bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health Risk Assessment and Statistical modeling of Toxic Metals in Groundwater of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Khalid Iqra 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The Groundwater of Lahore is now in great concern due to heavy metal pollution. That's why; carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of the consumption of groundwater is currently needed. The objective of this research is to determine the heavy metals concentration in groundwater and to evaluate its potential health risks for the lifetime of exposure for residents using the USEPA model and probabilistic technique (Monte Carlo Simulation). The groundwater samples were collected from selected sampling sites of the study area and analyzed for physicochemical parameters, and heavy metals. Descriptive statistics showed that the mean concentration of Pb (0.77), Cr (1.828), and Ni (0.35) were higher than PEQS standards for drinking water while values of other parameters were within guidelines. The results of Descriptive statistics and Box Whisker plots showed most of the data showed an un-symmetrical distribution of the parameters. Pearson Correlation matrix showed that heavy metals correlate with physicochemical parameters. ANOVA results also supported the Pearson correlation matrix. The findings of PCA and CA identified the possible sources of pollution, i. e. Industrial discharges, landfill leachates, sewage effluent discharges, and leakage from sewers. EF was calculated with a reference metal i.e. Ca and the trend observed was Pb>Cr>Ni>Mg>As>Zn. Based on the total hazard quotient (HQing + HQder) the trend of heavy metals was found Cr>Pb>As>Ni>Zn for children, adult males, and adult females. The hazard index values (upto 79.12), (75.25), and (59.42) were calculated for children, adult males and, adult females respectively which showed high probability of non-carcinogenic risks. The hazard quotient (HQs) values for children (upto 57.89), for adult males (upto 55.18) and adult females (upto 45) were greater one (>1) for Cr, Pb, Ni and As, which indicates a significant non-cancer risk. Similarly, the cancer risk trend observed was of the order of Cr>Ni>As>Pb. While the cancer risk assessment has shown that 25 people could have carcinogenic effects of each 100 population. By Monte carlo simulation, the Cancer risk trend observed was Cr>Ni>As>Pb for all age groups. The total hazard quotient trend observed was Cr>Pb>As>Ni>Zn which suggested that Cr has high probability of health risks in this study area.
Plant Litter Diversity Disentangles Patterns of Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities: Evidence from Leaf Litter Decomposition in Citrus Orchards
Authors: quanchao zeng , Chen Zhe , Tan Wenfeng 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Purpose Plant litter is the main source of soil organic matter, regulating soil microbial community diversity and structure. However, the effects of plant litter traits on soil fungal and bacterial community diversity are still unknown in highly intensive citrus orchards, which represent a special ecosystem that combines the characteristics of farmlands (high input of chemical fertilizers) and natural forests (no tillage and perennial plants).
Methods A microcosm experiment was conducted to assess the effects of citrus leaves (C), alfalfa leaves (A), and the mixture of citrus and alfalfa leaves (CA) on soil bacterial and fungal diversity and community structure in citrus soils. High-throughput sequencing was used to investigate the varied patterns of soil microbial community during the leaf litter decomposition process.
Results Plant litter addition enhanced soil fungal diversity and increased bacterial diversity in the C and A treatments. Alfalfa litter significantly increased soil fungal diversity, but had no significant effect on bacterial diversity. Citrus leaves decreased soil bacterial diversity, and the mixture (CA) caused an increase in bacterial and fungal diversity when compared to the control (CK). Litter addition also significantly changed soil bacterial and fungal community structure, with changes in fungal community structure being more obvious than those in bacterial community structure. Litter addition mainly changed rare bacteria and fungi with lower relative abundance, while abundant bacteria and fungi showed no obvious changes in response to plant litter decomposition.
Conclusions This study highlights that soil microbial diversity is sensitive to plant litter diversity, and different litter traits result in different patterns of bacterial and fungal diversity and community structure in orchards. These results suggest that citrus-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have negative effects on bacterial diversity, and alfalfa leaves improve fungal diversity. The mixture of C and A plays positive roles in both bacterial and fungal diversity. Rare microbes show the most response to leaf litter decomposition, which might play important roles in maintaining soil fertility and health.
Dimensional synthesis of rack-and-pinion steering mechanism using a novel synthesis equation
Authors: Romero Neider , Vieira Rodrigo , Martins Daniel , Romero Anderson 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This article presents a method for the dimensional synthesis of the rack-and-pinion steering mechanism by optimization technique based on a novel synthesis equation. The proposed kinematic model allows obtaining a polynomial synthesis equation to formulate the objective function as a sum of squares. Then, the computation of the objective function derivatives is straightforward compared to existing formulations. Finally, the application of the proposed method is shown through a numerical example implemented in Matlab®.
Assessment of the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 in Rwanda: Findings from a country-wide community survey
Authors: Uwimana Annie , Mukamana Liberata , Ruranga Charles , Nzabanita Joseph , Mugeni Regine , Nishimwe Aurore , Mutezimana Elias , Twizeyimana Laurence , Bahati Odile , Akili Viviane , Ngabonziza Jean Claude Semuto , Musanabaganwa Clarisse , Rukundo Gilbert , Semakula Muhammed , Twagirumukiza Marc , Jansen Stefan , Masabo Emmanuel , Kabano Ignace , Rubagiza Jolly , Abdallah Jean Nepo Utumatwishima 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted socioeconomic situation worldwide, and particularly in Rwanda which was rebuilding its economy in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Recent studies documented the macro-level socio-economic pandemic impact but the impact on a household’s daily life has been scarcely documented especially in low-and-middle income countries. This work reports a country-wide longitudinal community survey and describes the interplay between multiple factors to assess the socio-economic impact of COVID-19 on the Rwandan population at micro-level (household). The survey was conducted in Rwanda between December 2021 and March 2022 and data used comprised a total of 26,412 response forms received from around 4400 participants surveyed in 6 recurrent bi-weekly phases. This study revealed that the income of 57.7% of respondents has decreased and 15.5% of respondents received support to overcome the consequences. The univariate analysis results indicate that the decrease in income is more seen for females than males. The other most affected group is of daily laborer or small business (77.1%), people living in urban area (63.7%), retired people (66.4%), and people with primary school education level (62.0%). The multivariable findings highlighted that vulnerable groups: income-poor households with low socio-economic categories and females living in rural regions are among the most impacted in terms of food security, electricity, water and transport. The findings from this research will be used by policy makers to design and implement preventive and responsive measures for future pandemics that should be multifactorial and tailored to transversal parameters like gender and residence.
Allyl isothiocyanate suppressed the proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro, in vivo, and in patient-derived tumor xenografts by downregulating the KDM8/CCNA1 axis
Authors: Hsieh Cheng-Chih , Yang Cheng-Yu , Tsao Chang-Huei , Lin Chih-Kung , Lin Chun-Shu , Ho Sien-Lin , Peng Bo , Lin Heng-Yi , Huang Hung-Chi , Chang Szu-Chien , Lin Gu-Jiun , Sytwu Huey-Kang , Chia Wei-Tso , Chen Yuan-Wu 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Previous studies have shown that many cruciferous vegetables have anticancer effects, which can be connected with the presence of allyl isothiocyanate (AITC). Histone demethylase KDM8 and cyclin A1 (CCNA1) were required for cell cycle G2/M progression. AITC could induce G2/M arrest of various types of human cancer cells. We aimed to validate KDM8 as a target of the antitumor effects of AITC in patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDTX) models of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
Methods: The expression of KDM8 was assessed through tissue microarray (TMA) immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay. The effects of AITC on the expression of KDM8 and cell proliferation were investigated in OSCC cell lines, in PDTX models, and SAS subcutaneous xenograft tumors.
Results: KDM8 was overexpressed in OSCC. AITC repressed the tumor growth of OSCC PDTX and SAS subcutaneous xenograft. Furthermore, AITC downregulated the expression of KDM8 and CCNA1 and induced histone H3K36me2 expression in oral cancer cells.
Conclusions: AITC exerts anticancer effects on oral cancer by inducing cell cycle arrest via inhibiting the KDM8-CCNA1 axis.
Association of Fitzpatrick Skin Type with Metastatic Risk from Uveal Melanoma in 854 Consecutive Patients at a Single Center
Authors: Negretti Guy , Bayasi Ferris , Goldstein Samuel , Omega Michelle , Taylor Olivia , Ni Roselind , Chiang Lawrence , Kim Rachel , Lien Eric , Barke Matthew , Dockery Philip , Shields Carol 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Objective: To assess the association of skin color using Fitzpatrick Skin Type (FST) with metastatic risk of uveal melanoma.
Subjects: 854 consecutive patients with uveal melanoma and documented FST
Methods: Retrospective detailed review of patient charts was performed for FST (type I- white, II-fair, III-average, IV-light brown, V-brown, VI-black), clinical details of the patient and the uveal melanoma, tumor cytogenetic classification according to The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and outcome of melanoma-related metastasis and death.
Results: The FST classification was type I (n=97 patients), type II (n=665), type III (n=79), type IV (n=11), type V (n=2), type VI (n=0). A comparison of patient FST (type I vs. II vs. III-V) revealed significant differences in mean age at presentation (64.1 vs. 58.5 vs. 49.8 years, p<0.001), race white (100% vs. 98% vs. 75%, p<0.001), presence of ocular melanocytosis (3% vs. 3% vs. 10%, p=0.01), visual acuity <20/200 at presentation (6% vs. 7% vs. 13%, p=0.03), genetic results showing TCGA group B tumors (11% vs. 14% vs. 26%, p=0.01) or TCGA group D tumors (22% vs. 11% vs. 9%, p=0.01), 10-year incidence of melanoma-related metastasis (25% vs. 15% vs. 14%, p=0.02) and 10-year incidence of melanoma-related death (9% vs. 3% vs. 4%, p=0.04). FST was a significant predictor of melanoma-related metastasis (p=0.02, Hazard ratio 2.3).
Conclusions: Fitzpatrick skin type may be a predictor of melanoma-related metastasis, with metastasis and TCGA Group D tumors being more common in patients with FST I.
Are clean energy technologies a panacea for environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan African countries?
Authors: Byaro Mwoya , Dimoso Provident , Rwezaula Anicet 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
This study examines the impact of clean energy technologies on environmental sustainability in 29 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries while controlling for income, industrialization and trade from 2002 to 2018. We used the generalized quantile regression,which controls variable endogeneity using lagged instruments. In addition, Bayesian panel regression was used for robustness checks. We used the load capacity factor (LCF) as a broad measure of environmental sustainability that captures both nature's supply and man's demand for the environment. The findings show that clean energy technologies (clean fuels and renewable energy), have positive and statistically significant effects on environmental sustainability for nearly all quantiles in SSA. The findings are still the same after verifying the robustness analysis, showing that the coefficients for clean fuels and renewable energy technologies in quantile regression are within the Bayesian probability credible intervals and all have positive impacts on ensuring environmental sustainability in SSA. Furthermore, the results show that economic growth (income) has asymmetric (both negative and positive) effects on environmental sustainability across different quantile, confirming the Load Capacity Curve (LCC) hypothesis in SSA while accounting for clean energy technologies in the model. The findings further indicate that industrialization and trade have heterogeneous impacts on environmental sustainability. Overall, our findings imply that clean energy technologies improve environmental sustainability in SSA. Our main recommendation to policymakers is that sub-Saharan Africa needs to reduce the cost of energy services (i.e., renewable energy and clean fuels for cooking) in order to achieve greater environmental sustainability.
Hospital survival of patients with pulmonary embolism in a country with limited resources case of the city of Kinshasa
Authors: Marc Tshilanda Balekelayi , MD  , Florence Mpembe , Tousaint Mujijo , Serge Kazadi , Chadrack Bosenedje , Roly Kokusa , Gédéon Dizolele , MD  , Erick Kamangu Ntambue 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Pulmonary embolism is a frequent cause of intra-hospital mortality. The survival of patients depends not only on the speed of diagnosis but also on the treatment initiated.
Objective: to evaluate the intra-hospital survival of patients with pulmonary embolism in the city of Kinshasa.
Methodology: analytical cross-sectional study based on non-probability convenience sampling carried out in the city of Kinshasa. The data encoded with the smartphone on the Kobocollect application and then recorded on the Kobocollect site were exported in Excel format and analyzed with SPSS software version 23. The comparison of the means was made using the Student test and that frequencies with the Yates Chi-square test. The association was assessed by calculating the odds ratio and survival presented according to Cox regression.
Results: Eighty-nine cases or 63 women and 26 men were analyzed, the average age was 64.4 ± 15.6 years. About 60% had an intermediate clinical probability according to the Geneva score modified with D-dimers at 5171.4 ± 478.7 ng/L. Individuals over 65 died more (ß=0.043 and p-Value of 0.01) the female gender multiplies the risk of death by 1.38 (DNS, p-Value=0.478). About 80% of patients were classified as PESI stage II or III. Starting Rivaroxaban from the outset does not show any difference with enoxaparin in terms of intra-hospital survival.
Conclusion: the use of Rivaroxaban from the outset has the same result as enoxaparin in terms of efficacy.
Text classification of UK smallholding communities through Twitter
Authors: Munaf Samuel , Swingler Kevin , Brülisauer Franz , O’Hare Anthony , Gunn George , Reeves Aaron 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Within the UK, livestock holdings are registered so that livestock can be traced, and animal diseases be controlled. These regulations are enforced irrespective of farm size, however, tend to be better followed on traditional farms, whereas holdings new to keeping livestock are less likely to be aware of their obligations. These smallholdings thereby may evade registration and are less likely to participate in national disease surveillance and ultimately complicate national animal disease control. Less information is known about small-scale livestock keepers, in particular those without a traditional farming background. Smallholders have been known to play a vital role in zoonotic disease outbreaks and more action needs to be taken to improve surveillance systems by incorporating this demographic into current intelligence. Literature indicates that parts of these communities often utilise social media as a means of communication and information sharing. Twitter followers from a prominent smallholder user in the UK were extracted and manually categorized as a smallholder or not, based on profile descriptions. Manual coding of just under 1,000 Twitter profiles was conducted to build a robust training dataset. Text classification algorithms were applied on this annotated data, and the resulting classification algorithms produced accuracies of over 80%. Results indicate that classification can prove to be a highly successful tool, if a sufficient training dataset is curated, and there is enough textual information within the user profiles on social media.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the outcomes of HIV-exposed neonates: a Zimbabwean tertiary hospital experience
Authors: Gannon Hannah , Chappell Elizabeth , Ford Deborah , Gibb Diana M , Chimwaza Anesu , Manika Ngoni , Wedderburn Catherine J , Nenguke Zivai Mupambireyi , Cowan Frances M , Gibb Tom , Phillips Andrew , Mushavi Angela , Fitzgerald Felicity , Heys Michelle , Chimhuya Simbarashe , Bwakura-Dangarembizi Mutsa 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has globally impacted health service access, delivery and resources. There are limited data regarding the impact on the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) service delivery in low-resource settings. Neotree (www.neotree.org) combines data collection, clinical decision support and education to improve care for neonates. Here we evaluate impacts of COVID-19 on care for HIV-exposed neonates.
Methods: Data on HIV-exposed neonates admitted to the neonatal unit (NNU) at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Zimbabwe, between 01/06/2019 and 31/12/2021 were analysed, with pandemic start defined as 21/03/2020 and periods of industrial action (doctors (September 2019-January 2020) and nurses (June 2020-September 2020)) included, resulting in modelling during six time periods: pre-doctors’ strike (baseline); doctors’ strike; post-doctors’ strike and pre-COVID; COVID and pre-nurses’ strike ; nurses’ strike; post nurses’ strike. Interrupted time series models were used to explore changes in indicators over time.
Results: Of 8,333 neonates admitted to the NNU, 904 (11%) were HIV-exposed. Mothers of 706/765 (92%) HIV-exposed neonates reported receipt of antiretroviral therapy (ART) during pregnancy. Compared to the baseline period when average admissions were 78 per week (95% confidence interval (CI) 70-87), significantly fewer neonates were admitted during all subsequent periods until after the nurses’ strike, with the lowest average number during the nurses’ strike (28, 95% CI 23-34, p<0.001). Across all time periods excluding the nurses strike, average mortality was 20% (95% CI 18-21), but rose to 34% (95% CI 25, 46) during the nurses’ strike. There was no evidence for heterogeneity (p>0.22) in numbers of admissions or mortality by HIV exposure status. Fewer HIV-exposed neonates received a PCR test during the pandemic (23%) compared to the pre-pandemic periods (40%) (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.41-0.84, p<0.001). The proportion of HIV-exposed neonates who received antiretroviral prophylaxis during admission was high throughout, averaging between 84% and 95% in each time-period.
Conclusion: While antiretroviral prophylaxis for HIV-exposed neonates remained high throughout, concerning data on low admissions and increased mortality, similar in HIV-exposed and unexposed neonates, and reduced HIV testing, suggest some aspects of care may have been compromised due to indirect effects of the pandemic.
The association between volume of the gallbladder based on sonographic findings and demographical data in patients referred to Guilan cohort center, Iran
Authors: Joukar Farahnaz , Ashoobi Mohammad Taghi , Tabatabaii Mohammadjavad , Zeinali Tahereh , Faraji Niloofar , Ghorani Najmeh , Mansour-Ghanaei Roya , Naghipour Mohammadreza , Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Background: Determining the change in the size, structure and volume of the gallbladder by Ultrasound as a diagnostic method is clinically important due to possibility of stone formation in certain diseases and physiological conditions, especially in susceptible people who have a large gallbladder volume. Therefore, this study was carried out by examining the volume of the gallbladder with ultrasound and its association with patients’ demographic data in the Guilan cohort population.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study total number of 950 patients aged 35-60 years participated to determine the volume of the gallbladder by a radiologist based on the ultrasound method. Demographic data were collected by questioner according to the ultrasound was performed after fasting for at least 12 hours.
Results: The results showed that there was a statistically significant association between marriage and gender with the presence or absence of lesions in the studied patients (P<0.05). Also, there was a statistically significant relationship between BMI, sex, marriage, smoking, and alcohol consumption with the average volume of the gallbladder in the studied patients (P<0.05). There was no significant association between the presence or absence of a lesion and the average volume of the gallbladder in the patients (P>0.05).
Conclusion: According to our results, the volume of the gallbladder is greater in obese men than in women. Also, the volume of the gallbladder increases with age, alcohol consumption, and smoking.
A platform to reproducibly evaluate human colon permeability and damage
Authors: Marr Elizabeth E. , Mulhern Thomas J , Welch Michaela , Keegan Philip , Caballero-Franco Celia , Johnson Bryce G. , Kasaian Marion , Azizgolshani Hesham , Petrie Timothy , Charest Joseph , Wiellette Elizabeth 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The intestinal epithelium comprises diverse cell types and executes many specialized functions as the primary interface between luminal contents and internal organs. A key function provided by the epithelium is maintenance of a barrier that protects the individual from pathogens, irritating luminal contents, and the microbiota. Disruption of this barrier can lead to inflammatory disease within the intestinal mucosa, and, in more severe cases, to sepsis. Animal models to study intestinal permeability are costly and not entirely predictive of human biology. Here we present a model of human colon barrier function that integrates primary human colon stem cells into Draper’s PREDICT96 microfluidic organ-on-chip platform to yield a high-throughput system appropriate to predict damage and healing of the human colon epithelial barrier. We have demonstrated pharmacologically induced barrier damage measured by both a high throughput molecular permeability assay and transepithelial resistance. Using these assays, we developed an Inflammatory Bowel Disease-relevant model through cytokine induced damage that can support studies of disease mechanisms and putative therapeutics.