bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rising incidence of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in childhood: a 5-year retrospective observational descriptive study in a south-east Nigerian tertiary hospital
Authors: Mbanefo Ngozi R , Uwaezuoke Samuel N , Muoneke Vivian U , Odetunde Odutola I , Okafor Henrietta U 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome is the commonest glomerular disease of childhood. Majority of the idiopathic cases frequently respond to steroid therapy and are regarded as steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). Several studies have reported a change in this usual pattern to steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in Nigerian children.Aim: This study aims to determine if there is a rising incidence of SRNS in children seen at a tertiary hospital in Enugu, south-east Nigeria. Subjects and methods: A retrospective observational descriptive study was conducted in children with nephrotic syndrome seen at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla Enugu, over 5 years (from 2016 to 2020). The demographic variables, clinical data (including steroid-sensitive and renal-transplant cases) and histopathological pattern (including indications for renal biopsy) were documented using a study proforma. Results: Out of a total of 150 patients, 105 (70%) were males while 45 (30%) were females. Ninety-six (64%) were aged between 1-10 years whereas fifty-four 54 (36%) were adolescents aged 11 - 18 years. Forty-eight (32%) were aged 1 - 5years. Their mean age was 8.67 ± 4.69 years. One hundred and eighteen (78.7%) had idiopathic nephrotic syndrome while 21.3% had secondary nephrotic syndrome from post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (16/32, 50%) lupus nephritis (6/32, 18.7%), sickle-cell nephropathy (5/32, 15.6%), HIV-nephropathy (3/32, 9.4%), and hepatitis B infection (2, 6.3%). One hundred and six (71%) initially had SSNS; twelve (11.3%) and seven (6.6%) later became frequent-relapsers and steroid-dependent, respectively. Forty-four (29.3%) patients initially had SRNS. Sixty-eight patients had renal biopsy; the commonest indication being steroid-resistance. The commonest histological pattern was focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), seen in 63.2% of these patients. Only four (9%) had renal transplant. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of SSNS is higher in this clime, there is a rising incidence of SRNS. This trend may be attributed to incident cases of FSGS.
Mechanisms and Conditions of Ti and Cr Incorporation in Mantle Phlogopite: The Results of Atomistic Simulation
Authors: Bendeliani Aleksandra A. , Eremin Nikolay N. , Bobrov Andrey V. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Modeling of eight mechanisms for the incorporation of Ti4+ and Cr3+ impurity components into phlogopite was carried out by a semi-empirical method using the GULP (General Utility Lattice Program) software. The calculation of thermodynamic mixing properties in the range of 1–7 GPa and 373–1573 K and the analysis of the structure geometry for the simulated solid solutions provided the following energy-preferred schemes of isomorphic substitution: VI(Mg2+) + 2IV(Si4+) = VI(Ti4+) + 2IV(Al3+) and VI(Mg2+) + 2IV(Al3+) = VI(□)+ 2IV(Ti4+), VI(Mg2+) + IV(Si4+) = VI(Cr3+) + IV(Al3+), and 3VI(Mg2+) = VI(Al3+) + VI(Cr3+) + VI(□). It is shown the scheme 2VI(Mg2+) = VI(Ti4+) + VI(□) illustrating entrance of Ti with the formation of a vacancy is realized in the case of microconcentrations of Ti only. Accumulation of high Ti contents associates with the formation of a vacancy in the octahedral site. This provides incorporation of Ti via the schemes VI(Mg2+) + 2IV(Al3+) = VI(□)+ 2IV(Ti4+) and (Mg,Fe2+) + 2OH- = Ti4+ + 2O2- only. It is shown that incorporation of high Cr concentrations (>5.5 wt % Cr2O3) is accompanied by an increase in the number of vacancies in the octahedral site with an increase in the proportion of the dioctahedral component K(Al,Cr,□)AlSi3O10(OH)2.
Germination, Growth, and Secondary Metabolite Contents of Radish Sprouts (Raphanus sativus L.) as Affected by Plasma Activated Water Process Time
Authors: Kim Sungjin , Noh Seungwon , Kim Daewoong , Park Jongseok 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

This study was performed to investigate the effects of plasma-activated water on germination, growth, and functional properties of radish sprouts. The experimental design involved radish seeds cultivated in different concentrations of plasma-activated water for seven days, with plasma water generated by 10, 20, or 30 minutes of plasma discharge in water. The underwater plasma discharge produced nitrate ions and hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) and changed the pH and electrical conductivity. The plasma-activated water improved germination, and the longer the underwater plasma generation time, the better the effect. In terms of growth, plasma-activated water treatment oxidized the roots and negatively affected plants. Functional substance analysis showed that the levels of indolic and aliphatic glucosinolates increased, with 30 min of plasma treatment leading to the highest results. Similarly, the phenolic content increased with increasing plasma discharge time, with the 30 min treatment increasing phenolic content by 288.8% compared to the control. The results of this study suggest that plasma-activated water can increase the functional components of plants during hydroponic cultivation. However, more research is required to solve these growth disorders observed with plasma-activated water use.
Risk Factors and Outcomes of Cytomegalovirus Reactivation in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Tfaily Mohamad Ali , Azzo Joe-David , Gharamti Amal , Ghanem Marwan , Kanafani Zeina A. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation has long been recognized as an important viral syndrome in the immunocompromised host. The disease is less well described in critically-ill patients. We evaluated the risk factors for the development of CMV reactivation in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We also compared the outcomes of CMV reactivation in ICU patients to those of patients with hematological malignancies.Methods: This is a retrospective study composed of three arms: patients admitted to the ICU with reactivation (ICU+/CMV+ arm), patients admitted to the ICU who did not develop CMV reactivation (ICU+/CMV- arm, and patients with hematological malignancies on the hematology ward without CMV reactivation (ICU-/CMV+ arm).Results: Patients who were admitted to ICU for surgical causes had a decreased risk of CMV reactivation. On the other hand, receiving corticosteroids and vasoactive drugs were associated with an increased risk of CMV reactivation with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 2.4 and 25.3, respectively. Mortality was higher in ICU+/CMV+ patients compared to ICU-/CMV+ patients. In the ICU+/CMV+ population, male sex and being on mechanical ventilation after CMV reactivation were independent predictors of mortality (aOR 4.6 and 5.0, respectively). Conclusions: CMV reactivation in ICU patients is a potentially serious disease requiring close attention. The findings from our study help in identifying patients in the ICU at risk for CMV reactivation, thereby warranting frequent screening. Patients at high risk of death (male, on mechanical ventilation) should receive prompt treatment and intensive follow-up.
Analysis of risk factors and nomogram prediction model of adverse reactions in patients with periprosthetic joint infections administered with vancomycin
Authors: Xue Zhaoxi , Maimatiaimaier Yilixiati , Guo Wentao , Tian Yu , Xu Boyong , Cao Li 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background
This study aims to investigate the risk factors for adverse reactions when vancomycin is administered to patients with periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and construct its nomogram prediction model for the occurrence of vancomycin-related adverse reactions (VRAR).
Methods
This retrospective case-control study analyzed the clinical data of 203 patients with PJI intravenously treated with vancomycin and admitted to the Department of Joint Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between January 2015 and May 2022. The patients were divided into an adverse reaction group (n = 67) and a non-adverse reaction group (n = 136) based on whether they developed vancomycin-related adverse reactions (VRAR). Clinical data from patients in both groups were used to establish the risk factors for the occurrence of VRAR by lasso-logistic regression models. The R Programming language was used to construct a nomogram prediction model for the occurrence of VRAR in patients with PJI. Further, we plotted the ROC curves and calibration curves to confirm the accuracy of the model.
Results
The predictive factors included age, obesity (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2), hypertension, treatment course (≥ 2 weeks), and vancomycin combined with other anti-infective drugs. Internal validation of the model revealed a C-index of 0.863 (95% CI: 0.809–0.916), indicating good discrimination of the model. All the calibration curves were extremely close to the standard curve, indicating good calibration of the model.
Conclusions
In summary, this study constructed a nomogram prediction model for the occurrence of VRAR in patients with PJI. Consequently, we noted that the established nomogram prediction model has good discrimination and accuracy. The model provides an intuitive and individualized analysis of VRAR risk in patients with PJI, screens the high-risk group, and helps improve the capacity of clinicians to detect VRAR early in patients with PJI.
Trial registration
Retrospectively registered.
Seed Characteristics Determine Species Composition of Degraded Alpine Meadow Communities
Authors: Yan Weimin , Yang Yuanwu , Li Xilai 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Climate change and human activities are increasing the disturbance to alpine meadows in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, these changes are reducing the abundance of previously-dominant Gramineae and sedges, with forbs establishing dominance through secondary succession. Forbs replaced native Gramineae and sedges as dominant species. To explain the formation mechanism of this succession, this paper studied the seed characteristics of 14 common plants in alpine meadow communities, including seed number, 1000-grain weight, germination rate, pappus characteristics, fall velocity. It is revealed that seed pappus characteristics are the key factors in determining the dominance of species on the secondary bare land of degraded alpine meadows. The results of the comprehensive evaluation method show that Asteraceae have higher diffuse ability than Gramineae, sedges, Apiaceae and Leguminosae due to lower falling speed of Asteraceae, caused by their pappus. The redundancy analysis results further explain the reasons for the emergence of corresponding dominant species in different degradation stages of alpine meadows. These results are helpful for understanding changes in plant communities in alpine meadows under grazing disturbance. They also provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable utilization and management of the alpine meadow ecosystem and restoration of degraded grassland.
In silico investigation of a series of D-A-D structured chain thiophene photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy
Authors: Qin Zheng-Kun , Liu Xu-Hui , Zhang Hai-Han , Wang Shi-Ping , Wu Xin-Zhao , Pu Xin , Ji Ye , Yang Jia-Yu , Guo Xi-Lian , Wang Jia , Song Ming-Xing , Bai Fu-Quan 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This study investigated the therapeutic activity of a series of chain thiophene photosensitizers (PS) using theoretical simulation approaches. Density functional theory and its time-dependent extension (DFT, TD-DFT) were used to calculate the parameters for the determination of various photophysical properties of PSs, such as electronic absorption spectrum, singlet-triplet state energy gap, and to discuss the electron-hole relationship between excited states and orbitals. The calculations show that these photosensitizers have a practical inter-system crossing (ISC) transition from the first singlet excited state to the lower triplet state excited state with sufficient energy to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). These suitable properties make these series of PSs promising for photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications. these photosensitizer molecules in this work can provide a theoretical reference for further experimental researches.
Transmission of trypanosomiasis by tsetse flies in three active HAT foci of the Republic of Congo
Authors: Bemba Irina Anne Emmanuelle , Lenga Arsene , Awono-Ambene Herman Parfait , Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a neglected tropical disease still endemic in the Republic of Congo. Despite continuous detection of HAT cases in the country, there is still not enough data on trypanosome infections in tsetse flies, trypanosome species and tsetse flies species distribution in endemic foci. The present study is intended to fill this gap and improve understanding on trypanosome circulation in three active foci in the centre and south of Congo.Methods: Pyramid traps were set in various places in villages to collect tsetse flies both during rainy and dry season. Once collected, tsetse flies were identified using morphological keys. DNA extracted from flies was processed by PCR for species identification and for detection of trypanosome. A second PCR was ran for different trypanosome species identification.Results: A total of 1291 tsetse flies were collected. The average apparent density of fly per day was 0.043 in Mpouya, 0.73 in Ngabé and 2.79 in Loudima. Glossina fuscipes quazensis was the predominant tsetse fly found in Ngabé and Mpouya, while Glossina palpalis palpalis was the only tsetse fly found in Loudima. A total of 224 (17.7%) flies were detected infected by trypanosomes; 100 (7.91%) by Trypanosoma congolense savannah, 22 (1.74%) by Trypanosoma congolense forest, 15 (1.19%) by Trypanosoma vivax, 83 (6.56%) by Trypanosoma brucei (s.l.) and 2 (0.16%) undetermined species. A total of 57 co-infections between T. brucei (s.l.) and T. congolense savannah or T. brucei (s.l.) and T. congolense forest were found only in G. p. palpalis. Loudima recorded the highest number of infected tsetse flies.Conclusion: The study provided updated information on the dynamics of tsetse fly populations as well as on the transmission of trypanosome species in the different active HAT foci in Congo. The data suggest high transmission of animal trypanosomes and possibly human trypanosomes in these foci. The study stress the need for active surveillance in these endemic foci.
Planning for Bike-sharing System: Predicting Potential Usage with Spatial Regression Models
Authors: Sun Sai , Hu Lingqian 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
The rapid growth of bike-sharing usage spurs a large amount of empirical research. However, much research focuses on existing bike-sharing services, without considering the gaps between revealed and potential demand, while some potential demand cannot be met without a supply of bike-sharing facilities. To address this gap, this research develops a two-step approach: the first step proposes an equitable supply of bike-sharing stations based on neighborhood characteristics, and the second step predicts potential bike-sharing usage with the proposed supply scenario. Using data from a station-based bike-sharing system in the city of Chicago, we specify and evaluate the new methodological approach with transformed spatial regression models. Results identify neighborhoods that have potential demand but are under-served. Our approach provides a tool for providing an equitable supply of bike-sharing services and promoting wide adoption of bike-sharing across diverse neighborhoods.
Cleaner and Sustainable Synthesis of High Quality Monoglycerides by use of Enzyme Technologies: Techno-economic and Environmental study for Monolaurin
Authors: Mustafa Ahmad , Fathy Sara , Kutlu Ozben , Niikura Fumiya , Inayat Abrar , Mustafa Muhamad , Abdellatief Tamer M.M. , Bokhari Awais , Samuel Olusegun David , Pastore Carlo , Bitonto Luigi , Mohsen Reham 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Currently, monoglycerides (MG) are produced using a complicated energy intensive technology that contributes negatively toward greenhouse gas mitigation. This work suggests a cleaner and simpler one-step enzymatic production of α-monolaurin in an inert membrane reactor, where the reaction and enzyme separation are conducted simultaneously in one unit. Candida antarctica lipase (Lipozyme 435) was used to catalyze the esterification reaction between lauric acid and glycerin in a solvent-free system under mild temperatures. Response surface methodology was used to optimize the reaction conditions. The optimal conditions were a molecular sieve of 14.85% w/w, a temperature of 56.95°C, an enzyme amount of 5.38% w/w, and a molar ratio of 4.75% w/w. The gas chromatography (GC) analysis showed that the α-monolaurin percentage was 49.5% when the enzymatic process (ENZ) was used. The conventional chemical (CHEM) and autocatalytic (AUT) esterification methods were also performed to study their proportional MG yields. The GC results showed the MG percentages of 43.9% and 41.7% for CHEM and AUT, respectively. Economic analysis was also conducted for the suggested enzymatic technique, and the findings were compared with those of the CHEM and AUT technologies. Using a plant capacity of 4950 t/year and 11% interest for the proposed ENZ process, the total capital investment of α-monolaurin production was preferably four times less than that of the CHEM process and three times less than that of the AUT method, presenting investment possibilities. However, the ENZ process showed the least profitability (net profit per day) among the three processes. Nevertheless, the return on investment and net present value for the ENZ process were preferably higher than those of CHEM and AUT because of its interestingly lower inside battery limit plant cost and less energy consumption. The AUT/CHEM processes generated a total carbon dioxide (CO2) exhaust of t CO2 678.7 eq./year. In contrast, the ENZ process exhausted a total CO2 of only 50 t CO2 eq./year. The present integrated techno-economic and environmental study of α-monolaurin production emphasizes the green and cost benefits of the proposed ENZ technology.
Safety and efficacy of exercise in patients with bone metastases: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Chengzhe , Yang Jiandong , Liu Chen , Zheng Zihao , Zhong Mingkai , Cui Fei 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Background: Cancer patients may enhance their physical function and quality of life via exercise. However, there are few quantitative data to determine if exercise is safe and effective for the patients with bone metastases.Methods: Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register Databases were searched to May 5, 2022.Results: 692 items were found. Five studies totaling 234 patients were included in the analysis after thorough screening. The interventions included soccer, aerobic exercise, and resistance training. There were no adverse effects connected to exercise. The results of the mixed-efficacy study showed that exercise improved bone mineral density more than regular nursing (P=0.009). It also had a clinically significant effect on body composition and pain, but there was no difference between the groups (P > 0.05).Conclusions: Exercise seems to be safe for people with bone metastases, and it can increase bone density, improve body composition, and alleviate pain.
Imaging a microfocus X-ray focal spot with a thin coded aperture
Authors: Davis Graham Roy , Beckenbach Thomas , Meyer Pascal 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
Imaging of the focal spot size in X-ray generators can be achieved by means of a pinhole in a highly attenuating material, such as gold. For microfocus generators with spot sizes of only around 10 microns or less, the material must be very thin to avoid an impractical aspect ratio. With a 90 kV source, only 11% attenuation is attained with 5 µm gold. For a pinhole that is smaller than the focal spot, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) may be less than 1. To image the focal spot of a medical X-ray generator, a coded aperture has been used previously to reduce the exposure time required, however the same technique does not appear to have been used to increase the SNR when the attenuation is very low. Such a method is used here, using a no-two-holes-touching variation of a modified uniformly redundant array (MURA). In a prototype sample, with only 5 µm gold having 2.75 µm holes, the focal spot of a microfocus X-ray generator used in a micro-CT system could be clearly visualised and quantified. Directionality of the aberrations made focussing of the X-ray spot more intuitive and reduced the time required to obtain an optimal, quantifiable focus.
Maps portfolio of Octopus vulgaris off Mauritania
Authors: AHMED-BABOU Dedah , DEMARCQ Hervé , MEISSA Beyah , BEZ Nicolas 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
This study introduces the concept of map portfolio as the set of principal maps that best explain the spatial distributions of a given species over time. An application is developed on octopus’s distribution off Mauritania over the past thirty years. The maps that make up the portfolio are the subset of the empirical orthogonal maps that allow to recover 60% of the input spatiotemporal variability and whose amplitude through time is significantly correlated with abundance. During the hot season, one single map explains half of the overall variability of the initial data, while during the cold season, the portfolio of octopus is made of four maps, the amplitudes of the second one being negatively correlated with upwelling intensity six months before. The size of a portfolio represents the number of spatial patterns from which the octopus mainly composed its distribution over time. Assuming that specific but hidden processes explain each biomass distribution of the portfolio, the size of a map portfolio could be a proxy for the systems’ resilience. In case of large portfolios, a process could decrease without damaging the overall system if compensated by another one. A small portfolio could be symptomatic of more fragile systems.
Nonlinear Interaction of 3D Kinetic Alfv'en Wave with Null Point and Turbulence Generation in the Solar Corona.
Authors: Patel Garima , Pathak Neha , Uma R. , Sharma R.P. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
In the present paper, we have studied the nonlinear Kinetic Alfv'en Waves (KAW) in the vicinity of the null point. We have considered the nonlinearity due to ponderomotive effects associated with KAW in the solar corona. A 3D model equation representing the dynamics of KAW is developed in this Null point scenario. Using numerical methods, we have solved the model equation for solar corona parameters. The pseudospectral method and the finite difference method have been applied to tackle spatial integration and temporal evaluation, respectively. The outcome of the simulation demonstrates the formation of localized structures. With the evolution of time, these localized structures become more chaotic. Chaotic structures (turbulent) can efficiently transfer energy. The power spectrum of these turbulent structures shows the Kolmogorov spectral index of nearly -5/3 in the inertial range followed by a steeper spectrum of nearly -3.3 (in the range of -2 to -4). These structures also lead to the generation of the current sheet. To understand the physics of our model, we have also done a semi-analytical study for our model equation. Semi-analytical calculations reveal that the current sheet structures have scale sizes of the order of ion gyro-radius. The relevance of this investigation to the current observations by Parker Solar Probe has also been discussed.