bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexually transmitted infections: Prevalence and clinical outcomes among pregnant women in Western Sydney
Authors: Ju I. , Elhindi J. , Hook M. , Melov S. J. , Sawleshwarkar S. , Yapa H. M. , Zablotska I. , Pasupathy D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractObjectiveWe report the prevalence, characteristics and clinical outcomes of women with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in pregnancy in the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) serving a large culturally and socio‐economically diverse community in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, over the last 10 years.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of all pregnant women booked for antenatal care at three hospitals in WSLHD between September 2012 and August 2022 inclusive. Characteristics and birth outcomes associated with STIs diagnosed in pregnancy (chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis) are reported using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for relevant confounders.ResultsDuring 2012–2022, there were 102 905 births and 451 women (0.44%) with an STI diagnosis during pregnancy. The number of women with a history of chlamydia prior to their current pregnancy has increased over the last 10 years (P < 0.001). STIs in pregnancy were more common in younger women aged <20 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.30, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.04–10.57), 20–24 years (aOR 3.12, 95% CI 2.46–3.96), and >40 years (adj OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.07–2.59), in women with body mass index >30 (aOR 1.73, 95%CI 1.37–2.19), and those who smoked (aOR 2.24, 95% CI 1.71–2.94) and consumed alcohol (aOR 3.14, 95% CI 1.88–5.23) and illicit drugs (aOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.31–3.36). STIs in pregnancy were borderline associated with stillbirth (aOR 2.19 95% CI 0.90–5.36) but did not have a significant impact on preterm birth (aOR 1.21, 95% CI 0.87–1.68), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) (aOR 1.02, 95% CI 0.77–1.34), or having a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) baby (aOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.74–1.27).ConclusionsSociodemographic factors such as age, weight, smoking, and alcohol and drug use, were associated with the STI incidence in pregnancy. While the latter did not have an impact on preterm birth, NICU admission, and SGA in our cohort, there was a borderline association with stillbirth. Future research should identify barriers and facilitators to testing in a multicultural population and understanding the drivers of higher rates of STIs in certain population groups.
Performance evaluation of a microbial fuel cell for resource recovery as struvite and bioelectricity generation from slaughterhouse wastewater
Authors: Chandrasekharan Sreelakshmi , Sathiasivan Kiruthika , Ramaswamy Jeyalakshmi 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe microbial fuel cell (MFC) is a potential cost‐effective technology for the energy‐neutral treatment of wastewater. However, the successful implementation of this technology in resource recovery is still limited. In this study, a microbial electrochemical cell was designed and operated for 30 days. Critical factors for removal and recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus as struvite from wastewater were assessed.RESULTSOptimization studies on critical factors such as the chemical oxygen demand (COD) of wastewater (500–2000 mg L−1) and cathode aeration rate (45–135 mL min−1) were conducted using a pure culture of Escherichia coli. The system yielded an average power density of 465 mW m−2, average current density of 915 mA m−2 and phosphorus recovery at an extent of 40% as struvite. Additionally, a maximum reduction in the COD of 90% with an average coulombic efficiency of about 82% was obtained at a short interval of 30 days. Solubility studies of the recovered struvite for 12 h at different pH values from 4.5 to 9 showed a maximum solubility of 80% at pH 4.5 and a minimum of 3.5% at pH 9.CONCLUSIONThis study moves one step closer to applying MFC technology for nitrogen‐ and phosphorus‐rich wastewater treatment with concurrent struvite precipitation and electricity production. In this way, Sustainable Development Goals 2, 6 and 7 can be achieved through resource recovery, clean water and bioenergy. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Eculizumab for Shiga‐toxin‐induced hemolytic uremic syndrome in adults with neurological involvement
Authors: Lee Benjamin J. , Arter Zhaohui , Doh Jean , Griffin Shawn P. , Vittayawacharin Pongthep , Atallah Steven , Shieh Kevin R. , Tran Minh‐Ha , Jodele Sonata , Kongtim Piyanuch , Ciurea Stefan O. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe role of eculizumab in treating Shiga‐toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) patients with neurological involvement remains unclear. We describe two distinctly different STEC‐HUS patients with neurologic involvement successfully managed with eculizumab, and perform a literature review of all published cases. Both patients had complete resolution of neurological symptoms after initiation of eculizumab. Eighty patients with STEC‐HUS treated with eculizumab were identified in the literature, 68.7% had complete resolution of neurological symptoms. Based on our experience and literature review, three prevailing themes were noted: 1) Early eculizumab administration optimized neurological outcomes, 2) Symptom resolution may not be immediate, neurological symptoms may initially worsen before improvement, and 3) Plasma exchange yielded no benefit. Early administration of eculizumab may reverse neurotoxicity in patients with STEC‐HUS.
Construction of an early differentiation diagnosis model for patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome
Authors: Wang Wenjie , Wang Zijian , Chen Zumin , Liang Manman , Zhang Aiping , Sheng Haoyu , Ni Mingyue , Yang Jianghua 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSevere fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease with a high mortality rate. Differentiating between SFTS and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) is difficult and inefficient. Retrospective analysis of the medical records of individuals with SFTS and HFRS was performed. Clinical and laboratory data were compared, and a diagnostic model was developed based on multivariate logistic regression analyzes. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic model. Among the 189 patients, 113 with SFTS and 76 with HFRS were enrolled. Univariate analysis revealed that more than 20 variables were significantly associated with SFTS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that gender, especially female gender (odds ratio [OR]: 4.299; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.163–15.887; p = 0.029), age ≥65 years (OR: 16.386; 95% CI: 3.043–88.245; p = 0.001), neurological symptoms (OR: 12.312; 95% CI: 1.638–92.530; p = 0.015), leukopenia (<4.0 × 109/L) (OR: 17.355; 95% CI: 3.920–76.839; p < 0.001), and normal Cr (OR: 97.678; 95% CI: 15.483–616.226; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with SFTS but not with HFRS. The area under the curve of the differential diagnostic model was 0.960 (95% CI: 0.936–0.984), which was significantly better than that of each single factor. In addition, the model exhibited very excellent sensitivity and specificity (92.9% and 85.5%, respectively). In cases where HFRS and SFTS are endemic, a diagnostic model based on five parameters, such as gender, age ≥65 years, neurological symptoms, leukopenia and normal Cr, will facilitate the differential diagnosis of SFTS and HFRS in medical institutions, especially in primary care settings.
Mismatch novelty exploration training shifts VPAC1 receptor‐mediated modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity by endogenous VIP in male rats
Authors: Aidil‐Carvalho Fatima , Caulino‐Rocha Ana , Ribeiro Joaquim Alexandre , Cunha‐Reis Diana 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNovelty influences hippocampal‐dependent memory through metaplasticity. Mismatch novelty detection activates the human hippocampal CA1 area and enhances rat hippocampal‐dependent learning and exploration. Remarkably, mismatch novelty training (NT) also enhances rodent hippocampal synaptic plasticity while inhibition of VIP interneurons promotes rodent exploration. Since VIP, acting on VPAC1 receptors (Rs), restrains hippocampal LTP and depotentiation by modulating disinhibition, we now investigated the impact of NT on VPAC1 modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in male Wistar rats. NT enhanced both CA1 hippocampal LTP and depotentiation unlike exploring an empty holeboard (HT) or a fixed configuration of objects (FT). Blocking VIP VPAC1Rs with PG 97269 (100 nM) enhanced both LTP and depotentiation in naïve animals, but this effect was less effective in NT rats. Altered endogenous VIP modulation of LTP was absent in animals exposed to the empty environment (HT). HT and FT animals showed mildly enhanced synaptic VPAC1R levels, but neither VIP nor VPAC1R levels were altered in NT animals. Conversely, NT enhanced the GluA1/GluA2 AMPAR ratio and gephyrin synaptic content but not PSD‐95 excitatory synaptic marker. In conclusion, NT influences hippocampal synaptic plasticity by reshaping brain circuits modulating disinhibition and its control by VIP‐expressing hippocampal interneurons while upregulation of VIP VPAC1Rs is associated with the maintenance of VIP control of LTP in FT and HT animals. This suggests VIP receptor ligands may be relevant to co‐adjuvate cognitive recovery therapies in aging or epilepsy, where LTP/LTD imbalance occurs.
Characterization and modulation of the pro‐inflammatory effects of immune cells in the canine intervertebral disk
Authors: Heimann Mary K. , Thompson Kelly , Gunsch Gilian , Tang Shirley N. , Klamer Brett , Corps Kara , Walter Benjamin A. , Moore Sarah A. , Purmessur Devina 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundIntervertebral disk (IVD) degeneration affects both humans and canines and is a major cause of low back pain (LBP). Mast cell (MC) and macrophage (MØ) infiltration has been identified in the pathogenesis of IVD degeneration (IVDD) in the human and rodent model but remains understudied in the canine. MC degranulation in the IVD leads to a pro‐inflammatory cascade and activates protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2) on IVD cells. The objectives of the present study are to: (1) highlight the pathophysiological changes observed in the degenerate canine IVD, (2) further characterize the inflammatory effect of MCs co‐cultured with canine nucleus pulposus (NP) cells, (3) evaluate the effect of construct stiffness on NP and MCs, and (4) identify potential therapeutics to mitigate pathologic changes in the IVD microenvironment.MethodsCanine IVD tissue was isolated from healthy autopsy research dogs (beagle) and pet dogs undergoing laminectomy for IVD herniation. Morphology, protein content, and inflammatory markers were assessed. NP cells isolated from healthy autopsy (Mongrel hounds) tissue were co‐cultured with canine MCs within agarose constructs and treated with cromolyn sodium (CS) and PAR2 antagonist (PAR2A). Gene expression, sulfated glycosaminoglycan content, and stiffness of constructs were assessed.ResultsCD 31+ blood vessels, mast cell tryptase, and macrophage CD 163+ were increased in the degenerate surgical canine tissue compared to healthy autopsy. Pro‐inflammatory genes were upregulated when canine NP cells were co‐cultured with MCs and the stiffer microenvironment enhanced these effects. Treatment with CS and PAR2 inhibitors mediated key pro‐inflammatory markers in canine NP cells.ConclusionThere is increased MC, MØs, and vascular ingrowth in the degenerate canine IVD tissue, similar to observations in the clinical population with IVDD and LBP. MCs co‐cultured with canine NP cells drive inflammation, and CS and PAR2A are potential therapeutics that may mitigate the pathophysiology of IVDD in vitro.
Effects of Low‐Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound on the Regulation of Free Fatty Acid Release in 3T3‐L1 Cells
Authors: Wu Liu , Xiao Xinfang , Deng Juan , Zhou Yiqing , Li Junfen , He Sicheng , Wang Yan 
Published: April 2024

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of low‐intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the proliferation, differentiation, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α)‐induced lipolysis of 3T3‐L1 cells, and to explore the feasibility of regulating the release of free fatty acids (FFA) to prevent lipotoxicity.MethodsDifferent intensities (30, 60, 90, and 120 mW/cm2) of LIPUS were applied to 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes for different durations (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes). Appropriate parameters for subsequent experiments were selected by assessing cell viability. The effect of LIPUS on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells was evaluated by microscope observation, flow cytometry, and lipid content determination. After treated with LIPUS and TNF‐α (50 ng/mL), the degree of lipolysis was assessed by measuring the extracellular FFA content. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was used to detect the mRNA expression of relevant genes.ResultsDifferent parameters of LIPUS significantly enhance the viability of 3T3‐L1 cells (P < .05), with 20 minutes and 30 mW/cm2 as the most suitable settings. After LIPUS treatment, 3T3‐L1 cell proliferation accelerated, apoptosis rate and G1 phase cell proportion decreased, the content of lipid droplets and TG was increased in differentiated cells, while FFA release decreased (P < .05). The expression of PCNA, PPARγ, C/EBPα, Perilipin A mRNA increased, and the expression of TNF‐α, ATGL, HSL mRNA decreased (P < .05).ConclusionsLIPUS could promote the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3‐L1 cells and inhibit TNF‐α‐induced lipolysis, indicating its potential as a therapy for mitigating lipotoxicity caused by decompensated adipocytes.
An important source of terrestrial microplastics‐atmospheric deposition: A microplastics survey based on Shaanxi, China
Authors: Wang Xiaoxiao , Ouyang Zhuozhi , He Yifei , Ding Ling , Liang Xujun , Guo Xuetao 
Published: April 2024

AbstractRecently, more and more studies have shown that the air may be an important source of microplastics (MPs) in the environment. But there is still a lack of research on MPs in the atmosphere. Here, we obtained the results of MPs concentration in atmospheric deposition in Shaanxi Province. Sampling was carried out for 6 months in 10 cities in Shaanxi Province and three different functional areas in Xi'an City. The results show that the MPs exist widely in the air of Shaanxi Province. The lowest MPs concentration of MPs was observed in Tongchuan (TC) and the highest in Xi'an (XA). Factors affecting the distribution of MPs in the atmosphere may include climate and urban population. Spectral analysis revealed that these MPs consisted of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PET, PAN, PE, and PP constituted the majority (90%) of the detected polymer types. The current research aims to contribute to the limited existing knowledge by examining the presence of MPs in all (wet and dry) atmospheric deposition in the urban environment of Shaanxi Province. The quantity, size, shape, and polymer type are evaluated, thereby improving our understanding of the characteristics of MPs deposition in urban environments.
Structural, thermal and optoelectrical study of PVA/iron oxide nanocomposite films
Authors: Basit M. , Aslam M. , Ahmad M. , Raza Z. A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe work reported here deals with fabricating iron oxide nanoparticles incorporated polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite films via the solution‐casting green route, characterized using various characterization techniques. X‐ray diffraction analysis shows interaction of nanoparticles with the polyvinyl alcohol matrix, scanning electron microscopy shows surface morphology of crack‐free films, energy dispersive spectroscopy indicates elemental purity, tensiometer analysis shows changing behavior of hydrophilic to hydrophobic, thermogravimetric analysis shows improved thermal stability, ultraviolet‐visible spectroscopy shows tunable optical properties, and frequency response analysis shows improved electrical properties. A small incorporation (1 wt. %) of iron oxide nanoparticles has induced significant alternations in structural, wetting, thermal, optical, and electrical properties of the polyvinyl alcohol‐based nanocomposite films. Results showed notable changes in the structural phases, water contact angle (39.5° to 97.7°), optical absorption edge (5.12 eV to 4.84 eV), indirect band gap (4.99 eV to 4.68 eV), direct bandgap (5.41 eV to 5.21 eV), and band tail (0.57 eV to 0.89 eV) from native polyvinyl alcohol to polyvinyl alcohol/iron oxide nanocomposite films. Enhancements were observed in refractive indices, optical conductivity, optical dielectric loss, thermal stability, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss on incorporating iron oxide nanoparticles into the polyvinyl alcohol matrix. The fabricated nanocomposite films might be a potential material for optoelectronic and microelectronics applications.
Effect of groove angle on the residual stress and deformation of nuclear waste container cylinder body welded by plasma arc welding
Authors: Li T. , Huang B. , Hong X. , Zheng J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAs an important barrier for high‐level radioactive waste transportation and deep burial disposal, the welding quality of nuclear waste container is particularly important. At present, nuclear waste container is usually manufactured by plasma arc welding. Therefore, in order to manufacture nuclear waste container parts with high quality, based on the finite element simulation software simufact welding, this paper uses a combination of numerical simulation and experimental verification to simulate the temperature field, stress field and deformation of the longitudinal weld of 316L nuclear waste container cylinder body by selecting different welding groove angles. The test results show that the groove angle of the V‐groove increases, the residual stress distribution and size increase, and the deformation increases. The stress value of the I‐shaped groove is between the V‐shaped groove angle of 30° and 45°, but the deformation is the smallest. In practical engineering applications, residual stress and deformation need to be considered comprehensive. Reasonable groove angle plays an important role in controlling residual stress and deformation after welding.
Sustainable production of graphene quantum dots from rice husk for photo‐degradation of organochlorine pesticides
Authors: Gaayathri K. H. , Debnath R. , Roy M. , Saha M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe controlled synthesis of two‐dimensional nanocrystals of graphene particles instead of amorphous carbon quantum dots is highly challenging and requires tremendous efforts to optimize the reaction conditions. It has been observed that as a significant bio‐compatible zero‐dimensional material, graphene quantum dots are considered as a novel material for opto‐electronics, energy, biological and environmental applications. However, very few are known about their utilization in photocatalytic degradation of pesticides, especially organochlorine pesticides which are resistant to removal by conventional wastewater treatment methods. In this work, graphene quantum dots were produced from rice husk at relatively low temperatures, resulting in an average particle size of 3.3 nm. The high resolution transmission electron microscopy clearly showed the formation of spherical quantum dots having lattice fringes and the selected area electron diffraction pattern showed the crystallinity of the graphene quantum dots. A study of photodegradation of three highly toxic organochlorine pesticides namely, dichlorodiphenyl trichloro ethane, cypermethrin and fenvalerate were carried out using as‐synthesized graphene quantum dots from rice husk. Interestingly, all these pesticides were found to be degraded around 60 % to 70 % under visible light conditions. It confirmed that synthesized graphene quantum dots from rice husk can act as prominent photocatalyst for the degradation of pesticides and other pollutants.
A novel carbon‐flax bioepoxy hybrid composite bone plate with enhanced bio‐mechanical performance
Authors: Kennedy S. M. , Arunachalam V. , Kannan A. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to pioneer a transformative approach in orthopedic implant design by developing and analyzing a groundbreaking carbon‐flax reinforced bioepoxy hybrid composite bone plate. The primary objectives of the present research were to enhance the bio‐mechanical performance of orthopedic implants and explore the potential applications of the novel material for orthopedic implants. Hybrid composite plate was fabricated mimicking the human bone with the soft inner core and a rigid outer coating. Mechanical properties for the hybrid composite were obtained through material characterization studies as per ASTM standards. The hybrid composite bone plates were tested as per bio‐mechanical test standard and the results were correlated with the finite element simulations. The maximum stress value in the experiments for the biomechanical four‐point bending tests was 331.74 MPa, and the corresponding strain value was 0.0337. The maximum equivalent stress and strain values obtained from simulation were in line with the findings of the experiments. The current research signifies a paradigm shift in orthopedic implant technology. The carbon‐flax bioepoxy hybrid composite offers remarkable potential for orthopedic applications, promising safer and more durable solutions for patients in need of bone repair or replacement.
A comprehensive review to find capabilities of 4D printing in implantable medical devices
Authors: Sharma A. , Vishwakarma P. N. , Gupta S. , Dixit S. , Kumar S. R. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe field of 4D printing has emerged as a promising technology in the realm of implantable medical devices. Unlike traditional 3D printing, 4D printing allows for the fabrication of materials that can change shape or function over time in response to external stimuli. This review paper provides an overview of the application of 4D printing in implantable medical devices, highlighting its potential benefits, challenges, and future directions. This paper provide an overview of 4D printing, exploring the application of 4D printing in implantable medical devices and discuss the advantages and challenges of 4D‐printed implants. These advantages may include patient‐specific customization, enhanced functionality and performance, and minimally invasive procedures. Additionally, the paper addresses the challenges and future prospective associated with material selection, fabrication techniques, scalability, and regulatory and ethical considerations in the context of 4D printing. By addressing these topics, this review paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the application of 4D printing in implantable medical devices. It seeks to contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field and inspire further research and innovation in this promising area of healthcare technology.