bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial analysis of birth defects in Brazil based on the human development index (HDI): an ecological study
Authors: Reis Luzivan Costa , Justino Dayane Caroliny Pereira , Costa Perpetua do Socorro da Silva , Vizcardo Luis Enrique Murillo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Globally, between 2–4% of live births present Birth Defects (BDs) each year. The highest rates of mortality and morbidity caused by BDs are in low and middle-income countries. In Brazil, they are the second cause of infant mortality. Therefore, the aim of this study is to report the spatial distribution of the incidence of BDs at birth and infant mortality rate due to BDs (IMR-BDs) with the Human Development Index (HDI), and the cases of infant hospitalizations in Brazil. Data were extracted from an anonymous public database, and geospatial analysis was performed using the Global Moran Index statistic. We applied the Kruskal-Willis test and the Dunn test for multiple comparisons between regions and states. We found over 11.4 million births, out of which 99,653 had BDs (incidence: 87.05/10,000 live births); 30,357 infant deaths from BDs were recorded (26.52/10,000 live births). The analysis of the spatial correlation between BDs and the HDI-2010 values for each region/state revealed a statistically significant association in two scenarios: incidence of BDs and IMR-BDs vs. HDI-2010 (p = 0.005). There was an average of 22,710 infant hospitalizations due to BDs, and the average cost for infant hospitalizations was USD $ 30,372.24. The data call attention for the need to establish services and surveillance for prevention and to improve the goals of reducing IMR-BDs and costs with child hospitalizations due to BDs. Detection of BDs at a spatiotemporal level and their geographic distributions are used to support public administrators in managing affected children.
Comprehensive Information Management System for a Medical Research Cohort Biobank Based on Quality by Design
Authors: Zheng Lianshuai , Wang Leilei 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
With the development of big health and big data, cohort research has become a medical research hotspot. As an important repository of human genetic resources, biobanks must adapt to the requirements of large-scale and efficient operation. Thus, biobanks urgently need to design and build a legal, convenient, and efficient information management system.
Methods
This study applies the concept of “quality by design” to build a comprehensive biobank information management system based on the analysis of user requirements, legal and regulatory risks, and industry-standard requirements. The system integrates the management of scientific research projects, biological specimens, clinical information, quality control, and multi-dimensional information query and development. After 10 months of its operation, the comprehensive management system was evaluated through statistical analysis of the efficiency of the construction of the pregnancy–birth cohort and the quality of genetic resources.
Results
Since the system’s launch, the statistics on cohort construction efficiency show that the enrollment rate of eligible pregnant women has increased, and the rate of missing volunteers has dropped. The time needed to establish a 1000-person cohort (with complete biological samples and clinical information in early, middle, and late pregnancy) was reduced, and the effective tracking rate of the samples was 77.42%. The error rate of the deep cryogenic refrigerator decreased, with a clinical information integrity rate of 96.47%.
Conclusions
The comprehensive biobank information management system constructed with the “quality by design” concept is well suited to meet the requirements of medical research. This study provides a solution for designing a comprehensive information system for medical institutions’ biobanks.
Evaluating of HERV-K genes expression in sperm samples collected from infertile men compared to fertile individuals: A case control study
Authors: Tavakolian Shaian , Atani Zahra Rafiei , Zarei Amir , Goudarzi Hossein , Abedi Amir Reza , Faghihloo Ebrahim 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Having detrimental effects on health-care system, infertility can be related to some risk factors, especially different kinds of viruses. Human Endogenous Retrovirus-k (HERV-K) env, gag, np9 and rec can be considered as one of these viral agents which is likely to cause male infertility, and we attempted to evaluate it. This case-control study was conducted on sperm samples of 96 participants in Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran from January 2020 to December 2021. After extracting the RNA of these samples, we evaluated the expression of HERV-K env, np9, rec, gag using Quantitative Real-Time PCR (QRT-PCR). Our data revealed that HERV-K, rec, np9 and env in abnormal samples were higher than normal ones. However, the opposite trend was true for gag expression since a meaningful reduction can be observed in abnormal samples. The results of our study suggested that there is a plausible correlation between the expression level of this virus’s genes, and the progression of infertility. We proposed this marker as a promising biomarker to diagnose infertility. However, further studies are required to support these results.
Breast Self-Examination Practice and Associated Factors among Reproductive Age Women In North Shewa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2022: By Using Health Belief Model
Authors: Hussein Dursa , Gashaw Ketema , Geleta Tinsae Abeya , Girma Derara , Geleta Leta Adugna , Oyato Befekadu Tesfaye 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the second most common cancer overall. Breast self-examination is one of the cheapest methods used for the early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. However, in Ethiopia, most of the breast self-examinationstudies were not conducted among women in the general population. Therefore, this study aimed to assess breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women of reproductive age in the North Shewa Zone, Oromia.
Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the North Shewa zone from May 18/2022 to June 18/2022. 1076 women of reproductive age were selected by simple random sampling. For the quantitative part of the study, an interviewer-administered questionnaire was used, and focus group discussions were used for the qualitative part. SPSS version 26 was used for the analysis. Variables with a P-value < 0.25 in the bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable logistic regression model. The degree of the association was expressed using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) at a P-value <0.05.
Results: Overall 192(18.2%) with 95% CI (15.7, 20.5) of the participants had ever performed BSE. Among these, only 20 (10.4%) had practiced monthly. Being younger-aged women (15-24) [AOR = 3.9, 95% CI (2.2-6.8)], having a family history of BC [AOR = 6.9, 95% CI (4.6-10.3)], beingknowledgeable on BSE [AOR=3, 95% CI (1.9-4.3)], having high perceived susceptibility [AOR= 1.7, 95% CI (1.2-2.5)], having high self-efficacy [AOR=1.5, 95% CI (1.1-2.3)] and having a high perceived benefit to BSE [AOR=1.5, 95% CI (1.1-2.3)] were factors significantly associated of BSE practice.
Conclusion: BSE practice in the North Shewa zone was very low. Age, family history of BC, knowledge of BSE practice, perceived susceptibility, benefit, and self-efficacy were independent predictors of BSE practice. North Shewa Zonal Health Office and other stakeholders should disseminate teaching materials that address the benefit of BSE practice.
Cosmic coding and transfer storage (COSMOCATS) for invincible key storage
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki K.M. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Thus far, a perfectly secure encryption key storage system doesn't exist. As long as key storage is connected to a network system, there is always a chance that it can be cracked. Even if storage is not continually connected to a network system; it is repeatedly necessary for an individual to access storage to upload and download the data; hence there is always a loophole with every conventional encryption key storage system. By utilizing the penetrative nature of cosmic-ray muons, the COSMOCAT (Cosmic coding and transfer) technique may tackle this problem by eliminating the requirement for any network connection to data storage. COSMOCAT was invented for post quantum key generation and distribution technique for wireless near field communication. However, in its first stage of development, COSMOCAT relied on standard comparators and Global Positioning System (GPS) or other Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for key generation. Temporal jitters of the signals outputted from comparators and frequency fluctuations in GPS-disciplined oscillators degraded the key strength and the efficiency of both the key generation and distribution. New strategies are tested in this paper to improve these factors. As a result, the key strength and the key authenticating rate limit are respectively improved by 4 orders of magnitude and more than 5 orders of magnitude. As a consequence, it has become possible to propose a practical methodology for a new key storage and authentication which has the potential to be an impregnable defense against any kind of cyber/physical attack to data storage. Practical applications of COSMOCATS-based symmetric-key cryptosystems to an electronic digital signing system are discussed by introducing, as an example, a system for cryptocurrency implementation.
Fermentation Mechanism Analysis of Reconstituted Tobacco Concentrate by Klebsiella variicola Using Macro-genomics Approaches
Authors: Huang Shen , Zhu Li , Rasool Aamir , Yang Jinchu , Mao Duobin , Feng Yingjie 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
In this study, the employment of the aroma-boosting bacterium H8 (Klebsiella variicola) under optimal growth conditions significantly improved the content of aroma components in tobacco concentrate and reduced the content of nicotine. We performed a macro-genomic analysis of reconstituted tobacco leaf concentrate fermented by Klebsiella variicola to explain the enhanced aroma compound production and reduced harmful compound production. The results of macro-genomic analysis revealed following facts: (i) Genes related to carbohydrate degradation, amino acid degradation, and lipid degradation accounted for a large proportion of the concentrate microbiome, accounting for 16.1%, 21.8%, and 4.8%, respectively; (ii) Klebsiella variicola is significantly related to the decrease in water-soluble sugar and nicotine; (iii) changes in the contents of 2-acetylpyrrole,β-damascenone, benzyl alcohol, linalool, farnesyl acetone, and phenylethanol are significantly related to the genes abundance of glycoside hydrolases such as GH28, GH42, and GH13; (iv) changes in the contents of dihydrokiwifruit lactone, 2,4-di-t-butylphenol and megastigmatrienones are significantly and positively correlated with the genes abundance changes of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus Faraday and Klebsiella pneumonia; (v) the decrease in the number of aroma-enhancing bacteria during fermentation is due to the autophagy-related protein [ATG5]. This work may be helpful for improving fermentation product quality by regulating the microbial community and gaining insight into the microbial ecosystem.
An improved conservation status of Southern Bald Ibis Geronticus calvus as informed by a diversity of citizen science projects suggests positive impacts of conservation attention
Authors: Lee Alan , Pienaar Carina , Chetty Kishaylin , Colyn Robin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The Southern Bald Ibis is endemic to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, occurring across high and mid- altitude mesic grasslands and has been of conservation concern in the seventies, resulting in a range of monitoring, research and conservation actions. We examine a range of data sources to determine the conservation status of this species, employing a variety of statistical and analysis pathways. We compare trends in reporting rates from Southern African Bird Atlas Projects (SABAP), examine trends in numbers of nests reported through colony monitoring, and explore contributions made to the ‘Threatened species cause’ from the BirdLasser mobile app. Using the BirdLasser data, we find the species is widely reported across the range outside of sites with known colonies and roosts, suggesting a large proportion of the population is not available for counting during the breeding season. Using insights from the SABAP data and occupancy modelling, combined with group counts from BirdLasser data, we suggest the population is likely > 10 000 individuals. None of the trend analysis statistics we used revealed a decrease in population size for the period 1987–2021. We note that certain colonies are still being abandoned, but this is now at a lower rate (< 10% of colonies). After dramatic declines from the early part of the last century, this suggests the declines are now being curtailed, and there is some evidence the species may be recolonizing lost range. However, we note that this species is being negatively impacted by loss of grasslands to alien vegetation, and will likely be negatively impacted by climate change and other developments. While it is difficult to infer causality with conservation attention, the reversal in the fortunes of the species is encouraging for those involved in the long conservation journey of this species. Continued monitoring of this charismatic species is required in addition to ongoing habitat management to ensure declines are conclusively reversed.
Limb Occlusion Pressure Versus Standard Tourniquet Inflation Pressure in Minor Hand Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kanchanathepsak Thepparat , Pukrittayakamee Natsuda Chua , Woratanarat Patarawan , Tawonsawatruk Tulyapruek , Angsanuntsukh Chanika 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background

In minor hand surgery, tourniquet is typically inflated to 250 mmHg. The pressure may be too high and cause unnecessary adverse effects. Limb occlusion pressure (LOP) plus safety margin or recommended tourniquet pressure (RTP), has been reported as optimal pressure to provide bloodless field in limb surgeries. This study aimed to compare the RTP with the standard tourniquet pressure of 250 mmHg in minor hand surgery.

Methods

A double-blinded randomized control trial was conducted from July 2019 to May 2021. Patients were randomly assigned into 2 groups: RTP and 250 mmHg with 3:1 ratio allocation. The outcomes were measurement of cuff pressure reduction, time to develop of tourniquet pain and discomfort, pain score, discomfort score, motionless and bloodless of operative field determined by the surgeon’s satisfaction.

Results

A total of 112 patients were included, 84 were in RTP and 28 were in 250 mmHg group. Mean of tourniquet pressure was significantly lower in the RTP group (228.3 ± 17.2 mmHg) (P < 0.001). Even though, time to develop pain was not significantly different, the RTP group reported significantly less pain and discomfort, according to the pain score (P = 0.02) and discomfort score (P = 0.017). The RTP group provided better motionless field, while both groups equally created a bloodless field.

Conclusion

The RTP significantly reduced tourniquet related pain and discomfort during minor hand surgeries. It provided better motionless operative field and adequate bloodless field. Therefore, the RTP should be considered as optimal tourniquet pressure for minor hand surgeries.
Level of Evidence: Level I
Coumarin linked thiazole derivatives as potential α-Glucosidase inhibitors to treat Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ichale Rushikesh , Kanhed Ashish M. , Vora Amisha 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure, blindness, heart attacks and lower limb amputation. Prevalence of diabetes is rising globally. α-glucosidase is validated target for controlling hyperglycemia because of its role in catalysing hydrolysis of carbohydrates to glucose in GIT. In an attempt to find novel safe and effective α-glucosidase inhibitors, coumarin linked thiazole were identified as potential scaffold on the basis of their interactions with the active site of α-glucosidase studied in silico. A series of coumarin linked thiazole derivatives were synthesized and analysed for α-glucosidase inhibitory potential in an in-vitro assay. The synthesized molecules showed potent inhibition of α-glucosidase with IC50 values ranging from 0.14 to 9.38 μM. The most potent compound 2-((4-bromophenyl) amino)-N-(4-(2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl) thiazol-2-yl) acetamide was further docked with α-glucosidase and molecular dynamics studies were carried out for 100ns which suggested the stability of protein and ligand in the protein active site over the simulation period and role of hydrophobic interactions slightly more than the electrostatic/polar interactions in ligand-receptor stability. In summary, our results demonstrate efficacy of coumarin-linked thiazole as potential leads for further optimization and development.
Use of network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the mechanism of action of turmeric in the treatment of osteosarcoma
Authors: Hu Minhua , Yan Hongsong , Li Haishan , Feng Yuanlan , Sun Weipeng , Ren Yueyi , Ma Luyao , Zeng Wenxing , Huang Feng , Jiang Ziwei , Dong Hang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Turmeric has been used as an adjuvant treatment for osteosarcoma (OS) owing to its anticancer components. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the mechanism of action of turmeric in the treatment of OS using network pharmacology and molecular docking. The methods included obtaining data on anticancer ingredients, turmeric targets, and OS treatment targets from public databases and relevant literature, structuring the “protein‒protein interaction” networks to screen out the hub genes and to analyze protein modules, and performing Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses of intersection targets were performed. Finally, the relationship between key targets and core component was analyzed by molecular docking. Our research demonstrated that a total of 11 potential active compounds and 14 hub genes for turmeric were screened and predicted. AKT1, TNF, STAT3, EGFR, and HSP90AA1 were the key targets, closely related to PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, HIF-1 signaling pathways, ErbB signaling pathways, and FOXO signaling pathways,which were involved in the angiogenesis, cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance in the microenvironment of OS. The molecular docking suggested that core ingredient had a strong affinity with key targets. The study showed that turmeric-mediated treatment of OS was complex process involving multiple components, targets, and pathways. It will enhance the understanding of how turmeric affects the proliferation and invasion of OS cells and reveal the potential molecular mechanism underlying the effect of turmeric on OS lung metastasis and chemotherapy resistance.
Dynamic Soil Properties for Construction Site Investigation Using Geophysical Methods
Authors: Bello Abdulsalam , Muztaza Nordiana Mohd , Zakaria Muhammad Taqiuddin , Salleh Alyaa Nadhira , Rosli Farid Najmi , Saad Rosli , Jia Teoh Ying , Zulaikah Siti , Rahman Nazrin 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Geophysical approaches are used for site characterization to determine the dynamic behaviour of soil. Structures built on a site without sufficient assessment are prone to collapse or failure. Thus, before beginning any building activity, it is critical to assess the soil dynamic qualities. This is significant because buildings are constructed on top of the ground surface, supported by the underlying soil and rock. This work aimed to determine a competent layer for building foundations. This study was conducted to evaluate the dynamic soil behaviour of Paya Terubong on Penang Island. Resistivity, Young's modulus, shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, bulk modulus, bulk density, rippability, and material bearing capacity are among the parameters utilised for the characterization. This will be obtained from the electrical resistivity, seismic refraction, and MASW methods. Three layers were detected by these methods. Results from the study indicate that the area is mostly composed of highly dense silty sand and granitic bedrock, which makes it competent for foundation construction since higher compaction raises the ultimate and allowable bearing capacities of the third layer to very high levels. In addition, soil and rock layers identified using geophysical methods match well with the borehole data showing that material stiffness increases with depth. Rippable layers extend from the ground surface to a depth of 3 meters. The calculated values gotten from the soil dynamic properties and material bearing capacity show that the second and third layers have good geotechnical qualities. The ultimate bearing capacities calculated for the first layer range from 453 to 731 kPa, while the second layer capacities range from 1041 to 1691 kPa, and capacities for the third layer range from 2013 to 3650 kPa. For setting up structures, the second layer can support building foundations at a depth of 4 meters from the existing ground level. This approach is cost-effective, saves time, and is non-destructive for site characterization.
Molecular characterization of genes related with angiogenesis, cold- hot tumor, and tumor immunity interactions in patients with TACE resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Kang , WU Yumeng , Fan Qiyu , Wang Yilang , Zhang Xiubin , Shi Rongfeng , Chen Cong , Xia Zicong , Wu Ying , Xia Yunfei , Xu Jian , Zhao Hui 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Tumor angiogenesis is an important factor in inducing tumor recurrence, metastasis and drug resistance, which directly affects the therapeutic effect of tumor patients. As a key treatment for liver cancer, TACE can prolong the survival time of some patients, but in patients with liver cancer after TACE, the relationship between TACE resistance and angiogenesis, tumor microenvironment, hot and cold tumors and immunotherapy is not clear.
Methods
We systematically evaluated 36 angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) and comprehensively determined the correlation between angiogenesis and transcriptional patterns, prognosis and immune cell infiltration. ARGs score was used to quantify the angiogenic subtypes of each patient after TACE. Then we evaluated and verified their value in predicting the prognosis and treatment response of patients after TACE, and finally simulated the TACE environment to verify the effectiveness of the drug in vitro.
Results
We discussed the ARGs mutations in patients with TACE at the genetic level and determined their expression patterns in the TCGA and GEO cohorts. We identified two different molecular subtypes to distinguish between hot and cold tumors and observed that ARGs mutations were associated with clinicopathological features, prognosis and invasive TME. Secondly, an ARGs score was established to predict the overall survival time (OS), and its ability to reliably predict patients after TACE was confirmed. In addition, we have created a highly reliable Nomogram map to promote the clinical feasibility of ARGs score. Lower ARGs score, characterized by mutation burden and immune activation, proved superior OS. In addition, ARGs score was significantly correlated with immune score and drug sensitivity. At the same time, new drugs were screened to inhibit tumor angiogenesis and cooperate with immune anti-tumor therapy in TACE environment.
Conclusion
We determined that the high-risk group related with angiogenesis may be more suitable for immunotherapy and chemotherapy, and show the characteristics of hot tumor, which provides a reliable and simple method for HCC patients to evaluate the diagnosis and prognosis of tumor resistance to TACE, and to guide patients' choice of clinical treatment.