bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of NPHS2, PON1 and KCNJ11 Gene Polymorphisms with Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Rizvi Saliha , Raza S. Tasleem , Rashid Gowhar , khan farheen 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) affects almost 40% of diabetic patients and is clinically categorized by declining glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria and hypertension, ultimately leads to renal failure. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several genetic loci associated with DN, including various genetic variants. This study was thus conducted to find an association of NPHS2, PON1 and KCNJ11 gene variants with the risk of DN.
Method: This case-control study was performed in 300 unrelated subjects consisting of 150 DN patients and 150 controls that were age, sex and ethnicity matched. Genotyping was done using PCR-RFLP and primers amplification refractory mutation system-PCR approach. Results were analyzed using SPSSS ver.21 software.
Result: In context to KCNJ11, OR values for KK and EE genotypes were 4.163(P<0.001) and 0.397(P=0.001), respectively. Frequencies of K and E alleles were 57.33% and 42.67% in DN cases as compared to 39% and 61% in controls (OR=2.101, 0.476). The OR values for K and E alleles were 2.101(P<0.001) and 0.476(P<0.001), respectively. In PON1, the OR values for AA and GG genotypes were 0.66(P=0.08) and 5.86(P=0.011) respectively. The OR values for A and G alleles were 0.64 (P=0.021)and 1.569 (P=0.021)respectively. No significant association of NPHS2 gene was observed on comparing genotype and allele frequencies among cases and controls.
Conclusion: KCNJ11and PON1 genes could serve as genetic biomarkers for establishing DN susceptibility. Early identification of genetic risk factors in patients enables earlier intervention, eventually delaying and dropping the effect of DN.
Sublingual capillary de-recruitment with preserved recruitability in resuscitated patients with circulatory shock
Authors: Bertacchi Massimiliano , Wendel-Garcia Pedro D. , Hana Anisa , Ince Can , Maggiorini Marco , Hilty Matthias P. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Circulatory shock and multi-organ failure remain major contributors to mortality in critically ill patients, resulting in decoupling of macro- and microcirculatory function. Recent studies have identified the recruitment of microcirculatory diffusion capacity as reflected by an increase in functional capillary density (FCD) in response to a topical nitroglycerin (NG) administration as a mechanism to increase oxygen delivery to the tissue. However, the effect of circulatory shock on microcirculatory recruitability remains unclear. We hypothesized that circulatory shock leads to microcirculatory de-recruitment reflected by a lower FCD and lower RBCv, similar maximum recruitable FCD (FCDNG) and RBCV (RBCvNG), and increased microcirculatory recruitability (ΔFCDNG and ΔFCDNG).
Methods
Sublingual handheld vital microscopy measurements and assessment of microcirculatory recruitability were performed after initial fluid resuscitation in mechanically ventilated patients consecutively admitted to the tertiary medical ICU of the university hospital of Zurich. The presence of circulatory shock was defined as > 3 of the following: cardiac index (CI) < 2.2 l/min/m2, lactate > 2 mmol/l, vasopressor dependent index (VDI) > 3, Mottling score ≥ 2, capillary refill time (CRT) > 3s, mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 65 mmHg or the use of ECLC. FCD, FCDNG, and ΔFCDNG were assessed using the MicroTools advanced computer vision algorithm.
Results
54 patients (57 ± 14y, BMI 26.3 ± 4.9kg/m2, SAPS 56 ± 19, 65% male) were included, 13 of which with circulatory shock (6 cardiogenic, 4 septic, 3 other). As compared to the controls, patients with circulatory shock presented with similar CI and MAP, but higher heart rate (p < 0.001), central venous pressure (p = 0.02), lactate (p < 0.001), CRT (p < 0.01), and Mottling score (p < 0.001). FCD and FCDNG were 15% and 10% lower in patients with circulatory shock (18.9 ± 3.2 to 16.9 ± 4.2, p < 0.01; 21.3 ± 2.9 to 19.3 ± 3.1; p = 0.03), while ΔFCDNG and ΔRBCvNG remained similar.
Conclusion
In patients presenting with comparable macrocirculatory status but clinical signs of impaired microcirculation and tissue hypoxia, monitoring of the sublingual microcirculation revealed signs of capillary de-recruitment and loss of recruitability potential suggesting microcirculatory tamponade associated with fluid resuscitation. These results indicate a potential benefit of monitoring microcirculation in critically ill patients in shock.
Community Advisory Boards: a bibliometrics analysis and future research directions
Authors: Mhando Frank 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Community Advisory Boards (CABs) often form the structure for involving community members in a partnership, and can play an important role as collaborators, gatekeepers to the community and a bridge between communities and research institutions. In recognition of this, the Bagamoyo branch of the Ifakara Health Institute established a CAB in 2007 aiming to properly educate and empower elected CAB members to become full partners in all research activities concerning the public within Bagamoyo area. Understanding the challenges faced by the CAB in implementing their activities, the success made, and lessons learned could help guide future public health research and projects. This article presents viewpoints from the Bagamoyo Community Advisory Board members on the challenges, success and lesson learned. It provides the ideas, suggestions and critical reflections on how to improve community engagement in public research and projects.
Quality characteristics of Chinese steamed bread prepared from oat and corn flour mixture with different amylose concentrations
Authors: Jiang Congyun , Lin Songyi , Yang Yiying , Yang Xin , Yang Yumeng , Tang Yue 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Oat and corn Chinese steamed bread (OCCSB) preparations were examined to improve corn utilization. The optimal formulation of OCCSB and its quality characteristics with different amounts of amylose were investigated. The formula was optimized by a textural profile analysis of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) prepared with oat flour and corn flour supplemented with different concentrations of amylose. Rheological measurements, scanning electron microscopy, color metrics, and quality scores were used to compare CSB with the optimal formulation and commercial corn products prepared with 20% or 25% commercial corn flour. The optimal formula was a flour mixture containing 28% Yunnan corn flour with 36.98 ± 3.86% amylose, 6% Sichuan corn flour with 26.11 ± 2.61% amylose, and 2% oat flour. OCCSB had the lowest gas porosity, best aspect ratio, and highest quality score, outperforming commercial products with a smooth yellow surface and compact structure. OCCSB also had the best quality score compared to the two commercial corn CSB preparations. CSB prepared with a corn and oat flour mixture achieved higher quality characteristics than that prepared with 20% or 25% commercial corn flour. The results provide a theoretical basis for improving the utilization of corn resources in staple foods.
Complement gene mutations in children with C3 glomerulopathy: Do they affect clinical outcome?
Authors: Günay Neslihan , Dursun Ismail , Gökce İbrahim , Kara Mehtap Akbalık , Tekcan Demet , Çiçek Neslihan , Bayram Meral Torun , Koyun Mustafa , Dinçel Nida , Dursun Hasan , Saygılı Seha , Yıldırım Zeynep Nagehan Yürük , Yüksel Selçuk , Dönmez Osman , Yel Sibel , Kılıç Beltinge Demircioğlu , Aydoğ Özlem , Atmış Bahriye , Yılmaz Aysun Çaltık , Bakkaloğlu Sevcan Azime , Aytaç Mehmet Baha , Taşdemir Mehmet , Demir Belde Kasap , Soylu Alper , Çomak Elif , Özşahin Aslı Kantar , Kaçar Alper , Canpolat Nur , Yılmaz Alev , Girişgen İlknur , Akkoyunlu Kadirye Betül , Alpay Harika , Poyrazoğlu Hakan M 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background C3 glomerulopathy(C3G) is a complement-mediated disease caused by abnormalities in the alternative complement pathway. Although genetic studies are not required for diagnosis, they are valuable for treatment planning and prognosis prediction. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical phenotypes, kidney survival, and response to MMF treatment in pediatric C3G patients with and without mutations in complement related genes.Methods Sixty pediatric C3G patients were included, divided into two groups based on complement related gene mutations. Demographic and clinical-pathological findings, treatment modalities, and outcome data were compared, and Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed for kidney survival.Results Out of the 60 patients, 17 had mutations, with the most common mutation in the CH gene (47%). The mean age at diagnosis was significantly higher in the group with mutation (12.9 ± 3.6 vs 11.2 ± 4.1 years p = 0.039). While the patients without mutation were most frequently presented with the nephritic syndrome (44.2%), patients with the mutation were most likely to have asymptomatic urinary abnormalities (%47.1, p = 0.043). Serum parameters and histopathological characteristics were similar between the groups, but hypoalbuminemia was more common in patients without mutation. During a 45-month follow-up,10 patients progressed to CKD5, with four having a genetic mutation. The time to develop CKD5 was longer in the mutation group but not significantly different. MMF treatment had no effect on C3G progression in either group.Conclusions This study is the largest pediatric study examining the relationship between genotype and phenotype in C3G. We showed that in the mutation group often presented with asymptomatic urinary abnormalities, were diagnosed relatively late, but were not different from the mutation group in terms of MMF treatment response and kidney survival.
Quantification of Expected Information Gain in Visual Acuity and Contrast Sensitivity Tests
Authors: Lu Zhong-Lin , Zhao Yukai , Lesmes Luis Andres , Dorr Michael 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
We introduce expected information gain to quantify measurements and apply it to compare visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) tests. We simulated observers with parameters covered by the visual acuity and contrast sensitivity tests and observers based on distributions of normal observers tested in three luminance and four Bangerter foil conditions. We first generated the probability distributions of test scores for each individual in each population in the Snellen, ETDRS and qVA visual acuity tests and the Pelli-Robson, CSV-1000 and qCSF contrast sensitivity tests and constructed the probability distributions of all possible test scores of the entire population. We then computed expected information gain by subtracting expected residual entropy from the total entropy of the population. For acuity tests, ETDRS generated more expected information gain than Snellen; scored with VA threshold only or with both VA threshold and VA range, qVA with 15 rows (or 45 optotypes) generated more expected information gain than ETDRS. For contrast sensitivity tests, CSV-1000 generated more expected information gain than Pelli-Robson; scored with AULCSF or with CS at six spatial frequencies, qCSF with 25 trials generated more expected information gain than CSV-1000. The active learning based qVA and qCSF tests can generate more expected information than the traditional paper chart tests. Although we only applied it to compare visual acuity and contrast sensitivity tests, information gain is a general concept that can be used to compare measurements and data analytics in any domain.
Investigation of the electrochemical behavior of AlCoCrfeNi-ZrO2 high entropy alloy composites prepared with mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering
Authors: Hajilou Narjess , Javaheri Masoumeh , Ebadzadeh Touradj , Farvizi Mohammad 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
High entropy alloys (HEAs), especially AlCoCrFeNi have received much attention in recent years due to their unique properties. In this regard, the investigation of the various properties of this alloy has been the subject of recent fundamental research. In this study, the electrochemical behavior of Zirconia reinforced AlCoCrFeNi alloy has been investigated. To this end, the Open Circuit Potential (OCP) and Tafel tests were carried out on the samples of AlCoCrFeNi -x%wt. ZrO2 (x = 0, 5, 10) composites in the 3.5% wt. NaCl solution. The SEM images were taken from the corrosion products during tests. Then, to investigate the effect of time on the type and rate of corrosion, the samples were soaked in the mentioned solution for 24, 48, and 72 h, and then an impedance test was carried out. The results of the Tafel test and SEM images illustrated that the addition of zirconia up to 5%wt. and 10% wt. to the mentioned alloy caused corrosion resistance decrease, and increase, respectively. Increasing the FCC in AlCoCrFeNi − 5%wt. ZrO2 due to the addition of reinforcement particles decreased the corrosion resistance. The improvement of the corrosion resistance at 10% wt. of zirconia can be attributed to the increase in the ceramic phase with a high electric resistance as well as consistency between passive layers. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in Open Circuit Potential (OCP) indicated that the zirconia addition to the AlCoCrFeNi system delays the formation of passive layers for up to 72 hours; because it leads to creating a rough surface.
The concentrations of interleukin-6, insulin, and glucagon in the context of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL6 and INS genes
Authors: Król Magdalena , Urbanowicz Iwona , Kepinska Marta 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Obesity and diabetes are a problem of modern medicine. Although the environmental factors contributing to the development of these diseases are widely known, research into genetic factors is still ongoing. At the same time, the role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of obesity and diabetes is increasingly emphasized. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of two selected polymorphisms (rs1800795, rs3842729) on the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Methods
In this study, 118 participants were examined, including a control group (non-obese and non-diabetic group), an obese group, and a diabetic group. Genotype analysis was performed using the PCR-RFLP method.
Results
It has been shown that in patients with the G/G genotype within the rs1800795 polymorphism (IL6), the chance of developing type 2 diabetes is several times lower compared to patients with the G/C and C/C genotypes. However, the rs3842729 polymorphism (INS) does not directly affect the risk of obesity or type 2 diabetes (T2D), although elevated insulin concentrations have been observed in obese and diabetic patients.
Conclusions
These results confirm the impact of the rs1800795 polymorphism on the development of diabetes, however, this relationship is more complex and requires further research on other factors.
XR-based technical instructions in organized testing: User behaviour and design performance
Authors: Rantakokko Satu , Rousi Rebekah 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Extended reality (XR) is changing the way humans interact with information. Developers are currently experiencing a need to understand more about the use and design of XR-delivered information. Humans are active agents within human-technology interaction. There is a need to systematically study how human agency affects the nature of XR content and how this knowledge can be applied within the content design process. The present article focuses on the context of an iterative co-design process for XR-based technical instructions. The research question is: In what ways can technology-based user behavior inform the design of XR-based technical instructions? Studies exist concerning XR-based technical instructions, yet the comparability of these studies is low. User characteristics among other variables influence the results of using XR-based technical instructions. The method comprises two experimental studies that aimed to identify how users notice and act upon or ignore both designed and unintended features of XR-based technical instructions. A framework for systematically testing XR-based technical instructions was developed and applied. The results indicate that verbal evaluations of the XR-based technical instructions may not be reliable. A systematic mixed method test process is crucial transitioning the design of technical instructions to a new medium. Conclusion: There is a need for a systematic method to test how users notice and act upon the intended features of XR-based instructions. The specific target users need to be involved in this iterative process.
An Evaluation of the Seasonal Caribbean Hydroclimate in Low and High-Resolution CESM and other CMIP6 Models
Authors: Martinez Carlos Javier , Simpson Isla R. , Fasullo John T. , Prein Andreas F. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The Caribbean and Central American hydroclimate is understudied and complex in part due to its data sparsity, varied topographies, and multi-faceted interactions with the tropics and mid-latitudes. Recent work developed a refined and comprehensive understanding of the observed hydroclimate that has yet to be explored in global circulation models. This study investigates the simulation of the Caribbean hydroclimate using a suite of station and gridded observational datasets, the Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1) at high (0.25x0.25°) and low (0.9x1.25°) resolution, CESM2 at low (0.9x1.25°) resolution, the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) High-Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP), and the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Seamless System for Prediction and Earth System Research (GFDL-SPEAR). The simulated climatologies (1983-2014) of the annual rainfall cycle and total moisture fluxes, and climatological correlation coefficients of sea surface temperatures (SST), sea-level pressure (SLP), and zonal/meridional low-level winds onto indices of seasonal Caribbean rainfall totals are calculated to investigate inter-model differences. Generally, fully coupled CESM, GFDL-SPEAR-MED, and CMIP6 simulations underestimate precipitation across the Caribbean, with some improvements using high-resolution (<0.5°) simulations. The underestimations are largest during the Early-Rainy Season (ERS; mid-April to mid-June). Coupled models also show a moisture divergence bias associated with a stronger/west-displaced North Atlantic Subtropical High (NASH), a weaker / southward displaced Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and stronger Caribbean Low-Level Jet (CLLJ). Precipitation and large-scale dynamic biases in experiments with observation-based SSTs are smaller, regardless of their spatial resolution, suggesting SST biases in coupled models may contribute to precipitation and dynamic biases. The findings emphasize the importance of both high-resolution and accurate simulation of coupled dynamical interactions in global circulation models to accurately simulate the Caribbean’s hydroclimate, and, therefore, provide reliable future climate projections for the region.
“The will to live!” The perceptions of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in relation to antifibrotic treatment: a qualitative study
Authors: Generoso Liliane Neto , Assis Marcella Guimarães , de Leucas Paula Lages Barsand , Luz Maria Bernardes , Moura Mariana Parreira , Silva Marcos Lucas Mateus , Mancuzo Eliane Viana 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are typically treated with antifibrotic drugs, which act by slowing the progression of the disease, thus reducing the frequency of exacerbations and increasing survival. Although safe, such drugs have adverse effects and do not reduce the degree of dyspnoea or improve patient quality of life. In this study, we discuss the perceptions of individuals with IPF in relation to antifibrotic treatment.
Methods
This was a qualitative study of 17 patients with IPF on antifibrotic treatment for ≥ 6 months, followed at a referral centre for interstitial diseases. We collected data through semi-structured interviews and the six phases of thematic analysis was used.
Results
The results obtained allowed us to construct three thematic categories: the will to live; perceptions about improvement, delayed progression or worsening of the clinical condition resulting from the treatment; and perceptions about adverse effects of the treatment and their repercussions on daily life. The desire to stay alive or to reduce physical suffering was understood as a motivation to seek treatment. Some patients reported improvement in their clinical condition after starting antifibrotic. Tolerance to adverse effects was high among the participants, and even those who experienced significant drug-related adverse effects did not discontinue the treatment.
Conclusion
The will to live appears to motivate patients to use antifibrotics, even without the promise of a cure or changes in clinical status. In addition, adverse events, even when aggressive, do not seem to deter patients with a devastating disease from continuing treatment.
Water quality parameters assessment of Ras El-Ain Natural Ponds, Tyr, Lebanon
Authors: Khatib Milad , Daoud Mohamad , Arairo Wahib , Saba Marianne , Mortada Hussein 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Lebanon's natural water resources are facing serious problems related to quality and quantity. Unregulated resource planning and rising demand are the main factors. Water resources are used in several ways. However, due to the over-exploitation, and random use of surface water resources, Lebanon is facing severe problems related to water need and accessibility. This study focused on the Ras El-Ain area located in the South of Lebanon that dedicated, along with other reservoirs, to supply potable water for Tyr and the surrounding villages. Nowadays, the water of these natural ponds has been polluted significantly due to unrestricted liquid and solid waste disposal. Physicochemical and microbiological water characteristics, following the LIBNOR guidelines, of four selected samples from each natural pond were tested. In addition, another sample was taken from a water reservoir that collects water from these natural ponds. The obtained results were used to evaluate the extent of pollution in these natural ponds using PhreeQC software. The novelty of this study stems from the fact that it is the first to shed light on the degree of pollution level in the Ras El-Ain ponds, Lebanon (an unstudied area).
Contribution of hydrogeochemical and statistical tools to the acquisition of water quality in the Bouchegouf Plain (northeast Algeria)
Authors: Majour Habiba , Sedrati Nassima , Hani Samir , Attoui Badra , Bounab Samia , Hani Azzedine 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

The Bouchegouf Plain is an industrial and mainly agricultural region. The results of analyses revealed high concentrations of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters in surface and underground waters. The objective of this research is to study the impact of the various discharges on water and the environment. Physicochemical and bacteriological analysis methods are used to characterize the surface and groundwaters. The synthesis of geological, hydrogeological and physicochemical data made it possible to develop models of underground flows and to delimit the perimeters of protection of the wells. The results showed a significant threat to the environment (Mellah and Seybouse streams) and to the waters of the alluvial aquifer. Indeed, the high concentrations of physicochemical and bacteriological parameters, in particular at the point of discharge of the yeast plant, can have harmful effects on fauna, flora and human health (waterborne diseases). Simulations of groundwater flows and pollutant transfer showed that groundwater is strongly affected by the drainage of the Seybouse wadi. Road traffic can also be the source of accidental pollution.