bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-omics analysis reveals the host-microbe interactions on the dysbiosis of tissue microbiota in male genital lichen sclerosus- induced urethral strictures
Authors: Yu Zhenwei , Wang Zeyu , Mao Guangyu , Tang Juan , Zhang Ruihang , Song Lujie , Xiu Xianjie 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Male genital lichen sclerosus-induced urethral strictures (MGLSc-US) is a chronic inflammatory disease with significant microbiota dysbiosis. The impact of this dysbiosis on disease progression and gene expression in MGLSc lesions still has a knowledge gap. This study investigated the influence of microbiome-host interactions on microbial dysbiosis and differential gene expression in MGLSc by analyzing the microbiome and transcriptome of foreskin tissues.
Results
Microbiome and transcriptome sequencing were conducted using prepuce samples from MGLSc patients (n = 27) and controls (n = 17). In MGLSc patients, unclassified Muribaculaceae and Escherichia coli. were enriched, while Finegoldia magna, Prevotella timonensis, Bacillus pumilus, and Peptoniphilus harei etc., were reduced. No differences in alpha diversity were observed, but beta diversities were significantly different (p < 0.05) compared to controls. The microbial community exhibited a decrease in Gram-positive bacteria (p < 0.05). The top 15 GO pathways of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with immune activation, inflammatory response, and innate immunity and pathogen response. Single sample gene set enrichment analysis revealed MGLSc lesions enriched immune cells, including activated CD4 T cells (p < 0.0001), effector memory CD4 T cells (p < 0.0001), activated B cells (p < 0.001), and Type 2 Helper T cells (p < 0.001). DEGs related to pathogen recognition, such as TLR1, TLR2, TLR6, and HLA-DOB, were upregulated (p < 0.05). Clinical correlation analysis indicated that Escherichia coli negatively correlated with age (p < 0.01). The unclassified Muribaculaceae was positively correlated with total cholesterol levels (p < 0.001). The abundance of Peptoniphilus sp. S470 was positively correlated with body mass index (p < 0.05). The abundance of Bacillus pumilus was positively correlated with triglycerides levels (p < 0.05). Enterococcus faecalis (p < 0.05) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (p < 0.01) were negatively correlated with stricture grade.
Conclusions
This study, based on microbiota and transcriptomics, was the first to discover a decrease in Gram-positive bacteria in the lesional prepuce tissue of MGLSc patients. In the MGLSc population, dysbiosis was associated with pathogen-response immune pathways. Additionally, patient clinical characteristics were correlated with the abundance of differential microbe.
Fuelling Gold Medals: Developing a Periodised Nutrition System for Elite Athletes and Applying it in Practice
Authors: Turner Ollie , Chessor Richard , Mitchell Nigel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The concept of periodised nutrition is a well-established within performance nutrition support to appropriately fuel elite athletes while maximising the adaptative response from training. Despite this, there still appears to be little planning and integration of training prescription and nutrition between the nutritionist and multi-disciplinary team. Consequently, the aim of this current opinion was to (1) propose a ‘Periodised Nutrition System’ which can be utilised by nutrition practitioners when working with athletes; (2) discuss how this can be administered in practice, collaborating with the coach, multidisciplinary team and athlete; (3) present a case study of the proposed ‘nutrition periodisation system’ and its utilisation with a world class swimmer leading into the 2024 Olympic Games. The ‘Periodised Nutrition System’ presents different ‘performance plates’, quantities of different foods to fit into the ‘performance plates’ to aid recipe development, and how they may practically fit into an athlete’s periodisation alongside theoretical rationale. The case study demonstrates a ‘real world’ scenario of its utilisation with an elite swimmer, transitioning through three separate performance goals while reducing body mass by 1.9 kg, sum of eight skinfolds by 20.1mm, predicted fat mass by 2.6 kg and an increase in predicted lean mass by 0.6 kg over a six-week mesocycle. The study highlights that the ‘Periodised Nutrition System’ enables the practitioner to develop structure to their support aligning nutritional strategies with the training periodisation of the athlete, allowing for an individual approach, specific to the athlete’s performance goal(s) and the desired adaptation of a training session.
Equity analysis: To understand the equity gap regarding the menstrual regulation service in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Fariya , Emma Tasmiah Afrin , Azrin Farhia , Patwary Mohammad Hridoy , Ahmed Anisuddin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Despite menstrual regulation (MR) being recognised as a vital component of reproductive health and rights of women by the Government of Bangladesh, its utilisation remains limited. This paper aims to examine trends and associated factors of MR utilisation as well as the extent of socioeconomic inequalities in MR utilisation and factors contributing to the inequality over time.
Methods
Data for this study was extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2007, 2011, 2014, and 2017-18 datasets. After adjusting for sampling weight, data from a total of 65,552 ever-married women aged 15–49 years were included. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis using Pearson’s Chi-squared tests were employed to explore associations between outcome and explanatory variables across different wealth quintiles. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were fitted to identify significant predictors of MR utilisation. Socio-economic inequalities in MR utilisation were examined using Lorenz curves and Erreygers normalised concentration indices. Finally, a decomposition analysis of the concentration index was conducted to assess the contribution of various factors to the observed inequality.
Results
MR service utilisation in Bangladesh remained consistent over the years, peaking slightly in 2011 (6.4%) and reaching its lowest rate in 2017-18 (5.4%). Utilisation was higher in urban areas, with the highest rates in Rajshahi and Barishal divisions and the lowest in Sylhet, and an overall upward trend by wealth quintile over time. Women’s age, education, husband’s education, wealth index, division, place of residence, employment status, exposure to media, number of living children, contraceptive use, and survey year were significant factors associated with MR utilisation. The weighted Erreygers normalised concentration index (ECI) revealed a pro-rich concentration of MR utilisation, although the equity gap narrowed from 2007 (ECI = 0.310) to 2017-18 (ECI = 0.157). Wealth index and exposure to media emerged as the leading contributors to the overall socio-economic inequality in MR utilisation.
Conclusion
This study highlights trends and factors contributing to inequalities in MR usage, which can guide the government and relevant stakeholders to place greater efforts in reducing socioeconomic and geographical disparities in MR utilisation by enhancing awareness through mass-media, training healthcare providers, and ensuring availability of MR services, particularly among less affluent women.
Focal or Diffuse Bladder Wall Thickness on Bladder Computed Tomography Indicates More Severe Bladder Wall Inflammation in Patients with Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: Yu Wan-Ru , Jiang Yuan-Hong , Jhang Jia-Fong , Kuo Hann-Chorng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The classification of different phenotypes of interstitial cystitis/ bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) provides different pathophysiology and associated treatment strategies. Most clinical studies have focused on bladder symptoms and cystoscopic findings. This study analyzed bladder wall thickness (BWT) and compared bladder conditions, urinary biomarkers, and histopathology among patients of IC/BPS with different BWT.
Methods: A total of 182 patients with cystoscopy-proven IC/BPS underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) before intervention. The BWT on CT was classified as smooth, focal thickness, and diffuse thickness. Clinical symptoms, urodynamic findings, cystoscopic characteristics, presence of Hunner’s lesion, urinary biomarkers, and bladder histopathology were compared among the three subgroups.
Results: Among the patients, 85 had smooth, 64 had focal, and 33 had diffuse BWT. There was a significant trend of patients with focal and diffuse BWT being significantly older with higher symptom scores, smaller bladder capacity, higher grade of glomerulations, and incidence of Hunner’s IC. Pathological findings revealed that patients with diffused BWT, followed by those with focal thickness, had the greatest uroepithelial cell denudation and plasma cell infiltration. Patients with diffuse BWT has higher rate of inflammatory cell infiltration, nerve bundle hyperplasia, and granulation tissue. The urinary levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and oxidative stress biomarkers in IC/BPS patients with different BWT were significantly higher than those in the controls.
Conclusion: BWT in CT scans can reflect chronic inflammation of the bladder wall in patients with IC/BPS, which is clinically relevant for the diagnosis and treatment of IC subtypes.
Dental implant site preparation with conventional rotary drill or piezosurgery: five-year after placement results from a within person randomised controlled trial
Authors: Azaripour Adriano , Farina Vittorio , Esposito Marco , Buti Jacopo , Al-Nawas Bilal , Sagheb Keyvan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate whether there are clinical benefits by preparing dental implant sites using piezosurgery instead of conventional rotary drills in healed bone crests and if initial crestal soft tissue thickness could have an impact on marginal bone loss.
Methods: Twenty-five partially edentulous patients requiring two single implants in molar/premolar areas had each site randomly allocated to either piezosurgery or to conventional rotary drill preparation according to a split-mouth design. Definitive screw-retained metal-ceramic crowns were delivered after 6 months. All patients were followed to 5 years after placement. Outcome measures were: implant/crown failures, complications, peri-implant marginal bone level changes, resonance frequency analysis (RFA), and time required come complete site preparation, recorded, when possible, by blinded assessors.
Results:No patients dropped-out and no implant failed. Five years after placement, there were no statistically significant differences for complications (only one complication in the piezo group: difference = 0.04; P = 1), for peri-implant bone loss (difference = -0.11 mm; 95% CI -0.24 to 0.01; P = 0.083), and for RFA changes (6 months) (difference = -0.35; 95% CI -1.95 to 1.25; P = 0.672 between groups. Significantly more time was needed to prepare implant sites with piezosurgery (difference = 236.8 sec; 95% CI -286.12 to -187.48; P <0.0001). Initial soft tissue thickness had no effect on peri-implant bone loss (estimate = 0.05; 95% CI -0.03; 0.12; P = 0.239).
Conclusions: No clinically appreciable differences were noticed when placing implants using piezosurgery or conventional instrumentation with rotary drill, however, the preparation with rotary drills was on average 4 minutes faster. No effect of initial crestal soft tissue thickness was observed on peri-implant bone loss.
Kinematic response of end-bearing pile groups subjected to vertically incident P-waves
Authors: Yue Cheng , Liu Qijian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The kinematic response of end-bearing pile groups in an elastic half-space under vertically incident P-waves is investigated in this paper. The soil and the pile groups are considered as continuum elastic elements to formulate the asymmetrical scattered waves resulting from individual piles. General expressions for the vertical scattered displacements in the soil and piles are obtained using the method of separation of variables. Graf's addition theorem is modified to consider the scattered waves resulting from the individual pile pairs in different local polar coordinates. The boundary-valued problems are formulated as an infinite series of linear algebraic systems with unknown coefficients by considering the continuities along the soil-pile interfaces. Truncating numbers are selected to ensure the convergence and accuracy of the proposed method. Parametric studies are conducted to investigate the pile-to-pile interactions under vertically incident P-waves. Numerical results reveal that the pile separations and the pile numbers significantly affect the pile-to-pile interaction of pile groups. Pile group effects are distinct for different pile group arrangements. Dynamic concentrations are observed in the soil layers when the separations and the non-dimensional wavelengths match.
Muscle architecture of the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis in cyclists, runners, triathletes, and physically active individuals
Authors: Lunardi Morgana , Sakugawa Raphael Luiz , Amorim Debora Crispim , Sampaio Lucas Tavares , Diefenthaeler Fernando 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The study aimed to compare measurements of fascicle length (FL), muscle thickness (MT), and pennation angle (PA) of the vastus lateralis (VL) and rectus femoris (RF) muscles of cyclists, runners, triathletes, and physically active individuals (control group). Forty volunteers (10 cyclists, 10 runners, 10 triathletes, and 10 physically active individuals) aged between 18 and 45 years participated in the study. FL, MT, and PA were measured by a B-mode ultrasound system with panoramic imaging. For RF, the variables were analyzed at 50% of its length. For VL, five positions along its length were analyzed (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), with 0% near the knee and 100% near the hip. FL, MT, and PA data from the RF were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA for comparison between groups, and data from the VL were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA (group vs. position). In case of significant interaction, the variables were compared between groups using Tukey's post-hoc test. All statistical analyses were performed considering p<0.05. No group interaction was observed for all RF variables. No group interactions were observed for all VL variables. However, there is a significant interaction between positions in the VL for MT and PA, with larger measurements observed at 0% and smaller measurements at 100%. We conclude that there are no differences in muscle architecture when comparing cyclists, runners, triathletes, and physically active individuals. However, the groups do show higher MT and PA values in the region near the knee (0%).
Predicting factors associated with under-5 mortality in India using machine learning algorithms: evidence from National Family Health Survey, 2019-21
Authors: Mishra Abhay , Vasishtha Guru , Maiti Suraj 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Reducing the under-5 mortality rate is high on the list of priorities in the global development agenda. The SDG targets a reduction in child mortality rate to less than 25 deaths per 1,000 live births annually by 2030. Though enormous gains have been observed for under-five mortality and child health over the past few years, it remains a significant public health challenge for India. Much earlier studies were made on the under-five mortality rates for children. Except in this study, the most widely used approach undertaken so far, to a great extent, relies on conventional regression analyses that are inherently known to have minimal predictive ability. This study attempts to develop a predictive model based on the advanced techniques of machine learning (AML) that could infer a rather accurate prediction for the under-5 mortality rate of India, namely U5MR.
Methods:
This study used the nationally representative microdata from 7 the National Family Health Survey's fifth version (NFHS-5, 2019-21). Multiple imputation methods, such as filling by modal value, were adopted to treat missing values. We used a feature selection method known as information gain, where we ranked the information-rich features and examined their impact on the prediction of child mortality. The synthetic minority over-sampling method (SMOTE) was used to balance the dataset. To predict the determinants affecting U5MR, we used four machine learning (ML) models (decision trees, logistic regression, support vector machines, and K-nearest neighbors). The predictive power of each ML model was assessed using accuracy, precision, receiver operating characteristic curves, and model accuracy metrics (accuracy, precision, F1 score, ROC).
Results:
The descriptive findings demonstrate that India's under-five mortality rates vary significantly by region. The Decision Tree model (96.35%) performed the best out of all the models examined, with the under-five mortality prediction ability ranging from 90% to 96.35%. The best predictive model demonstrates that factors influencing under-five mortality rates in India include duration of breastfeeding status, Marriage to the first birth Interval, education, Birth order, ANC visit, wealth index, place of delivery, and place of residence to estimate under-five mortality risk variables, The Decision Tree machine learning model would engender a greater predictive capability; therefore, it would help in better policy decision-making in this field. Employment of these major elements would greatly enhance a child's chances of survival to be directed by appropriate policies.
Conclusion:
The decision tree model will perform better than traditional logistic regression. Prediction of under-5 mortality rate at the India level revealed a success accuracy of 96.35 percent and precision of about 60 percent.
Utility of maternal A1c measurement in the second trimester for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kahraman Neval Cayonu , Baran Gonca Karatas , Celık Ozge Yucel , Aslanova Sitara , Mehrasa Irem Ozge Uzunoglu , Gurer Dicle Mutel , Caglar Ali Turhan , Ustun Yaprak Engın 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of changes in diagnostic processes and criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on adverse obstetric outcomes associated with GDM.
Methods: A total of 3000 pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Screening for gestational diabetes was performed using hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in 1200 pregnant women who either refused or could not tolerate the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The HbA1c cut-off value for the diagnosis of GDM was set at ≥5.7% in accordance with ameta-analysis by Paula B. Renz et al. A total of 154 pregnant women with HbA1c ≥5.7% were diagnosed with gestational diabetes, and their data were recorded prospectively. These data were compared with obstetric outcomes in 250 pregnant women diagnosed with diabetes by performing a 100-g OGTT after a 50-g glucose challenge test (GCT).
Results: There were no significant differences between two groups in terms of maternal age, gestational age at diagnosis, gravidity, and parity. Body mass index (BMI) was found to be significantly higher in pregnant women with HbA1c levels ≥5.7% (p<0.001). Polyhydramnios was more common in the HbA1c ≥5.7% group and oligohydramnios was more common in the OGTT group (p<0.001). Neonatal hypoglycemia was found to be significantly higher in the OGTT group (p<0.05). The median HbA1c value were different in each group (OGTT group 5.6%, HbA1c group 5.8% ; p< 0.001).
Conclusion: As treatment plays an important role in the management of GDM, it was found that HbA1c levels are not sufficient to detect some obstetric consequences of GDM in the second trimester. It was concluded that evaluations that synchronize HbA1c and OGTT results are necessary for the diagnosis of GDM in the second trimester.
Sewer system sampling for wastewater-based disease surveillance: Is the work worth it?
Authors: Düker Urda , Nogueira Regina , Carpio-Vallejo Estefania , Joost Ingeborg , Hüppe Katharina , Suchenwirth Roland , Saathoff Yvonne , Wallner Markus 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent sampling is commonly used in wastewater-based disease surveillance to assess the circulation of pathogens in the population aggregated in a catchment area. However, the signal can be lost within the sewer network due to adsorption, degradation, and dilution processes. The present work aimed to investigate the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 concentration in three sub-catchments of the sewer system in the city of Hildesheim, Germany, characterised by different levels of urbanisation and presence/absence of industry, and to evaluate the benefit of sub-catchment sampling compared to WWTP influent sampling. Our study shows that sampling and analysis of virus concentrations in sub-catchments with particular settlement structures allows the identification of high concentrations of the virus at a local level in the wastewater, which are lower in samples collected at the inlet of the treatment plant covering the whole catchment. Higher virus concentrations per inhabitant were found in the sub-catchments in comparison to the inlet of the WWTP. Additionally, sewer sampling provides spatially resolved concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 in the catchment area, which is important for detecting local high incidences of COVID-19.
Individual and combined effects of ionophore antibiotics monensin and lasalocid on growth, oxidative stress and antioxidant responses of Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Manawadu Behen , Senavirathna Mudalige Don Hiranya Jayasanka , Fujino Takeshi 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

To assess the impact of monensin, lasalocid, and a 1:1 (w/w) mixture of monensin and lasalocid on the formation of Microcystis aeruginosa-based harmful algal blooms (HABs), laboratory experiments were conducted [temperature 20 ± 1°C, illumination PAR 30 ± 4 μmol/m2 ·s (12-h light/dark cycle), growth medium BG-11] at concentrations of 100, 200, 500, 1,000, and 2,000 μg/L. Measurements included optical density, cell protein, chlorophyll ‘a’ (Chl. a) content, oxidative stress, catalase activity (CAT), and guaiacol peroxidase activity (GPX). Monensin treatment showed a dose-dependent positive effect on M. aeruginosa growth at concentrations ≤500 μg/L and a gradual dose-dependent growth inhibition at concentrations of 1,000 and 2,000 μg/L. The results indicated that monensin has a significant positive effect on the formation of HABs by M. aeruginosa. Lasalocid treatment showed a growth reduction of M. aeruginosa at concentrations ≤500 μg/L and a growth increase at higher concentrations (1,000 and 2,000 μg/L). The 1:1 (w/w) mixture test showed an intermediate response, as indicated by the individual treatments signifying the potential interactive effects of these antibiotics on M. aeruginosa. Furthermore, alterations in Chl. ‘a’, oxidative stress, CAT, and GPX measurements provided evidence of the impact of these antibiotics on the existence of M. aeruginosa.