bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Instrumentation of a sealing layer made of a green liquor dregs- and bentonite amended till – Remediation of sulfidic mine waste
Authors: Nigéus Susanne , Maurice Christian , Lindblom Jenny 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
In Sweden, the common method to stop sulfide oxidation and the production of acid rock drainage (ARD) from unattended sulfidic mine waste is the application of a dry cover solution on the waste. Recycling a non-hazardous industrial residue, such as green liquor dregs (GLD), in this cover solution is beneficial for both the mining industry where there is a great need for alternative materials and the providing industry by minimizing the waste deposited. The objectives of this field study were to install and evaluate the instrumentation of a sealing layer made of GLD- and bentonite amended till (respectively), and to evaluate two different methods of installation: monitoring wells and pits. Experiences from this study demonstrate that it is difficult to properly seal the drill holes after installation of the probes and suggest that the best alternative for future installation of instruments in a sealing layer might be to excavate a pit in the protection layer after installation of the soil cover and then drill the probes into the sealing layer from that pit.
MicroRNA-139-5p regulates NSCLC tumorigenicity by targeting TOP2A
Authors: Zhang Xin , Jiang Junying , Liang Boxuan , Lin Xi , Zhong Yizhou , Huang Yuji , Huang Zhenlie 
Published: May 2023

AbstractMicroRNA-139-5p (miR-139-5p) plays a crucial role in cancer’s onset and progression and is considered a tumor suppressor gene. However, the biological functions and mechanism of miR-139-5p in the tumorigenicity in Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has received insufficient investigation. We investigated the miR-139-5p expression in lung cancer tissues and the adjacent normal lung tissues, in 54 NSCLC patients. Additionally, the miR-139-5p target gene was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and then confirmed by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. The biological functions of miR-139-5p and the target gene have been investigated, in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Finally, the anti-tumor effects of miR-139-5p were corroborated by tumor formation assay in nude mice and progression-free survival analysis in another 144 NSCLC patients.MiR-139-5p was down-regulated, and inversely correlated with DNA topoisomerase II alpha (TOP2A), in both NSCLC tissues and cells. In vitro, miR-139-5p overexpression suppressed proliferation, migration, and invasion by down-regulating TOP2A in normal human bronchial epithelioid cells and NSCLC cell lines. It also induced apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines. In vivo, miR-139-5p up-regulation and the TOP2A mRNA down-regulation were significantly correlated, with longer progression-free survival times in 144 NSCLC patients. Moreover, miR-139-5p overexpression mitigated the xenograft tumor formation. MiR-139-5p inhibited growth and metastasis in NSCLC cell lines via direct TOP2A targeting. Low miR-139-5p expression showed a significant correlation with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. These results highlight the effect of miR-139-5p on NSCLC, suggesting that miR-139-5p is a promising biomarker for NSCLC prognosis and an exceptional candidate for further therapeutic exploration.
Relationship between head control ability and step leg hip kinematics during crossover steps in older individuals
Authors: Taleuchi Yahiko , Fujio Kimiya 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of lateral stepping in response to disturbance loading in relation to kinematic factors of the step leg hip by evaluating head stability and righting ability during crossover steps. The participants comprised 11 healthy older individuals and 13 younger individuals (mean age, 73.3 and 20.2 years, respectively). An electromagnet-controlled disturbance loading device caused crossover steps due to lateral disturbance which were measured using a motion capture system and force plates. The extent of lateral head sway was found to be significantly greater and the angle and angular velocity of head righting were significantly lower in the older individuals than in the younger individuals. A significant negative correlation was found between neck lateral flexion moment and hip flexion angular velocity of the step leg in both groups. Correlation analysis between cervical lateral flexion moment and hip adduction angular velocity showed a significant negative correlation only in the older group. The results of the study indicate that during lateral stepping due to external disturbances, older individuals experienced increased instability in the lateral direction of the head and decreased righting angles and angular velocities.
A Study on Quality of life (QoL), Gait Characteristics &amp; Fatigue in Post Stroke Survivors of Odisha
Authors: soumyashree sonali , Ghosh tirthankar 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background & Purpose Stroke is the 3rd leading cause of death in India with a prevalence of 200/1 lakh population. More than 80% of stroke patients have difficulties in ambulance and daily life activities decreasing the quality of life. Community dwelling stroke survivors have high risk of fall owing to the abnormal gait pattern. There is increased fatigue and low performance due to the neuromusculoskeletal abnormalities. This study aims to find out the prevalence of post stroke complications like quality of life, gait characteristics & fatigue in geographical region of Odisha.Methods A prospective prevalence study was conducted in various hospitals in Cuttack & Khordha districts of Odisha. Video analysis was done using a normal videography camera. Stroke specific-QOL(SSQOL) was used to determine the quality of life, on observational gait analysis (OGA- Videography) to find out the gait abnormalities & Fatigue severity scale (FSS) to assess the level of fatigue.Results Twenty stroke patients, 12 males & 8 females were included in the study. 85% patients showed reduced ankle dorsiflexion and 70% patients showed reduced knee flexion in swing phase. 85% patients showed disturbances in mood & personality & around 95% people showed fatigue following low intensity exercise.Conclusion The results of this study showed a prevalence of 84.6% post stroke complications in stroke survivors of Odisha
Patient self-inflicted lung injury associated pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum is a risk factor for worse outcomes of severe COVID-19: a case-control study
Authors: Cai Zhigui , Lv Xing , Wu Yunfu , Niu Xiaona , Guo Xingxing , Song Liqiang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose We aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of patient self-inflicted lung injury (P-SILI)-associated pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum, explore its risk factors, and measure its impact on severe COVID-19 cases.Methods In total, 229 patients were included in this case-control study. They were divided into the case group and control group according to the inclusion criteria. Then, the two groups were compared to explore the risk factors of spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum. Finally, we analyzed the risk factors of death in the case group and among all patients.Results The mean age of patients was 59.69 ± 17.01 years, most of them were male (74.2%), and 62.0% of them had comorbidities on admission. A respiratory rate higher than 30 was a risk factor for spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum (OR = 7.186, 95% CI 2.414–21.391, P < 0.001). Patients with delayed intubation due to early application of HFNC or NIV had a higher mortality rate when they were complicated with spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum (p < 0.05). Additionally, advanced age increased the risk of death (p < 0.05). Finally, spontaneous pneumothorax/pneumomediastinum may be a risk factor for death among patients with severe COVID-19 (OR 2.047).Conclusion P-SILI occurs in severe COVID-19 with acute respiratory failure. It is necessary to identify the risk factors of P-SILI, the indicators of severe P-SILI, and the preventive measures.
Prospective validation of VEGF and eNOS polymorphisms as predictors of first-line bevacizumab efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer
Authors: Marisi Giorgia , Azzali Irene , passardi alessandro , Rebuzzi Francesca , Bartolini Giulia , Urbini Milena , Canale Matteo , Molinari Chiara , Matteucci Laura , Sullo Francesco , Debonis Silvia Angela , Gallio Chiara , Gallo Graziana , Frassineti Giovanni Luca , Ulivi Paola 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Bevacizumab (Bev) plus chemotherapy is a standard first-line treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), however to date no predictive factors of response have been identified. Results of our previous analysis on patients enrolled in a randomized prospective phase III multicenter study (ITACa study) showed a predictive value of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) polymorphism (VEGF + 936), a 27-nucleotide variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene and eNOS + 894 polymorphism. mCRC patients, treated with Bev plus chemotherapy, were included in this prospective validation trial. eNOS + 894G > T was analyzed by Real time PCR, while the eNOS VNTR and VEGF + 936C > T were determined by standard PCR and direct sequencing analysis. These polymorphisms were assessed in relation to progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and objective response rate (ORR). These three polymorphisms were not predictive of PFS (p 0.91, 0.59 and 0.09, respectively), and OS (p 0.95, 0.32 and 0.46, respectively). Moreover, the haplotype analyses did not confirm what was found in our previous study; patients bearing a specific haplotype of eNOS had not significantly improved outcomes. This prospective study failed to validate the predictive impact of eNOS and VEGF polymorphisms for response to Bev plus first-line chemotherapy in mCRC patients.
Microbial hydrogen consumption leads to a significant pH increase under high-saline-conditions– implications for hydrogen storage in salt caverns
Authors: Dopffel Nicole , Mayers Kyle , Kedir Abduljelil , Alagic Edin , An-Stepec Biwen Annie , Djurhuus Ketil , Boldt Daniel , Beeder Janiche , Hoth Silvan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Salt caverns have been successfully used for natural gas storage globally since the 1940s and are now under consideration for hydrogen (H2) storage, which is needed in large quantities for the Green Shift. Salt caverns are not sterile, and H2 is a ubiquitous electron donor for microorganisms. This could entail that the injected H2 will be microbially consumed, leading to a volumetric loss and potential production of toxic H2S. However, the extent and rates of this microbial H2 consumption under high-saline cavern conditions are not yet understood. To investigate microbial consumption rates, we cultured the halophilic sulphate-reducing bacteria Desulfohalobium retbaense and the halophilic methanogen Methanocalcus halotolerans under different H2 partial pressures. Both strains consumed H2, but consumption rates slowed down significantly over time. The activity loss correlated with a significant pH increase (up to pH 9) in the media due to intense proton- and bicarbonate consumption. In the case of sulphate-reduction, this pH increase led to dissolution of all produced H2S in the liquid phase. We compared these observations to an original brine retrieved from a salt cavern located in Northern Germany, which was incubated with 100% H2 over several months. We again observed a H2 loss (up to 12%) with a concurrent increase in pH up to 8.5 especially when additional nutrients were added to the brine. Our results clearly show that sulphate-reducing microbes present in salt caverns will consume H2, which will be accompanied by a significant pH increase, resulting in reduced activity over time. This potentially self-limiting process of pH increase during sulphate-reduction will be advantageous for H2 storage in low-buffering environments like salt caverns.
ISRIB improves white matter injury following TBI by inhibiting NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy
Authors: Zhou Wenzhu , Liang Yidan , Du Weihong , Liao Xinyu , Fu Wenqiao , Tian ShanShan , Deng Yongbing , Jiang Xue 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in persistent neurological dysfunction, which is closely associated with white matter injury. While the mechanisms underlying white matter injury after TBI remain unclear, recent research has implicated ferroptosis, a form of programmed cell death, in cognitive impairment after TBI. Ferritinophagy, a selective autophagic process that degrades ferritin and releases free iron. Here, we established a rat model of TBI and examined the expression of NCOA4, which mediates ferritin degradation through autophagy in lysosomes, to investigate whether ferritinophagy contributes to white matter injury after TBI. Our results showed that NCOA4 was overexpressed in the rat model of TBI, and knockdown of NCOA4 using shNCOA4 lentivirus infection inhibited ferroptosis induced by ferritinophagy. Furthermore, we found that treatment with ISRIB, a small molecule that selectively inhibits the integrated stress response, attenuated NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and improved white matter injury. These findings suggest that NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy is a critical mechanism underlying white matter injury after TBI, and that ISRIB may hold promise as a therapeutic agent for treating this injury.
Prediction of T staging in PI-RADS 4-5 prostate cancer by combination of multiparametric MRI and 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Ding Yuanzhen , Mo Chenghao , Ding Qiubo , Lin Tingsheng , Gao Jie , Chen Mengxia , Lu Wenfeng , Sun Jiyuan , Wang Feng , Zang Shiming , Zhang Qing , Zhang Shiwei , Guo Hongqian 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background To explore the diagnostic performance of Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT (PET/CT) and combination of 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT and mpMRI (mpMRI + PET/CT) for extracapsular extension (ECE). Based on the results, to predict T staging in prostate cancer.Methods By enrolling 75 patients of prostate cancer with mpMRI and PET/CT before radical prostatectomy, we analyzed the detection performance of ECE in mpMRI, PET/CT and mpMRI + PET/CT using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Dividing the lesions into different PI-RADS score, the improvement was analyzed by net reclassification improvement (NRI). Predictors for T staging were evaluated by using univariate and multivariable analysis. The Kappa test was used to evaluate the prediction ability.Results From 75 patients, 50 of 103 regions were positive for ECE. AUC of mpMRI + PET/CT improved ECE diagnosis compared to mpMRI alone respectively (ΔAUC = 0.101; 95% CI, 0.0148 to 0.1860; p < 0.05, respectively). Comparing mpMRI + PET/CT to mpMRI, lesions with PI-RADS 4–5 had a significant improvement (NRI 36.1%, p < 0.01). The diagnosis of mpMRI + PET/CT was an independent predictor (p < 0.001) in logistic regression analysis. In patients with PI-RADS 4–5 lesions, 40 of 46 (87.0%) patients has correct T staging prediction (κ 0.70, p < 0.01).Conclusion The prediction of T staging in PI-RADS 4–5 prostate cancer by mpMRI + PET/CT had a moderate performance.
Model-based comparison on multiple imputations and missing data analysis on nutritional status among under-five children in Ethiopia
Authors: Debeko Dereje Danbe , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Duodu Precious Adade , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Abdisa Kenenisa 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background Missing data is a common occurrence in survey data. It arises in the analysis whenever one or more of the sequences of measurements from subjects within the study are incomplete. There are various approaches proposed to handle missing data. However, most of the survey studies ignore the missing observations during parameter estimation even though ignoring them could lead to wrong estimations and statistical hypotheses. This study aimed to compare the effects of ignoring missing observations in the data using multiple imputations methods. Methods The efficiency of different imputation techniques was applied to the nutritional status of under-five children in Ethiopia using the 2016 Demographic and Healthy Survey dataset. There were a total of 10,641 under-five children in the survey data; however 7960 under-five children were used in the multiple imputation analyses. Multiple imputations were considered to allow for the uncertainty about the missing data by creating several different plausible imputed datasets and providing unbiased and valid estimates of associations based on information taken from the available data.Results Among the variables considered in the study, the highest percentages of missing observations were found at the zone level (58.0%) and the least missing observation was found father’s educational level (4.06%). The standard error of missed value analysis of zones variable was (stunting = 0.05, wasting = 0.06, and underweight = 0.05). But, using multiple imputed methods, estimates of zones variable were (stunting = 0.004, wasting = 0.003, underweight = 0.001) showing reduced estimation errors. Similarly, using the multiple imputation approach M (Multiple imputation) = 5(Imputed value) on stunting, wasting, and underweight, the precise parameter estimates for zones (3rd administrative level) variables were estimated to be 0.003, 0.001, and 0.004, respectively.Conclusions Ignoring missing observations in the data analysis produce biased results in the statistical hypothesis and conclusions. Using Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) imputation approaches in the analysis accounting for missed observations results decreased standard error and yield valid statistical inferences.
Contract design Strategies for Group loans limiting late repayment in Microfinance Institutions (MFIS)
Authors: ADAMOU NTIECHE 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The objective of this paper is to show how the components of a debt contract optimize the loan repayment terms of borrowers (BEPs) at MFIs. The results of the bivariate probit model censored from a database of 321 group loan contracts granted over a period from 2007 to 2014 in the different second-tier MFIs show a pre-default of borrowers characterized by late repayment behavior and/or penalty payments. Our model successfully predicts being a pre-default borrower by 70.75%, while being a non-pre-default borrower will be successfully predicted by 69.54%. The results also show that the model correctly classifies 70.09% of the sample observations. Our results show that the sector of activity, the nature of the project and the presence of other MFIs in the area have a significant effect on reducing the risk of pre-default. Similarly, we note that the interest rates applied to group loans and loan rationing significantly increase the potential for group default.
Jel classification : D84; D86; G41; G51
Development and Characterization of Ni60 Alloy and SiC Ceramic Reinforced Metal Matrix Composite Coating on Ti-6Al-4V using Laser Cladding with Coaxial Powder Feeding System
Authors: Wang Huan , Shin Ki-Hoon , Kim Hong Seok 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The main objective of this study was to develop a metal matrix composite (MMC) coating on Ti-6Al-4V substrate using a laser cladding method with coaxial powder feeding system. This study investigated the effectiveness of a novel material combination of Ni60 alloy and SiC ceramic in improving the surface properties of titanium alloys. The coatings were analyzed for their phase composition, microstructure, and elemental distribution. The microhardness, tribological properties, and wear mechanism of the coatings were evaluated using a Vickers microhardness tester and a ball-on-disk sliding test under dry conditions. The laser clad coatings consisted mainly of TiC, TiC + TiB eutectic, Cr7C3, Ni3Ti, and γ-Ni. The MMC coatings demonstrated significantly improved microhardness values, wear resistance, and tribological properties compared to those of the titanium substrates, due to the in-situ generation of hard particles and dispersion strengthening of the supersaturated solid solution. However, excessive SiC content resulted in increased friction coefficient, instability, and irregular wear characteristics due to brittle debonding on the wear surface. This study identified the optimal combination ratio of Ni60 and SiC powder for improving the performance of the MMC coating and proposed future research directions for further enhancing the coating properties.
CancelRx Case Study: Implications for Clinic and Community Pharmacy Work Systems
Authors: Watterson Taylor L. , Stone Jamie A. , Kleinschmidt Peter , Chui Michelle A. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background: The medication prescribing, and de-prescribing process is complex with numerous actors, organizations, and health information technology (IT). CancelRx is a health IT that automatically communicates medication discontinuations from the clinic electronic health record to the community pharmacy’s dispensing platform, theoretically improving communication. CancelRx was implemented across a Midwest academic health system in October 2017.
Objective: The goal of this study was to describe how both the clinic and community pharmacy work systems change and interact over time regarding medication discontinuations.
Approach: Medical Assistants (n = 9), Community Pharmacists (n = 12), and Pharmacy Administrators (n =3), employed by the health system were interviewed across 3-time periods— 3-months prior to CancelRx implementation, 3-months after CancelRx implementation, and 9-months after CancelRx implementation. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed via deductive content analysis.
Key Results: CancelRx changed the medication discontinuation process at both clinics and community pharmacies. In the clinics, the workflows and medication discontinuation tasks changed over time while MA roles and clinic staff communication practices remained variable. In the pharmacy, CancelRx automated and streamlined how medication discontinuation messages were received and processed, but also increased workload for the pharmacists and introduced new errors.
Conclusions: This study utilizes a systems approach to assess disparate systems within a patient network. Future studies may consider health IT implications for systems that are not in the same health system as well as assessing the role of implementation decisions on health IT use and dissemination.