bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health System Barriers and Predictors of Prenatal Care Utilization at a Large Academic Medical Center
Authors: Klare Molly , Dougherty Amanda Miyuki , Chang Melody , Mendes Amberly , Graziano Scott 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Prenatal care (PNC) is one of the most utilized preventative services in the United States, and access to PNC is associated with improved pregnancy outcomes. Despite known benefits, access to PNC is limited by psychosocial and health system barriers. Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities negatively impact access to prenatal care and maternal and fetal health.
Methods
In a medically underserved area, this study analyzed nine health system barriers to PNC using a mixed-methods approach. Over three months, postpartum women were surveyed. Retrospective chart reviews were conducted for PNC utilization, pregnancy comorbidities and outcomes, and demographic information. Data underwent Fischer analyses, chi-squared analyses, and ANOVAs. Institutional Review Board-approved, participants consented for research and quality improvement, including medical record data use.
Results
Among 194 women, average reported barriers to PNC were 2.14, with “scheduling difficulty” (39.6%) and “work/school constraints” (30.2%) most common. Despite most women reporting a similar number of barriers, timing disparities based race and ethnicity, education, and income were observed. Hispanic women initiated PNC later than non-Hispanic White women (13w6d vs. 10w5d; p=0.009). Twelfth-grade education or less initiated PNC bachelor's degree holders (16w vs. 11w; p<0.001). Women who made <45k annually initiated later than >140k (13w3d vs. 9w1d; p=0.02).
Conclusions
Lower socioeconomic status and ethnic minority women exhibit delayed PNC start, linked to adverse outcomes. Noteworthy discrepancies within the surveyed cohorts, despite comparable reported barriers, hint at the existence of supplementary, interconnected obstacles specific to these women. Future efforts should tackle common issues to reduce socioeconomic disparities in pregnancy outcomes.
Significance: Our results indicate the necessity for interventions aimed at enhancing timely and consistent prenatal care access.
Identification of Regime Shifts in Shallow LakesUsing Remote Sensing: Analysis of MacrophyteDynamics and Management Implications
Authors: Zhu Yaping , Lei Pifeng , Chen Miao , Lv Jianhua , Huang Xiaoxuan , Ma Caiyun 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Shallow lakes are one of the richest freshwater ecosystems on Earth, with shallow aquatic vegetation being a fundamentalcomponent of wetland ecosystems, providing various services including water quality improvement, maintaining the balanceof aquatic ecosystems, and providing food and habitat for aquatic animals. Compared to deep lakes, shallow lakes aremore susceptible to external disturbances, leading to transitions from clear water states dominated by submerged plants toturbid water states dominated by algae. Identifying and exploring potential factors causing state transitions have significantimplications for the management of water environments in shallow lakes.Based on Landsat TM/ETM+/OLI remote sensingimages, this study constructed a decision tree classification model using maximum and minimum composite yearly NDVI valuesto remotely infer the evolution of aquatic plants in Qilu Lake from 1991 to 2020. The overall accuracy of the classificationreached 89.29%, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.7933 . Then, the Mann-Kendall trend test and mutation detection method wereused to conduct trend analysis and quantitative mutation identification of submerged plants in Lake Qilu from 1991 to 2020.The trend test showed that the lake ecosystem of Qilu Lake improved from 1991 to 2020 (β = 0.3582, P < 0.01), with the mostsignificant improvement occurring from 2004 to 2012 (β = 0.7872, P < 0.01). The mutation test indicated a significant statetransition in the lake ecosystem of Qilu Lake over the past 30 years, with the mutation point of state transition occurring in2006-2007. Based on state transition, the evolutionary process of the lake ecosystem of Qilu Lake can be divided into twostages: 1991-2006 and 2006-2020, with mean coverage rates of submerged plants in each stage being 8.57% and 15.29%,respectively
Altered microbiome and metabolome profiling in companion dogs, diagnosed with phobia: an exploratory study
Authors: Sacchettino Luigi , Costanzo Michele , Veneruso Iolanda , D'Argenio Valeria , Mayer Maria , Avallone Luigi , Napolitano Francesco , d'Angelo Danila 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Behavioral dysfunctions in dogs represent one of the main social concerns, since they can endanger both humans and animals. Among them, phobia is usually characterised by a strong and persistent fear towards something that might feel dogs threatening, including thunderstorms, fireworks, strangers, or sounds. Alongside with genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, traumatic experiences, and medical conditions can cause dog to develop such psychiatric disorders. The available treatments rely on behavioral therapy, based on cognitive-relational approach, associated to the administration of drugs acting on GABA, serotonin and catecholamines. Unfortunately, pharmacological interventions are hardly effective and discourage the owners, who often decide to relinquish the animals to the shelters. Recent and growing evidence in humans and animals highlight the importance of the gut-brain axis in the modulation of the brain physiology and behavior. Therefore, in the present study we sought to investigate the potential connection between gut microbiota and phobia in companion dogs. To this aim, we first analyzed the faecal microbiota in samples (total n = 16) collected from mixed breed adult dogs (n = 8/group). Differentially abundance analysis allowed us to identify taxa related to Proteobacteria and Firmicutes Phyla, significantly altered in phobic dogs. In addition, metabolome analysis on the blood serum samples of the same phobic dogs showed significant alterations of molecules associated to GABA and glutamate neurotransmission, as well as bile acids metabolism. Collectively, our preliminary data may shed light on the importance of combining behavioral and high-throughput approaches to improve diagnosis and therapy, aimed at counteracting phobia in dogs.
Association between nocturia and serum albumin in the U.S. adults from NHANES 2005-2012
Authors: Jia Yangtao , Yang Fangzheng , Dong Xinke , Zhou Libin , Long Huimin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Nocturia, a prevalent chronic condition, impacts individuals' quality of life but remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the link between serum albumin levels and nocturia.
Methods
Analyzing NHANES data (2005–2012), 6345 adults (≥ 20 years) were studied. Nocturia was defined as ≥ 2 nocturnal voiding episodes. Logistic regression and smooth curve fitting analyzed the linear and nonlinear correlations between serum albumin and nocturia, with subgroup analysis.
Results
Among 6345 participants, 1821 (28.7%) experienced nocturia. Logistic regression analysis revealed a linear negative correlation between serum albumin and nocturia risk (OR = 0.9549, 95% CI = 0.9280 ~ 0.9827, P = 0.002). Even after quartile division of serum albumin concentration, this correlation persisted within each group, and a smooth curve fitting validated the nonlinear negative correlation between the two. Subgroup analysis further demonstrated significant impacts of BMI, alcohol consumption, and age on this association.
Conclusion
This cross-sectional study suggests a link between higher serum albumin levels and reduced nocturia risk.
Cryo- EM structure of ribosome from pathogenic protozoa Entamoeba histolytica, reveals unique features of its architecture
Authors: Kaushal Prem , Sharma Shivani , Mishra Shalini , Gourinath Samudrala 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Entamoeba histolytica, an anaerobic parasite protozoan, is the causative agent of amoebiasis, the bloody diarrhea, and liver abscesses in humans. Amoebiasis is more predominant in tropical areas with poor sanitation conditions, and it remains the fourth leading cause of death due to a protozoan infection. E. histolytica life cycle spans between an infective ‘cyst stage’ and an active disease-causing ‘trophozoite stage’. We have isolated ribosomes from the trophozoite stage and determined its single particle cryo- EM structures. The 53S, ribosome large subunit (LSU), at 2.8 Å resolution, and the 75S, associated ribosome, at 3.3 Å resolution. The E. histolytica possesses a reduced ribosome with a conserved core, and the periphery evolved with Entamoeba specific unique features. The most notable features are the presence of the rRNA triple helix near the peptide exit tunnel on LSU and the co-evolution of rRNA expansion segments and extensions in r-proteins. These structures provide valuable insights into the evolutionary adaption of the Entamoeba translational machinery and could be explored further for amoebicidal therapeutic intervention.
The Subordinate Role of Pseudogenization over Recombinative Deletion Following Polyploidization in Angiosperms
Authors: Li Zhen , Crombez Ewout , de Peer Yves Van 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Extensive gene loss is a key feature of the rediploidization process following polyploidization. Despites this, the molecular mechanisms behind such gene loss are unclear, whether it is through pseudogenization, i.e., the accumulation of deleterious mutations leading to the non-functionality of genes, or through DNA deletion from the genome by recombination. Here, we investigated the extent of pseudogenization post-polyploidization by identifying pseudogenes in collinear segments retained from ancient polyploidy events in twelve angiosperms. The number of identified polyploidy-derived pseudogenes among the investigated species was drastically lower than what would be expected if pseudogenization and DNA deletion contribute equally to gene loss. Because this number could be affected by the decreased pseudogene detectability due to mutation accumulation, and the decreased collinearity over-time, we addressed these issues by simulating neutrally evolving (pseudo)genes and investigating a neo-polyploid sugarcane genome, respectively. Our simulations indicated that in the absence of DNA deletion mechanisms, pseudogenes should be detectable for a longer evolutionary period than observed in the real paleo-polyploid genomes. Furthermore, despite being still polyploid, the neo-polyploid sugarcane genome has already experienced significant gene loss, with only one-third of these loss events associated with pseudogenization. Taken together, these findings imply that gene loss post-polyploidization primarily takes place via deletion through recombinative DNA deletion. This assertion is further reinforced by the identification of an apparent initial phase of rapid gene loss, and an enrichment of pseudogenes in regions of low recombination. Moreover, we hypothesize that some of the found pseudogenes may still govern a function, indicated by their non-neutral Ka/Ks ratio and overlap with lncRNAs.
Alterations in CYP51 of Cercospora beticola and their effects on DMI sensitivity
Authors: Hoffmeister Mascha , Schorer Jonas , Hinson Anja , Stammler Gerd 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Cercospora leaf spot disease (CLS) caused by the ascomycete Cercospora beticola is the most widespread fungal leaf disease in sugar beet. Fungicides of two active ingredient classes, quinone-outside inhibitors (QoIs) and demethylation inhibitors (DMIs), were important tools for CLS control. Over the years, C. beticola has become resistant to QoIs and a sensitivity shift has been reported for DMIs. In this study the mechanisms causing variation in DMI sensitivity in C. beticola isolates from Europe were analyzed. The CYP51 mutations I387M, Y464S, and L144F were detected in many isolates and most isolates carried the L144F in combination with mutation I309T. Furthermore, single isolates with other mutation combinations have been found. Wildtype isolates were found in low frequency in all European countries. Isolates that contained L144F showed higher EC50 values than those without L144F. Ranges of EC50 values of different CYP51 haplotypes were overlapping, an indication that other resistance mechanisms are present. Mutation L144F is more frequently encoded by codon TTC (96%) than by TTT (4%), and the usage of codon TTC was correlated with increased EC50 values, this being more pronounced for difenoconazole than for mefentrifluconazole. In addition, it could be observed that the usage of codon GAG for E at amino acid position 170, instead of GAA, was more frequently found in isolates with a higher adaptation compared with haplotypes that did not contain L144F. Overall, GAA was present in 67% of all isolates and GAG in 33%, with an unequal distribution within the haplotypes. These data indicate that target site mutations, especially L144F haplotypes, influence DMI sensitivity, and that in L144F haplotypes, L144F codon usage might be responsible for variations within L144F haplotypes. The codon usage for E170 may influence sensitivity and increase EC50 variation of wildtype isolates and isolates with “weak” mutations, but not in L144F haplotypes.
Influence of the rotational speed ratio of rollers on the three-dimensional surface rolling process
Authors: Guan Tianyu , Yu Bo , Wang Litao , Fu Wenzhi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Rolling technology with rigid arc rollers presents an innovative approach for the rapid manufacturing of three-dimensional surface components. This method employs a pair of rollers, each possessing a distinct curvature (convex and concave), which act as forming tools. The unique design generates a variable gap between the rollers, applying lateral bending and uneven compression to sheet metal, thus producing components with complex curvatures. Variations in the axial cross-section of the rollers lead to differential linear speeds between the surfaces of the convex and concave rollers, significantly influencing the morphology of the formed three-dimensional surface parts. Adjusting the rotational speed ratio of the rollers results in changes to the linear speed of rollers, which markedly affects the shapes of the components. Employing finite element simulation and experimental studies, this research investigates the effects of rotational speed variations on the bending deformation and dimensional accuracy of three-dimensional surface parts. The results reveal that increasing the rotational speed ratio initially enhances the longitudinal curvature of saddle-shaped parts, which then stabilizes, while the transverse curvature decreases. In spherical components, the longitudinal curvature diminishes and then stabilizes, with minor alterations in the transverse curvature. The degree to which the roller rotational speed ratio impacts curvature intensifies with increasing sheet metal compression. These findings suggest that the roll rotational speed ratio can be used as a new process parameter to enhance the curvature range and surface precision of formed parts.
DeepSeverity: Detection Different Stages of COVID-19 Disease with Combined Convolutional and Bayesian-BiLSTM Models
Authors: Fakhrabadi Ali Khalili , Shahbazzadeh Mehdi Jafari , Jalali Nazanin , Eslami Mahdiyeh 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In the battle against COVID-19, chest CT scans play a crucial role in guiding proper treatment and monitoring. However, accurately assessing severity from these scans necessitates the expertise of highly skilled radiologists. This study introduces a groundbreaking deep learning method that utilizes lung CT images to assess COVID-19 severity. This innovative approach presents a robust tool for evaluating lung involvement in COVID-19 patients. Our proposed architecture employs a Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory Network (BiLSTM) tailored for capturing video information and movement patterns. By harnessing transfer learning from the efficient MobileNetV2 convolutional neural network (CNN) for feature extraction, this method achieves high accuracy in real-time COVID-19 stage detection. Moreover, we introduce a new BiLSTM variant to further enhance the accuracy of stage classification. This variant builds upon established hybrid models recognized for their compactness and effectiveness in extracting relevant features from scans. A substantial dataset of lung CT images, covering various stages of lung involvement across a diverse patient population, was collected over the course of a year during the COVID-19 pandemic. These scans underwent meticulous annotation by expert specialists to determine the percentage of lung involvement, followed by the application of our proposed model to this dataset. This study offers a comprehensive solution for classifying COVID-19 stages and assessing lung involvement. It highlights advancements such as employing MobileNetV2 to capture subtle patterns and deep BiLSTM for recognizing various disease stages. Notably, our hybrid approach achieved a maximum accuracy of 97.41% in distinguishing ten different COVID-19 severity levels. Furthermore, to enhance the efficiency of real-time information processing and performance, edge processing has been incorporated into the proposed model. This addition enables the model to advance in quicker and more accurate identification of disease stages, contributing to the overall enhancement of system performance. The proposed system holds potential as a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating lung involvement in COVID-19 patients and monitoring disease progression.
Chaotic computing cell based on nanostructured phase-change materials
Authors: Nevzorov A. A. , Burtsev A. A. , Kiselev A. V. , Mikhalevsky V. A. , Ionin V. V. , Eliseev N. N. , Lotin A. A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This paper presents and investigates a new architecture of a computational cell based on nanoparticles of the phase change material Ge2Sb2Te5. Such a cell is a chaotic array of nanoparticles deposited between closely spaced electrical contacts. The state of such a structure is determined by the resistance of the nanoparticle array, which depends on the phase state of each particle of the material. Simulation results show that the proposed structure has a number of electrical state switching features that cannot be achieved using a thin film architecture. The proposed architecture allows for smoother and more controlled switching of the resistance by electrical pulses. Simulation of the evolution of the cell state using complex control actions showed that the proposed structure can behave as an artificial convolutional neuron with horizontal connections and also as a multi-level memory cell. In addition, the proposed design is technologically simple to achieve and inexpensive to manufacture.
A meta-ethnography of the factors that shape link workers’ experiences of social prescribing
Authors: Turk Amadea , Tierney Stephanie , Pope Catherine , Mahtani Kamal , Hogan Bernie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Social prescribing is gaining traction internationally. It is an approach which seeks to acknowledge and address some of the effects of the social determinants of health by signposting people to support available in their local communities. It is hoped that social prescribing might improve health inequities and reduce reliance on healthcare services. In the United Kingdom, social prescribing link workers have become core parts of primary care teams. Despite growing the literature on the implementation of social prescribing, to date there has been no synthesis that develops a theoretical understanding of the factors that shape link workers’ experiences of their role.
Methods: We undertook a meta-ethnographic evidence synthesis of qualitative literature to develop a novel conceptual framework that explains how link workers experience their roles. We identified eligible studies using a systematic search of key electronic databases, Google alerts, and through scanning reference lists of included studies. We followed the eMERGe guidance when conducting and reporting this meta-ethnography.
Results: Our synthesis included 21 studies and developed a “line of argument” or overarching conceptual framework which highlighted inherent interrelated and interacting tensions present at each of the levels that social prescribing operates. These tensions may arise from a mismatch between the policy logic of social prescribing and the material and structural reality, which is shaped by social, political, and economic forces, into which it is being implemented.
Conclusion: The tensions highlighted in our review may shape link workers’ experiences of their role. They may call into question the sustainability of social prescribing and the link worker role as currently implemented, as well as their ability to deliver desired outcomes such as improvement in health inequities or reductions in healthcare service utilisation. Greater consideration should be given to how the link worker role is defined, deployed, and trained. Furthermore, thought should be given to ensuring that the infrastructure into which social prescribing is being implemented into is sufficient to meet needs. Should social prescribing seek to improve outcomes for those experiencing social and economic disadvantage, it may be necessary for social prescribing models to allow for more intensive and longer-term modes of support.
PD-1 blockade does not improve efficacy of EpCAM-directed CAR T-cells in lung cancer brain metastasis.
Authors: Blobner Jens , Dengler Laura , Eberle Constantin , Herold Julika J. , Xu Tao , Beck Alexander , Muehlbauer Anton , Müller Katharina J. , Teske Nico , Karschnia Philipp , Heuvel Dominic van den , Schallerer Ferdinand , Ishikawa-Ankerhold Hellen , Thon Niklas , Tonn Joerg-Christian , Subklewe Marion , Kobold Sebastian , Harter Patrick N. , Buchholz Veit R. , von Baumgarten Louisa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Lung cancer brain metastasis have a devastating prognosis, necessitating innovative treatment strategies. While chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells show promise in hematologic malignancies, their efficacy in solid tumors, including brain metastasis, is limited by the immunosuppressive tumor environment. The PD-L1/PD-1 pathway inhibits CAR T-cell activity in the tumor microenvironment, presenting a potential target to enhance therapeutic efficacy. This study aims to evaluate the impact of anti-PD1 antibodies on CAR T-cells in treating lung cancer brain metastasis.
Methods
We utilized a murine immunocompetent, syngeneic orthotopic cerebral metastasis model for repetitive intracerebral two-photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM), enabling in vivo characterization of red fluorescent tumor cells and CAR T-cells at a single-cell level over time. Red fluorescent EpCAM-transduced Lewis Lung carcinoma cells (EpCAM/tdtLL/2 cells) were implanted intracranially. Following the formation of brain metastasis, EpCAM-directed CAR T-cells were injected into adjacent brain tissue, and animals received either anti-PD-1 or an isotype control.
Results
Compared to controls receiving T-cells lacking a CAR, mice receiving EpCAM-directed CAR T-cells showed higher intratumoral CAR T-cell densities in the beginning after intraparenchymal injection. This finding was accompanied with reduced tumor growth and translated into a survival benefit. Additional anti-PD1 treatment, however, did not affect intratumoral CAR T-cell persistence nor tumor growth and thereby did not provide an additional therapeutic effect.
Conclusion
CAR T-cell therapy for brain malignancies appears promising. However, additional anti-PD1 treatment did not enhance intratumoral CAR T-cell persistence or effector function, highlighting the need for novel strategies to improve CAR T-cell therapy in solid tumors.