bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vegetation-based Approach for Rotational Landslide Activity Classification: Case Study of Kundasang, Sabah
Authors: Salleh Mohd Radhie Mohd , Rahman Muhammad Zulkarnain Abdul , Ismail Zamri , Khanan Mohd Faisal Abdul , Kanniah Kasturi Devi , Ariffin Azman , Kadir Wan Hazli Wan , Tam Tze Huey , Asmadi Mohd Asraff 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Mapping and monitoring the state of activity of landslides is crucial for effective landslide management and risk assessment. This study presents a novel approach using vegetation anomalies indicator (VAI) derived from high-resolution remotely sensed data for landslide state of activity mapping. The study focuses on the Kundasang area in Sabah, Malaysia, known for its tectonic activity. High-resolution remotely sensed data were utilized to assist in the manual inventory process of landslide activities and to generate VAIs as input for modeling.
Results
The landslide inventory process identified active, dormant, and relict landslides. The resulting inventory map was divided into training (70%) and validation (30%) datasets for modeling purposes. Seven main VAIs, including canopy gap, mature woody vegetation, primary forest, Root Strength Index (RSI), and water-loving tree, were produced and used as the input for the classification process using Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) methods. The result showed that SVM outperforms ANN for both deep-seated and shallow rotational landslides, with an overall accuracy of 68.6% and 80.7%, respectively. Furthermore, an evaluation of SVM revealed that the radial basis function (RBF) kernel yielded the highest accuracies, whereas ANN performed best with a hyperbolic tangent (tanh) activation function.
Conclusion
The accurate classification of landslide state of activity using VAI provides several benefits, including the ability to map and classify landslide activity in forested areas, characterize vegetation characteristics specific to each activity state, and enable continuous monitoring in areas where field monitoring is impractical. This research opens new possibilities for more accurate landslide activity mapping and monitoring, thereby improving disaster risk reduction and management in tectonically active regions.
The Effect of Probiotics on Treatments in Patients Affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Wenluo , Lin Beibei , Lei Yue , Zhang Yu , Cao Qian , Xu Mengque , Zhang Yu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Gut dysbiosis has been associated with development and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Over the last two decades, many publications have focused on the role of probiotics in IBD. However, studies regarding the treatment of IBD with probiotics have not yielded consistent results.
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotics in IBD therapy.
Results: A total of seven studies met the criteria and were included in the meta-analysis, which included 879 participants. We finally selected five endpoints to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics, 3 indicators showed the statistical difference, including C-reactive protein (CRP)(OR: -2.45, 95% CI: -3.16, -1.73, P< 0.01), the number of fecal Bifidobacterium (OR: 3.37, 95%CI: 3.28, 3.47, P< 0.01) and Lactobacillus(OR: 2.00, 95%CI: 1.91, 2.09, P< 0.01) . The other two indicators including the disease activity of Crohn’s Disease (CD) (OR: -0.17, 95%CI: -1.46, 1.12, P=0.80) and ulcerative colitis(UC) (OR: -0.31, 95%CI: -1.36, 0.74, P=0.56) showed no statistical difference, while the OR reflected the beneficial relationship between probiotics and IBD.
Conclusion: Supplementation of probiotics can improve clinical symptoms in IBD patients, reduce the serological inflammation level, and regulate the intestinal microenvironment, but more RCTs are needed.
Dynamic characteristics simulation of a temperate glacier based on an Elmers/Ice model
Authors: Zhen Wu , Huiwen Zhang , Anan Chen 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
A large number of temperate glaciers are distributed in the southwest of China. Due to the effects of perennial high temperatures and excess rainfall, the movement and variations of these temperate glaciers are quite different from those of continental glaciers. To further understand the regulation of changes intemperate glaciers, we simulated the variations in the dynamic characteristic of the Hailuogou(HLG)glacier under the conditions of warm and wet climate based on the Elmer/Ice model in this study. The ice velocity, temperature and deviatoric stress in different directions were calculated. The results were as follows:(1)The high temperature in the ablation zone led to the long-term high-speed movement of glaciers;(2) Stress simulation showed that many areas of the HLG glacier were under the action of tensile force, and there was a certain compressive force occurred only at the positions where the upstream ice surface became narrow from wide, indicating that the viscosity of ice body was low; (3) Because the ice body was in a low viscosity state for a long time, the mass loss caused by ice flow and ablation was great, thus the ablation zone was in a large negative mass balance state. Moreover, the changes of the HLG glacier over the next 40 years were simulated based on two kinds of climatic scenario(RCP4.5 andRCP8.5).The results presented that the ice flow flux in the glacial accumulation zone was difficult to compensate for the mass loss in the ablation zone under the current state of mass balance variation, and then the ablation zone would shrink in the next 40 years. Thus, this study also revealed that temperate glaciers were more sensitive to climate than continental glaciers.
Systemic immune response in young and elderly patients after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Magatti Marta , Pischiutta Francesca , Ortolano Fabrizio , Pasotti Anna , Caruso Enrico , Cargnoni Anna , Papait Andrea , Capuzzi Franco , Zoerle Tommaso , Carbonara Marco , Stocchetti Nino , Borsa Stefano , Locatelli Marco , Erba Elisa , Prati Daniele , Silini Antonietta R , Zanier Elisa R , Parolini Ornella 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. In addition to primary brain damage, systemic immune alterations occur, with evidence for dysregulated immune responses in aggravating TBI outcome and complications. However, immune dysfunction following TBI has been only partially understood, especially in the elderly who represent a substantial proportion of TBI patients and worst outcome. Therefore, we aimed to conduct an in-depth immunological characterization of TBI patients, by evaluating both adaptive (T and B lymphocytes) and innate (NK and monocytes) immune cells of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) collected acutely (< 48h) after TBI in young (18–45 yo) and elderly (> 65 yo) patients, compared to age-matched controls, and also the levels of inflammatory biomarkers.
Results
Our data show that young respond differently than elderly to TBI, highlighting the immune unfavourable status of elderly compared to young patients. While in young only CD4 T lymphocytes are activated by TBI, in elderly both CD4 and CD8 T cells are affected, and are induced to differentiate into subtypes with low cytotoxic activity, such as central memory CD4 T cells and memory precursor effector CD8 T cells. Moreover, TBI enhances the frequency of subsets that have not been previously investigated in TBI, namely the double negative CD27-IgD- and CD38-CD24- B lymphocytes, and CD56dimCD16- NK cells, both in young and elderly patients. TBI reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, and the expression of HLA-DM, HLA-DR, CD86/B7-2 in monocytes, suggesting a compromised ability to drive a pro-inflammatory response and to efficiently act as antigen presenting cells.
Conclusions
We described the acute immunological response induced by TBI and its relation with injury severity, which could contribute to pathologic evolution and possibly outcome. The focus on age-related immunological differences could help design specific therapeutic interventions based on patients’ characteristics.
Developing a Nomogram Model and Prognostic Analysis of Nasopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Liu Ke , Wang Juan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (NPSCC) is a common histo-logical subtype of nasopharyngeal cancer with a generally poor prognosis. The aim of this study is to identify factors affecting the survival prognosis of NPSCC patients and develop a specialized nomogram model.
Methods
We extracted clinical data of 1235 diagnosed cases of NPSCC from the SEER database using SEER*Stat software. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted to explore clinical factors that impact the prognosis of NPSCC patients. Based on significant independent factors, we developed a nomogram to predict the 1, 3, and 5 years overall survival rates. The discriminative and predictive abilities of the nomogram were evaluated using C-index, calibration curve, area under the curve (AUC), and receiver operating characteristic curve. We evaluated the clinical value of the nomogram using decision curve analysis (DCA) and clinical impact curve (CIC).
Results
We performed a cohort analysis on 846 patients with nasopharyngeal cancer in the training cohort. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed age, race, marital status, primary tumor, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, SJCC stage, primary tumor size, Lung metastasis and brain metastasis as independent prognostic factors for NPSCC patients, which we used to construct the nomogram prediction model. The C-index of the training cohort was 0.737. The ROC curve analysis indicated that the AUC of the OS rate at 1, 3, and 5 years in the training cohort was > 0.75. The calibration curves of the two cohorts showed good consistency between the predicted and observed results. DCA and CIC demonstrated that the nomogram prediction model had good clinical benefits.
Conclusions
The nomogram risk prediction model for NPSCC patient survival prognosis, constructed in this study, has exhibited excellent predictive capability. This model can be employed for swift and precise assessment of individualized survival prognosis. It can offer valuable guidance to clinical physicians in diagnosing and treating NPSCC patients.
Investigating the Role of Bisphenol A in the Prevalence of Breast Cancer in Pakistani Population
Authors: Ishtiaq Ayesha , Nasrullah Maryam Anayat , Khan Jahangir Sarwar , Malik Sara , Tareen Usman , Anees Mariam , Sultan Aneesa , Murtaza Iram 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Breast cancer is an abnormal division of breast cells. Bisphenol A (BPA), an environmental toxicant is identified as an emerging risk factor for breast cancer development. However, to the best of our knowledge no previous study has investigated the BPA levels in breast cancer patients in Pakistan. The present study sought to explore the role of BPA in tumor growth among the Pakistani population. As an endocrine disrupting chemical (EDC), BPA has greater potential to initiate tumorigenic events in breast tissue by the generation of oxidative stress. The level of BPA in the serum samples of breast cancer patients was significantly (p ≤ 0.01) high as compared to normal control. Histological analysis of breast cancer tissue samples revealed distinct subtypes of tumor such as ductal carcinomain situ(DCIS)) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). There was a significant (p ≤ 0.01) increase in ROS level while significant (p ≤ 0.01) decrease in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymes in malignant breast tissue samples as compared to normal tissue samples. We found upregulated expression of p53, ZEB1 and WNT1 genes at mRNA level in malignant breast tissue samples by 17 folds, 328 folds and 35 folds respectively. p53 protein expression in malignant breast tissue samples was also enhanced at the translational level. Conclusively, the current findings suggest a relationship between BPA and the progression of breast cancer among the Pakistani population.
TREM-1, TREM-2 and their association with disease severity in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Fan Ruyue , Cheng Zuowang , Huang Zhisheng , Yang Ying , Sun Na , Hu Bin , Hou Peibin , Liu Bo , Huang Chuanjun , Liu Shuai 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment caused by limited biomarkers were associated with outcomes of COVID-19 patients. It is necessary to find other promising biomarkers and candidate targets for defining dysregulated inflammatory state besides the typical biomarkers and drug targets have been used clinically.Methods In a cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with varying degrees of illness severity, we characterized TREM-1 and TREM-2 expression in plasma and on the surface of cell subpopulations using ELISA and flow cytometry, respectively. And their correlations with disease severity and contrast with main clinical indicators were evaluated.Results We found the increased expression of soluble TREM-1 and TREM-2 in plasma from COVID-19 patients compared to the control group. Moreover, membrane-bound TREM-1 and TREM-2 expression was also upregulated on the cell surface of circulating blood T cells from COVID-19 patients. Correlation analysis results showed the sTREM-2 level was negatively correlated with PaO2/FiO2, but positively correlated with CRP, PCT and IL-6 level. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves presented that TREM-1 and TREM-2 exhibited strong predictive abilities, and their expression was equal to CRP and IL-6, and better than leukocytes or neutrophil absolute count and PCT in distinguishing disease severity.Conclusion These results highlighted the important role of TREM-1 and TREM-2 in viral infection. TREM-2 and TREM-1 were critical host immune factors in response to SARS-COV-2 infection and could serve as potential diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers of COVID-19.
Utilizing a Systematic Approach to Predict Resource Needs for Health Care Interventions
Authors: Reddy Aparna , Abe-Nornes Fumiya , Haskell Alison , Venkat Advaidh , Venkatasubramanian Krithika , Saito Momoka , Zhang Yiran , Niktafar Hooman , Leveque Anthony , Kedroske Beth , Ramnath Nithya , Cohn Amy 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background Screening interventions are critical for early detection and prevention of more advanced disease states. However, promising screening interventions often fail to be fully adopted. We have observed that these failures may be due, not to the quality of the screening intervention itself, but rather to the failure of resource allocation to successfully implement the screening intervention. Determining the appropriate resources required for a population-wide screening intervention may be challenging for healthcare systems.Methods Recognizing that those designing screening interventions often have great clinical expertise but are less experienced in implementation, we have created a systematic scenario planning tool that can be utilized by a variety of intervention programs to (a) calculate resource needs required for a given target population and (b) identify potential bottlenecks when resources are allocated to an existing program.Demonstrative Results : We used estimates from the Lung Precision Oncology Program at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS) as a demonstrative example of the use of this tool.Conclusion We have developed, and will make available for use by others, a straightforward but robust tool for estimating resource needs for screening interventions, specifically in the area of lung cancer screening. In the future, we will continue to refine this tool by incorporating variability in system parameters and identifying how potential resources could be distributed in a steady-state system over time.
Mechanism elucidation of color formation in sugarcane juice during enzymatic
Authors: Casarotti Gabriel Gianjope , Oliveira Bruna , Stanisic Danijela , Schwab Nicolas Vilczaki , Eberlin Marcos Nogueira , Tasic Ljubica , de Aguiar Claudio Lima 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Although sugarcane is economically important, few studies have been reported on enzymatic browning mechanisms in sugarcane juice. Using advanced analytical techniques, a model study with gallic acid and sugarcane oxidases was carried out to elucidate the mechanisms for colored compounds formation in sugarcane juice. Optimized reactions were determined as a combination of temperature at 50 °C and pH 5. The conversion rate of gallic acid by oxidases was 0.21 mg L-1 h-1. Even though the gallic acid conversion (an important phenolic acid in sugarcane) to o-quinones has been demonstrated, we reported that the end products on enzymatic browning reactions are nitrogenous compounds. Aspartate took part in the condensation reactions mimicing similar reactions among gallic acid and amino acids.
Microplastics distribution in sediments collected from Myanmar
Authors: Tun Thant Zin , MON Ei Ei , Nakata Haruhiko 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Microplastics (MPs) distributions have been increasingly reported in the terrestrial areas worldwide but a little information is available for ASEAN regions. In this study, 68 sediment samples of drainage channels, lakes, rivers and beach from Myanmar were collected between 2014 and 2018, and analyzed to investigate the status of MPs concentration and prevalence. The high concentrations of MPs in sediments were found in urban cities called Yangon (13,855 pieces/kg dry weight), Mandalay (11,946 pieces/kg), and Pathein (12,583 pieces/kg), which were two orders of magnitude greater than the MPs concentrations in sediments collected in rural towns called Wundwin. These results suggested that difference in high population densities and high municipal solid waste generation rate are related to the MPs contamination in sediments. Polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate with fragments, lines/fibers and films/sheets were major polymers and shape in the sediment samples analyzed from Myanmar. To our knowledges, this is the first study to report the distribution of MPs in sediments from Myanmar.
Prevalence of Common and Rare Ophthalmic Findings in the Adult Population
Authors: Prat Daphna Landau , Kapelushnik Noa , Zloto Ofira , Leshno Ari , Klang Eyal , Sina Sigal , Segev Shlomo , Arazi Mattan , Soudry Shahar , Simon Guy J. Ben 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To examine the ophthalmic data from a large database, and to investigate ophthalmic findings of the eye and its adnexa, including differences in age and sex.
Methods
Retrospective analysis including medical data of all consecutive individuals whose medical records were stored in the Institute of Medical Survey database at a tertiary medical center between 2001–2020. The main outcome measures included the prevalence of ophthalmic findings.
Results
Data was derived from 184,589 visits of 36,762 patients (mean age 52 years, 68% males). The prevalence of the following eye pathologies were extracted. Eyelids: blepharitis (n = 4885, 13.3%), dermatochalasis (n = 4666, 12.7%), ptosis (n = 677, 1.8%), ectropion (n = 73, 0.2%), and xanthelasma (n = 160, 0.4%). Anterior segment: pinguecula (n = 3368, 9.2%), pterygium (n = 852, 2.3%), and cataract or pseudophakia (n = 9381, 27.1%). Cataract type (percentage of all phakic patients): nuclear sclerosis (n = 8908, 24.2%), posterior subcapsular (n = 846, 2.3%), capsular anterior (n = 781, 2.1%). Pseudophakia was noted in n = 1697 patients (4.6%), and n = 229 (0.6%) had posterior subcapsular opacification. Optic nerve head (ONH): peripapillary atrophy (n = 4947, 13.5%), tilted disc (n = 3344, 9.1%), temporal slope (n = 410, 1.1%), ONH notch (n = 61, 0.2%), myelinated nerve fiber layer (n = 94, 0.3%), ONH drusen (n = 37, 0.1%), optic pit (n = 3, 0.0%), and ON coloboma (n = 4, 0.0%). Most pathologies were more common in males except for ONH findings. Similarly, most pathologies demonstrated a higher prevalence with increasing age.
Conclusions
Normal ophthalmic data and the prevalence of ocular pathologies provided were extracted from a very large database of random subjects seen at a single tertiary medical center.
Single-Mode Hollow-Core Anti-Resonant Waveguides for Low-Loss THz Wave Propagation
Authors: Xue Lu , Sheng Xinzhi , Mu Qiyuan , Kong Depeng , Wang Zhaojin , Chu Paul Kim Ho , Lou Shuqin 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
A single-mode hollow-core anti-resonant (HC-AR) waveguide designed for low-loss terahertz (THz) wave propagation is fabricated by three-dimensional (3D) printing. Compared to similar structures reported recently, the rotating-nested semi-elliptical tubes (SETs) in the HC-AR THz waveguide cladding suppress multiple high-order modes (LP11, LP21, and LP02 modes) at the same time giving rise to enhanced single-mode transmission and low losses. Three HC-AR THz waveguides with different wall thicknesses are produced using two photosensitive resins and analyzed by THz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS). The experimental results show that the electric field distributions at the output end of these waveguides have a Gaussian-like distribution reflecting that of the single mode. The smallest transmission losses determined by the ‘cut-back’ method are 0.03 cm− 1 at 0.31 THz for sample A, 0.02 cm− 1 at 0.4 THz for sample B, and 0.01 cm− 1 at 0.23 THz for sample C. The consistent experimental and simulated results reveal that the HC-AR THz waveguide has many advantages over current ones by achieving low losses and single-mode operation simultaneously.
Every child comes with his or her own blessings: The perceptions and belief systems of indegenous Bakiga Men regarding LARCs use by their rural women
Authors: Kibonire Ronald Arineitwe , Mphuthi DAVID Ditaba 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Worldwide complications associated with pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum period claim the lives of many women. Contraception, especially the use of long-acting reversible methods (LARCs), is one of the most effective interventions for reducing maternal mortality. LARCs aid in the postponement of pregnancy and allow for longer intervals between deliveries. However, the use of LARCs remains minimal globally and in Uganda due to male partners' lack of acceptability. This qualitative study aimed to investigate the perceptions and belief systems of rural indigenous Bakiga Ugandan men regarding their rural women's use of LARCs. The study was conducted in the districts of Rubanda, Uganda. Using purposeful sampling, the researcher selected 45 married males aged 20 to 49 for focus group interviews and 15 for individual interviews, for a total of 60 participants. For both individual and focus group interviews, the researcher employed semi-structured questions. Transcribing the interviews, organising the field notes, sorting and saving the data, listening to recordings, looking through the interviews and field notes, coding and categorising the data, and finally finding the emergent themes from the phenomena were all used to analyse the data. According to these research findings, rural indigenous Bakiga Ugandan men's perceptions, and belief systems regarding the use of LARCs by their rural wives served as obstacles to the method's acceptance. Among the perceptions were low libido, effects on body organs, infertility, arm paralysis, adultery, difficulties with the removal and management of side effects, difficulties in feature deliveries, excessive weight gain, conceiving while on a method, the desire for balanced sex, and having the desired number of children. The research also found religious and cultural views as belief systems the men had. The study recommends creating an environment conducive to the provision of LARC services, policymakers and the Ministry of Education and Sports should train pre-service and in-service healthcare personnel to provide LARC services. Other recommendations include enhancing social and behavioural change communication, improving service delivery for LARCs, and instituting robust monitoring and evaluation systems for LARCs.