bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impacts of spatio-temporal variation of natural and agricultural influences on the environmental water quality in a fluvial-lacustrine watershed in China
Authors: Feng Yu , Zheng Bing-Hui , Jia Hai-Feng , Song Bing-Bing , Liu Yang , Bi Jun-Ping 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Despite the significant impacts of natural factors such as rainfall, topography, soil type, and river network as well as agricultural activities on the environmental water quality, little is known about the influence of their temporal and spatial variations in a fluvial-lacustrine watershed. In this study, a whole process accounting method based the export coefficient model (WP-ECM) was first developed to quantify how natural factors and agricultural activities distribution influenced water quality. A case study was performed in a typical fluvial-lacustrine area –Dongting basin, China. The simulated results indicated that the natural factors can promote the migration and transformation of agricultural pollutants generated from the watershed and the spatial distribution of the natural factors displayed high variability. It should be priority to monitor the areas with greater natural impact in the basin. Moreover, the cultivated land area and the number of pig-breeding were positively correlated with the pollutant discharge, and it is an important measures to reduce and control the anthropological influence in the agricultural high-impact areas. From the perspective of the spatial distribution of comprehensive influence, the comprehensive high-impact areas are mainly distributed in the Dongting Lake district in 2005–2010 and in Xiang River watershed in 2010–2020. A key strategy for controlling or reducing the cultivated land area and the intensity of livestock breeding in these high-impacts areas, especially in Dongting Lake district and Xiang River watershed, is to reduce the impact of the environmental water quality for the entire basin.
Improvement of Geodetic Parameters Estimation by Continuous VLBI Campaign 2017 Using a Simulated Station in the Middle East
Authors: Rastbood Asghar 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) is one of the most important techniques in geodesy. In this technique the differences between arrival times of a radio signal at two or more different stations is obtained. Important information can be determined by VLBI; the most important products of VLBI data processing are Earth Orientation Parameters (EOPs) and International Celestial Reference Frames (ICRFs). Other important parameters can be determined by VLBI are International Terrestrial Reference Frames (ITRFs), light deflection parameter, motion parameters of tectonic plates, Love and Shida numbers and ionospheric and tropospheric parameters. Baseline Length Repeatability (BLR) is an indicator for improvement of geodetic parameters estimation. Such that the smaller BLR the better parameter accuracy. The improvement of BLR by adding a simulated VLBI station to Legacy-1 and Legacy-2 networks that used in the Continuous VLBI Campaign 2017 (CONT17) is investigated. Due to adding a new station, new baselines are created that do not exist in CONT17; for this reason, the changes of BLR in the common baselines is estimated. Our purpose is determination of optimal location for establishing a VLBI station in Middle East because there is no VLBI station in this region. We show that construction of a new station in Oman and Saudi Arabia improves the BLR in Legacy-1 and Legacy-2 networks by about 3.3% and 7.4%, respectively.
Fenofibrate add-on therapy improves transplant-free survival in patients with primary biliary cholangitis refractory to ursodeoxycholic acid
Authors: Li Buer , Li Shuxiang , Chen Sha , Li Min , Lv Tingting , Wang Qianyi , Wang Xiaoming , Wang Yu , Ma Hong , Ou Xiaojuan , Zhao Xinyan , You Hong , Duan Weijia , Jia Jidong 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background Fenofibrate (FF) has shown biochemical benefit in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients with a suboptimal response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), but the long-term efficacy on survival remains unknown. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of the long-term effects of FF add-on therapy in PBC patients with a suboptimal response to UDCA, with special focus on the long-term survivals analyzed by Kaplan-Meier plotting and log-rank test. Results We enrolled 121 PBC patients with a suboptimal response to UDCA, with 57 patients continuing the UDCA monotherapy, and 64 patients receiving FF add-on therapy (200 mg/d). After one year of treatment, the FF add-on group had a more remarkable improvement in the serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) than the UDCA monotherapy group. Significant improvements in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), lipid, and immunoglobulins were only found in the FF add-on group, with ALP normalized in 60.9% and both ALP and TBIL normalized in 45.3% of the patients. Importantly, compared with UDCA monotherapy group, FF add-on therapy was associated with a significant improvement in 5- (89.7% vs 75.3%) and 10- (87.0% vs 47.6%) year transplant-free survivals (HR: 0.3282, 95% CI: 0.1334–0.8073, P < 0.05). Twenty-one cases (25.6%) developed adverse events during the follow-up, with liver injury being the most frequent one. Conclusions FF add-on therapy improves not only biochemical responses but also long-term transplant-free survival in PBC patients with suboptimal response to UDCA. However, liver and renal injuries need to be closely monitored and properly managed.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus testing and associated factors among pregnant women in Rwanda: a nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Nuwabaine Lilian , Kawuki Joseph , Namulema Angella , Asiimwe John Baptist , Sserwanja Quraish , Gatasi Ghislaine , Donkor Elorm 
Published: November 2022

AbstractBackground: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing during pregnancy is crucial for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, thus aiding in prompt treatment, care, and support. However, HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda has been barely explored. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of HIV testing among pregnant women in Rwanda.Methods:Secondary data from the 2020 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey comprising 870 pregnant women were used. Multistage stratified sampling was used to select participants. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to determine the factors associated with HIV testing, using SPSS (version 25).Results:Of the 870 pregnant women, 94.0% (95% CI: 92.3-95.4) had tested for HIV during their current pregnancy. Younger age (AOR=1.54, 95%CI: 1.54-4.42), not working (AOR=4.29, 95%CI: 1.52-12.08), large household size (AOR=2.96, 95%CI: 1.01-8.61), multiple sex partners (AOR=4.16, 95%CI: 3.01-5.74), as well as secondary (AOR=8.07, 95%CI: 2.15-11.43), primary (AOR=5.53, 95%CI: 1.28-9.74) and no (AOR=6.07, 95%CI: 1.21-10.44)education were positively associated with HIV testing. However, being unmarried (AOR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.19-0.86), belonging to the western region (AOR=0.20, 95% CI: 0.63-0.66), having not visited a health facility (AOR=0.22, 95%CI: 0.10-0.48), and not having comprehensive HIV knowledge (AOR=0.68, 95%CI: 0.30-0.55) were negatively associated with HIV testing.Conclusions:A high proportion of pregnant women had tested for HIV. However, there is a need for improved access to HIV education and testing facilities to address regional imbalances. The need for consideration of occupation, family and household dynamics in HIV testing promotion strategies is also highlighted.
Alternate day versus daily oral iron for treatment of iron deficiency anemia – a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Pasupathy Elamparithi , Kandasamy Ravichandran , Thomas Kurien , Basheer Aneesh 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background

Oral iron is the mainstay of treating iron deficiency anemia. Recent studies indicate better iron absorption with alternate day supplementation. However, the optimal supplementation strategy is unclear.

Aim

We compared effectiveness of daily versus alternate day supplementation of oral iron for treatment of iron deficiency anemia.

Methods

This double blind, active control, randomized controlled trial was conducted on two hundred adults having hemoglobin 10g/dL or less with microcytic hypochromic anemia and/or serum ferritin below 50 ng/mL. They were randomized to receive either two Ferrous sulfate tablets containing 60 mg elemental iron (120 mg total) on alternate days or single tablet of 60 mg elemental iron daily for 8 weeks. Primary outcome was mean change in hemoglobin at week 8 from baseline.

Results

Mean hemoglobin was 6.53 (± 1.89) and 6.68 (± 1.89) g/dL in the alternate day and daily arms respectively. Mean change in hemoglobin was + 1.05 ± 1.34 g/dL in alternate day arm and + 1.36 ± 1.51 g/dL in daily arm (p = 0.47) at week 8. There were no statistically significant differences between the arms with respect to any secondary outcome.

Conclusions

There is no significant difference between alternate day and daily iron administration in improving hemoglobin. Randomized controlled trials enrolling more participants for longer periods of supplementation and evaluating clinically relevant outcomes like change in hemoglobin may be useful in identifying the ideal dosing strategy.

Trial Registration

Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2019/01/017169).
Identification of three autophagy-related genes as diagnostic biomarkers and analysis of immune cell infiltration in ankylosing spondylitis patients
Authors: Yan Mingguang , Fang Xiao , Guo Jianjun , Yin Weibing 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rheumatic immune disease that predominantly affects the sacroiliac joints and spinal joints, but the etiopathogenesis of AS remains unclear. The present research aimed to identify novel therapeutic targets and explore the molecular mechanism of AS via a bioinformatics approach. Methods Two microarray datasets (GSE25101 and GSE18781) were downloaded, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze autophagy-related pathways. Autophagy-related genes (ARGs) were collected from the Human Autophagy-dedicated Database. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened with the limma package. Differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DEARGs) were identified by intersecting the DEGs with the ARGs. Besides, GO-BP and KEGG enrichment analyses of DEARGs associated with AS were conducted by clusterProfiler package. Furthermore, hub genes among DEARGs were screened by Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Finally, the expression of hub DEARGs were validated by GSE73754 dataset. Results GSEA results indicated that selective autophagy, programmed cell death, and endocytosis were involved in the occurrence and development of AS. A total of 10 DEARGs shared in the two datasets were identified. Besides, functional enrichment analysis results indicated these DEARGs were mainly enriched in mitophagy and autophagy. Three core DEARGs (PTEN, GABARAPL2, and PRKCQ) with AUC > 0.7 were confirmed to have the diagnostic value in AS. Immune cell infiltration analysis identified CD8 + T cells, NK cells, neutrophils, Tgd cells, Th1 cells, and Th2 cells as major participants in the AS development. Conclusions Overall, PTEN, GABARAPL2, and PRKCQ may be used as diagnostic biomarkers for AS. Besides, their relationships with immune cell infiltration will contribute to the development of immunotherapy in AS patients.
Effect of propofol versus sevoflurane on auditory and cognitive functions: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fathy Wael , Hussein Mona , Koura Rabab Ahmed , Abdelhamed Hyam , Elshebawy Haidy , Elmoutaz Hatem , Rashwan Doaa 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background

Hearing loss and cognitive impairment are postoperative complications which need more awareness by anaesthesiologists. We aimed to study the possible deleterious effect of Propofol versus Sevoflurane on auditory function, attention and auditory memory.

Methods

This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted on 80 patients who were candidate for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia; 40 patients received Propofol (propofol group ), and 40 patients received Sevoflurane (sevoflurane group). The included patients were assessed before and 1 week postoperative regarding the auditory functions by using the auditory brainstem response (ABR) and the attention and auditory memory by using the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) and Paired Associate Learning test (PALT) scales.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in either age (P-value = 0.537) or sex (P-value = 0.175). In Propofol group, the postoperative values of LT ABR-I and III were significantly higher than the preoperative ones (p value < 0.001, 0.003), all the postoperative RT ABR waves were significantly higher than the preoperative ones (P < 0.05). In Sevoflurane group, the postoperative values for LTABR- I, III, III-V were significantly higher than the preoperative ones with p value (0.012, 0.008 and 0.009) and the postoperative values for RTABR-III, V, I-III, and III-V were significantly higher than preoperative values ( p = 0.041, 0.029, 0.005 and < 0.001). There was no statistically significant differences between the Propofol and Sevoflurane groups in all waves of ABR in both sides ( P > 0.05). There was a significant worsening between pre and postoperative PASAT scores in Propofol and Sevoflurane groups respectively with p value (< 0.001) with no statistically significant difference between both groups (P-value = 0.906).Also, There was a significant worsening between pre and postoperative PALT scores in Propofol group only (p value = 0.01) with a statistically significant difference between both groups (P-value = 0.038).

Conclusion

There was a statistically significant postoperative impairment in auditory function, attention and auditory memory following anesthesia with both propofol and Sevoflurane with no significant difference between the two drugs.
The protocol of this study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. The identification number is NCT04874545.
Automated Item Generation: – Impact of item variants on performance and standard setting
Authors: Westacott Rachel , Badger Kerry , Kluth David , Gurnell Mark , Reed Malcolm W. R. , Sam Amir H. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Automated Item Generation (AIG) uses computer software to create multiple items from a single question model. Items generated using AIG software have been shown to be of similar quality to those produced using traditional item writing methods. However, there is currently a lack of data looking at whether item variants to a single question result in differences in student performance or human-derived standard setting. The purpose of this study was to use 50 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) as models to create four distinct tests which would be standard set and given to final year UK medical students, and then to compare the performance and standard setting data for each.
Methods
Pre-existing questions from the UK Medical Schools Council (MSC) Assessment Alliance item bank, created using traditional item writing techniques, were used to generate four ‘isomorphic’ 50-item MCQ tests using AIG software. All UK medical schools were invited to deliver one of the four papers as an online formative assessment for their final year students. Each test was standard set using a modified Angoff method. Thematic analysis was conducted for item variants with high and low levels of variance in facility (for student performance) and average scores (for standard setting).
Results
2218 students from 12 UK medical schools sat one of the four papers. The average facility of the four papers ranged from 0.55–0.61, and the cut score ranged from 0.58–0.61. Twenty item models had a facility difference >0.15 and 10 item models had a difference in standard setting of >0.1. Variation in parameters that could alter clinical reasoning strategies had the greatest impact on item facility.
Conclusions
Item facility varied to a greater extent than the standard set. This may relate to variants creating greater disruption of clinical reasoning strategies in novice learners as opposed to experts, in addition to the well documented tendency of standard setters to revert to the mean.
Experience in Prenatal Genetic Testing and Reproductive Decision-Making for Monogenic Disorders from a Single Tertiary Care Genetics Clinic in a Low-Middle Income Country
Authors: Hanif Amna , Akbar Fizza , Kirmani Salman , Jaffarali Amyna , Zainab Ghulam , Malik Ayesha , Ansar Zeeshan , Afroze Bushra 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Objectives
Explore health-care seeking behaviour among couples with pregnancies at-risk of monogenic disorders and compare time duration for obtaining Prenatal Genetic Test (PGT) results based on (i) amniocentesis and Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) (ii) in-house testing and out-sourced testing. Report the spectrum of monogenic disorders in our cohort.
Methods
Medical records of women consulting prenatal genetic counselling clinic at Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi from December-2015 to March-2021 with history of miscarriage or a monogenic disorder in previous children were reviewed.
Results
Forty-three pregnancies in 40 couples were evaluated, 37(93%) were consanguineous. Twenty-four (63%) couples consulted before and 14(37%) after conception. Thirty-one (71%) pregnancies underwent CVS at the mean gestational age of 13-weeks and 6-days ± 1-week and 3-days and amniocentesis at 16-weeks and 2-days ± 1-week and 4-days. PGT for 30 (70%) pregnancies was outsourced. The mean number of days for in-house PGT was 16.92 ± 7.80 days whereas for outsourced was 25.45 ± 7.7 days. Mean duration from procedure to PGT result was 20.55 days after CVS compared to 28.75 days after amniocentesis. Eight (18%) fetuses were homozygous for disease-causing variant for whom couples opted for termination of pregnancy (TOP). Twenty-six monogenetic disorders were identified in 40 families.
Conclusion
Proactive health-care seeking behaviour and TOP acceptance is present amongst couples who have experienced a genetic disorder.
Overexpression of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) AhGRFi gene in Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced root growth inhibition under exogenous NAA treatment
Authors: Zhang Zhou , Gangurde Sunil S. , Chen Songbin , Mandlik Rushil , Liu Haiyan , Deshmukh Rupesh , Xu Jialing , Wu Zhongkang , Hong Yanbin , Li Yin 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The 14-3-3 protein is a kind of evolutionary ubiquitous protein family highly conserved in eukaryotes. Initially, 14-3-3 proteins were reported in mammalian nervous tissues, but in the last decade, their role in various metabolic pathways in plants established the importance of 14-3-3 proteins. In present study, a total of 22 14-3-3 genes also called as general regulatory factors (GRF) were identified in the peanut (Arachis hypogaea) genome out of which 12 belonged to the ε group whereas 10 of them belonged to the non- ε-group. Tissue-specific expression of identified 14-3-3 genes was studied using transcriptome analysis. The peanut AhGRFi gene was cloned and transformed in Arabidopsis thaliana. The investigation of subcellular localization indicated that AhGRFi is localized in the cytoplasm. Overexpression of the AhGRFi gene in transgenic Arabidopsis shown that under exogenous 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) treatment, root growth of transgenic plants was inhibited when compared with control. NAA-responsive endogenous relative gene expressions in AhGRFi transgenic Arabidopsis were validated by real-time PCR. The AhGRFi may be involved in the auxin signaling during seedling root development. An in-depth study on the molecular mechanism of this process remains to be further explored.
A survey-based study of adolescents and their healthcare providers in a tertiary pediatric hospital
Authors: Coret Alon , Newhook Dennis , Harrison Megan E. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background:Adolescents admitted to hospital face challenges beyond their immediate medical condition(s), and are often looked after by healthcare providers who may not fully appreciate this population’s unique health needs. This single-center study explores the experiences of adolescents and their healthcare providers in a general pediatric inpatient setting, with hopes of bridging some of these care gaps.Methods: ​​We designed a cross-sectional survey-based study of two participant groups: (1) Adolescent patients (aged 10-19) admitted to general medical wards at a tertiary pediatric hospital and (2) Pediatric healthcare providers representing multiple disciplines.Results:25 adolescents completed the survey (mean age 14.6; range 11-17). Most adolescents reported consistently being treated respectfully (88%) and taken seriously (92%) by their care providers. Several identified structure and routine, a break from daily stressors, and quality time with loved ones as positive aspects to hospitalization. Cited areas for improvement included use of correct gender pronouns, having more quiet and privacy, having similar-age roommates, and age-appropriate leisure activities. Healthcare providers (n=40) representing a range of disciplines participated. Most (82%) described caring for adolescents as enjoyable and many (87%) reported that they forged therapeutic connections with their patients. Providers noted several areas of discomfort, particularly with history-taking and/or counseling around gender identity, sexuality, body image, substance use, and suicidality. Identified care gaps included inadequate training/education, suboptimal ward environments, and lack of community resources.Conclusions:This study identified unique strengths and opportunities for improvement in adolescent inpatient care. Hospital environments should recognize adolescent patients’ needs for privacy and offer age-appropriate leisure activities. Healthcare providers would benefit from youth-centred education for improved communication around gender, sexuality, and mental health.