bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between patient characteristics and recommendations by medical on-call service 116117 in Germany: a cross sectional observational study
Authors: Hansen Heike , Menzel Agata , Oltrogge Jan Hendrik , Lühmann Dagmar , Scherer Martin , Schäfer Ingmar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Use of emergency departments has increased in recent years. Different efforts address this problem, eg, medical on-call services. The DEMAND intervention is based on a computer-assisted initial telephone assessment implemented at the regional associations of statutory health insurance physicians in Germany. In this intervention, recommendations for healthcare settings suited best to the patients’ health problems were given by telephone. This study aimed to analyse if patient characteristics are associated with the output of the intervention, ie, specific setting recommendations.
Methods:
This cross-sectional observational study based on a standardised postal survey of patients who received the intervention. Recommended and used settings, and data on sociodemography, health status at the time of the emergency call, past health service use, and health literacy were collected by patient self-report. The study population was characterised by descriptive statistics. For analysing the association between recommendations, and patient characteristics, multilevel, multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for random effects at the level of regions and months of observation within regions were conducted.
Results:
1,756 patients participated in the survey. The median age of the patients was 66 years, 59.0% were women and 30.2% living alone. Recommendations for emergency home visits were associated with worse self-rated health (OR 0.67, 95% confidence interval: 0.55/0.81, p<0.001). Telephone counselling was associated with lower age (0.71,0.59/0.85,p<0.001), lower subjective treatment urgency (0.65,0.51/0.82,p<0.001) and health problems not classified as symptoms and complaints (0.41,0.25/0.68,p=0.001) or infections (0.22,0.09/0.57,p=0.002.). Emergency departments were associated with better self-rated health (1.37,1.11/1.70,p=0.003) and health problems classified as injuries (3.12,1.67/5.83,p<0.001). Rescue service were associated with higher age (1.44,1.15/1.81,p=0.002) and a higher subjective treatment urgency (2.51,1.83/3.43,p<0.001). General practices were associated with lower subjective treatment urgency (0.58,0.44/0.76,p<0.001) and health problems not classified as injuries (0.26,0.10/0.68,p=0.006). Emergency practices were associated with lower age (0.60,0.48/0.74,p<0.001), and specialist practices were associated with health problems classified as symptoms or complaints (3.75,1.49/9.45,p=0.005).
Conclusions:
Most associations between patient characteristics and recommendations were comprehensible and in line with the aim of the intervention. No disparities in access to specific services were identified. However, it should be clarified why patients with better self-rated health were more likely to receive recommendations for emergency departments.
Rapid, User-friendly, Cost-effective DNA and Library Preparation Methods for Whole-Genome Sequencing of Bacteria with Varying Cell Wall Composition and GC content Using Minimal DNA on the Illumina Platform
Authors: Bearzatto Bertrand , Durant Jean-François , Ambroise Jérôme , Gala Jean-Luc 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Whole-genome sequencing via high-throughput sequencing is essential for identifying and characterising chromosomes and plasmids in nosocomial and environmental bacterial pathogens. To expedite outbreaks investigations, including accidental or intentional bacterial release, without compromising sequencing quality, we evaluated a more time-efficient, user-friendly, and cost-effective approach, using minimal DNA (~ 1 ng) from a single bacterial colony. Four DNA extraction methods were compared: the automated nucleic acid extractor (EZ1 Advanced, Qiagen) with or without DNA purification using AMPure® beads (EZ1 vs. EZ1-AMP), and two rapid and inexpensive methods: heat shock (HS), and glass bead disruption (GBD). Additionally, we evaluated four library preparation kits: Illumina DNA Prep (DN), Illumina Nextera XT (XT), Roche KAPA HyperPlus (KP), and NEBNext® Ultra™ II FS DNA Library Prep Kit (NN).
Results
Whole-genome sequencing performance was evaluated on Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Enterobacter cloacae ATCC strains. Key performance indicators included sequencing depth evenness across chromosome and plasmids (accounting for GC bias), genome assembly quality measured by contig number, N50, genome fraction, and percentage of mismatches. Key performance indicators confirmed that DNA and library preparation methods significantly influenced WGS quality. GBD enabled efficient sequencing across all the three bacterial species, while HS proved inadequate for spore-forming bacteria B. cereus. DN, KP, and NN produced high-quality results with low GC bias, whereas XT exhibited significant GC bias and lower quality for bacteria with low GC content.
Conclusions
This study highlights the importance of selecting suitable DNA and sequencing library preparation methods based on bacterial cell wall composition and GC content for optimal HTS outcomes.
Adherence to Iron Deficiency Interventions Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics in Ubungo Municipality, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Benjamin Glory , Mrema Ezra J. , Nhumba Nchang’wa , Albert Wakoli , Mwanga Hussein 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Iron deficiency anaemia among pregnant women remains a public health concern despite the iron deficiency interventions put in place. This study investigated the level of adherence to the interventions and the associated factors among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ubungo Municipality.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used a systematic random sampling technique to obtain 503 participants from the surveyed clinics. Interviews were conducted by using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using Stata version 17. The study employed binary and multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine factors associated with adherence to iron deficiency interventions.
Results
In this study, 72% of participants were non-adherent to the interventions. In multivariable regression analysis, participants who forgot to take their iron tables on most days (AOR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.23–4.48) and those who reported that not enough time was spent on education and coun-selling during antenatal clinic visits (AOR = 3.87; 95% CI:1.08–13.84) were more likely to be non-adherent to iron deficiency interventions.
Conclusions
Majority of pregnant women in Ubungo Municipality were non-adherent to iron deficiency interventions. Non-adherence was associated with a tendency to forget taking iron tablets, and lack of enough time in providing health education and counselling. Improving the quality of health education and counselling could increase adherence to iron deficiency interventions and reduce maternal - child morbidity and mortality rates.
Natural Selenium Levels in Subtropical Soils of Southern Brazil
Authors: Rosini Daniely Neckel , Machado Matheus Rodrigo , Delfino Fabiele Arruda , Matias Caroline Aparecida , Lopes Betel Cavalcante , Campos Mari Lucia 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Selenium is an essential micronutrient for humans; however, in high quantities, it can become toxic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural Se levels in soils from southern Brazil. Fifty sampling locations were selected for their minimal anthropogenic interference and high pedological and geological diversity. Soil samples were collected from the A horizon up to a depth of 20 cm. Analyses of Ca, Mg, K, P, TOC, acidity, and texture followed standardized methods, while Se was analyzed after acid digestion and measured using ICP-OES. The natural Se levels ranged from 0.34 mg kg− 1 in a typical Alitic Haplic Cambisol to 11.25 mg kg− 1 in an organosolic Dystrophic Humic Cambisol. Se behavior in the soil is influenced by pH, P, Fe, Al, and Mn oxides, clay, and organic matter. Metamorphic rocks contain higher Se levels due to mineral recrystallization and trace element mobilization during metamorphism. Background values are crucial as they provide data for decision-making and area management.
Combination of blended fertilizer (NPKSZn) and bio-fertilizer on growth, yield, and yield attributing characters of lentil (lens culinaris medikus)
Authors: Mossa Mohammed Mebrahtu , Gebrekidan Daniel , Kasegn Melaku Mekonen , Mesele Etsay 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Tremendous use of chemical fertilizer has led to the distraction of microorganisms in the soil and this causes depletion in essential minerals of the soil. To minimize these environmental and soil damages caused by chemical fertilizers, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of biofertilizer (Rhizobium and Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB)) and blended fertilizer (NPKSZn) on growth, yield, and yield attributing characters of lentil. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with eight treatments viz. T1: Control T2: Rhizobium, T3: PSB inoculation, T4: only NPKSZn, T5: Rhizobium + PSB inoculation, T6: Rhizobium inoculation + NPSZ, T7: PSB inoculation + NPKSZn and T8: Rhizobium + PSB inoculation + NPKSZn. Rhizobium and PSB inoculation were used @ 250 g/10 kg seeds and the recommended dose (100kg ha− 1 NPKSZn). The results of the present investigation revealed that longest plant height (53.61cm), Maximum nodulation (25.78), pod per plant (111.1), highest grain (1115.8 kg ha− 1), straw (1713 kg ha− 1) and biological yield (2829 kg ha-1), highest net benefit (26382.56 ETB ha− 1) with an acceptable and maximum marginal rate of return (741.6%) was recorded in dual inoculation of seed with Rhizobium and PSB. Therefore inoculation of Rhizobium and PSB enhances the production, and productivity and the seed must be inoculated with dual culture of Rhizobium and PSB along with another package of practices for the crop.
A Bacteriolysin of Lactococcus carnosus is potentially involved in mediating contact-dependent antagonism against Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Tareb Raouf , Rezé Sandrine , Harb Manar , Dubreil Laurence , Monnet Veronique , Björkroth Joanna , Passerini Delphine , Leroi Francoise , Pilet Marie-France 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Lactococcus carnosus CNCM I-4031 is a psychrotrophic lactic acid bacterium used for the biopreservation of seafood. It effectively inhibits the growth of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, through an atypical mechanism that relies on direct cell-to-cell contact, without producing conventional antimicrobial compounds like bacteriocins. However, the precise molecular mechanism behind this bacterial interaction remains to be fully understood. In this study, Label-free LC-MS/MS shotgun proteomics and gene expression analysis were used to examine cell envelope protein expression in L. carnosus when cultivated alone and in co-culture with L. monocytogenes. The investigation identified a specific cell wall protein, named LYSO, which has a toxic C-terminal domain and demonstrates peptidoglycan hydrolysis activity against L. monocytogenes. Further analysis using knockout mutants provided additional evidence for the involvement of LYSO in the inhibition activity. These findings suggest the significant role of this bacteriolysin in the contact-dependent mechanism of L. carnosus against L. monocytogenes.
Methylation-based subtypes of gastric cancer provide distinct prognostic impact in patients who receive chemotherapy
Authors: Tahara Tomomitsu , Shijimaya Takuya , Yamazaki Jumpei , Tahara Sayumi , Nakamura Naohiro , Takahashi Yu , Tomiyama Takashi , Fukui Toshiro , Shibata Tomoyuki , Nakamura Masakatsu , Arisawa Tomiyasu , Naganuma Makoto 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

High levels of cancer-specific aberrant promoter hypermethylation provide distinct clinicopathological features in gastric cancer (GC) patients. This study explored the molecular subtypes based on the cancer-specific aberrant promoter hypermethylation to predict prognosis of advanced stage GC treated by the chemotherapy. Using five methylated in tumors (MINT) loci (MINT1, 2, 12, 25, and 31), cancer-specific aberrant promoter hypermethylation was characterized in 186 advanced stage GCs receiving chemotherapy (stages II, III and IV diseases). We found that the both methylation-high (4 or 5 markers positive) and negative (one or 0 marker positive) cases presented significantly worse overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (P = 0.003, 0.009, respectively). Multivariate survival analysis using Cox's regression model demonstrated that cases with stage IV and methylation-negative were significantly associated with worse OS (stage IV, hazard ratio [HR] = 4.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.26–8.31, P < 0.0001; methylation-negative, HR = 2.43, 95%CI = 1.29–4.59, P = 0.006;), while cases in the middle third was also associated with better OS (HR = 0.48, 95%CI = 0.24–0.98, P = 0.045;). Our result show that the cancer-specific epigenetic anomaly provides prognostic impact in patients with GC treated by chemotherapy.
Impact of Relative timing of low salinity and polymer flooding on mechanisms by which oil recovery is improved
Authors: David Ebuka , McDougall Steven , Mackay Eric 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

A combination of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods, specifically polymer flooding and low salinity (LS) brine injection, has been shown to improve oil recovery beyond what is achievable with either method used alone. However, the optimal sequence and timing of these methods remain unclear, affecting their efficiency. This study investigates the impact of injection sequences and timing of LS brine and polymer to optimize oil recovery by understanding the underlying mechanisms. Six injection scenarios were tested: (1) injecting high salinity (HS) water followed by LS brine (tertiary injection), (2) injecting HS water to intermediate saturation followed by LS brine, (3) injecting LS brine directly (secondary injection), and in each case, (4) polymer injected simultaneously with LS brine, (5) polymer injected after the LS brine, or (6) polymer injected before the LS brine. The results showed a positive synergy between LS brine and polymer in both secondary and tertiary injections. This synergy is highly sensitive to injection timing, sequence, and rock/fluid properties. The combined effect of LS brine and polymer shifts the flow regime by altering the balance between capillary and viscous forces, maximizing oil recovery when both mechanisms are active. Conversely, the effectiveness declines when one mechanism dominates. Therefore, the timing and order of polymer and LS brine injection significantly influence displacement efficiency and oil recovery, with different injection sequences producing varying outcomes, even with the same EOR techniques.
Possible removal of the quinolone antibiotic moxifloxacin from contaminated water by biogenically synthesized alumina/ZnO/NiO nanocomposites using Commiohora myrrha extract
Authors: Al-Mohaimeed Amal 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The environmentally friendly synthesis of triple metal oxide nanocomposites incorporating natural gum extract has attracted great interest due to its low cost, environmental friendliness, non-toxicity and as a reversal of many physical and chemical processes. Simple biosynthetic technique using Commiohora myrrha gum extract as a green reducing and stabilizing material has been used to effectively prepare the alumina/ZnO/NiO nanocomposite (alumina/ZnO/NiO NCS). Full confirmation for the synthesized alumina/ZnO/NiO NCS was conducted using optical, elemental, and microscopical detections. The findings indicated that the prepared NCS exhibits high purity with particle size 17.5 nm. The synthesized NCS was applied to remove quinolone antibiotic moxifloxacin toxins from wastewater. Adsorption/desorption efficiency for the removal of the quinolone antibiotic moxifloxacin (MOX) from wastewater under optimal experimental circumstances such as adsorption dose (1.5 mg/L) contact time (3 hours), initial MOX concentration (50 mg/L), agitation speed (250 rpm), and pH 7 has been done. Adsorption kinetics and the adsorption isotherm were investigated, and the results Every adsorbent's removal procedure followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The adsorption kinetic isotherm of the removal of MOX was explained by pseudo-second order. The effectiveness of synthetic nanomaterials in eliminating toxins like MOX from tainted water was demonstrated by this study.
Dynamic analysis for deep grove ball bearing under grease elastohydrodynamic lubrication
Authors: He Ziyi , Wang Qiang , Dai Xin , Liu Deli , Zhang Yuyan , Ma Chenbo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The dynamic characteristic of grease-lubricated deep groove ball bearings for driving motors is one of the cores that affect the service performance of new energy vehicles. To investigate and improve the bearing stability, a dynamic characteristic analysis model of the bearing which introduces the grease-film stiffness and damping coefficients for a single contact pair between the rolling element and raceway is established. On this basis, the effects of grease, bearing operating conditions, and cage structural parameters on the bearing stability are examined. The results indicate that the presence of grease film improves the bearing stability to a certain extent. As the inner ring speed increases, bearing stability initially rises and then falls. In contrast, with increasing axial load or decreasing radial load, bearing stability improves. Moreover, as the cage pocket diameter or the cage thickness at inner bottom increases, bearing stability shows a trend of first rising and then falling, while an increase in the beam width of the cage leads to improved bearing stability.
The Sedimentary Evolution of the Cuiabá Group (Neoproterozoic Paraguai Orogen): A New Approach Applying Sequence Stratigraphy
Authors: BEAL VINICIUS , SAES GERSON SOUZA , PAZ JACKSON DOUGLAS SILVA DA , BARBOZA ELZIO , GERALDES MAURO CÉSAR , FIGUEIREDO LUAN NONATO 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Cuiabá Group, widely distributed in the state of Mato Grosso, is a sedimentary sequence that contains essential information about the geological evolution of the Paraguay Orogen. This study aims to apply sequence stratigraphy concepts as a new approach to better understanding sedimentary evolution during the Neoproterozoic. The analysis of lithofacies, depositional environments, and stratigraphic stacking patterns allowed the identification of different system tracts, including rift climax, rift fill, lowstand, transgressive, and highstand. These tracts have significant implications for understanding the basin's geological history. In addition, the influences of tectonics, glaciation, and post-glacial events on the sedimentary evolution of the Cuiabá Group were addressed. The use of sequence stratigraphy provided a comprehensive understanding of the geological history of the basin. It also offered insights into the controls on sedimentation associated with tectonic and climatic events. The results of this study challenge previous interpretations and contribute to advancing knowledge about the Neoproterozoic geological evolution.
Long sequence Time-Series forecasting of rare earth price based on Variational Mode Decomposition and improved Random Forest
Authors: Lu Rongxiu , Yao Kaiyuan , Yang Hui , Dai Wenhao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Given the complex and prolonged industrial processes involved in rare earth production, including the extraction and separation stages, the utility of short-term price predictions is limited due to the extensive times required to adjust production schedules. Consequently, accurately forecasting the long-term price trends of rare earth products is a pressing challenge. To address this, this paper introduces a VMD-SRF hybrid model tailored for Long Sequence Time-Series Forecasting (LSTF). To simplify the complexity of the initial data and improve the model's predictive accuracy, Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) is first employed to analyze the periodicity and random components in price time series; Then, it combines the Series Random Forest model, which is improved based on the Random Forest (RF) algorithm. Series Random Forest (SRF) model uses Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) distance as heuristic information to address the deficiencies of Random Forest in long time series forecasting. This hybrid approach, leveraging the strengths of both VMD and SRF, enhances the handling of LSTF issues. An experimental comparative analysis using four representative datasets of rare earth product prices indicates superior prediction accuracy of the proposed method. These advancements present a promising and applicable strategy for addressing LSTF challenges in various practical settings.
Establishment of a Latex Immunochromatography for Bovine Early Pregnancy-related glycoproteins and its Application in the Diagnosis of Bovine Pregnancy
Authors: Gu Linlin , Wang Weiwei , Yang Mingjie , Yu Yafang , Chen Hui , Yang Hui , Li Xia , fu Hui , Zhang Kang , YANG BO 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Early pregnancy diagnosis in dairy cows is an important part of the production processes. Accurate early pregnancy diagnosis can help veterinarians identify open cow as soon as possible and carry out the second breeding earlier, which is of great significance for improving reproductive efficiency of dairy cow. Bovine early pregnancy-related glycoproteins (PAGs) are produced by placental trophoblast cells and is considered as a reliable indicator for the diagnosis of early pregnancy in cows. In this study, a rapid immunochromatography based on latex microspheres for detecting PAG proteins was established with two monoclonal antibodies specific to PAG protein.
Results
The samples collected from 28 days after breeding of 559 Holstein cows were used to diagnose pregnancy, and the results were verified by ultrasound examination and commercial ELISA kit tests. The results showed that the minimum detection limit of the established latex immunochromatography for PAG protein was 0.2ng/ml, and the analytical specificity is very high. Furthermore, compared to B-ultrasound, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of this method for pregnancy diagnosis was 99.25%, 90%, 91.03%, 99.15%, and 94.68%, respectively, and the kappa value is 0.89, which demonstrated that the pregnancy diagnosis results of the test strip method have high consistency with ultrasound. Compared with commercial ELISA kits, the positive coincidence rate, negative coincidence rate, and overall coincidence rate of this method was 98.29%, 97.6%, and 98.03%, respectively. This indicated that the test strip has high consistency with the currently widely used ELISA immunological diagnostic method.
Conclusion
The latex immunochromatographic method established in this study can accurately diagnose pregnant cows and can be used for early pregnancy diagnosis of dairy cows. The method is simple to operate, fast to detect, and the results are easy to interpret, which is of great significance and clinical application value for cow early pregnancy detection.