bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poor efficacy of the combination of clarithromycin, amikacin, and cefoxitin against Mycobacterium abscessus in the hollow fiber infection model
Authors: Vignaud Etienne , Goutelle Sylvain , Genestet Charlotte , Guitton Jérôme , Cohen Sabine , Bourg Chloé , Durand Aurore , Lebouteiller Laura , Bernard Albin , Richet Caroline , Dumitrescu Oana , Hodille Elisabeth 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Mycobacterium abscessus (MABS) causes difficult-to-treat pulmonary and extra-pulmonary infections. A combination therapy comprising amikacin, cefoxitin, and a macrolide agent is recommended, but its antimicrobial activity and clinical efficacy is uncertain. Inducible resistance to macrolides (macrolides-iR) has been associated with poor clinical response in pulmonary infections, whilst for extra-pulmonary infections data are scarce.
Objectives
Herein, the aim was to evaluate the effect of the amikacin, cefoxitin, and clarithromycin combination against macrolides-iR MABS in a hollow-fiber infection model.
Methods
The hollow-fiber system was inoculated with M. abscessus subsp. abscessus type strain ATCC 19977 and treated during 10 days with the antibiotics combination. Two level of macrolide concentrations were evaluated mimicking the pharmacokinetics profiles of free (i.e. unbound) drug in blood and lung.
Results
Using blood concentrations, the combination failed to prevent bacterial growth. Using lung concentrations, the combination had a limited but significant effect on bacterial growth from day 2 to day 10. Moreover, increasing clarithromycin concentrations stabilized the amikacin-tolerance level: amikacin minimal inhibitory concentration of amikacin-tolerant strains increased over time using blood concentrations while it remained stable using lung concentrations.
Conclusions
Our finding confirms the low activity of the amikacin, cefoxitin, and clarithromycin combination against macrolide-iR MABS infection, and suggest the influence of clarithromycin concentrations on response. The low concentration of clarithromycin in blood may hamper efficacy for the treatment of extra-pulmonary MABS infection. Consequently, it should not be considered as an active molecule in the chosen antibiotic combination, as recently recommended for pulmonary infections.
Experimental Study on Optimization of Pipe Jacking Mud Mixture Ratio Based on MICP Technology
Authors: Cui Guangqin , Zhang Hang , Ma Chenguang , Zhang Xiaoli , Shao Hong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

During the pipe jacking construction process, the back-soil effect often occurs due to various factors such as excavation unloading, continuous disturbance from subsequent pipe sections, and accumulated soil adhesion. Pipe jacking slurry, as the primary measure for friction reduction and strata support, is crucial to ensuring the safe execution of pipe jacking construction. This paper introduces the microbial-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) technology into the field of pipe jacking slurry to improve its friction-reducing effect and enhance soil stability. To achieve this, the optimal mix ratio of MICP-slurry was selected through the uniform design method. Model tests were conducted to investigate the friction-reducing effect of MICP-slurry, and the mechanism of MICP-slurry in strengthening strata stability was analyzed through mechanical tests and scanning electron microscope (SEM) tests. The results show that the optimal mix ratio of MICP-slurry is bentonite: CMC: soda ash: PAM: xanthan gum = 12%: 0.31%: 0.36%: 0.25%: 0.54%. MICP-slurry reduces the friction coefficient between the test block and sand by 42.2%. Compared to the untreated sample S-1, the cohesion and internal friction angle of the MICP-treated sample S-2 increase by 38.12% and 14.01%, respectively. SEM analysis reveals that the calcium carbonate crystals induced by MICP-slurry in the soil fill the pores, enhance the bite force between soil particles, and improve the mechanical properties of the soil.
Morphological Instability of Kirkendall Voids: A Phase-Field Study
Authors: khorasgani Ahmadreza Riyahi , Steinbach Ingo , Camin Bettina , Kundin Julia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The present research explores theoretical and computational aspects of the morphological instability ofKirkendall voids induced by a directed flux of vacancies. A quantitative phase-field model is coupled witha multi-component diffusion model and CALPHAD-type thermodynamic and kinetic databases to obtaina meso-scale description of Kirkendall void morphologies under isothermal annealing. The material underinvestigation is a diffusion couple consisting of a multi-phase multi-component single-crystal Ni-basedsuperalloy on one side and pure Ni on the other side. The flux of the fast diffuser Al towards the pureNi causes a strong flux of vacancies in the opposite direction. This directed flux of vacancies leads tomorphologically instable growth of voids, known as Mullins–Sekerka instability. Phase-field simulationsare performed in two (2D) and three dimensions (3D) to understand these instabilities, and the resultsare compared with experimental observations obtained by synchrotron X-ray tomography. Finally, thesimulation results are analyzed with respect to the Mullins–Sekerka linear stability criterion.
Improving the thermal and hydrophobic properties of bamboo biocomposite as sustainable acoustic absorbers
Authors: irvani hassan , mahabadi hassan asilian , khavanin ali , Variani ali Safari 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the potential of chemical modification to improve the hydrophobic properties and thermal stability of bamboo fibers and to evaluate the sound absorption performance of raw and modified fibers. To achieve this goal, bamboo fibers were modified using stearic acid coatings and aluminum hydroxide nanoparticles. The results showed that the modification of fibers with stearic acid (STA) can improve the contact angle and hydrophobicity of bamboo fibers, so that for modified fibers with a concentration of 0.3 M, the contact angle was 143.8 degrees, placing the fibers in the superhydrophobic range.Additionally, the thermogravimetric results showed that aluminum hydroxide (ATH) loading increased the coal residue at 600 °C by 12%, indicating an improvement in hydrophobic properties and thermal stability. The average sound absorption for composites based on raw fiber and modified with STA and ATH in the range of 630-6300 Hz was 0.51 and 0.472, respectively. This shows that chemical modification has reduced the sound absorption of the composite to a small extent. On the other hand, the average sound absorption coefficient for frequencies above 630 Hz was 0.84 and 0.79, respectively, indicating that the sound absorption composite has good absorption. Overall, these observations provide strong evidence that chemical modification of natural fibers can lead to the development of more stable and safer porous acoustic absorbers.
Overview of Menstrual Hygiene Management and Other Risk Factors concerning Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Zahra Fatima Tuz , Sultana Ummay Farihin , Quinn-Walker Natalie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Bangladesh is a developing nation where, for a variety of reasons, adequate female reproductive health is not maintained. Bangladeshi women are plagued by a variety of nations and a variety assortment of reproductive tract disorders plague a variety of reproductive tract disorders plagues Bangladeshi women.
Method
The study employed a one-year cross-sectional design, combining a quantitative participatory approach. It was conducted at two healthcare facilities, AK Memorial Hospital in Maona, Gazipur, and Lubana General Hospital & Uttara Cardiac Center, involving 244 voluntary participants. Among them, 153 women meeting specific inclusion criteria (reproductive and menopausal age, BV diagnosis) were selected, while those with a negative BV diagnosis were excluded. Data collection primarily occurred in the outpatient department, with participants covering a wide age range and diverse socioeconomic and educational backgrounds.
Result
65.4% of the BV-positive women were married. It was observed that married women were more susceptible to BV than unmarried women. The study also revealed that poor menstrual hygiene was the leading cause of BV. Around 81% of women had poor menstrual hygiene, whereas 68% of them changed their absorbents than once or twice a day. However, of women (43%) utilized cloudified things, and operated absorbents.
Microbial diversity of high-elevated fumarole fields - low-biomass communities on the boundary between ice and fire
Authors: Shevchenko Alla , Ursalov Gleb , Eromasova Natalya , Shelyakin Pavel , Gelfand Mikhail , Tutukina Maria , Abramov Andrey , Vishnivetskaya Tatiana , Rivkina Elizaveta 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Fumarole fields on active volcanoes are habitats that host unique microbial ecosystems, however, DNA extraction from them for further analysis is rather challenging. In this study, we compared two different ways of sample homogenization for DNA extraction to further profile the microbial communities of active fumarolic fields from Elbrus and Ushkovsky volcanoes and the frozen fumarole deposits of Fujiyama. Vertical homogeniser gave significantly higher DNA concentrations for the Elbrus samples, and more archaeal amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) for Elbrus and Ushkovsky samples compared to the horizontal one. This suggests that vertical homogeniser might be preferable for DNA extraction from sandy and rocky soils. Independent of the homogenizer type, the dominant phyla for Elbrus were Acidobacteriota and Pseudomonadota, and Crenarchaeota for Ushkovsky. The bacterial community of Fuji was less diverse, with Actinomycetota, Pseudomonadota and Bacillota being the dominant phyla. Thus, the studied fumaroles showed distinct microbial profiles, revealing unique adaptations to their respective extreme environments. Within the fungal community, Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Chytridiomycota were the most dominant phyla for all three volcanoes, but their abundance varied. This study offers the first comprehensive analysis of microbial and fungal communities of active and frozen fumarolic fields, and demonstrates that the choice of methodology can significantly influence the understanding of microbial diversity in extreme environments.
Characteristics, outcomes and treatment patterns in acute myeloid leukemia patients 60 Years or older in Colombia: a RENEHOC-PETHEMA study
Authors: Sossa-Melo Claudia , Polo Virginia Abello , Salazar Luis A. , Peña Angela M. , González María Lucrecia Luna , Cuervo-Lozada Diana Marcela , Quintero-Vega Guillermo E. , Daza Jorge , Omaña-Orduz Olga Paola , Mantilla William , Perdomo Iván , Galvez Kenny , Correa Laura María Díaz , Guerrero-Burbano Paola Andrea , Herrera Juan Manuel , Idrobo Henry , Gaviria Lina M. , Correa Mario Ernesto Correa , Lobatón José , Bermúdez Carlos Daniel , Morales Julian Eduardo Pedraza , Casas Juan Carlos Serrano , Jaramillo Francisco , Gomez Rigoberto , Rosales Carmen , Solano María Helena , Varón Carlos , Veiga Rebeca Rodríguez , Martínez-Cuadrón David , Montesinos Pau 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

There is a limited information available on the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns and outcomes on older patients diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in Latin-America. This multicenter retrospective study analyzed 269 patients over 60 years of age diagnosed with AML in Colombia, using data from RENEHOC-PETHEMA registry, from 2009 to 2023. The median age at diagnosis was 70 years (Range: 60–98), 55% were men, 61% had an ECOG < 2, and 75.5% had de novo AML. FLT3-ITD or NPM1 mutations were performed in 23.4% and 15.6% of patients, and detected in 14.3% and 16.7% of cases, respectively. Treatment included intensive chemotherapy (IC) (36.8%), non-intensive chemotherapy (non-IC) low dose cytarabine based chemotherapy (12.6%), hypomethylating agents (HMA, with/without venetoclax) (35.3%), and supportive care (15.2%). Median overall survival (OS) was 8.2 months (10.6 months after IC, 8.8 after non-IC, 8.9 months after HMA, 8.2 months after HMA plus venetoclax, and 1.9 months with supportive care). OS was 35.2% at 1 year and 5.6% at 5 years (13.7% treated with IC). Only 1.5% of patients were transplanted in frontline. Leukemia-free survival (LFS) was 17.6 month, with 67.6% survival at 1 year and 27.3% at 5 years. Among patients treated with IC, the 5-year LFS was 41.3%, and 0% for non-IC. A shift from IC to HMA plus venetoclax regimens was observed after venetoclax marketing. This study provides new insights into the management of patients in Colombia, highlighting the need for a highly individualized approach in treating AML in elderly patients.
Calm me down, or I'll leave: anxiety and institutional support among Ukrainian academic staff during wartime
Authors: Suchikova Yana , Kolomiiets Uliana , Popova Anastasia , Lopatina Hanna , Tsybuliak Natalia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Mental health conditions among academic staff are a growing global concern, driven by factors such as heavy workloads, job insecurity, and a lack of institutional support. Anxiety, one of the most common mental health disorders, is particularly widespread in academia, affecting cognitive function and productivity. In Ukraine, the ongoing war has intensified these challenges, creating unprecedented working conditions for academic staff. This study investigates the prevalence of anxiety among Ukrainian academics during wartime. It explores the impact on their desire to change careers and the perceived effectiveness of institutional mental health support.
Methods
This cross-sectional study surveyed 429 academic staff from Ukrainian higher education institutions between December 2023 and February 2024. Anxiety levels were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, while additional questions assessed the desire to change professions and the perceived effectiveness of institutional mental health support. The data were analyzed using chi-squared tests, correlation analysis, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression.
Results
The findings revealed that 37.1% of respondents experienced moderate anxiety, while 20.3% reported severe anxiety. There was a significant relationship between higher anxiety levels and an increased likelihood of considering a career change. While 90.2% of respondents viewed institutional mental health support as important, many felt that the existing programs were ineffective. Greater accessibility to psychological support services was associated with lower anxiety levels.
Conclusions
The high prevalence of anxiety among Ukrainian academic staff during the war highlights the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions. Institutional support – such as accessible psychological services- is important in the ongoing war conditions. These findings underscore the broader implications of anxiety for the sustainability of Ukraine's educational and scientific sector during wartime and emphasize the need for comprehensive mental health programs tailored to the unique challenges faced by academics in wartime.
Seasonal and anthropogenic factors-driven distribution of nutrient salts and microbial communities in the Pearl River Delta
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Wang Jie , Li Weijie , Yang Aixiu , Mao Yupeng , Gu Yangliang , Zeng Luping , Du Hongwei , Shi Lei , Fang Huaiyang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The transformations of Iron (Fe), Phosphorus (P) and sulfide (S) has been previously investigated, but quantifying the effects of seasonal and anthropogenic influences on nutrient transformations and microbial community distributions is a major issue that requires urgent attentionin areas with serious anthropogenic disturbance. We used the diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) technique and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to determine spatial heterogeneity in nutrient distribution and microbial community structure in the overlying water and sediment in the Pearl River Delta (PRD), the sampling campaigns were conducted in summer and winter, respectively. The results show that the nutrient salts exhibited greater differences in time than in space, and the higher water pollution levels in winter than in summer. Sediment was identified as a potential source, especially in summer, due to the loose structure of sediment particles and diffusion fluxes of P, Fe, and NH4+-N caused by rainfall and high temperature. Microbial diversity and abundance were also affected by seasonal and anthropogenic factors, with higher richness and diversity of microbial communities in summer than in winter, and high salinity and nutrient salts concentration had a significant inhibitory effect on microorganisms. Mantel test revealed that the spatiotemporal distribution patterns of dominant bacteria were closely related to the TOC and DO levels and play an important role in the P, Fe, S, and N cycle. These observations are important for understanding nutrient salts transformation and diffusion in the Pearl River Delta.
Comparing Methods for Forecasting Time Series with Multiple Observations per Period using Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Mahmoudvand Rahim 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In practice, a univariate time series typically represents the value of a quantitative variable in successive order over a period of time. However, in certain fields like hydrology, multiple observations may be available for each time point. Commonly, functions such as the average, maximum, and minimum are used to summarize these observations into a univariate time series, potentially losing valuable information.
This paper proposes an alternative approach by constructing a time series of distributions from the observations. We explore two methods: (1) a non-parametric approach using boxplots to create a time series of boxplots, and (2) a parametric approach using a parametric distribution, where the parameters of the distribution form the time series. These methods allow for the application of multivariate time series analysis techniques to better capture the underlying information.
To demonstrate the practical application of these approaches, we employ singular spectrum analysis to model real climate change data from Europe.
Seismic vulnerability assessment of historical timber temples: a case study of the Hanging Temple in China
Authors: Yang Zhuoxin , Liu Dewen , Shen Luo , Mu Shian , Xie Fei , Liu Yang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Hanging Temple, one of the representatives of traditional wooden structure architectural heritage in northern China, is affixed to the cliff and closely connected to the rock wall. This complicates its structural analysis due to uneven foundation height and irregular lateral stiffness. This paper adopts a simplified simulation method based on Shear plastic hinge Dougong (DG), modified mortise-tenon joint (MTJ), and compressive constitutive model of wood for the example of a Hanging Temple in northern China. A finite element model of the Hanging Temple was established based on the results of field research and mapping. Its structural dynamic response to rare earthquakes was studied in depth to assess the structure's seismic performance. The results show that the simplified simulation method can accurately and effectively simulate the plastic behavior of DG and MTJ. Under the 3D ground motion excitation, the structural deformation and stresses were mainly concentrated at the foundations' embedded end, especially the dynamic response of the bottom column end and the cantilever beams at all levels was most significant. The Hanging Temple's force situation differs from that of general wooden structures. The existence of cantilever beams leads to the vertical asymmetry of the structure, which causes the uneven distribution of stiffness (the Y-direction stiffness is much smaller than the X-direction stiffness), and the middle columns, which are connected to multiple beams and DG, become the main distribution points of stiffness, and are subject to larger eccentric loads and tensile stresses, especially at the top of the columns where they are connected to the DG. They take up more internal forces to transfer and disperse the seismic forces. Historical wooden structures are a significant part of the world's architectural heritage. Establishing an accurate seismic performance assessment model to evaluate these historical buildings is still challenging. This study provides an effective method and basis for seismic performance assessment and modeling of ancient wooden structures.
RETRACTED: From green chemistry to clean water: Bi 2 O 3 Nanoparticles as Photocatalyst
Authors: V Lakshmi Ranganatha , S Shivaganga G , B Vasanth Patil H , S Pramila , G Nagaraju , P Parameswara , C Mallikarjunaswamy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Exploring parents' perceptions and experiences of childhood obesity and management in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: An interpretive qualitative study
Authors: Almutairi Sarah Hamad , Alhamidi Sami Abdulrahman 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern in Saudi Arabia that is influenced by parents' perceptions and attitudes. This study explores how Saudi parents perceive childhood obesity, the barriers they face in managing it, and their motivations for adopting healthier behaviours in their children.
Methods
A hybrid approach to thematic analysis was employed, combining deductive and inductive coding to allow for emergent themes directly from the data. Semistructured interviews were conducted with twelve parents in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, whose children were identified as overweight or obese. The data were analysed to identify key themes related to parental perceptions and childhood obesity management.
Results
Four themes emerged from the data: (1) perceptions towards childhood obesity; (2) perceived barriers to weight management; (3) perceived benefits to weight management; and (4) perceived motivators to addressing obesity.
Conclusion
Saudi parents' perceptions of childhood obesity are influenced by deep-rooted cultural norms but evolve as they become more aware of the associated health risks. This study highlights the importance of culturally sensitive, family-centered public health interventions in addressing childhood obesity in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Interventions should focus on reducing barriers and enhancing parental motivation to support healthier behaviours in children.
Bone Cement Embolism Causing Right Ventricle Perforation
Authors: Dai Xiaoyi , Chen Liangwei , Pan Dihao , Zhao Haige , Ma Liang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Bone cement embolism is one of major complications of percutaneous kyphoplasty. Although rare, the intracardiac cement embolism is potentially life-threatening, with a documented incidence of 3.9%, and it is even more infrequent if symptomatic (0.3%).
Case presentation: Herein, we reported an extremely rare case of intracardiac bone cement embolism after percutaneous kyphoplasty causing right ventricle perforation. A 70-year-old woman, experiencing sudden left chest pain with radiation to the shoulder for 9 hours, was transferred to our emergency department. Two hours before onset of her symptoms, she underwent percutaneous kyphoplasty at the local hospital. The chest computed tomography angiography revealed that an intracardiac foreign body penetrated her right ventricle. In light of her surgical history, bone cement embolism was suspected and thus, the patient was transferred to our center. Computed tomography and echocardiography confirmed the presence of intracardiac linear-shaped foreign body perforating the right ventricle. Therefore, the patient underwent open-heart surgery and the bone cement was removed successfully.
Conclusions: Symptomatic intracardiac bone cement embolism is potentially fatal, so the rapid diagnosis and prompt treatment measures based on the cement emboli characteristics and the patient's condition are crucial.