bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoselenium attenuates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats
Authors: Sadeghmanesh Farzaneh , Eidi Akram , Mortazavi Pejman , Oryan Shahrbanoo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Using selenium nanoparticles has received attention in recent years because of their therapeutic beneﬁts due to their anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inﬂammatory, and anti-diabetic effects. This research was conducted to evaluate the possible protective impact of nano-selenium (Nano-Se) on renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury using an animal model. Using clamping left renal pedicle within 45 min, I/R injury was induced. The animals were randomly divided into nine groups of control, nano-Se (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg) alone, I/R control, and I/R rats administrated with nano-Se. Thirty days aftertreatment, animals were sacrificed to be assessed biochemically and histopathologically. Nano-Se in I/R groups signiﬁcantly decreased serum creatinine, urea levels, renal histological damage, and increased antioxidant status. Also, our findings demonstrated that the administration of nano-Se caused a significant increase in the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) in kidney tissue of I/R rats. Therefore, nano-Se possesses renoprotective effects, and this effect might be attributable to its antioxidant and free radical scavenger effects. These renoprotective eﬀects may depend on the increased EGF expression level in kidney tissue and improved the structure of the kidney tissue. Thus, our research provided biochemical and histological data supporting the potential clinical use of nano-Se for the treatment of certain kidney disorders.
Could the Trustworthiness in RAndomized Controlled Trials (TRACT) checklist be trusted?
Authors: Alinany Hesham G , Sobh Ahmed M , Galal Ahmed F , Elnomrosy  , Rezk Ahmed Y 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard study design in clinical effectiveness research, albeit some RCTs have been found to be fraudulent post-publication. The Trustworthiness in RAndomized Controlled Trials (TRACT) checklist examines RCT integrity through an assessment covering seven domains. While the authors claim that it can identify problematic trials, it has never been validated. A critical appraisal of the checklist highlights major failures in terms of health measurement methodology, including the arbitrary nature of items chosen. We applied the checklist to 16 RCTs coauthored by the checklist developer, and identified potential violations related to retrospective registration, ethical implications, authorship, methodology, implausible timeframes, zero participants to follow-up, implausible baseline characteristics, and excessive inter-group within trial as well as inter-trial similarities. In addition, we identified inconsistencies between the trials’ registration and data in the final published manuscripts. If we uncritically assume that the checklist is valid, then a formal institutional investigation into the trial portfolio its developer is warranted; especially targeting these 16 trials objectively shown to be problematic. The checklist should be considered as neither investigative nor conclusive of potential problems with RCTs until it is further refined and validated.
Health-related quality of life in patients with inherited ataxia in Ireland
Authors: Menon Poornima Jayadev , Yi Tan Xin , Moran Sharon , Walsh Richard , Murphy Sinéad M , Bogdanova-Mihaylova Petya 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Inherited cerebellar ataxias (CA) are heterogeneous progressive neurological conditions associated with significant functional limitations. This study aimed to assess the implications of inherited CA on patients’ self-reported quality of life (QoL) and impairments in work and activities.
Methods: 129 individuals with ataxia responded to a survey focused on QoL. Health related QoL was measured using the RAND 36-Item Short Form Survey. An adaptation of the validated Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire was used to assess the effect of health on work productivity and ability to perform activities over the past week.
Results: Nine percent of respondents were currently employed. Individuals with inherited ataxia experienced significant activity impairment and 75% required professional or informal care. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) was significantly worse in all areas for the individuals with inherited ataxia compared with Irish population normative values. Participants with Friedreich’s ataxia (n=56) demonstrated worse physical functioning then those with undetermined ataxia (n=55). Female gender, younger age at symptom onset, current employment, retirement due to age or ataxia and living in a long-term care facility were associated with higher sub-scores in different domains of HRQoL, while disease duration correlated with worse physical functioning sub-scores.
Conclusion: This study is the first cross-sectional study on HRQoL in patients with inherited ataxia in Ireland. It highlights high rates of unemployment, difficulty with daily activities and physical functioning limitations, which is worse than comparative international studies. Given the limited therapeutic options currently available, optimising HRQoL is an important aspect of managing ataxia.
Congenital central nervous system malformations in Hunan Province, China, 2016-2020
Authors: Zhou Xu , Xie Donghua , Peng Ying , Fang Junqun , Wang Hua 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Background

This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological characteristics of congenital central nervous system (CNS) malformations, provide some information for intervention programs to reduce the incidence of CNS malformations.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Birth Defects Surveillance System in Hunan Province, China, 2016–2020. Incidences of CNS malformations (number of cases per 1000 fetuses (births and deaths at 28 weeks of gestation and beyond)) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by year, gender, residence, and maternal age. Crude odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to examine the association of each maternal characteristic with CNS malformations.

Results

A total of 847755 fetuses (births and deaths)were registered, and 23420 birth defects were identified, including 1484 CNS malformations (which accounted for 6.34% of all birth defects). The incidence of CNS malformations was 1.75‰ (95%CI: 1.66,1.84). The incidence of CNS malformations at 28 weeks of gestation and beyond was 0.35‰ (95%CI: 0.31,0.39) (297 cases). The most frequent CNS malformations were hydrocephalus (462 cases, 31.13%), anencephaly (243 cases, 16.37%), spina bifida (220 cases, 14.82%), encephalocele (184 cases, 12.4%), holoprosencephaly (132 cases, 8.89%), cerebellar malformation (91 cases, 6.13%), corpus callosum agenesis (85 cases, 5.73%). CNS malformations were more common in males than females (1.53‰ vs. 1.28‰, OR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.07-1.34). Anencephaly (0.19‰ vs. 0.12‰, OR=1.59, 95%CI: 1.11-2.28) and corpus callosum agenesis (0.12‰ vs. 0.07‰, OR=1.69, 95%CI: 1.07-2.67) were more common in males than females, too. Holoprosencephaly was more common in urban than rural areas (0.19‰ vs. 0.13‰, OR=1.43, 95%CI: 1.02-2.02). Compared to mothers 25-29 years old, mothers <20 years old (OR=1.80, 95%CI: 1.31-2.46), 20-24 years old (OR=1.18, 95%CI: 1.01-1.37), and ≥35 years old (OR=1.17, 95%CI: 1.01-1.37) were risk factors for CNS malformations; And mothers <20 years old was a risk factor for anencephaly (OR=2.51, 95%CI: 1.31-4.80) and encephalocele (OR=2.73, 95%CI: 1.37-5.43); Mothers 20-24 years old (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.09-1.82) or ≥35 years old (OR=1.39, 95%CI: 1.07-1.81) were risk factors for hydrocephalus. The pregnancy outcomes of most CNS malformations were deaths (1421 cases, 95.75%), and most CNS malformations-related deaths were therapeutic terminations (98.45%, 1399/1421).

Conclusion

In summary, we have described the epidemiological characteristics of CNS malformations. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain these phenomena. Our study is of great significance for CNS malformation intervention programs to reduce the incidence of CNS malformations.
Understanding genotype × environment interactions in potato production to guide variety adoption and future breeding strategies
Authors: Kwambai Thomas K. , Struik Paul C. , Gorman Monica , Nyongesa Moses , Rop Wilfred , Kemboi Edward , Griffin Denis 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a versatile crop given its adaptation, production capacity and utilization, and therefore valuable in many different countries. In Kenya, potato is mainly grown by smallholder farmers for food and cash. Access to quality seed of adapted and acceptable varieties was limited. This led to public-private-partnerships with European seed companies working independently or with their Kenyan counterparts in introducing high-quality seed of new varieties. Some of these showed improved yield, quality and disease resistance. However, some European varieties were less adapted to the short photoperiods prevailing in Kenya than the late-blight resistant elite clones from South America, introduced by the International Potato Center (CIP). Traits that influence genotype adaptation can aid breeding cultivars or support their recommendation for certain production areas, but such traits have not been studied in detail for Kenya. This study sought to understand the adaptation of 50 contrasting genotypes from Europe, CIP and Kenya and the traits driving adaptation to four seasons and three altitudes. Genotypes showed a wide range of yields in all environments studied. The factor genotype explained most of the variance for total tuber yield (71.2%), plant height (49.3%) and area under the disease progress curve (25.1%) based on the Wald statistic, followed by season and the genotype by altitude interaction. Other traits studied hardly contributed to the understanding of the responses to the twelve testing environments. However, largest proportions of variances for days to 50% emergence, days to maturity and canopy development were accounted for by altitude.
Retailer`s optimal decision policy of a stochastic manufacturing process with rework process of defective items under two-level trade credit finance
Authors: Biswas Nipa , Abhishek Abhishek , Prakash Om 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Though production facilities are advancing day by day, some imperfection in manufacturing process still remains. This paper develops a manufacturing system with rework process of defective items. We have assumed that the defective items are repairable and a portion of the reworked items is considered to be scrap. In model, it is proposed that demand of items, proportion of defective products and scrap rate are randomly distributed with known probability density function. In the model it is also assumed that the supplier of raw materials offers a delay period to the manufacturer and manufacturer extends a similar delay policy to his customers. The main objective of the system is to minimize the manufacturer's overall cost and to determine manufacturer's optimal replenishment policy. The optimal replenishment policies are also discussed with the help of some theorems. Numerical examples are illustrating the theoretical results and sensitivity of important cost parameters is discussed.
Clinical efficacy of arthroscopic-assisted anchor fixation for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xiang Zhou , Xiang Ming , Chen Guo , Yang Jinsong , Dai Fei 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Objective: To compare the clinical efficacy and imaging outcomes of hook plate fixation versus arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction with two anchors for acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation (Rockwood III-V).
Methods: Ninety-eight patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation (Rockwood III-V) who were admitted between January 2016 and June 2022 were included in the study. Patients were treated with either arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using two anchors or open reduction and hook plate fixation. Radiological findings were recorded at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively, and shoulder function was evaluated using the ASES and Constant scores. Pain was evaluated using the VAS score, and shoulder range of motion was recorded.
Results: The study included 79 male and 19 female patients, with 37 left-side and 61 right-side dislocations. The patients' ages ranged from 21 to 60 years, with a mean age of 37.6 years. Fifty-five patients underwent arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using two metal anchors, and 43 patients underwent open reduction and hook plate fixation. The mean follow-up period was 25.4 months. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the pain scores in the anchor group were significantly lower than those in the hook plate group. There was no significant difference in pain scores between the two groups at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the ASES and Constant scores in the anchor group were significantly higher than those in the hook plate group. There was no significant difference in ASES and Constant scores between the two groups at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. At 3 and 6 months postoperatively, the anchor group showed significantly better forward flexion and external rotation than the hook plate group. There was no significant difference in flexion and external rotation between the two groups at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. At 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after surgery, there was no statistical difference in internal rotation between the two groups.Two patients in the anchor group had complete loss of reduction at 1-month follow-up. One patient in the hook plate group had internal fixation loosening.
Conclusion: Arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction using two metal anchors is an effective method for the treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation. This technique provides earlier restoration of shoulder function with less pain compared to hook plate fixation, and it can reduce surgical trauma and improve surgical efficiency.
Revascularization of acute stent thrombosis caused by diarrhea after carotid artery stenting in an intermediate clopidogrel metabolizer
Authors: Wang Huaishun , Xu Longdong , Xiao Guodong , Qin Yan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Carotid artery stenting (CAS) is an alternative treatment to carotid endarterectomy for carotid artery stenosis. Acute stent thrombosis (ACST) is an extremely rare complication but can have devastating consequences. Although many cases have been reported, the best treatment is still in doubt. In this study, we report the treatment of ACST caused by diarrhea in an intermediate clopidogrel metabolizer. We also review the literature and discuss appropriate treatment strategies for this rare event.
Development of quantitative RT-qPCR one step assay for detection of Hepatitis Delta Virus
Authors: Queiroz Jackson Alves da Silva , Roca Tárcio Peixoto , Souza Rutilene Barbosa , de Souza Luiz Fellype Alves , Passos-Silva Ana Maísa , Silva André Luiz Ferreira da , Silva Eugênia de Castro e , Borzacov Lourdes Maria Pinheiro , Rampazzo Rita de Cássia Pontello , Pereira Soraya dos Santos , Dantas Thor Oliveira , Salcedo Juan Miguel Villalobos , Matta Daniel Archimedes da , Vieira Deusilene 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Hepatitis Delta is a disease caused by exposure to hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis D (HDV) viruses, usually with a more severe clinical outcome when compared to an HBV monoinfection. To date, the real prevalence of HDV infection is underestimated and detection methods are poorly available, especially in more endemic regions. Therefore, a one-step RT-qPCR method for quantification of HDV-RNA was developed. Biological samples were selected between 2017–2023 from patients at the Ambulatório Especializado em Hepatites Virais of the Centro de Pesquisa em Medicina Tropical de Rondônia and Serviço de Assistência Especializada and underwent the test developed by this study and a second quantitative RT-qPCR assay. The slope of the initial quantitative assay was − 3.321 with an efficiency of 100.04% and amplification factor equal to 2. Analysis of the repeatability data revealed a Limit of Quantification of 5 copies/reaction and Limit of Detection (95%) of 2.83 copies per reaction. In the diagnostic sensitivity tests, there was an accuracy of 97.44% when compared to the reference test. This assay proved to be highly efficient and reproducible, making it a valuable tool to monitor hepatitis Delta patients and assess the risk of disease progression, as well as the effectiveness of treatment.
A case study of place-based education in practice using philosophical perspectives
Authors: Nelson Bryanna , Wang Hui-Hui , Hains Bryan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to establish clarity of the definitions in the field by analyzing three cases of place-based education through the lens of the following educational philosophies: essentialism, progressivism, and social reconstructionism. The goal of this paper is to create a distinct definition between place-based education and other models to reduce confusion in the literature and strengthen the use of place-based education as it benefits both students and the surrounding community. By clearly defining place-based education from other models, the pedagogy can be implemented and studied using a succinct set of parameters, creating cohesion in the field. Additionally, the strengthening and adoption of a universal definition aids in teacher professional development and education by reducing barriers to entry that result from discipline-specific training.
Soliton solution, breather solution and rational wave solution for a generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation with Darboux transformation
Authors: Fan Chengcheng , Li Li , Yu FJ 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In recent years, more and more scholars use Darboux transform(DT) method to solve soliton equation, which become a hot topic in soliton theory. In this paper, the exact solutions of generalized nonlinear Schrödinger(GNLS) equation are obtained by using DT. We derive some expressions for the 1-solitons, 2-solitons and n-soliton solutions of the GNLS equation via constructing special Lax pairs. And we choose different seed solutions and solve the GNLS equation to obtain the soliton solutions, breather solutions and rational wave solutions. Based on these obtained solutions, we consider the elastic interactions and dynamics between two solitons.
Sugarcane nitrogen nutrition estimation with digital images and machine learning methods
Authors: You Hui , Zhou Muchen , Zhang Junxiang , Peng Wei , Sun Cuimin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The color and texture characteristics of crops can reflect their nitrogen (N) nutrient status and help optimize N fertilizer management. This study conducted a one-year field experiment to collect sugarcane leaf images at tillering and elongation stages using a commercial digital camera and extract leaf image color feature (CF) and texture feature (TF) parameters using digital image processing techniques. By analyzing the correlation between leaf N content and feature parameters, feature dimensionality reduction was performed using principal component analysis (PCA), and three regression methods (multiple linear regression; MLR, random forest regression; RF, stacking fusion model; SFM) were used to construct N content estimation models based on different image feature parameters. All models were built using five-fold cross-validation and grid search to verify the model performance and stability. The results showed that the models based on color-texture integrated principal component features (C-T-PCA) outperformed the single-feature models based on CF or TF. Among them, SFM had the highest accuracy for the validation dataset with the model coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9264 for the tillering stage and 0.9111 for the elongation stage, with the maximum improvement of 9.85% and 8.91%, respectively, compared with the other tested models. In conclusion, the SFM framework based on C-T-PCA combines the advantages of multiple models to enhance the model performance while enhancing the anti-interference and generalization capabilities. Combining digital image processing techniques and machine learning facilitates fast and nondestructive estimation of crop N-substance nutrition.
Outdoor activities and behaviors increase the vulnerability of school-age children to malaria infections in south-eastern Tanzania
Authors: Kihwele Fadhila , Gavana Tegemeo , Makungu Christina , Msuya Hajirani Musa , Govella Nicodemus James , Mlacha Yeromin P. , Chaki Prosper Pius , Sunguya Bruno Fokas 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Strengthening malaria control activities in Tanzania has dramatically declined human malaria infections. However, the burden is now higher among school-age children, but with the inconsistency of evidence on risk factors and underlying causes for such an epidemiological shift. This study explored activities and behaviors that increase the vulnerability of school-age children to transmission risk.
Methods: Twenty-four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in three districts of Rufiji, Kibiti and Kilwa in south-eastern Tanzania. Sixteen FGDs worked with school-age children (13 to 18 years) and eight FGDs with their parents.
Results: Routine domestic activities such as fetching water, washing kitchen utensils, cooking, recreational activities such as playing and watching television as well as studying were the reported activities that kept school-age children outdoors late into the evening and therefore, likely to predispose them to malaria infection. Likewise, the social and cultural events such as initiation ceremonies and livelihood activities also kept this age group outdoors from late evening to early night and sometimes past midnight hours. Parents migrating to farms from December to June, leaving behind school-age children unsupervised and the behavior of children sprawling legs and hands while sleeping were also mentioned as drivers increasing school-age children’s vulnerability to infectious mosquito bites.
Conclusion: The risky activities, behaviors, and social events mostly occurring outdoors increase school-age children's vulnerability to malaria infections. The evidence presented calls for the urgent need to integrate outdoor malaria vector control measures into the existing interventions to control infection before bedtime. That will speed up efforts toward having society free of malaria by 2030.
Catalytic Performances of VPO/SBA-15 Catalysts for Ammoxidation of Dichlorotoluenes
Authors: Zhao Dongmei , Tang Wanjun , You Qingliang , Li Tingcheng , Sun Lang , Xie Guangyong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Vanadium phosphorus oxide (VPO) was immobilized on SBA-15 via a facile impregnation process. The structure and VPO species on SBA-15 were characterized by XRD, TEM, BET, FTIR and XPS techniques. It was found the VPO/SBA-15 catalysts maintained the two-dimensional hexagonal structure of SBA-15, and the supported VPO species existed in a highly dispersed amorphous state. VPO/SBA-15 catalyst was tested for the ammoxidation of dichlorotoluenes (DCT) to corresponding dichlorobenzonitriles (DCN) in a lab-scale tube reactor. Compared with VPO/SiO2 (large-pore silica-supported VPO), VPO/SBA-15 exhibited appreciable enhancement in the catalytic performance due to the unique channel structure of SBA-15. The yield and selectivity toward 2,4-DCN increased by 7% and 6%, while toward the sterically hindered 2,6-DCN increased by 7% and 13%, respectively.