bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Probiotics on Sperm Quality in the Adult Mouse
Authors: Sanchez-Rodriguez Ana , Idrovo Ingrid I. D. , Villafranca Rocío , Latorre Nerea , Rielo Juan Antonio , Laburu Ane , Nieto-Román Sandra , Heredia Daniel , González Rubén , García-Cañas Virginia , Laxalde Diego , Simó Carolina , Vieites David R. , Roldan Eduardo R. S. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe administration of probiotics for the treatment of different diseases has gained interest in recent years. However, few studies have evaluated their effects on reproductive traits. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of two mixtures of probiotics, a commercial probiotic (Vivomixx®) and a mix of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Faecalibacterium duncaniae A2-165, on sperm quality in a mouse model. Adult male mice (8 months old) were used for two experimental and one control groups (n = 5 each). The probiotics or physiological serum (control) was administered orally, twice a week, during 5 weeks. Sperm were collected from the cauda epididymis, and their total number, motility, kinematics, morphology, and acrosome integrity were assessed in recently collected samples and after a 60-min in vitro incubation. Results showed a higher percentage of normal sperm in both experimental groups, with fewer head abnormalities than in the control. Differences were found among groups in the morphometry of sperm heads, being more elongated in mice treated with probiotics. Sperm from probiotic-treated mice showed similar total motility when compared to the controls, although the proportion of progressively moving sperm and their vigor of motility were lower. Sperm swimming descriptors were measured with a CASA system. Velocity parameters were similar among groups whereas linearity was higher in mice treated with the commercial probiotic. These results suggest that the administration of probiotics may increase the proportion of sperm with normal morphology and lead to modifications in sperm head shape that may enhance sperm swimming. Studies using a longer administration period would be useful in further characterizing the effect of these probiotic mixtures on sperm quality and fertilization capacity.
Mangrove Surface Elevation Loss after Tree fall during Extreme Weather
Authors: Bennion Vicki , Hill Jack W. , Lovelock Catherine E. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFringing mangrove forests are likely to experience increasingly severe weather events under climate change, including an increased frequency of tropical storms that may lead to mangrove mortality. Mangrove mortality can result in soil surface elevation loss through the death and compaction of roots, which can in turn alter the hydrology of the ecosystem and reduce its resilience to sea-level rise. In subtropical Queensland, Australia, an extreme weather event in early 2021 resulted in the death and toppling of large Avicennia marina trees on a creek edge in mainland Quandamooka (Moreton Bay). A set of three rod surface elevation tables were located meters away from the uprooted mangroves and were opportunistically measured for twenty months after the tree deaths. Surface elevation in the mangrove forest decreased by 26.3 ± 3.59 mm year− 1 following the severe weather event, when estimated using a traditional annualization approach for surface elevation loss data. Loss estimates using generalised additive models were able to account for non-linear change in surface elevation and were of the same direction as annualised estimates but an order of magnitude lower (-4.82 ± 0.03 mm year− 1). Surface elevation loss was the result of local root compaction, and subsequent recovery of elevation was the result of mangrove forest recovery through neighbouring tree root growth and canopy infilling. This study was the first to follow the change in soil surface elevation after the uprooting of A. marina at a single tree scale, providing insights for mangrove forest resilience under future sea-level rise.
Leveraging LLMs for Unstructured Direct Elicitation of Decision Rules
Authors: Dong Songting 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Unstructured Direct Elicitation (UDE) offers a flexible method to capture consumer preferences and decision rules in an unstructured format such as writing an email. However, it relies on subjective human coding and indicative consideration set sizes to make accurate predictions on consideration decisions. This research leverages large language models (LLMs) to replace human judges and make predictions without the need for additional information like indicative consideration set sizes. Empirical analyses show that fine-tuned LLMs effectively interpret decision rules and handle sophisticated considerations in a complex product scenario (automotive study), outperforming the best UDE models by capturing over 25% more information, while their performance in a moderate-scale study on mobile phones is comparable to the best UDE models. The use of LLMs enhances scalability, cost efficiency, and consistency in comprehending unstructured text data and making predictions, offering a promising alternative to human judges and enabling large-scale, real-time implementation of UDE in marketing research and practice. Together with their ability to interact with users, LLMs fine-tuned with representative datasets may serve as a valuable knowledgebase to summarize consumer preferences and decision rules and supply insights for the creation and simulation of marketing strategies.
Fabrication and comprehensive evaluation of Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composites for biomedical applications
Authors: Hasiak Mariusz , Sobieszczańska Beata , Łaszcz Amadeusz , Biały Michał , Chęcmanowski Jacek , Zatoński Tomasz 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study is to fabricate Zr-based bulk metallic glass matrix composites (BMG-MCs) for biomedical usage and subject them to a comprehensive and farreaching analysis with respect to their mechanical properties, biocorrosion resistance, biocompatibility, and interactions with biofilms that all may arise from their chemical compositions and unusual disordered internal structure. In this study, we fabricate Zr40Ti15Cu10Ni10Be25, Zr50Ti15Cu10Ni10Be25, and Zr40Ti15Cu10Ni5Si5Be25 alloys and confirm their glassy matrix nature through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. The mechanical properties, assessed via nanoindentation, demonstrate the high hardness, strength, and elasticity of the produced materials. Corrosion resistance is investigated in simulated body fluid, with Zr-based BMG-MCs exhibiting superior performance compared to conventional biomedical materials, including 316L stainless steel and Ti6Al4V alloy. Biocompatibility is assessed using human fetal osteoblastic cell line hFOB 1.19, revealing low levels of cytotoxicity. The study also examines the potential for biofilm formation, a critical factor in the success of biomedical implantation, where bacterial infection is a major concern. Our findings suggest, as never reported before, that Zr-based BMG-MCs, with their unique composite glassy structure and excellent physicochemical properties, are promising candidates for various biomedical applications, potentially offering improved performance over traditional metallic biomaterials.
Geochemical characterization of trace fossil assemblages in spotted marls and limestones of the Lower Jurassic of the Western Carpathians: environmental implications
Authors: Reolid Matías , Šimo Vladimír , Schlögl Jan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe trace fossils of the spotted limestones and marls from upper Pliensbachian of the Skladaná Skala section, Western Carpathians (Slovakia), are characteristic of Zoophycos ichnofacies preserved in outer shelf deposits. The ichnoassociation is dominated by Lamellaeichnus and Chondrites, while Palaeophycus, Planolites, Teichichnus, Thalassinoides, Trichichnus, and Zoophycos, are less abundant. The presence of relatively large sized traces (reaching a decimetre in horizontal dimension for Thalassinoides and Zoophycos) and continuously well bioturbated deposits point to well oxygenated shallow zone (mixed layer) and deeper part of stiffed substrate of the transitional layer of bottom substrate up to the first tens of centimetres to depth. A first tier (tier I) corresponds to the shallowest sediment occupied by Bathysiphon tests and other epifaunal body fossils. The tier II is characterized by shallow infaunal burrows of deposit feeders (Planolites) and permanent dwelling, open burrows (Palaeophycus, Thalassinoides) located in a Ca-rich sediment (corresponding to CaCO3). The tier III is dominated by deposit feeders (Lamellaeichnus, Teichichnus) that burrowed stiff Ca-rich sediment below the redox boundary. Trace fossils of tier III are rich in fine siliciclastics (high content in Si, Al, K mainly associated to clays) and pyrite framboids (enrichment in Fe, S and Co). The deposit-feeders of tier III maintain connection to the sediment-water interface. Tier IV (Zoophycos, Teichichnus and large Chondrites), and deepest infaunal forms of the tier V. (Trichichnus, Pilichnus and tiny forms of Chondrites) comprises trace fossils commonly rich in pyrite framboids with relatively high content of Fe, S, and Co, congruent with chemosymbiotic behaviour commonly inferred for Chondrites, Trichichnus, and the organic-matter storage of Zoophycos.
Cell therapy in Sjögren's syndrome: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Lu Yangyang , Shi Rongjing , He Wenqin , An Qi , Zhao Jingwen , Gao Xinnan , Zhang Baiyan , Zhang Liyun , Xu Ke , Ma Dan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease caused by immune system disorders. The main clinical manifestations of SS are dry mouth and eyes caused by the destruction of exocrine glands, such as the salivary and lacrimal glands, and systemic manifestations, such as interstitial pneumonia, interstitial nephritis and vasculitis. The pathogenesis of this condition is complex. However, this has not been fully elucidated. Treatment mainly consists of glucocorticoids, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs and biological agents, which can only control inflammation but not repair the tissue. Therefore, identifying methods to regulate immune disorders and repair damaged tissues is imperative. Cell therapy involves the transplantation of autologous or allogeneic normal or bioengineered cells into the body of a patient to replace damaged cells or achieve a stronger immunomodulatory capacity to cure diseases, mainly including stem cell therapy and immune cell therapy. Cell therapy can reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms and promote tissue repair and regeneration of exocrine glands such as the salivary glands. It has broad application prospects and may become a new treatment strategy for patients with SS. However, there are various challenges in cell preparation, culture, storage and transportation. This article reviews the research status and prospects of cell therapies for SS.
Exploring mental health literacy among prospective university students using GIS techniques in Bangladesh: an exploratory study
Authors: Mamun Mohammed A. , Al-Mamun Firoj , Ikram Tamim , Trisha Marjia Khan , Limon Muzibul Haque , Mostofa Nahida Bintee , Chowdhury Tasnim B.K. , Shanto Nobendo Paul , ALmerab Moneerah Mohammad , Apou Arif Chowdhury , Roy Nitai , Hossain Md. Bellal , Hossain Md. Shakhaoat 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Prospective university students experience substantial academic stressors and psychological vulnerabilities, yet their mental health literacy (MHL) remains inadequately explored. This study investigates four dimensions of MHL – help-seeking behaviors, stigma, knowledge about mental health and understanding of mental illnesses. Besides, Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques are employed to analyze spatial disparities in MHL, which is the first in the context of MHL research. A total of 1,485 students were assessed for sociodemographic characteristics, admission-related variables, health behaviors and family histories of mental health issues. Data were analyzed using SPSS and ArcGIS software. Multivariable linear regression analyses unveiled predictors of the MHL dimensions, with gender, family income, admission test performance, smoking, alcohol and drug use, physical and mental health history, current depression or anxiety and family history of mental health and suicide incidents emerging as common predictors. GIS analysis unraveled notable regional disparities in MHL, particularly in knowledge of mental health and mental illness, with northern and some southern districts displaying higher literacy levels. In conclusion, these findings accentuate significant gender and sociodemographic inequalities in MHL among prospective university students, highlighting the imperative for targeted interventions to enhance MHL and foster mental well-being in this cohort.
A survey of healthcare workers on the acceptance and value of personal protective equipment for patient care
Authors: Schrank Gregory M. , O’Hara Lyndsay M. , Pineles Lisa , Popescu Saskia , Brown Jessica P. , Magder Larry , Harris Anthony D. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjective:Assess healthcare workers’ (HCW) attitudes toward universal masking, and gowns and gloves used as part of transmission-based precautions.Design:Cross-sectional survey.Setting:Academic, tertiary care medical center in Baltimore, Maryland.Participants:HCW who work in patient care areas and have contact with patients.Methods:In May 2023, a 15-question web-based survey was distributed by the hospital’s communications team via email. The survey contained questions to assess HCW perceptions of universal masking policies prior to the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and at the time of the survey, and the use of gowns and gloves for transmission-based precautions. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Differences in agreement with universal masking over time, level of agreement with gown and glove policies, and with all PPE types across respondent characteristics were assessed.Results:257 eligible respondents completed the survey. Nurses and patient care technicians (43%) and providers (17%) were the most commonly reported roles. Agreement with universal mask use decreased from 84% early in the pandemic to 55% at the time of the survey. 70% and 72% of HCW agreed masks protect themselves and others, respectively. 63% expressed any level of annoyance with mask wearing, the most often due to communication challenges or physical discomfort. 75% agreed with gown use for antibiotic-resistant bacteria compared with 90% for glove use.Conclusions:The majority of HCW agree with the use of PPE to prevent pathogen transmission in the healthcare setting. Agreement with universal mask use for patient care shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Anorexia nervosa polygenic risk, beyond diagnoses: relationship with adolescent disordered eating and behaviors in an Australian female twin population
Authors: Curtis Madeleine , Colodro-Conde Lucia , Medland Sarah E. , Gordon Scott , Martin Nicholas G. , Wade Tracey D. , Cohen-Woods Sarah 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackgroundIt is well established that there is a substantial genetic component to eating disorders (EDs). Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) can be used to quantify cumulative genetic risk for a trait at an individual level. Recent studies suggest PRSs for anorexia nervosa (AN) may also predict risk for other disordered eating behaviors, but no study has examined if PRS for AN can predict disordered eating as a global continuous measure. This study aimed to investigate whether PRS for AN predicted overall levels of disordered eating, or specific lifetime disordered eating behaviors, in an Australian adolescent female population.MethodsPRSs were calculated based on summary statistics from the largest Psychiatric Genomics Consortium AN genome-wide association study to date. Analyses were performed using genome-wide complex trait analysis to test the associations between AN PRS and disordered eating global scores, avoidance of eating, objective bulimic episodes, self-induced vomiting, and driven exercise in a sample of Australian adolescent female twins recruited from the Australian Twin Registry (N = 383).ResultsAfter applying the false-discovery rate correction, the AN PRS was significantly associated with all disordered eating outcomes.ConclusionsFindings suggest shared genetic etiology across disordered eating presentations and provide insight into the utility of AN PRS for predicting disordered eating behaviors in the general population. In the future, PRSs for EDs may have clinical utility in early disordered eating risk identification, prevention, and intervention.
Exploring bullying in cardiothoracic surgery: the role of psychological safety and personal traits
Authors: Sydorenko Anastasiia Yuriivna , Spindler Helle 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground:Lack of psychological safety within surgical teams and fear of damaging one’s career or reputation may counteract the effect of formal reporting as a tool for preventing bullying. Also, personality traits of cardiothoracic surgeons may promote bullying. In the current study, we evaluate these factors and their association with bullying in cardiothoracic surgical teams.Methods:Forty-four cardiothoracic surgeons filled in the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised, Safety Attitude Questionnaire, and Big Five Inventory.Results:Of the 44 participants, 18 (40.90%) experienced bullying during their careers. Psychological safety was negatively associated with work-related bullying and positively associated with the agreeableness and openness personality factors.Conclusion:Bullying within the cardiothoracic surgical teams is a prominent problem that is negatively associated with psychological safety. Psychological safety is positively associated with agreeableness and openness, and interventions focusing on promoting an organizational culture based on such factors may improve the effectiveness of such interventions.
The Geometry of Flow: Advancing Predictions of River Geometry With Multi‐Model Machine Learning
Authors: Chang Shuyu Y. , Ghahremani Zahra , Manuel Laura , Erfani Seyed Mohammad Hassan , Shen Chaopeng , Cohen Sagy , Van Meter Kimberly J. , Pierce Jennifer L. , Meselhe Ehab A. , Goharian Erfan 
Published: October 2024

AbstractHydraulic geometry parameters describing river hydrogeomorphic relationships are critical for determining a channel's capacity to convey water and sediment which is important for flood forecasting. Although well‐established, power‐law hydraulic geometry curves have been widely used to understand riverine systems and mapping flooding inundation worldwide for the past 70 years, we have become increasingly aware of their limitations. In the present study, we have moved beyond these traditional power‐law relationships, testing the ability of machine‐learning models to provide improved predictions of river width and depth. For this work, we have used an unprecedentedly large river measurement data set (HYDRoSWOT) as well as a suite of watershed predictor data to develop novel data‐driven approaches to better estimate river geometries over the contiguous United States (CONUS). Our Random Forest, XGBoost, and neural network models out‐performed the traditional, regionalized power law‐based hydraulic geometry equations for both width and depth, providing R‐squared values of as high as 0.75 for width and as high as 0.67 for depth, compared with R‐squared values of 0.45 for width and 0.18 for depth from the regional hydraulic geometry equations. Our results also show diverse performance outcomes across stream orders and geographical regions for the different machine‐learning models, demonstrating the value of using multi‐model approaches to maximize the predictability of river geometry. The developed models have been used to create the newly publicly available STREAM‐geo data set, which provides river width, depth, width/depth ratio, and river and stream surface area (%RSSA) for nearly 2.7 million NHDPlus stream reaches across the contiguous US.
Strong Linkage Between Observed Daily Precipitation Extremes and Anthropogenic Emissions Across the Contiguous United States
Authors: Nanditha J. S. , Villarini Gabriele , Kim Hanbeen , Naveau Philippe 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe results of probabilistic event attribution studies depend on the choice of the extreme value statistics used in the analysis, particularly with the arbitrariness in the selection of appropriate thresholds to define extremes. We bypass this issue by using the Extended Generalized Pareto Distribution (ExtGPD), which jointly models low precipitation with a generalized Pareto distribution and extremes with a different Pareto tail, to conduct daily precipitation attribution across the contiguous United States (CONUS). We apply the ExtGPD to 12 general circulation models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 and compare counterfactual scenarios with and without anthropogenic emissions. Observed precipitation by the Climate Prediction Center is used for evaluating the GCMs. We find that greenhouse gases rather than natural variability can explain the observed magnitude of extreme daily precipitation, especially in the temperate regions. Our results highlight an unambiguous linkage of anthropogenic emissions to daily precipitation extremes across CONUS.
Association between BNP and all-cause mortality in critically ill children: a cohort study
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Li Yuna , Yang Chunfeng , Li Yumei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
There is evidence that a high level of BNP is associated with poorer outcomes in patients with cardiac diseases, but few data are available concerning BNP and all-cause mortality in pediatric population.

Methods
Using the 2010–2018 pediatric intensive care database, we conducted a retrospective study on patients aged 28 days to 18 years, analyzing post-admission BNP measurements. Through two-piecewise regression to identify inflection points, and multivariable logistic regression, we investigated BNP’s association with all-cause mortality. We also developed a multivariable-adjusted restricted cubic spline model to explore BNP’s non-linear correlation with mortality.

Results
In a study of 3220 patients, the overall all-cause mortality rate was 6.7%, with rates across BNP quartiles (Q1–Q4) significantly differing, highlighting a notable increase in mortality at higher BNP levels (P < 0.001). Specifically, patients with BNP ≥ 10,170 pg/ml had an adjusted mortality odds ratio (OR) of 2.017 (95% CI 1.265–3.217; P = 0.0032). Analysis confirmed a non-linear relationship between BNP levels and mortality, with log2 BNP associated with increased risk (OR1.28, 95% CI 1.19–1.38; P < 0.001). Subgroup analyses further revealed that very high BNP levels, especially in infants, with lactate ≥2.0 mmol/L, or CKMB ≥ 45 μ/L.

Conclusions
BNP level was associated with all-cause mortality, especially for the patients with BNP ≥ 10,170 pg/ml.

Impact

This study explored the non-linear association between BNP levels and all-cause mortality in the PICU, finding a significant association among patients with BNP levels above 10,170 pg/ml.

The study revealed that higher BNP levels are associated with increased mortality in critically ill children, including those with non-cardiac diseases.

This research provides new data on a Southern Chinese population, previously unstudied, enriching the existing body of knowledge.

While most studies have focused on adult cardiac patients, this research highlights the importance of BNP as a prognostic tool in the PICU, including non-cardiac cases, adding to the literature.

This study furnishes novel clinical evidence supporting the monitoring of BNP concentrations within the PICU, aiding in prognostic predictions and the development of tailored treatment plans for patients.