bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of High‐Dose Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Pig Performance, Vitamin D Content in Meat, and Muscle Transcriptome in Pigs
Authors: Steg Anna , Oczkowicz Maria , Świątkiewicz Małgorzata 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTVitamin D is known for its role in calcium homeostasis, bone health, and immune function. Recent research has explored its effects on muscle functionality and meat quality in pigs. This study examined high‐dose vitamin D3 supplementation in pigs, focusing on growth, blood and tissue vitamin D3 levels, and muscle transcriptome changes. Thirty pigs were divided into three groups, given different amounts of oral supplementation: control, 5000 IU/kg and 10,000 IU/kg vitamin D3. Biochemical and haematological blood parameters, vitamin D content in blood and muscle, and kidney calcium content were evaluated. RNA‐seq and qPCR analysed muscle transcriptome changes, while gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) identified gene expression enrichments. Results showed that 5000 IU/kg vitamin D3 supplementation altered blood parameters like platelet anisocytosis and glucose levels but did not affect body weight, weight gain, or feed intake. Kidney calcium content increased with supplementation. The muscle (longissimus dorsi) vitamin D content increased, suggesting the potential for biofortified pork, although still not optimal as a dietary vitamin D source. Transcriptome analysis revealed minimal gene expression changes, with only the interferon‐gamma receptor 2 (IFNGR2) gene differentially expressed at the highest dose. GSEA indicated enrichment in ATP metabolic processes and electron transport chain genes in the 5000 IU/kg group, and immune system, cholesterol, steroid, and fatty acid metabolism genes in the 10,000 IU/kg group. Despite literature suggesting a role for vitamin D in muscle gene expression and growth improvement, this study found its effects limited.
Chemometric modeling of spectroscopic data for characterizing the visible‐light‐driven photocatalytic N‐dealkylation of rhodamine B on a TiO2 film
Authors: Morales Jesús M. N. , Alcaraz Mirta R. , Loto Alba , Parellada Eduardo A. , Tulli Fiorella , Morán Vieyra Faustino E. , Borsarelli Claudio D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe green‐light driven photocatalytic N‐deethylation reaction of Rhodamine B (RhB) on a TiO2 film was investigated by UV‐vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopies, in addition to HPLC and HR‐MS, to ascertain the nature of the reaction products. The evolution of the photocatalytic reaction was chemometrically analyzed using Multivariate Curve Resolution—Alternating Least Squares (MCR‐ALS) of the spectroscopic data to obtain the kinetic and spectral decomposition of the RhB derivatives involved in the reaction. This was then compared with the results obtained by standard HPLC analysis. The MCR‐ALS analysis yielded satisfactory spectral and kinetic profiles for RhB and the fully deethylated product, Rhodamine 110. However, the spectral profiles for the N‐triethyl (3EtRh) and the mixture of the two isomeric N‐diethyl (2EtRh) derivatives exhibited some spectral distortions due to significant spectral overlap between these compounds. In contrast to the HPLC analysis, the MCR‐ALS could not resolve the N‐ethylrhodamine (EtRh) derivative. The deethylation reactions occurred via independent zero‐order steps at the surface of TiO2, indicating that the RhB degradation reaction is governed by the adsorption–desorption equilibrium of the dye and derivatives on the photocatalyst surface, thereby enhancing the diffusion of compounds on the surface.
Eficacia y seguridad del promestrieno en el tratamiento del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia en mujeres con cáncer de mama
Authors: Espitia De La Hoz Franklin José 
Published: November 2024

Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad del promestrieno vaginal, en mujeres con cáncer de mama triple negativo, que experimentan síntomas y signos vulvovaginales relacionados con el síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia (SGUM).
Materiales y métodos: estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico regional, aleatorizado, triple ciego, controlado con placebo en mujeres ≥ 45 años sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama con receptores hormonales triple negativo, sintomáticas de SGUM, que consultaron en tres clínicas privadas del Eje Cafetero (Caldas, Risaralda y Quindío), Colombia; entre 2019 y 2023. Se aleatorizaron en dos grupos para recibir promestrieno (n=77) y placebo (n=75). El seguimiento fue de 12 meses, registrando satisfacción con la terapia, efectos adversos, puntuación del índice de salud vaginal e Índice de Función Sexual Femenina (IFSF). Se analizaron los niveles de estradiol, andrógenos y gonadotropinas. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva.
Resultados: El tratamiento con promestrieno mejoró todas las variables del índice de salud vaginal, así como los dominios y la puntuación total del IFSF. Las concentraciones hormonales permanecieron dentro del rango posmenopáusico. El estradiol a lo largo del tratamiento presentó oscilaciones mínimas sin significancia estadística. Los efectos adversos fueron leves y tolerables. La satisfacción con la terapia estuvo cerca del 90 %.
Conclusiones: El promestrieno se mostró eficaz y seguro para el tratamiento de los síntomas y signos del SGUM, sin cambios en relevantes los niveles séricos de estradiol. Los resultados respaldan el uso del promestrieno en mujeres con cáncer de mama que padecen síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia.
Deformation-Dependent Effective Vascular Permeability of a Biological Tissue Containing Parallel Microvessels
Authors: Jin Zhihe 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study describes a micromechanics model for estimating the effective vascular permeability for a biological tissue containing parallel microvessels subjected to finite deformations. The representative volume element in the proposed model consists of a hollow cylinder with the inner radius being the microvessel radius and the outer radius determined using the volume fraction of the microvessels in the tissue. The effective vascular permeability is determined using the Poiseuille equation for the microvascular flow, Darcy's law for the homogenized porous tissue, and finite deformation of the tissue matrix modeled as a nonlinear elastic material. The numerical results show that the effective vascular permeability decreases with an increase in the applied pressure on the tissue. The effective permeability can be significantly larger than the reference permeability when the applied pressure is much smaller than the microvascular pressure. On the other hand, the effective permeability becomes less than 30% of the reference permeability when the applied pressure is greater than two times the microvascular pressure. Finally, the effective vascular permeability increases monotonically with an increasing ratio of the deformed volume to the reference volume of the tissue.
Artificial Neural Networks-Based Models for an Internally Cooled Liquid Desiccant Dehumidifier
Authors: Venegas Tomas , Qu Ming 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Advanced internally cooled liquid desiccant air dehumidifiers enhance overall air-conditioning efficiency by incorporating internal cooling mechanisms. Their existing simulation models require detailed dehumidifier information, are computationally expensive, and pose challenges in convergence, which makes them unsuitable for integration into Building Energy Simulation software for air-conditioning system simulation. This study aims to investigate a method to generate models with less computational demands during simulation using artificial neural networks to represent the operation of an internally cooled dehumidifier. A comprehensive finite difference model was used to generate a data set representative of the expected operation conditions of the device for training the neural network. Various network configurations were explored to assess their impact on prediction precision, following a trial-and-error approach. During the training process, the neural networks reached R values between 0.96 and 0.98 for the different variables. Then, the networks were implemented in a stand-alone code, independent from training, and using basic programming methods. In this implementation, the trained networks underwent a secondary evaluation for prediction accuracy using a distinct data set from the training stage, proving accurate to simulate the internally cooled dehumidifier, reaching values well below 10% for the five predicted outlet variables in comparison to the validated, detailed finite differences model. The overall best performance was found for a network comprising two hidden layers of ten neurons each. This is the initial step towards incorporating neural network models into specialized Building Energy Simulation software, as the foundation for conducting system-level, transient, and long-term simulations.
Draft genome sequence of
Geobacillus
sp. strain G4 isolated from the Calientes geothermal field in Tacna, Peru
Authors: Castellanos Roberto , Santos Karita C. R. , Poma Ticona Alonso R. , Ramirez-Arua Heber E. , Bornás-Acosta Soledad A. , Silva Jéssica Pinheiro , Hamann Pedro R. Vieira , Lopes Fabyano A. C. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

We report the draft genome sequence of
Geobacillus
sp. strain G4, isolated from a hot spring in the Calientes geothermal field, Tacna, Peru. The genome was assembled into 164 contigs, totaling 3,362,411 bp, with an N50 value of 236,119 bp and a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 52.59%.
Whole-genome sequences of fermentative and spoilage-associated lactic acid bacteria,
Lysinibacillus capsici
and a
Serratia marcescens
isolated from commercial cucumber fermentations
Authors: Page Clinton A. , Simpson Sheron , D’Souza Carol B. M. , Pérez-Díaz Ilenys M. , Rivers Adam R. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

We report the annotated, whole-genome sequences of 16 bacteria isolated from commercial cucumber fermentations. The collection consists of nine fermentative and two spoilage-associated lactic acid bacteria, four
Lysinibacillus
strains, and a
Serratia marcescens
. Half the genome assemblies have fewer than 10 contigs, and the remainder have fewer than 30.
The unique and enigmatic spirochete symbiont of latrunculid sponges
Authors: Waterworth Samantha C. , Solomons Gabriella M. , Kalinski Jarmo-Charles J. , Madonsela Luthando S. , Parker-Nance Shirley , Dorrington Rosemary A. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Bacterial symbionts are critical members of many marine sponge holobionts. Some sponge-associated bacterial lineages, such as Poribacteria, sponge-associated unclassified lineage (SAUL), and Tethybacterales, appear to have broad-host ranges and associate with a diversity of sponge species, while others are more species-specific, having adapted to the niche environment of their host. Host-associated spirochete symbionts that are numerically dominant have been documented in several invertebrates including termites, starfish, and corals. However, dominant spirochete populations are rare in marine sponges, having thus far been observed only in
Clathrina clathrus
and various species within the Latrunculiidae family, where they are co-dominant alongside Tethybacterales symbionts. This study aimed to characterize these spirochetes and their potential role in the host sponge. Analysis of metagenome-assembled genomes from eight latrunculid sponges revealed that these unusual spirochetes are relatively recent symbionts and are phylogenetically distinct from other sponge-associated spirochetes. Functional comparative analysis suggests that the host sponge may have selected for these spirochetes due to their ability to produce terpenoids and/or possible structural contributions.

IMPORTANCE

South African latrunculid sponges are host to co-dominant Tethybacterales and Spirochete symbionts. While the Tethybacterales are broad-host range symbionts, the spirochetes have not been reported as abundant in any other marine sponge except
Clathrina clathrus
. However, spirochetes are regularly the most dominant populations in marine corals and terrestrial invertebrates where they are predicted to serve as beneficial symbionts. Here, we interrogated eight metagenome-assembled genomes of the latrunculid-associated spirochetes and found that these symbionts are phylogenetically distinct from all invertebrate-associated spirochetes. The symbiosis between the spirochetes and their sponge host appears to have been established relatively recently.
Nurse and doctor turnover and patient outcomes in NHS acute trusts in England: retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Moscelli Giuseppe , Mello Marco , Sayli Melisa , Boyle Adrian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the association between monthly turnover rates of hospital nurses and senior doctors and patient health outcomes (mortality and unplanned hospital readmissions).

Design
Retrospective longitudinal study.

Setting
All 148 NHS acute trusts in England (1 April 2010 to 30 March 2019), excluding specialist and community NHS hospital trusts.

Participants
Yearly records on 236 000 nurses, 41 800 senior doctors (specialist, associate specialist and specialty doctors, and consultants), and 8.1 million patients admitted to hospital.

Main outcome measures
The panel data regression analysis used nine years of monthly observations from administrative datasets at healthcare worker and patient levels. Associations using linear and unconditional quantile regressions were estimated, including controls for seasonality and NHS hospital trust. Four hospital quality indicators (risk adjusted by patient age, sex, and Charlson index comorbidities) were used and measured at a monthly frequency on a percentage scale: mortality risk within 30 days from all cause, emergency, or elective admission to hospital, and risk of unplanned emergency readmission within 30 days from discharge after elective hospital treatment.

Results
A 1 standard deviation (SD) increase in turnover rate for nurses was associated with 0.035 (95% confidence interval 0.024 to 0.045) and 0.052 (0.037 to 0.067) percentage point increases in risks of all cause and emergency admission mortality, respectively, at 30 days. The corresponding values for senior doctors were 0.014 (0.005 to 0.024) and 0.019 (0.006 to 0.033) percentage point increases. Higher nurse turnover rate was associated with higher mortality risk at 30 days in surgical (P<0.01) and general medicine (P<0.01) specialties, as well as mortality for patients admitted to hospital with infectious and parasitic diseases (international classification of diseases, 10th revision; P<0.05) and injury, poisoning, and consequences of external causes (P<0.01). Higher turnover rates for senior doctors were associated with higher mortality risk at 30 days for patients admitted to hospital with infectious and parasitic diseases (P<0.05), mental and behavioural disorders (P<0.05), and diseases of the respiratory system (P<0.05). Turnover rates for hospital nurses and senior doctors were not statistically significantly associated with risk adjusted hospital mortality and unplanned emergency readmissions for elective patients.

Conclusions
Lower turnover rates for nurses and senior doctors at hospital level were associated with better health outcomes for patients with emergency hospital admissions.

Study registration
Integrated Research Application System project ID 271302.
Global development assistance for early childhood care and education in 134 low- and middle-income countries, 2007–2021
Authors: Luan Yiqun , Hodgkin Dominic , Behrman Jere , Stein Alan , Richter Linda , Cuartas Jorge , Lu Chunling 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionLow- and middle-income countries (LMICs) often dedicate limited domestic funds to expand quality early childhood care and education (ECCE), making complementary international donor support potentially important. However, research on the allocation of international development assistance for ECCE has been limited.MethodsWe analysed data from the Creditor Reporting System on aid projects to assess global development assistance for ECCE in 134 LMICs from 2007 to 2021. By employing keyword-searching and funding-allocation methods, we derived two estimates of ECCE aid: a lower-bound estimate comprising projects primarily focusing on ECCE and an upper-bound estimate comprising projects with both primary and partial ECCE focus, as well as those that could benefit ECCE but did not include ECCE keywords. We also assessed aid directed to conflict-affected countries and to ECCE projects integrating COVID-19-related activities.ResultsBetween 2007 and 2021, the lower-bound ECCE aid totaled US$3646 million, comprising 1.7% of the total US$213 279 million allocated to education. The World Bank led in ECCE aid, contributing US$1944 million (53.3% out of total ECCE aid). Low-income countries received less ECCE aid per child before 2016, then started to catch up but experienced a decrease from US$0.8 (2020) per child to US$0.6 (2021) per child. Funding for ECCE projects with COVID-19 activities decreased from a total of US$50 million in 2020 to US$37 million in 2021, representing 11.4% and 6.6% of annual total ECCE aid, respectively. Over 15 years, conflict-affected countries received an average of US$0.3 per child, a quarter of the aid received by non-conflict-affected countries (US$1.2 per child).ConclusionAlthough ECCE aid increased significantly between 2007 and 2021, its proportion of total educational aid fell short of UNICEF’s suggested 10% minimum. Recommendations include increasing the share of ECCE aid in total educational aid, increasing aid to low-income and conflict-affected countries, and investing more in preparing ECCE programmes for future global crises.
Stress and its associated factors in mothers with preterm infants in a private tertiary care hospital of Karachi, Pakistan: an analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Akbar Salima , Akber Afshan , Parpio Yasmin 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesThis goal of this research is to present a comprehensive method for evaluating stress and the factors that contribute to it in mothers of premature babies.DesignAnalytical cross-sectional study.SettingData were collected from inpatient service for preterm infants including neonatal intensive care unit, and neonatal step-down units of the Aga Khan University Hospital—a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.ParticipantsMothers aged 18 years and above who delivered preterm infants (gestational age of preterm below 37 weeks) in a private tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.Primary outcomeStress in mothers of preterm infants.Results200 participants with a mean age of 30.12 years (SD ±5.21) were assessed. The level of stress identified using the perceived stress scale (PSS) among mothers who had delivered preterm infants was significantly higher as compared with other countries around the world. Based on the criteria of PSS scoring, the majority of the participants (92%, n=184) were categorised as having high perceived stress and 8% (n=16) of the mothers fell into the category of moderate stress.ConclusionsThe study findings suggest high levels of perceived stress among mothers of preterm infants. The factors associated with the stress among mothers of preterm infants included immunisation of newborn, education and occupation status of mothers, substance abuse by mother, gender preference from family, planning for further children, consumption of balance diet, education status of husband, mode of socialisation, years of marriage and hours of sleep.
TENDINopathy Severity Assessment-Achilles: a study protocol for cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties patient-reported outcome instrument in Persian athletes with Achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Sheikhi Bahram , Akbari Hadi 
Published: November 2024

Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs) are important to evaluate the impact of clinical practice in athletes with Achilles tendinopathy (AT). The TENDINopathy Severity assessment-Achilles (TENDINS-A) is a PROM that measures the pain, symptoms and physical function associated with AT. This study aims to translate, cross-culturally adapt and measure the properties of the Persian language version of the TENDINS-A (Persian-TENDINS-A) in athletes with AT.According to the COnsensus-based Standards for selecting health Measurement INstruments guidelines, 100 athletes with AT will be required for test-retest reliability, construct validity and internal consistency. Analyses will include confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency, construct validity, SE of measurement, agreement, smallest detectable change, and floor and ceiling effects. Test-retest reliability of the Persian-TENDINS-A will be evaluated within 2–3 days for the Persian-TENDINS-A. Hypothesis testing of the Persian-TENDINS-A will be determined using a Pearson correlation of a single point in time between Persian-TENDINS-A scores with the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles and Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaires.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Zabol (approval ID: IR.UOZ. REC.1403.004) based on the Declaration of Helsinki. Findings from this study will be disseminated to the athletes, clinicians and researchers through peer-reviewed journals and national and international conferences.
Attitudes toward physician-provided gun safety counselling among current and prospective gun owners in the USA
Authors: Warner Tara D 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundAmericans increasingly perceive that homes with guns are safer than those without, and physician counselling about in-home firearm safety and injury risks occurs infrequently, despite encouragement from major medical organisations (eg, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics). Safety counselling that does occur may be limited to gun owners at high risk of injury; however, given the increasing rates of first-time gun ownership in the USA, understanding attitudes toward firearms and firearm safety messaging among persons who may become firearm owners is needed to inform and support continued injury prevention efforts.MethodsSurvey data from a cross-section of firearm owners (n=396) and non-owners (n=551) collected in February 2023 was used to examine differences in perceptions about the safety of firearm households, openness toward firearm safety counselling and comfort with law enforcement compared with physician firearm safety discussions.ResultsOver three-quarters of current and possible future gun owners agreed that firearms make homes safer, compared with just over one-third of non-owners. All three groups favoured law enforcement over physicians for firearm safety messengers and were more comfortable speaking with law enforcement than physicians about firearm safety.Discussion and conclusionPublic health and injury prevention safety counselling that combines messaging from law enforcement and medical perspectives may be similarly accessible for both current firearm owners and those considering owning firearms in the future.