bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and pathogen features of COVID-19-associated infections during an Omicron strain outbreak in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Cheng Lin-ling , Li Zheng-tu , Wu Hong-kai , Li Feng , Qiu Ye , Wang Tao , Peng Hui , Liu: Zi-hao , Huang Pan-rui , Zhou Lu , Gao Li-fen , Huang Hui-ju , Zhang Bin , Deng Xi-long , Chen Xin , Ye Feng , Liu Xiao-qing , Guan Wei-jie , Li Yue-ping , Li Yi-min , Li Shi-yue , Zhong Nan-shan 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

Although the Omicron variant has been associated with greater transmissibility and tropism of the upper respiratory tract, the clinical and pathogenic features of patients infected with the Omicron variant during an outbreak in China have been unclear. Adults with COVID-19 were retrospectively enrolled from seven medical centers in Guangzhou, China, and clinical information and specimens ( BALF, sputum, and throat swabs) from participants were collected. Conventional detection methods, metagenomics next-generation sequencing (mNGS), and other methods were used to detect pathogens in lower respiratory tract samples. From December 2022 to January 2023, we enrolled 836 patients with COVID-19, among which 56.7% patients had severe/critical illness. About 91.4% of patients were infected with the Omicron strain (BA.5.2). The detection rate of possible co-infection pathogens was 53.4% by mNGS, including
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(16.3%),
Aspergillus fumigatus
(12.2%), and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(11.8%). The co-infection rate was 19.5%, with common pathogens being
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(11.5%),
Haemophilus influenzae
(9.2%), and
Adenovirus
(6.9%). The superinfection rate was 75.4%, with common pathogens such as
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(26.1%) and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(19.4%).
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(27.1%% vs 6.1%,
P
< 0.001),
Aspergillus fumigatus
(19.6% vs 5.3%,
P
= 0.001),
Acinetobacter baumannii
(18.7% vs 4.4%,
P
= 0.001),
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
(16.8% vs 7.0%,
P
= 0.024),
Staphylococcus aureus
(14.0% vs 5.3%,
P
= 0.027), and
Streptococcus pneumoniae
(0.9% vs 10.5%,
P
= 0.002) were more common in severe cases. Co-infection and superinfection of bacteria and fungi are common in patients with severe pneumonia associated with Omicron variant infection. Sequencing methods may aid in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pathogens.

IMPORTANCE
Our study has analyzed the clinical characteristics and pathogen spectrum of the lower respiratory tract associated with co-infection or superinfection in Guangzhou during the outbreak of the Omicron strain, particularly after the relaxation of the epidemic prevention and control strategy in China. This study will likely prompt further research into the specific issue, which will benefit clinical practice.
Reducing maternal infection after assisted vaginal birth in a diverse and deprived population
Authors: Williamson Megan , Newnham Amy , Corrin India , Saxena Dolly , Bilagi Ashwini , Emovon Emmanuel , Leung Elaine YL 
Published: September 2024

Postpartum maternal sepsis is a leading cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. A single dose of prophylactic antibiotics following assisted vaginal births has been shown to significantly reduce postpartum maternal infection in a landmark multicentre randomised controlled trial, which led to its national recommendation. This project aimed to improve the local implementation of prophylactic antibiotics following assisted vaginal births to reduce postnatal maternal infections.Using a prospectively collated birth register, data were collected retrospectively on prophylactic antibiotics administration and postnatal maternal infection rates after assisted vaginal births at the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals National Health Service Trust in North-West Birmingham of the UK. The data were collected from routinely used electronic health records over three audit cycles (n=287) between 2020 and 2023.A mixed-method approach was used to improve the use of prophylactic antibiotics: (1) evidence-based journal clubs targeting doctors in training, (2) presentations of results after all three audit cycles at our and (3) expedited a formal change of local guidelines to support prophylactic antibiotics use.Prophylactic antibiotic administration increased from 13.2% (December 2021) to 90.7% (July 2023), associated with a reduction in maternal infection rates (18.2% when prophylaxis was given vs 22.2% when no prophylaxis was given). However, we observed a gradual increase in the overall postnatal maternal infection rates during the project period.Our repeat audit identified prophylactic antibiotics were regularly omitted after deliveries in labour ward rooms (59.3%), compared with 100% of those achieved in theatre. After further interventions, prophylactic antibiotics administration rates were comparable between these clinical areas (>90%) in 2023.Together, we have demonstrated a simple set of interventions that induced sustainable changes in practice. Further evaluation of other modifiable risk factors and infection rates following all deliveries is warranted in view of the gradual increase in the overall postnatal maternal infection rates.
Cangrelor for emergent carotid stenting during stroke thrombectomy: a comparative analysis versus glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors or aspirin monotherapy
Authors: Pop Raoul , Finitsis Stephanos Nikolaos , Marnat Gaultier , Derraz Imad , Cognard Christophe , Calviere Lionel , Caroff Jildaz , Clarençon Frédéric , Delvoye François , Consoli Arturo , Lapergue Bertrand , Gory Benjamin 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundPeriprocedural antiplatelet treatment is a key determinant for the risk–benefit balance of emergent carotid artery stenting (eCAS) during stroke endovascular treatment (EVT). We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy profile of cangrelor compared with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (GPIIb/IIIa) inhibitors or aspirin monotherapy.MethodsData were extracted from the Endovascular Treatment in Ischemic Stroke (ETIS) registry, a prospective nationwide observational registry of stroke EVT in France. Included patients were treated with eCAS for anterior circulation tandem lesions between January 2015 and June 2023 and received periprocedural treatment with cangrelor, GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors or aspirin monotherapy. The primary outcome was functional outcome at 90 days, assessed by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Secondary outcomes included intracranial recanalization, hemorrhagic transformation and carotid stent patency at day 1.ResultsOf the 1687 patients treated, 384 met the inclusion criteria: 91 received cangrelor, 77 received GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors and 216 aspirin monotherapy. Cangrelor was associated with a negative shift in the distribution of mRS scores compared with GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.94, P=0.033). Compared with aspirin, cangrelor improved carotid stent patency at day 1 (aOR 4.00, 95% CI 1.19 to 14.29, P=0.025) but showed no significant differences in clinical outcomes. There were no differences in outcomes between full dose and low dose cangrelor. GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors demonstrated higher odds of functional independence (aOR 2.56, 95% CI 1.08 to 6.25, P=0.033) compared with aspirin.ConclusionsThis registry-based study indicates a potential trend towards lower odds of favorable clinical outcomes with cangrelor treatment compared with GPIIb/IIIa inhibitors. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to potential selection bias and warrant further research for validation.
Development of a multivariable prediction model for progression of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease
Authors: Kuwana Masataka , Avouac Jerôme , Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria , Smith Vanessa , Toenges Gerrit , Alves Margarida , Distler Oliver 
Published: September 2024

ObjectiveTo develop a multivariable model for predicting the progression of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD) over 52 weeks.MethodsWe used logistic regression models to analyse associations between candidate predictors assessed at baseline and progression of SSc-ILD (absolute decline in forced vital capacity (FVC) % predicted >5% or death) over 52 weeks in the placebo group of the SENSCIS trial. Analyses were performed in the overall placebo group and in a subgroup with early and/or inflammatory SSc and/or severe skin fibrosis (<18 months since first non-Raynaud symptom, elevated inflammatory markers, and/or modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS) >18) at baseline. Model performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC).ResultsIn the overall placebo group (n=288), the performance of the final multivariable model for predicting SSc-ILD progression was moderate (apparent AUC: 0.63). A stronger model, with an apparent AUC of 0.75, was developed in the subgroup with early and/or inflammatory SSc and/or severe skin fibrosis at baseline (n=155). This model included diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) % predicted, time since first non-Raynaud symptom, mRSS, anti-topoisomerase I antibody status and mycophenolate use.ConclusionPrediction of the progression of SSc-ILD may require different approaches in distinct subgroups of patients. Among patients with SSc-ILD and early and/or inflammatory SSc and/or severe skin fibrosis, a nomogram based on a multivariable model may be of value for identifying patients at risk of short-term progression.
Possible wormholes in f(R) gravity sourced by solitonic quantum wave and cold dark matter halos and their repulsive gravity effect
Authors: Errehymy Abdelghani , Khedif Youssef , Donmez Orhan , Daoud Mohammed , Myrzakulov Kairat , Bekov Sabit 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we present new generalized wormhole (WH) solutions within the context of f(R) gravity. Specifically, we focus on f(R) gravitational theories formulated in the metric formalism, with our investigation centered on a power-law form represented by $$f(R) = \epsilon R^{\chi }$$

f

(
R
)

=
ϵ

R
χ

. Here, $$\epsilon $$
ϵ
is an arbitrary constant, and $$\chi $$
χ
is a real number. Notably, this form possesses the advantageous property of reducing to Einstein gravity when $$\epsilon =1$$

ϵ
=
1

and $$\chi =1$$

χ
=
1

. To obtain these novel WH solutions, we establish the general field equations for any f(R) theory within the framework of Morris–Thorne spacetime, assuming metric coefficients that are independent of time. By utilizing an anisotropic matter source and a specific type of energy density associated with solitonic quantum wave (SQW) and cold dark matter (CDM) halos, we calculate two distinct WH solutions. We thoroughly investigate the properties of the exotic matter (ExoM) residing within the WH geometry and analyze the matter contents through energy conditions (ECs). Both analytical and graphical methods are employed in this analysis to examine the validity of different regions. Notably, the calculated shape functions for the WH geometry satisfy the necessary conditions in both scenarios, emphasizing their reliability. Our investigations into specific parameter ranges in both scenarios revealed the presence of ExoM. This ExoM is characterized by an energy–momentum tensor that violates the null energy condition (NEC) and, consequently, the weak energy condition as well, in the vicinity of the WH throats. Furthermore, we investigated the repulsive effect of gravity and discovered that its presence results in a negative deflection angle for photons following null geodesics. Importantly, we observed that the deflection angle consistently exhibits negative values across all $$r_0$$

r
0

values in both scenarios, indicating the manifestation of the repulsive gravity effect. Finally, we compare the obtained WH solutions utilizing both distributions, as well as the f(R) power-law-like models, in order to assess the feasibility of energetic configurations for WHs within SQW and CDM systems.
NANOGrav and other PTA signals and PBH from the modified Higgs inflation
Authors: Cheung Kingman , Ouseph C. J. , Tseng Po-Yan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the classical Higgs inflation model with a modified Higgs potential featuring a dip. We examine the implications of this modification on the generation of curvature perturbations, stochastic gravitational wave production, and the potential formation of primordial black holes (PBHs). Unlike the classical model, the modified potential allows for enhanced power spectra and the existence of PBHs within a wide mass range $$1.5\times 10^{20}$$

1.5
×

10
20

g–$$9.7\times 10^{32}$$

9.7
×

10
32

g. We identify parameter space regions that align with inflationary constraints and have the potential to contribute significantly to the observed dark matter content. Additionally, the study explores the consistency of the obtained parameter space with cosmological constraints and discusses the implications for explaining the observed excess in gravitational wave PTA signals, particularly in the NANOGrav experiment. Overall, this investigation highlights the relevance of the modified Higgs potential in the classical Higgs inflation model, shedding light on the formation of PBHs, the nature of dark matter, and the connection to gravitational wave observations.
Electromagnetic wave propagation in Eddington-inspired Born–Infeld gravity space-time with topological defects
Authors: Kurbah M. G. , Ahmed F. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this study, we focus on examining the characteristics of electromagnetic fields within a curved space-time background under the framework of Eddington-inspired Born–Infeld (EiBI) gravity, in the presence of a global monopole. We derived Maxwell’s vacuum field equations in this curved spacetime and obtained a set of linear differential equations for the electric and magnetic fields. After decoupling these equations, we solved for the analytical solutions of both the electric and magnetic fields using special functions. We then extended our analysis to the same EiBI-gravity framework, this time incorporating a cosmic string. Following a similar approach, we derived the first-order differential equations governing the electric and magnetic fields and obtained their analytical solutions using special functions. Our findings demonstrate significant influences of the global monopole, cosmic string, and the Eddington parameters on the behavior of electromagnetic waves in this curved space-time configuration with topological defects, resulting in notable deviations from the Minkowski flat space case.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia classification using persistent homology
Authors: Shah Waqar Hussain , Baloch Abdullah , Jaimes-Reátegui Rider , Iqbal Sohail , Fatima Syeda Rafia , Pisarchik Alexander N. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAcute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is a prevalent form of childhood blood cancer characterized by the proliferation of immature white blood cells that rapidly replace normal cells in the bone marrow. The exponential growth of these leukemic cells can be fatal if not treated promptly. Classifying lymphoblasts and healthy cells poses a significant challenge, even for domain experts, due to their morphological similarities. Automated computer analysis of ALL can provide substantial support in this domain and potentially save numerous lives. In this paper, we propose a novel classification approach that involves analyzing shapes and extracting topological features of ALL cells. We employ persistent homology to capture these topological features. Our technique accurately and efficiently detects and classifies leukemia blast cells, achieving a recall of 98.2% and anF1-score of 94.6%. This approach has the potential to significantly enhance leukemia diagnosis and therapy.
High-energy head-on particle collisions near event horizons: Classification of scenarios
Authors: Ovcharenko H. V. , Zaslavskii O. B. 
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we consider head-on collisions of two particles near the event horizon. Particle 1 is outgoing, particle 2 is ingoing. We elucidate the conditions when the energy [Formula: see text] in the center of mass frame can grow unbounded. In doing so, we dispel some misconceptions popular in the literature on high energy collisions near black holes and carry out clear distinction when such a collision happens near a black hole and when this occurs near a white one. If the proper time between the horizon and an arbitrary point outside it for particle 1 is finite, we deal with a white hole. If it is infinite, we deal with a black hole. Particles can be either free or experience the action of a finite force. Our results are complementary to those for the standard BSW effect when particles move in the same direction. The results rely on classification of particles developed in our previous work Ovcharenko and Zaslavskii [Phys. Rev. D 108 (2023) 064029]. The aforementioned article performed the first step towards a building classification of all possible high energy collisions near black/white hole for different types of horizons and nonzero force. In this paper, we perform the second step.
3-Methyl-2-oxazolidinone (JEFFSOL® MEOX) as a Substitute Solvent for NMP in Battery Manufacturing
Authors: Marshall Jean E. , White Victoria , Zhang Ke , Bellchambers Philip , Gazda Jerzy , Copley Mark , Piper Louis F. J. , Capener Matthew J. 
Published: September 2024

This work presents 3-Methyl-2-oxazolidinone (JEFFSOL® MEOX) as a substitute solvent for N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) in the manufacture of Li-ion batteries. NMP is a good solvent for polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF, a common binder material), and also has a high boiling point (202 °C), allowing for gradual drying of electrode slurries to form homogeneous coatings. However, NMP has a reprotoxic effect and its use is attracting increasing legislative pressure; it would be advantageous to the battery-making industry to find a more benign alternative. Of the few other solvents that will readily dissolve PVDF, examples such as dimethylformamide are also significantly toxic, so further investigation is necessary to find a credible alternative solvent system. We show that JEFFSOL® MEOX (boiling point 225 °C) is capable of dissolving PVDF at accessible temperatures (40 °C–50 °C), and that at a similar ratio of active material:binder:solvent, both JEFFSOL® MEOX and NMP produce electrode slurries with a viscosity of 5–6 Pa.s at 25 °C and at a shear rate of 10 s−1. Cells formed using JEFFSOL® MEOX-made and NMP-made cathode coatings showed comparable electrochemical performance.
Efficacy and Safety of Pulsed Radiofrequency of Dorsal Root Ganglion in Elderly Patient Population With Acute and Subacute Zoster‐Related Pain
Authors: Dağıstan Gözde , Erdine Serdar 
Published: September 2024

Background:Herpes zoster (HZ) is typically characterized by a burning, stabbing pain, hyperalgesia, and allodynia. In some patients, despite the lesions resolving, the pain persists and becomes chronic. If the pain continues for more than 6 months after the onset of the pain phase, this condition is called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). The frequency and severity of PHN increase with advancing age. The pain in PHN can be severe, sometimes resistant to medications, significantly impacting the patients’ quality of life. The elderly patient population cannot tolerate the medications due to their side effects. In this situation, interventional pain treatment should be applied in the elderly patient group who have a high risk of developing PHN compared to other age groups.Method:We included patients over 65 years of age with HZ‐related pain who underwent dorsal root ganglion (DRG) pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) within the first 6 months from the onset of pain. We divided these patients into 2 groups: patients who underwent intervention within the first 1 month from the onset of pain and patients who underwent intervention between 1 and 6 months. We recorded medication doses and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores before the procedure and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure.Results:After the DRG PRF treatment, NRS scores improved significantly in both groups (p< 0.05). The mean NRS score in the early DRG PRF group was significantly lower than that in the late DRG PRF group (p< 0.05). The medication doses in the early DRG PRF group were significantly lower than those in the other group (p< 0.05).Conclusions: Interventional pain treatment should be applied as soon as possible in the elderly patient group who do not respond to first‐line medical treatment or cannot tolerate medical treatment due to its side effects and who have a high risk of developing PHN compared to other age groups. DRG PRF, applied in the early period of medical treatment‐resistant acute HZ, is safe and effective, preventing the progression to PHN.
Hearing “New Englandly”: Emily Dickinson's Rhymes
Authors: Areshka Vladislav 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
If we could hear how people spoke in the past, would we perceive the same kind of poetry? Reconstructing Emily Dickinson's original pronunciation of nineteenth-century New England, this essay casts new light on how the poet could have sounded her own verses and how her famous “slant” rhymes have been misheard.
Probiotics/prebiotics/synbiotics and human neuropsychiatric outcomes: an umbrella review
Authors: Du Q. , Li Q. , Liu C. , Liao G. , Li J. , Yang J. , Zhang Q. , Gong X. , Li K. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The neuropsychiatric effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics have been gaining attention since the rise of microbial-gut-brain axis research. Nevertheless, some of the findings are inconsistent, and few studies have analysed the similarities and differences in the neuropsychiatric effects of the three comprehensively. To reveal the respective neuropsychiatric effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics and synthesise the similarities and differences among the three effects, 47 meta-analyses with 12 types of neuropsychiatric results were integrated under an umbrella review. Probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics intake might all be associated with improvements in some neuropsychiatric outcomes, including neuropsychological test outcomes (probiotic and prebiotic), hepatic encephalopathy outcomes (probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic), instant memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (probiotic), depressive symptoms (probiotic, prebiotic and synbiotic), mood states and psychiatric distress (probiotic), overall mental health (probiotic), neurological function (probiotic), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentration (probiotic and synbiotic), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (probiotic). All three are similar in that the intake of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics might be associated with improvements in hepatic encephalopathy outcomes and depressive symptoms, both probiotic and synbiotic intake might be associated with elevated BDNF concentrations, and both probiotic and prebiotic intake might be associated with improved neuropsychological test results. The difference between the three is that the neuropsychiatric effects of probiotics might be more widespread and be reflected in the fact that probiotic intake might also be associated with improvements in mood states and psychiatric distress, overall mental health, neurological function, Alzheimer’s disease patients’ instant memory, and PSQI score. Probiotics might be the best and most promising option for improving neuropsychiatric outcomes. In the future, in addition to requiring more high-quality meta-analyses, further preclinical studies are needed to explore specific relevant mechanisms and determine true causal relationships.