bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the behavioral intentions of PICC-related thrombosis prevention in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy: a qualitative study based on theory of planned behavior
Authors: Zhang Ning , Xu Yuan , Lu Qiaodan , Zhu Liyun , An Ranxun , Zhou Xinyi , Wang Yu , Ma Yufen , Deng Haibo , Guo Hailing , Wang Lei , Sun Jianhua , Bo Haixin , Wang Xiaojie
Published: April 2024

Purpose
To explores the behavioral intention of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to prevent PICC-related thrombosis based on the Theory of Planned Behavior.
Methods
This qualitative study employed purposive sampling and conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the outpatient chemotherapy ward of a tertiary A-level comprehensive hospital in Beijing from July to August 2023. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's descriptive analysis framework.
Results
Data analysis identified 10 themes were derived from 4 aspects. Regarding behavioral attitude, three themes were condensed: (1) Considering the benefits of preventive measures, (2) Simple and easy preventive measures, (3) Underestimating the importance of PICC-related thrombosis prophylaxis. Subjective norms yielded two main themes and five sub-themes: (1) Support from those close to the patient motivates adherence to prophylaxis (Support from the patient's family, healthcare professionals, other patients), (2) Patients are influenced by personal factors to form an internal driving force (physical symptoms, Fear of PICC-related thrombosis). Regarding perceived behavioral control, three main themes and four sub-themes were extracted: (1) Obstacles before actual prevention exercise (Prevention information, Hard to remember information), (2) Forgetfulness is the main obstacle factor, (3) Wanting to overcome barriers to adhere to regular prevention (Confidence to overcome obstacles, Hope to get support).
Conclusions
Breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy are difficult to accurately remember the prevention knowledge and prone to forgetfulness in the prevention of PICC-related thrombosis, which leads to the poor overall prevention compliance and suboptimal preventive effects. Interventions to address the preventive compliance problems of patient should be developed in three areas: the patients themselves, the supporters around the patient and the healthcare professionals.
The implication of the vaginal microbiome in female infertility and assisted conception outcomes
Authors: chen xiuju , sui yanyu , gu jiayi , wang liang , Sun Ningxia
Published: April 2024

Background: Infertility rates are on the rise, presenting a complex array of causative factors. Recent advancements in human microbiome and associated techniques have shed light on the potential impact of vaginal microbiota disruptions on female fertility. Our study aims to investigate differences in vaginal microbiome between fertile women and those experiencing infertility. Additionally, we aim to investigate how microbial composition in infertile population may affect the success of assisted reproduction technology (ART).
Methods: We enrolled 194 women diagnosed with infertility at the Reproductive Medicine Center of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital between November 2018 and November 2021, along with 102 healthy women undergoing routine physical examinations at the hospital’s Physical Examination Center. Vaginal secretions were collected from both groups, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the bacterial 16S rRNA V4-V6 conserved region for microbial analysis. A machine learning model was built based on the genus abundances to predict infertility. Additionally, we employed the PICRUSt algorithm to predict the metabolic pathway activities, providing insights into potential molecular mechanisms underlying female infertility and ART outcomes.
Results: Women with infertility exhibited a significantly different vaginal microbial composition compared to healthy women, with the infertility group showing higher microbial diversity. Burkholderia, Pseudomonas, and Prevotella levels were significantly elevated in the vaginal microbiota of the infertility group, while Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus abundances were reduced. Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) within the infertile population showed even higher diversity of vaginal microbiota, with specific genera such as Mobiluncus, Peptoniphilus, Prevotella, and Varibaculum being more abundant. Overgrowth of Mobiluncus and Varibaculum emerged as independent risk factors affecting ART outcomes. Eleven metabolic pathways were associated with both RIF and infertility, with Prevotella demonstrating stronger correlations.
Conclusions: The present study provides insights into the differences in vaginal mircobiome between healthy and infertile women, offering a new understanding of how vaginal microbiota may impact infertility and ART outcomes. Our findings underscore the significance of specific microbial taxa in women with recurrent implantation failure, suggesting avenues for targeted interventions to enhance embryo transplantation success rates.
Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals the role of jasmoic acid biosynthesis in pollen development of CMS-D1 rice
Authors: Wang Jie , Ying Suping , Long Weixiong , Luo Lihua , Qian Mingjuan , Chen Wei , Luo Laiyang , Xu Weibiao , Li Yonghui , Cai Yaohui , Peng Xiaojue , Xie Hongwei
Published: April 2024

Background
Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) has greatly improved the utilization of heterosis in crops due to the absence of functional male gametophyte. The newly developed sporophytic D1 type CMS (CMS-D1) rice exhibits unique characteristics compared to the well-known sporophytic CMS-WA line, making it a valuable resource for rice breeding.
Results
In this research, a novel CMS-D1 line named Xingye A (XYA) was established, characterized by small, transparent, and shriveled anthers. Histological and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assays conducted on anthers from XYA and its maintainer line XYB revealed that male sterility in XYA is a result of delayed degradation of tapetal cells and abnormal programmed cell death (PCD) of microspores. Transcriptome analysis of young panicles revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in XYA, compared to XYB, were significantly enriched in processes related to chromatin structure and nucleosomes during the microspore mother cell (MMC) stage. Conversely, processes associated with sporopollenin biosynthesis, pollen exine formation, chitinase activity, and pollen wall assembly were enriched during the meiosis stage. Metabolome analysis identified 176 specific differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) during the meiosis stage, enriched in pathways such as α-linoleic acid metabolism, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, and linolenic acid metabolism. Integration of transcriptomic and metabolomic data underscored the importance of the jasmonic acid (JA) biosynthesis pathway in XYA during the meiosis stage compared to XYB. Furthermore, levels of JA, MeJA, OPC4, OPDA, and JA-Ile were all higher in XYA than in XYB at the meiosis stage.
Conclusions
These results highlight the critical role of the JA biosynthetic pathway in pollen development of the CMS-D1 line and lay a foundation for further revealing the molecular mechanism of CMS-D1 sterility.
High-throughput proteo-genomic identification of functional endothelial cell microproteins encoded by non-canonical small open reading frames
Authors: Siragusa Mauro , Graumann Johannes , Kuenne Carsten , Günther Stefan , Jeratsch Sylvia , Güven Beyza , Raheja Manav , Süsser Sebastian , Talyan Sweta , Bezuneh Bethlehem , Cartura Matteo , Zhou Xiaozhu , Szymanski Witold , Cho Haaglim , Sachs Nadia , Maegdefessel Lars , Muller Oliver , Troidl Christian , Nef Holger , Looso Mario , Kaulich Manuel , Offermanns Stefan , Fleming Ingrid
Published: April 2024

Detecting microproteins (miPs) translated from small open reading frames (smORFs) by mass spectrometry poses major challenges. Here we report a high-throughput proteo-genomic pipeline that identified a large number of intracellular and extracellular endothelial cell miPs encoded by non-canonical smORFs. Vascular inflammation in vitro and in vivo profoundly altered smORF expression and miPs were identified in the serum of patients following cardiac tissue damage. The functional importance of 256 miPs for endothelial cell growth and viability was demonstrated by a high-throughput CRISPR/Cas9 screen. Moreover, the inflammation-induced expression of a non-canonical miP, miP-PSTPIP2, was validated in vivo and in carotid arteries from patients with atherosclerosis. Combining gain/loss-of-function with multi-omic approaches demonstrated the involvement of miP-PSTPIP2 in the regulation of gene expression, proliferation and viability through interaction with proteins in different subcellular compartments. Thus, the proteo-genomic approach implemented here enables the identification of large numbers of miPs. Non-canonical miPs play a fundamental role in the regulation of endothelial cell function and may become biomarkers or therapeutic targets in cardiovascular disease
Changes of bilateral tear film stability and corneal nerve in patients with unilateral neurotrophic keratitis
Authors: Wang Fan , Li Yue , Zhang Zhaowei , Lu Qiuchen , Shi Cancan , Yu Xiaofan , Hu Fen , Li Mingxin , Guo Jianxin , Wang He
Published: April 2024

Objective: To observe the stability of the tear film bilaterally in patients with unilateral neurotrophic keratitis and the changes in corneal nerve and immune cells under confocal microscopy.
Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study including 63 patients with confirmed neurotrophic keratitis (NK) and 40 normal controls of similar sex and age, the NK patients were divided into stage 1 and stage 2 according to the severity of the disease. The tear meniscus height (TMH), first non-invasive tear film break-up time (NIBUT-f), and corneal fluorescence staining were examined. Corneal sensitivity was accessed by Cochet Bonnet esthesiometer. The corneal subbasal plexus (SNP) and dendritic cells (DC) were scanned by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and SNP was analyzed using the fully automated corneal nerve analysis software “ACCmetric”.
Results: Eyes with NK stage 2 showed worse performance in TMH, NIBUT-f, corneal fluorescein staining score, cornealsensitivity examination, SNP parameters, and DC density compared to NK stage 1 (all P < 0.001). And contralateral eyes of NK patients had significantly shorter NIBUT-f and significantly increased dendritic cell density compared to controls (P< 0.001).
Conclusion: The contralateral eyes of NK patients are more prone to dry eye signs than normal subjects and should be attended to and treated promptly. Increased numbers of dendritic cells in the contralateral eyes of NK patients suggest bilateral immune alterations in unilateral disease.
Evaluating the moral courage of nurses and its relationship with their caring behaviors
Authors: Abbasi Fatemeh , Karampourian Arezou , Bonyad Sajjad Amiri , Shadi Yahya , Ashbeh Pouneh
Published: April 2024

Background and Aim: Nurses need ethical courage to make correct decisions in various clinical situations and to engage in proper care behaviors based on ethical principles. In this regard, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between ethical courage and care behaviors of nurses in the year 2023. Method In this cross-sectional study, 146 nurses employed in educational hospitals in the city of Hamadan were selected using stratified sampling method. Data collection instruments included: a checklist of demographic characteristics, Sekerka and colleagues' Ethical Courage Questionnaire, and the Caregiver Behavior Inventory (CDI-25) questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24 software and descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation coefficient, t-test, and ANOVA. Findings: The results showed that the majority of participating nurses were female (67.1%) and had a bachelor's degree (89%). The mean ± standard deviation of ethical courage and nurses' care behaviors were 9.26 ± 3.15 and 13.254 ± 101.164, respectively. Also, there was a significant and positive correlation between ethical courage and nurses' care behaviors (P < 0.001, r = 0.264). Conclusion Considering the direct relationship between ethical courage and care behaviors, it is recommended that relevant managers strive to promote ethical courage among all nurses by supporting and encouraging those who demonstrate ethical courage, thus playing an influential role in achieving a higher level of desired care behaviors.
Assessment of Cardiotoxicity incidence in patients receiving HER-2-targeted therapies for breast cancer in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shahbar Alaa , Alhifany Abdullah A. , Alatawi Yasser M. , Alnuhait Mohammed , Alshammari Abdullah , Alshamrani Majed , Kinsara Abdulhalim , AlQubbany Atif , Alharbi Mahasen , Alnatsheh Abdelmajid , Alfoheidi Meteb
Published: April 2024

Background:
Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor (HER2) targeting therapies may raise the risk of decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which might appear clinically as heart failure. Trastuzumab's incidence of cardiotoxicity in individuals with a history of anthracycline usage varies between 4% and 18.6%, with 0.4–4.1% of patients developing serious heart failure. The increasing number of breast cancer survivors as a consequence of HER2-targeted treatment has necessitated the long-term care of cardiotoxicity induced by iatrogenic chemotherapy.
Method:
This retrospective study included all HER-2-positive breast cancer patients aged 18 or older who received at least one dose of HER-2-targeting treatment between 2016 and 2020. The primary endpoint was to determine the incidence of cardiotoxicity induced by HER-2 targeted treatment, which was defined as LVEF < 50% with LVEF decline by 10%, LVEF drop by > 15%, or the onset of symptomatic heart failure. The secondary endpoints were the proportion of patients with LVEF between 50% and 55% at baseline who developed cardiotoxicity, the proportion of patients who temporarily or permanently discontinued HER-2 targeting therapy due to HF, the proportion of patients who developed HF and were treated with HF medications, and the proportion of patients who received HF medications for cardiotoxicity and continued their HER-2 targeting therapy. The development of a hospital protocol for monitoring and managing cardiotoxicity in patients receiving HER-2-targeted treatments was another secondary outcome.
Results:
A total of 212 patients were included in the research, with a median age of 56.5 years and an interquartile range of 43–58 years. 105 patients with early breast cancer (EBC), and 107 patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Twenty-two patients (10.37%) suffered cardiotoxicity with HER-2-specific treatment. Thirteen of the 22 patients (6.13%) had asymptomatic heart failure with a decrease in LVEF from baseline of more than 10% to less than 50%. Five patients (2.35%) with LVEF less than 40% had asymptomatic heart failure, while four patients (1.88%) presented with symptomatic heart failure regardless the LVEF decline. HER-2 targeted treatment was discontinued temporarily in 3 (13.63%) patients and permanently in 4 (18.18%) patients due to cardiotoxicity. The remaining fifteen patients resumed their treatment without interruption. Only 13 out of 22 patients were referred to cardiologists and prescribed medicines for heart failure.
Conclusion:
Close monitoring of LVEF for patients receiving HER-2 targeting therapy can assist healthcare providers to initiate anti-heart failure medications to prevent deterioration of LVEF and maintain Her-2 targeting therapy.
Light water loss delays mechanical injury of Actinidia arguta by Inhibiting cell wall metabolism
Authors: YU Xin-yu , WANG Qing-xuan , WANG Jin-yan , WEI Bao-dong , ZHOU Qian , CHENG Shunchang , Yang SUN
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effect of light water loss on the mechanical injury of Actinidia arguta fruit by regulating cell wall metabolism. By comparing the effect of water loss on mechanical injury of Actinidia argutafruit after simulated transport vibration, the changes in sensory quality and cell wall metabolism of treated Actinidia arguta fruit during storage were measured, compared with non-water-loss simulated transport vibration as the control. Light water loss slowed the growth rate of pectin and cellulose and decreased the activities of polygalacturonase, pectin methylesterase, pectinlyase, cellulase, β-glucosidase, and β-galactosidase. Electron and transmission microscopy imaging show that light water loss helps maintain cell wall structure and slows down cell wall degradation. The results indicate that light water loss alleviates post-harvest mechanical injury in Actinidia arguta by regulating cell wall metabolism and inhibiting cell wall degradation, thereby contributing to the maintenance of redox homeostasis and cell structural integrity to maintain fruit quality.
Investigation of acoustic events during shear loading of layered rock bridge; Particle flow code approach
Authors: Mohammadi Seyed Davoud , Mortezaei Rahim , Sarfarazi Vahab , Abharian Soheil
Published: April 2024

This research investigates acoustic emission (AE) phenomena during shear failure of layered rock bridges under different normal stresses using experimental punch tests and numerical simulation. Firstly, particle flow code (PFC) was calibrated by UCS and Brazilian experimental test results and then the shear behavior of the numerical model was verified by experimental punch test outputs. Finally, acoustic phenomena during shear failure of layered rock bridges were discussed. Rectangular specimens were utilized, incorporating a combination of different layers. These layers included a pairing of soft and hard materials, as well as variations such as a two-layered model comprising hard gypsum and soft gypsum. Furthermore, three-layered models were examined, featuring a soft interlayer in one case and a hard interlayer in another. Additionally, a four-layered model was employed for the investigation. In each model, two vertical edge fissures were introduced, with fissure lengths set at 20, 40, and 60 mm. The angle between bedding layers and shear loading direction was 90°. The results indicate that cracks initiate at the notch tip and propagate vertically until they meet the upper boundary. The frequency of significant Acoustic hits is tied to factors like crack initiation and material properties. Increasing the number of layers in the specimen leads to more Acoustic hits. The sequence of Acoustic hits between major hits is influenced by parameters such as bedding number and material properties. This correlation is attributed to different gypsum types on the shear surface. The findings from numerical bedding models mirror those from physical samples.
Clarification of the clinical significance of an intron variant in a case of Peutz–Jeghers syndrome with abnormal RNA splicing of STK11
Authors: Ishikawa Aki , Gotoh Masahiro , Ushiama Mineko , Sakamoto Hiromi , Tanabe Noriko , Watanabe Tomoko , Cho Hourin , Yamada Masayoshi , Sugano Kokichi , Shiraishi Kouya , Hirata Makoto , Yoshida Teruhiko , Sakurai Akihiro
Published: April 2024

Peutz–Jeghers syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by intestinal polyposis, mucocutaneous pigmentation, and an increased risk of various types of cancer. Germline mutations in STK11 (LKB1), which encodes serine/threonine kinase 11, have been identified as the major cause of Peutz–Jeghers syndrome. Here, we detected a rare variant of undetermined significance in intron 2 of STK11 using multi-gene panel analysis in a girl with clinically suspected Peutz–Jeghers syndrome based on family history and characteristic mucocutaneous pigmentation. We confirmed this variant caused abnormal splicing in exons 2 and 3 using reverse transcription-PCR and Sanger sequencing. To validate the predicted impact of this variant on splicing, we performed functional analysis using a minigene assay. The functional analysis experiments demonstrated that this variant suppressed normal splicing, and the clinical significance of the STK11 variant, which was initially thought to be a variant of “Uncertain Significance,” was determined to be “Likely Pathogenic.” Functional analysis and confirming the genetic diagnosis of cases with actionable hereditary diseases would be helpful for surveillance decisions and family diagnosis.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Genes and Pathways Associated with Heat Stress in Pleurotus pulmonarius
Authors: Wang Weike , Lu Na , Lin Jiayao , Lai Liqin , Chen Guanping
Published: April 2024

Pleurotus pulmonarius is a medium temperature edible mushroom, and its yield and quality are severely affected by high temperature. However, the molecular mechanism of Pleurotus pulmonarius response to heat stress remains unknown. In this study, transcriptome sequencing and analysis of Pleurotus pulmonarius mycelia under heat stress were performed, related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were verified by fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR) and the reduced glutathione content was detected. 5906 DEGs, including 1086 upregulated and 4820 downregulated, were identified by RNA-seq. GO analysis revealed that DEGs were mainly enriched in the pathways of Aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, pyrimidine metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, fructose and mannose metabolism, and glutathione metabolism. qPCR analysis showed that the expression of ggt decreased after heat stress treatment, while gst2 and gst3 increased. The glutathione content in mycelia after heat stress was significantly higher than that in the control group. These results suggest that glutathione metabolism may play an important role in the response to heat stress. Our study will provide a molecular-level perspective on fungal response to heat stress and a basis for research on fungal environmental response and molecular breeding.
Quantitative Proteogenomic Characterization In MUC1 And MUC4 In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders, And Normal Oral Mucosa In Carcinogenesis
Authors: John Sharon , Sharma Kriti , Chandra Shaleen , Singh Priyanka , Singh Geeta , Gupta Shalini
Published: April 2024

Context: Mucins are glycoproteins with a significant molecular weight that have a diverse range of biological functions. MUC1 & MUC4 are transmembrane mucin family members that are expressed in airway epithelial cells and body fluids. It is expressed excessively in numerous carcinomas in addition to their altered expression. A thorough review of the literature reveals very limited research about MUC1 & 4 expressions in oral malignancies and oral premalignant disorders.
Aim: To assess the pattern and quantity of gene expression in MUC1 & MUC4 individually in various grades of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), oral premalignant disorders (OPMDs)- oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), oral lichen planus (OLP), and compared with normal oral mucosa (NOM).
Materials and Methods: Immunohistochemistry and qRTPCR evaluation of MUC1 & 4 on sixty-three cases of OSCC, OPMD, and NOM was accomplished.
Statistical analysis: The one-way ANOVA test and Chi-square test were done for statistical analysis.
Results: The overall immunoexpression of MUC1 & 4 increased significantly from NOM to OPMDs to OSCC. In the subgrades of OSCC and OPMDs, the staining intensity varied. For MUC4, the intensity was strongest in well-differentiated grades and MUC1, exhibiting a higher expression in poorly differentiated grades of OSCC and OPMDs.
Conclusion: The study's results indicate that MUC1 & 4 individually are crucial for monitoring OSCC and OPMD pathogenesis as the former gives an idea of highly undifferentiated grades while the latter indicated more differentiated tumors and perhaps a better prognosis. Therefore, the two can be useful tumor markers for determining the severity and eliminating it in its early phases
Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Programs: An Analysis of Costs and Key Components
Authors: O'Toole Megan Joyce , Schnippel Kathryn , Larson Bruce
Published: April 2024

Firearm assaults contribute to nearly 18,000 deaths and at least twice as many injuries annually, with immense human and financial costs. Gun violence survivors especially face unique and long-term physical, mental, economic, and safety-related challenges. Hospital-based violence intervention programs (HVIPs) connect survivors with violence prevention professionals at their hospital bedsides, then provide them with wraparound services in the months to come. Promising research shows that HVIPs reduce risks of reinjury, retaliation, and recidivism. This report provides a cost analysis of HVIPs, to inform researchers and implementers of the budget and key resources necessary for the first three years of implementation. Researchers employ an ingredients-based costing approach and base-case assumptions for a hospital-linked HVIP situated in a mid-sized city emergency department, serving 100 participants annually. Results indicate that this base-case HVIP costs an estimated $1.1 million annually, or just under $10,800 per participant. Staffing accounts for the majority of HVIP budgets, followed by operations, crisis support, and finally transportation. Upfront costs are limited to technical assistance, first-time equipment, and accreditation courses, leaving annual costs relatively stable across the first three years of implementation. A customizable workbook is provided, through which users can adjust this study’s assumptions to reflect their own program’s specifications, which may vary. This research can inform future cost, benefit, and savings analyses, and empower more communities to implement lifesaving HVIPs.
Outbreak investigation of Streptococcus pyogenes in South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, North west Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Yirga Amare , Abebaw Dessie , Fekadu Mesafint , Tilahun Mekuria , Lankir Damtie
Published: April 2024

Background
Despite being in existence for hundreds of years, Streptococcus pyogenes remains a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality, with a particular impact in resource-limited settings like Ethiopia. The investigation was undertaken to identify the etiologic agent and control the outbreak, identifying the potential risk factors, describe its epidemiology and to prevent further similar outbreak.
Methods
Unmatched community-based case-control with descriptive cross-sectional survey were conducted in Soth Gondar Zone of Andabet and Dera districts from December 10, 2022 to January 10, 2023). Active cases search was done through house-to-house by using epidemiological linked case definition and a total of 914 residents were attacked by the outbreak. A face-to-face interview using structured questionnaire was carried out to collect data. Epi data version 4.6 and STATA version 17 software were used for data entry and analysis respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis was computed and variables with P-value of ≤ 0.05 were considered as statistically significant risk factors.
Result
Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus pyogenes was identified during the outbreak investigation. The overall attack rate of the infection was 22.2 per 1000 population. The logistic regression analysis revealed that, contact with cases (OR = 5.98; 95% CI 2.91–12.25), poor personnel hygiene (OR = 0.37, 95 a% CI (0.2–0.66), shortage of water for hygiene (OR = 2.2; 95% CI 1.27–3.76), poor wearing style (OR = 0.41; 95% CI 0.23–0.70) and history of injury (OR = 9. 8; 95% CI 5.85–18.41) were statically significant risk factors.
Conclusions
Contact with cases, poor hygiene practice, poor wearing style, shortage of water for hygiene, and history of injury were the risk factor for streptococcus pyogenic transmission. Avoiding direct contact with cases, encourage hygiene practice, preventing individuals from injury and improving wearing style should be recommended. S. pyogenes infection should be included in the public health surveillance system for urgent response.
Cohort study protocol: investigating the impact of occupational radiation exposure on chronic non-communicable diseases among interventional radiology and nuclear medicine radiation workers - the chongqing radiation workers cohort study (CRWs)
Authors: Wu Mengyun , Li Wei , Wang Jinhan , Zhang Huadong , Gu Yeqing
Published: April 2024

Background
While it is established that interventional radiology and nuclear medicine radiation workers constitute an ideal cohort for low-dose irradiation studies within the spectrum of occupational radiation exposure, there is a noticeable lack of comprehensive cohort investigations both domestically and internationally. Addressing this gap, the Chongqing radiation workers (CRWs) cohort study has been formulated to systematically assess the impact of occupational radiation exposure on chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among professionals in these fields. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate the influence of factors such as occupational radiation dose, demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary habits on the incidence and progression of NCDs. Crucially, researchers will delve into dose reconstruction for this specific population, including considerations such as sensitive organs, cumulative dose, and biological dose.
Methods
The CRWs study adopts a retrospective and prospective cohort design, with plans to enroll approximately 6000 participants from Chongqing commencing in 2023. The principal objective is to examine the impact of occupational radiation exposure on NCDs. Various data, including questionnaires, radiation dose forms, physical examination results, and biological samples, will be systematically collected and analyzed. A sustained follow-up over 20–30 years will be conducted, continuously documenting both radiation dose and health-related data.
Discussion
The cohort ensures lifelong follow-up and furnishes comprehensive data on multiple variables, yielding pivotal insights into the risk factors and consequences of occupational radiation exposure in interventional and nuclear medicine environments on NCDs. Our formulation of a plan for dose reconstruction in radiation-sensitive organs significantly addresses the current critical concern. The sample size in CRWs is limited, impeding the collection of numerous outcomes in a short timeframe; thus, necessitating a prolonged and thorough follow-up for the study. The observed gender imbalance among groups may introduce bias when estimating the relationship between exposure factors and NCDs.
Trial registration
The protocol has been registered on National Health Security Information Platform and Medical Research Information Filing Information System. MR-50-23-009837.https://www.medicalresearch.org.cn/login
Multi-objective optimal design of Tuned Mass Damper Inerter for base isolated structures
Authors: Yue Zhihua , Han Guangcai , Wu Yanhong
Published: April 2024

The BIS-TMDI is a hybrid control strategy that significantly reduces the seismic response of structures compared to conventional BIS through proper tuning, albeit with the trade-off of increased control forces exerted by the TMDI on the host building structure. However, these potentially significant forces are generally not considered in current TMDI tuning approaches. In this paper, a multi-objective optimization design method is herein developed to determine the compromise between the competing objectives of suppressing earthquake-induced vibrations in buildings and avoiding the generation of excessive control forces of TMDI. The study shows that under non-stationary excitations, the average control force of the TMDI system can be reduced by 16% compared to single optimization constraint, with a maximum reduction of up to 25%. Finally, the optimization design methods of this paper are applied to an 8-story frame as a validation case.
The Enhanced Binary Mountain Gazelle Optimization Algorithm for 0-1 Knapsack Problems
Authors: BAS Emine , IHSAN Aysegul
Published: April 2024

Algorithms serve as the backbone of computer science, permeating diverse fields with their indispensable applications. The Knapsack Problems (KP), an optimization puzzle, revolves around the judicious selection of items characterized by their values and weights to maximize utility within the constraints of a limited-capacity container. This study introduces a pioneering mathematical optimization approach inspired by the nuanced behaviors of natural gazelles. Delving deep into the intricate hierarchical and social dynamics inherent in gazelle behavior, the Binary Mountain Gazelle Optimizer (BinMGO) emerges as a standout. Empowered by six diverse transfer functions, spanning from S-shaped to X-shaped varieties, BinMGO is finely tuned to address 0–1 KP. After evaluating six BinMGO variants, the most effective one is identified. Acknowledging the limitations posed by transfer functions, BinMGO undergoes additional refinement, resulting in the developing of the Enhanced Binary Mountain Gazelle Optimizer (EBinMGO), employing multiple mutation techniques tailored specifically for addressing 0–1 KP. Thorough experimentation conducted on 0–1 KP datasets highlights EBinMGO's superiority over renowned swarm intelligence algorithms such as Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (AFT), Prairie Dog Optimization Algorithm (PDO), Pelican Optimization Algorithm (POA), and Snake Optimizer (SO). The consistent proficiency demonstrated by EBinMGO in delivering superior outcomes across all experimental results positions EBinMGO as a promising solution for binary optimization challenges. Furthermore, this study provides valuable insights into mutation-based optimization algorithms, offering potential avenues for addressing complex problems inspired by nature's intricacies.
Novel efficient reservoir computing methodologies for regular and irregular time series classification
Authors: Li Zonglun , Andreev Andrey , Hramov Alexander , Blyuss Oleg , Zaikin Alexey
Published: April 2024

Time series is a data structure prevalent in a wide range of fields such as healthcare, finance and meteorology. Analyzing time series data holds the key to gaining insight into our day-to-day observations and among them, time series classification offers the unique opportunity to classify the sequences into their respective categories for the sake of automated detection. To this end, two types of mainstream approaches, recurrent neural networks and distance-based methods, have been commonly employed to address this specific problem. However, the most successful ones such as Long Short-Term Memory networks generally suffer substantially high computational demand, prompting the search for more efficient alternatives to reduce energy costs. Reservoir computing is an instance of recurrent neural networks that is known for its efficiency in processing time series sequences. Therefore, in this article, we will develop two reservoir computing based methods that can effectively deal with time series of different types with minimal computational cost, all while achieving a desirable level of classification accuracy.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 34A34 · 62P10 · 68T07
Effective planning and forecasting of the future demand for healthcare workforce in Mongolia up to 2030: A system dynamics model analysis
Authors: Samdankhuu Gal-Erdene , Munkhgerel Tumennast , Myagmar-Ochir Enkhtuguldur , Baatarpurev Baljinnyam , Khuyagaa Ser-Od , Budjav Uuganbayar , Tserenkhuu Lkhagvasuren , Gomboo Alimaa
Published: April 2024

Background:
In Mongolia, a shortage of healthcare professionals, who play a key role in delivering healthcare, has been identified as a major medical issue. To address this issue, it is necessary to ensure that the strategic development of healthcare human resources aligns with the increasing population and morbidity rates. To facilitate effective planning, a system dynamics model was developed to predict the future demand and supply for healthcare specialists in Mongolia.
Methods:
We obtained data on the number of residency training specialists recruited from 2014 to 2020. The causal loop diagram of the Mongolian healthcare human resources model is described. It comprises a total of five causal links, three of which are positive and two of which are negative. The resource and flow diagram depicts the inputs, outputs, and accumulation of resources. The main goal of the model is to calculate the future demand for specialists in two scenarios: the total number of specialists and the number of necessary specialists. The total number of specialists is calculated based on the "Current Workforce" submodel and the "Medical Education" submodel.
Results:
Projections indicate an anticipated shortage of 226 specialists by 2030. A strategic 17.5% increase in the number of residency training entrants by 2023 effectively addresses this gap, with a full workforce fulfillment expected by 2026.
Conclusions:
A shortage of healthcare professionals is observed in Mongolia. Our results suggest that the streamlined way to strategically plan healthcare human resources effectively. A well-structured admission process for residency training indicates that the fulfillment of the demand for specialists will commence by 2026.
Evaluating Building Defects and Maintainability of Tertiary Institutions in Owerri Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Nwankwo Nwankwo Stephen Ikpendu , Victoria Nwankwo Chidiuto
Published: April 2024

Institutional building should provide conducive environment that would enable staff and students perform optimally. This functional requirement is sustainable through maintenance. A cognizance survey through tertiary institutions in Owerri metropolis, revealed alarming rate of building defects. The research is aimed at evaluating these defects and their maintainability, with a view to recommending appropriate solutions for overall improvement. The objectives were to: determine the nature and extent of defects; concepts that are not in line with design for maintainability; mode of maintenance; limiting factors; and consequences of delayed maintenance. A case study of randomly selected buildings from the five tertiary Institutions in Owerri was adopted. Copies of structured questionnaire were administered to a sample size of 153 respondents in-charge of maintenance, using stratified systematic random sampling technique. Analysis of responses was done using descriptive and quantitative statistics. The findings revealed wrong design decisions that contributed to the defects and high maintenance frequency, such as climatic-non-compliant design concept, inaccessibility of building components, and wrong specifications. Maintenance delay caused: decline in capital value, disruption of work flow, risk of users health and safety, high cost of repairs, post-occupancy modification and acceleration of building failure. Major obstacles were: lack of maintenance culture; improper supervision; and under-funding. The paper recommended that: designers should adopt design concept responsive to tropical climate; government should increase the intervention fund giving to the institutions; while the legislature enacts laws to regulate and create awareness of maintenance culture.
Optimization Technique on Dynamics of Carbon Dioxide to Controlling Global Warming
Authors: Mehmood Abid , Hassan Mohsan
Published: April 2024

Background
Carbon dioxide is increasing in the atmosphere day by day due to diverse sources increasing global warming. Meeting the energy demands of the expanding human population, large-scale carbon dioxide (CO2) is produced. Effective reduction of CO2 emissions from the energy sector and others through optimization is required to reduce global warming.
Model:
This paper presents a mathematical model that captures the dynamic relationship between carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, human population dynamics, energy use, and the progression of global warming as distinct sections. Real-time data from these sections are utilized to adjust model parameters.
Methodology:
Firstly, the stability analysis of the proposed model is examined to determine whether solutions remain bounded or converge to specific states on the equilibrium points. Secondly, sensitivity analysis of the model is investigated and determines the behavior of the dynamic system on changes in parameters. Lastly, the optimization technique is applied to the model to reduce global warming by optimizing the level of CO2 emission from the energy sector.
Results
Through optimization, results show that global warming is majorly reduced when the CO2 emission from the energy sector is reduced.
Novelty:
The thorough analysis and validation of the proposed model offer valuable insights for devising effective strategies to mitigate climate change.
Assessment and Experimental Development Analysis Study of an Ion Thruster
Authors: Roy Biswadip , Sasmal Milan , Mondal Dipan
Published: April 2024

When we speak of thrusters the first thing came into mind was engines with propellers which pulls air from one side and throws it back from the opposite side to create thrust but can’t operate in vacuum so we invented chemical thruster which can operate in space and uses a mixture of oxidizer and fuel to generate thrust. But thrust can also be produced by using ions and that kind of thrusters are known as ion thrusters it uses gasses as fuel and high voltage to turn those gasses to ions with tremendous velocity which interns produce thrust. The first functional ion engine sent to space could produce a thrust of only 91 mN[5] of thrust and uses xenon as fuel because of its higher mass value and because it’s a inert gas. However, with no gravity in space, this small thrust accelerated the space­craft to an amazing 41,260 km/hr speed. Our aim will be to increase the efficiency and thrust production capability by applying some change in the existing model and to check if we can run this thruster with regular air at 1atm and can have similar or better results than using Xenon as a propellant.
With the improvement of technologies ion thruster technologies has also seen many breaks through form producing a mere amount of 91mN thrust to 5N of thrust produced by NASA’s X3 prototype in 2017.[2] So, there is a high chance that ion thrusters will replace chemical thrusters in near future and it may also replace the mechanical thruster which uses propellers.
Unravelling associations of personality traits, emotion regulation strategies, coping styles, and psychopathology with suicide risk in university students: A network perspective
Authors: Misiak Błażej , Frydecka Dorota , Szewczuk-Bogusławska Monika
Published: April 2024

Background: University students often face with adjustments to novel social contexts. This process, especially in light of maladaptive personality traits, coping styles, and emotion regulation strategies might lead to the emergence or worsening of mental disorders. Consequently, university students are likely to develop suicide-related outcomes. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to assess the association of personality traits, emotion regulation strategies, coping styles, and psychopathology with suicide risk in university students using a network analysis.
Methods: A total of 1653 university students (aged 21.6 ± 3.0 years, 71.8% females) were enrolled and assessed using self-reports administered in the internet-based survey.
Results: There were significant and positive edges of the node representing suicide risk with almost all psychopathological symptoms (except for psychotic-like experiences), avoidance coping, impulsiveness, and venturesomeness. Also, there were significant and negative connections of the node for suicide risk with problem-focused coping, cognitive reappraisal, and empathy. Among all significant connections with suicide risk, the strongest one was found for dissociation symptoms. Edge weight for this connection was significantly higher compared to all other connections with suicide risk. However, the greatest bridge centrality was obtained for avoidance coping. It was significantly higher compared to bridge centralities of all other nodes in the network.
Conclusions: The most important findings from the present study indicate that enhancing adaptive coping strategies should serve as the target for interventions that aim to reduce suicide risk among university students. Also, the recognition and treatment of dissociation symptoms should be the priority of potential interventions.
Confidence Intervals for Finite Mixture Regression Based on Resampling Techniques
Authors: Griesbach Colin , Hepp Tobias
Published: April 2024

Finite Mixture Regression is a popular approach for regression settings with present but unobserved sub-populations. Over the past decades an extensive toolbox has been developed covering various kinds of distributions and effect types. As for any other thorough statistical analysis, reporting of e.g.\ confidence intervals for the parameters of the latent models is of high practical relevance. However, standard theory neglects the additional variability arising from also estimating class assignments, which consequently leads to the corresponding uncertainty estimates usually being too optimistic. In this work we propose a resampling technique for finite mixture regression models to construct confidence intervals for the regression coefficients in order to hold the type-I error threshold. The mechanism relies on bootstrapping which already proved useful for different problems arising for mixture models in the past and is evaluated via various simulation studies and two real world applications. Overall, the routine successfully holds the type-I error threshold and is less computationally expensive than alternative approaches.
The Role of Sodium Phenylbutyrate and Suramin in the Prevention of Ulcerative Colitis Induced by Dextran Sulfate Sodium
Authors: Ozal-Coskun Cansu , Karaman Ecem Fatma , Ozden Sibel , Kaptan Engin , Arda Pelin
Published: April 2024

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease characterized by inflammation and increased oxidative stress in the colon tissue. Sodium phenylbutyrate (PBA) and suramin are histone deacetylase inhibitors that alter gene expression keeping histones in the acetylated form. Our aim in this study was to determine the effects of PBA and suramin on colon tissue in an acute colitis model in mice and to clarify the mechanisms of their action. Ulcerative colitis was induced by 3% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). After PBA and suramin injection, disease activity index (DAI) and colitis scoring were used to verify colitis damage. Alterations in proliferation, antioxidant enzyme activities and oxidative stress were shown by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry and spectrophotometry respectively. Active caspase-3 and COX-2 as well as cytokine levels and H3K9me3 histone modification were designated by Western blotting. The gene expression of STAT1, STAT3 and SIRT were analyzed by real-time PCR. DSS treatment increased DAI, MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-3 and COX-2 levels, and decreased Ki-67, IL-10, GSH levels and antioxidant enzyme activities in the colon tissue. Injection of PBA or suramin into DSS-treated animals significantly prevented colitis damage by improving the manifestations. Also, both of them induced significant changes in STAT and SIRT gene expressions and histone modifications compared to the DSS colitis group. Our study demonstrated that PBA and suramin have anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and protective effects in DSS-induced ulcerative colitis. Considering these results, PBA and suramin can be potential agents to be used therapeutically in inflammatory bowel diseases.