bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The severity and management of postabortion care complications in Liberia
Authors: Giorgio Margaret M , Ushie Boniface Ayanbekongshie , Juma Kenneth , Massaquoi Moses BF , Lu Lily , Tehoungue Bentoe Zoogley , Donzo Vekeh , Owolabi Onikepe 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Complications from unsafe abortion are a major contributor to maternal morbidity and mortality in resource poor settings. This study aims to assess the severity and management of abortion complications in Liberia.
Methods: Data were collected among a nationally representative sample of health facilities in Liberia (n=100). Study staff administered a survey to all postabortion care (PAC) patients and their health providers arriving at a study facility over the course of 30 days. A total of 387 patient surveys and 429 provider surveys were included in the final analysis. Postabortion complication severity was classified into five categories, ranging from mild to near miss. Likely induced abortions were identified though patient self-reports reports and provider reports of clinical evidence of a foreign body or mechanical injury. We conducted bivariate tests to determine whether PAC management practices varied by complication severity. Poisson regression models were used to assess the relationship between patient characteristics and complication severity, as well as between complication severity and receipt of a family planning method.
Results: Overall, 10.9% of PAC patients were classified as near miss and 34.7% had severe complications. Likely induced abortions were identified in 38% of women. Having a more severe complication was associated with marital status (uIRR 0.69, 95% CI 0.48,0.99) and the indicator for likely induced abortion (uIRR 1.74, 95% CI 1.11,2.74). Most women accessed PAC at primary level facilities (76.7%). The most common uterine evacuation methods were MVA (67.5%) and misoprostol (16.3%). Only 38.9% of patients received a family planning method prior to discharge. Controlling for age, residence, future intentions to use, and provider type, women classified as having severe or near miss complications were approximately twice as likely (aIRR 1.98, 95% CI 1.18,3.32) to receive a contraceptive method.
Conclusions: Postabortion complications are a major public health concern in Liberia. Our results underscore the need for high quality postabortion care and greater access to safe abortion care. Liberia should invest in primary level facilities and strengthen their ability to manage postabortion complications. Future research is needed to understand how provider practices/attitudes shape the provision of postabortion family planning services.
Treatment Methods for Harmful Impurities in Phosphogypsum and Their Applications in Road Engineering: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Liu Xiang , He Xianglin , Dang Yudong , Li Xiaolong , Yang Jun , Shi Wei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Phosphogypsum (PG), a significant by-product of the wet phosphoric acid production process, poses environmental and utilization challenges due to its harmful impurities, including heavy metals, fluorides, and phosphates. This review aims to evaluate the stabilization/solidification (S/S) methods for these hazardous impurities to enhance PG recycling in road engineering and other applications. A comprehensive bibliometric analysis was conducted using data from the Web of Science Core Collection, covering publications from 1985 to 2024. The review assesses the types and impacts of PG impurities on composite material performance and environmental health, detailing various S/S methods and their underlying mechanisms. Key findings suggest that blending PG with inorganic cementitious materials, incorporating additives, and using PG-based geopolymers are effective strategies for S/S. Blending PG with electrolytic manganese residue (EMR) and granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS) shows significant potential in immobilizing heavy metals and reducing environmental risks. The use of polymer materials, surface modifiers, and curing agents enhances the physical encapsulation and chemical stabilization of harmful impurities. PG-based geopolymers, formed through unique hydration reactions, offer robust encapsulation and adsorption capabilities for heavy metals. Additionally, biological treatment methods and biochar adsorption present innovative approaches for PG remediation. The main S/S mechanisms include physical encapsulation, chemical precipitation, ion exchange, and adsorption. Future research should focus on optimizing these S/S techniques, exploring synergistic combinations, and developing cost-effective and scalable solutions to improve PG recycling and promote sustainability in industrial practices.
The complete genome sequence analysis of a novel Escherichia phage GaoY1-9D
Authors: Zeng Xianghe , Gao Rongfeng , He Hui , He Xinyuan , Liu Chang , Fan Xiangyu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In this study, a novel Escherichia phage GaoY1-9D, was isolated from farm sewage samples. Its genome length is 50,368 bp and the G + C genomic content is 46.46%. The genome of phage GaoY1-9D is a double-stranded circular DNA, and contain 127 bp terminal repeats at both ends of the genomic sequence. No tRNA genes have been found in its genome. Based on the results of comparative genomics analysis, Escherichia phage GaoY1-9D is confirmed as a member of a new species, which belongs to the Drexlerviridae.
Deletion of gasdermin D promotes granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells differentiation by decreased release of mitochondrial DNA to promote tumor escape
Authors: Gu Min , Chen Weiwei , Ding Shizhen , Lin Zhijie , Qian Li , Xiao Weiming , Jia Xiaoqin , Lu Guotao , Gong Weijuan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Gasdermin D (GSDMD), an effector molecule of cell apoptosis, is known to be activated in various cells during inflammation. However, the patterns of GSDMD activation in immune-regulatory cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) remain unclear. In this study, we found that neutrophils in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues exhibited reduced GSDMD transcription, as evidenced by a single-cell RNA-sequencing result. Additionally, HLA-DR- CD11b + cells from the peripheral blood of CRC patients exhibited a significant reduction in GSDMD activation. Mice with ubiquitous GSDMD deficiency bred in a clean environment exhibited a notable increase in G-MDSCs. These GSDMD-/- MDSCs enhanced immunosuppressive activity by both inhibiting effector T-cell activity and promoting regulatory T-cell induction. This enhancement was also observed in GSDMDflox/flox-S100A8cre mice, in which GSDMD was specifically deleted in MDSCs. The tumor-promoting effects in the GSDMD-/- and GSDMDflox/flox-S100A8cre mice were abrogated following MDSC depletion, as shown by the use of an anti-DR5 antibody. In the absence of GSDMD, G-MDSCs showed reduced inflammasome activation and decreased production of IL-1β and IL-18. Furthermore, a significant reduction in interferon-related factor 8/7 (IRF8/7) was observed in GSDMD-/- G-MDSCs via bulk RNA sequencing analysis. After treatment with LPS/nigericin, these cells maintained mitochondrial integrity, thus impairing the mtDNA release and the downstream c-GAS/STING/TBK1/IRF8/7 signaling axis activation. Reduced IRF8/7 levels were responsible for increased differentiation of GSDMD-/- G-MDSCs. Finally, treatment with a GSDMD recombinant lentivirus injected into in situ tumors significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced G-MDSC levels, suggesting that a GSDMD-based vaccine could simultaneously exert anti-carcinoma and anti-MDSC effects.
Long-term effects of GPS tagging on the time Lesser Black-backed Gulls spend at sea
Authors: Kentie Rosemarie , Shamoun-Baranes Judy , Camphuysen Kees C. J. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: The use of tracking devices in ecological studies provides valuable insights into the movements and behaviour of wildlife, yet concerns persist regarding effects of tags on individuals. In birds, long-term attachments can lead to feather abrasion, feather loss, or lack of regrowth. Especially for seabirds, which rely on the insulation from their feathers to withstand low water temperatures, this may create problems with thermoregulation. In a multi-year tracking programme of Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus) in multiple breeding colonies, we noted that tagged individuals recaptured in later years had a small bare patch under the GPS tag, possibly affecting thermoregulation while foraging at sea.
Results: We explored behavioural consequences of GPS tags fitted with permanent harnesses by measuring the time spent at sea in the first breeding season and compared that with subsequent breeding seasons. Habitat use of Lesser Black-backed Gulls vary between individuals and colonies, with some individuals foraging mainly at sea while others remain mainly on land. There was no relationship between the time spent at sea in the year of tag deployment and return rate the following year. Though, almost all individuals reduced the time they spent at sea after the year of deployment. Averaged over the colonies, the proportion of time spent at sea within individuals halved from 0.14 in the year of tag deployment to 0.07 in the next season. Also within years, newly tagged gulls spent on average more time at sea at the population level than gulls tagged in earlier years, suggesting that a potential shift in habitat use in the breeding population did not explain changes in time spent at sea that we observed at the individual level.
Conclusions: Our study indicates that long-term attachment of tracking devices may affect habitat choice by Lesser Black-backed Gulls and other seabirds in the breeding season, with potential consequences for behavioural studies and ethical considerations of instrumenting animals. Although we expect that the observed shift away from at-sea foraging areas was influenced by problems with thermoregulation, we discuss other potential causes for the observed habitat shift.
Platelet-rich fibrin decreases adhesion to polypropylene prosthetic mesh material in ventral hernia repair
Authors: Dogu Dogukan , Sular Ozge , Sokmensuer Cenk , Yorganci Halil Kaya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Mesh adhesion is an important complication in prosthetic hernia repairs which may lead to intestinal obstruction, enterocutaneous fistula and viscus perforation. Therefore, direct contact between visceral organs and mesh should be avoided. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of platelet rich fibrin (PRF) as an adhesion barrier.
Methods: Thirty-six Wistar-Albino rats were used in the study. Four rats were used to obtain platelet-rich fibrin. Remaining animals were divided to four separate groups. In sham group, laparotomy was done and repaired by suture without mesh. Abdominal walls of remaining animals were excised for about 2 cm in length with margins 2 cm wide. The defect was repaired with polypropylene mesh, Parietex composite mesh, or PRF coated polypropylene mesh in three separate groups. Animals were sacrificed on the 14th postoperative day. Macroscopic Zühlke and Greca adhesion scores, histopathological fibrosis grading and multinucleated giant cells were evaluated.
Results: There was statistically significant difference of adhesion scores of Zühlke (p=0.013) and Greca (p<0.001) between all groups. It was observed that the adhesion score in the platelet-rich fibrin group was lower than the polypropylene mesh group (p=0.003), and there was no significant difference between the composite mesh group and the PRF group (p=0.13). Fibroblast density and degree of fibrosis were higher in the platelet-rich fibrin group than in the polypropylene group (p<0.001), but there was no significant difference with the composite mesh group. When giant cell numbers were compared as an indicator of inflammation, giant cell formation was significantly higher in the platelet-rich fibrin group than in the polypropylene mesh group (p=0.001), and it was significantly less than in the composite mesh group (p=0.007).
Conclusion: Platelet-rich fibrin reduces the incidence of adhesion to prosthetic mesh in the early postoperative period and increase fibrosis on abdominal wall-mesh interface. Platelet-rich fibrin as a biological barrier can be considered as an alternative to composite mesh and antiadhesive barriers.
Micro-3D Sculptured Metastructures with Deep Trenches for Sub-10 μm Resolution
Authors: Demir Hilmi Volkan , Atak Anıl Çağrı , Ünal Emre 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing allows for the construction of complex structures. However, 3D-printing vertical structures with a high aspect ratio remains a pending challenge, especially when a high lateral resolution is required. Here, to address this challenge, we propose and demonstrate micro-3D sculptured metastructures with deep trenches of 1:4 (width:height) aspect ratio for sub-10 µm resolution. Our construction relies on two-photon polymerization for a 3D-pattern with its trenches, followed by electroplating of a thick metal film and its dry etching to remove the seed layer. To test the proposed fabrication process, we built up three-dimensional RF metastructures showcasing the depth effect as the third dimension. Using the numerical solutions, we custom-tailored these metastructure resonators to fall within a specific resonance frequency range of 4–6 GHz while undertaking comparative analyses regarding overall footprint, quality factor, and resonance frequency shift as a function of their cross-sectional aspect ratio. The proposed process flow is shown to miniaturize metal footprint and tune the resonance frequency of these thick 3D-metastructures while increasing their quality factor. These experimental findings indicate that this method of producing trenches via 3D-printing provides rich opportunities to implement high-aspect-ratio, complex structures.
Identification of brain activation sites during active touch with stress balls using fMRI
Authors: Sasaki Kei , Sakurai Noriko , Yoshida Nobukiyo , Oishi Misuzu , Kasai Satoshi , Kodama Naoki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Currently, more than one-third of adults worldwide experience anxiety daily. Active touch, such as petting animals or self-touching, is one way to cope. These touches are believed to activate anxiety regulation mechanisms, with prior research suggesting that repeated hand-holding can protect the nervous system from hyperarousal. Recently, stress balls have been used to reduce pain and anxiety during endoscopy and in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and their effectiveness has been reported; however, the mechanisms of brain function when holding a stress ball have not been clarified. Our findings showed significant activation in the anterior insula and amygdala, suggesting that these brain regions are closely related to relaxation effects and anxiety reduction.
Correlation between iron accumulation and sarcopenia in middle-aged and elderly populations
Authors: Tounaoua Mahamane Rahoufou , Chen Honggu , Shaibu Zakari , Guo-yang Zhao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The goal of this study was to investigate the relationship between iron accumulation and sarcopenia risk.
Method
We conducted an observational study based on data acquired during the year 2022–2023 from the affiliated hospital of Jiangsu University. Data on age, sex, body mass index (BMI), limb muscle mass, white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, serum iron concentration, ferritin level, total iron- binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation (TSAT) were collected and analyzed. To achieve our goal, t-tests, chi-square tests, binary logistic regression models, and nonlinear analyses were employed as statistical analyses.
Results
There were 110 participants, including 44 males and 66 females. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that serum ferritin level was a risk factor for sarcopenia (OR = 1.005, 95% CI], 1.001, 1.009; P = 0.042). Furthermore, nonlinear analysis revealed a U-shaped relationship between ferritin levels and the risk of sarcopenia. When ferritin was less than 226.428 µg/L, the risk of sarcopenia decreased, whereas when ferritin was greater than 241.2 µg/L, the risk increased accordingly. Both the overall effect (P = 0.033) and the nonlinear effect (P = 0.012) were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Serum ferritin levels may be an independent risk factor for sarcopenia in the healthy elderly population. Additionally, a non-linear relationship between ferritin levels and the risk of sarcopenia was revealed. Nevertheless, further research is needed to elucidate the complex pathways connecting iron metabolism to muscle health, and to guide the development of targeted interventions for preventing and managing sarcopenia in this population.
Exploring the potential cellular and molecular mechanisms of cuproptosis-related genes in cardiomyocytes from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy: a bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zheng Fan , Lin Weizhao , Chen Peinan , Huang Xiaojun , Yang Xu 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) often have heart failure, which seriously affects their health and quality of life. Some studies have suggested that DCM has a genetic basis, although the molecular mechanism involved have yet to be fully characterized. Cuproptosis is a newly defined type of programmed cell death thought to be involved in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was therefore to identify biomarkers associated with cuproptosis in DCM, and the potential pathological mechanisms involving cuproptosis in cardiomyocytes.
MATERIALS
Cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) were identified from previous publications. The GSE141910 dataset was downloaded from the GEO database.
METHODS
Consistency clustering was performed according to cuproptosis gene expression. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the limma package, and key genes were identified using the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) method. These were then subjected to immune infiltration analysis, enrichment analysis, and prediction of the key associated transcription factors. Consistency clustering identified three cuproptosis clusters. The DEGs in each were identified using limma, and the most critical module was obtained using WGCNA. Three machine learning algorithms (SVM-RFE, LASSO, and RF) were then used to screen genes in the modules generated by WGCNA, with the key genes obtained by intersection. Finally, GSEA enrichment analysis of the key genes was performed and a ceRNA network was constructed.
RESULTS
Five key CRGs were identified (C1QTNF7, LYVE1, FRZB, AQP10 and FNDC1), with only LYVE1 showing upregulated expression in DCM. These genes were closely related to T cell and NK cell infiltration. Expression of the C1QTNF7 and FRZB genes showed the highest correlation, and both were closely related to the calcium signaling pathway and mitochondrial dysfunction. Both genes may be jointly regulated by mir-130a-3p.
CONCLUSION
C1QTNF7 and FRZB may be downregulated by mir-130a-3p, resulting in low expression. The two genes may act synergistically to cause calcium disorders, which in turn regulates the level of copper ions in mitochondria and induces cuproptosis. This can damage mitochondrial function, cause myocardial dysfunction, and apoptosis, thus promoting the development of DCM.
Characterization, Optimization, and Modeling of Microbial Exopolysaccharide and its Antagonistic Effect on Colon Cancer
Authors: Abdelhamid Sayeda , Mohamed Sahar S. , Elsoud Mostafa M. Abo , Selim Manal S. , Mounier Marwa M. , Eltaher Ashraf Essam , Magdeldin Sameh , Ali Mohamed , Awady Mohamed E. El 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Microbial polysaccharides are a significant group of functional phytochemicals. Numerous studies have shown the advantageous pharmacological impacts of polysaccharides, including their effectiveness against cancer. A halophilic bacterial strain obtained from coastal sediments produced exopolysaccharides (EPS). The strain was morphologically recognized and further confirmed as Bacillus cereus strain MSS1 using 16S rDNA analysis, with accession number OR133726. The heteropolysaccharides were purified and fractionated with a DEAE-cellulose column, and the preliminary chemical analysis of the most potent fraction (EPSMSS1) indicated that the four different monosaccharides were mannuronic acid, xylose, fructose, and glucuronic acid, with a molar ratio of 1: 1: 2: 0.5, respectively. The highest production was 12.76 g/l using a Box-Behnken design. It showed antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, and anti-biofilm activity. The three-dimensional architecture of the EPSMSS1 of Bacillus cereus strain MSS1 is being described, predicted, and aligned against other bacterial species. These studies offer valuable insights into optimizing efficiency. Therefore, the EPSMSS1 fraction was shown to have anticancer activity and significant anticancer activities in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 20.1 µg/ml. Subsequently, various apoptotic markers, such as cytochrome C, BAX, BCl2, and the BAX/BCL2 ratio, were assessed. Our findings demonstrate that EPSMSS1 triggers the activation of apoptotic protein BAX, enhances the generation of cytochrome c, reduces the expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl2, and distorts the BAX/Bcl2 ratio in EPSMSS1-treated HCT-116 cells relative to untreated cells. The anticancer efficacy of EPSMSS1 was verified through the assessment of cell cycle progression using flow cytometry. It has been found that EPSMSS1 pauses the cell cycle in the G1/S phase, causing apoptosis.
The Relationship Between Resilience and Professional Well-Being Among Early Childhood Teachers: The Chain Me-diating Role of Teacher Pedagogical Competence and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Song Shoujun , Zhang Lili , Yang Bin , Xu Chunze 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Research has shown that the rapidly changing technological environment and unprecedented uncertainty have posed a huge dilemma for educators across the globe, affecting the well-being of educators. In response to this situation, many researchers have focused their perspectives on educator resilience, which has been a key factor in helping educators break through difficult situations. However, despite the fact that literature has emphasised the role of resilience for ed-ucators, there is still a lack of focus on educators' professional well-being. Therefore, in order to reveal the relationship between resilience and well-being of educators as well as the mechanism of influence, a questionnaire method was used to survey 1,377 early childhood teachers, and it was proposed to explore the chain mediating role of self-efficacy and pedagogical competence of early childhood teachers in the relationship between teachers' resilience and professional well-being. The results showed that (1) early childhood teachers' resilience significantly and positively predicted occupational well-being (2) there was a mediating effect of teachers' self-efficacy between teachers' resilience and occupational well-being; (3) there was a mediating effect of teachers' pedagogical competence between teachers' resilience and occupational well-being; and (4) there was a chain mediating effect of teachers' self-efficacy and pedagogical competence between teachers' resilience and occupational well-being. It is therefore concluded that teacher teacher resilience not only directly affects their occupational well-being level of oc-cupational exploration, but also indirectly affects teacher occupational well-being through the independent mediating effects of self-efficacy and pedagogical competence, and the chain me-diating effects of self-efficacy and pedagogical competence. Accordingly, the following recom-mendations are made that teacher resilience should be emphasised, in-service training efforts for early childhood teachers should be strengthened, and their level of self-efficacy and pedagogical competence should be enhanced, ultimately enhancing their level of occupational well-being so that they can better cope with the various challenges that are coming their way.