bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preventing Preeclampsia via the targeted Inhibition of Procoagulant Platelets
Authors: Chu Yaxin , Su Yang , Yang Jing , Guo Han , Zhang Yuncong , Guo Wanwan , Qiao Rui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Preeclampsia (PE) is a placenta-mediated thrombotic-inflammatory syndrome. Procoagulant platelets are the main source of platelet microparticles (PMPs), which can result in both pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic effects. Therefore, we hypothesized that targeted inhibition of procoagulant platelets would prevent PE via the reduction of PMPs generation. The procoagulant platelet levels in 49 healthy pregnant women and 39 pregnant women with PE were measured and compared. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was used to investigate the differential proteomes of the platelet proteins isolated from 6 healthy pregnant women and 6 pregnant women with PE. Recombinant protein CD39-Diannexin was constructed for the targeted inhibition of procoagulant platelets. A PE mouse model was developed to investigate whether targeted inhibition of procoagulant platelets could prevent PE. PE patients showed elevated levels of procoagulant platelets and platelet microparticle generation; their platelet proteomics revealed that the proteins involved in complement, coagulation, and inflammation responses were downregulated. Recombinant protein CD39-Diannexin can target the inhibition of procoagulant platelet function both ex vivo and in vivo. This can prevent the PE-like phenotype, characterized by decreased blood pressure, protein/creatine (P/C) ratio, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt-1), decreased pregnancy failure, and reduced placenta inflammasome activation. To conclude, procoagulant platelets are involved in the mechanism underlying PE and the recombinant protein CD39-Diannexin may help prevent PE via the targeted inhibition of procoagulant platelets.
Quantum Simulation of Spin-Boson Models with Structured Bath
Authors: Kim Jungsang , Sun Ke , Kang Mingyu , Nuomin Hanggai , Schwartz George , Brown Kenneth , Beratan David 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The spin-boson model, involving spins interacting with a bath of quantum harmonic oscillators, is a widely used representation of open quantum systems that describe many dissipative processes in physical, chemical and biological systems. Trapped ions present an ideal platform for simulating the quantum dynamics of such models, by accessing both the high-quality internal qubit states and the motional modes of the ions for spins and bosons, respectively. We demonstrate a fully programmable method to simulate dissipative dynamics of spin-boson models using a chain of trapped ions, where the initial temperature and the spectral densities of the boson bath are engineered by controlling the state of the motional modes and their coupling with qubit states. Our method provides a versatile and
precise experimental tool for studying open quantum systems.
Unmasking rifampicin mono-resistance in tuberculosis patients in Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Ochang Ernest Afu , Udoh Ubong Aniefiok , Otu Akaninyene Asuquo , Uket Atana , Ibe Chibuke , Moore David A. J. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Current tuberculosis management algorithm in Nigeria recommends commencement of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) treatment on rifampicin resistance detection, following XpertMTB/Rif (Genexpert) test and subsequent re-direction of therapy after phenotypic drug susceptibility testing. With the current dearth of phenotypic drug susceptibility testing facilities in Nigeria, for quick and precise identification of drug resistant tuberculosis, several rifampicin mono-resistant tuberculosis patients may be inappropriately placed on toxic second line drugs used for MDR-TB treatment for prolonged periods before susceptibility results are available.
Method
XpertMTB/Rif were performed on a total of 3,580 patient samples from 10 sites across Cross River State, Nigeria as a prospective cross sectional study. Rifampicin resistant specimens were reprocessed and cultured on Lowenstein Jensen medium. Indirect susceptibility testing following the microscopic observation drug susceptibility technique was performed using Rifampicin (1 µg/ml), Isoniazid (0.4 µg/ml), Flouroquinolone (Ofloxacin-1.0 µg), Capreomycin (2.5 µg/ml), Amikacin (2 µg/ml) and Kanamycin (5.0 µg/ml).
Result
Mycobacterium tuberculosis was detected in 21.3% (763) of the 3,580 presumptive tuberculosis cases recruited, of which 4.6% (35/763) were resistant to rifampicin. Culture yielded isolates from 89.6% (31/35) of these rifampicin resistant cases while susceptibility testing using first and second line antimicrobials, revealed 32.2% (10/31) and 64.5% (20/31) rifampicin mono-resistant and MDR-TB respectively. When categorized into treatment groups, 25.7% (27/105) and 1.2% (8/658) of patients with rifampicin resistance belonged to retreatment and naïve patient groups respectively. There was no correlation between rifampicin mono-resistant and MDR-TB with gender (χ2 = 0.793, P = 0.308) or HIV status (χ2 = 0.416, P = 0.398). Patients who presented with first line treatment failure were most likely to have MDR-TB (χ2 = 9.121, P = 0.028).
Conclusion
With the current MDR-TB treatment algorithm and lack of programmatic support for drug susceptibility testing, a significant number of patients with rifampicin mono-resistance are treated as MDR-TB for prolonged periods. More programmatic support and scale up of simpler susceptibility techniques are required.
Impact of COVID-19 infection on thyroid functions
Authors: hamed hanaa S , khodary Reda El , Lotfy Samah Mohamed , Sakr Maha Mahmoud Hamed , Saied Mohammad Walaa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Impact of Covid-19 infection on thyroid functions
Background:
The 2019 coronavirus illness (COVID-19) has caused significant disruption on a worldwide scale. With several recent studies observing the rise of thyroid problems in afflicted individuals, the influence of COVID-19 on thyroid function is receiving more attention.
This study aims to determine the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in COVID patients.
Methods: We evaluated thyroid function tests (TFTs) in 129 patients who were hospitalized to Zagazig University Hospitals with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Patients with pre-existing thyroid conditions or those on medications influencing (TFTs) were excluded. Serum levels of free thyroxine (FT4), thyrotropin (TSH), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) were measured on the first day of admission, followed by follow-up TFTs within the first six months, one year, and two years after discharge.
Results: We included 129 patients aged between 22 and 70 years, with 38 (29.5%) identified as male and 91 (70.5%) as female. Upon admission, (TFTs) were normal in 14.9% of patients. The findings also revealed 13.2% with subclinical hypothyroidism, 32.6% with subclinical hyperthyroidism, 6.2% with hypothyroidism, and 37.2% with hyperthyroidism. Two years after discharge, only 43.4% had normal TFTs, while 10.1% were being treated for hypothyroidism and 46.5% for hyperthyroidism.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the complex interplay between COVID-19, thyroid function, and vaccination status. The results indicate that thyroid dysfunction specifically hyperthyroidism, subclinical hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or subclinical hypothyroidism might be a frequent outcome for patients recovering from COVID-19, particularly in those who experienced more severe cases.
Disseminated nocardiosis in immunocompromised patient manifesting with lower extremity gangrene: A case report
Authors: Yohannes Kidus Geabriel , Kassa Nibretu Bekele , Tesso Zerubabel Girma , digga Abubeker mahammud 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Nocardia is an obligate aerobic actinomycetes in the genus Nocardia that exist throughout the world as soil and dust saprotrophs. It is uncommon gram-positive opportunistic bacterial infection that affects patients with impaired immune systems, solid-organ transplant recipients (SOTRs), and patients with hematologic malignancies.
Case presentation
Here we present a 6 years old male child with protein energy malnutrition and disseminated nocardiosis involving the lung and the soft tissue which later led to wet gangrene and amputation here we will be describing the various predisposing conditions alongside the clinical manifestation, the diagnostic workup, and the treatment course of disseminated nocardiosis.
Discussion
This case is being reported to emphasize the unusual clinical presentation of a unique infection that can resemble metastatic disease in the lungs and soft tissue. This similarity has led to challenges in diagnosing the infection and initiating early treatment, resulting in potential long-term consequences.
Evaluation of Community Health Service Center Training Base by Shanghai Hospice Care Competent Nurse Trainees: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Huang Yanjun , Wang Gan , Li Xinyu , Tang Yuezhong , Yu Zhijie , Chen Wen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Enhancing the training of competent nurses in hospice care helps improve the quality of life for end-of-life care patients. This study aims to improve the effectiveness and quality of the training by exploring the attitudes of trained nurses in community health service centers towards the content and methods of the program.
Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 eligible nurses specializing in hospice care from seven administrative districts in Shanghai between September and November 2024, using Colaizzi 7 method for analysis.
Results: The structure of the interview mainly revolves 4 topics, which are: Operational and Personalized Deficiencies in Course Content, Hospice Care Concept, Training Environment and Facilities, and Difficulties in Training Transfer for Hospice Care. The interviewee highlighted that while the project is practical and enhances professional competence and life values, it faces challenges in areas such as promotion opportunities, motivation mechanisms, implementation of humanistic care, nurses' willingness to learn about hospice care, salary adjustments, public awareness of hospice care, outpatient resource constraints, and the inclusion of emergency end-of-life care. These issues need to be addressed for improvement.
Conclusions: This study delves into the perspectives and feedback of hospice care nursing trainees on the current training programs, offering insights into enhancing and optimizing end-of-life care training projects by analyzing the strengths and areas for improvement in teaching content, scheduling, and philosophies. The findings support driving improvements in end-of-life care-related programs, including curriculum optimization, skill enhancement, expanded training scope, and ongoing public education.
Unlocking Ultra-stable Li5FeO4 in Air: Key Advances and Practical Demonstrations
Authors: Su Xin , Liu Canshang , Zhang Hao , Zhou Weiwei , Tian Xu , Zhang Tiantian , Niu Sicheng , Cao Minglei , Wang Qin , Lv Fei , Peng Tangping , Tao Lijuan , Rang Xiaodong , Chen Zhicheng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Li5FeO4 (LFO) holds great promise as a cathode pre-lithiation additive for enhancing the energy density of lithium-ion batteries. However, its significant air instability poses a formidable barrier to commercialization. In this study, we have developed an exceptionally effective “pitch-enabled carbon encapsulation” strategy to engineer ultra-stable LFO. By leveraging the meltability of pitch, a compact carbon coating can be formed on LFO (LFO@C), enabling it to retain a substantial capacity of 745.1 mAh/g even after 72 hours of exposure to air with 20% relative humidity (RH). Notably, this retained capacity after 72 hours constitutes 92.6% of its initial capacity and 85.9% of its theoretical maximum, representing the best air stability reported for LFO to date. In contrast, pure LFO rapidly declines to just 14.3% of its initial capacity within 4 hours under the same conditions. Beyond enhancing air stability, the carbon coating also improves LFO's specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. To demonstrate its practical application, we assembled a pouch-type full cell on an industrial pilot line, accompanied by comprehensive failure analyses. The results indicate that the incorporation of LFO@C boosts the pouch cell's energy density by 13.7%. We believe that this work will significantly accelerate the real-world implementation of LFO.
The effect of composite cement-based materials on the heat loss of geothermal wellbores
Authors: Wei Kai , Wang Ao , Wu Desheng , Chen Hao , Liu Yulong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Geothermal energy, as a widely distributed, highly potential, stable, and reliable non-carbon-based clean renewable energy source, is crucial for energy transition and low-carbon development. Geothermal wells are the primary technical means for extracting geothermal energy. Geothermal wells, the core technology in geothermal energy development, consist of a multilayer composite system comprising casing, cement sheath, and formations, with a complex heat transfer process. This paper establishes a heat transfer model for the casing-cement-formation combination system and a thermal conductivity evaluation model for cementitious composites. Using numerical simulations, it analyzes the impact of sensitive factors, including fluid flow, thermal physical parameters of casing and cement sheath, and thermal properties of cement-based composites, on the heat extraction power of geothermal wells. The results indicate that the thermal conductivity of the cement sheath significantly influences the heat extraction power. Adding thermal insulation materials such as glass beads, slag microspheres, and aerogel particles to the cement sheath can effectively reduce its thermal conductivity, with aerogel particles being the most effective, reducing the thermal conductivity by approximately 30%. The models and findings in this study provide theoretical support and technical guidance for optimizing geothermal well design and improving geothermal energy development efficiency, contributing to the efficient utilization of geothermal energy.
PuMA: PubMed Gene-/Cell type-Relation Atlas
Authors: Bickmann Lucas , Sandmann Sarah , Walter Carolin , Varghese Julian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Rapid extraction and visualization of cell-specific gene expression is important for automatic cell type annotation, e.g. in single cell analysis. There is an emerging field in which tools such as curated databases or Machine Learning methods are used to support cell type annotation. However, complementing approaches to efficiently incorporate latest knowledge of free-text articles from literature databases, such as PubMed are understudied.This work introduces the PubMed Gene/Cell type-Relation Atlas (PuMA) which provides a local, easy-to-use web-interface to facilitate automatic cell type annotation. It utilizes a pretrained large language model in order to extract gene and cell type concepts from PubMed and links biomedical ontologies to suggest gene to cell type relations. It includes a search tool for genes and cells, additionally providing an interactive graph visualization for exploring cross-relations. Each result is fully traceable by linking the relevant PubMed articles. This work enables researchers to analyse and automatize cell type annotation based on PubMed articles. It complements manual curated marker gene databases and enables interactive visualizations. The software framework is freely available and enables regular article imports for incremental knowledge updates.GitLab: https://imigitlab.uni-muenster.de/published/PuMA/ Website: https://puma.uni-muenster.de
Durability Performance of Opc and Lc 3 -50 Concrete Containing Lightweight Aggregates
Authors: Hussain Syed Muhammad Fahad , Ayub Tehmina , Jamil Tariq , Khan Asad -ur-Rehman 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the durability properties of OPC and LC3-50 concretes containing shale as lightweight coarse aggregates acquired from the Balochistan Province of Pakistan for structural concrete in comparison to natural coarse aggregates. The physical properties of shale aggregates were initially assessed by performing crushing value, absorption, Impact value tests and specific gravity. In this study, two replacements for lightweight aggregate (0% and 100%) were investigated in OPC and LC3-50 concretes, which showed that the use of 100% lightweight in OPC and LC3-50-based concretes reduced compressive strength and splitting tensile strength by 60–65% and 25–30% in comparison to natural coarse aggregates without exposure to CO2. The reduction in the compressive and splitting tensile strengths due to CO2 exposure was more OPC than LC3-50 concrete due to dense microstructure, which is also evident by the permeability results. The effect of CO2 in reducing compressive and splitting tensile strengths at later ages (i.e. 270 and 365 days) becomes less than 90 and 180 days. The pull-out strength of OPC and LC3-50 concretes is almost similar at 7 and 28 days; however, the 28-day pull-out strength was observed to be 3 times higher than 7 days. Similarly, the permeability of LC3-50 concrete is better than OPC. Therefore, it can be concluded that LC3-50 in concrete improves durability and can be suitably used with 100% lightweight.
The diversity pattern of soil bacteria in the rhizosphere of different plants in mountain ecosystems
Authors: Yasen Maryamgul , Li Mingyuan , Wang Jilian 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Research on the composition and diversity of rhizosphere microbial communities of different plant species can help to identify important microbial functional groups or functional potentials, which is of great significance for vegetation restoration and ecological reconstruction. To provide scientific basis for the management of mountain ecosystem, the diversity pattern of rhizosphere bacterial community was investigated using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing method among different host plants (Cirsium japonicum, Artemisia annua, Descurainia sophia, Lepidium apetalum, Phlomis umbrosa, and Carum carvi) in Tomur Peak National Nature Reserve, China. The results showed that the richness and diversity of rhizosphere bacteria were highest in Descurainia sophia, and lowest in Lepidium apetalum. Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Actinobacteria were the common dominant phyla, and Sphingomonas was the predominant genera. Furthermore, there were some specific genera in different plants. The relative abundance of non-dominant genera varied among the plant species. Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that available (AK), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), and soil organic matter (SOM) were the main drivers of bacterial community structure. Based on PICRUSt functional prediction, the bacterial communities in all samples encompass six primary metabolic pathways and 47 secondary metabolic pathways. The major secondary metabolic pathways (with a relative abundance of functional gene sequences > 3%) include 15 categories. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed differences in bacterial composition and interactions among different modules, with rhizosphere microorganisms of different plants exhibiting distinct functional advantages. This study elucidates the distribution patterns of rhizosphere microbial community diversity in mountain ecosystems, which provides theoretical guidance for the ecological protection of mountain soil based on the microbiome.
Agronomic responses of selected improved sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] varieties to scheduled water stress
Authors: James Fadeyi Olasupo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The 13th sustainable development goal emphasises urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts; in this context, continuous evaluation of drought tolerance traits in crops with high climate-smart potential is imperative. The agronomic responses of three improved sorghum varieties (SAMSORG 44, SAMSORG 47, SAMSORG 48) under severe water stress conditions were investigated in a screen house study in 2022 (August–December) as a 3 × 3 factorial experiment in plastic pots arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. Three soil moisture stress levels [well-watered (WW), moderately water-stressed (MWS) and severely water-stressed (SWS) conditions] corresponding to 100, 50 and 25%, respectively, of fractional soil available water (FSAW) determined gravimetrically were imposed at 21 days after sowing (vegetative) and at 50% flowering (reproductive) for 2 weeks. Agronomic (phenological, growth, yield and yield components) parameters measured were not significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by drought stress. There were significant (p < 0.05) interactions between water stress and variety. The three sorghum varieties responded differently (p < 0.05) in terms of FSAW dynamics at both the vegetative and reproductive stages. SAMSORG 44 had a comparatively superior performance, as indicated by its relatively high moisture stress tolerance. These varieties are suggested to be suitable for cultivation under severe drought conditions.
AI-Augmented IS-IS Routing Framework for Optimized IoT Networks
Authors: Mahendran A. , Chilambarasan N. R. 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT), efficient and reliable routing is crucial for maintaining optimal network performance. Traditional IS-IS routing protocols, while foundational, often fall short in dynamic IoT environments due to their static nature. This paper presents an AI-augmented IS-IS routing framework, leveraging the capabilities of reinforcement learning, specifically Q-learning, to dynamically adjust routing paths. The proposed framework aims to enhance energy efficiency, reduce latency, and improve packet delivery ratios. Through comprehensive simulations, our approach demonstrates substantial improvements over conventional routing protocols. Additionally, this study addresses the challenges associated with implementing AI-driven routing in IoT networks and explores potential future enhancements to further optimize performance.