bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Metagenomics of Vaginal Microbiomes Reveal Strain-Level Differences with Relevance to Colonization and Host-Microbe Interactions
Authors: Nori Sai Ravi Chandra , Walsh Calum , McAuliffe Fionnuala , Moore Rebecca , Sinderen Douwe van , Feehily Conor , Cotter Paul 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The vaginal microbiome, a relatively simple, low diversity ecosystem crucial for female health, is often dominated by Lactobacillus spp.. Studies of this community have often relied on short read amplicon sequencing, limiting the taxonomic resolution to genus or species level. More detailed strain-level data, facilitated by shotgun sequencing, can provide a greater understanding of the mechanisms of colonization and host-microbe interactions. In this study, we analysed 354 vaginal metagenomes from pregnant women in Ireland to investigate the metagenomic community state types and strain-level variations, particularly those involved in cell surface interface with the host. Our analysis showed the presence of multiple metagenomic subspecies across major vaginal bacteria with Lactobacillus crispatus and Lactobacillus iners being the most dominant. Detailed examination revealed distinct genes, including mucin-binding genes, present in Lactobacillus crispatus subspecies but absent in Lactobacillus iners. Within the dataset, we recovered 337 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes and determined that L. crispatus harbours a greater number of strain-specific genes related to cell wall biogenesis, carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism compared to L. iners, with genes predicted to be involved in mucin binding and cell surface structure under positive selection in L. crispatus. Supplementing our dataset with publicly available genomes, we revealed a cell surface glycan gene cluster predominantly present in L. crispatus that is absent from L. iners and Gardnerella vaginalis. Overall, our comprehensive analysis offers new insights into the intra-species diversity of the vaginal microbiome, emphasising the importance of strain-specific variations in factors associated with colonisation and host-microbe interactions, which are essential for maintaining vaginal health.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Skills of Oral Health Care Professionals towards Cancer Treatment-induced Oral Mucositis.
Authors: Mohod Swapnil , Dadgal Komal , Sontakke Tushar , Rahul Neha , Patel Shraddha , Patel Aditya 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and objectives: More than 90% of patients with head and neck malignancies develop cancer treatment-induced oral mucositis CT-IOM. It is commonly referred to stomatitis. It is a common, dose-limiting, and potentially life-threatening side effect of radiation or chemotherapy. The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and skills of oral health care professionals working in different setups regarding the treatment and care of CT-IOM.
Material and methods: This study used a questionnaire with 20 questions that was circulated to oral health care providers using Google Forms. The questionnaire collected data regarding the knowledge, attitude, and skills of oral health care professionals of CT-IOM using multiple answers questions and a Likert scale. The obtained information from the responders was statistically analyzed.
Results:The study was conducted to compare the knowledge, attitude and skills among three groups of private practitioners, dental hospital and general hospitals. Among all the oral healthcare professionals, the responders working in the dental hospital setup are more aware than the private practitioners and the ones working in general hospitals of palliative care in CT-IOM
Conclusion: The study concluded by stating that oral healthcare professionals need to be sensitized regarding palliative care and knowledge of CT-IOM.
A Comprehensive Review of Deep Learning-based Models for Heart Disease Prediction
Authors: Zhou Chunjie , Dai Pengfei , Hou Aihua , Zhang Zhenxing , Liu Li , Li Ali 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Heart disease (HD) is one of the leading causes of death in humans, posing a heavy burden on society, families, and patients. Real-time prediction of HD can reduce mortality rates and is crucial for timely intervention and treatment of HD. Deep learning (DL)-related methods have higher accuracy and real-time performance in predicting HD. In this study, we comprehensively compared and evaluated the contributions and limitations of DL algorithms, extended deep learning (ETDL) algorithms, and integrated deep learning (integrated DL) algorithms that combine DL with other technologies for predicting HD. The articles considered span the period from 2018 to 2023, and after rigorous screening, 63 articles were selected for preliminary research. A systematic literature review of real-time HDP will provide future researchers with a comprehensive understanding of existing deep learning methods and related integrated technologies in the healthcare industry. Furthermore, it discusses popular datasets employed in deploying numerous prediction models. Additionally, it reveals existing open problems or challenges encountered by previous researchers. Notably, the most prevalent challenge is the scarcity of large discrete datasets, followed by the need for further improvement of existing models.
The effect of authoritarian leadership on young nurses’ burnout: The mediating role of organizational climate and psychological capital
Authors: Zheng Xiaojia , Song Jiamei , Shi Xindi , Lu Guangli , Chen Chaoran 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the relationship between authoritarian leadership and burnout for young nurses in China, and the mediating role of organizational climate and psychological capital in this relationship.
Background: As the backbone of clinical nursing, young nurses are prone to job burnout due to the tedious work and the intense work intensity of clinical nursing. It is critical to pay close attention to young nurse burnout to elevate nursing quality and patient satisfaction.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out. From November to December 2022, 1,160 nurses from 4 hospitals in Henan, China took part in the survey. Pearson correlation analysis, descriptive statistics and structural equation model were used to analyze the existing data.
Results: Authoritarian leadership can positively predict burnout (β = 0.260, P < 0.001) and negatively predict organizational climate (β = -0.270, P< 0.001) and psychological capital (β = -0.090, P < 0.001). Organizational climate positively predicted psychological capital (β = 0.880, P < 0.001) and negatively predicted burnout (β = -0.260, P < 0.001). Psychological capital negatively predicted burnout (β = 0.200, P < 0.001). The direct effect of authoritative leadership on burnout was 0.338.
Conclusions: The impact of authoritarian leadership on young nurse burnout was mediated by organizational climate and psychological capital in a chain reaction, and examined the mediating model of authoritative leadership → organizational climate → psychological capital → burnout of young nurses. The results showed that nursing managers need to fully understand the disadvantages of authoritarian leadership and adjust related behaviors in time. Targeted management measures can be implemented from the organizational climate and psychological capital of young nurses to alleviate the burnout of nurses and improve the quality of nursing services.
TOX: A Potential New Immune Checkpoint in Cancers by A Pan-Cancer Analysis
Authors: Qiu Shengliang , Lin Weiye , Zhou Zhengyang , Hong Qianran , Chen Shuangyu , Li Jiayang , Zhong Fengyun , Zhou Qinfeng , Cui Dawei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
TOX (Thymocyte Selection-Associated HMG BOX) belongs to a family of transcription factors with a conserved high mobility group box (HMG-box) domain. Research indicates that TOX is involved in tumor development and T cell exhaustion. This study used data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to evaluate TOX expression across cancers.
Methods
TOX expression was analyzed using RNAseq data from TCGA and the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. Genetic alterations and protein levels were assessed via Human Protein Atlas (HPA), GeneCards, and String databases. Prognostic significance was determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariate Cox regression. Enrichment analysis was performed using the "clusterProfiler" R package. The relationship between TOX and immune cell infiltration was analyzed via TIMER2 and "CIBERSORT." Differences in TOX expression between cancerous and adjacent normal tissues were confirmed using immunohistochemistry.
Results
TOX expression varied across TCGA cancer types, with high expression in gliomas and lymphoma and low expression in other cancers. Genetic alterations and protein levels correlated with cancer prognosis and were linked to immune pathways, cell infiltration, and checkpoints. Significant differences in TOX expression between cancerous and adjacent normal tissues were confirmed.
Conclusions
TOX is a promising biomarker for cancer, likely playing a role in regulating the immune microenvironment and providing opportunities for novel targeted therapies.
A System-Level Model Reveals that Transcriptional Stochasticity is Required for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Differentiation
Authors: Álvarez-Buylla Elena R , Herrera Joel , Bensussen Antonio , García-Gómez Monica L. , Garay-Arroyo Adriana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background The differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells towards their different cell fates, has been difficult to study experimentally due to the diverse number of physiological conditions involved in it. These experimental obstacles have generated antagonistic positions to explain this differentiation process.Methods Here, we build a gene regulation network that integrates several aspects documented in the literature on the regulation of the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells towards their different cell fates. Based on this network, we used Boolean, stochastic and continuous models to simulate the conditions of the hematopoietic stem cell niche under physiological conditions.Results We found that the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells is a process in which cell fates can transdifferentiate among themselves through plasticity phenomena, which are supported by the stochasticity of transcription. Finally, we found that oxygen activates the production of reactive oxygen species that inhibits the quiescence of hematopoietic stem cells and promote the growth and differentiation pathways of the hematopoietic stem cells.Conclusion Hematopoiesis is a plastic process strongly conditioned at a genetic level that can be altered by the microenvironment in which it takes place, as well as by metabolism.
Integrated Geophysical Characterization of the Active Sidi–Thabet Fault (Northeastern Tunisia): Implications for Active Tectonics and Seismotectonics
Authors: Mejri Lassaad , Sayah Nermine 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The present-day seismicity reported from permanent networks in northeastern Tunisia is of low to moderate magnitude. However, several damaging earthquakes have been documented in the northeastern region, including the Utica earthquake of 412 and the Tunis earthquakes of 854, 857, and 1957. This seismic activity is a result of the ongoing deformation of tectonic structures in this area. The Sidi Thabet region, dominated by the geological structure of Jebel Ammar, is particularly seismically active, with earthquakes exceeding magnitude 5 and occasionally causing surface ruptures. The Jebel Ammar structure is underlain by a preexisting E-trending fault, referred to as the Sidi-Thabet fault in this study. Geologic, seismic, neotectonic, and geophysical investigations have revealed recent tectonic activity on this fault. Recent surface tectonic markers found along the fault lineament suggest quaternary activity on this fault. Geophysical investigations, including electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and seismic refraction sections, confirm the fault's recent activity. The results of the focal mechanism analysis agree with the estimates of strike-slip to transpression paleostress from the Neotectonic period. Tectonic activity observed along the fault zone indicates a significant seismic hazard and high seismic risk for the three million residents in the Tunis metropole, located south of the study area.
Using dynamic materials modelling approach to establish critical parameters for hot coiling of spring steels
Authors: Matejeke Velaphi , Kareem Sodiq Abiodun , Klenam Desmond , Merwe Josias van der , Gwalani Bharat , Obiko Japheth , Bodunrin Michael 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study investigated deformation-induced defects in 55Cr3, 54SiCr6, and 52CrMoV4 spring steels through isothermal compression testing using Gleeble 3500 thermomechanical simulator. The tests were conducted at deformation temperatures of 760, 820, 860, and 920°C, strain rates of 0.1, 1, 5, and 10 s-1, and a total strain of 0.5. Critical parameters leading to defects were established using power dissipation and instability maps. Microstructural examinations were performed on the deformed samples to validate predictions from power dissipation and instability maps. The results indicated that 55Cr3 spring steel exhibited instability at 850-870°C and 0.3-0.6 s-1, resulting in rounded cracks and pores in the microstructure. To avoid these defects, this temperature and strain rate range should be avoided during the coiling of 55Cr3 with a ferritic-pearlitic initial microstructure. Both 54SiCr6 and 52CrMoV4 were identified as potential alternatives to 55Cr3, with both alloys primarily undergoing dynamic recovery similar to 55Cr3. However, 54SiCr6 was recommended as the preferred alternative due to its higher power dissipation efficiency of 33% and an optimum deformation region similar to that of 55Cr3.
Deep neural network-enabled dual-functional wideband absorbers
Authors: Li Jing , Ma BinYi , Chen Huanyang , Cai Rui , Chen SiMing , Wu Qiannan , Li Mengwei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The burgeoning interest in switchable and tunable wideband perfect absorbers for modulation, energy harvesting, and spectroscopy has galvanized researchers. In this study, under the support of deep neural networks (DNN), we introduce a dual-function terahertz (THz) metamaterial absorber, achieving dual-wideband perfect absorption via graphene and vanadium dioxide (VO2), facilitating switching and tuning. Simulation outcomes indicate that in the insulating phase of VO2, a high-frequency wideband from 9.31 THz to 9.77 THz is attainable, boasting an absorption rate exceeding 90%. Conversely, in the metallic phase of VO2, a full-band wideband absorption over 90% is observed from 8.44 THz to 9.75 THz. The fractional bandwidths achieved are 61.3% and 174.6%, respectively. Electrical manipulation of graphene's Fermi level from 0.01 eV to 1 eV allows for continuous adjustment of absorption intensity between 48% and 100%. Moreover, the absorber demonstrates polarization insensitivity to TE and TM waves, owing to its symmetric design and wide incidence angle. This design shows promise for various THz range applications, including switching, electromagnetic shielding, stealth technology, filtering, and sensing.
Bayesian dynamic models to estimate the impact of halting vehicle fleets on the air quality: a case study from Medellín, Colombia
Authors: Pérez Carlos , Jiménez Johnatan Cardona , Gomez-Miranda I.N. , Ramírez Isabel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), outdoor air pollution is estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature deaths worldwide in 2019. Under this scenario, the development of statistical tools for assessing the impact of a possible reduction of fossil fuels-based transportation systems on air quality is more relevant than ever. This type of instruments can help policy makers to take the right path to tackle the problem of air pollution in urban environments. Thus, this work proposes a method to evaluate the impact of the reduction of vehicle fleets on air quality. The method is based on the construction of coun-terfactual time series, which represent observed air pollutants under a treatment of interest. In this case, the treatment of interest are the vehicle fleets on the streets. The construction of the counterfactual time series is based on Bayesian dynamic linear models. Several impact assessment measures are implemented, taking advantage of the counterfactual and observed time series (the observed pollutant without the treatment). The flexibility of the Bayesian approach allows easy inference of the impact quantities via high posterior density intervals. Some simulation analyses show that the method works well under different impact scenarios, and one application regarding Medellin’s case in Colombia is presented. For the application, it is shown that the drastic reduction in vehicle fleets during the COVID-19 mobility restrictions led to a significant reduction in the presence of different pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, NOx)
A Numerical Investigation on a Novel Approach for Designing Semi-Rigid Barriers for Rockfall Protection Based on Spider Web Geometry
Authors: Kerhali Okba , Palassi Massoud , Azad Amir Reza Ghiami 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Semi-rigid rockfall barriers are commonly used to mitigate rockfall hazards by preventing rocks from falling into ‎roads and railways paths. Many companies and authorities design these semi-rigid barriers without any clear standards or ‎guidelines. Some guidelines such as the European technical approval of falling rock protection kits (ETAG 027) are occasionally used in testing flexible rockfall barriers. ‎The current study proposes a new approach for designing flexible barriers in general, and semi-rigid barriers in particular. This new approach is inspired by the spider web geometry and its topology. A virtual computer simulation by finite element software ̎Abaqus/explicit is also performed on a semi-rigid barrier that complies with most of the design practices. The ‎results are compared with a previous virtual simulation study of a semi-rigid barrier. ‎The comparison of the results shows that the proposed rockfall barrier design method leads to a better design compared to other previously investigated design methods.
Online and Blended Delivery of Multi-Group Family Intervention for Families Living with Parental Mental Illness: Qualitative Evaluation
Authors: Moltrecht Bettina , Edbrooke-Childs Julian , Labno Angelika , Merrick Hannah , Lange A M C , Ravaccia Giulia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the UK 1 in 4 children are exposed to parental mental illness (PMI). Families living with PMI are poorly provided for across social and mental health care settings. Whole-family interventions can reduce associated risks, enhance families’ overall functioning, mental health, and wellbeing. We evaluated how families experienced a modified version of KidsTime, a whole-family intervention for families living with PMI. KidsTime is normally delivered in-person, here we evaluated a modified version that was delivered online and in a blended approach throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We used a qualitative research design involving semi-structured interviews and focus groups with parents/carers, children and intervention facilitators. We collected and analysed data from 22 families and 6 facilitators. Thematic reflexive analysis was used to analyse the data. The intervention was perceived as acceptable. The blended delivery approach was considered to cater for a wider range of families wanting to take part. We generated seven themes that reflect participants’ experiences with the intervention: (1) delivery modes, online, in-person and blended; (2) intervention content, structure and format; (3) families’ beliefs, attitudes and feelings; (4) learning; (5) social connection; (6) support and positivity; (7) observed changes and perceived impact. Based on participants’ feedback we provide insights into possible benefits and change mechanisms of the intervention. We give suggestions for clinical practice and how the intervention and its delivery can be improved. Future research should focus on: (1) co-design activities with families to help refine the intervention further and (2) confirming the intervention’s effectiveness in sufficiently powered trials.
Clinical Management of Intestinal Malrotation in Different Age Groups
Authors: Bostancı Süleyman Arif , Öztorun Can İhsan , Erten Elif Emel , Akkaya Fahri , Akbaş İrem , Çayhan Vildan Selin , Abay Aslı Nur , Demir Sabri , Ertürk Ahmet , A Müjdem Nur , Şenel Emrah 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose:Intestinal malrotation, characterized by abnormal intestinal positioning, can lead to severe complications like volvulus and internal hernias, especially in neonates and children. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic methods, treatment results and postoperative follow-up of pediatric patients treated for intestinal malrotation.
Methods:This retrospective study reviewed medical records of pediatric patients who underwent surgery for intestinal malrotation between January 2013 and January 2022. Data on demographics, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, surgical interventions, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.
Results:The study included 45 patients, with a male predominance (68.8%). Ages ranged from 1 day-15 years, averaging 1.54 years. Presenting symptoms were acute abdomen (n=21) and chronic abdominal pain with vomiting (n=24). Diagnoses were established via physical exams and imaging, including upper gastrointestinal contrast studies and abdominal ultrasonography. All patients received the Ladd procedure, with some requiring necrotic bowel resection due to volvulus.
Conclusion:The diagnosis and management of pediatric intestinal malrotation present significant challenges due to its variable symptoms and potential for life-threatening complications. Early and accurate diagnosis, followed by appropriate surgical management, is crucial. This study emphasizes the importance of diligent postoperative follow-up to identify and mitigate complications, particularly in younger and severely affected patients.