bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competing Risk Models for Predicting Prognosis of Cervical Cancer Patients based on Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) Database
Authors: Ou YuYi , Huang Liying , Chong Siomui , Wu Lixia , Lyu Jun 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background: The objective of this investigation was to ascertain precise prognostic determinants for cervical cancer through the utilization of a competing-risks model that relied on data procured from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database.
Methods: This study abstracted data related to cervical cancer patients from 2000 to 2018 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The univariate analysis used a cumulative incidence function with the Gray test and a Fine-Gray specific cause (CS) and Cox proportional risk model.
Results: Among the 11424 eligible cervical cancer patients, 2603 patients were found to have died of cervical cancer, while 1153 patients were found to have died from other causes. Meanwhile, a univariate Gray test established age, race, marital status, pathological type, primary site, degree of differentiation, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging, T stage, lymph node involvement, metastasis, tumor size, regional lymph nodes examined, regional lymph nodes positive, surgical status, regional lymphadenectomy, radiation status, and chemotherapy status all significantly influenced the amassed incidence of events of interest (P<0.05). Multifactorial competing risks analysis demonstrated that age, race, marital status, pathology type, Grade, AJCC stage, T stage, lymph node involvement, metastasis, surgery, regional lymphadenectomy, and chemotherapy status were independent risk factors affecting postoperative prognosis in patients with cervical cancer (P<0.05). Multifactorial Cox regression results differed: lymph node involvement was not an independent risk factor.
Conclusions: It was found that prognostic factors for cervical cancer were identified more accurately using competing risk models than traditional methods.
The effect of different posterior inclinations of tibial component on tibio-femoral contact pressures after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Yuan Bo , MO Zhongjun , ZHANG Kuan , ZHU Xu , YAN Songhua , ZENG Jizhou 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Different posterior inclinations of tibial component after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) may lead to different biomechanical characteristics of knee joint. This finite element study was designed to investigate the tibio-femoral contact pressures after UKA with different posterior inclinations of tibial component.
Methods
Finite element model of a healthy knee joint was constructed and MB UKA models with 5 different posterior inclinations (3°, 5°, 7°, 9° and 11°) of tibial components were simulated. The maximum contact pressures of tibial plateau cartilage in the lateral compartment and polyethylene insert in the medial compartment were calculated based on the ground reaction force and the angle of the knee flexion obtained by 3D motion capture system.
Results
The loading ratio of medial and lateral compartment during standing stance (medial 54.49%, lateral 45.51%) and tibial anterior displacement (134N, 3.89mm) of healthy knee were basically consistent with the previous experimental data. The maximum contact pressures of the medial and lateral tibial plateau cartilage of the healthy knee during standing stance are 2.14Mpa and 1.57Mpa.At the static standing phase, the maximum contact pressures of the polyethylene insert decreased from 17.90 MPa to 17.29 MPa, and the maximum contact pressures of the tibial plateau cartilage in the lateral compartment increased from 0.81MPa to 0.92 MPa with the increase of the posterior inclination of the tibial component. At the first peak of ground reaction force, the maximum contact pressures of polyethylene insert increased from 22.37 Mpa to 25.16 Mpa, and the maximum contact pressures of tibial plateau cartilage in the lateral compartment increased from 3.03 Mpa to 3.33 Mpa with the increase of the posterior inclination of the tibial component. At the second peak of ground reaction force, the maximum contact pressures of polyethylene insert decreased from 2.34Mpa to 2.22Mpa with the increase of posterior inclination of tibial component with the increase of the posterior inclination of the tibial component.
Conclusions
The preoperative and postoperative finite element models of MB UKA were well established. The results showed that the maximum contact pressures of the polyethylene insert did not change significantly with the increase of the posterior inclination of the tibial prosthesis, while the maximum contact pressures of the tibial plateau cartilage of the lateral compartment increased when the posterior inclination of the tibial prosthesis was > 7°. Our results also show that the maximum contact pressures were greater with an excessive inclination angle (11°) of the tibial component, and the pressures of the tibial plateau cartilage in the lateral compartment were more concentrated on the posterior area.We suggested that excessive osteotomy should be avoided.
Paving the Way for Effective Decision Support: Understanding and Overcoming Obstacles in Integrating Tools with Health Information Systems in Tanzania
Authors: Mwogosi Augustino , Mambile Cesilia 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
This systematic review examines the obstacles hindering the integration of decision support tools (DST) with health information systems (HIS) in developing countries, contributing to developing efficient strategies that foster DST and HIS integration, ultimately raising the standard of healthcare in Tanzania. The study focuses on understanding the contextual factors contributing to these obstacles and identifies potential strategies to overcome them. The review adopts a comprehensive approach by analyzing relevant literature from various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Emerald and Google Scholar. Key findings reveal common challenges such as limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, lack of technical expertise, and contextual barriers specific to each country. The review also highlights successful DST and HIS integration instances in developing countries, emphasizing the importance of understanding contextual issues for effective integration. The results of this review provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals seeking to enhance the integration of DST with HIS in Tanzania.
Methanol poisoning caused by adulteration of alcohol at the production stage in a factory in northwestern Uganda, August 2022
Authors: Zavuga Robert , Kiggundu Thomas , Ninsiima Mackline , Kawungezi Peter Chris , Oonyu Lawrence , Agaba Brian , Migisha Richard , Gonahasa Doreen Nsimiire , Kadobera Daniel , Kwesiga Benon , Okello Paul Edward , Bulage Lilian , Aceng Freda Loy , Bambeiha Mugume Innocent , Kayiwa Joshua , Makumbi Issa , Ario Alex Riolexus , Harris Julie R. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Methanol ingestion can cause vision loss, severe illness, and death. Poor regulation of alcohol production can lead to methanol contamination of alcohol and methanol poisoning outbreaks. In August 2022, multiple sudden deaths occurred in Arua City and Madi-Okollo District, Uganda among persons who consumed a gin (Gin X) produced by a local manufacturer (Manufacturer A). We investigated to determine the scope of the problem, identify risk factors, and recommend control and prevention measures.
Methods
We defined a suspected case as acute onset of blurred vision with abdominal pain, weakness, headache, or profuse sweating in a resident of Arua City or Madi-Okollo District from 16–26 August 2022. We conducted a retrospective cohort study and used modified Poisson regression analysis to evaluate the association between quantity of Gin X consumed and risk of death, and conducted key informant interviews to identify possible sources of adulteration. We conducted a site visit to Manufacturer A and collected Gin X samples for toxicology analysis at the Government Analytical Laboratory. Autopsies were carried out on 8 deceased case-patients.
Results
Among 48 cases (47 males and 1 female), 18 (38%) died; median case-patient age was 32 (IQR 26–46) years. Onsets ranged from 17–24 August 2022. The risk of death was 11 times higher (RR = 10.7, 95% CI: 1.5–75, p = 0.02) among case-patients consuming ≥ 3-200ml bottles of Gin X than those consuming ≤ 1 bottle. Out of the eight samples of Gin X tested, five were positive, with a mean methanol concentration of 594 mg/L (range 259–809 mg/L), higher than the maximum ‘safe’ limit of 50mg/L. All eight autopsies showed signs consistent with methanol poisoning. Cases were clustered around the four bars that received Gin X from the unauthorized manufacturer A who had been denied a production license by Uganda National Bureau of Standards in April 2022. The chemist responsible for Gin X production had disappeared after a dispute with the proprietor, four days before the outbreak and immediately after the last production.
Conclusion
Gin adulterated with methanol, likely during production, caused a methanol poisoning outbreak in Uganda. Stricter enforcement of laws around alcohol production might prevent similar outbreaks.
Role of Interleukin 6 and Its Soluble Receptor on the Diffusion Barrier Dysfunction of Alveolar Tissue
Authors: Sui Chao , Lee Woo 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
During respiratory infection, barrier dysfunction in alveolar tissue can result from “cytokine storm” caused by overly reactive immune response. Particularly, interleukin 6 (IL-6) is implicated as a key biomarker of cytokine storm responsible for and further progression to pulmonary edema. In this study, alveolar-like tissue was reconstructed in a microfluidic device with: (1) human microvascular lung endothelial cells (HULEC-5a) cultured under flow-induced shear stress and (2) human epithelial cells (Calu-3) cultured at air-liquid interface. The effects of IL-6 and the soluble form of its receptor (sIL-6R) on the permeability, electrical resistance, and morphology of the endothelial and epithelial layers were evaluated. The diffusion barrier properties of both the endothelial and epithelial layers were significantly degraded only when IL-6 treatment was combined with sIL-6R. As suggested by recent review and clinical studies, our results provide unequivocal evidence that the barrier dysfunction occurs through trans-signaling in which IL-6 and sIL-6R form a complex and then bind to the surface of endothelial and epithelial cells, but not by classical signaling in which IL-6 binds to membrane-expressed IL-6 receptor. This finding suggests that the role of both IL-6 and sIL-6R should be considered as important biomarkers in developing strategies for treating cytokine storm.
Modelled broad-scale shifts on seafloor ecosystem functioning due to microplastic effects on bioturbation
Authors: You Yuxi , Penna Alice Della , Thrush Simon 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Many studies have found that microplastic (MP) is increasing in marine sediments and threatening benthic species' health. However, the links to changes in ecosystem function have yet to be made. The study investigates this linkage between MP contamination and ecosystem functions using experimental observations to parametrize bioturbation coefficients (Db) in a simplified transport-reaction model. Bioturbating species play an essential role in regulating nutrient cycling in marine sediments, and their interaction with MP can be upscaled to an ecological level. In the MP-contaminated sediment, organic matter accumulates in the oxic sediment zone leading to a cascading effect that stimulates aerobic respiration by 18%. The composition of bioturbators modulates this shift in the ecosystem functioning. Maldanid worms, typically classified as deep burrowing upward-conveyor belt feeders, became less active, and the Db was reduced by 30% with the additive of 0.02 g MP cm− 2 at surface sediment. The tellinid bivalve, usually classified as a medium-depth burrower, surface deposit feeder, and bioirrigator, retained its particle mixing behaviour in MP-contaminated systems. This study provides a mechanistic insight into the impact of MP and indicates that the functional role of bioturbating species should be involved in assessing the global impact of MP.
Organizing Pneumonia in a Patient following Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B with Pegylated Interferon alfa-2b: A Case Report
Authors: Tian Bing , Wang Pan , Shan Chun , Gao Cheng , Zhang Qun 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic hepatitis B is a major cause of liver disease in China. One of the treatments currently recommended is interferon (IFN). Our case report is of a patient who acquired organizing pneumonia after he was treated for hepatitis B with pegylated IFN alfa-2b. To the best of our knowledge, such a case has never been reported in the literature.
Case presentation
A 49-year-old male with a 15-day history of nonproductive cough, fever and shortness of breath was admitted to our fever outpatient department. Prior to admission, he has been receiving IFN alfa-2b (180mcg/week/SC) for ten months to treat chronic hepatitis B. High-throughput gene detection of pathogenic microorganisms in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was negative. After completing lung CT and lung biopsy, the organizing pneumonia was diagnosed. The patient recovered with the use of corticosteroids.
Conclusion
We aim to raise awareness of the potential pulmonary toxicity associated with the increasing use of interferon in China for treating patients with chronic hepatitis B.
Environmental heterogeneity across habitats within a tropical urban landscape influences butterfly community compositions
Authors: Ombugadu A. , Hassan Z. A. , Ibrahim J. I. , Atabo L. O. , Ayim J. O. , Attah S. A. , Maikenti J. I. , Parlato B.P. , Deme G.G. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Increasing urbanisation and rapid climate change are causing organisms to redistribute across environments. However, the specific factors that influence local spatial community or population dynamics are often elusive, and even less is known about the impact of tropical urban landscapes on diverse species assemblages. In this study, we used a survey dataset with 510 fruit-feeding butterflies comprising 20 species to address this knowledge gap. To understand the butterfly community dynamics in the context of the daily environmental changes across two heterogenous habitats within a city in Nigeria, we assess species abundance, richness, and diversity indices along the thirty-six (36) spots where butterflies were sampled spanning two habitats, a savannah woodland and a gallery forest. We constructed generalised linear models to understand the differential responses of the butterfly community to daily changes in environmental conditions across habitats. Fruit-feeding butterflies’ diversity, richness, and abundance significantly differed between the two urban habitats, with butterfly species diversity, richness, and abundance being significantly higher in the savannah woodland when compared to the gallery forest. Furthermore, we found that butterfly community richness increased in the savannah woodland due to the warmer daily temperatures. In contrast, butterfly richness decreased in the gallery forest due to extreme environmental conditions. Thus, our study highlights that butterfly community changes in tropical urban landscapes may be shaped in response to changes in microclimates and spatial heterogeneity across habitats, with savannah woodland habitats, despite being the more open habitat types, may be serving as a refuge to certain butterfly species.
The FDTD-based study of the impact of cylindrical aluminum nanoparticles on organic solar cells
Authors: Sepahvand Nasrin , Bahrami Mohsen , Dezfuli Abdolmohammad Ghalambor 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The present study deals with the effect of the presence of cylindrical aluminum nanoparticles on the parameters of short circuit current density and absorption in the active layer of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/ZnO/Al organic solar cell by means of the Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method. The nanoparticles are located in a hexagonal pattern inside the P3HT:PCBM layer and on its border with ZnO. During the simulation, the AM1.5 standard sun spectral pattern has been used in the spectral range of 300-1200 nm. Calculations have shown that the presence of nanoparticles causes a considerable improvement in the values of the parameters. This increase is especially noticeable in the range of high wavelengths. Given the results, when the nanoparticle height is changed, the optimal thickness is also changed, where the short circuit current density and the absorption have the highest values, in a way that at the heights of 50, 100 and 150 nm for nanoparticles, the P3HT:PCBM layer is optimal in the thicknesses of 150, 200 and 250 nm. These results are independent of the radius of nanoparticles. Comparison of calculation results in different conditions shows that both the short circuit current density and the absorption will have the highest values for 150 nm thickness of P3HT:PCBM layer and for nanoparticles with 50 nm height.
How Genetic and Environmental Factors Influence Cardiometabolic Risk Factors? Findings from the Isfahan Twins Study
Authors: Gharipour Mojgan , Dianatkhah Minoo , Jahanfar Shayesteh , Rodrigues Ana Paula dos Santos , Eftekhari Ava , Mohammadifard Noushin , Sarrafzadegan Nizal , de Oliveira Cesar , Silveira Erika Aparecida 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background: Disease-discordant twins are excellent subjects for matched case-control studies since the confounding effects of age, sex, genetic background, intrauterine, and early environment factors are perfectly controlled. We aimed to investigate how genetic and environmental factors influence cardiometabolic risk factors in a sample of twins in Iran. Methods: Past medical history and physical examination were collected for all participants. Fasting venous blood samples were taken to measure fasting blood glucose (FBG) and lipids levels. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to present the characteristics of twin pairs. Bivariate correlations between the same age- and gender-corrected parameters were separately analysed in monozygotic and dizygotic pairs. The ACE model i.e., the additive genetic (A) effects, and common (C), and unique (E) environmental influences on the trait was used to assess heritability as a structural equation model. Results: This cross-sectional study included 710 (210 monozygotic and 500 dizygotic) twin pairs (Range age: 2-52 years) (mean age: 11.67 ± 10.71 years) who enrolled in the Isfahan Twin Registry (ITR) in 2017. In early childhood (2-6 years), shared environmental influenced on height (by 76%), weight (by 75%), and body mass index (BMI) (by73%). In late childhood (7-12 years), hip circumference, waist circumference (WC), and LDL-cholesterol are highly heritable, 90%, 76%, and 64%, respectively. In adolescents, the following risk factors were highly or moderately heritable: height (94%), neck circumference (85%), LDL-cholesterol (81%), WC (70%), triglycerides (69%), weight (68%), and BMI (65%). In adult twins, arm circumference (97%), weight (86%), BMI (82%), and neck circumference (81%) were highly heritable.
Conclusion: In our study, we observed that various factors, both genetic and environmental, exert an impact on individuals at different stages of their lives. Particularly, we found that certain traits, such as obesity, are highly heritable during childhood but their heritability tends to decline as one progresses into adulthood.
Key homeobox transcription factors regulate firefly adult light organ development and bioluminescence
Authors: Fu Xinhua , Zhu Xinlei 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The fascinating flashing courtship signals of adult fireflies are emitted by unique adult light organs1, 2, 3, which develop quite independently to larval light organs in the pupal stage4. Keys to the development of adult light organs and bioluminescence of the firefly are expression of the luciferase gene, and luciferase transportation to peroxisomes5, 6. Until now these aspects have not been well studied. Here we show key Homeobox transcription factors AlABD-B and AlUNC-4 regulate development of adult light organs and bioluminescence in the firefly. Interference of AlABD-B and AlUNC-4 resulted in destruction of, or non-luminescence of adult light organs. AlABD-B regulated AlUNC-4 and they interact with each other. AlABD-B and AlUNC-4 regulate luciferase gene AlLuc1 and some members of peroxins directly. AlPEX13 and AlPEX14 interacted to assist AlPEX5 to import AlLUC1 into peroxisomes. AlPXMP2 and AlLUC1 interacted, and were involved in import of AlLUC1 into peroxisomes. Our results demonstrate AlABD-B and AlUNC-4 play a decisive role in the development of the adult light organ and bioluminescence by directly regulating expression of luciferase gene and peroxins to import luciferase into peroxisomes. Our research provides an insight into development of adult light organs and flash control of fireflies.
Tillage Practices Influence on Soil Quality under Different Cropping Systems of N-W Himalayas of India
Authors: Kour Tanjot , Kour Sarabdeep , Sharma Vikas , Bharat Rajeev , Kumawat Shesh Narayan , Kukal Japneet Kour 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The use of conventional agricultural practices often results into physical disintegration of the soil, loss of organic matter further being a major cause of concern to soil quality. It is also known to cause a significant impact on the soil properties. However, the conservation agricultural practices such as zero tillage is found to be an economical and environmentally sustainable option to protect our soil resources.
Methods
Keeping this in mind, this study observed the impact of tillage practices on soil quality by monitoring the changes in soil’s physicochemical and biological properties under different cropping systems and rainfed conditions after four years of cropping cycles. An existing permanent experimental field was chosen as the site of experimentation. The main plots constituted of three tillage practices and the sub-plots constituted of the four mustard-based cropping systems replicated thrice.
Results
The results after four years of the study revealed that in the surface soil depth i.e., (0–15 cm) available nitrogen content (168.1 kg ha− 1), bulk density (1.44 Mg m− 3), soil microbial biomass carbon (35.4 g kg− 1), and dehydrogenase activity (27.7 µg TPFg− 1 soil 24h− 1) was observed to be significantly higher under zero tillage compared to the conventional tillage practices. Also, a higher soil quality index was recorded under zero tillage (0.315 %) and mustard-maize (0.300 %) system which made it clear that the conservation practices is an effective management strategy to improve and sustain soil fertility and soil quality in rainfed regions of India.