bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pooling Sputum Samples for the Xpert MTB/RIF Assay: a Practical Screening Strategy for Highly Infectious Tuberculosis Cases
Authors: Zeng Jianfeng , Huang Huan , Liu Xuhui , Huang Zhen , Liu Weijian , Liu Houming , Lu Shuihua 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The Xpert MTB/RIF test (Xpert) can help in the accurate screening of tuberculosis, however, its widespread use is limited by its high cost and lack of accessibility. Pooling of sputum samples for testing is a strategy to cut expenses and enhance population coverage but may result in a decrease in detection sensitivity due to the dilution of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) by sample mixing. We investigated how the mixing ratio affected the detection performance of Xpert. We used frozen sputum samples that had been kept after individual Xpert assays of the sputa from Mtb-confirmed TB patients and non-TB patients. Our results showed that the overall sensitivity of the Xpert pooling assay remained higher than 80% when the mixing ratio was between 1/2 and 1/8. When the mixing ratio was raised to 1/16, the positive detection rate fell to 69.0%. For patients with either a high sputum Mtb smear score ≥ 2+, a time-to-positive culture ≤ 10 days, or an Xpert test indicating a high or medium abundance of bacteria, the pooling assay positivity rates were 93.3%, 96.8%, and 100% respectively, even at a 1/16 mixing ratio. For participants with cavities and cough, the pooling assay positivity rates were 86.2% and 90.0% at a 1/8 ratio, higher than for those without these signs. Our results show that the Xpert pooled assay has a high overall sensitivity, especially for highly infectious patients. This pooling strategy with lower reagent and labor costs could support TB screening in communities with limited resources, thereby facilitating reductions in the community transmission and incidence of TB worldwide.
Differences in sex hormones and brain morphology between females with offspring and nulliparous
Authors: Huo Huiyan , Yu Chunyan , Sun Qiyuan , Li Mifang , Zhang Chuanmeng , Zhang Lingyan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aims to investigate differences in sex hormone levels and brain morphology among women with offspring and nulliparous to explore the changes that the reproduction induces.
Methods
A total of 66 females of reproductive age range 20–40 years were enrolled, including 35 offspring women, and 31 nulliparous. Participants’ sex hormone levels were assessed. T1 structural images were obtained using a 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner, and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was implemented to investigate gray matter changes between the two groups and extract brain volume including gray matter volume (GMV), white matter volume (WMV), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Results
Analysis of sex hormones revealed no significant differences in E2 (z = − 0.28,p = 0.782), LH (z = − 0.62,p = 0.537), and P (z = − 1.34,p = 0.181), whereas significant differences were found in FSH (z = 3.86,p < 0.001), T (z = − 3.92,p < 0.001), and PRL (z = − 3.27, p = 0.018). Differences in brain volumes, including GMV (t = − 3.53,p = 0.001), CSF (t = − 2.39,p = 0.020), were observed. VBM analysis showed that compared with nulliparous women, those with offspring exhibited decreased cortical areas in the left superior frontal gyrus and right putamen, but no increased cortical areas were found.
Conclusion
Females of reproductive age in the 20–40 years group, compared with nulliparous female, sex hormones of female with offspring changed, and the volume of the cerebral cortex decreased, which indicated that females were developing in the direction of functional decline. Further research should explore the mechanism underlying these discrepancies, and their potential consequences for female health.
Accuracy of Computer Vision-Based Pose Estimation Algorithms in Predicting Joint Kinematics During Gait
Authors: Hulleck Abdul Aziz , Mohseni Mahdi , Hantash Mohd Khalil Abu , Katmah Rateb , Almadani Murad , Arjmand Navid , Khalaf Kinda , Rich Marwan El 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Accurate and user-friendly joint kinematic measurement is essential in clinical gait assessment. Pose estimation algorithms offer an alternative to cumbersome marker-based motion capture, whether optical or IMU-based. This study assesses AlphaPose and BlazePose pose estimation tools efficacy in determining gait joint kinematics against Vicon motion capture. Ten healthy male participants walked at varied speeds, with concurrent measurements via thirty-nine reflective skin markers and a GoPro RGB camera in sagittal plane. Pose estimation tools processed videos, and trigonometric calculations derived joint angles. BlazePose demonstrated lower root mean square error (RMSE) values than Vicon, with a maximum of 14.2° in the left knee during slow gait. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed significant joint measurement differences, worsening with speed. Both AlphaPose and BlazePose differ in performance compared to Vicon. AlphaPose generally yielded higher ranges of motion (RoM) and larger RMSE values, while BlazePose exhibited elevated normalized RMSE values. With further improvements to BlazePose algorithm, clinicians will be empowered to conduct real-time pre- and post-intervention gait assessments effortlessly using standard cameras.
New Insights into the Intensification of Cyclones over Arabian Sea-A Case Study on Biparjoy
Authors: K maneesha 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
In recent decades, there has been notable variability in the occurrence, frequency, and intensification of cyclones worldwide, and a significant trend has emerged in the northern Indian Ocean, notably the Arabian Sea. The recent cyclone, Biparjoy, stands out as a significant event among these occurrences. Through an extensive analysis utilizing available datasets (both in-situ and model-based) along the vertical trajectory of cyclone paths, it has been ascertained that the intensity of cyclones is influenced by the advection of warm saline (referred to as "Spicy") water originating north of the cyclone's track. This influx of high-saline waters occurs at various depths, inducing alterations in the vertical water column configuration. Notably, the diffusion of heat overtakes that of salt, resulting in the gradual dispersion of the saline water. These high salinity levels are prevalent at depths ranging from 0 to 300 meters, with a pronounced concentration up to 100 meters below the surface. The presence of these warm saline waters overlying the colder, fresher waters gives rise to a phenomenon known as "salt fingering" (45o < Tu < 90o), which establishes a stable surface layer predominantly controlled by temperature gradients. This stable surface layer, extending up to approximately 50 meters in depth holding a substantial heat, fostering a positive feedback loop that amplifies cyclone intensity. As the spiciness of the Arabian Sea experiences an ascending trend in recent years, the continued extension of saline water advection bears intense implications for upper ocean heat content. This, in turn, creates a favorable environment for the formation and rapid intensification of cyclones.
Reversible tongue atrophy in a patient with acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive myasthenia gravis
Authors: Wang Aihua , Zhang Wenbo , Yang Yang , Si Zhihua , Liu Ying , Xu Huifan , Wang Dawei , Wang Yi , Xu Juanjuan , Kan Wenjing , Liu Rutao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Tongue atrophy is an uncommon symptom of myasthenia gravis (MG), especially rare in acetylcholine receptor antibody-positive patients (AchR-MG). Little information could be acquired about its prognosis.
Case presentation:
Here, we report a case of pronounced tongue atrophy in a 53-year-old AchR-MG man who has been misdiagnosed as myopathy for seven years. After treating with oral corticosteroid and pyridostigmine bromide for 3 months, the tongue volume and the electrophysiological changes restored quickly.
Conclusion
Our case shows a good prognosis of the tongue atrophy in AchR-MG following correct and timely diagnosis.
Agent-based modeling of the prostate tumor microenvironment uncovers spatial tumor growth constraints and immunomodulatory properties
Authors: Eduati Federica , Genderen Maisa van , Kneppers Jeroen , Zaalberg Anniek , Bekers Elise , Bergman Andries , Zwart Wilbert 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Inhibiting androgen receptor (AR) signaling through androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) reduces prostate cancer (PCa) growth in virtually all patients, but response is temporary, and resistance inevitably develops, ultimately leading to lethal castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the development and progression of PCa. In addition to tumor cells, TME-resident macrophages and fibroblasts express AR and are therefore also affected by ADT. However, the interplay of different TME cell types in the development of CRPC remains largely unexplored.
To understand the complex stochastic nature of cell-cell interactions, we created a PCa-specific agent-based model (PCABM) based on in vitro cell proliferation data. PCa cells, fibroblasts, “pro-inflammatory” M1-like and “pro-tumor” M2-like polarized macrophages are modeled as agents from a simple set of validated base assumptions. PCABM allows us to simulate the effect of ADT on the interplay between various prostate TME cell types. The resulting in vitro growth patterns mimic human PCa.
Our PCABM can effectively model hormonal perturbations by ADT, in which PCABM suggests that CRPC arises in clusters of resistant cells, as is observed in multifocal PCa. In addition, fibroblasts compete for cellular space in the TME while simultaneously creating niches for tumor cells to proliferate in. Finally, PCABM predicts that ADT has immunomodulatory effects on macrophages that may enhance tumor survival. Taken together, these results suggest that AR plays a critical role in the cellular interplay and stochastic interactions in the TME that influence tumor cell behavior and CRPC development.
Changes in microbial composition and interaction patterns of female urogenital tract and rectum in response to HPV infection
Authors: Dong Yong-Hong , Luo Yu-Hua , Liu Chen-Jian , Huang Wen-Yu , Feng Lin , Zou Xing-Yuan , Zhou Jin-Yan , Li Xiao-Ran W 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Previous studies have shown that changes in the microbial community of the female urogenital tract are associated with Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, research on this association was mostly focused on a single site, and there are currently few joint studies on HPV infection and multiple sites in the female urogenital tract.
Methods
We selected 102 healthy women from Yunnan Province as the research object, collected cervical exfoliation fluid, vaginal, urethral, and rectal swabs for microbial community analysis, and measured bacterial load, and related cytokine content. The link between HPV, microbiota, and inflammation was comprehensively evaluated using bioinformatics methods.
Findings:
The impact of HPV infection on the microbial composition of different parts varies. We have identified several signature bacterial genera that respond to HPV infection in several detection sites, such as Corynebacterium, Lactobacillus, Campylobacter, and Cutibacterium have been detected in multiple sites, reflecting their potential significance in cross body HPV infection responses. There was a solid microbial interaction network between the cervix, vagina, and urethra. The interrelationships between inflammatory factors and different bacterial genera might also affect the immune system's response to HPV infection.
Interpretation:
It might be an effective strategy to prevent and treat HPV infection by simultaneously understanding the correlation between the microbial changes in multiple parts of the female genitourinary tract and rectum and HPV infection, and controlling the microbial network related to HPV infection in different parts.
The effect of ellagic acid on sex hormones and miRNA-21 expression in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Khoshvaghti Ameneh , Rahbari Raha 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder affecting reproductive-age women, characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. The syndrome's multifactorial etiology involves genetic, hormonal, metabolic, and environmental factors. PCOS also extends its impact to metabolic abnormalities, such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Addressing PCOS requires a comprehensive approach due to its diverse effects.
Results: A study investigated the potential effects of ellagic acid, a natural polyphenol found in fruits and vegetables, on PCOS. Using a mouse model, the study examined hormonal profiles, ovarian morphology, and miRNA-21 expression. PCOS mice exhibited elevated LH levels, reduced numbers of primordial and graafian follicles, and altered miRNA-21 expression compared to control mice. Ellagic acid treatment showed reduced LH levels and restoration of follicular development, particularly primordial and graafian follicles, along with modulation of miRNA-21 expression. Moreover, ellagic acid exhibited positive effects on ovarian morphology, including decreased theca layer thickness, increased oocyte diameter, and improvements in antral and preovulatory follicles. This suggests ellagic acid's potential in addressing follicular development and oocyte quality in PCOS.
Conclusions: The study underscores the therapeutic potential of ellagic acid in ameliorating PCOS-related abnormalities. Ellagic acid treatment improved hormonal profiles, restored follicular development, and influenced miRNA-21 expression. These findings suggest ellagic acid as a potential complementary approach in PCOS management. While the study is promising, further research, including clinical trials, is required to elucidate ellagic acid's mechanisms and clinical efficacy in human PCOS subjects.
Reasonable Vertical Position of the Advanced Center Drift in Super Deep-buried Soft-rock Tunnel
Authors: Wang Fengxi 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In super deep-buried soft-rock tunnels, significant deformation disasters often accompany high-ground stress. Advanced center drift stress release technology to release some in-situ stress in advanced can effectively solve many problems caused by large deformation. Therefore, based on the Haba Snow Mountain Tunnel in the Lijiang Section of the Yunnan-Tibet Railway, the research on the vertical reasonable position of the advanced center drift is carried out. Using literature research, numerical simulation, and on-site experiments, the deformation of surrounding rock, the stress distribution of support, and the distribution of plastic zone of surrounding rock at different vertical positions of the advanced center drift are studied. The application effect of the advanced center drift is analyzed through on-site monitoring data. The results show that different vertical positions of the advanced center drift have a particular stress-release effect. When the arch top of the advanced center drift is 2 m away from the main tunnel arch top, the stress release effect and support stress are relatively ideal, and the on-site measured tunnel deformation can reduce by an average of 44.52%. The research results can provide reference for the design of advanced center drift in similar projects.
The hepatic transcriptome is differentially regulated by a standardized meal in healthy individuals compared to patients with fatty liver disease
Authors: Grandt Josephine , Johansen Christian D. , Jensen Anne-Sofie H. , Werge Mikkel P. , Rashu Elias B. , Møller Andreas , Junker Anders E. , Hobolth Lise , Mortensen Christian , Vyberg Mogens , Serizawa Reza Rafiolsadat , Møller Søren , Gluud Lise Lotte , Albrechtsen Nicolai J. Wewer 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The human liver is dynamic organ with minute to hourly adaptions in response to feeding. Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis have altered transcriptomic features compared to controls but how and if food intake affects such is unknown in humans. Our aim was to investigate the hepatic transcriptome at both fasting and postprandial states in patients with NAFLD, cirrhosis, and healthy controls and secondly to develop a browsable resource enabling easy and unrestricted access to such data. We obtained liver tissue by transjugular liver biopsies from patients with NAFLD (n = 9, mean age 49 (16 SD) y, BMI 35 (5) kg/m2), cirrhosis (n = 9, age 61 (11) y, BMI 32 (5) kg/m2) and healthy controls (n = 10, age 25 (3) y, BMI 23 (3) kg/m2). The hepatic transcriptome was sequenced using NGS and evaluated in bioinformatic analyses to assess differentially expressed genes (DEG) and gene ontology biological processes (GOBP). We identified 553 DEG between healthy controls and patients with NAFLD, 5527 DEG between healthy controls and patients with cirrhosis, and 3898 DEG in NAFLD compared with cirrhosis. A hitherto uncharacterized gene (MET proto-oncogene) was differentially expressed in human NAFLD and cirrhosis. The hepatic transcriptome changed significantly during a standardized meal and these changes were blunted in patients with NAFLD and cirrhosis. GOBP analyses revealed an increase in pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes in NAFLD and cirrhosis, as well as a decrease in genes related to metabolism. Data were made browsable using two web-based apps. The hepatic transcriptome is differentially regulated by a standardized meal in healthy individuals compared to patients with fatty liver disease.
Exploring Critical Language Awareness (Cla) in Arabic Pedagogy: Case Studies at Teaching Colleges in Indonesia – Malaysia
Authors: Sauri Sofyan , Maulani Hikmah , Hamzah Abdullah bin , Sanusi Anwar , Saleh Nalahuddin , Khalid Shofa Musthofa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study explores the practices of Critical Language Awareness (CLA) in Arabic language pedagogy among pre-service Arabic language teachers in teacher education institutions in Indonesia and Malaysia. This is based on the fact that both Indonesia and Malaysia have an official curriculum for Arabic at the school level. This curriculum sets learning objectives, competency standards, and learning materials that must be included in teaching Arabic. The research adopts a qualitative approach using a case study design. Data collection involves participants consisting of students and lecturers from two teacher education institutions in Indonesia and Malaysia, totalling 125 participants, with a breakdown of 100 students and 25 lecturers. Data is collected through observations, interviews, focus group discussions, and document analysis. The data analysis reveals that CLA helps students understand Arabic in a broader context, while effective pedagogy enables interactive, relevant, and diverse teaching of the Arabic language. Combining CLA and effective pedagogy helps students develop a deeper understanding, strong language skills, and higher awareness of Arabic and culture. CLA expands students' understanding of Arabic within its social, political, historical, and cultural contexts. Effective pedagogy in Arabic language learning integrates CLA with diverse, relevant teaching methods that cater to students' needs. Combining CLA and effective pedagogy helps students develop a profound understanding, strong language skills, and intercultural awareness of Arabic and culture.
Impact of family-centered care interventions on parental related outcomes among parents of children with cancer: A Systematic Review
Authors: Deribe Leul , Girma Eshetu , Gidey Abdulkadir , Teferra Solomon , Lindström Nataliya Berbyuk , Addissie Adamu 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Family-centered care (FCC) is a globally accepted health care delivery system characterized by collaboration among the parents, by facilitating family participation, effective communication and respect/dignity care. The implementation of FCC in different settings employed various implementation strategies based on what works best for a specific context.
Aim
To identify key-components of FCC implemented among parents of children with cancer and evaluate the effects of FCC on parental-related outcomes.
Method
A systematic review was conducted in adherence to the standardized reporting format: PRISMA 2020 statement an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews. We searched six data bases i.e., Cochrane library, Web of science, PubMed, Ovidweb, CINAHL and PsycINFO for studies published from establishment of each database to May 29, 2023. Studies evaluating the effectiveness of FCC among parents of children with cancer were included. Data were extracted using a pretested data extraction tool and analyzed using thematic qualitative analysis. Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to assess risk of bias in the studies included.
Result
The search identified 1,710 interventional studies of which 16 met our criteria and were at the end included in the systematic review. Ten of the studies were non-randomized clinical trials, four were randomized trials and two were qualitative studies. The review identified three themes for components of FCC in pediatric oncology setting. These are providing Information/education, family preparation, support and empowerment and facilitating communication. In relation to its effect on parental outcomes, it is found that FCC interventions will help to improve psycho-social condition of parents, communication of parents with other family members and health care professionals and improved their understanding about childhood cancer.
Conclusion
Three areas i.e., information sharing, communication and empowerment of FCC, were implemented in pediatric oncology setting and all studies reported positive effect of FCC interventions on parental outcomes. The findings indicated that FCC concepts among parents of children with cancer are still in the development process and remain to be fully characterized. Future researches need to aim at achieving a consensus on clear definitions and elements of FCC and designing more comprehensive interventions.
Registration:
Registered in PROSPERO with registration number of CRD42022384890