bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the acceptability of water, sanitation and hygiene interventions, with the case of a portable hygiene intervention (The Spatap) in three Fijian communities, a mixed-methods study.
Authors: Hosking Rose , Richardson Alice , Gray Darren , Hales Simon , Batikawai Suliasi Mekerusa , Lal Aparna 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background The implementation of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions in low-resource communities can improve health outcomes. Acceptability evaluations can increase the uptake and sustainability of WASH interventions, but there is limited literature on how to conduct them. We developed a theory-based acceptability evaluation using mixed-methods and applied it to conduct the first acceptability evaluation the Spatap, a portable, water-saving hygiene intervention, in three Fijian communities. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study in three Fijian communities aiming to evaluate the acceptability of the Spatap. We conducted a baseline household survey (n = 207) on WASH access, environmental conditions, and acceptability. We asked seven questions on acceptability aligned with Sekhon et al. (2017)’s Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) for healthcare interventions component constructs. We calculated a total acceptability score and modelled it against sociodemographic predictors using multiple linear modelling in R. In December 2022, we conducted three focus group discussions (FGD) with community members (n = 22) on experienced acceptability. We inductively and deductively coded transcripts using NVIVO (ver 12) and analysed the data using thematic analysis. Results Baseline acceptability scores out of 35 were high (med 29, min 18, Q1: 28, Q3: 35, max 35) and few barriers were reported, indicating the Spatap was initially accepted by the communities. Burden and cost scored lower than the other component constructs. Sociodemographic factors (age, gender, education, employment) did not significantly affect acceptability scores. The Spataps were still in use and acceptable five months later. Overall, convenient location and timesaving promoted acceptance of the Spatap. In some larger households, time spent re-filling the bottle was as a burden, but the costs of larger bottles were prohibitive. Challenging environmental conditions (water insecurity and climate events) promoted acceptance of the Spatap as a water saving device, and it fit with existing adaptations to water insecurity. Conclusions The TFA was useful to frame the acceptability evaluation, but qualitative methods are more appropriate than the score-based method. For future Spatap implementations in low-resource communities, the accessibility of bottles, local-language instruction, provision of Spataps per head rather than household and water availability should be considered. Promotion of the convenient location and ease of use for children may increase initial acceptance. Further research on the acceptability of the Spatap in other contexts, and its efficacy to reduce infectious disease is required.
Comparing the Impact of Different Motion Modes on Dentin Cracking: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Du Shasha , Shi Dongye , Cui Weiwei , Liu Yingqi , Li Lei , Lu Lixian , Chen Jingyi , Zheng Xiangming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: We aim to compare the effects of different exercise modes of single file on dentin cracks.
Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed and other databases to conduct meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials published before March 22, 2024, and subgroup analysis was performed on WaveOne and Reciproc single file. After preparing the root canal of a single file with reciprocating and rotational motion, the dentin cracks were evaluated under a stereomicroscope on the 3mm, 6mm, and 9mm sections of the root apex.
Results: A literature search yielded 264 records, and 8 randomized clinical trials were finally included in this study. We found that both reciprocating and rotating single files may cause dentin cracks, but there was no significant difference in the incidence of dentin cracks (RR=1.03; 95% CL, 0.89-1.18; P=0.72).
HTR2A DNA Methylation as a Diagnostic Biomarker for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Validation Study Using Targeted Sequencing and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Zhao Jianan , He Binghen , Li Yunshen , Shan Yu , Wei Kai , Jiang Ping , Shi Yiming , Chang Cen , Zheng Yixin , Zhao Fuyu , Yang Guizhen , Li Qianqian , Zhou Mi , Guo Shicheng , Lv Liangjing , Zheng Yuejuan , Jiao Juan , Wang Rongsheng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To validate the potential of HTR2A cg15692052 DNA methylation as a diagnostic biomarker for RA and its subtypes.
Methods
MethylTarget™ targeted region methylation sequencing technology was employed to analyze the DNA methylation levels of HTR2A cg15692052 in RA, HC, ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis (PSA), gout, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis (DM), and primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) patients within the region of chr13:46898190 ~ chr13:46897976, spanning a total of 215bp. Logistic regression, LASSO, random forests, and Xgboost algorithms were used in R software to screen for significant variables, construct models, visualize results, and perform statistical analysis. Multiple imputation was applied to handle missing values, and Spearman's method was used to calculate correlations.
Results
Compared to the HC group, RA patients and four serological subtypes of RA (RF-negative RA, RF/CCP double-positive, RF/CCP double-negative, and CCP-negative RA) exhibited significantly higher levels of HTR2A cg15692052 methylation at positions 75/125/143/149/163/185/187 and in average methylation (P < 0.05). Methylation levels at all positions and average methylation in RA patients and its four serological subtypes were significantly positively correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or C-reactive protein (CRP) (P < 0.05). HTR2A cg15692052 displayed various haplotypes with differential proportions, among which the CCCCCCC haplotype was significantly elevated in RA (P < 0.05) and positively correlated with ESR and CRP (r = 0.13 and 0.21, P = 0.001 and P < 0.001). Conversely, the TTTTTTT haplotype was significantly decreased in RA (P < 0.05) and negatively correlated with CRP (r=-0.15, P = 0.002). Predictive models constructed using different machine learning algorithms, incorporating methylation levels of HTR2A cg15692052 at various positions combined with different clinical features, were able to significantly distinguish RA patients with AUCs ranging from 0.672 to 0.757, RF/CCP double-negative patients with AUCs from 0.825 to 0.966, RF/CCP double-positive RA patients with AUCs from 0.714 to 0.846, and RF-negative RA patients with AUCs from 0.928 to 0.932.
Conclusions
The DNA methylation level of HTR2A cg15692052 is associated with RA and can serve as a diagnostic biomarker for RA and its subtypes.
Barriers and Facilitators to Physical Activity, Screen time and Sleep in 3- to 4-year-olds living in Scotland
Authors: Dalziell Andrew , Janssen Xanne , Muirhead Fiona 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
This study evaluated the barriers and facilitators that families experience in adhering to the 24-Hour Movement behaviours guidelines as outlined by World Health Organisation (WHO).
Methods
Twenty-four families from low- and high-income families living in Scotland were recruited. This cross-sectional study used a mixed-methods approach which included: 1) an online questionnaire for parents, 2) objectively measured physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviour and sleep, 3) online focus groups with parents. For the quantitative part, children wore an Actigraph (GT3X+) accelerometer to measure physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep. Parents/guardians kept an activity diary outlining when their child had to remove the device (i.e., showering, bathing, swimming) and record the child’s screen time each day. Once the data had been analysed, a unique activity profile chart was sent to each family illustrating their child’s 24-hour movement behaviours (i.e., time spent active, time spent sedentary and on screens, time spent sleeping). The activity profile provided a day-by-day output as well as a weekly average for each of the 24-hour movement behaviours. Qualitative data was collected using the Asynchronous Remote Communities method (ARC) via private groups on a social media platform.
Results
The results showed most of the children in this sample adhere to the sleep and MVPA guidelines (71% and 86% respectively). However, adherence to the total PA guideline and ST guideline is much lower (50% and 21% respectively). Qualitative results in this study provide insights into the experiences of low-income and high-income families when adhering to the 24hMB guidelines. The results have shown different sub-themes affecting family’s adherence to each of the guidelines both positively and negatively. Results did not appear to differ substantially between low-income and high-income families.
Conclusions
This study has identified that there are numerous factors on all levels of the socio-ecological framework that need to be considered when promoting, supporting, and encouraging family’s adherence to the 24hMB guidelines.
Prognostic value of the preoperative prognostic nutritional and systemic immunoinflammatory indexes in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Li Haifeng , Sun Wei , Fu Shengfeng , Wang Junfeng , Jin Bin , Zhang Shuo , Liu Yujun , Zhang Qinyang , Wang Honggang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract. Although many prognostic indicators are currently available, it remains unclear which indicators are the most beneficial for patients with CRC. Therefore, there is a critical need to identify a simple, convenient and accurate prognostic indicator.
Purpose
To investigate the clinical significance of the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) as prognostic indicators for the survival of patients with CRC.
Methods
The clinical data of CRC patients admitted to the general surgery ward of Taizhou People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from January 2015 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Two prognostic indicators (SII and PNI) were compared to evaluate their prognostic value in CRC patients.
Results
Based on these variables, we constructed a LASSO prediction model. The AUC value and 95% CI of the training group were 0.917 (0.858–0.976) compared to 0.932 (0.846–1.000) in the validation group. We found that CEA > 5 ng/mL, tumor stage, pathological type, postoperative complications, and PNI were associated with the five-year survival rate of CRC patients. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves (ROC) were drawn to assess the prediction accuracy of the model. The AUC and 95% CI of the training group were 0.913 (0.854–0.972), while the AUC and 95% CI of the validation group were 0.954 (0.899–1.000).
Conclusions
PNI is an independent risk factor for postoperative complications associated with CRC and a powerful tool for predicting survival outcomes in CRC patients.
Marker assisted improvement of super fine grain rice variety, VGD 1 for bacterial blight resistance
Authors: Rangu Sairachana , Ragulakollu Sravanthi , Rajendran Priyanka , Krishnaswamy Suji , Chellappan Gopalakrishnan , Ramasamy Saraswathy , Jegadeesan Ramalingam 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Super fine grain rice variety, VGD 1 (ADT 43 x Seeragasamba) is land mark variety in India for its grain quality traits. However, it is highly susceptible to bacterial blight (BB) disease. It is pertinent to improve the disease resistance without altering grain quality traits and high yielding capacity. We introgressed broad spectrum BB resistance genes, xa5, xa13 and Xa21 into VGD1 through marker assisted selection. Genome wide SSR markers were used to recover the recurrent genome contribution. Foreground selection was carried out at BC1F1, BC2F1, BC2F2 to BC2F4. Background screening was performed for RPG recovery at BC1F1, and BC2F1 generations.
Results
True breeding lines in BC2F4 were confirmed for targeted genes; screened for bacterial blight disease; and they were evaluated for agronomic and grain quality traits. Foreground selection of BC1F1 revealed four positive plants (Plant-7, plant-18, plant-36, and plant-58) for targeted bacterial blight R genes which were subjected to background selection and genotype (Plant-18) with high RPG (78.44%) was backcrossed to obtain BC2F1. In BC2F1 generation, two positive plants (Plant 10 and Plant 12) were screened for polymorphic SSR markers where plant-12 with RPG of 86.20% was advanced to BC2F2. Phenotypic screening of BC2F4 breeding lines for bacterial blight disease revealed that the seven lines with three genes pyramided were resistant showing the mean lesion length ranging from 0.76 ± 0.18 to 2.26 ± 0.04.
Conclusion
The superfine variety, VGD 1 was enhanced with xa5, xa13 and Xa21 genes for bacterial blight resistance. Seven pyramided lines were identified with high resistant to BB and grain quality similar to VGD1. The line 56 is promising with all desired agronomic and quality traits with improved resistance and higher yield than VGD1 was identified.
A mitigation strategy for the thermal stability threshold of nitrocellulose with additives
Authors: Li Mi , Gao Xu , Das Oisik , Jiang Lin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Nitrocellulose is a widely used energetic material known for its high flammability and explosiveness. To enhance the thermal stability threshold of nitrocellulose during storage, three stabilizers were evaluated: N-methyl-4-nitroaniline (MNA), N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-diphenylurea (C2), and Na2CO3. This study involved conducting Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) experiments on pure NC and NC/stabilizer (97:3 weight ratio) under both of non-isothermal and isothermal conditions. In non-isothermal tests, the results indicated that the stabilizers effectively reduced the onset temperature, peak temperature, reaction rate, and maximum heat flow during pyrolysis. Among the stabilizers, C2 demonstrated the most significant stabilizing effect. For the isothermal tests, thermal properties of all samples were examined at four temperatures, containing 150, 152, 154, and 156℃. The kinetic triplets of isothermal decomposition were determined using kinetic methods. The findings revealed that the three stabilizers did not alter the thermal decomposition reaction mechanism of nitrocellulose, but did increase the stability threshold during the decomposition process. Based on the calculations, the optimal form for the isothermal decomposition reaction of all samples was identified. This study provides valuable insights for developing strategies to enhance the thermal stability of nitrocellulose during storage and usage.
Construction of an ultrahigh-density genetic linkage map for Manihot esculenta Crantz and identification of QTL for root quantity traits
Authors: Liu Qi , Li Zixuan , Wang Zihao , Lu Yanjie , Jiang Sirong , Xia Chengcai , An Pengliang , Zhao Long , Deng Ke , Xia Zhiqiang , Wang Wenquan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Single plant root weight, root number, and root length to width ratio are important agronomic traits that affect cassava yield. To explore the QTL related to quantitative traits such as cassava root weight, this study used Hyper-seq simplified resequencing technology to obtain two hybrid progeny from cassava cultivar SC205 as the female parent and cassava cultiva HB60 and cassava cultiva 18R as the male parent, respectively (of which the HB60 × SC205 progeny is called the A1 population, and the 18R × SC205 is called the A2 population). The genotyping of the two F1 mapping populations was conducted, and a genetic map of the maternal parents of the A1 and A2 populations was constructed by comparing the differences between the parental loci and extracting the same variant loci in the offspring and maternal parents. 18 linkage groups were identified for each parent, consistent with the haploid chromosome number of cassava. On average, each parental map had 6,280 markers, with a marker density ranging from 0.37 cM/marker to 0.43 cM/marker. Using the constructed genetic linkage map, QTL analysis of important quantitative traits such as single plant root weight, root number, and root length to width ratio were conducted, and the main QTLs associated with these traits were identified and candidate genes were identified by combining parental transcriptome data. These results help to further validate the use of hyper-seq technology in cassava breeding and provide new methods for developing future varieties.
Bovine Platelet Lysate as an Alternative Growth Supplement for In Vitro Culture of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Beasley Mya , Sexton Madison , Sims Christina , Madden Kennedy , Smothers Austin , Peng Congyue Annie 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Cell culture media and associated supplements are vital for the proper growth and development of cells for in vitro cell culture. Fetal bovine serum and human platelet lysate are common additives to cell culture media to promote proliferation. Bovine platelet lysate is a novel supplement obtained from bovine plasma that has the potential to become a cheaper, more ethical alternative to fetal bovine serum and human platelet lysate. In this study, we investigated the proliferative effects of DMEM cell culture media supplemented with either fetal bovine serum, human platelet lysate or bovine platelet lysate for triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231) cells. For each differentially supplemented media, proliferation, cell diameter, and wound healing capabilities were assessed. We show that cells grown in bovine platelet lysate had a lower proliferation rate than cells grown in either fetal bovine serum or human platelet lysate but had larger cell diameters and comparable wound healing rates.
Multi-domain Estimation of Health-Related Physical Fitness from Smartwatches
Authors: Beltrame Thomas , Lie Maiko , Alves Gabriel Tormin , Costa Vinícius Torres  D. M. , Filho Antonio Carlos Battaglia , Gois Mariana de Oliveira , Chikui Eduardo Kazuharu , Junior Juscelino Lopes de Oliveira , Pinto Paula Ramos , Angeloni Marcus de Assis , de Souza Francis Ribeiro , Alves Maria Janieire de N Nunes 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Health-related physical fitness (HRPF) has demonstrated high clinical relevance, and its level is associated with the ability to perform activities of daily living with vigor and with lower risk of chronic diseases. Measuring and tracking HRPF often requires specialized equipment and personnel, which are expensive and less applicable for the general population. Wearables may mitigate this issue by providing useful estimates of the HRPF. The aim of this study was to estimate the fitness level for all HRFP domains using smartwatch data. Remote data were obtained from 120 participants (n=98, 22 drop-outs), which wore the smartwatch for a period of 30 days and were divided into three groups: healthy control (n=18), athletes (n=12), and participants with chronic disease (n=46). The fitness level for each HRPF domain was obtained in laboratory following the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines to obtain ground-truth values used to fit multivariable regression models for the cardiorespiratory endurance, body composition, muscular strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility domains. This study demonstrated the feasibility of fitness level prediction for all HRPF domains from the smartwatch, and that normalized scores from these predictions can be as effective as scores from ground-truth measurements from specialized clinical equipment for distinguishing athletes, healthy and diseased participants.
Extreme energy in a relaxed galaxy group indicates the bursty nature of AGN feedback
Authors: Eckert Dominique , Gastaldello Fabio , Lovisari Lorenzo , McGee Sean , Pasini Thomas , Brienza Marisa , Kolokythas Konstantinos , O'Sullivan Ewan , Simionescu Aurora , Sun Ming , Bourne Martin , Chen Yanling , Cui Weiguang , Ettori Stefano , Finoguenov Alexis , Gozaliasl Ghassem , Kale Ruta , Mernier François , Oppenheimer Benjamin , Schellenberger Gerrit , Seppi Riccardo , Tempel Elmo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Supermassive black hole feedback is the currently favoured mechanism to regulate the star formation rate of galaxies and prevent the formation of ultra-massive galaxies (M* > 1e12 Msun). However, the mechanism through which the outflowing energy is transferred to the surrounding medium strongly varies from one galaxy evolution model to another, such that a unified model for AGN feedback does not currently exist. The hot atmospheres of galaxy groups are highly sensitive laboratories of the feedback process, as the injected black hole energy is comparable to the binding energy of halo gas particles. Here we report multi-wavelength observations of the fossil galaxy group SDSSTG 4436. The hot atmosphere of this system exhibits a highly relaxed morphology centred on the giant elliptical galaxy NGC 3298. The X-ray emission from the system features a compact core (<10 kpc) and a steep increase in the entropy and cooling time of the gas, with the cooling time reaching the age of the Universe ∼15 kpc from the centre of the galaxy. The observed entropy profile implies a total injected energy of ∼1.5e61 ergs, which given the high level of relaxation could not have been injected by a recent merging event. Star formation in the central galaxy NGC 3298 is strongly quenched and its stellar population is very old (∼10.6 Gyr). The currently detected radio jets have low power and are confined within the central compact core. All the available evidence implies that this system was affected by giant AGN outbursts which over-heated the neighbouring gas and prevented the formation of a self-regulated feedback cycle. Our findings imply that the AGN feedback phenomenon is more bursty than previously thought and can result in the disruption of cooling cores.
A simplified HPLC-UV method for simultaneous determination of Nɛ-homocysteinyllysine isopeptide and low-molecular-mass thiols in human plasma spaces
Authors: Borowczyk Kamila , Domagała Karolina , Chwatko Grażyna 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Cysteine and glutathione can be applied as therapeutic agents in civilization diseases such as diabetes mellitus and cancers. On the other hand, an elevated concentration of homocysteine, and its metabolites such as homocysteine thiolactone and Nɛ-homocysteinyllysine result in health problems and has been indicated as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease and accelerated atherosclerosis. This work describes the first simplified HPLC-UV method that allows simultaneous determination of Nɛ-homocysteinyllysine isopeptide, cysteine, glutathione and homocysteine in human plasma. The assay is based on reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection and simultaneous reduction of disulfide bound with tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine and the selective pre-column derivatization of the thiol group with 1-benzyl-2-chloropyridinium bromide. Linearity of the detector responses for plasma samples were observed in ranges: 0.1–10.0 nmol/mL for Nɛ-homocysteinyllysine, 2.0–60.0 nmol/mL for glutathione and homocysteine, 20.0–600.0 nmol/mL for cysteine. The proposed method reduces the number of steps, shortens the total time of sample preparation, and limits the amount of single-use polypropylene laboratory materials.