results
We found that the COL6 family (COL6A1, COL1A2, COL6A3, COL6A4P1, COL6A4P2, COL6A5 and COL6A6) genes were significantly up-regulated in gastric adenocarcinoma relative to normal tissue adjacent to the cancer. A significant correlation was found between the expression of COL6A1/2/3 and the pathological stage of GC patients. GC patients with high COL6A1/2/3/5/6 expression were all associated with poor survival, while COL6A4P1/P2/6 were significantly associated with metastasis or recurrence in patients. Subsequently, we performed functional enrichment analysis and found that its cellular function was associated with Focal adhesion, ECM-receptor interaction. Our data also showed that COL6A1/2/3/5/6 were positively with immune infiltration, while a negative correlation was found between COL6A/4P1/4P2 and immune cells infiltration, which may be associated with poorer relapse-free survival (RFS).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that the COL6 family (COL6A1/2/3/4P1/4P2/5/6) is a potential biomarker for determining the prognosis of gastric cancer and It also provides theoretical basis for immunotherapy.
A self-managed exercise therapy program for wrist osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Larsson Sara L , Ekstrand Elisabeth , Dahlin Lars B , Björkman Anders , Brogren Elisabeth 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Post-traumatic wrist osteoarthritis (OA) may eventually lead to pain, muscular weakness, and stiffness of the wrist, which can affect the function of the entire upper limb and cause reduced quality of life. Although there is strong evidence that all patients with OA should be offered adequate education and exercises as a first-line treatment, an effective self-management program, including structured education and therapeutic exercises, has not yet been introduced for individuals with wrist OA. The purpose of this study is to describe a self-managed exercise therapy program with joint protective strategies to improve neuromuscular control and to investigate if this exercise therapy program is more effective in reducing pain and improving function, compared to a training program with range of motion exercises, for individuals with wrist OA.
Methods
This is a study protocol that describes a single-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) in patients with symptomatic and radiographically confirmed wrist OA with two treatment arms. The participants will randomly be assigned either to a neuromuscular exercise therapy program or to a training program with range of motion exercises only. Participants in both groups will receive a wrist orthosis and structured education on wrist anatomy, pathophysiology, and joint protective self-management strategies. The programs consist of home exercises that will be performed twice a day for 12 weeks. The Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) is the primary outcome measure of pain and function. Wrist Range of Motion (ROM), grip strength, the Numeric Pain Rating scale (NPRS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Global Rating of Change (GROC) and conversion to surgery are the secondary measures of outcome. Assessments will be performed at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months after baseline by a blinded assessor.
Discussion
The results from this study can add new knowledge about the effectiveness of a self-managed exercise therapy program on pain and function for individuals with wrist OA. If this self-management program proves to be efficient, it can redefine current treatment strategies and may be implemented in wrist OA treatment protocols.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05367817. Retrospectively registered on 27 April 2022. https://clinicaltrials.gov.
Genome-wide identification of R2R3-MYB Family Genes and their Response to Stress in Dendrobium nobile
Authors: Wu Liping , Fan Jizhou , Su Xinglong , Rao Weiyi , Duan Yingying , Wang Yuqing , Jiang Weimin , Sun Zongping , Zhang Lei , Peng Daiyin , Xing Shihai 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
R2R3-MYB is one of the largest and most important gene families, participating in the regulation of plant growth and development and response to abiotic stresses. However, the function of R2R3-MYB genes in Dendrobium nobile remains largely unknown. Here, a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of D. nobile R2R3-DnMYBs was performed, investigating phylogenic relationships, gene structures, motif composition, chromosomal locations, collinearity analysis, and cis-acting elements. Totally, 125 DnMYB genes were identified in the D. nobile genome, and they could be subdivided into 26 groups by further divided through phylogenetic analysis. Most genes with similar exon-intron structures and motif compositions in eaach subgroup exhibited similar functions. All of DnMYB genes were mapped on 19 chromosomes with the co-linearity relationship. Moreover, their expression patterns were analyzed in various tissues and abiotic stresses. The results showed that DnMYBs were significantly differential expressed in different tissues, following abiotic stresses and phytohormone treatments, indicating their possible roles in biological processes and some abiotic stress tolerance and adaptation. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the R2R3-MYB family of D. nobile, and lays a foundation for future research on the potential function of DnMYB gene in the growth and development of D. nobile.
Integrative analysis of mitochondrial metabolic reprogramming in early-stage colon and liver cancer
Authors: Kim Yeongmin , Shin So-Yeon , Jung Jihun , Kim Yumin , Kang Yun-Won , Lee Sunjae , Oh Chang Myung 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Gastrointestinal malignancies such as colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) are the major causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Identifying the common genetic foundations and signaling pathways among these cancers can lead to improved understanding of their underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Here, we tried to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways associated with tumorigenesis using publicly accessible the Cancer Genome Atlas datasets of COAD and LIHC. Our analysis revealed that DEGs during early tumorigenesis were associated with various aspects of cell cycle regulation. Genes related to lipid metabolism were significantly enriched in COAD and LIHC, suggesting that dysregulated lipid metabolism may play a crucial role in the development and progression of COAD and LIHC. A subset of DEGs associated with mitochondrial function and structure was identified, among which genes involved in mitochondrial protein import and mitochondrial respiratory complex assembly were upregulated in both cancers. We identified mitochondrial 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase (HMGCS2) as a crucial regulator of cancer cell metabolism. Using a genome-scale metabolic model, we showed that HMGCS2 suppression increased glycolysis, lipid biosynthesis and elongation, and decreased fatty acid oxidation in colon cancer cells. Overall, the present study highlights the potential contribution of dysregulated lipid metabolism, including ketogenesis, to the development and progression of COAD and LIHC. These findings could prove vital for developing targeted therapies for these malignancies and pave the way for more effective treatments.
Mixed-dimensional stacked structure for a specific wavelength-selectable photodetector with ambipolar photoresponse
Authors: SON Dong Ick , Park Young Jae , Shim Jaeho , Lee Joo Song , Lee Kyu Seung , Shin Dong Su , Ko Kang Bok , Yim Sang-Youp , Kim Seongjun , Shin Hoon-Kyu , Park Donghee , Yun Yong Ju 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Mixed-dimensional composite structures using 0D quantum dots (QDs) and 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) materials are expected to attract great interest in optoelectronics due to potential to generate new optical properties. Here, we report on the unique optical characteristics of a devices with a mixed dimensional vertically stacked structures based on WSe2/CdSeS QDs monolayer/MoS2 (2D/0D/2D). Specifically, it exhibits an ambipolar photoresponse characteristic, with a negative photoresponse observed in the 400–600 nm wavelength range and a positive photoresponse appearing at 700 nm wavelength. It resulted the high negative responsivity of up to 52.22 mA/W under 400 nm, which is 163 times higher than that of the photodetector without CdSeS QDs. We also demonstrate the negative photoresponse which could be due to increased carrier collision probability and non-radiative recombination. Device modeling and simulation reveal that Auger recombination among the types of non-radiative recombination is the main cause of negative photocurrent generation. Consequently, we have discovered ambipolar photoresponse near a specific wavelength corresponding to the energy of quantum dots. Our study reveals interesting phenomenon in the mixed low-dimensional stacked structure and paves the way to exploit it for the development of innovative photodetection materials as well as for optoelectronic applications.
Weight loss treatment of COVID-19 in patients with NCDs: a pilot prospective clinical trial
Authors: Oshakbayev Kuat , Durmanova Aigul , Zhankalova Zulfiya , Idrisov Alisher , Bedelbayeva Gulnara , Gazaliyeva Meruyert , Nabiyev Altay , Tordai Attila , Dukenbayeva Bibazhar 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
COVID-19 in comorbidity with non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) complicate the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and increase mortality rate.
Objective.
To evaluate the effects of the weight loss treatment on clinic/laboratory inflammation and metabolic profile, reactive oxygen species (ROS) body composition in patients with COVID-19 in comorbidity with NCDs.
Design:
A 6-week open, pilot prospective clinical trial.
Setting:
The study included 72 adult patients with COVID and influenza in comorbidity with type 2 diabetes (T2D), hypertension, and NASH.
Interventions:
The treatment involved a fast-weight-loss-method (Analimentary detoxication, ANADETO) including calorie restriction to 50–100 kcal/day, salt intake to 5–6 gr/day, hot water drinking 1000–1500 ml/day, walking > 2,000 steps/day, and sexual self-restraint.
Main outcome measures:
Primary endpoints: Clinic/infectious/inflammation tests for COVID/Influenza; weight loss during 14 days. Secondary endpoints: fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, blood insulin; systolic/diastolic BP; blood lipids; ALT/AST, chest-CT-scan.
Results
The patients weight lost from baseline (-9,14 − 12,4%; P < 0.001); COVID and Influenza were a negative in > 96.3% patients at the 14 days. Systolic/diastolic BP normalized (P < 0.0001), glucose/lipids metabolism (P < 0.0001); ALT/AST normalized (P < 0.0001), platelets increased from baseline (P < 0.0001), chest-CT (P < 0.0001) at 6-week follow-up. The previous antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective, and other symptomatic medications were adequately decreased in 2–5 days to completely stopping by 5–8 days treatment.
Conclusions
The non-pharmacological treatment including fast weight loss is clinical/laboratory benefit in treatment of patients with COVID-19 and Influenza in comorbidity with T2D, hypertension, and NASH.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05635539 (12/01/2022): https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05635539?term=NCT05635539&draw=2&rank=1 .
Base on solid-works design of compact high efficient solar water heater
Authors: STUBBLEFIELD RAMCY SAAH 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
A solar water heater is a type of heating system that uses solar energy from the sun to heat water for domestic, industrial, or commercial use. It typically consists of a solar collector panel or array, a storage tank, and plumbing or circulation systems. The solar collector panel absorbs the energy from the sun and transfers it to the water in the storage tank. The heated water can then be used for various purposes, such as showering, washing, or space heating.[1,2]
A solar heating system, on the other hand, is a more general term that refers to any type of heating system that utilizes solar energy. This can include solar water heaters, but it can also include other systems, such as solar space heaters, solar air heating systems, or solar-assisted heat pumps. Solar heating systems can be used in residential, commercial, or industrial settings and can be integrated with existing heating systems to provide a renewable energy source and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.[1]
Anomalous Sabatier principle on high entropy alloy catalysts
Authors: Singh Chandra Veer , Chen Zhi-Wen , Li Jian , Ou Pengfei , Huang Jianan Erick , Wen Zi , Chen Li Xin , Yao Xue , Cai Guang Ming , Yang Chun Cheng , Jiang Qing 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The Sabatier principle is widely explored in heterogeneous catalysis, graphically depicted in volcano plots. The most desirable activity is located at the peak of the volcano, and further advances in activity past this optimum are possible only by designing a catalyst that circumvents the limitations entailed by the Sabatier principle. In this work, by density functional theory calculations, we found that high entropy alloy (HEA) surface with spatially varying adsorption free energy of hydrogen (ΔGH*), where the active sites with strong adsorption adsorb hydrogen (H*) and other sites with weak adsorption release H* to produce H2, was against the “just right” (ΔGH* = 0 eV) in the Sabatier principle of hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The Gaussian distribution [X ~ N(µ, σ2)] of ΔGH* on HEA was proposed as a descriptor, deriving an anomalous Sabatier principle, where a larger σ value results with µ = 0 eV results in a higher catalytic activity for HER. As a proof-of-concept, we synthesized a series of alloy systems, the PtFeCoNiCu HEA catalyst has the best catalytic performance for HER with an overpotential of 10.8 mV at -10 mA cm− 2 and 4.6 times higher intrinsic activity over the state-of-the-art Pt/C. Moreover, the calculated adsorption energy of C*, O*, and N* on HEAs also follows a Gaussian distribution, indicating the anomalous Sabatier principle can be extended to other related catalytic reactions.