bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of continuous temperature measurement methods in the intensive care unit: standard bladder catheter measurements versus non-invasive transcutaneous sensor
Authors: Ehlers Ulrike Elisabeth , Ulmer Jens , Mirja Keller , Carsten Klein , Urs Pietsch 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

1.1 Purpose
Comparison of a wearable system for body core temperature measurement versus bladder and tympanic thermometers in an intensive care setting. Do continuous non-invasive sensors in the intensive care unit represent an alternative to current standard methods of invasive continuous bladder or low-invasive intermittent tympanic temperature measurement methods?
1.2 Method
Between May and September 2023, a comparative investigation involving 112 patients was conducted in a 20-bed surgical intensive care unit to assess various temperature probes, including those placed in the tympanic tube, bladder, and skin. To achieve this, a wireless non-invasive sensor system provided by greenTEG AG, Switzerland, was affixed to different body locations (clavicular and lateral chest) of each catheterized patient (equipped with a temperature probe) admitted to the intensive care unit. Furthermore, tympanic temperatures were recorded at specified intervals. The measurement duration ranged from a minimum of six hours to a maximum of six days, resulting in the analysis of a total of 355 simultaneous temperature measurements.
1.3 Results
In this study, a wearable temperature measurement system attached to two different body sites revealed a consistent negative bias compared to bladder temperature. In addition, the measurements were particularly influenced by body constitution. The tested system in all patients showed a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.45°C for the lateral chest and 0.50°C for the clavicular position. Tympanic measurements had a mean absolute error of 0.35°C. In patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 the MAE increased to 0.5°C for the lateral chest and 0.56°C for the clavicular position. In contrast, the tympanic measurement had a reduced MAE of 0.32°C, which is well below this threshold when compared to bladder measurements.
1.4 Conclusion
The investigated system did not meet the clinically relevant acceptance criteria and showed low precision in correctly identifying fever episodes compared to invasive temperature probes, however its main advantage lies in its continuity and non-invasiveness. This makes it a potential alternative to intermittent tympanic measurement devices. In this study we were able to show, that in at least one subset of patients, the non-invasive and continuous device demonstrated a precision comparable to tympanic measurements.
1.5 Limitations
The accuracy of all non-invasive methods was lower than in previous studies, suggesting that the use of bladder temperature as reference and user related variations may have introduced additional errors.
Is Amniotomy a Risk Factor for Severe Perineal Trauma? -A Swedish Nationwide Register Study
Authors: Tallhage Sofia , Årestedt Kristofer , Schildmeijer Kristina , Oscarsson Marie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Severe perineal trauma (SPT) is a serious complication with vaginal births, potentially leading to physical and psychological consequences for the woman. Amniotomy is a commonly used labour intervention with uncertain evidence. It was identified as a previously unrecognized risk factor for SPT in a recent Norwegian study. The aim of the thus study was therefore, to investigate whether amniotomy is a risk factor for SPT, and to examine whether the timing of performing amniotomy affects the occurrence of SPT in Swedish nulliparous and multiparous women.
Methods: This nationwide register-based study included 477 321 women who had given birth in 2017–2020. Data were collected from the Swedish Pregnancy Register in which most data is collected via direct transfer from medical records. The main outcome, SPT, was identified in the data by International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) diagnosis codes O70.2 and O70.3. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios, adjusted for other risk factors.
Results: The incidence of SPT in nulliparous was 5.1% and in multiparous women 0.9%. SPT was more common in both nulliparous and multiparous women who underwent amniotomy. Amniotomy increased the odds for SPT in the simple binary regression analysis for both nulliparous [OR 1.33; 95% CI, 1.28-1.38] and multiparous women [OR 1.12; 95% CI, 1.03-1.22]. This significance was lost in both nulliparous [OR 0.96; 95% CI, 0.87-1.07] and multiparous women [OR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.67-1.03] when analysed in the multiple binary logistic regression. An increasing duration between amniotomy and birth decreased the odds for SPT in nulliparous women. No association was found regarding the timing of amniotomy of occurrence of SPT in multiparous women.
Conclusions: SPT was more common in women who underwent amniotomy, however, when adjusted for other risk factors, amniotomy was not identified as a risk factor for SPT. Performing amniotomy near the birth in nulliparous women entailed an increased risk for SPT, indicating the importance of a controlled and slow birth of the baby, to prevent the severe complication of SPT.
Prevalence of Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) in Penaeus monodon farms in India
Authors: B Naveen Rajeshwar , T Sathish Kumar , Jithendran K. P. , Bedekar Megha K. , Rajendran K. V. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis caused by Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) causes substantial economic losses to the shrimp farming industry. Despite the wide potential host range, most research on EHP was focused on Penaeus vannamei due to its widespread farming and severe growth retardation. However, there needs to be more available information on EHP infection in farmed tiger shrimp, P. monodon, especially considering its re-introduction and use of specific pathogen-free (SPF) seeds in India. A polymerase chain reaction-based (two-step PCR) survey was conducted to understand the prevalence of EHP in P. monodon farms across six states in India. Two different PCR assays, one specific to the spore wall protein (SWP) gene and the other targeting the SSU rRNA gene. While only 19 of 63 farms (30.15%) surveyed during the study revealed the presence of EHP using SWP-specific PCR, 38 farms (60.31%) were found to be positive with SSU rRNA PCR. However, only one of the farms showed EHP in the first step of PCR. The low level of infection, as indicated by the PCR analysis, was further validated and confirmed by histology and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The EHP load ranged from 1.0 × 103 to 3.7 × 106 copies/ µg DNA, and histology of hepatopancreas showed only mild pathological changes and inclusion-like bodies similar to the developmental stages of EHP. Some of the samples showed bacteria-induced haemocyte infiltration and nodule formation. However, no microsporidian spores could be noticed in the histological sections. EHP SWP-specific PCR amplicons were sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis of the sequences showed similarity with earlier reported EHP strains from P. vannamei from Thailand, Latin America and India. A statistical epidemiological study to identify risk factors associated with EHP infection revealed that the presence of EHP infection in previous cultures, the use of wild seeds and continuous farming as potential risk factors and the use of SPF seeds and bleaching as protective factors. P. monodon is susceptible to EHP infection, yet the impact on the species is significantly lower than that reported in P. vannamei. The present report forms the latest report on the prevalence of EHP in P. monodon farms in India.
Homomorphic Encryption: An Application to Polygenic Risk Scores
Authors: knight elizabeth , Li Jiaqi , Jensen Mathew , Yolou Israel , Kockan Can , Gerstein Mark 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Polygenic risk scores (PRS) have emerged as a powerful tool in precision medicine, enabling personalized risk assessments for complex diseases. However, using sensitive genomic data in PRS calculations raises concerns about privacy and security. Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE) offers a promising solution by allowing computations on encrypted data, preserving the privacy of both genomic information and PRS models.
Methods: In this study, we present a novel application of FHE for secure and private PRS calculations using the CKKS protocol within the Lattigo library. Our approach involves a threeparty system: clients (doctors with sensitive genetic data), modelers developing a PRS (academics or a company), and evaluators (a ”local hospital” running the models while maintaining data confidentiality). We demonstrate the feasibility and accuracy of our protocol by applying it to synthetic datasets of various sizes and a robust 110k-SNP model for schizophrenia.
Results: The normal PRS calculation results are essentially identical to the encrypted calculation: between the two results R2 is .999 & MSE is 2.27 × 10−6. Moreover, while the encrypted calculation is roughly 1000 times slower than conventional non-encrypted ones (when only considering the core PRS calculation), it is quite feasible on a single-CPU node - e.g. running on ∼1100 individuals with ∼110k SNPS took six minutes and ∼65G memory on a laptop computer. In addition, we investigate the impact of encryption parameters (modulus) on this computational time and accuracy in detail.
Conclusion: Our approach enables secure PRS calculations on encrypted genomic data, addressing the pressing need for privacy-preserving solutions in the era of precision medicine. The ability to perform accurate risk assessments while maintaining patient confidentiality paves the way for broader adoption of PRS and personalized medicine in healthcare, particularly with the advent of large-scale computing power.
Development of a Survey Tool to Assess Emotional and Social Behavioral Competencies of Science Technology Engineering and Medicine (STEM) Graduate Students
Authors: Quinn Joann F. , Cola Philip A. , Cooper Melissa , Miller Casey W. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The underrepresentation of women and minority students in STEM graduate programs remains a significant challenge, compounded by biases in traditional admissions processes and barriers to effective mentoring and retention. This study develops and validates the Quinn Miller Competency Assessment (QMCA), a tool designed to assess emotional and social intelligence (ESI) competencies crucial for STEM graduate student success. The QMCA was created through an iterative process involving literature review, expert consultations, and empirical studies. It evaluates five key competencies: self-awareness, self-control, adaptability, achievement orientation, and teamwork. The tool's validity and reliability were tested using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses on diverse samples of STEM graduate students and applicants. Results demonstrated strong construct validity and reliability, supporting the QMCA's use in both admissions and student development contexts, in conjunction with other measures. By providing a more holistic evaluation of applicants’ competencies, the QMCA aims to improve access and retention for underrepresented groups in STEM fields, fostering a more inclusive and diverse scientific community. Future research will focus on expanding the QMCA to include additional social competencies and testing its applicability across broader disciplines.
Assessing Groundwater Quality Near E-Waste Dumpsites in Lagos, Nigeria: A content analysis of two dumpsites from Alaba and Olusosun
Authors: Ojiyovwi Okorhi Johnson , Fatunsin Oluwatoyin Tirenioluwa , Olayinka Kehinde 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

E-waste recycling in Lagos, Nigeria is predominantly informal, involving manual dismantling and open burning, leading to groundwater contamination, threat to health and the environment. This study assessed electronic waste (e-waste) disposal in Lagos at two dumptsites. The results confirmed high level dangerous contaminates of cadmium, nickel, and other metals exceeding WHO limits at both Alaba and Olusosun dumpsites. Water quality analysis revealed 75% of samples were unfit for drinking, posing perilous risks to the biosphere. The study identified five policy barriers hindering effective e-waste management in the study area. These shortcomings contributed to six negative environmental and social impacts. To address these issues, the research proposes seven policy options for implementation in Lagos, aiming to create a more sustainable e-waste management system.
Structure and function of a ligand-free GPCR-Gαβγ intermediate complex
Authors: Ye Libin , Bi Maxine , Wang Xudong , Wang Jinan , Xu Jun , Sun Wenkai , Adediwura Victor Ayo , Miao Yinglong , Cheng Yifan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Unraveling the signaling roles of intermediate complexes is pivotal for G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) drug development. Despite hundreds of GPCR-Gαβγ structures, these snapshots primarily capture the fully activated complex. Consequently, the functions of intermediate GPCR-G protein complexes remain elusive. Guided by a conformational landscape visualized via 19F quantitative NMR and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, we determined the structure of an intermediate GPCR-mini-Gαsβγcomplex at 2.8 Å using cryo-EM, by blocking its transition to the fully activated complex. Furthermore, we presented direct evidence that the intermediate complex initiates a rate-limited nucleotide exchange without progressing to the fully activated complex, in which the α-helical domain (AHD) of the Gα is partially open engaged by a second nucleotide. Our MD simulation supported the pose of the AHD domain. These advances bridge a significant gap in our understanding the complexity of GPCR signaling.
Extracellular and Intracellular Concentrations of Manganese and Molybdenum in Men’s and Women’s Football Players During a Season
Authors: Toro-Román Víctor , Grijota Francisco Javier , Maynar-Mariño Marcos , Campos Amalia , Martínez-Sánchez Almudena , Robles-Gil María C. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Physical training induces modifications in the concentrations of trace mineral elements. However, studies exploring sex-related differences in manganese (Mn) and molybdenum (Mo) levels among athletes are scarce. This study aimed to: a) analyse changes in plasma, urine, erythrocyte, and platelet Mn and Mo concentrations throughout a competitive season in men’s and women’s football players, and b) investigate sex-based discrepancies. A total of 46 football players (22 men: age; 20.62 ± 2.66 years; height; 1.76 ± 0.061 m; weight; 71.50 ± 5.93 kg and 24 women: age; 23.21 ± 4.11 years; height; 1.65 ± 0.06 m; weight; 59.58 ± 7.17 kg) participated in the study. Three assessments were conducted throughout the competitive season. Data were collected on anthropometry, body composition, nutritional intake, physical fitness, female hormones, haematology, and the determination of Mn and Mo in different biological compartments. Regarding Mn, significant sex differences were observed in plasma, urine, and erythrocyte concentrations (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant variations were observed throughout the season in all analysed biological compartments (p < 0.05). Regarding Mo, significant sex differences were reported in plasma concentrations (p < 0.05). Similarly, there were variations throughout the season in all analysed biological compartments (p < 0.05). Plasma, urine, erythrocyte, and platelet Mn and Mo concentrations could change during a competitive season in football players. On the other hand, sex differences could exist in plasma, urine, and erythrocyte Mn concentrations in football players.
A purified membrane protein Amuc_1098 from Akkermansia muciniphila blunts acute pancreatitis by modulation of intestinal flora and glycerophospholipid metabolism
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Zhang Ruilin , Zhao Liangtao , Li Jiacong , Wang Jiaju , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xiao Liuxiang , Chen Kuiyuan , Li Jinyang , Lin Wei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Amuc_1098 is a membrane protein from Akkermansia muciniphila. In this study, we investigated how Amuc_1098 affects acute pancreatitis (AP) in mice induced by caerulein and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Treating mice with Amuc_1098 (3 μg, i.g.) for 20 days before caerulein and LPS injection reduced pancreatic injury and lowered serum amylase and lipase levels. Amuc_1098 supplementation reduced proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in spleen and pancreas by inhibiting NF-κB signaling. It also decreased Ly6C+ macrophages in the spleen and pancreas of AP mice. Amuc_1098 pretreatment reversed declined tight junction proteins in the colon of AP mice. Glycerophospholipid metabolism was significantly increased in patients and mice with AP. We further demonstrated that oral administration of Amuc_1098 reduced glycerophospholipid metabolism enrichment mediated by intestinal flora. These results provide new evidence that Amuc_1098 lessens the severity of AP through its anti-inflammatory properties with a reduction of macrophage infiltration in spleen and pancreas, an elevation of tight junction proteins in the colon, as well as its regulation of the composition of intestinal flora and glycerophospholipid metabolism.
Resting Energy Expenditure in Sudanese Children with Sickle Cell Anemia and
Its Relation to Severity Score: A Case Control Study
Authors: Awad Tasneem A , Alawad Azza O , Merghani Tarig H 
Published: June 2024

Background:
Sickle cell anemia (SCA) poses significant metabolic challenges in affected individuals, yet the relationship between resting metabolic rate (RMR)
and disease severity remains underexplored, particularly in Sudanese pediatric populations.

Aim:
The aim of this study is to investigate the RMR and its correlation with disease severity scores and treatment with hydroxyurea in Sudanese
patients with sickle cell disease.

Materials and Methods:
We conducted a case-control study on 100 individuals aged 3-18 years, with 50 having SCA and 50 forming the healthy control group. RMR was
computed using the Harris-Benedict formula, the World Health Organization equation, and the Buchowski formula. Severity scores were
determined using a SCA Scoring System.

Results:
The mean age for the control group (9.52 ± 4.35 y) was similar to that of the SCA group, whether receiving or not receiving hydroxyl-urea (9.44 ±
4.164 and 9.68 ± 4.534, respectively (p=0.980). The resting metabolic rate (RMR) in the case group was significantly lower compared to the
control group when using the Harris-Benedict and WHO equations (p = 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). A notable difference in RMR was observed
between the case group (using the Buchowski formula) and the control group (using the Harris-Benedict equation) (p = 0.006), but not with the
WHO equation (p = 0.054). Treatment with hydroxyl-urea was significantly associated with low severity scores among the SCA patients (p<
0.001).

Conclusions:
The elevated RMR levels among Sudanese SCA patients compared to healthy subjects can be shown when calculated with the Buchowski formula
but not with the other standard equations designed for healthy individuals.
Communal Load Sharing of Miscarriage Experiences: Thematic Analysis of Social Media Community Support
Authors: Dubbelman Julia , Ooms Jonelle , Havgry Laura , Simonse Lianne 
Published: June 2024

Background
Miscarriage is a common experience, affecting 15% of recognized pregnancies, but societal ignorance and taboos often downplay the mental distress and personal impact following a miscarriage. Emerging stories on social media in which women express their miscarriage grief are breaking such taboos. Research in the area of online health communities is increasingly focused on studying how people share their health experiences on social media. However, a clear understanding on the social support involved in this type of sharing of health experiences is lacking.

Objective
This study explored the use of Instagram in sharing miscarriage experiences, guided by the following research question: How is social community support given to women who share their miscarriage experiences on social media? Considering that social media is increasingly used as a source of social support, in this study, we chose Instagram as the social media platform. The purpose of this research was to create a better understanding of how social media provides support in expressing personal miscarriage experiences and how people engage with such posts.

Methods
This study used a qualitative inductive research method in which a phenomenological strategy and thematic analysis were followed to create a comprehensive understanding of the social community support phenomenon. The dataset was established from a sample of 258 Instagram posts and 736 comments collected over a period of 6 months after initial posts and from 6 different women. These data were categorized and clustered through a thematic analysis.

Results
Three themes were identified: (1) storytelling of emotional turmoil and grief after miscarriage, (2) sharing positivity amidst miscarriage grief, and (3) mentioning personal medical information about miscarriage. Theme 1 represents the emotional experience of women who have had a miscarriage. It encompasses the initial posts that included miscarriage storytelling that express deep grief and mental distress and the emotional impact on both the posters and the commenters. Theme 2 highlights the importance of finding moments of joy and positivity in the midst of mental distress and pain. The posts shared with the online community convey a sense of moving forward and a refusal to let grief become the defining aspect of one’s life. Theme 3 focuses on sharing medical and practical advice. This theme includes posts and comments about medications, in vitro fertilization procedures, hospital experiences, and personal physical symptoms.

Conclusions
As an overarching theme for this social support phenomenon, we introduce the term communal load sharing to describe the therapeutic role of social media in helping women cope with miscarriage by providing a platform for sharing similar experiences, breaking social taboos, and fostering load sharing.