bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of psychological states, sleep patterns, vaccine, and pregnancy outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cai Shiqin , Shen Lixia , Ye Lisha , Zhang Shaofeng , Huang Jingwan , Zhu Caixia , Chen Haitian
Published: September 2024

Objective: This study investigates the relationship between the psychological state, sleep patterns, COVID-19 vaccine administration, and adverse pregnancy outcomes among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from April 2022 to November 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, including 260 pregnant women meeting the inclusion criteria in the obstetric department. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) was used to assess depression, anxiety, and stress; the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) was utilized to evaluate psychological stress related to COVID-19, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was employed to measure sleep quality. Participants were grouped based on their scores or vaccination status, and the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes was compared among different groups.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) among groups with varying degrees of depression (P < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found in the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes among groups categorized by anxiety, stress, psychological stress, and sleep quality (P > 0.05). The comparison of COVID-19 vaccine administration showed no statistically significant differences in psychological status and adverse pregnancy outcomes (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: COVID-19-related depression may increase the risk of PPH. COVID-19 vaccination has no impact on pregnant women's mental health and adverse pregnancy outcomes. So, it can be considered a measure to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Not so different after all: a systematic review of rodent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) models in translational chronic stress and depression research
Authors: von Mücke-Heim Iven-Alex , Kokolakis Evangelos , Gottschalk Michael , Kläffgen Sarah , Deussing Jan , Erhardt Angelika , Pape Julius
Published: September 2024

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) has been established as an efficacious and safe treatment for severe and/or treatment-resistant depression. However, despite decades of research, the exact biological signature of the mechanism of action of ECT has yet to be elucidated. As a translational tool, electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS), the preclinical rodent equivalent of ECT, offers the unique opportunity for further knowledge under controlled laboratory conditions. Here, for the first time, a systematic review following the PRISMA 2020 statement is presented, covering mouse and rat studies investigating the biobehavioral effects of ECS in chronic stress-based depression models. For this purpose, the PubMed and Web of Science databases (period: 01.01.2000 to 05.10.2023) were screened for different key word combinations (search terms: depression, chronic stress, electroconvulsive shock, rats, mice). The search yielded a total of 1067 records. After filtering, a total of 47 studies were included in this review (n = 7 mice, n = 40 rats). Previous studies have used 4 weeks of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in adult male rats treated with bilateral ear clip ECS for 1 week (parameters: bidirectional square wave, 1.5 ms pulse width with 800 mA at 125 Hz, 1.2 sec stimulation duration, 120 mC charge) using no, propofol, or isoflurane anesthesia. The outcome measures were centered around anhedonia-related behaviors and hippocampal protein levels. Summary odds across different behavioral domains revealed antidepressive effects of ECS on anhedonia (14.5), locomotion (6.0), despair (4.3), and anxiety (2.0), accompanied by memory impairments (0.1). Risk of bias assessment suggested considerable risk, primarily due to unreported information on missing data and blinding. Based on our analysis of the evidence, methodological suggestions for future studies were developed. This review will help to further unlock the translational potential of the ECS to generate much needed insights into the molecular correlates of ECT, with special regard to treatment response and prognosis for depression patients.
Numerical Investigation of DBD Plasma actuator Using Phenomenological Model on the Dynamic Stall of Oscillating Airfoils at Low Reynolds Number
Authors: Elfeky Amr A. , Nasr Mohamed F. , Elshebiny Deyaa N.
Published: September 2024

Background: The ability to unconventionally flow control and enhancing aerodynamic efficiency has been improved in recent years by Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma actuators.
The purpose of this work is to investigate numerically the effect of (DBD) of the dynamic stall chronology of NACA 0012 oscillating airfoil at low Reynolds numbers at different values of applied Voltage (5-20 KV) and operating Frequencies (5-20 KHz) based on a phenomenological model.
Results: The results showed that, during the upstroke, an increase in the applied voltages at constant frequency, increases in the delay of the onset of the dynamic stall during the upstroke cycle and causes an early flow reattachment over the upper surface of the airfoil during the downstroke cycle compared to the baseline airfoil.
Conclusions: DBD produced a notable decreasing in the airfoil drag coefficient, increasing in lift coefficient and enhancing int the hysteresis effect among the oscillating cycle. However, when varying the operating frequencies at constant applied voltages, Insignificant improvement is observed.
Synthesis, Biological Properties, and Molecular Docking Studies of Pyrazolopyridine and Isoxazolopyridine Derivatives
Authors: Çelikoglu Umut , Gul Melek , Pelit Emel
Published: September 2024

Pyrazolopyridine and isoxazolopyridine derivatives were synthesized in a one-pot procedure from indan-1,3-dione, aromatic aldehydes, and 1,3-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-5-amine or 5-amino-3-methylisoxazole in the presence of eco-friendly thiamine hydrochloride or phase transfer catalysts under sonication. Tetrabutylammonium bromide and tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate were found to be the most efficient catalysts, with 69–92% yields in short reaction times. The interaction of human serum albumin (HSA) with the synthesized pyrazolopyridine and isoxazolopyridine derivatives were studied by examining the fluorescence quenching once the compound-albumin complex is formed. The Stern-Volmer equation was used to evaluate the binding parameters. Compound 4g showed the highest fluorescence quenching efficiency. DFT and molecular docking studies were also carried out for the synthesized compounds. In our study, DFT-based calculations were used to investigate changes in electron density as visualized through counter maps, electrostatic potential surface maps, and frontier orbitals. PDB structures 3V03, 4OR0, and 8EC1, representing serum albumin transport proteins, were chosen for docking studies. Additionally, in silico investigations on the DNA/bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding activity of the compounds were conducted. The results exhibited that all the synthesized compounds inhibited different activities of the transferred albumin. Compound 4g exhibited the highest binding affinity towards 3V03 (A and B chains) with a binding energy of -8.50 kcal/mol.
Network pharmacology and molecular docking validation to explore the mechanism of fibrates regulating HIF-1A in the treatment of ischemic stroke
Authors: Yang Fengjiao , Yang Zixuan , Yan Ya , Gu Yun , Wang Pengyu , Wang Min , Chen Jianjie , Du Xiaoshan , Wang Guangming
Published: September 2024

Fibrates can prevent and treat ischemic stroke (IS), the occurrence and development of IS is closely related to hypoxia-inducible factor-1A (HIF-1A). However, the exact mechanism of fibrates regulating HIF-1A in the treatment of IS remains unclear. So network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to explore the mechanism of fibrates regulating HIF-1A in the treatment of IS in this study. Firstly, the structure of five fibrates were obtained by reviewing the literature and pharmacopoeia in this study, then the potential targets of fibrates, IS, HIF1A and HIF1A-related genes were obtained through various databases, their common targets were obtained through Venny 2.1.0. The PPI network diagram of fibrates, IS and HIF1A-related genes was plotted by String platform and Cytoscape3.8.1 software. The GO functional analysis results and KEGG pathways of fibrates, IS, HIF1A and HIF1A related genes were obtained by Metascape platform. Finally, the molecular docking of fibrates and HIF1A was performed by AutoDock software. The common targets of five fibrates and IS showed that only 3 fibrates contained HIF1A, GO functional analysis results, KEGG pathway analysis results and molecular docking results showed that fibrates can better regulate HIF1A to treat IS, its main action pathways are pathways in cancer, lipid and atherosclerosis and HIF-1 signaling pathway.
Bacteriophages improve the effectiveness of rhamnolipids in combating the biofilm of Candida albicans
Authors: Dusza Izabela , Jama Dominika , Skaradziński Grzegorz , Śliwka Paulina , Janek Tomasz , Skaradzińska Aneta
Published: September 2024

Biofilms produced by Candida albicans pose significant therapeutic challenges due to their resistance to conventional antimicrobials. In response, the need for the development of more potent strategies to combat such infections persists. Rhamnolipids (RLs) are biosurfactants with diverse antimicrobial properties. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that target specific bacterial strains, although recent studies have shown that they may also potentially affect biofilm formation by fungi and yeasts. This study investigated the combined antimicrobial effect of RLs and bacteriophages against C. albicans biofilms, focusing on their anti-adhesive and inhibitory effects on biofilm development. RT-PCR assays were used to analyze gene modulation in C. albicans biofilm formation in response to RLs and phage treatments. Additionally, hyphae formation in the presence of RLs, phages, and their mixtures was examined using fluorescence microscopy. The results demonstrated that the combined treatment of RLs and bacteriophages significantly reduced biofilm formation compared to individual treatments. The combination of 200 mg/L rhamnolipid with BF9 phage achieved a 94.8% decrease in biofilm formation. This synergy was confirmed in subsequent models, with rhamnolipids at the same concentration and phage LO5/1f nearly completely inhibiting biofilm formation (~ 96%). Gene expression analysis revealed a profound downregulation of key biofilm-associated genes when Candida cells were treated with 200 mg/L RLs and four phages (BF17, L05/1f, JG004, FD). The results of this study suggest the potential of combining RLs and bacteriophages in combating C. albicans biofilms, indicating a promising perspective for future therapeutic approaches, offering renewed hope in the battle against resilient infections.
A New Bayesian information criterion for high dimensional analysis
Authors: Chen Xin , Ma Xuejun , Zhao Peng , Zhou Wang
Published: September 2024

The significance of information criteria in model selection cannot be overstated, particularly within high-dimensional contexts. Various approaches have been developed to address this challenge, such as the High Dimensional Bayesian Information Criteria (HBIC) and the Extended Bayesian Information Criterion (EBIC), which have demonstrated utility in both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Nevertheless, the delicate equilibrium between unknown parameters and model complexity warrants further investigation. In this study, we introduce a novel Bayesian information criterion capable of accommodating rapid covariate dimensionality expansion relative to sample size. We establish model selection consistency for both unpenalized and penalized estimators. Through extensive simulation analyses across commonly encountered models, our proposed criterion, termed Improved Bayesian Information Criterion (IBIC), exhibits significant enhancements over established competitors. Two gene associated real data analysis also demonstrate encouraging results. Furthermore, we show that IBIC can be applied to the generalized linear model in the same way as linear models.
Beidellite/montmorillonite-Phosphorus-based dendrimer organoclays :Structural features and chromate interaction analysis
Authors: Hajjaji Mohamed , beraa Abdellah , Laurent Régis , Caminade Anne-Marie
Published: September 2024

Organoclays are promising materials for pollutant retention, medicinal applications, and catalysis, making them an intriguing research topic. In this study, beidellite/montmorillonite and phosphorus-based dendrimer organoclays were prepared, and their microstructure was examined using X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The study also investigated the dynamic and equilibrium adsorption of chromate onto these organoclays within a temperature range of 298-318°C. It was found that the formation of organoclays involved the substitution of Na+ ions with dendrimers, and the structural configuration depended on the dendrimer size. Additionally, chromate retention by the organoclays occurred rapidly, with the kinetics data fitting well to the pseudo-second-order equation, suggesting chemisorption as the primary adsorption mechanism. The adsorption kinetics were controlled by intragranular diffusion (diffusion coefficient ranging from 0.007 to 0.018 mmol.g⁻¹) and external diffusion (diffusion coefficient ranging from 0.011 to 0.06 min⁻¹). Thermodynamic data and adsorption isotherms modeling showed that chromate adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic, and the isotherms fitted well to the Temkin model. Chromate binding to the organoclay involved protonated amino groups of the dendrimer (first-generation), with an adsorption capacity of 15 mg of chromate per gram, slightly exceeding that of some other organoclays.
Circulating extracellular vesicles regulate ELAVL1 by delivering miR-133a-3p which affecting NLRP3 mRNA stability inhibiting PANoptosome formation
Authors: Wang Deliang , Liu Ke
Published: September 2024

Background
In the quest to elucidate novel therapeutic strategies for myocardial injury, recent investigations have underscored the pivotal roles played by circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) in intercellular communication.
Method
EVs were extracted from individuals who had experienced AMI-EVs and those who were N-EVs. To assess the impact of circulating EVs on cardiomyocyte and endothelial cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and tube formation, a range of in vitro assays such as CCK8, EdU assays, flow cytometry, wound healing assays and angiogenesis assays were conducted. Differentially expressed miRNAs in EVs were validated using microarray analysis and real-time PCR. Through bioinformatics analysis, ELAVL1 was identified as a potential downstream target of miR-133a-3p. This finding was further confirmed by conducting dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA co-immunoprecipitation experiments. To investigate the regulatory effects of circulating EVs from various sources on myocardial injury and PANoptosis, an animal model of ischemia-reperfusion-induced myocardial injury was established.
Result
Our findings revealed that circulating EVs effectively deliver miR-133a-3p to target cells, where it binds to ELAVL1, leading to a decrease in NLRP3 mRNA stability. This reduction in NLRP3 mRNA stability subsequently inhibits the assembly of the PANoptosome, a multi-protein complex implicated in PANoptosis. As a result, we observed a significant mitigation of PANoptosis in our myocardial injury models, demonstrating the protective role of miR-133a-3p against excessive cell death.
Conclusion
The present study underscores the regulatory role of circulating EV-delivered miR-133a-3p in modulating PANoptosis through ELAVL1-mediated NLRP3 mRNA stabilization. This mechanism represents a potential therapeutic target for attenuating myocardial injury by suppressing PANoptosis.
Physical activity and its correlates among pregnant women from the French national cohort ELFE
Authors: Aubert Adrien M. , Charles Marie-Aline , Heude Barbara , Bernard Jonathan Y. , Dargent-Molina Patricia
Published: September 2024

Background
Most pregnant women do not reach the minimum recommended level of 150 min/week of moderate physical activity (MPA). Most previous studies of correlates focused on leisure time physical activity (LTPA) ignoring other domains of MPA (occupational, household/childcare, transportation). This article aims to estimate the proportion of French pregnant women meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines, and identify sociodemographic, and maternal health and behavioural correlates, whenever only LTPA or overall MPA is considered.
Methods
A total of 14,484 pregnant women included in 2011 in the French national ELFE birth cohort reported their PA during the last trimester of their pregnancy using the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Women spending ≥450 MET-min/week in MPA (i.e., ≥150 min/week in activities at ≥3 METs) were considered reaching recommended PA levels. Sociodemographic and maternal health and behavioural correlates associated, respectively, with meeting PA guidelines for LTPA and having a high overall MPA (defined as an overall MPA ≥70th percentile) were assessed by multivariable logistic regressions.
Results
Most of the pregnant women reported engaging in LTPA during the last three months of pregnancy (92.3%), with walking as main activity; however, about 28.0% of women met guidelines for LTPA. Adding other MPA (transportation, household/caregiving, occupational) drastically increased this estimate (up to 85.6%). Primiparity, higher education and income levels, and a higher number of prenatal classes attended were positively associated with meeting guidelines for LTPA, but negatively with having high overall MPA levels. Younger age was positively associated with high MPA whereas not working during the last trimester of pregnancy was negatively associated with high MPA. Pre-pregnancy overweight/obesity were negatively associated with meeting guidelines for LTPA. Being single was positively associated with both outcomes.
Conclusions
Most sociodemographic and maternal correlates examined had differing associations with engaging in sufficient LTPA or high overall MPA. In particular, associations with indicators of social vulnerability were in opposite directions. These results call for continuing efforts to promote PA during pregnancy while inviting to specify which activities (type/context) provide optimum health benefits.
Trial registration
Not applicable.
Path loss predicting and optimization using Whale Optimization Algorithm and Sine Cosine Optimization Algorithm
Authors: LOMBARKIA Assia , DJOUANE Lotfi
Published: September 2024

In mobile communication, accurate path loss prediction is an essential feature of network planning and optimization. However, each type of path loss propagation model is designed to predict path loss in a specific environment, which may be inaccurate in another environment. In this research different propagation models Hata Model, Cost-231 Model and Ericson Model have been analyzed and compared based on the measured data. Experimental measurements of path loss for the GMS and 3G frequency band are made in urban, suburban, and rural areas of Aintouta, Chaabat and Rasslma from Batna city. Measured data are compared with those obtained by three prediction models, for models fitting to the measured path loss and for a deviation error estimation was used the root mean square error (RMSE). The Whale Optimization Algorithm and sine cosine optimization algorithm is used to tune the models parameters.
Sustainable food waste management strategies in restaurants: A transition to a Circular economy
Authors: Munir Komal
Published: September 2024

Although research on food waste (FW) issue has increased since the launch of United Nation’s (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3 advocating for FW reduction and food loss (FL) by 2030, specifically in the retail and consumption. There is still a significant practice and implementation gap that help to reduce and manage FW in restaurants. This research seeks to understand the attitudes and behaviours of restaurant managers and staff towards FW reduction and food waste management (FWM) strategies in restaurants of Melbourne, Australia, which no previous research has attempted. For this purpose, the mixed-methods approach employed for data collection and the System-practice framework (combination of Social Practice Theory and the System Model of foodservices) has been applied during the analysis process. Therefore, this research acknowledges the call for social practice scholars to understand beyond changing behaviours.
Effect of Impurity Concentration Gradient on the Collection of Charge Carriers in the p-n Junction based Solar Cells
Authors: Gasparyan Ferdinand , Gasparian Vladimir
Published: September 2024

An effective method for increasing the mean free path of light charge carriers in p-n junction solar cells is discussed. It is shown that by regulating the doping process of the light-absorbing emitter part of the solar cell and creating non-uniform distribution of the doping impurity in it, it is possible to increase the diffusion length of minority charge carriers. As a result, recombination losses decreases, the number of minority charge carriers passing through the p-n junction increases, the collection of photogenerated carriers increases, and consequently energy conversion efficiency increases. It is also shown that the stronger and greater the curvature of the impurity distribution in the illuminated p-emitter of a p-n solar cell, the greater the change in the diffusion coefficient. Estimates show that with a difference of four orders of magnitude in the concentration of doping acceptors (from 10 18 to 10 14 cm-3) in the emitter, the diffusion constant of minority carriers increases almost 3.1 times.
Contribution of leukocyte telomere length to major cardiovascular diseases onset: phenotypic and genetic insights from a large-scale genome-wide cross-trait analysis
Authors: Pauklin Siim , Qiao Jun , Wang Qian , Zhao Yuhui , Chang Min-Jing , Cai Liuyang , Liu Feng , Yao Kaixin , Zheng Leilei , Tan Ning , He Pengcheng , Jegga Anil , Jiang Lei , Yang Yining , Feng Yuliang
Published: September 2024

Telomere shortening, a marker of cellular aging and genomic instability, has been epidemiologically linked to an increased risk of various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, shared genetic determinants involved in these associations remain unclear. We composed an atlas of the shared genetic associations between leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and six major CVDs by investigating shared genetic elements, encompassing SNPs, genes, biological pathways, and protein targets with pleiotropic implications. Extensive genetic overlaps beyond genetic correlations were observed, but no causal relationships were established. We identified 248 independent pleiotropic genomic risk loci, implicating 50 unique genes in two or more trait pairs, especially the SH2B3 gene, which was further validated by a proteome-wide Mendelian Randomization study. Functional analysis demonstrated a link to both DNA biosynthetic processes and telomere maintenance mechanisms. These findings suggest a genetic link between LTL and CVDs, highlighting a shared genetic basis crucial for developing future interventions and therapeutic targets.
Fatty acids promote uncoupled respiration via the ATP/ADP carrier in white adipocytes
Authors: Reilly Shannon , Aksu Ayla , Zerbel Zane , Dhillon Preetveer , Kelemen Yosip , Gbayisomore Oluwafemi , Chen Serena , Ahmadian Maryam
Published: September 2024

Adipocytes store energy as triglycerides, while mobilizing energy when needed via lipolysis. Triglyceride lipolysis releases fatty acids and glycerol into the circulation to fuel other tissues. However, a significant fraction of fatty acids released by lipolysis are retained within the white adipose tissue and handled by adipocytes. While some of these retained fatty acids are re-esterified in white adipocytes1-6, the a substantial amount undergo oxidative metabolism via a pathway regulated by the nongenomic effects of STAT37-10. Here we report that fatty acids promote uncoupled oxidative metabolism in white adipocytes via the ATP/ADP carrier, contributing to thermogenesis and cold tolerance in obese thermoneutral-adapted mice, independent of brown adipose tissue and muscle activity. Our results suggest that uncoupled respiration in white adipocytes significantly contributes to whole-body energy expenditure and could be a promising target for obesity treatment.
Viral activity in lake analogs of anoxic early Earth oceans
Authors: Varona Natascha S. , Wallace Bailey A. , Bosco-Santos Alice , Mullinax Julianna , Stiffler Alexandra K. , O’Beirne Molly D. , Werne Josef P. , III William P. Gilhooly , Silveira Cynthia B.
Published: September 2024

Background
Meromictic lakes, with their stratified water columns, are modern analogs for ancient euxinic (anoxic and sulfidic) oceans, where anaerobic sulfur-oxidizing purple and green sulfur bacteria (PSB and GSB) dominated as primary producers. Recent studies suggest a potential role of viruses in the metabolisms and biosignatures of these bacteria, but conclusive evidence of viral replication and activity in such lakes is still lacking.
Results
Here, we investigate viral activity in the upper mixed layer (mixolimnion), the microbial plate, and the anoxic bottom (monimolimnion) of three meromictic lake water columns: Poison Lake and Lime Blue (WA, USA), and Mahoney Lake (BC, CA). Geochemical profiles of two lakes, Mahoney and Poison, which are heavily dominated by PSB, show a sharp chemocline, whereas Lime Blue displays a less steep chemical gradient and hosts a mixture of PSB and GSB. Viral gene transcription and epifluorescence microscopy counts revealed depth-dependent patterns in viral activity. The two strongly stratified, PSB-dominated lakes, showed a significant decrease in the virus-to-microbe ratio (VMR) in their microbial plates, suggesting reduced viral particle production via lysis. Metatranscriptome data corroborated this trend by showing lower levels of viral gene expression in these microbial plates, and relatively high expression of photosynthesis-related viral genes. Conversely, the third lake, which harbors a mix of PSB and GSB, exhibited low density, high VMR, and high viral transcriptional activity. Viral transcription levels significantly correlated with microscopy VMR in the microbial plates and bottom layers, but this relationship was absent in low-density, oxic surface samples.
Conclusions
Here, two independent lines of evidence, abundances and gene expression, show reduced viral lytic production in microbial plates dominated by PSB in stratified lakes. This suggests that viral lysis may contribute less to bacterial community structuring in these high-density microbial plates. Rather, other viral-mediated mechanisms, such as the expression of auxiliary metabolic genes, may represent a more significant viral influence on bacterial physiology and geochemistry. These patterns in virus-bacteria interactions may be consequential for the interpretations of biosignatures left by these bacterial groups in the geologic record.
Anaemia and Caesarean Section in Caucasian race: Assessment of risk factors and management strategies
Authors: khakpour Yaser
Published: September 2024

Background: Anaemia among pregnant women is a significant public health concern, particularly in developing countries, due to its adverse effects on both maternal and fetal health. This study addresses the gap in research regarding anaemia in pregnant women in northern Iran, specifically among those undergoing elective caesarean sections. The objective is to assess the prevalence of anaemia in this population.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 719 pregnant women who were candidates for elective caesarean sections from September 2020 to March 2023. Data were collected from medical records, including haemoglobin levels, history of anaemia, previous pregnancy experiences, and demographic information. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20, with quantitative variables reported as means and standard deviations and qualitative variables presented as frequencies and percentages. The Chi-square test was employed to compare anaemia prevalence across different demographic groups, with a significance level set at p value < 0.05.
Results: Among the 719 participants, key demographic findings revealed that most had primary education (26.8%), while only 12.4% held university degrees. A majority (59.8%) resided in urban areas, with the largest age group being 31-36 years (30.5%). Most women (75.2%) reported no history of miscarriage, and 98.2% experienced no bleeding during pregnancy. The primary indication for caesarean section was a previous caesarean delivery (69.4%), with other reasons including fetal heart rate abnormalities, meconium presence, and various medical conditions. Notably, 57.7% of women reported no underlying health conditions; however, 9.2% had gestational diabetes, while others had blood disorders, neurological issues, or gastrointestinal problems.
Conclusion: The prevalence of anaemia among patients undergoing elective caesarean sections was found to be 10.85%. Anaemia was more prevalent in women aged 25-30 years, those with low educational attainment, urban residents, and mothers with a previous pregnancy history. The only underlying condition significantly associated with a higher prevalence of anaemia was diabetes or impaired blood sugar levels. Furthermore, a considerable proportion of patients reported irregular consumption or non-consumption of iron supplements and prescribed medications during pregnancy, highlighting the need for improved maternal care education programs. The most common indication for caesarean delivery was a history of previous caesarean sections.
Railway transition zones: energy evaluation of a novel transition structure for critical loading conditions
Authors: Jain Avni , Metrikine Andrei V. , Steenbergen Michael , Dalen Karel N. van
Published: September 2024

Railway transition zones (RTZs) are subjected to amplified degradation leading to high maintenance costs and reduced availability of tracks for operation. Over the years, several mitigation measures have been investigated to deal with the amplified degradation of these zones. However, to ensure the robustness of a design solution, it must be evaluated for critical conditions arising due to certain loading and track conditions. In this paper, the critical load conditions arising due to different velocities (sub-critical, critical and super-critical), the direction of the moving load, the combination of inertial effects and track imperfections (non-straight rail and hanging sleepers) and passage of multiple axles (using a comprehensive vehicle model) are investigated for an embankment-bridge transition. The results are then compared against the recently proposed design of a transition structure called SHIELD (Safe Hull Inspired Energy Limiting Design) to evaluate its performance under these critical conditions using various vehicle models and finite element models of the RTZs. It was found that the novel design of the transition structure effectively mitigates dynamic amplifications and results in smooth strain energy distribution across subcritical, critical, and super-critical velocity regimes in both directions of movement implying that the expected operation-induced degradation will be as uniform as possible in longitudinal direction. Furthermore, even though this transition structure is designed to deal with initial track conditions (perfectly straight track), its superior performance is not confined to tracks in perfect condition; it also efficiently addresses adverse effects from track imperfections such as hanging sleepers and non-straight rail. In the end, this work demonstrates the robustness of the design solution for all the critical conditions under study.
PrEP Knowledge and Willingness Among Cisgender Black Women for Biomedical HIV Prevention: Assessing Substance Use and Sexual History Factors
Authors: Haynes Alexis Sims , Markham Christine , Schick Vanessa , Suchting Robert , Hill Mandy J.
Published: September 2024

Cisgender Black women in the U.S. have an elevated risk of HIV acquisition, although their adoption of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is low. Studies indicate that increased PrEP knowledge consistently increases the willingness to take PrEP; however, studies on cis Black women are limited. This study aimed to investigate the impact of alcohol and substance use and sexual history on the association between PrEP knowledge and willingness among cis Black women reporting substance use in two emergency departments (EDs). We conducted a secondary analysis of data from 40 HIV-negative cis Black women aged 18–55 years. Using the Anderson Behavioral Model, the variables included predisposing factors (sociodemographic data, PrEP knowledge), enabling factors (income and employment), and disabling factors (alcohol/substance use, condomless sex), with PrEP willingness. Moderation models were used to examine the potential effects of the disabling factors on PrEP knowledge and willingness. The majority (95%) of the participants were PrEP knowledgeable and 52% expressed PrEP willingness. Unemployed participants showed significantly higher willingness to use PrEP and, in multivariate models, were 13.6 times more likely to be PrEP-willing. No significant association was found between PrEP knowledge, frequency of alcohol problems, substance use problems, or condomless sex in the past 30 days. A history of recent alcohol problems, substance use, and condomless sex did not significantly moderate the relationship between PrEP knowledge and willingness among cis Black women. However, employment status was a significant predictor of PrEP willingness and may be important in PrEP uptake decisions. These findings may inform future PrEP interventions and contribute to our understanding of PrEP willingness in HIV-vulnerable populations.
On perturbation around closed exclusion processes
Authors: Watanabe Masataka
Published: September 2024

We derive the formula for the stationary states of particle-number conserving exclusion processes infinitesimally perturbed by inhomogeneous adsorption and desorption. The formula not only proves but also generalises the conjecture proposed in [Phys. Rev. E 97, 032135] to account for inhomogeneous adsorption and desorption. As an application of the formula, we draw part of the phase diagrams of the open asymmetric simple exclusion process with and without Langmuir kinetics, correctly reproducing known results.
Impact of organizational commitment and perceived seriousness on whistleblowing intention: Moderation of law protection
Authors: Ningsih Nurdiana , Arifuddin  , Usman Asri
Published: September 2024

Nowadays, fraud is rampant even in local government agencies. To overcome this, whistleblowers are needed, but many officials do not yet have the courage to become whistleblowers. The study aims to investigate the effect of organizational commitment, perceived seriousness, and law protection on whistleblowing intentions. The sample included 186 respondents. Questionnaires were distributed among internal auditors of local governments in South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. The research data were analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis and moderated regression using SPSS version 23. The results showed that organizational commitment influenced the auditor’s whistleblowing intention (β = 0.459; p-value = 0.000 < 0.05). However, the perception of seriousness does not influence the intensity of auditors’ whistleblowing intention (β = 0.004; p-value = 0.950 < 0.05). In addition, the results showed that law protection moderated the influence of organizational commitment (β = 0.014; p-value = 0.000 < 0.05) but did not moderate the influence of perceived seriousness on the auditor’s whistleblowing intention (β = –0.001; p-value = 0.849 < 0.05).
ESTUDO TEÓRICO E EXPERIMENTAL DE DERIVADOS DE CLORINAS E BACTERIOCLORINAS VISANDO A SUSTENTABILIDADE
Authors: Acevedo Andrés C. A. , Bilha Juliana K. , Pereira Priscila R. M. , Araujo Paula A. J. , Uliana Marciana P.
Published: September 2024

THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF CHLORINS AND BACTERIOCHLORINS DERIVATIVES AIMING FOR SUSTAINABILITY. Porphyrinoid compounds such as chlorins and bacteriochlorin have currently been widely studied to remedy health problems, develop new technologies, apply in solar cells, and decontaminate food, aiming for sustainability. Its wide applicability demonstrates the potential of these derivatives to solve society’s problems. Thus, this work seeks to understand more about the reactivity and properties of these derivatives. In this way, structural changes were made to chlorophyll, giving rise to three chlorin compounds (1-3), and also to bacteriochlorophyll, giving rise to three bacteriochlorins (4-6). The experimentally obtained results were analyzed by infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy and the experimental spectroscopic data were compared with data obtained theoretically with Gaussian 09 software, using density functional theory (DFT), such as B3LYP and CAM-B3LYP. After the analyses, it was observed that the data obtained experimentally are quite similar to those obtained theoretically. Thus, it is possible to demonstrate that theoretical calculations are useful tools and can help predict molecules, often avoiding the synthesis of a given molecules in the laboratory, minimizing the use of reagents and solvents and thus contributing to sustainability.
PROGRAMAS DE ACELERAÇÃO DE TECNOLOGIAS QUÍMICAS EM UNIVERSIDADES: IMPORTÂNCIA PARA A FORMAÇÃO DE QUÍMICOS EMPREENDEDORES, LICENCIAMENTO DE TECNOLOGIAS E CRIAÇÃO DE STARTUPS
Authors: dos Santos Yasmim Rodrigues , Pereira Rafaela Leal , Barbosa Eduarda Rezende , Teixeira Ana Paula de Carvalho , Lago Rochel Montero , de Paula Fabiano Gomes Ferreira
Published: September 2024

CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY ACCELERATION PROGRAMS IN UNIVERSITIES: IMPORTANCE FOR THE TRAINING OF ENTREPRENEUR CHEMISTS, TECHNOLOGY LICENSING AND STARTUPS CREATION. This paper presents the stages of an acceleration program focused on chemical technologies. We demonstrate how this initiative contributes to the creation of new businesses, startups, and technology licensing from research developed at Brazilian universities. The case of the program Escale-se is discussed. There were 66 technologies submitted, and 14 were selected for the pre-acceleration phase. In this phase, various contents were worked on, such as creating a business model and aspects of scaling hard-science technologies. Teams were evaluated by panels with market specialists, and 6 were selected for the second phase: pre-scaling/proof of concept. Here, proponents were encouraged to validate the business model by connecting with potential clients and partners, as well as planning the development and testing of the product in a relevant environment. Finally, one team was classified for the last stage: scaling/go-to-market – where they received R$ 100,000.00 to scale up their technology and create strategies for raising investments. Four of the fourteen technologies selected for the program opened National Register of Legal Entities (CNPJ) and raised approximately R$ 4.5 M in investments from different sources. These results demonstrate that the methodology contributed to the entrepreneurial development of participating researchers and the raising of funds for the businesses created.
Probing the complexities of optimal flow in open channels: experimental and numerical validation with diversion flow
Authors: Alfatlawi Thair Jabbar Mizhir , Hussein Ameer Hashim
Published: September 2024

This study aims to establish the optimal diversion angle for bifurcating channels to minimize separation zone size in the intake channel while maximizing discharge in the bifurcating channel through experimental and numerical investigations. The study successfully accomplished its goals by employing the Flow-3D 11.0.4 software. The software was utilized to examine the flow diversion into bifurcating channels with various diversion angles, including 900°, 750°, 600°, 450°, 300°, 250°, 200° and 150°. The experimental investigation has confirmed the theoretical predictions regarding the expected flow characteristics. The conclusive findings demonstrated that the diverted flow is most effectively impacted by a diversion angle of 25°. The study provided findings for various discharges flowing (12.3 and 17 L/s); a total of 95 runs were performed, and investigations revealed that the branching discharge depends on several interconnected parameters. It rises with an increase in the depth ratio. In subcritical flow, the main channel always has a lower water depth than the branch channel. The flowing diversion to the branch channel causes a reduction in water depth downstream of the main channel. The study found that the optimal angle for branching was 25°.
PhiX-174 phage concentration in rainwater by skimmed-milk flocculation
Authors: Garcia Lucas Ariel Totaro , de Oliveira Milina , Fava Natália de Melo Nasser , Freitas Bárbara Luíza Souza , da Cunha Maria Júlia Rodrigues , Snelling William John , Dooley James Stephen Gerard , Ternan Nigel George , Sabogal-Paz Lyda Patricia
Published: September 2024

Rainwater, as a sustainable source of drinking water, is becoming increasingly important worldwide. Appropriate microbiological techniques are needed to ensure the acceptability of rainwater for potable uses. Bacteriophage has been widely used as a viral indicator in water studies, and its concentration is an important step when sampling several litres of water. Skimmed-milk flocculation (SMF) is a simple method for viral recovery, and its efficiency has already been assessed for some viruses. However, there are only a few records on bacteriophage recovery using SMF, and none with PhiX-174 coliphage, an important surrogate for human enteroviruses. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the SMF technique on the concentration of PhiX-174 coliphage in rainwater. 3 L of rainwater samples were artificially spiked with PhiX-174 and were concentrated to 10 mL volumes by SMF. The phage enumeration on the concentrated samples were evaluated by a standard double layer plaque assay. From the 6 samples tested, the average recovery was 22.8 ± 15.2%, ranging from 10.8 to 52.8%. This is the first time that SMF is applied for PhiX-174 coliphage recovery, and in rainwater. Therefore, SMF is a cost-effective method that can effectively be used to recover bacteriophage PhiX-174 in water samples.
Los títulos de los clickbait en las redes sociales desde la teoría de los actos de habla
Authors: Loayza-Maturrano Edward Faustino
Published: September 2024

The article analyzed the originality of the titles in clickbait videos that appear unexpectedly on the pages of the main virtualized social networks of Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc. The purpose of the study was to analyze clickbait headlines as directive illocutionary acts on clickbait video material that appeared on virtualized social networks. The research methodology was qualitative, discourse analysis, which aimed to identify the meanings of the clickbait headlines as significant elements of the media text, and communicative-pragmatic analysis, which consists of determining the illocutionary force of the directives. The results show that the communicative success of clickbait headlines depends on the recipient’s level of knowledge of the information, which correlates with the perceiver’s degree of curiosity. Research in the media space shows that the recipient avoids excessive cognitive effort so they seek to evade clickbait headlines. The study concluded by stating that clickbait headlines allow them to be classified as a directive illocutionary act, since they deliberately obscure the nominative function itself and advance the advertising function to particularly influence the behavior of the recipient of the information.
Exploring the Potential of Terpenoids as a Possible Treatment for Cancer: Structure-Activity Relationship and Mechanistic Studies
Authors: Singh Arshdeep , Debnath Rabin , Sharma Anjali , Saini Aniket , Seni Kushal , Chawla Viney , Chawla Pooja A.
Published: September 2024

Cancer stands as a significant global health challenge due to its mortality rates
and the complexities involved in its treatment. Addressing issues, such as metastasis, recurrence,
chemoresistance, and treatment-related toxicity, remains pivotal in cancer therapy
advancement. Therefore, exploration of novel therapeutic agents has emerged as a priority.
As the risk of cancer continues to rise, effective measures must be taken to combat
it. One promising approach is to explore natural remedies, such as terpenoids, which have
demonstrated anticancer activity. Utilizing terpenoids could aid in the development of potent
compounds to fight cancer. By studying the structural makeup of various terpenoid
derivatives from previous research, we can identify which structural groups are essential
for their anticancer activity. This understanding of the structure-activity relationship is
crucial for developing new, effective anticancer agents based on terpenoids. Terpenoids, a
diverse class of plant-derived secondary metabolites composed of multiple isoprene units,
have garnered attention for their potential anticancer and pharmacological qualities. Some
terpenoids exhibit notable anticancer effects by concentrating on several stages of cancer
development. They show promise in blocking the initiation of early carcinogenesis by the
induction of cell cycle arrest, the inhibition of cancer cell differentiation, and the induction
of apoptosis. This study delves into the investigation of specific terpenoids showcasing
promising anticancer activity against prevalent malignancies, including breast, colon,
ovarian, and lung cancers. The study also explores the relationship between the structure
and activity of these compounds, which sheds light on how effective they are against a variety
of cancer cell types. The comprehensive discussion centres on elucidating terpenoids
with substantial potential for combating diverse cancer types, offering insights into their
structural features and promising anticancer mechanisms.