bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of Expansive Soil using Volcanic Ash and Lime Additives in the Southern Parts of Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia
Authors:   Wale Sintie 1,2,   Dr. Zemenu Geremew1,   Yonathan Muche 2,   Destaw Kiflie3
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The presence of expansive subgrade soil in road construction causes a series of damage events because of its susceptibility to differential settlement, low load bearing capacity, high compressibility, cracking and low strength. In this study, the use of volcanic ash alone (with a concentration ranging from 10%-40%) or as an enhancement to lime (5%) was investigated. To evaluate the effects of these additives on expansive subgrade soil stabilization, laboratory tests, namely, Atterberg’s limits, compaction, the California bearing ratio (CBR), the CBR-swell and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests, were conducted on natural and stabilized soils. Chemical tests to characterize the stabilizer, volcanic ash, were also carried out. Laboratory test results revealed that the addition of volcanic ash alone has an insignificant effect on the geotechnical properties of expansive subgrade soil. However, a significant improvement in the index and engineering properties of expansive subgrade soil was observed when the treatment was performed with a combination of lime (5%) and volcanic ash (10–40%). The test results revealed that the liquid limit, plasticity index, OMC, linear shrinkage and CBR swell values decreased, whereas the CBR increased as the percentage of volcanic ash increased from 0–40%. The maximum dry density and unconfined compressive strength increased up to a certain percentage; however, a further increase in volcanic ash content resulted in a decrease in these parameters. This research showed that these two additives can be used together to enhance expansive subgrade soil properties and that the treated soil can meet the minimum requirement of the ERA pavement manual specification for use as a subgrade material in road construction.
Acculturative stressors, Social Loneliness, and Suicide Risk among North Korean Refugee Women in South Korea: Cross-sectional Survey and Multiple Regression Analysis
Authors: Ryu Wonjung , Lee Jaewon 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to examine the associations between acculturative stressors, social loneliness, and suicide risk among North Korean (NK) refugee women in South Korea.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey of North Korean refugee women in South Korea was conducted in 2012, and 154 North Korean refugee women completed the survey. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations among acculturative stressors, suicide risk, and social loneliness.
Results
The results showed that 44.8% of respondents had suicidal ideation in the past year. In the multiple regression analyses, acculturative stressors were not significantly associated with suicide risk. However, the association between acculturative stressors and suicide risk was fully mediated by social loneliness.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that reducing social loneliness may be important in preventing suicidal ideation and attempts among North Korean refugee women.
RETRACTED: Impact of Aspergillus PCR on the Management of Invasive Aspergillosis: A Tertiary-care Hospital Experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Işık Muhammed Cihan , Metan Gökhan , Alp Alpaslan , Gülmez Dolunay , Arikan-Akdagli Sevtap , Uzun Ömrüm 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Heavy metals adsorption on struvite recovered from livestock wastewaters and release properties of granular forms
Authors: Liu Xiaoning , Wang Yazhou , Zeng Xiang , Wang Siyang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
As copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) usually occur in livestock wastewater, this study focused on metals adsorption in struvite from swine wastewater and the release properties of granular struvite in solution with varying pH conditions (2, 4, 7). The results demonstrated pH values presented a slightly decreasing trend with increasing Cu/Zn ratio, and Zn exhibited higher adsorption performance on struvite crystals than that of Cu. Under the high content of metals in the wastewater, Cu/Zn ratios in the wastewater contributed to varying metal binding forms and mechanisms, resulting in the difference in the leaching properties of nutrients and metal. For the granular struvite manufactured with the adhesion of alginate, the P release percentage achieved 30.3-40.5% after 96 h in the wastewater of pH 2, whereas they were only 5.63-8.92% and 1.05-1.50% in the wastewater of pH 4 and 7, respectively. Acid wastewater contributed to the release of two metals, and the release amount of Zn was higher than that of Cu, which is associated with their adsorption capacity in crystals. During the latter soil leaching test of adding granular struvite, the NH4+-N and PO43--P concentration in the effluent ranged from 0.34-1.26 and 0.62-2.56 mg/L after 96 h, respectively. However, the Cu and Zn could not be measured due to lower than the detection limit under varying treatments. Struvite might be accompanied by quicker metal leaching and slower nutrient leaching when surface adsorption dominates in wastewater with lower metal concentrations.
A novel multi-scale microstructure to address the strength/ductility trade off in high strength steel for fusion reactors
Authors: Rainforth William , Gong Peng , Wang Yiqiang , Kwok Thomas , Dawson Huw , Goodall Russell , Dye David 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
As well as having suitable mechanical performance, fusion reactor materials for the first wall and blanket must be both radiation tolerant and low activation, which has resulted in the development of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steels. The current steels suffer irradiation-induced hardening and embrittlement, such that they are not adequate for planned commercial fusion reactors. Producing high strength, ductility and toughness is difficult, because inhibiting deformation to produce strength also reduces the amount of work hardening available, and thereby ductility. Here we solve this dichotomy to introduce a high strength and high ductility RAFM steel, produced by a novel thermomechanical process route. A unique trimodal multiscale microstructure is developed, comprising nanoscale and microscale ferrite, and tempered martensite with low-angle nanograins. Processing induces a high dislocation density, which leads to an extremely high number of nanoscale precipitates and subgrain walls. High strength is attributed to the refinement of the ferrite grain size and the nanograins in the tempered martensite, while the high ductility results from a high mobile dislocation density in the ferrite, the higher proportion of MX carbides, and the trimodal microstructure, which improves ductility without impairing strength.
Hypoglycemia and hyperinsulinemia induced by phenolic uremic toxins in CKD and DKD patients
Authors: Tongu Yoshiyasu , Kasahara Tomoko , Akiyama Yasutoshi , Ho Hsin-Jung , Matsumoto Yotaro , Kujirai Ryota , Kikuchi Koichi , Nata Koji , Kanzaki Makoto , Suzuki Kenshin , Watanabe Shun , Toyohara Takafumi , Suzuki Takehiro , Kawabe Chiharu , Suzuki Chitose , Tanaka Tetsuhiro , Wada Jun , Tomioka Yoshihisa , ABE Takaaki 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Patients with end-stage renal disease have lower fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c levels, with significantly higher insulin levels. For a long time, it has been believed that this higher insulin level in renal failure is due to decreased insulin clearance caused by reduced renal function. However, here we reported that accumulation of the gut microbiota-derived uremic toxin, phenyl sulfate (PS) in the renal failure, increased insulin secretion from the pancreas by enhanced glucose-induced insulin secretion. Other endogenous sulfides compounds which accumulated as in the renal failure also increased glucose-induced insulin secretion form b-cells. In addition, we also found that PS increased insulin resistance through lncRNA expression and Erk1/2 phosphorylation in the adipocytes. To confirm the relationship between PS and glucose metabolism in human, we recruited 2 clinical cohort studies (DKD and CKD), and found that here was a weak negative correlation between PS and HbA1c. Because these trials did not collect fasting insulin level, we alternatively used the urinary C-peptide/creatinine ratio (UCPCR) as an indicator of insulin resistance. We found that PS-induced insulin resistance in patients with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. These data suggest that the accumulation of uremic toxins modulates glucose metabolism and induced insulin resistance in CKD and DKD patients.
Patient and Family Experiences of Adverse Pregnancy Events in Canada from a Multicultural Perspective
Authors: Nielssen Ingrid , Nabil Kiran , Seyoum Meron , Ogaba Wilberforce W. Obwona , Pardo Maria Castrellon , Bukhari Saima , Quito Lanie , Wang Qiong , Santana Maria , D'Souza Rohan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Maternal morbidity can be conceptualized in multiple and unique ways by healthcare professionals, and patients. For pregnant persons and their families, adverse events in pregnancy can often extend beyond the scope of clinical diagnoses. This patient-led, peer-to-peer study aimed to understand how pregnant persons and their families described and understood adverse events in pregnancy in Canada using a multicultural perspective.
Methods: The Patient and Community Engagement Research (PaCER) program is program offered through the University of Calgary. Students are patient and community researchers trained in qualitative health research and committed to finding innovative ways of engaging patients in the health care research that matters to them. Focus groups and individual interviews were used to understand the experiences and perspectives of patient and community members who self-identified as experiencing adverse events in pregnancy. Data was collectively and iteratively analysed using thematic and narrative analysis.
Results: Thirteen participants from diverse backgrounds and with a range of pregnancy experiences participated in focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews. Five key themes emerged and were defined as: (1) access to appropriate, timely, coordinated care and follow up; (2) lack of transparent communication from healthcare providers and the ways power differentials and need for urgent action affected shared decision making; (3) cultural differences between participants’ traditions, and Canadian pregnancy care practices; (4) mental health impacts as participants struggled to access diagnosis for conditions that “didn’t feel right” and to understand “why” adverse events happened (5) supports and resources participants felt were missing that would have been most helpful to managing the morbidity. Our team also identified five actionable recommendations for dissemination and implementation of study findings.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates that people with lived pregnancy experience may not perceive pregnancy-related morbidity as a list of adverse clinical conditions, but instead as negative consequences resulting from lack of transparent communication with pregnancy-care providers, and access to timely and culturally appropriate care, supports and resources. Our findings identify key research priorities and provide unique insights into designing best practices for more person-centred, culturally cognisant, and responsive maternal health policy and care going forward.
Seeding Activity of Skin Misfolded Tau as a Biomarker for Tauopathies
Authors: Wang Zerui , Wu Ling , Gerasimenko Maria , Gilliland Tricia , Gunzler Steven A. , Donadio Vincenzo , Liguori Rocco , Xu Bin , Zou Wen-Quan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Tauopathies are a group of age-related neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the accumulation of pathologically phosphorylated tau protein in the brain, leading to prion-like propagation and aggregation. They include Alzheimer's disease (AD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and Pick's disease (PiD). Currently, reliable diagnostic biomarkers that directly reflect the capability of propagation and spreading of misfolded tau aggregates in peripheral tissues and body fluids are lacking.
Methods
We utilized the seed-amplification assay (SAA) employing ultrasensitive real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) to assess the prion-like seeding activity of pathological tau in the skin of cadavers with neuropathologically confirmed tauopathies, including AD, PSP, CBD, and PiD, compared to normal controls.
Results
We found that the skin prion-SAA demonstrated a significantly higher sensitivity (75–80%) and specificity (95–100%) for detecting tauopathy, depending on the tau substrates used. Moreover, increased tau-seeding activity was also observed in biopsy skin samples from living AD and PSP patients examined. Analysis of the end products of skin-tau SAA confirmed that the increased seeding activity was accompanied by the formation of tau aggregates with different physicochemical properties related to two different tau substrates used.
Conclusions
Overall, our study provides proof-of-concept that the skin tau-SAA can differentiate tauopathies from normal controls, suggesting that the seeding activity of misfolded tau in the skin could serve as a diagnostic biomarker for tauopathies.
Identification and sequence analysis of the B2L and F1L genes of the ORFV isolated in Yunnan: epidemiological and evolutionary insights
Authors: xie jiarui , kou meilin , Wang Yinan , Su Xiaohang , Gao Huafeng , Miao Haisheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The primary focus of this investigation was the meticulous examination of the genetic composition and protein structure of the B2L and F1L genes. Notably, specimens were meticulously procured from the oral cavities of infected goats. Subsequent to verification through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the virus was successfully cultured in goat testis cells. The designated ORFV strains were denoted as ORFV/goat/YNSLi/China/2021/Yunnan,ORFV/goat/YNSLi/China/2023/Yunnan,ORFV/goat/YNYLn/China/2022/Yunnan,and ORFV/goat/YNTJe/China/2023/Yunnan. The genetic data pertaining to the core genes (B2L, F1L) were meticulously scrutinized to elucidate their epidemiological and evolutionary attributes. Analysis of the B2L gene sequences revealed that all four strains were classified within cluster I of group I, with discernible variations in sequences across the temporal spectrum. Conversely, inspection of the F1L gene sequences unveiled that YNSLi/2023 and YNTJe/2023 were positioned in cluster I of group I, YNSLi/2021 resided in cluster III of group I, and YNYLn/2022 was allocated to cluster IV. The distinctive Yunnan ORFV strains exhibited noteworthy characteristics, including gene rearrangements during the outbreak. Examination of the protein structures showcased variances in hydrophobicity and stability in comparison to other strains. While similarities were noted in hydrophilic flexibility, antigenic index, and surface accessibility, discrepancies in amino acids were observed to influence protein structure. Projections derived from the analysis of the B2L and F1L genes suggested the absence of signal peptides and transmembrane domains. This comprehensive study contributes significantly to the comprehension of ORFV transmission and evolution, thereby furnishing invaluable insights for the formulation of preventive and control strategies within Yunnan Province.
Anomalous coherent and dissipative coupling in dual photon-magnon hybrid resonators: effect of relative split-gap orientation
Authors: Jeon Haechan , Kim Bojong , Kim Junyoung , Bhoi Biswanath , Kim Sang-Koog 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We explored the distinctive behavior of coherent and dissipative photon-magnon coupling (PMC) in dual hybrid resonators, each incorporating an Inverted Split-Ring Resonator (ISRR) paired with a Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) film, positioned in close proximity but with varying relative split-gap orientations. These orientations led to notable shifts in the dispersion spectra, characterized by level repulsion and attraction, signaling coherent and dissipative coupling, respectively, in single ISRR/YIG hybrids at certain orientations. Through analytical modeling, we determined that the observed shifts in coupling types are primarily due to the effect of photon-photon (ISRR-ISRR) interactions altering the phase difference between the coupled ISRR and magnon modes. Our findings highlight that precise manipulation of the relative split-gap orientations in the ISRR resonators enables controlled coherent and dissipative coupling within planar PMC systems. This capability opens new avenues for applications in quantum information technologies and quantum materials.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum, Asteraceae), recorded for the first as invasive weed species in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Weldesenbet Beze 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Milk thistle, Silybum marianum was observed in road sides, urban green areas and wasted places of Addis Abeba city, Ethiopia since, 2020. This study aimed to determine the current distribution status of the weed in urban green areas of the city to provide information for future management activities. Weed surveys were conducted across 42 urban green sites located in Yeka, Lemi Kura, Bole, Nifas Silk-Lafto, Kolfie Keraniyo, Akaky Kality and Gullele sub-cities during the main rainy season from June to September 2023. The urban green areas were selected by using purposive sampling techniques. Field observations confirmed that Silybum marianum can invade and colonize wide habitats and is a highly competitive invasive weed to other important native plant species. High weed density rates and dense stands of weeds were recorded in the 34 urban green areas. The present study gives an accurate assessment and understanding of Silybum marianum, which is further important for their scientific management and utilization by means of fast integrated weed management options such as mowing/tilling, weeding before the plant goes to seed, cutting (stems and/or seed heads), and burning (collected plant parts and/or seed heads) into a prepared burrow were done to minimize the spreading of the weed and its ecological impacts.
Ultrasound evaluation of kidney and liver involvement in Bardet-Biedl syndrome
Authors: Cetiner Metin , Finkelberg Ilja , Schiepek Felix , Pape Lars , Hirtz Raphael , Büscher Anja 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a rare autosomal-recessive ciliopathy with pathogenic variants in at least 26 BBS genes. It affects multiple organs including kidney and liver, however, organ involvement differs widely regarding extent and time of first manifestation. Structural renal anomalies are an early feature with a frequency of > 50% and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) cumulates to 25% in adolescence. Early-onset hyperphagia-associated obesity is another major symptom and contributes to liver pathology, presenting as steatosis/fibrosis. Aim of this study is the evaluation of high-end ultrasound (US) technologies including shear wave elastography (SWE), dispersion (SWD), and attenuation imaging (ATI) in BBS patients regarding their potential to discriminate liver and kidney tissue pathology at an early stage.
Materials and Methods
Patients with genetically proven BBS were recruited from the University Children’s Hospital of Essen and from BBS patient days hosted in Germany. Acute illness was an exclusion criterion. Clinical and laboratory data were extracted from patients’ digital records or medical letters.
Results
49 BBS patients (24/49 male; aged 1.1–51.0 years, mean 17.8 years) were included in the study. Mean body weight (SDS 2.13 ± 1.33) and BMI (SDS 2.64 ± 1.18) were increased. Structural kidney abnormalities (dysplasia, cysts) were present in 75% (36/48) and persistent fetal lobulation in 44% (21/48). Renal function was impaired in 27% (13/49) and 3/13 had ESKD (kidney transplantation (n = 2), hemodialysis (n = 1)). Elevation of liver enzymes was detected in 38% (16/42). In 51% (25/49) ATI of liver tissue was increased, indicating hepatic steatosis, and correlated with BMI SDS, liver size, and enzymes. SWE was elevated in 61% (30/49) suggesting hepatic fibrosis and was associated with BMI and GGT. Patients with pathogenic variants in BBS10 showed a tendency towards higher ATI and reduced GFR, and had significantly higher BMI SDS.
Conclusions
We detected abnormalities of the kidney and liver in a higher percentage of BBS patients than previously reported, indicating a high sensitivity of the evaluated US applications. ATI detected liver pathology early (partially prior to liver enzymes) and revealed differences related to the affected genes. Evidence of tissue pathology at an early stage may improve diagnostics and the evaluation of therapeutic approaches.
How histopathological diagnosis interacts with kidney ultrasound parameters to predict glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Andrulli Simeone , Gigante A , Rossini Michele , D'Angiò Pierluigi , Vischini Gisella , Lucchetta Franca , Aucella Filippo , Valsecchi Giovanni , Infante Barbara , Vario Maria Giovanna , Giannese Domenico , Granata Antonio , Moggia Elisabetta , Gembillo Guido , Cianci Rosario , Bonomini Mario , Manenti Flavia , Lazzarin Roberta , Renzo Brigida Di , Zanchelli Fulvia , Garozzo Maurizio , Manes Massimo , Battaglia Yuri , Sciri Raffaella , De Fabritiis Marco , Quaglia Marco , Cavoli Gioacchino Li , Gintoli Enrica , Conte Maria Maddalena , Borzumati Maurizio , Benozzi Luisa , Pasquariello Giovanna , Andrulli Giovanni , Leoni Marco , Seminara Giuseppe , Corbari Valentina , Sabiu Gianmarco , Maggio Arcangelo Di , Pollastro Rosa Maria , Gesualdo Loreto 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background eGFR evaluation is a pivotal staging step in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and renal ultrasound plays an important role in diagnosis, prognosis and progression of CKD. The role of the interaction between histopathological diagnosis and ultrasound parameters in the eGFR determination has not been fully investigated yet.Methods The study examined the results of native kidney biopsies performed in 48 Italian centers between 2012 and 2020. The primary goal was if and how the histopathological diagnosis influences the relationship between eGFR and ultrasound parameters.Results After exclusion of children, patients with acute kidney injury and patients without measure of kidney length or parenchymal thickness, 2795 patients have been selected for analysis. The median values were 52 years for patient age, 11 cm for bipolar kidney diameter, 16 mm for parenchymal thickness, 2.5 g/day for proteinuria and 70 ml/min/1.73 m2 for eGFR. The bipolar kidney diameter and the parenchymal thickness predict eGFR values (R square 0.064). Diabetes and proteinuria were associated with a consistent reduction of eGFR, improving the adjusted R square up to 0.100. Addition of histopathological diagnosis in the model increased the adjusted R square to 0.216. There is a significant interaction between histopathological diagnosis and longitudinal kidney diameter (P 0.006).Conclusions Renal bipolar length and parenchymal thickness are directly related with eGFR. The magnitude of proteinuria and histopathological kidney diagnosis increased the prediction of eGFR. The association between the kidney length and the level of eGFR depends on the nature of the kidney disease.