bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrative structural analysis of Pseudomonas phage DEV reveals a genome ejection motor
Authors: Cingolani Gino , Lokareddy Ravi , Hou Chun-Feng , Forti Francesca , Iglesias Stephano , Li Fenglin , Pavlenok Mikhail , Niederweis Michael , Briani Federica 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

DEV is an obligatory lytic Pseudomonas phage of the N4-like genus, recently reclassified as Schitoviridae. The DEV genome encodes 91 ORFs, including a 3,398 amino acid virion-associated RNA polymerase. Here, we describe the complete architecture of DEV, determined using a combination of cryo-electron microscopy localized reconstruction, biochemical methods, and genetic knockouts. We built de novo structures of all capsid factors and tail components involved in host attachment. We demonstrate that DEV long tail fibers are essential for infection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and dispensable for infecting mutants with a truncated lipopolysaccharide devoid of the O-antigen. We identified DEV ejection proteins and, unexpectedly, found that the giant DEV RNA polymerase, the hallmark of the Schitoviridae family, is an ejection protein. We propose that DEV ejection proteins form a genome ejection motor across the host cell envelope and that these structural principles are conserved in all Schitoviridae.
Is Someone Else Going to Tell Him He Is A Boy? Relatives’ Views on Swedish Transgender Healthcare
Authors: Mitra Kaberi , Papadopoulos Fotios C , Öster Caisa , Sylvén Sara 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The increasing incidence of the medical diagnosis Gender Dysphoria has led to public debates in Sweden, questioning an already vulnerable group. This study explores relatives’ views on the Swedish transgender health system, in order to identify factors that can be improved.
Methods
An interview guide was created together with the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex rights. Care seekers with gender dysphoria included in the Swedish Gender Dysphoria Study were asked to give consent for an interview with a relative of their own choice. Eleven interviews were conducted. The material was examined using thematic analysis.
Results
The waiting times are long without clear information and lacking coordination. This compels the relative to substitute the deficiencies in the system, especially as an emotional shelter and a coordinating function. Stereotypic questions are being asked without motivation and geographical distances hinder participation in family support groups.
Conclusions
A coordinating function in the transgender healthcare system would be beneficial for both the care seekers and their relatives. The system flaws have negative impact on the mental health of both the care seeker and the relative. It is important that care givers are transparent about the waiting times and motivate all parts of the process.
The Effect of using Dimensionality Reduction Compared with Type of Algorithm on Detecting Patient Fall: Triage Case Study
Authors: Alshalawi Reem , Qadrouh Mohammed , Alhalabi Wadee 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Falling is one of the most critical outcomes of loss of consciousness during triage in emergency department (ED). It is an important sign requires an immediate medical intervention. This paper presents a computer vision-based fall detection model in ED. In this study, we hypothesis that the proposed vision-based triage fall detection model provides accuracy equal to traditional triage system (TTS) conducted by the nursing team. Thus, to build the proposed model, we use MoveNet, a pose estimation model that can identify joints related to falls, consisting of 17 key points. To test the hypothesis, we conducted two experiments: In the deep learning (DL) model we used the complete feature consisting of 17 keypoints which was passed to the triage fall detection model and was built using Artificial Neural Network (ANN). In the second model we use dimensionality reduction Feature-Reduction for Fall model (FRF), Random Forest (RF) feature selection analysis to filter the key points triage fall classifier. We tested the performance of the two models using a dataset consisting of many images for real-world scenarios classified into two classes: Fall and Not fall. We split the dataset into 80% for training and 20% for validation. The models in these experiments were trained to obtain the results and compare them with the reference model. To test the effectiveness of the model, a t-test was performed to evaluate the null hypothesis for both experiments. The results show FRF outperforms DL model, and FRF has same Accuracy of TTS.
Single-cell transcriptomics reveals a pivotal role of DOCK2 in Sjögren’s disease
Authors: Nguyen Cuong Q. , Shen Yiran , Voigt Alexandria , Bhattacharyya Indraneel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Sjögren's disease (SjD) is an autoimmune condition characterized by the dysfunction of the salivary and lacrimal glands. This study utilized single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the immune cell composition and dynamics within the salivary glands of SjD mice. The results showed diverse immune cell types, including B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells. We identified specific clusters possessing phenotypic characteristics of immune cell subpopulations, thereby uncovering the gene/pathway function. The most striking finding was the elevated expression of DOCK2 in CD8+ T cells in the SjD model. This discovery is significant, as subsequent treatment with a DOCK2 inhibitor led to a marked amelioration of symptoms associated with SjD. The effectiveness of DOCK2 inhibition in alleviating symptoms highlights the potential of DOCK2 as a therapeutic target, opening new avenues for treatment strategies that could modulate the immune response more effectively in SjD.
An exploratory study to unveil the behavioral aspects and practical approaches of healthcare providers to detect and manage the post-partum hemorrhage: Insights from the COM-B model
Authors: Arshad Saria , Asghar Saima , Atif Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives This study aimed to determine the perspectives and practical approaches of healthcare providers about the detection and management of PPH in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Methods The COM-|B model and Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) were utilized to design this study. Data were collected from the healthcare providers (HCPs) working in gynecology and obstetrics departments of various public and private hospitals after their written consent. A total of 17 in-depth interviews were conducted at time and place convenient to study participants. Data were transcribed, translated and analyzed by inductive thematic analysis and deductive framework analysis in accordance with the constructs of COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior) model and TDF domains. Results Data analysis yielded six themes that were mapped onto the COM-B model and TDF domains. For the detection of PPH, “visual estimation of blood loss” was common practice while for the management practices, all measures mentioned in standard protocols were taken step by step, however, HCPs were unaware of E-MOTIVE as a bundle of care. Conclusion Unfamiliarity of new trends in medical field, unavailability of training and awareness sessions, low healthcare facilities, insufficient blood bank services, no compulsion of updating practices by hospital management negatively impacts the healthcare provider’s decision making regarding PPH detection and management.
3D Numerical Analysis for Failure and Deformation Assessment of the Waterway Tunnel, Wabe Hydropower Project, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Kassaw Mesay , Regassa Bayisa , Raghuvanshi Tarun , Methe Mamo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In designing suitable support systems and ensuring safe excavation of a tunnel, deformation and block failure assessment around the opening is a crucial aspect of tunneling. In this study, a distinct element modeling approach was employed to evaluate the distribution of failed blocks, failure modes, and displacements of the tunnels to gain insight into support recommendations for the Wabe Hydropower project in central Ethiopia. For this purpose, three representative numerical models were developed considering different rock mass along the tunnel alignment. Subsequently, the influence region classification technique was introduced and the models were systematically classified into three distinct regions. This technique enabled the consideration of blocky rock mass as discontinuum through the direct inclusion of field-measured joints with average spacings of 0.2, 0.56, and 1.2 m into a region surrounding the tunnel opening. The simulation results indicated that tunnels in closely jointed rock mass behave anisotropically, with failed blocks following the joint inclinations of N253/72 and N035/79 and exhibiting a tensile failure mode. Tunneling in the fault zone induced a shear failure mode, with a significant distribution of failed blocks aligned in the maximum principal stress direction. However, under low horizontal in-situ stress, both shear and tensile failure could exist, tensile failure affecting the roof and floor. Furthermore, tunnels in closely jointed rock mass are primarily influenced by horizontal displacement, whereas tunneling in fault zones led to both greater horizontal and vertical convergences, with horizontal displacement being more significant. Finally, the obtained results were used to propose support recommendations.
Impact of Lymph Node Retrieval on Prognosis in Elderly and Non-Elderly Patients with T3-4 Stage Rectal Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Therapy
Authors: Liang Baofeng , Yu Nong , Xue Xueyi , Zeng Hao , Que Zhipeng , Xu Dongbo , Wang Xiaojie , Lin Shuangming 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Obtaining the number of lymph nodes for radical surgery after neoadjuvant therapy for rectal cancer is controversial, this study aimed to compare prognostic factors in elderly versus non-elderly patients and identify the best lymph node interception value for prognosis.
Methods
A total of 7,894 patients with T3-T4 stage rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in the study, comprising 2,787 elderly patients and 5,107 non-elderly patients from 2010 to 2019 were included in the the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. and an external validation cohort of 152 patients from the Longyan First Affiliated Hospital were analyzed. The study assessed overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) using Cox regression analyses and identify the optimal lymph node count for surgical retrieval.
Results
Significant OS and CSS disparities were noted between elderly and non-elderly rectal cancer patients (P < 0.001), even after confounder adjustment (P < 0.001). The analysis found that 14 lymph nodes was the optimal number of lymph nodes to be cleared after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage T3-T4 and showed that 14 lymph nodes was a better discriminator. External data validation at our centre confirmed these findings.
Conclusion
In this study 14 lymph nodes were considered the optimal threshold for patients with stage T3-T4 rectal cancer undergoing radical surgery after neoadjuvant therapy. Although the difference in CSS between taking 12 and 14 lymph nodes is not significant, this threshold helps to better differentiate prognosis.
The Association between Primary Care Appointment Lengths and Opioid Prescribing for Common Pain Conditions
Authors: Matulis John C. , Swanson Kristi , McCoy Rozalina 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: While brief duration primary care appointments may improve access, they also limit the time clinicians spend evaluating painful conditions. This study aimed to evaluate whether 15-minute primary care appointments resulted in higher rates of opioid prescribing when compared to ≥30-minute appointments.
Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using electronic health record (EHR), pharmacy, and administrative scheduling data from five primary care practices in Minnesota. Adult patients seen for acute Evaluation & Management visits between 10/1/2015 and 9/30/2017 scheduled for 15-minute appointments were propensity score matched to those scheduled for ≥30-minutes. Sub-groups were analyzed to include patients with acute and chronic pain conditions and prior opioid exposure. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the effects of appointment length on the likelihood of an opioid being prescribed, adjusting for covariates including ethnicity, race, sex, marital status, and prior ED visits and hospitalizations.
Results: We identified 45,471 eligible acute primary care visits during the study period with 2.7% (N=1233) of the visits scheduled for 15 minutes and 98.2% (N=44238) scheduled for 30 minutes or longer. Rates of opioid prescribing were significantly lower for opioid naive patients with acute pain scheduled in 15-minute appointments when compared to appointments of 30 minutes of longer (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.35-0.84). There were no significant differences in opioid prescribing among other sub-groups.
Conclusions: For selected indications and for selected patients, shorter duration appointments may not result in greater rates of opioid prescribing for common painful conditions.
Does a Robot’s Gaze Behavior Affect Entrainment in HRI?
Authors: Kejriwal Jay , Mishra Chinmaya , Offrede Tom , Skantze Gabriel , Beňuš Štefan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Speakers tend to engage in adaptive behavior, known as entrainment, when they reuse their partner's linguistic representations, including lexical, acoustic-prosodic, semantic, or syntactic structures, during a conversation. Studies have explored the relationship between entrainment and social factors such as likeability, task success, and rapport. Still, limited research has investigated the relationship between entrainment and gaze. To address this gap, we conducted a within-subjects user study (N = 33) to test if gaze behavior of a robotic head affects entrainment of subjects toward the robot on four linguistic dimensions: lexical, syntactic, semantic, and acoustic-prosodic. Our results show that participants entrain more on lexical and acoustic-prosodic features when the robot exhibits well-timed gaze aversions similar to the ones observed in human gaze behavior, as compared to when the robot keeps staring at participants constantly. Our results support the predictions of computers are social actors (CASA) model and suggest that implementing well-timed gaze aversion behavior in a robot can lead to speech entrainment in human-robot interactions.
Biological Effects of Corticosteroids on Pneumococcal Pneumonia in Mice and Humans
Authors: Taenaka Hiroki , Wick Katherine D. , Sarma Aartik , Matsumoto Shotaro , Ghale Rajani , Fang Xiaohui , Maishan Mazharul , Gotts Jeffrey E. , Langelier Charles R. , Calfee Carolyn S. , Matthay Michael A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common bacterial cause of community acquired pneumonia and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Some clinical trials have demonstrated a beneficial effect of corticosteroid therapy in community acquired pneumonia, COVID-19, and ARDS, but the mechanisms of this benefit remain unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of corticosteroids on the pulmonary biology of pneumococcal pneumonia in an observational cohort of mechanically ventilated patients and in a mouse model of bacterial pneumonia with Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Methods: We studied gene expression with lower respiratory tract transcriptomes from a cohort of mechanically ventilated patients and in mice. We also carried out comprehensive physiologic, biochemical, and histological analyses in mice to identify the mechanisms of lung injury in Streptococcus pneumoniae with and without adjunctive steroid therapy.
Results: Transcriptomic analysis identified pleiotropic effects of steroid therapy on the lower respiratory tract in critically ill patients with pneumococcal pneumonia, findings that were reproducible in mice. In mice with pneumonia, dexamethasone in combination with ceftriaxone reduced (1) pulmonary edema formation, (2) alveolar protein permeability, (3) proinflammatory cytokine release, (4) histopathologic lung injury score, and (5) hypoxemia but did not increase bacterial burden.
Conclusions: The gene expression studies in patients and in the mice support the clinical relevance of the mouse studies, which replicate several features of pneumococcal pneumonia and steroid therapy in humans. In combination with appropriate antibiotic therapy in mice, treatment of pneumococcal pneumonia with steroid therapy reduced hypoxemia, pulmonary edema, lung permeability, and histologic criteria of lung injury, and also altered inflammatory responses at the protein and gene expression level. The results from these studies provide evidence for the mechanisms that may explain the beneficial effects of glucocorticoid therapy in patients with community acquired pneumonia from Streptococcus Pneumoniae.
Preparation of hydrophilic PBS-TME/PLA composites and its effect on the growth of Brassica napus
Authors: Han Yuying , Song Jie , Yu Shuang , Han Jiaxuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Hydrophilic modified PBS-TME was obtained by introducing trimethylol ethane into the molecular chain of polybutylene succinate (PBS) through copolymerization reaction, and PBS-TME was blended with PLA in different ratios to prepare PBS-TME/PLA series of composites, and various performance tests were carried out on them.The results show that the system is more stable when the ratio of PBS-TME/PLA composites is 8:2, and there exists a strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding force between PBS-TME as matrix and PLA, with lower total bonding energy and total energy, and the composite system is more stable, which makes the intermolecular compatibility good.The thermodynamic and combined mechanical properties were optimal, with a tensile strength of 15.78 MPa and an elongation at break of 19.56%. The hydrophilicity was enhanced with a water contact angle of 72.6° and a water vapor transmission rate of 63.12 [g·(m2·d)−1] at the maximum value.The rate of biodegradation was increased by degradation of 37.33% after 6 months in soil supernatant and 27.85% after 42 days of enzymatic degradation. The chlorophyll content, soluble protein content, peroxidase activity and vitamin C content in the leaves of bok choy were higher than the standards required by the food industry.
The interleukin expression pattern relates to cancer associated fibroblasts infiltration and immunotherapy response in pancreatic carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Yang , Xiao Shuzhe , Lei Yi , Ma Li , Li Xiangzhao , Wang Biao , Sun Penghui , Zhu Yun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background：Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and the interleukin (IL) family have been reported to play crucial roles in immune response in pancreatic carcinoma (PC). However, the IL expression pattern and its influence on prognosis, CAFs infiltration characteristics as well as immunotherapy response in PC require further exploration.
Methods：An IL family expression pattern that can predict prognosis was constructed using clinical data and meta-analysis of seven independent public cohort datasets. The CAFs infiltration characteristics with prognosis of patients were detected. Correlation between IL expression pattern and CAFs infiltration and immunotherapy response were evaluated in the clinical tissue samples.
Results：IL high-risk patients had shorter survival time compared with IL low-risk patients both in our cohort and PC datasets. IL high-risk patients exhibited advanced tumors and lymph node metastasis. IL family–based signature can also serve as predictor of immunotherapy to PC. Patients with unfavorable response to immunotherapy had significantly higher IL risk score than patients with favorable response. The IL family expression pattern can distinguish CAFs infiltration characteristics in PC. The IL high-risk group had more infiltration of CAFs, antigen-presenting CAFs (apCAFs) and inflammatory CAFs (iCAFs). Moreover, IL high-risk group had increased apCAF/tumor cell engagement and apCAF/Tregs engagement, resulting in a suppressed immune response. IL high-risk group also showed crippled T-cell function and B-cell function and significantly greater levels of predictive biomarkers with poor immune response.
Conculsions：This study constructed the first IL expression pattern for predicting CAFs infiltration, immunotherapy response, and prognosis among PC patients. This might promote the precise application of immunotherapy and facilitate treatment options for PC.
Evaluation of diseases complicating long COVID: A retrospective chart review
Authors: Tsuchida Tomoya , Hirose Masanori , Fujii Hirotoshi , Hisatomi Ryunosuke , Ishizuka Kosuke , Inoue Yoko , Katayama Kohta , Nakagama Yu , Kido Yasutoshi , Matsuda Takahide , Ohira Yoshiyuki 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Evidence for the pathogenesis and treatment of post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (long COVID) is lacking. As long COVID symptoms are predicted to have an impact on the global economy, clarification of the pathogenesis is urgently needed. Our experiences indicated that some symptoms were complicated by diseases established before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
Using a retrospective, cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the diseases complicating long COVID. Using the medical records of patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection exhibiting residual symptoms lasting ≥ 60 days post-infection who visited our clinic in January 2021–February 2023, we investigated the symptoms and diseases observed. We identified diseases that occurred after COVID-19 infection and excluded those that were exacerbations of existing diseases. Results: During the first visit, the most common symptoms reported in a total of 798 patients were fatigue (523 patients), anxiety (349 patients), and lack of motivation (344 patients). Complicating diseases were observed in 452 patients (57%). There were 115, 65, and 60 patients with postural tachycardia syndrome, postural syndrome without tachycardia, and mood disorders, respectively. Some diseases requiring immediate treatment included pulmonary thromboembolism, purulent shoulder arthritis, cerebellopontine angle tumors, myasthenia gravis, and cervical myelopathy.
Conclusion
All symptoms that occur after COVID-19 infection should not be treated as long COVID. Similar to normal medical treatment, a list of differential diagnoses should be maintained based on symptoms to obtain definitive diagnoses.
A Class of inverse curvature type flows in Rn+1
Authors: Sheng Weimin , Xue Ke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper, we consider an expanding flow of smooth, closed, $(\eta,k)$-convex hypersurfaces in Euclidean $\mathbb{R}^{n+1}$ with speed $u^{\alpha}\rho^{\delta}\sigma_k^{-\frac{\beta}{k}}(\lambda(\eta))$, where $u, \rho$ are the support function and radical function of the hypersurface, respectively, $\alpha,\delta\in\mathbb{R}^1$, $\beta>0$, $k$ is an integer and $1 \leq k \leq n$, $\eta=Hg-h$, the first Newton transformation of the second fundamental form $h$, $\lambda(\eta)$ denote the eigenvalues of $g^{-1}\eta$. For $\alpha+\delta+\beta\leq 1$, we prove that the flow has a unique smooth and $(\eta,k)$-convex solution for all time, and converges smoothly after normalisation, to a sphere centered at the origin. Moreover, for $\alpha+\delta+\beta< 1$, we prove that the flow with the speed $fu^{\alpha}\rho^{\delta}\sigma_k^{-\frac{\beta}{k}}(\lambda(\eta))$ exists for all time, and converges smoothly after normalisation to a soliton, which is a solution of $fu^{\alpha-1}\rho^{\delta}\sigma_k^{-\frac{\beta}{k}}(\lambda(\eta))=\gamma$, provided that $f$ is a smooth positive function on $\mathbb{S}^n$ and $\gamma$ is a positive constant. What's more, we can use a more general flow to prove the existence of solution to a class of Hessian quotient equations again.