bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial infection in a patient with IFN-γ neutralizing antibodies and idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia: a case report
Authors: Goto Ryo , Shiota Seiji , Kaimori Ryo , Horinouchi Noboru , (Nishimizu) Rie Utsunomiya , Yamamoto Kyoko , Miyazaki Eishi 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Disseminated nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection usually occurs in immunodeficient patients, such as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. However, disseminated NTM diseases have also been reported in immunocompetent patients. Autoantibodies to interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) are known to be involved in disseminated NTM disease, although anti-IFN-γ antibodies are mainly seen in immunocompetent patients rather than those with immunodeficiency. Here, we report a rare case of disseminated NTM that was positive for anti-IFN-γ antibodies in a patient with idiopathic CD4 lymphopenia.
Case presentation: A 64-year-old Asian male presented with fever, back pain, anorexia and weight loss. Physical examination revealed subcutaneous masses in the forehead, sternoclavicular joint, and right inguinal region. Computed tomography showed multiple osteosclerotic changes with soft structures and osteolytic changes. Both blood and sputum cultures were positive for Mycobacterium intracellulare, confirming the presence of disseminated NTM infection. Histopathological evaluation of the subcutaneous mass in the right inguinal region showed numerous granulomas consisting of epithelioid cells with Langhans-type giant cells. Anti-IFN-γ autoantibodies with suppression of IFN-γ-dependent signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) phosphorylation was detected. Interestingly, he was also diagnosed with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia. Two-drug combination therapy with clarithromycin and ethambutol was started for the NTM infection, which resulted in a favorable disease course.
Conclusions: In patients with disseminated NTM infection, anti-IFN-γ antibody positivity can be detected even in patients with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia. Anti-IFN-γ neutralizing antibodies should be examined even in patients with idiopathic CD4 lymphocytopenia to elucidate the pathophysiology of disseminated NTM disease.
Determinants of the uptake of childhood immunization in Kinshasa Province, the DRC: ordered logit regression analyses to assess timely infant vaccines administered at birth and six-weeks of age.
Authors: Boisson Alix , Thompson Peyton , Fried Bruce , Shea Christopher Michael , Ngimbi Patrick , Lumande Fidele , Tabala Martine , Mwandagalirwa Kashamuka , Babakazo Pélagie , Domino Marisa Elaine , Yotebieng Marcel 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background: Despite global efforts to reduce preventable childhood illness by distributing infant vaccines, immunization coverage in sub-Saharan African settings remains low. Further, timely administration of vaccines at birth – tuberculosis (Bacille Calmette-Guérin [BCG]) and polio (OPV0) – remains inconsistent. Countries such as Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) prepare to add yet another birth-dose vaccine in their immunization schedule, but research is necessary to understand the determinants of current birth-dose vaccines’ timely administration. This study aims to improve current and future birth-dose immunization coverage by understanding determinants of infants receiving vaccinations within the national timeframe.
Methods: The study used two ordered regression models to assess barriers to timely BCG and first round of hepatitis B (HepB3) immunization across multiple time points using the Andersen Behavioral Model to conceptualize determinants at various levels. The assessment leveraged survey data collected during a continuous quality improvement study (NCT03048669) conducted in 105 maternity centers throughout Kinshasa Province, DRC. The final sample included 2,398 (BCG analysis) and 2,268 (HepB3 analysis) women-infant dyads living with HIV.
Results: Between 2016 and 2020, 1,981 infants (82.6%) received the BCG vaccine, and 1,551 (68.4%) received the first dose of HepB3 vaccine. Of those who received the BCG vaccine, 26.3, 43.5%, and 12.8% received BCG within 24 hours, between one and seven days, and between one and 14 weeks, respectively. Of infants who received the HepB3 vaccine, 22.4% received it within six weeks, and 46% between six and 14 weeks of life. Many factors were positively associated with BCG uptake, including higher maternal education, household wealth, higher facility general readiness score, and religious-affiliated facility ownership. The factors influencing HepB3 uptake included older maternal age, higher education level, household wealth, transport by taxi to a facility, higher facility general and immunization readiness scores, and religious-affiliated facility ownership.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the study participants’ uptake of vaccines was consistent with the country average, but not in a timely manner. Various factors were associated with timely uptake of BCG and HepB3 vaccines. These findings suggest that investment to strengthen the vaccine delivery system might improve timely vaccine uptake and equity in vaccine coverage.
Anaemia, iron deficiency and inflammation prevalence in children in the Mount Cameroon area and the contribution of inflammatory cytokines on haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations: a cross sectional study
Authors: Sama Sharon Odmia , Taiwe Sotoing Germain , Teh Rene Ning , Njume Gwendolyne Elobe , Chiamo Seraphine Njuontsop , Sumbele Irene Ule Ngole 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background
Iron deficiency (ID) and anaemia of inflammation (AI) coexist where infections and nutritional deficiencies are common. The aim of this study was to determine burden of ID, anaemia, inflammation and AI in children in malaria endemic Limbe, Mount Cameroon as well as decipher the contribution of some inflammatory cytokines on the concentration of haemoglobin and ferritin.
Methods
A total of 520 children aged ≤ 15 years old from the Limbe Health District (LHD) were randomly selected and examined in a cross-sectional study for iron deficiency, anaemia, inflammation and inflammation anaemia. Collected blood samples were used for full blood count and inflammatory marker analyses with the aid of a haemoanalyzer and ELISA machine, respectively. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between cytokines and haemoglobin while multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the effects of inflammatory cytokines on haemoglobin and ferritin concentrations.
Results
The overall prevalence of anaemia, ID, IDA, inflammation and AI were respectively, 67.5%, 34.6%, 12.9%, 63.1% and 30.2%. Children aged 12‒15 years (P = 0.001), enrolled from the community (P < 0.001), whose parents are civil servants (P < 0.001), living in a home with 6‒10 occupants (P = 0.016), afebrile (P < 0.001) and malaria negative (P = 0.007) had the highest prevalence of ID while, children ≤ 5 years old (P = 0.001), with a family size of 1‒5 occupants (P = 0.033) had the highest prevalence of AI. Haemoglobin concentration positively correlated with concentrations of IFN-γ (P = < 0.001), TNF-α (0.045) and ferritin (P = < 0.001) while a negative correlation was observed with IL-10 (P = 0.003). In the multiple linear regression analysis only IL-6 significantly (P = 0.030) influenced haemoglobin concentration.
Conclusions
While IL-6 is of significance in the pathology of anaemia, iron deficiency and anaemia of inflammation are of moderate public health concerns in the Mount Cameroon area. Hence, appropriate intervention against anaemia, ID and AI should be directed at children ≤ 5 years and counterparts > 10 years old that bear the highest burden.
Analysis of hemi-uterus pregnancy outcomes in uterine malformations: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Qian Liang , Ding Jiashan , Shi Lan , Yu Qing , Zhu Jiawei , Huang Anfeng 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: The association between uterine malformations and adverse pregnancy outcomes is well recognized. However, studies on adverse pregnancy outcomes based on one kind of anatomical commonality between different uterine anomalies have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies with uterine malformations when the pregnancy is confined to a hemi-uterus.
Methods:A retrospective observational cohort study of women who gave birth at our hospital from 2015 to 2021 was performed. Pregnancies with a unicornuate, complete bicornuate, or didelphic uterus were set as the study group, and pregnancies with a normal uterus were set as the referencegroup. For each case in the study group, pregnancies with a normal uterus were matched by age (± 2 years) in a 1:2 ratio. Data were obtained by reviewing medical records and telephone interviews. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated and compared between the two groups.
Results: Women in the study group had a higher history of spontaneous abortion and intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). Compared with the reference group, the study group had significantly higher rates of assisted reproductive technology (ART) and cord-around-the neck (CAN). Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the study group was at higher risk for preterm birth, preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM), malpresentation, and cesarean section.
Conclusion: Pregnancies with a unicornuate, didelphic, or complete bicornuate uterus are at higher risk for some adverse pregnancy outcomes than those with a normal uterus.
Affordances of virtual learning environments to support mathematics teaching
Authors: Trgalová Jana , Tabach Michal 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The slow uptake of technology by mathematics teachers is in contrast with the rapid growth in the availability of different digital resources specifically designed to help teaching and learning mathematics. We refer to platforms that were designed to allow for mathematical communication between multiple users. We seek to explore the affordances of such digital platforms to support mathematics teachers who wish to integrate technology as part of their practice. Specifically, we ask: What are the affordances of the platforms that may support instrumentation and instrumentalization processes leading to the development of teacher’s didactic instrument to plan and enact a mathematical activity in a digital environment? The four platforms we chose for analysis are STEP, DESMOS, Labomep and WIMS. Our analysis shows on the one hand that the platforms afford support to the teacher while enacting technology-based mathematics activities. On the other hand, we suggest several components of didactic instrumental genesis that mathematics teachers need to develop in order to take benefit from digital platform affordances. These components include, in particular, the ability to base decision making on data gathered and visualized in dashboard embedded in learning management systems.
Phonon structure engineering for intrinsically spectrally selective emitters by anion groups
Authors: Huang Enhui , Zhou Xia , Zhang Rui , Guo Hongxuan , Gao Xu , Zhong Wenying , Xu Bo 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Spectrally selective emitters (SSEs) have attracted considerable attention, because of radiative cooling, which could dissipate the heat from earth to outer space through the atmospheric window without any energy input. Intrinsically inorganic SSEs have significant advantages to other SSEs, such as the low fabrication cost due to the extremely simple structures and long-life span under solar exposure. However, few inorganic materials can act as intrinsic SSEs due to the limited emissions in atmospheric window. Here, we propose a strategy to design intrinsic SSEs by complementing the IR-active phonons in atmospheric window with anion groups. Accordingly, we demonstrate borates containing both [BO3]3- and [BO4]5- units can exhibit high emissivity within the whole atmospheric window, because the IR-active phonons of [BO3]3- units usually locate around 8 and 13 μm, while those of [BO4]5- units distribute in 9~11 μm. Furthermore, K3B6O10Cl and BaAlBO4 are selected as two examples to display their near-unity emissivity (>95%) within the whole atmospheric window experimentally. These results not only offer new strategy for the design of intrinsic SSEs, but also endow wide band-gap borates containing both [BO3]3- and [BO4]5- units with great potential applications for radiative cooling.
A Systematic Review of the Impact of Pneumatic Tube System Transport on Blood Chemistry and Hematology Parameters
Authors: Ausmolo Angelie Jae T. , Pua Joan Felice D. , Abiog Margaret Dominique H. , Alberto Beatrice C. , Bilo Eunice Lyn M. , De Leon Chasse Ysabel L. , Cerna Krista Luisa C. Dela , Jugueta Julien Rosx D. , Mendoza Marie Ethel M. , Sison Dorothy Elizabeth E. , Untalan Christ Theomar A. , Yumul Larra Betheriece B. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Introduction: Today, many hospitals use a Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) to quickly convey specimens to the lab. This study examined the clinical and practical impacts of PTS in delivering specimens. Blood chemistry and hematologic parameters were compared between PTS and manual transfer to determine whether there was a significant increase or decrease in its values. The study evaluated the following Blood Chemistry parameters such as LDH, K, AST, ALP, ALT, and Total Bilirubin and Hematologic parameters such as Red Cell indices (MCV, MHC, and MCHC), RBC count, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, Hemolysis rate, and Platelet count. The data are gathered to evaluate if PTS provides the same specimen integrity as the manual technique. In this project, the researchers will conduct a systematic review utilizing the PRISMA 2020 reporting checklist.
Methodology: Studies obtained from online databases were utilized. A set of criteria for selecting prospective studies were established. The studies should be published from 2017 to October 2022, must assess the effects of PTS by comparing them to manually transported samples, and must be fully accessible. Subgroup analysis and cumulative analysis were conducted to establish transparency of the results.
Findings and Discussion: A total of 18 studies were evaluated. Three of these studies deal with blood chemistry, five with hematology, and ten with factors related to both blood chemistry and hematology. Among all the parameters evaluated, only LDH, potassium, and Hemolysis index showed clinical significance between the samples transported via PTS and manually delivered. The other chemistry parameters were also increased but were not clinically significant. Whereas, Hematologic parameters have only limited studies available that can show that it is of clinical significance. However, most included studies utilized a small sample size and limited population, restricting further analysis of the obtained results. Additionally, some were hindered due to insufficient data and information. Moreover, the technical aspects that can cause the results to differ are not provided because the PTS utilized to modify acceleration and deceleration, which are not sufficiently described. Some research claimed that their study was restricted to PTS effects alone.
Safety and Efficacy of First-in-Man Intrathecal Transplantation of Human Astrocytes (AstroRx) in ALS Patients: Phase I/IIa Clinical Trial Results
Authors: Gotkine Marc , Caraco Yoseph , Lerner Yossef , Blotnick Simcha , Wanounou Maor , Slutsky Shalom Guy Guy , Chebath Judith , Kuperstein Graciela , estrin elena , Ben-Hur Tamir , Hasson Arik , Molakandov Kfir , Sonnenfeld Tehila , Stark Yafit , Revel Ariel , Revel Michel , Izrael Michal 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: AstroRx is an allogeneic cell-based product, composed of healthy and functional human astrocytes derived from embryonic stem cells. We previously showed that AstroRx protects neurons in ALS animal models by multiple mechanisms, including clearance of toxic compounds (e.g. glutamate), reduction of oxidative stress, immunomodulation, and secretion of various neuroprotective factors. We hypothesized that transplantation of AstroRx can compensate for the malfunction of astrocytes in ALS patients in a clinical setting.
Methods: We conducted a phase I/IIa, open-label, dose-escalating clinical trial to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and therapeutic effects of AstroRx transplantation in patients with ALS. Five patients were injected intrathecally with a single dose of 100x106 AstroRx cells and 5 patients with 250x106 cells (low and high dose, respectively). Safety and efficacy assessments were recorded during a period of 3-months pre-treatment (run-in) and 12-months post-treatment (follow-up).
Results: A single administration of AstroRx at either low or high doses was safe and well tolerated. No adverse events (AEs) related to AstroRx cells were reported. Transient AEs related to the Intrathecal (IT) procedure were all mild to moderate and resolved. The study demonstrated a clinically meaningful effect that was maintained over the first 3 months after treatment, as measured by the pre-post slope change in ALSFRS-R. In the 100x106 AstroRx arm, the ALSFRS-R rate of deterioration was attenuated from -0.88/month pre-treatment to -0.30/month in the first 3 months post-treatment (p=0.039). In the 250x106 AstroRx arm, the ALSFRS-R slope from -1.43/mo to -0.78/mo (p=0.0023). The effect was even more profound in a rapid progressor subgroup of 5 patients. No significant difference in the rate of ALSFRS-R deterioration was observed beyond 3 months after treatment. No significant change was found in hand-held dynamometry (HHD), grip strength (JAMAR), ALSAQ-40, or serum biomarkers.
Conclusions:
Overall, these findings suggest that a single IT administration of AstroRx to ALS patients at a dose of 100x106 or 250x106 cells is safe. A signal of beneficial clinical effect was observed for the first 3 months post cell injection. These results support further investigation of repeated IT administrations of AstroRx.
Trial Registration: NCT03482050
A novel band selection architecture to propose a built-up index for hyperspectral sensor PRISMA
Authors: Gaur Shishir , Das Nilendu , Bhattacharjee Rajarshi , Patra Debanirmalya , Ohri Anurag 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Processing of hyperspectral remote sensing datasets poses challenges in terms of computational expense pertaining to data redundancy. As such, band selection becomes indispensable to address redundancy while preserving the optimal spectral information. This paper proposes a novel architecture using Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimizing technique with Random Forest (RF) classifier for efficient band selection with Hyperspectral Precursor of the Application Mission (PRISMA) dataset. The optimal bands are BLUE (λ=492.69nm), NIR (λ=959.52nm), and SWIR 1 (λ=1626.78nm). This paper also involves an application of the selected bands to accurate identify and quantify built-up pixels by means of a new spectral index named Hyperspectral Imagery-based Built-up Index (HIBI). The proposed index was used to map built-up pixels in six cities around the world namely Jaipur, Varanasi, Delhi, Tokyo, Moscow and Jakarta to establish its robustness. This analysis shows that the proposed index has an accuracy of 94.02%, higher than all the other indices considered for this study. Moreover, the spectral separability analysis also establishes the efficiency of the proposed index to differentiate built-up pixels from spectrally similar land use or land cover classes.
Comparison of covalent and in-situ immobilization of Candida antarctica lipase A on a flexible nanoporous material
Authors: Ghasemi Saba , Yousefi Maryam , Nikseresht Ahmad 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

In this study, Candida antartica lipase A (CALA) was subjected to immobilization on the flexible nanoporous MIL-53(Fe) by two approaches: covalent coupling and in situ immobilization method. The pre-synthesized support under ultrasound irradiation was incubated with N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide to mediate the covalent attachment between the carboxylic groups on the support surface and amino groups of enzyme molecules. The in situ immobilization in which the enzyme molecules directly embedded into the MOF framework was performed under mild operating conditions in a facile one-step manner. Both immobilized derivatives of the enzyme were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), FT-IR spectra, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). In the in situ immobilization method, the enzyme molecules were efficiently encapsulated within the support with high loading capacity (220 mg/g support). On the other hand, the covalent attachment resulted in immobilizing much lower concentrations of the enzyme (20 mg/g support). Although both immobilized derivatives of lipase showed broader pH and temperature tolerance relative to the soluble enzyme, the biocatalyst, which was prepared through in situ method, was more stable at elevated temperatures than the covalently immobilized lipase. Furthermore, in-situ immobilized derivatives of CALA could be efficiently reused for at least eight cycles (> 70% of retained activity). In contrast, its covalently immobilized counterpart showed a drastic decrease in activity after five cycles (less than 10% of retained activity at the end of 6 rounds).
Finite-time sliding mode fault-tolerant neural network control for nonstrict-feedback nonlinear systems
Authors: Lin Funing , Xue Guangming , Li Shenggang , Liu Heng , Pan Yongping , Cao Jinde 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
In the paper, finite-time tracking control for a class of nonstrict-feedback nonlinear systems subject to uncertain control gains and multiple actuator faults is explored. To circumvent the issue of “complexity explosion” arisen from the standard backstepping design, second-order command filter is introduced to estimate the virtual input and its derivative in every step. By means of a useful structural attribute of neural networks, the algebraic loop problem is excluded. Besides, the unknown control gains are handled via using Nussbaum functions. To attain robust control performance against external perturbations and chattering phenomenon, a novel sliding mode fault-tolerant controller is introduced to ensure finite-time stability of the controlled system. Furthermore, simulation cases are conducted to demonstrate the practical applications of the proposed approach to one-link manipulator and electromechanical system.
Competitive gallium and indium adsorption from wastewaters on low cost chabazite
Authors: Sáez Patricia , Díez Eduardo , Gómez José María , López Carmen , Rodríguez Araceli 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The paper describes the gallium and indium adsorption from aqueous solutions employing chabazite as adsorbent. Kinetic and isotherm adsorption experiments in monometallic solutions were carried out to ascertain the adsorption mechanisms. The obtained results showed that the adsorption of Ga (III) onto chabazite was properly described by Sips model while indium adsorption is well described by Freundlich model. Competitive adsorption experiments showed that chabazite had more affinity towards gallium than towards indium due to, according to the speciation diagrams, in the case of gallium the predominant specie in solution is GaOH2+, while in the case of indium, the main ionic specie is In3+. However, the most outstanding conclusion is that it is possible to remove both metals from the aqueous media, employing a relatively high chabazite dosage while with a low chabazite dosage (1 g/L) it is possible to selectively retain gallium in solid, remaining indium ions in the solution.