bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Private Wing Policy Formulation Process, Its Effective Implementation and Associated Factors among Health Workforces in Public Hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Convergent Study Design
Authors: Dessie Esteziyaw , Getinet Tewdros 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background: The private wing health policy implementation has unintended policy effects like increasing medication error, absence of medical doctors in working hours, the presence of policy support to unfair revenue share among health workforces and inconsistent revenue-generating for the public ward. However, nothing is known about the policy formulation process and its effective implementation and associated factors. The purpose of this study was to describe the policy formulation process and estimate its effective implementation and associated factors among health workforces in public hospitals of Addis Ababa City Administration, Ethiopia.
Methods: Convergent study design was used from June 18/2020 –Aug 8, 2020 among randomly selected 436 health workforces and purposively selected 6 Health Workforces who were Policymakers in Public Hospitals.
Data were entered onto Epi Data software version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. Data were cleaned by running simple frequency. Simple and multiple binary logistic regression analysis were done to identify associated factors with the outcome variable. Odds ratio along with 95% Confidence interval (CI) were estimated to measure the strength of the association. Then, thematic analysis was done based on codes conceptual relationship using Atlas Ti 8 Software for qualitative part.
Results: Among 436 Health Workforces 409 were participated with a response rate of 93.8%. The overall effective policy implementation was 42.41%. In multiple binary logistic regression analysis, lack of effective coordination among various units (AOR=.293; 95% CI (.170, .505) was significantly associated with effective policy implementation. There were no any other alternative policy options seen during policy formulation by the actors involved. The formulation process was affected by actors involved and the context in which the policy was formulated.
Conclusion: The overall implementation of the private wing policy is not effective and the policy formulation process doesn’t pass-through necessary policy formulation processes. That is why the unnecessary policy effects will remain challenging to the Government. Therefore, the coordination among various units which were designed to implement the private wing health policy should be strengthened, and also policymakers should follow sound policy formulation process.
The potential of ultra short echo time MRI in lung: diagnostic accuracy and image quality evaluation
Authors: Wang Funan , Zhu Liuhong , Lin Chong , Li Xiaoxia , huang Guoqiang 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy in the detection of pulmonary nodules and image quality of UTE-MRI imaging using ultra short echo time MRI (UTE-MRI).
Methods
A total of 48 patients in our hospital were collected and underwent CT unenhance scan and UTE-MRI scan. The image quality and number of nodules detected by CT were taken as the gold standard. Three diagnostic radiologists independently recorded the image quality (such as visibility and sharpness of normal anatomical structures) of CT and UTE and the number of pulmonary nodules detected. The diagnostic accuracy, subjective image quality and consistency between observations were statistically analyzed.
Results
Among 46 patients, 36 patients (78.2%) had pulmonary nodules on CT image, while 10 patients (21.7%) had no pulmonary nodules. A total of 48 lung nodules were detected, of which 3 were ground glass nodules. On UTE-MRI, a total of 46 lung nodules were detected. Compared with CT, the sensitivity of all MRI readers to detect lung lesions was 95.8%, and the three-observer agreement was nearly perfect (p < 0.001, Kendall Wa (Kender’s Harmonious Coefficientt) = 0.913). The overall image quality score of the observers was high, ranging from good to excellent, and the consistency of UTE-MRI subjective image quality was good: Kendall Wa =0.877, P < 0.001, strong consistency; For tracheal display, the subsegment of bronchus could be displayed, and the wall of the tube was clearly displayed. The Wa value between observers was 0.804,P < 0.001, strong consistency. As for the display of blood vessels, subsegment blood vessels can also be displayed, with clear wall and uniform signal, Kendal Wa =0.823, P < 0.001, strong consistency.
Conclusion
Compared with CT, UTE-MRI can detect pulmonary nodules with a high detection rate, and the image quality is relatively good, and the consistency between observers is strong. The application of UTE-MRI may provide an alternative imaging method for the detection or follow-up of pulmonary nodules and the diagnosis of pneumonia under the condition of reducing ionizing radiation.
The Chloroplast Envelope of Angiosperms Contains a Peptidoglycan Layer
Authors: Tran Xuan , Keskin Erva , Winkler Paul , Braun Marvin , Kolukisaoglu Üner 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Plastids in plants are assumed to have evolved from cyanobacteria as they have maintained several bacterial features. Recently, peptidoglycans, as bacterial cell wall components, have been shown in the envelopes of moss chloroplasts. Phylogenomic comparisons of bacterial and plant genomes have raised the question of whether such structures are also part of chloroplasts in angiosperms. To address this question, we visualized canonical amino acids of peptidoglycan around chloroplasts of Arabidopsis and Nicotiana via click chemistry and fluorescence microscopy. Additional detection by different peptidoglycan-binding proteins from bacteria and animals supported this observation. Further Arabidopsis experiments with D-cycloserine and AtMurE knock-out lines, both affecting putative peptidoglycan biosynthesis, revealed a central role of this pathway in plastid genesis and division. Taken together, these results indicate that peptidoglycans are integral parts of plastids in the whole plant lineage. Elucidating their biosynthesis and further roles in the function of these organelles is yet to be achieved.
Safety evaluation of natural products and insecticides to Encarsia formosa Gahan, an endoparasitoid of Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood
Authors: Deeksha  , Sood A.K. , Ghongade Dilip 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Encarsia formosa Gahan (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is one of the most efficacious natural enemies used as biological control against Trialeurodes vaporariorum Westwood. Insecticides have a negative impact on non-target species such as natural enemies. Therefore, present studies were conducted to evaluate cattle bye-products based natural products namely, Agniastra, Darekastra, fermented butter milk, Tamralassi and vermiwash at 10%, biopesticide (azadirachtin @ 0.00045%) and chemical insecticides, spiromesifen (0.02%) and imidacloprid (0.005%) for the safety to adults of E. formosa. Dry film method of bioassay was deployed under laboratory conditions. Results revealed that Agniastra, Darekastra, fermented butter milk, Tamralassi, vermiwash and azadirachtin resulted in 23.15, 13.66, 17.36, 15.74, 15.74 and 30.22% adult mortality, respectively being harmless, whereas, spiromesifen and imidacloprid resulted in 53.27 and 58.83% mortality, respectively being slightly harmful to E. formosa.
Ethnic inequalities in incidence, nature, determinants, and duration of long COVID among hospitalised adults in the Netherlands: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chilunga Felix , Appelman Brent , Vugt Michele van , Kalverda Kirsten , Smeele Patrick , ES Josien Van , Wiersinga W Joost , Rostila Mikael , Prins Maria , Stronks Karien , Norredam Marie , Agyemang Charles 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
In-depth data on long-term health effects of COVID-19 across ethnic groups are lacking. We investigated incidence, nature, determinants, and duration of long COVID across ethnic groups admitted for COVID-19 (Dutch, Turkish, Moroccan, African Surinamese, Asian Surinamese, Others) in the Netherlands.
Methods
We used COVID-19 admissions and follow up data (January 2021- July 2022) from Amsterdam University Medical Centers. We calculated incidence proportions of long COVID according to NICE guidelines by ethnic group (at twelve weeks post-discharge) and assessed its determinants in the total population via backward stepwise Poisson regressions. We then examined associations between ethnicity and long COVID using Poisson regression models and adjusted for derived determinants. We also assessed persistence (proportions) of long COVID symptoms at one-year post-discharge.
Results
1886 participants were included. Long COVID incidence proportion was 26%, 95% CI 24–28%. Age and sex adjusted long COVID incidence proportions were highest in Surinamese, Turkish and Moroccan origin populations. Symptoms such as dizziness, joint and muscle pain, palpitations, insomnia, and headache varied by ethnicity. Determinants of long COVID were female sex, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, receiving oxygen, or corticosteroid therapy during admission. African Surinamese (IRR = 1.47, 95% CI:1.15–1.89), South-Asian Surinamese (IRR = 1.59, 1.11–2.26), Moroccan (IRR = 1.39, 1.05–1.83) and Turkish (IRR = 1.56, 1.12–2.18) had a higher risk of long COVID than Dutch origin after adjustments for sex, admission to intensive care unit ICU, and receiving oxygen and corticosteroid therapy during admission. Only 14% of any long COVID symptoms resolved by one-year post-discharge mainly among the South Asian Surinamese origin participants.
Conclusion
Our findings show that one fourth of participants report ongoing symptoms 12 weeks after a COVID-19 admission, with Surinamese, Moroccan and Turkish origin participants having higher long COVID risk than Dutch origin participants. Long COVID risk in the total population is related to female sex, ICU admission, and receiving oxygen and steroid therapies during hospitalisation. Majority of long COVID symptoms disappear within a year of hospital discharge. There is an urgent need for preventive and treatment efforts that consider ethnic inequalities in long COVID among hospitalised individuals.
A Digital Twin of the Infant Microbiome to Predict Neurodevelopmental Deficits
Authors: Chattopadhyay Ishanu , Sizemore Nicholas , Oliphant Kaitlyn , Martin Camilia , Claud Erika 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Growing evidence that dysbiosis in the infant microbiome can lead to impaired cognitive development suggests a promising target for interventions. However, the precise mechanisms of microbial influence on neurodevelopment, to inform effective clinical interventions, remain unclear. The complexity of the gut ecosystem, with thousands of cross-talking microbial colonizers, together with sparsely observed abundance profiles, has limited progress. Here we introduce a computational framework to learn an approximate “digital twin” of the maturing infant microbiome, that once learned, can reliably forecast detailed ecosystem trajectories unfolding over weeks from few initial observations. This generative model (Q-net), inferred at the level of taxonomic classes of microbes automatically
from standard 16S rRNA profiles, is used to uncover actionable patterns driving developmental fate in early life. We infer the Q-net from longitudinal fecal samples of preterm infants (n = 88, with 398 fecal samples and 32,942 abundance estimates for observed 91 microbial classes) from distinct cohorts recruited in two sites (2-5 samples per subject collected weekly), and is validated to forecast temporal dynamics of key bacterial classes in outof-sample subjects (Rsquared=0.64) over weeks from <= 2 initial observations. Additionally, by contrasting the digital twins inferred separately for typical and suboptimally developing sub-cohorts, we suggest a general approach to estimate the risk (A-delta) of future anomalous deviation of microbiome maturation trajectory for individual patients. We show that the A-delta risk predicts eventual developmental deficit in individuals within the first 2-4 weeks of life, demonstrated by carrying out out-of-sample classification of preterm infants into categories of typical vs sub-optimal head circumference growth (a proxy for cognitive development) with AUC ~76% (positive predictive value 95% +/- 1.8% at 98% specificity) at 30 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Finally, we investigate the role of specific microbial classes and their abundances over time, delivery mode and infant diet in atypical microbiome trajectories. Stepping beyond correlative association and diversity estimates, our digital twins reveal deep n-way interactions of bacterial classes from sparse observational data, and may open the door to patient-specific precision interventions.
Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty after failed penetrating keratoplasty – Case series and review of the literature
Authors: Wykrota Agata Anna , Hamon Loïc , Daas Loay , Seitz Berthold 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aims to evaluate visual outcome, central corneal thickness, and re-bubbling rate in a cohort with undersized secondary Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) due to endothelial graft decompensation following primary penetrating keratoplasty (PK).
Methods
All patients who received a secondary DMEK (n = 16) or triple DMEK (n = 2) after failed primary PK between November 2020 and June 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. Analyzed parameters were corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), re-bubbling rate and graft survival.
Results
18 eyes of 18 patients were included. All patients underwent a DMEK with undersized graft after failed PK(s). Mean time between the last PK and DMEK was 102 ± 82 weeks. CDVA increased significantly from 1.12 ± 0.60 logMAR preoperatively to 0.64 ± 0.49 logMAR 6 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.013). Mean CCT decreased significantly from 807 ± 224 µm before to 573 ± 151 µm 6 weeks after DMEK (p = 0.003). Re-bubbling was necessary in eight eyes (44.4%) after a median time of 7 days. The 12-month Kaplan Meier survival was 66.7%.
Conclusion
In case of endothelial graft decompensation without stromal scars after primary PK, a (triple) DMEK can be performed for patients who had satisfying CDVA before the endothelial decompensation. Prior to DMEK indication, an AS-OCT should be routinely performed to circularly search for posterior steps at the PK graft margin, as well as shortly after DMEK to exclude a detachment of the endothelial graft. All patients should be informed about a higher re-bubbling rate in comparison to primary DMEK.
In-situ observations in 30–40 km using radiosondes with large rubber balloons around western Pacific during YMC-BSM 2021
Authors: Kinoshita Takenari , Ogino Shin-Ya , Suzuki Junko , Shirooka Ryuichi 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
To observe small-scale wave activity, such as gravity waves, in the middle and upper stratosphere around the western Pacific, radiosonde observations with large rubber balloons were conducted on board the research vessel (R/V) Mirai from June to July 2021. This report describes the initial results of radiosonde observations, based on experimental observations, which have enabled us to obtain a large number of wind velocity and temperature data with high vertical resolution in the 30–40-km altitude range. The comparison results between reanalysis data and radiosonde observation data for wind velocity, and between Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC)-2 GNSS-RO data and radiosonde observation data for temperature are also reported to demonstrate that capturing the small vertical-scale waves that drive the middle atmospheric general circulation can be useful in revealing the structure of the middle atmospheric general circulation.
Dynamics of the proton exchange process in benzoic acid, interacting with the substrate of lithium niobate crystal
Authors: Demin Vitaly , Petukhov Maxim , Ponomarev Roman 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This paper is devoted to numerical analysis of the behavior of ion boundary layer, forming in the process of proton exchange during the interaction of the benzoic acid melt and lithium niobate wafer. This interaction leads to the dissociation of acid molecules and absorption of released protons by the crystal with following injection of benzoate-ions and lithium ions back into the acid. Mathematical model, offered in the article, implies that it is possible to use continuous media approximation to describe this phenomenon. Statement of current problem includes diffusion and electrostatic mechanisms of mass transfer. In addition, the ions recombination is taken into account in our description. Numerical scheme, based on the two-field finite differences method, shows formation of the steady state, which is characterized by exponential-like profiles of concentration and appearance of induced nonuniform electric field. It is important to note, that full charge of the system remains be equal to zero. Results of numerical simulation demonstrate the formation of boundary layer for benzoate-ion. At the same time, nonuniformities, appearing in the layer, don’t induce instabilities, breaking mechanical equilibrium, and don’t lead to high scale concentration convection.
Establishment of Reference Intervals for the routine Liver function tests in the adult population of Gandaki province, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Asmita , Pokharel Daya Ram , Dhakal Ganesh 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background:

International Federation for Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) guidelines recommend every laboratory establish its own reference intervals (RIs) to promote precision medicine. However, Nepalese diagnostic laboratories rarely establish RIs for routine biochemical test parameters and use them while reporting the test results. Thus, there is a dearth of population and method-specific RIs of several biochemical parameters in Nepal. This study thus aimed to establish dry chemistry-based RIs of routine LFTs for the adult population of Gandaki Province, Nepal.

Materials and Methods:

This was a priori method for the establishment of RIs which enrolled a cohort of 272 healthy adults from the Gandaki Province of Nepal to establish RIs of LFTs as per the recommendation of IFCC guidelines. The RIs were estimated using non-parametric statistical tools and presented as RI based on the percentile method. Our established RIs were compared to those supplied by reagent kit manufacturers by comparing calculated out-of-range (OOR) values.

Results:

Total and sex-specific reference intervals were established for the routine liver function test parameters. For general population established RIs include: Total protein 68.0-69.0g/L; Albumin 39.0-52.0g/L; Globulin 27.0-42.0g/L; A/G ratio 1.1-1.8; total bilirubin 5.13-25.65𝝁mol/L; Unconjugated bilirubin 1.71- 17.10 𝝁mol/L; Conjugated bilirubin 0.00-10.26 𝝁mol/L; AST 20.0-43.2U/L; ALT 11.0-53.0 U/L; AST/ALT ratio 0.7-2.1; ALP 42.0-135.4U/L. The overall 95% RI s for these parameters showed significant sex differences (p < 0.05) for Albumin, Globulin, A/G ratio, AST, ALT and AST/ALT ratio. The RIs established for LFT parameters were found to vary significantly according to the age and sex of the study subjects. Moreover, established RIs in this study also differed from the currently adopted external RIs while observing out-of-range results.

Conclusion:

The present study for the first time established the dry chemistry-based RIs of routine LFTs for the adult population of Gandaki Province of Nepal. This RIs were different from the currently adopted external RIs supplied by manufacturers. Hence the diagnostic lab from Gandaki province is recommended to follow this RI while reporting the results of routine liver function tests.
A comprehensive analysis of the significance of immunogenic cell death-related genes in the prognosis and immune microenvironment of patients with bladder cancer
Authors: Meng Wei , Chen Bo , Jiang Zhaosheng , Cai Bo , Ma Limin , Guan Yangbo 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
BLCA is the second most common urogenital malignancy. In recent years, although the use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy has been thoroughly studied, the prognosis of metastatic BLCA is still poor. In order to improve the survival of BLCA patients and the accuracy of their response to individualized therapy, we need to further explore more novel BLCA biomarkers.Immunogenic cell death (ICD), a unique form of regulatory cell death, not only plays an important role in the immune process, but also activates the adaptation of immunocompetent hosts through the release of damage-related molecular patterns (DAMPs) and cytokine immunity, thereby establishing long-term immune memory. To some extent, this can affect the process of eradicating pathogens and balancing anti-tumor immunity against tumor immunity cycle.Currently, studies on the role of Immunogenic cell death (ICD) related genes in survival prognosis and immune processes in many tumors have been carried out. Unfortunately, this is not yet explored in BLCA.
Methods
We performed the analysis using BLCA samples involved in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Two subtypes associated with ICD were identified by consensus clustering, and the correlation between the two subtypes and survival and immunity in BLCA patients was investigated. In addition, we established and validated an ICD-related prognostic model and investigated the correlation between this model and prognosis, immunoinfiltration, immune cells, and immunotherapy response in BLCA patients.
Results
The results suggest that high ICD subtypes are associated with poor clinical outcomes, abundant immune cell infiltration, and high immune response signal activity. Our ICD-related prognostic model can predict the survival of BLCA patients and is associated with immunoinfiltration and tumor immune cells.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we established a new BLCA stratification system based on ICD-related genes. This stratification has important guiding significance for evaluating the prognosis of BLCA patients and the effect of immunotherapy.