bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Proliferation and Osteogenesis of Single-cell hBMSCs Encapsulated in Alginate Microgels by Single-Layer Graphene Oxide Nanosheets: In-vitro Droplet Microfluidics Study
Authors: Soleymani Hossein , Moghaddam Mehrdad Moosazadeh , Naderi-Manesh Hossein , Taheri Ramezan Ali 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Microfluidics cell encapsulation into the alginate droplets offers a way to mimic a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment that supports cell growth and proliferation, while also protecting cells from environmental stress. This technique has found extensive applications in tissue engineering and cell therapies. Microcapsules offer a new method for creating injectable tissue transplants that are minimally invasive. Several studies have demonstrated the advantages of graphene oxide (GO) in the field of bone tissue engineering. GO has been recently reported as an osteogenic inducer; however, the significance of GO on stem cell fate in the single-cell state is still unclear. Here, a microfluidics-based approach is developed for continuous encapsulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) at the single-cell level using alginate microgels. So, single-layer graphene oxide (slGO) nanosheet is used to be encapsulated inside the alginate droplets. The results of AFM and SEM show that slGO can increase the roughness and reduce the stiffness of alginate hydrogels. The Young's modulus of the alginate and alginate-slGO was obtained as 985.9 kPa and 1414 kPa, respectively. Live/dead assay reveals that slGO maintains hBMSCs viability. Also, fluorescence microscopy images illustrate that slGO can enhance the viability and proliferation of microencapsulated hBMSCs. The obtained results show that slGO increases the mineralization of the microgel matrix, so that microgels containing hBMSCs gradually become opaque during 21 days of culture. RT-qPCR results indicate that the expression of OCN, Runx2, and ALP in the alginate-slGO microgels is significantly higher than in the alginate microgels. The expression of OCN and Runx2 in the alginate-slGO microgels is 4.27 and 5.87-fold higher than in the alginate microgels, respectively. It can be concluded that low doses of slGO nanosheets have the potential to be utilized in the development of tissue engineering and bone regeneration.
Burnout and anxiety among Chinese nurses: The mediating roles of positive coping strategies and interpersonal problems: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang△ Ya , Li Nan , Huang Xia , Wang Jingjun , Huang Junqiang , Huang Yalin , Feng Yan , Qin Liu , Huang Hao 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Burnout among nurses is a global problem that results in increased turnover as well as decreased career satisfaction and poor nursing service. Previous researchers have suggested that anxiety is associated with burnout. However, the internal mechanism by which anxiety affects burnout remains unclear. Furthermore, the question of how the demographic characteristics of nurses predict burnout remains unanswered. Aims This study aimed to explore the mechanisms by which anxiety affects burnout, to verify the mediating roles of interpersonal relationship problems and positive coping in the relationship between anxiety and burnout, and to explore the factors that can predict burnout among nurses. Methods A total of 4,856 nurses were enrolled in this study. The ability of anxiety, positive coping, interpersonal relationship problems, and demographic factors to predict burnout were explored via linear regression models. The relationships among anxiety, positive coping, interpersonal relationship problems, and burnout were also explored by developing a parallel mediation model with the assistance of SPSS PROCESS 3.3 software. Results The following factors can predict burnout among nurses: internal medicine ward (β = 0.075 P < 0.01), surgery ward (β = 0.054 P < 0.01), operating room (β = 0.022 P = 0.037), a number of night shifts worked per month higher than 10 (β = 0.046 P < 0.01), and possession of a master's degree or higher level of education (β = 0.03 P < 0.01). Positive coping (β = 0.029, 95% CI: 0.022 to 0.036) and interpersonal problems (β = 0.134, 95% CI: 0.118 to 0.151) mediate the relationship between anxiety and burnout. Conclusion The results of this study reveal that nurses’ department, level of education, and number of night shifts worked per month are effective predictors of burnout. Positive coping and interpersonal relationships mediate the relationship between anxiety and burnout.
Diabetes, metabolic health, and the development of frozen shoulder: a cohort study in UK electronic health records
Authors: Dyer Brett , Burton Claire , Rathod-Mistry Trishna , Blagojevic-Bucknall Miliça , Windt Danielle van der 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
Estimate the effect of type 2 diabetes on the development of frozen shoulder and investigate whether the effect is mediated by other metabolic factors.
Methods
Primary care medical record-based cohort study containing 43,977 patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and 43,977 without diabetes. Variables were identified using established Read codes. A weighting approach with Cox regression was used to decompose the total effect into the direct effect and indirect effect, mediated by metabolic health (which was defined as the number of metabolic factors developed during follow-up). Estimates were expressed as hazard ratios (HR). Confounders were identified using a DAG. Sensitivity to unmeasured confounding, extreme weights, and missing data were tested.
Results
The total effect of type 2 diabetes on the development of frozen shoulder was HR = 4.38 (95% CI: 3.70–5.21), the natural indirect effect (mediated through metabolic health) was HR = 0.98 (95% CI: 0.93–1.03) and the natural direct effect was HR = 4.46 (95% CI: 3.68–5.41). Results were robust to unmeasured confounding, extreme weights, and missing data.
Conclusions
This study suggests that type 2 diabetes may be a cause of frozen shoulder but does not support the hypothesis that the effect is mediated by metabolic health. Clinicians should remain alert that shoulder pain in patients with diabetes could be indicative of a frozen shoulder. This study should raise awareness that, despite often being overlooked, musculoskeletal conditions can be complications of diabetes and should be considered during clinical conversations with patients.
Novel GSIP: GAN-based Sperm-Inspired Pixel Imputation for Robust Energy Image Reconstruction
Authors: Mahmoud Gamal M. , Said Wael , Fadel Magdy M. , Elbaz Mostafa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Missing pixel imputation is a critical task in image processing, where the presence of high percentages of missing pixels can significantly degrade the performance of downstream tasks such as image segmentation and object detection. This paper introduces a novel approach for missing pixel imputation based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). We propose a new GAN architecture incorporating an identity module and a sperm motility-inspired heuristic during the filtration process to optimize the selection of pixels used in reconstructing missing data. The intelligent sperm motility heuristic navigates the image's pixel space, identifying the most influential neighboring pixels for accurate imputation. Our approach includes three key modifications: (1) integration of an identity module within the GAN architecture to mitigate the vanishing gradient problem; (2) introduction of a metaheuristic algorithm based on sperm motility to select the top 10 pixels that most effectively contribute to the generation of the missing pixel; and (3) the implementation of an adaptive interval mechanism between the discriminator's real value and the weighted average of the selected pixels, enhancing the generator's efficiency and ensuring the coherence of the imputed pixels with the surrounding image context. We evaluate the proposed method on three distinct datasets (Energy Images, NREL Solar Images and NREL Wind Turbine Dataset), demonstrating its superior performance in maintaining pixel integrity during the imputation process. Our experiments also confirm the approach's effectiveness in addressing common challenges in GANs, such as mode collapse and vanishing gradients, across various GAN architectures.
Intrauterine inflammation Exposure may increase the risk of late-onset sepsis in premature infants:a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Xiafang , Zhang XinYu , Xue Ru , Mi Lanlan , Ye Liu , Zhang Guoqing , Bu Jun , Bei Fei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Preterm birth associated with intrauterine inflammation (IUI) has been linked to alterations in postnatal immunity and severe inflammatory complications during infancy. However, the impact of IUI on late-onset sepsis (LOS), a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants, remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the effect of IUI on the incidence of LOS in preterm infants by analyzing cytokine levels and white blood cell differential counts in cord blood within 24 hours after birth.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary neonatal center. Infants born before 37 weeks of gestation between July 2020 and June 2022 were included. Late-onset sepsis (LOS) was defined as sepsis occurring after 72 hours of life during the birth hospitalization. Levels of 12 cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-α (IFN-α), and IFN-γ, were measured in cord blood using multiplex bead-based flow immunoassays. Clinical data were extracted from hospital databases. Peripheral white blood cell counts within 24 hours after birth were routinely recorded for preterm infants. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the impact of cytokines and white blood cell counts on the incidence of LOS.
Results: A total of 628 preterm infants were included in this study. The mean gestational age was 33.17 ± 2.25 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1929.50 ± 516.77 grams. Of these, 42 infants (6.7%) developed late-onset sepsis (LOS). Compared to the non-LOS group, cord blood levels of IL-6 [127.81 (399.86) vs. 31.02 (127.48), p = 0.004] and IL-8 [130.37 (202.53) vs. 52.91 (101.43), p = 0.001] were significantly higher in the LOS group. No significant differences were observed in the levels of other cytokines between the groups. Peripheral neutrophil and monocyte counts were significantly lower in the LOS group [5.08 ± 3.46 vs. 8.14 ± 4.90, p < 0.001; 0.98 ± 0.56 vs. 1.37 ± 0.72, p = 0.001, respectively]. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated cord blood IL-6 levels and reduced peripheral neutrophil counts were associated with an increased risk of LOS, after adjusting for gestational age, gestational hypertension, and antenatal steroid use (aOR = 3.113, 95% CI: 1.239–7.819, p = 0.016; aOR = 0.340, 95% CI: 0.818–0.994, p = 0.038, respectively).
Conclusions: Elevated cord blood IL-6 levels and low peripheral neutrophil counts on the first day after birth are associated with an increased risk of LOS in preterm infants. These findings suggest that intrauterine inflammation may have a lasting impact on immune system responses, potentially influencing susceptibility to infections later in life.
Phylodynamic Structure in the Botswana HIV Epidemic
Authors: Kotokwe Kenanao , Nascimento Fabrícia F. , Moyo Sikhulile , Gaseitsiwe Simani , Holme Molly Pretorius , Makhema Joseph , Essex Max , Novitsky Vlad , Volz Erik , Ragonnet-Cronin Manon , Consortium PANGEA 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Studying viral sequences can provide insights into the structure of host contact networks through which the virus is transmitted. Uncovering the population structure of the HIV-1 epidemic in Botswana will help optimise public health interventions and may identify hidden sub-epidemics. We sought to determine the phylodynamic structure of the Botswana HIV-1 epidemic from viral sequence genetic data.
Methods
The Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP) randomly sampled 20% of households in 30 villages in Botswana between 2013–2018 and tested for HIV-1. Extensive demographic data were collected from all participants and next-generation full-genome HIV-1 sequences were generated from HIV-1 positive participants (n = 4,164), 78% of whom were on antiretroviral treatment (ART). We inferred the stage of infection (< or > 1 year) among HIV-1 cases based on nucleotide diversity and clinical data using a previously trained machine learning model. We then reconstructed time-resolved gag and pol phylogenies from sequences, other Botswana cohorts and publicly available sequences that were genetically close to those from Botswana. We statistically explored phylogenies for partitions with diverging patterns of coalescence, indicating sub-epidemics, and estimated viral effective population size through time, a measure of viral incidence, for each partition. Finally, we compared the demographic makeup, clinical and geographic characteristics across partitions using χ2, ANOVA tests and Tukey analysis.
Results
We identified three partitions of time-resolved gag and pol phylogenies, revealing divergent patterns of coalescence and HIV-1 transmission. In both gag and pol phylogenies, partitions with persistent growth and transmission were characterised by lower treatment coverage and more recent infections when compared to other partitions. The Southern and South East regions of Botswana were over-represented in the fast-growing partitions.
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that transmission is slowing in segments of the population that have high ART coverage. However, recent infections are over-represented in ongoing sub-epidemics. The phylodynamic structure suggests that there are districts with higher growth and prioritising these in the deployment of public health interventions might curb new infections. Nonetheless the high mobility of Botswana residents should be taken into consideration in implementing effective interventions to combat HIV-1.
Layout of multi-type firebreak network for transboundary fires—the Greater Khingan Mountains of China case
Authors: Xu Yue , Sun Shufa , Yu Miao , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Xuekai , Chu Jiangwei , Li Xingdong 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Yimuhe Forest Farm, located in the northern Greater Khingan Mountains of China, has been plagued by Russian transboundary fires. However, this area lacked an effective forest firebreak network, and the road network density is only 0.84m/ha. This paper aims to improve the density of forest firebreaks and the ability to resist fires in Yimuhe Forest Farm, and provide a reference for other forest areas to build multi-type firebreaks. By summarizing historical data on transboundary fires in this area, we used FARSITE to determine the planning scope of firebreaks and Geographic Information System (GIS)-Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to obtain the layout of the regional emergency firebreak network of transboundary fires. The planned firebreak network had a length density of 13.11m/ha, with the engineered firebreaks contributing a length density of 4.31 m/ha. Under fire simulation, the firebreak network significantly reduced the spread of transboundary fire, confirming its fire-blocking effectiveness. The planned firebreak network met standard requirements for length density, making it a valuable tool for slowing the spread of transboundary fires. The firebreak network effectively curtails the spread of transboundary fires along the Greater Khingan Mountains, offering guidance for forestry departments to implement measures for emergency firebreak planning and layout.
Postoperative Wound Microbiota in Diabetic Patients with Perianal Abscess: A 16s rRNA GeneSequencing Study
Authors: Meng Fanyu , Yu Ting , Xie Minning , Chen Ming , Chen Xinghua 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Perianal abscesses are common in colorectal surgery, requiring surgical drainage and wound care. Diabetic patients often experience delayed wound healing and increased infection risk due to systemic factors and altered microbiota. This study investigated the postoperative wound microbiota in diabetic patients with perianal abscesses using 16s rRNA sequencing, aiming to identify potential microbial contributions to wound healing outcomes.
Results
The study compared wound microbiota between 22 diabetic patients and 22 non-diabetic patients undergoing perianal abscess surgery. Diabetic patients exhibited significantly lower microbial diversity and richness compared to non-diabetic patients. Specific bacterial taxa were enriched in the diabetic group, including Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, and Lactobacillales, while beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides and Ruminococcaceae were reduced. Functional prediction analysis revealed significant differences in metabolic pathways, with diabetic wounds showing increased carbohydrate metabolism and chitin biosynthesis, and decreased energy metabolism and endocrine system function.
Conclusions
This study highlights the distinct wound microbiota characteristics of diabetic patients with perianal abscesses, suggesting potential microbial contributions to delayed wound healing. The findings underscore the importance of considering the wound microbiome in managing postoperative wound care for diabetic patients. Strategies to modulate the wound microbiota, such as probiotics or antibiotics, may be beneficial in improving healing outcomes. Further research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms driving the observed microbial dysbiosis and its impact on wound healing in diabetic patients.
Sex Differences in the Association Between Dietary Inflammatory Index and Chronic Kidney Disease in U.S. Adults: Insights from NHANES 2011–2018”
Authors: Xiao Xifeng , He Huabin , Yang Junjun , Lei Meixian 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
studies on the association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are limited. We aimed to examine the association between DII and CKD among U.S. adults with particular attention paid to sex differences.
Methods
A total of 19317participants were included in this study. The exposure variable was DII, which was calculated based on overall inflammatory effect scores. The outcome was CKD, defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or urinary albumin/creatinine (uACR) ≥ 30mg/g.
Results
The mean (SD) of age our study participants was 47.84 (18.35); and the mean (SD) of DII was 1.50 (1.91) (median 1.74). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, we observed that the OR value (95%CI) of CKD is 1.19 (1.14, 1.23), 1.12 (1.06, 1.19), and 1.16 (1.06, 1.27) in models 1, 2 and 3 for Per SD increment of DII. Compared with Participants with Q1(DII < 0.15), the adjusted ORs for participants in Q2 (0.15 ≤ DII < 1.74), Q3 (1.74 ≤ DII < 3.02) and Q4 (≥ 3.02)were 1.46 (95% CI: 1.14–1.88), 1.55 (95% CI: 1.20–1.99) and 1.52 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.98) ( p for trend < 0.05), respectively. However, this study observed that the independent positive correlation between DII and CKD appeared in women rather than men.
Conclusions
A higher level of DII is significantly associated with the increased prevalence of CKD, and sex can modify the relationship between them.
Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of supernatants of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A2 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 2.1 against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922
Authors: Almeida Milena Evangelista , Sodré Maisah Meyhr D’Carmo , Oliveira Samuel Santana , de Carvalho Luciana Debortoli , Apolônio Ana Carolina Morais , Rocha Vinícius Novaes , Rezende Rachel Passos , Romano Carla Cristina 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Urinary tract infections are the most common infections in humans. Furthermore, they are relevant for public health for being closely related to the phenomenon of dispersion of multi-resistant strains of bacteria. Most cases are caused by Escherichia coli, a commensal microorganism that colonizes the urinary tract by translocating from the gastrointestinal tract. In this context, the present work was dedicated to finding alternatives for controlling the dispersion of its multidrug-resistant strains by studying the inhibitory effect of the cell-free supernatants of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum A2 (LPA2) and Lactiplantibacillus Plantarum 2.1 (LP2.1). Among a group of eight strains isolated from cocoa fermentation, these two stood out in terms of their probiotic potential and possible applications in the health sector. This study conducted the in vitro investigation of the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of both supernatants and the preliminary analysis of their composition.
Results
Both supernatants evaluated showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against E.coli ATCC 25922. In the semi-solid agar diffusion assay, LPA2 formed a 17 mm inhibition halo and LP2.1 formed a 12 mm one. In the 96-well microplate assay, LPA2 showed 89.22% inhibition and LP2.1 showed 91.22%. Regarding antibiofilm activity, LPA2 showed 80.96% inhibition and LP2.1 showed 81%. Preliminary analysis of the metabolites indicated that thermostable substances dependent on acidic pH may be responsible for the anti-E.coli action observed in the experiments.
Conclusions
LPA2 and LP2.1 supernatants are capable of antagonizing E.coli ATCC 25922 in vitro and can be used to control its proliferation in cases of asymptomatic bacteriuria, maintain the balance of the microbiota, and reestablish the microbiota after antimicrobial therapy.
Neurocritical Care Support of Endovascular Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Tahsili-Fahadan Pouya , Wang Jing , Yi Seajin , Fang Yun , Tulloch Crystal , Leutbecker Jackie , Greenberg Edward , Dinescu Dan , Altaweel Laith 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, where timely intervention with mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is crucial for restoring cerebral blood flow and improving patient outcomes. This study evaluates the impact of a dedicated Neurocritical Care Rapid Response Team (NCC-RRT) on MT workflow efficiency and patient outcomes.
Methods
We conducted a prospective analysis of AIS patients undergoing MT at a Comprehensive Stroke Center between January 2021 and December 2023. The study compared two periods: Era 1 (pre-NCC-RRT, January-October 2021) and Era 2 (post-NCC-RRT, December 2021-December 2023). The NCC-RRT was responsible for the expedited transfer, airway management, procedural analgosedation, and hemodynamic support. Key metrics, including door-to-groin-puncture (DTGP) and door-to-recanalization (DTR) times, were analyzed.
Results
A total of 395 patients were included in the study. The implementation of the NCC-RRT significantly reduced DTGP and DTR times, particularly in patients receiving general anesthesia (GA). The NCC-RRT was associated with a 14.3% reduction in groin-puncture-to-recanalization time and a 26.6% increase in GA utilization. Additionally, significant time reductions were observed in both direct ED presentations and transferred patients.
Conclusions
The introduction of a dedicated NCC-RRT led to substantial improvements in MT process efficiency, highlighting the critical role of neurocritical care in optimizing stroke treatment and enhancing patient outcomes. This model offers an effective alternative for centers where dedicated neuroanesthesia teams are unavailable.