bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vertex pinning and stretching of single molecule DNA in a linear polymer solution
Authors: Santiago Juan , MA KUNLIN , Samuel Caleb , Paul Soumyadeep , Memarian Fereshteh , Vukasin Gabrielle , Darvish Armin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Trapping, linearization, and imaging of single molecule DNA is of broad interest to both biophysicists who study polymer physics and engineers who build nucleic acid analyzing methods such as optical mapping. In this study, single DNA molecules in a neutral linear polymer solution were driven with an axial electric field through microchannels and their dynamics were studied using fluorescence microscopy. We observed that above a threshold electric field, individual DNA molecules become pinned to the channel walls at a vertex on each molecule and are stretched in the direction opposite to the electric field. Upon removal of the electric field, pinned DNA molecules undergo relaxation within a few seconds to a Brownian coil around the vertex. After 10’s of seconds, DNA is released and free to electromigrate. The method enables high quality imaging of single-molecule DNA with high throughput using simple-to-fabricate fluidic structures. We analyze the conditions needed for trapping, relaxation dynamics, and the repeatability of vertex pinning. We hypothesize DNA entangles with neutral linear polymers adsorbed to walls. We hypothesize that a sufficiently high electric force on the DNA is required to expel a hydration layer between the DNA and the wall-adsorbed neutral linear polymers. The elimination of the hydration layer may increase the friction between charged DNA and the uncharged polymer, promoting vertex pinning of DNA.
Unmet Needs of Breast Cancer Survivors and Related Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kocatepe Vildan , Uslu Yasemin , Zengin Derya Subaşı , Aydoğdu Çise , Uras Cihan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: It is essential to identify the met and unmet needs of breast cancer survivors. Furthermore, the sociodemographic and disease related characteristics of survivors can influence their needs. The aim of this study is to investigate the unmet needs of breast cancer survivors and the related factors.
Methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study. The population of this study consisted of 442 breast cancer survivors in Senology Institute Breast Clinic in Istanbul. The data of the study were collected by Breast Cancer Survivor Evaluation Form and The Cancer Survivors’ Unmet Needs (CaSUN) Scale between January 2021 and January 2023. Results: The mean ages of the was 47.88±9.26. The womens' met needs score of CaSUN was 7.52±8.58. The unmet needs score of CaSUN was 9.37±9.82, and the total needs score was 16.93±10.74. Among the 258 women who had children, there was a statistically significant, positive correlation between the number of children and the unmet needs scores (r=.184; p=.004), negative correlation between the met needs scores of the women (r=-.129; p=.044). There was a statistically significant difference in the unmet needs scores among women based on their marital status (t=2.04; p=.042).
Conclusions: The study with breast cancer survivors in Turkey identified specific unmet needs focussing on psychosocial and information-related domains. Furthermore, certain sociodemographic characteristics such as being married, having children, and employment status have been found to influence the unmet needs of survivors.
Age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality rates and future projections of autoimmune diseases in China: a systematic analysis based on GBD 2021
Authors: Xiao Yanhua , Hong Xuezhi , Neelagar Ranjana , Mo Hanyou 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Aim
To evaluate the age-standardized incidence rates (ASIR), prevalence rates (ASPR), and mortality rates (ASMR) of asthma, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM), Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Psoriasis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) in China from 1990 to 2021, and predict the future incidence of these autoimmune diseases (ADs).
Method
Data was extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study 2021. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to assess the temporal trends of ASIR, ASPR, and ASMR. Bayesian age–period–cohort (BAPC) was employed to predict the incidence rates of these ADs in China from 2022 to 2046.
Results
In 2021, the ASIR, ASPR, and ASMR of asthma were 364.17 (95% uncertainty intervals (UI) : 283.22 to 494.10), 1956.49 (1566.68 to 2491.87), and 1.47 (1.15 to 1.79); of T1DM were 2.67 (2.21 to 3.26), 86.78 (70.55, 107.44) and 0.23 (0.19, 0.29); of IBD were 1.40 (1.21, 1.68), 9.16 (7.80, 11.01), and 0.33 (0.25, 0.44); of MS were 0.16 (0.13, 0.20), 2.23 (1.74, 2.83), and 0.006 (0.005, 0.007), of RA were 13.70 (12.12, 15.55), 240.70 (210.77, 277.95), and 0.54 (0.39, 0.66), respectively. The ASIR and ASPR of psoriasis were 59.70 (57.85, 61.59), and 474.02 (458.60, 488.88). The ASIR for Asthma, T1DM, IBD, MS, Psoriasis, and RA will be 330.98, 5.8, 1.4, 0.21, 80.9, and 15.54 per 100,000 population in 2046, respectively.
Conclusion
Although ASMR has been consistently decreasing in China, there is still a continued rise in the ASIR, ASPR and future ASIR for most ADs, except for asthma.
SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Adverse Maternal and Perinatal Outcomes: A Cohort Study of Pregnant People in a Maternity Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Brendolin Michelle de Oliveira , Wakimoto Mayumi Duarte , de Oliveira Raquel de Vasconcellos Carvalhaes , Mageste Larissa Rangel , Nielsen-Saines Karin , Brasil Patrícia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, there was no evidence that COVID-19 posed greater risk to pregnant people. Over the subsequent year, it became clear that pregnancy rendered more at higher risk of severe COVID-19. There is, however, a paucity of data regarding COVID-19 perinatal outcomes in low-middle income countries (LMIC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in a reference maternity hospital, in a low income setting in Rio de Janeiro during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
The study was conducted a prospective cohort study of 1,185 pregnant people ≥ 16 years admitted to a maternity hospital and their infants from March 2020 to March 2022. Participants with laboratory confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection were considered infected. An exploratory analysis of qualitative variables was conducted with absolute and relative frequencies and 95% confidence intervals calculated. Survival functions were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazards model was employed to interpret the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on time to adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes, adjusted for vaccination, comorbidity and gestational trimester.
Results
A total of 21% (249/1185) patients were infected with SARS-CoV-2, with a median age of 26 (range: 16–47). Cesarean section deliveries were performed in 54% (135/249) SARS CoV-2 + participants vs 41.7% (391/936) of uninfected, p = < 0.001. SARS CoV-2 vertical transmission was observed in 6 of 169 (3.6%) tested neonates. Preterm deliveries occurred more frequently in patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (30.7% vs 23.6). In the survival analysis, no effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection was observed on prematurity (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.66–1.11) and adverse perinatal outcomes including fetal distress (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.59–1.49); stillbirth (HR: 0.84, 95% IC: 0.42–1.71) and neonatal death (HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.39–2.14), even after adjusting for vaccination, comorbidity and gestational trimester of infection. Intensive care unit admission and/or death occurred in 68 of 1185 participants (5.7%); 44 of 249 participants (17.7%) infected with SARS CoV-2 vs. 24 of 936 uninfected participants (2.5%). Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 were at greater risk of adverse maternal outcomes (crude HR: 6.12, 95% CI: 3.70-10.14; adjusted HR: 5.60, 95% CI: 3.35–9.37) than uninfected pregnant participants. All 21 participants who died were unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Conclusion
The risk of maternal death due to COVID-19 highlights the need for adequate preventive measures, particularly vaccination, during the prenatal and postpartum periods.
Maternal stressors disrupt mouse placental proteome and fetal brain development in a sex-specific fashion through inflammation and oxidative stress
Authors: Berry Alessandra , Musillo Chiara , Ajmone-Cat Maria Antonietta , De Simone Roberta , Tassinari Roberta , Maranghi Francesca , Tait Sabrina , Samà Marianna , Giona Letizia , Pieroni Eleonora , Alessi Roberta , Henning Thorsten , Weber Daniela , Lippert Rachel , Pisanu Maria Elena , Chirico Mattea , Iorio Egidio , Fratini Federica , Cirulli Francesca 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Adverse maternal conditions during pregnancy result in an increased risk for neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring, although the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We have recently shown that two distinct insults, maternal psychophysical stress (PNS) or high-fat diet (mHFD), increase inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain of adolescent female mice. Here, we sought to investigate the early mechanisms underlying such effects, focusing on the placenta and fetal brain, as well as the protective effects of the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC), in C57Bl6/N mice. We used a multi-disciplinary approach combining proteomic, metabolomic, lipidomic and histological analysis to characterize the structural and functional changes of the placenta; moreover, a targeted gene expression analysis was carried-out in the brains of male and female fetuses to evaluate oxidative stress and inflammatory-related changes. Our data highlight comparable, but sex-specific, responses to the two maternal stressors, which target placenta and fetal brain, and are buffered by NAC administration. Placental function was specifically disrupted in males, with signaling pathways of cardio-metabolic risk emerging in this sex. By contrast, fetal brain was affected in females, with an increased expression of genes related to inflammation and oxidative stress. In conclusion, we provide evidence for an early origin of sex-dependent embedding of prenatal adverse experiences in different organs which might explain differential susceptibility to later disease trajectories.
Comparison between ChatGPT 3.0 and Google Gemini Regarding Medicine Knowledge
Authors: Hassan Md. Mahadi , Nohor Noushin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

ChatGPT and Gemini AI are two of the most advanced and enhanced large language models widely used worldwide for various purposes. These models are built to facilitate human civilization with their generative capability to produce solutions and suggestions for different purposes, in a human-like conversation type with predictive texts. This study aimed to identify the potential differences between these two models in the case of possessing medical knowledge. A set of multiple-choice questions (MCQ) was adapted from a medicine textbook, and the correct answers were identified by matching the answers in the textbook and a medical expert. Then both of the models were asked to identify the correct answers from the options given to them. They were scored based on their ability to identify the correct answers. The findings revealed that both AI models possess significantly less knowledge of different disease domains and are not sufficiently reliable for medical assistance, though ChatGPT 3.5 possesses slightly better knowledge than its counterpart Google Gemini. The developers should focus on these models to make them more reliable in medical education so that our medical students and doctors can utilize the full potential of Artificial Intelligence in their medical lives for both learning and application.
Influence of serotonin on the long-term muscle contraction of the Kohnstamm phenomenon
Authors: Schmidt Annika , Meindl Tobias , Albu-Schäffer Alin , Franklin David W. , Stratmann Philipp 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Neuromodulation plays a central role in human movement control. An imbalance of neurotransmitters, especially dopamine and serotonin, can be associated with various neurological disorders causing tremors or spasms. Specifically, serotonin was shown to scale motoneuron excitability following intense muscle contractions, affecting short-latency reflexes. Likely, it may also influence motoneuron modulation in prolonged contractions, although this lacks experimental evidence. An intriguing test case for this hypothesis is presented by the Kohnstamm phenomenon, where sustained muscle contractions lead to prolonged amplified EMG activity and involuntary motions, aligning with the timescale of serotonergic amplification. The suspected serotonin influence on this effect was tested in a placebo-controlled human user study with 14 participants, where half were administered the serotonin antagonist Cyproheptadine and the other half a placebo. Comparing EMG and force responses after inducing the Kohnstamm phenomenon in the deltoid muscles, revealed statistically significant faster EMG decay with the serotonin antagonist, while decay remained consistent in the placebo group compared to the response of the same participant group without medication. The force measurements showed the same trend, although no significance. This provides new data-based evidence that serotonin contributes to long-term motoneuron modulation, extending previous findings about the dedicated role and influence of this neurotransmitter.
A Scoping Review using the COM-B Model to Examine the Barriers and Facilitators to Sexually Transmitted Infection Testing among African and Caribbean Heritage Communities in High-Income Countries
Authors: Adeniyi Temilola , Cabral Christie , Horwood Jeremy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: African and Caribbean communities in high-income countries face disproportionate sexually transmitted infection (STI) risks. In the US, the gonorrhoea rate among non-Hispanic Blacks is 7.7 times greater than that among non-Hispanic Whites, and the chlamydia rate is 5.6 times greater. In the UK, black caribbeans have the highest gonorrhoea and chlamydia rates among all ethnic minority groups. Identifying barriers to and facilitators of STI testing is crucial for developing effective interventions. This scoping review maps current evidence on multilevel factors influencing STI testing behaviours among these populations onto the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour) model, which posits that capability (i.e., knowledge/skill), opportunity (i.e., social and environmental influence), and motivation (i.e., confidence/beliefs) are essential for engaging in a behaviour (i.e., STI testing).
Methods: Two databases were searched for studies published between 2013 and 2024 on STI testing barriers and facilitators among African and Caribbean populations in high-income countries. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies were included. The titles/abstracts were screened, the data were charted, and the findings were synthesized via COM-B as an organizing framework.
Results: Fifty-eight studies were included. The key capability barriers were low STI knowledge and language difficulties. Social opportunity barriers included stigma, discrimination, and lack of support. Clinic times and locations impeded physical opportunities. The motivation barriers were fear of positive results, cost, risk perception, confidentiality concerns, and competing priorities.
The facilitators included awareness initiatives, treatment knowledge (capability), supportive networks, outreach (social opportunity), free testing, convenient options (physical opportunity), and risk perceptions, relationships, and incentives (motivation).
Conclusion: This review highlights the complex interplay of COM-B factors influencing STI testing among African and Caribbean heritage communities, drawing attention to pervasive stigma and socioeconomic barriers. Multilevel interventions should enhance capability through education, opportunity via community coproduction and convenient testing, and motivation by addressing stigma and leveraging facilitators. Integrating an intersectionality lens and evaluating community-driven approaches are future directions for promoting sexual health equity.
Empirical Techniques For Effort Estimation in Designing Effective ML Models
Authors: A Padhmanabha Reddy Y C , Kosuru Sai Sathwik , Sirisalla Nageswara Rao , N Vivekananda G , Perala Venkata Akanksha 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Machine Learning Research often involves the use of diverse libraries, modules, and pseudocodes for data processing, cleaning, filtering, pattern recognition, and computer intelligence. Quantization of Effort Required for the above cumulative processes is rarely discussed in the existing works & The time to reach the desired level of the model’s functionality is essential to gauge the environment training for the model training & pre-deployment testing. In this study, we empirically defined the manual-cum-computational effort required for the model development in terms of 2-time factors: time-to-live(time until 1st code modification) and time-for-modification(time between 2 codebase changes) taken together in a mathematical model to compute Effort Factor(quantitative measure of determining effort needed to design ML algorithms). The study is novel in terms of how the effort required to create ML models is calculated with a particular focus on the manual effort direction. The results and the findings obtained can be used for determining the total time needed to synthesize ML models & frameworks in terms of code change cycles and implementation strategies marking a 25% performance increase in the current method above the Standard Pipeline.
Vaccination schedule and age influence impaired responsiveness to hepatitis B vaccination: a randomized trial in Central Asia
Authors: Heisig Janyn , Nurmatov Zuridin , Riese Peggy , Trittel Stephanie , Sattarova Gulsunai J. , Temirbekova Saikal N. , Zhumagulova Gulnara Zh. , Nuridinova Zhanylai N. , Derkenbaeva Aysuluu , Arykbaeva Bubuzhan K. , Dzhangaziev Bakyt I. , Prokein Jana , Klopp Norman , Illig Thomas , Guzmán Carlos A. , Kasymov Omor T. , Akmatov Manas K. , Pessler Frank 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the most cost-efficient measure to prevent infection. Still, vaccination coverage among adults in Central Asia, including Kyrgyzstan, remains suboptimal and data about immune responses to HBV vaccination are lacking. HBV vaccination is given as three injections, whereby the 2nd and 3rd doses are given 1 and 6 months after the 1st (0-1-6 scheme). However, compliance with the 3rd dose is low in Kyrgyzstan, presumably due to the long time interval between the 2nd and 3rd doses, suggesting that a shortened vaccination schedule could result in better adherence and increased seroconversion.
Method
We conducted a randomized trial of individuals aged 17–66 years comparing the 0-1-6 scheme against a shorter 0-1-3 scheme. Primary outcome measures were post-vaccination titers and the percentage of participants with protective post-vaccination titers (≥ 10 mIU/ml).
Results
Compliance with completeness of blood draws and administered 3rd vaccine dose was better with the 0-1-3 scheme than with the 0-1-6 scheme. In both study arms combined, younger age (< 40 years) was associated with better vaccine protection. The 0-1-6 scheme resulted in higher post-vaccination titers (52 versus 15 mIU/ml, p = 0.002) and a higher seroprotection rate (85% versus 64%, p = 0.01) than the 0-1-3 scheme, whereby post-vaccination titers correlated negatively with age in the 0-1-3 scheme.
Conclusion
The 0-1-6 scheme should continue to be the preferred HBV vaccination schedule, but interventions to improve compliance with the 3rd vaccine dose are needed.
Trial registration:
Research Registry, researchregistry10361, Registered 04 June 2024, Retrospectively registered, https://www.researchregistry.com/browse-the-registry#home/registrationdetails/665ed4e94d638f00294d35df/
Assessing the Implementation of Bim for Cost Management by Quantity Surveyors in Nigeria
Authors: Olubunmi ADE-OJO Comfort , Emmanuel Akintan Olalekan , Mayowa OKESOOTO Abiodun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Construction industry plays a central role in the economic development of most countries; however, it faces major issues relating to project complexity and cost control. Nigeria has not been an exception to high costs in building projects for such challenges, and new technique known as Building Information Modelling (BIM) could potentially provide a solution to these difficulties and rectify inadequate cost management practices. This research therefore sought to evaluate the application of BIM for cost control as per the Quantity Surveyors in construction industry of Lagos State, Nigeria. The survey aimed at assessing the level of BIM realization among Quantity Surveyors while the main focus areas concerned: Identifying the barriers to BIM implementation and Realizing the changes of Quantity Surveyors’ activities due to BIM implementation. The target population was Consultant and Contractor Quantity Surveyors in Lagos State. Closed questionnaires were used to gather data which was later analyzed by the use of Chi-square tests results, mean scores as well as regression products. It was emerged that there is a low level of BIM implementation in regard to cost management; BIM is adopted for few quantity surveying tasks. H1 revealed that the major challenges towards its implementation were the expensive nature of deploying BIM software, cost of training, and limited availability of skilled professional. The other outcome of the analysis was that the BIM implementation for cost management would not significantly enhance the role of Quantity Surveyors, although there would be a positive influence. To address the research question, the study recommends the following: increase awareness of Quantity Surveyors in the capabilities of BIM, ensure proper training to be offered by professional bodies of Quantity Surveyors and the inclusion of BIM in the curricula of universities in the Quantity Surveying program. Also, professional bodies should formulate guidelines to compel BIM emission among the quantity surveying organizations.
Stabilizing Excited-State of Organic Phosphorescent Photosensitizers via Self-Assembly for Boosting Photoreduction of CO2-to-CO
Authors: Cai Zhengxu , Xiong Chenchen , Wang Ping , Ma Yao , Zhang Yongfeng , Cheng Xin , Chao Cong , Kang Lingling , Li Gengchen , Sun Peng , Shi Jianbing , Tong Bin , Shao Xiangfeng , Zhang Zhi-Ming , Dong Yuping 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The development of pure organic photosensitizers remains challenging due to low intersystem crossing (ISC) efficiency and the instability of triplet excitons. Herein, a series of organic phosphorescent molecules are prepared as the photosensitizers. The extensive conjugation of fused-ring cores enhances visible-light absorption, while heteroatom-rich structures promote ISC process, effectively generating triplet excitons. 2,3,5,6,9,10-Hexabutoxy-8-phenyldithieno-triphenyleno-pyridine (TPy) exhibits high ISC efficiency and can sensitize Fe-catalyst efficiently for photoreduction CO2-to-CO. A novel strategy of doping phosphorescent molecules into the core of amphiphilic nanoparticles (NPs) formed by polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PS-b-PEG) was further developed. PS, the core of the NPs, can stabilize the triplet excitons generated by TPy due to its rigid polymer backbone, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic efficiency. Meanwhile, PEG serves as the corona of the NPs, improving stability and dispersibility. Notably, this self-assembled strategy increases the sensitization efficiency of TPy (TONCAT = 2041, 51.02 µmol CO) by nearly 50%, and even after three catalytic cycles, 93.5% of the original sensitization ability is retained. This result opens a new avenue for developing novel molecular organic photosensitizers and stabilizing their excited-states for efficient application in photoredox reactions.