bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Flooding vulnerability in Algiers (Algeria): An Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: ZIADI SERINE RAZIKA , KERAGHEL Mehdia Asma 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Flooding is the second most serious hazard in Algeria, after earthquakes. According to the Civil Protection Services census, the department of Algiers experienced 174 floods between 1946 and 2021, several devastating floods. This study examines Algiers’ vulnerability to flooding using the Hierarchical Multicriteria Analysis (AHP) method, which aggregates eight criteria: altitude distribution, slopes, drainage density, topographic wetness index, land cover and land use, normalized difference vegetation index, soil types, and precipitations. With an accuracy of 85%, the resulting vulnerability map is an essential tool for better risk and land use management. The municipalities most vulnerable to flooding are located in the Mitidja (east of Algiers) and Algiers’ Western Sahel. These areas cover 71.29 km2 (10% of Algiers’ area) and are primarily located in the watersheds of El Harrach, El Hamiz, and Reghaia, while 25.8% of urbanized areas are moderately vulnerable. However, these areas require special attention because of their high population density. Flood risk has undeniably become more frequent and intense due to Algiers’ significant and often anarchic increase in urbanization in recent years, particularly at the edge of the major Wadis beds (nearly half of their watershed area is urbanized). This trend will worsen as extreme weather events increase, necessitating a stricter application of land use planning regulations and prevention, adaptation, and mitigation measures.
Two-year follow-up of a clustered randomised controlled trial of a multicomponent general practice intervention for people at risk of poor health outcomes
Authors: Reed Richard L , Roeger Leigh , Kaambwa Billingsley 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
This study was a two-year follow-up evaluation of health service use and the cost-effectiveness of a multicomponent general practice intervention targeted at people at high risk of poor health outcomes.
Methods
A two-year follow-up study of a clustered randomised controlled trial was conducted in South Australia during 2018–19, recruiting 1044 patients from three cohorts: children; adults (aged 18–64 years with two or more chronic diseases); and older adults (aged ≥ 65 years). Intervention group practices (n = 10) provided a multicomponent general practice intervention for 12 months. The intervention comprised patient enrolment to a preferred general practitioner (GP), access to longer GP appointments and timely general practice follow-up after episodes of hospital care. Health service outcomes included hospital use, specialist services and pharmaceuticals. The economic evaluation was based on quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) calculated from EuroQoL 5 dimensions, 5 level utility scores and used an A$50,000 per QALY gained threshold for determining cost-effectiveness.
Results
Over the two years, there were no statistically significant intervention effects for health service use. In the total sample, the mean total cost per patient was greater for the intervention than control group, but the number of QALYs gained in the intervention group was higher. The estimated incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was A$18,211 per QALY gained, which is lower than the A$50,000 per QALY gained threshold used in Australia. However, the intervention's cost-effectiveness was shown to differ by cohort. For the adult cohort, the intervention was associated with higher costs and lower QALYs gained (vs the total cohort) and was not cost-effective. For the older adults cohort, the intervention was associated with lower costs (A$540 per patient), due primarily to lower hospital costs, and was more effective than usual care.
Conclusions
The positive cost-effectiveness results from the 24-month follow-up warrant replication in a study appropriately powered for outcomes such as hospital use, with an intervention period of at least two years, and targeted to older people at high risk of poor health outcomes.
Probing the Expression of ASAP1 and FAK in nonsmall cell lung cancer and their clinicopathological significance
Authors: Zheng Qixian , Guo Ningjing , Luo Qiong , Zhang Qianyuan , Liu Haiyu , Xu Qian , Lin Tingyan , Yang Sheng , Zhang Suyun , Chen Xiangqi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
This study is aimed to analyze the expression levels of ADP ribosylation factor guanylate kinase 1 (ASAP1) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues for the purpose of exploring their association with clinicopathological features of and prognosis of NSCLC.
Methods
NSCLC cancerous tissues along with its adjacent normal lung tissues, with complete clinical data, were collected for 84 cases. The expression of ASAP1 and FAK was measured by using immunohistochemical methods. The analysis was done using the results combined with clinicopathological features and prognosis.
Results
The expression of ASAP1 and FAK in NSCLC tissues was significantly higher than those in the normal lung tissues (both P < 0.05), and ASAP1 expression was positively associated with FAK expression (P < 0.001). The high expression of both proteins and consistent high expression was independent of sex (both P > 0.05). Although, it was related to age, depth of invasion, and pathological stage (both P < 0.05). The expressions of both proteins were associated with cancer recurrence (both P < 0.05). The results of a 10-year follow-up showed that the high expression and a consistently high expression of both the proteins was correlated negatively with the survival rates (both P < 0.05). Specifically, the overall survival rate was higher in patients with low FAK/ASAP1 expression as compared to patients with high FAK/ASAP1 expression. The survival rate was also found to be higher with consistent low expression of both the protein than with consistent high expression and nonuniform high expression (both P < 0.05).
Conclusion
ASAP1 and FAK are highly expressed in NSCLC tissues, which should have a synergistic effect in promoting the occurrence, development, invasion and metastasis of NSCLC, and are closely related to survival and recurrence, which is expected to be used as molecular indicator of NSCLC biological behavior and prognosis.
Impact of surface modification and organic pollution on photocatalytic denitrification efficiency of cement based fixed-bed photoreactor
Authors: tajasosi sama , Shirzad-Siboni Mehdi , Vagheei Ramazan , Barandoust Jalil 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Water purification and access to drinking water is still considered one of the most important issues in the water industry, and among the many solutions that have been industrialized in this field so far, photocatalytic purification is considered a new and rapidly improving technology. In this study, for the first time, using cement composite activated with industrial photocatalyst and without the use of nanomaterials, the simultaneous treatment of two pollutants, nitrate and methylene blue (MB), plus the fixed-bed reactor efficiency in terms of energy consumption and bed activity level were compared with other researches. For this purpose, the effect of concentrations of 4, 8, and 12 mg/L of MB on denitrification and MBdegradation rate was investigated simultaneously. In this reactor, the flow rate of water passing through the reactor was selected 4 and 12 L/min. Besides, the power of acid treatment on improving the efficiency of the composite surface was investigated in two states, intact and acid treated. The obtained results showed that the efficiency of the photocatalytic surface has increased and the energy consumption required to degrade the unit amount of pollutant in water has decreased drastically. Furthermore, the microstructure of the bed surface was presented for advanced analysis. The results revealed that increasing the concentration of MB, within the applied range, did not have a significant effect on reducing denitrification rate, and on the other hand, acid treatment in all specimens led to an improvement in reactor efficiency.
Diagnostic journey for individuals with Fibrous Dysplasia / McCune Albright syndrome (FD/MAS)
Authors: Song Kaiyang , Shrestha Roshi , Delaney Heather , Vijjhalwar Rohit , Turner Alison , Sanchez Maria , Javaid Muhammad Kassim 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Reducing delayed diagnosis is a significant healthcare priority for individuals with rare diseases. Fibrous Dysplasia/ McCune Albright Syndrome (FD/MAS) is a rare bone disease caused by somatic activation mutations of GNASa. FD/MAS has a broad clinical phenotype reflecting variable involvement of bone, endocrine and other tissues, distribution and severity. The variable phenotype is likely to prolong the diagnostic journey for patients further.
Aim
To describe the time from symptom onset to final diagnosis in individuals living with FDMAS.
Methods
We used the UK-based RUDY research database (www.rudystudy.org), where patients self-report their diagnosis of FD/MAS. Participants are invited to complete the diagnostic journey based on the EPIRARE criteria.
Results
51 individuals diagnosed with FD/MAS were included in this analysis. 70% were female, and the median age was 51.0 years (IQR 34.5–57.5]. 12 (35%) individuals reported McCune Albright Syndrome, 11 (21.6%) craniofacial and 11(21.6%) for each of poly- and mono-ostotic FD and 6 (11.8%) did not know their type of FD/MAS. Pain was the commonest first symptom (58.8%), and 47.1% received another diagnosis before the diagnosis of FD/MAS. The median time to final diagnosis from the first symptom was two years with a wide IQR (1,18) and range (0–59 years). Only 12 (23.5%) of individuals were diagnosed within 12 months of their first symptoms. The type of FD/MAS was not associated with the reported time to diagnosis. Significant independent predictors of longer time to final diagnosis included older current age, younger age at first symptom and diagnosis after 2010.
Conclusion
Individuals with FDMAS have a variable time to diagnosis that can span decades. These data provide a baseline to assess the impact of novel NHS diagnostic networks on reducing the diagnostic odyssey.
New micro-hole zone catheter reduces residual urine and mucosal microtrauma in a lower urinary tract model
Authors: Schrøder Brit , Tentor Fabio , Miclăuș Teodora , Staerk Kristian , Andersen Thomas Emil , Spinelli Michele , Rendeli Claudia , Popolo Giulio Del , Bagi Per , Nielsen Lene Feldskov 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the main complication associated with clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) and are facilitated by post-void residual urine and trauma to the mucosa during voiding. The risk of UTI may be diminished by reducing the residual volumes and preventing microtrauma caused by mucosal suction through the eyelets of conventional eyelet catheters (CEC). A new micro-hole zone catheter (MHZC) was developed and tested in an ex vivo porcine lower urinary tract model and in vivo, in pigs, against a CEC. It was shown that, irrespective of the micro-hole diameter, the new catheter ensured increased flowrates and significantly lower residual volumes at the first flow-stop. Furthermore, with a micro-hole diameter of 0.4 mm, mucosal suction was virtually eliminated, regardless of the insertion depth or simulated intra-abdominal pressure mimicking sitting or standing humans. Pressure profile experiments and endoscopy studies indicated that the bladder gradually folds against the drainage tip of the new catheter, without blocking the flow, and, unlike with the CEC, sharp pressure variations and flow-stops did not occur during voiding. The MHZC outperformed the CEC in all tested scenarios and decreased residual volumes, thus potentially decreasing the risk of UTIs.
Association of Klotho with coronary artery disease in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus and preserved kidney function: a case-control study.
Authors: DONATE-CORREA JAVIER , Martín-Núñez Ernesto , Mora-Fernández Carmen , González-Luis Ainhoa , Martín-Olivera Alberto ,   Juan F. Navarro-González1
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Aims A significant reduction in circulating Klotho levels is observed in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this work, we examined the relationship between Klotho levels and coronary artery disease (CAD) burden in subjects with T2DM and preserved kidney function.
Methods Cross-sectional case-control study involving 133 subjects with T2DM and 200 age-, sex- and CAD incidence-matched, non-diabetic patients undergoing nonemergency diagnostic coronary angiography. All of them non-albuminuric and with normal glomerular filtration rates. Concentrations of serum Klotho, fibroblast growth factor 23, and inflammatory markers were also measured.
Results The Klotho concentration was lower in the group with DM2 although higher in the subgroup of subjects with DM2 and significant CAD (45.6%; P=0.02). Multiple regression analysis revealed that serum Klotho was positively related with SSI values exclusively in subjects with T2DM (adjusted R2=0.153, P<0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that Klotho was positively associated with the presence of significant CAD in the group of T2DM patients (OR: 1.001; P=0.041).
Conclusions Our data suggest that higher levels of circulating Klotho in subjects with T2DM and preserved kidney function are associated with significant CAD.
LncRNA AC100826.1 regulated PLCB1 to promote progression in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Dai Shenhui , Wang Qiao , Lyu Yin , Chen Zhipeng , Liu Xiucheng , Zhao Guoqing , Zhang Hao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Lung cancer is the most common malignant tumors. In the research, we identified a long non-coding RNA(lncRNA) AC100826.1 (simplify to Lnc1), which was highly expressed in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues compared with the paracancerous tissues. we observed the critical role of Lnc1 in regulating the metastasis ability of NSCLC cells.
Methods
RNA sequencing was performed to detect differential expression levels of lncRNAs in NSCLC tissues and its paracancerous tissues. Effects of Lnc1 on cell proliferation, migration were determined by CCK-8, transwell and scratch assays. The xenograft experiment confirmed the effect of Lnc1 on NSCLC in vivo. RT-qPCR and Western blots were performed to determine the expression levels of mRNAs and proteins.
Results
The expression level of Lnc1 was related to multiple pathological results, knockdown of Lnc1 can inhibit the proliferation and metastasis abilities of NSCLC cells. silencing phospholipase C, β1(PLCB1) can reverse the promoting effects of overexpression Lnc1 on NSCLC cells proliferation and migration abilities. Besides, the Rap1 signaling pathway implicated in the regulation of Lnc1 in NSCLC metastasis.
Conclusion
Our results suggest that Lnc1 regulated the metastatic ability of NSCLC cells through targeting PLCB1/Rap1 signal pathway.
Ferroptosis-related genes, a novel therapeutic target for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Lin Yanbin , He Jinxuan , Mou Zhixiang , Chen Huiting , You Wenkang , Guan Tianjun , Chen Lan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that ferroptosis participates in various renal diseases. However, its effect on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis remains unclear. This study analyzed the GSE125779 and GSE121211 datasets to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in renal tubular samples with and without FSGS. The Cytoscape was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network. Moreover, the ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) were obtained from the ferroptosis database, while ferroptosis-related DEGs were obtained by intersection with DEGs. The target genes were analyzed using Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. The GSE108112 dataset was used to verify the expression of target FRGs. Besides, we built the mRNA-miRNA network regarding FRGs using the NetworkAnalyst database, and circRNAs corresponding to key miRNAs were predicted in the ENCORI database. In this study, 16 ferroptosis-related DEGs were identified between FSGS and healthy subjects, while five co-expressed genes were obtained by three topological algorithms in Cytoscape. These included the most concerned Hub genes JUN, HIF1A, ALB, DUSP1, and ATF3. The KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that FRGs were associated with mitophagy, renal cell carcinoma, and metabolic pathways. Simultaneously, the co-expressed hub genes were analyzed to construct the mRNA-miRNA interaction network and important miRNAs such as hsa-mir-155-5p, hsa-mir-1-3p, and hsa-mir-124-3p were obtained. Finally, 75 drugs targeting 57 important circRNAs and FRGs were predicted. This study identified the Hub FRGs and transcriptomic molecules from FSGS in renal tubules, thus providing novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for FSGS.
Implementation and Evaluation of a 24/7 eICU (Enhanced ICU) Model of Care in Regional and Rural NSW ICUs
Authors: Bhonagiri Deepak , Hillman Ken , Lakshmanan Ramanthan , Shah Umesh , Harrison Reema , Ali Irshad , Nalos Marek , Sharma Anurag , parr michael , Lombardo Lein , pervez-Iqbal Maha , Singh Florence , Descaller Joseph , Featon Karen , Jones Peta , Varghese Sobha , Pulletz Mark , Gray Nicole , Hangar Gail , chen Jack , Andersen Janice 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
The global COVID 19 pandemic was associated with an increased demand for respiratory support in Intensive Care Units (ICU) and measures were put in place in all jurisdictions to enhance ICU bed capacity. In NSW, a need was identified to enhance the capacity of rural and regional ICUs to manage large numbers of COVID19 patients if needed.
Methods
We implemented a virtual care enhanced Intensive Care Model to support 2 regional Intensive Care Units from our level 5 Intensive Care unit in June 2020. This consisted of daily review of all patients in these ICUs and availability of senior staff from the level 5 ICU for advice when needed. After the delta wave of COVID 19, we further enhanced this model to a 24/7 eICU model of care with round the clock eICU nurses. New cart computers with video and audio capacity were introduced and videoconferencing was conducted using NSW Health provided Pexip Infinity Connect. We evaluated our 24/7 eICU model of care using the quadruple aims of value-based care in NSW as well as for scalability and sustainability.
Results
Our evaluation revealed that this model of care is safe and effective, efficient with cost saving and is associated with positive clinician and patient experiences. We tested our model for scalability by supporting a third regional ICU and measured sustainability by continuing to support our two original regional ICUs throughout 2022 and to date in 2023. Our patients benefited from care closer to home and our model of care freed up ICU capacity at higher level ICUs to care for COVID19 patients and retrieval capacity for transfer of other critically ill patients In addition, there were associated health economic benefit related to decreased ICU admissions and decreased transfers out. Of note there were approximately 50% fewer transfers out associated with our study and an incremental cost effectiveness ratio of 0.14 indicating that every 14 cents spent was associated with 1 dollar saving.
Conclusions
We recommend that our eICU model of care is considered for Implementation in rural and regional ICUs or close observation units where care is provided by staff not specifically trained in Intensive Care. A single centralised collaborative eICU centre can support three to five centres if adequately resourced with technology, training and education and skilled staff.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Biomarkers in CNS-originating Extracellular Vesicles for Parkinsonian Disorders: A meta-analysis
Authors: Taha Hash Brown , Bogoniewski Aleks 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Parkinsonian disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and corticobasal syndrome (CBS), exhibit overlapping early-stage symptoms, complicating definitive diagnosis despite heterogeneous cellular and regional pathophysiology. Additionally, the progression and eventual conversion of prodromal conditions such as REM behavior disorder (RBD) to PD, MSA or DLB remains difficult to predict. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small, membrane-enclosed structures released by cells, playing a vital role in communicating cell-state-specific messages. Due to their ability to cross the blood-brain-barrier into the peripheral circulation, the measurement of biomarkers in blood-isolated putative CNS-originating EVs has become a popular diagnostic approach. However, replication and independent validation remain challenges in this field. We conducted a PRISMA-guided systematic review and meta-analysis, covering 15 studies with a total of 1,455 patients with PD, 206 MSA, 21 DLB, 172 PSP, 152 CBS, 189 RBD and 1,045 healthy controls (HCs), employing either hierarchical bivariate models or univariate models based on study size. Diagnostic accuracy was moderate for differentiating patients with PD from HCs, but revealed high heterogeneity and significant publication bias, suggesting an inflation of the perceived diagnostic effectiveness. The bias observed indicates that studies with non-significant or lower effect sizes were less likely to be published. Although results for differentiating patients with PD from MSA or PSP and CBS appeared promising, their validity is limited due to the small number of involved studies coming from the same research group. Despite initial reports, our analyses suggest that using CNS-originating EV biomarkers may not reliably differentiate patients with MSA from HCs or patients with RBD from HCs, due to their lesser accuracy and substantial variability among the studies, further complicated by potential publication bias. Our findings underscore the moderate yet unreliable diagnostic accuracy of putative CNS-originating EV biomarkers in differentiating Parkinsonian disorders, highlighting the presence of substantial heterogeneity and significant publication bias. These observations reinforce the need for larger, more standardized, and unbiased studies to validate and enhance the utility of EV biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of these conditions.
Holistic multiphysics simulation of the climatic responses of cold region pavements
Authors: Jiang Yusheng , Yu Xiong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In cold regions, the environment dynamics lead to variations of soil temperature, water content, and deformation, which are characterized by highly coupled physical interplay. The hydraulic and thermal properties of unsaturated soils are highly nonlinear, which is further complicated when subjected to freezing. This paper presents a comprehensive multiphysics coupling model to evaluate these complex processes. The model considers the behaviors of unsaturated frozen soils. It accounts for the influences of meteorological, geothermal, and hydrological factors. The model is validated through two pavement case studies using Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) road section data. The first case analysis is performed for a pavement section in Vermont, and the simulation lasted for 30 days during a non-freezing season on an hourly basis. The results validated the performance of the model considering unsaturated soil behaviors. The second case study is based on a daily analysis of a pavement section in South Dakota over a freezing-thawing cycle over 194 days. The results validated the model in considering the frozen unsaturated soil behaviors. Both case studies demonstrate the performance of this comprehensive model in quantifying the spatial and temporal variations of soil temperature and water content in response to environmental stressors. The capability of the model in accurately predicting the responses of pavement to the meteorological factors unleashes the potential of this model to assess the effects of climate and climate change on cold region pavement, as well as other types of geostructures.