bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Creep properties and nonlinear energy evolution characteristics of granitic gneiss in high-stress underground engineering
Authors: Wang Nanyun , Liu Xinrong , Zhong Zuliang , Zhu Kaixin , Ren Yuqi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The creep properties and nonlinear energy evolution characteristics of granitic gneiss under high ground stress are investigated in this study. Basic mechanical property tests were conducted on the rock, followed by triaxial creep tests under high confining pressure. The research findings reveal the nonlinear energy evolution mechanism of granitic gneiss under high ground stress, providing a foundation for further investigation into the creep behavior of deeply buried rock masses. The experimental results show that under the same stress level, compared with the conventional test, rocks in the creep test exhibit a higher energy dissipation and a lower capacity for storing elastic energy. As the confining pressure increases, the promoting effect on energy accumulation is more significant than the inhibiting effect. The energy storage coefficient for creep compression ranges from 0.7–0.75, while for conventional compression it ranges from 0.79–0.94. In conventional tests, cracks in the rock begin to propagate periodically when the loading stress reaches 81.1% of the peak stress. Similarly, cracks start to propagate irregularly in the rock when the loading stress reaches 84.2% of the peak stress. In creep tests, both high confining pressure and step loading delay the onset of periodic and irregular fractures in deeply buried creep rocks.
Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections impacts the gut antimicrobial resistome
Authors: Langelier Charles , Chu Victoria , Glascock Abigail , Donnell Deborah , Grabow Cole , Brown Clare , Ward Ryan , Love Christina , Kalantar Katrina , Cohen Stephanie , Cannon Chase , Woodworth Michael , Kelley Colleen , Celum Connie , Luetkemeyer Anne 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis (doxy-PEP) reduces bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men and transgender women. While poised for widespread clinical implementation, the impact of doxy-PEP on antimicrobial resistance remains a primary concern as its effects on the gut microbiome and resistome, or the antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) present in the gut microbiome, are unknown. To investigate these effects, we studied participants from a randomized clinical trial who either received doxy-PEP as a one-time doxycycline 200 mg taken after condomless sex (DP arm, n = 100) or standard of care treatment (SOC arm, n = 50). From self-collected rectal swabs at enrollment (day-0) and after 6 months (month-6), we performed metagenomic DNA sequencing (DNA-seq) or metatranscriptomic RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). DNA-seq data was analyzable from 127 samples derived from 89 participants, and RNA-seq data from 86 samples derived from 70 participants. We compared the bacterial microbiome and resistome between the two study arms and over time. Tetracycline ARGs were detected in all day-0 DNA-seq samples and 85% of day-0 RNA-seq samples. The proportional mass of tetracycline ARGs in the resistome increased between day-0 and month-6 in DP participants from 46–51% in the metagenome (p = 0.02) and 4–15% in the metatranscriptome (p < 0.01), but no changes in other ARG classes were observed. Exposure to a higher number of doxycycline doses correlated with proportional enrichment of tetracycline ARGs in the metagenome (Spearman’s ρ = 0.23, p < 0.01) and metatranscriptome (Spearman’s ρ = 0.55, p < 0.01). Bacterial microbiome alpha diversity, beta diversity, and total bacterial mass did not differ between day-0 and month-6 samples from DP participants when assessed by either DNA-seq or RNA-seq. In an abundance-based correlation analysis, we observed an increase over time in the strength of the correlation between tetracycline ARGs and specific bacterial taxa, including some common human pathogens. In sum, doxy-PEP use over a 6-month period was associated with an increase in the proportion of tetracycline ARGs comprising the gut resistome, and an increase in the expression of tetracycline ARGs. Notably, doxy-PEP did not significantly alter alpha diversity or taxonomic composition of the gut microbiome, and did not demonstrate significant increases in non-tetracycline ARG classes. Further studies and population level surveillance are needed to understand the implications of these findings as doxy-PEP is implemented as a public health strategy.
Exploring Sources of Inaccuracy and Irreproducibility in the CDC Bottle Bioassay Through Direct Insecticide Quantification
Authors: Peard Evah , Luu Calvin , Hageman Kimberly , Sepesy Rose , Bernhardt Scott 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bottle bioassay is a commonly used susceptibility test for measuring insect response to insecticide exposure. However, inconsistencies and high variability in insect response when conducting CDC bottle bioassays has been reported in previous publications. We hypothesized that the CDC bottle bioassay results may be compromised when expected and actual insecticide concentrations in the bottles are not equivalent, and that inadequate bottle cleaning and/or loss during insecticide introduction and bottle storage steps could be responsible. We explored this hypothesis by quantifying insecticides using gas chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) in bottles that had been cleaned, prepared, and stored according to the CDC guidelines.Methods We investigated the bottle cleaning, preparation, and storage methods outlined in the CDC bottle bioassay procedure to identify sources of irreproducibility. We also investigated the cleaning effectiveness of autoclaving bottles because this method is commonly used in insecticide assessment labs. The two insecticides used in this study were chlorpyrifos and lambda-cyhalothrin (λ-cyhalothrin). Insecticide was removed from glass bioassay bottles by rinsing with ethyl-acetate and n-hexane and quantified using GC-MS/MS.Results The CDC bottle bioassay cleaning methods did not sufficiently remove insecticide from the glass bottles. The cleaning methods removed chlorpyrifos, which has higher water solubility, more effectively than λ-cyhalothrin, which is less water soluble. Chlorpyrifos experienced significant loss during the bottle coating process whereas λ-cyhalothrin did not. As for bottle storage, no significant decreases in insecticide concentrations were observed during six hours following the initial drying period for either insecticide.Conclusions The CDC bottle bioassay protocol is susceptible to producing inaccurate results since its recommended bottle cleaning method is not sufficient and semi-volatile insecticides can volatilize from glass during the bottle coating process. This can lead to the CDC bottle bioassay producing erroneous LC50 values. High levels of random variation were also observed in our experiments, as others have previously reported. We have outlined several steps that CDC bottle bioassay users could consider that would lead to improved accuracy and reproducibility when acquiring toxicity data.
Patient Mistreatment, Work-family Conflict and Emotional Exhaustion among Nurses: A Moderated Mediation Model of Social Sharing and Perceived Organizational Support
Authors: Yan Wei , Cheng Zeqing , Xiao Di , Wang Huan , Du Xin , Li Li , Song Caiping 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Nursing literature suggested that patient mistreatment has significant effects on nurses’ personal emotions and job burnout. Yet, further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying these associations and the spillover effects on nurses' families. This study combined the cognitive appraisal of stress and goal progress theory to explore the association between patient mistreatment, work-family conflict, and emotional exhaustion in nurses, as well as the mediating role of social sharing and the moderating role of perceived organizational support (POS).
Methods: From October 9 to November 1, 2022, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 1627 nurses from the Hematology Specialist Alliance of Chongqing during the COVID-19. Questionnaires were administered to collect demographic data, patient mistreatment, perceived organizational support, social sharing of negative work events, work-family conflict, and emotional exhaustion. Hierarchical linear regression and conditional processes were used to analyze the data.
Results: Patient mistreatment was positively associated with work-family conflict (β=.314, p<.001) and emotional exhaustion (β=.354, p<.001). Social sharing of negative work events played a partial mediating role in the relationship between patient mistreatment, work-family conflict (effect=.077, SE=.014) and emotional exhaustion (effect=.067, SE=.013). Moderated mediation analysis found that the mediation effect was stronger when the perceived organizational support was high.
Conclusion: Our findings reveal the amplifying effect of social sharing of negative events on nurses' work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion. Perceived organizational support strengthens the positive effects of patient mistreatment on the social sharing of negative work events, thus resulting in increased work-family conflict and emotional exhaustion. We also discuss practical implications, limitations, and directions for future research.
Electroneurography and peripheral neuropathy in diabetic subjects in Lubumbashi
Authors: Mande Jean-Paul Ngoy , Mbuyamba Eunice Bilonda , Obadia Paul Musa , Nkulu Dophra Ngoy , Lubaba Célestin Banza , Mukalay Abdon Mukalay wa , Lelubre Christophe , ris Laurence , E-Andjafono Daniel Okitundu Luwa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION
: The practice of electroneurography is not common in Congolese environment, which makes early diagnosis of peripheral neuropathies such as those due to diabetes difficult.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize the electroneurography parameters of diabetic subjects in relation to neuropathic pain in comparison with non-diabetic subjects, in the city of Lubumbashi.
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 51 subjects, 25 of whom were diabetic and 26 non-diabetic. Symptoms of neuropathic pain were assessed using the diabetic neuropathy scale and electroneurography tracings were recorded with the Neuro-MEP Micro version 3 device.
RESULTS
Neuropathic pain was significantly more frequent in diabetic subjects compared to non-diabetic subjects. Electroneurography parameters (amplitude, distal latency and nerve conduction) were significantly altered in diabetics compared to non-diabetics, exhibiting patterns of demyelinating axonal sensory and motor polyneuropathy in the lower limbs as well as focal and multifocal neuropathies. Electroneurography abnormalities not associated with clinical neuropathic pain suggested the possible existence of subclinical forms of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in diabetic subjects while those noted in non-diabetic subjects suggested neuropathic pain of other origins.
CONCLUSION
Electroneurography combined with the diabetic neuropathy scale can be used to classify diabetic peripheral neuropathy and detect subclinical neuropathic pain; its implementation is required in the Congolese environment. Further studies are needed to determine local references for electroneurography and electroneurography profiles in situations of multiple neuropathic exposures such as in the city of Lubumbashi.
Developing a Feline Infectious Disease Triage Model: Insights from Logistic Regression Models in Data from a Veterinary Isolation Unit
Authors: Maximino Miguel M , Machado Inês C , Nunes Telmo P , Tavares Luís M , Almeida Virgílio S , Sepúlveda Nuno , Gil Solange A 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: The Biological Isolation and Containment Unit (BICU) of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, is dedicated to treating animals with suspected or confirmed infectious diseases. Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) are two of the most common infections reported in this unit. This study explored the use of logistic regression to predict FIV and FeLV infections in the triage stage.
Results: Of 1211 cats treated at the BICU since its opening, 134 cats were FIV-positive and 126 FeLV-positive. Significant triage-related factors for FIV-related hospitalization included being an adult or senior cat, intact males, having access to the outdoors, and presenting concomitant disorders. In contrast, mixed-breed cats with concomitant disorders and a low hematocrit count were significant risk factors for FeLV-related hospitalization. The estimated logistic regression models without cross-validation showed areas under the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.71 for FIV and 0.67 for FeLV, with 95% CI of [0.66-0.76] and [0.62-0.73], respectively. Cross-validation highlighted high sensitivity but low specificity for both infections, indicating a higher propensity for false positives. When cross-validation was performed for FIV infections, the resulting AUC was 0.66, and the specificity was 0.33 using 10- and 5-fold cross validations. The models for FeLV exhibited similar predictive performance with an AUC of 0.63 and specificity of 0.29, which decreased further with 10- and 5-fold cross validation.
Conclusions: This study highlights significant triage-related factors for FIV and FeLV infections, in agreement with existing literature. These findings indicate a need for better clinical vigilance and owner education, mainly on neutering and the risk of outdoor access. Future research should expand to other predictive models and include other variables important to predict FIV and FeLV at the triage stage.
Suppression of androgen receptor and activation of apoptotic signaling pathway in the prostate cancer LNCaP cells: The synergistic effect of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and conditioned medium derived from WJ-MSCs
Authors: Mohammadi Reihane , Fazeli Zahra , Daraei Azam , Asgari Katayoon 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Although there were several approaches to treat Prostate cancer (PCa), the cost and side effects of some of them have encountered the patients with challenges. Therefore, the design of new therapy methods could be useful in the management of this disease. For this purpose, the synergic effect of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and conditioned medium derived from Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) were studied on prostate cancer LNCaP cells. In this study, LNCaP cells were treated with different concentrations of EGCG and conditioned medium derived from WJ-MSCs (WJCM). The viability of treated cells was determined by using MTT assay. Then, the expression of androgen receptor (AR and PSA) and apoptotic (BAX, CASP3 and CASP7) pathway genes were defined by Real time PCR. The analysis of the data indicated that the treatment with 400µM EGCG in combination with 50% WJCM (0% FBS) for 72 hours decreased expression of AR and PSA genes as well as the enhanced expression of BAX, CASP3 and CASP7 genes in the LNCaP cells (p < 0.05). The obtained results suggested that the combination therapy of EGCG and WJCM had an anticancer effect on LNCaP cells through activation of apoptotic pathway and suppression of androgen receptor pathway.
Generating Solutions Method for Pontryagin-based Optimization Coplanar Transfers in a Central Gravitational Field
Authors: Zaborsky Sergey , Ivanov Georgiy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The feasibility of utilizing the results of optimizing coplanar impulse transfers as generating solutions for Pontryagin-based optimization is demonstrated. The method of Poincaré continuation along a parameter is employed to determine the initial integration conditions. The thrust level of the engine serves as the parameter. Thus, the difficult search for initial approximations for the function of conjugate variables in solving optimization problems is eliminated. The application of the method makes it possible to obtain new solutions even for obvious coplanar maneuvers. Numerical examples and graphs illustrate the results obtained, which are difficult to predict.
Timely Initiation of Breastfeeding of Newborns and Associated Factors Among Mothers Delivered by Cesarean Section in Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020. Multicentre Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: DEJEN MULUYE , MURUGAN RAJALAKSHMI , MULUGETA TEFERA , GODIE YOHANNES , GUADIE YITAYAL , MIHRETU ESMELEALEM , ENDALEW BEKALU 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
The timely initiation of breastfeeding is defined as putting the newborn to the breast within one hour of birth and skin-to-skin contact along with suckling at the breast stimulates the mother’s production of breast milk. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the timely initiation of neonatal breastfeeding and related factors among mothers who delivered by caesarean section at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020.
Subject and Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 413 postnatal mothers delivered by cesarean section from March 25th to May 30th, 2020 at four randomly selected hospitals in Addis Ababa. Proportional allocation was done in each selected hospitals, and consecutive sampling technique was carried out to select study participants. The dependent variable was timely initiation of breast feeding. The independent variables are maternal socio demographic characteristics, obstetric and health services related, new born related and family & socio cultural related factors. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify associated variables and potential confounders. Multivariate logistic regression was then used to control for potential confounding factors, and P < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
Overall, 48.2% had good practice of timely initiation of breast feeding among postnatal mothers. Educational status of the mother (AOR = 4.74, 95% CI: 1.73 to 12.96; p = 0.002), ante natal care follow up (AOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.25 to 3.72, p = 0.006), delivery time (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.77, p = 0.003), prelacteal feeding (AOR = 4.18, 95% CI: 2.45 to 7.12, p = 000) and maternal breast problem (AOR = 8.78, 95% CI: 1.84 to 42.00, p = 000) were significantly associated with timely initiation of breast feeding.
Conclusion
Health care providers, especially those working in labour and delivery wards must give high attention to mothers’ delivered by caesarean section to initiate breast feeding timely.
Structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of Terbium substituted nanosized Nickel-Ferrites from a New Perspective
Authors: Saha Sunirmal , Routray Krutika L. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The current research focuses on the synthesis of nickel spinel ferrite nanoparticles doped with rare earth elements via green synthesis-assisted sol-gel auto combustion method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectra were carried to examine the development of phase, morphology, and crystal structure. Structural parameters, cation distribution, and lattice strain were determined through Rietveld analysis and Williamson-Hall (W-H) plots. Using the G-Fourier technique, the electron density mapping of Nickel nano-ferrites replaced with rare earth (Tb) elements was computed. Nickel-ferrites' room-temperature hysteresis curve was measured using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The insignificant hysteresis curve with small coercivity value and retentivity seen demonstrates the soft behavior. A thorough discussion was held regarding the impact of substituting non-magnetic ions on the coercivity, permeability, magnetic interaction constant, and Curie temperature of the synthesized ferrite. When terbium is added, the samples' saturation magnetization lowers because of spin canting phenomena and a decrease in particle size, which results in a decreased surface-to-volume ratio. Nanocrystalline ferrites replaced with rare earth elements have numerous advanced technical applications, including high-frequency devices and switching devices.
A Two-stage Shadow Removal Algorithm Based on Recurrent Attention Network
Authors: Zhang Jing , Kong Weiwei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The presence of shadows in an image obscures some information, hindering the subsequent image-processing task. So correct identification of shadow regions will greatly upgrade the performance of shadow removal. Obviously, the more accurate the identification of shadow regions, the better the shadow removal performance will be. Based on this, this paper designs a two-stage shadow removal algorithm (TS-RAN) based on the recurrent attention network, including the shadow detection stage and shadow removal stage. Firstly, a single shadow image is fed into the shadow detection stage, which generates a rough attention map under the joint action of the recurrent attention network and luminance prediction module. Secondly, the results generated in the previous stage are transferred to the shadow removal stage and the luminance estimation module for fine shadow removal. In addition, we designed a residual estimation module to remove possible artifacts caused by shadow residuals. Experiments show that our method achieves significant performance on the LRSS, ISTD, and WSRD datasets.
The causality between plasma lipid types and osteoporosis: a bi-directional two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: ZHOU Wei Jin , Ma Wei Kang , Ma Jun , Zhang Jian-Nan , Sun Chong-Yi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Previous research has shown an association between lipid metabolism and skeletal health; however, the causal direction between specific plasma lipid types and osteoporosis remains unclear. Here, we evaluated the causal relationship between 179 plasma lipid types and osteoporosis-related phenotypes, including quantitative heel ultrasounds (eBMD) and fractures, through bi-directional Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods
Genetic instruments from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were used to conduct a two-sample MR analysis to determine causality. A total of 179 plasma lipid data from a comprehensive GWAS dataset and osteoporosis-related phenotypic data (including eBMD and fractures) from the GEFOS consortium were included in the analysis. Bi-directional MR analysis was employed to test the direction of causality.
Results
Several significant causality between lipid species and osteoporosis-related phenotypes were identified. Specifically, certain phosphatidylcholines and sterol esters were significantly associated with increased fracture risk. In this study, sterol ester (27:1/20:4) levels (OR [95% CI] = 1.038 [1.019, 1.057], P = 8.95E-05), phosphatidylcholine (20:4_0:0) levels (OR [95% CI] = 1.051 [1.027, 1.076], P = 3.58E-05), and phosphatidylcholine (17:0_20:4) levels (OR [95% CI] = 1.049 [1.025, 1.073], P = 5.73E-05) resulted as risk factors for osteoporotic fractures, highlighting the complex role of lipid metabolism in skeletal health. Conversely, the protective effect of sterol ester (27:1/20:3) levels on eBMD (OR [95% CI] = 0.966 [0.952, 0.980], P = 3.30E-06) suggested potential therapeutic targets for osteoporosis management.
Conclusion
Our MR analysis revealed causal relationships between specific plasma lipid species and osteoporosis-related phenotypes. These findings provide new insights into the causal pathways between plasma lipids and osteoporosis, highlighting the therapeutic potential of lipid modulation, furthering the understanding of osteoporosis pathophysiology, and laying the foundation for targeted interventions.