bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 infection and 2-year mortality in nursing home residents who survived the first wave of the pandemic
Authors: Sanchez Manuel , Courtois-Amiot Pauline , Herrault Vincent , Allart Hélène , Eischen Philippe , Chetaille Fabienne , Lepineux Denise , Cathelineau Castille , Raynaud-Simon Agathe 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background During the first COVID-19 pandemic wave (1stCoPW), nursing homes (NHs) experienced a high rate of COVID-19 infection and death. Residents who survived the COVID-19 infection may have become frailer. This study aimed to determine the predictive value of having a COVID-19 infection during the 1st CoPW for 2-year mortality in NH residents.Methods This was a retrospective study conducted in three NHs. Residents who had survived the 1st CoPW (March to May 2020) were included. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was based on the results of a positive reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test. The collected data also included age, sex, length of residence in the NH, disability status, legal guardianship status, nutritional status, need for texture-modified food and hospitalization during lockdown. Nonadjusted and adjusted Cox models were used to analyse factors associated with 2-year post-1st CoPW mortality.Results Among the 315 CoPW1 survivors (72% female, mean age 88 years, 48% with severe disability), 35% presented with COVID-19. Having a history of COVID-19 was not associated with 2-year mortality: hazard ratio (HR) [95% confidence interval] = 0.96 [0.81–1.13], p = 0.62. The factors independently associated with 2-year mortality were older age (for each additional year, HR = 1.05 [1.03–1.08], p < 0.01), severe disability vs moderate or no disability (HR = 1.35 [1.12–1.63], p < 0.01) and severe malnutrition vs no malnutrition (HR = 1.29 [1.04–1.60], p = 0.02).Conclusions Having survived a COVID-19 infection during the 1st CoPW did not affect subsequent 2-year survival in older adults living in NHs, suggesting that most of these residents recovered from the infection without COVID-19-related life-threatening sequelae.
Thyroid disease and breast cancer, benign breast neoplasm: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wang Bowen , Ling Yue , Zhang Hui , Liu Yang , Yuan Jiacheng , Zhang Yinuo , Yang Ming 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background Breast cancer (BC) is a prevalent and significant health issue and a major contributor to global cancer incidence, accounting for 31 percent of all reported cases. Benign breast neoplasm, as a benign tumor with a high incidence in women, may play an important role in the development of BC. Previous studies have shown that thyroid dysfunction and thyroid cancer (TC) can lead to the occurrence of many cancers. Therefore, we conduct Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to explore the causality of thyroid dysfunctions, TC, and breast neoplasm.Methods The data of the analysis from the genome-wide association study (GWAS) dataset. The exposure includes FT4, TSH, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and TC. Meanwhile, the outcome consists of BC, HER2-enriched BC, HER2-negative BC, and benign breast neoplasm. We used four methods (inverse variance weighted (IVW) random effects model, IVW fixed effects model, MR-Egger method, median weighted method, and the weighted mode method). We used the MR-PRESSO test and MR-Egger intercept test to detect horizontal pleiotropy and Cochran's Q test to detect heterogeneity.Results The IVW method showed a positive relationship between high FT4 levels and BC (OR = 1.210 p = 0.008) and an inverse association between TSH levels (OR IVW = 0.908 p = 0.007), hypothyroidism (OR IVW = 0.959, p = 0.014) and BC. For HER2-positive BC, an elevated FT4 level was associated with an increased risk (OR IVW = 1.314, p = 0.001). High TSH levels (OR IVW = 0.899, p = 0.02) and hypothyroidism (OR IVW = 0.944, p = 0.003) were protective against HER2-positive BC. Meanwhile, individuals with TC (OR = 1.003, p = 0.048), and hyperthyroidism (OR IVW = 1.127, p = 0.006) were associated with an increasing risk of development of benign breast neoplasm. Hyperthyroidism was associated with an elevated risk of benign breast neoplasm.Conclusions The present MR study explains the association between thyroid diseases and BC (mainly in HER2-positive BC). Furthermore, it demonstrates that hyperthyroidism, low levels of TSH, and TC may contribute to the development of benign breast neoplasm.
Failure of adhesive bonding unveiled by in-situ strain testing in high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Horiuchi Shin , Saito Noriyuki , Hanada Takeshi , Shimamoto Kazumasa , Akiyama Haruhisa 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The nano-scale failure behaviors of adhesive interfaces were investigated through in-situ straining testing to observe real-time crack propagations under a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). Two different loading modes were applied to thin sections of adhesive interfaces: crack-opening mode applied to pre-cracks made at the interface and shear mode. The failure of aluminum alloy (Al6061) and a second-generation acrylic adhesive (SGA) was examined, enabling observation of the growth of crazing in the adhesive layer, which has a phase-separated structure, preceding the macroscopic failure of the interfaces. Furthermore, the failure of a direct joint of thermoplastic and Al was investigated, with a comparison made to that observed in the adhesive interface. The generation and propagation of cracks near the interface, attributed to the adhesive's phase separation, contribute to the toughness of the adhesive interface. Both the direction of stress acting on the interface and the interface's strength influence the initiation and growth of cracks throughout the adhesive layer.
Effect of autophagy on EMT in alveolar epithelial cells induced by pyocyanin
Authors: Li Zhuoyue , Wang Jiali , Ye Huan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of pulmonary fibrosis, which can cause severe cell damage. Autophagy is a process of maintaining cell balance through degradation and reuse of damaged organelles, proteins, invading pathogens and other substances. Autophagy can protect cells to a certain extent, while uncontrolled and defective autophagy will further aggravate cell damage. At present, it has been reported that autophagy can reduce the level of apoptosis and mesenchymal transformation caused by certain pathogenic factors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of autophagy on EMT in alveolar type II epithelial cells stimulated by pyocyanin (PCN).
Methods
After stimulating human alveolar type II epithelial cell line A549 with different concentrations of PCN in vitro, EMT changes were detected by Western blot and Real-time PCR, and autophagy levels were detected by immunofluorescence and Western blot. Then autophagy was inhibited and EMT marker protein levels and nucleic acid levels were detected. Finally, the changes of TGF-β/Smad pathway markers were detected after the addition of autophagy inhibitor 3-MA.
Result
After stimulating A549 cells with PCN (5ug/ml, 10ug/ml, 25ug/ml, 50ug/ml) for 24h, The expression levels of epithelial marker E-cadherin protein and mRNA were significantly decreased compared with the control group, and the expression levels of mesenchymal marker α-SMA protein and mRNA were increased compared with the control group (p < 0.05), suggesting that EMT phenomenon occurred after PCN stimulated A549 cells. At the same time, the expression of autophagy marker LC3 in protein level and immunofluorescence level was significantly higher than that in control group (p < 0.05), suggesting that PCN induced autophagy in A549 cells. After inhibition of autophagy with 3MA, the protein and nucleic acid expression levels of autophagy marker LC3 and epithelial marker E-cadherin were significantly decreased compared with control group, while the protein and nucleic acid expression levels of mesenchymal marker α-SMA were increased compared with control group (p < 0.05), indicating that the EMT phenomenon was enhanced after inhibition of autophagy. Further study showed that TGF-β1 nucleic acid level and p-Smad2/3 protein expression level in the addition of autophagy inhibitor 3MA group were significantly increased compared with the control group and PCN group (p < 0.05), indicating that inhibition of autophagy may enhance EMT by affecting TGF-β/Smad pathway.
Conclusion
PCN can induce EMT and autophagy in alveolar epithelial cells, and autophagy can inhibit the further development of EMT, which may inhibit the occurrence of EMT by reducing the activity of TGF-β/Smad pathway. These results suggest that autophagy may prevent pulmonary fibrosis.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Point Prevalence and Risk Factors Among Sudanese Children and Adolescents During Sudan Army Conflict: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Awad Mohammed Haydar , Abbas Maram Mutasim , Mohamed Rahaf Salah , Mohamed Hanin Osman 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Suffering from war, living in conflict area, and forced displaced all have the impact to lead or increase the risk to a lot of physical and mental health, especially for children and their parents. The most common disorder that people survived from war zones is posttraumatic stress Disorder. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder in Sudanese children and adolescents during Sudan army conflict that have been started in 2023.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional community-based study was carried out among all Sudanese children and adolescents between 8 and 18 years old and residents in Sudan at the start of the conflict, by using a self-administrated questionnaire under parent's guide, if necessary. The questionnaire was adapted from the Child Posttraumatic stress disorder Symptoms Scale Self Report (CPSS-5-SR) for the assessment of PTSD symptoms. The questionnaire was translated into Arabic and its validity and reliability were confirmed. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 software, descriptive analysis, and any appropriate statistical tests were done.
Results
Out of 1078 participants, the mean age was 15.18 ± 2.98 years, 64.1% were female, and 44.6% had posttraumatic stress disorder. There was a significant relationship between PTSD, sex, age, current residency, and traumatic event exposure with a P value less than 0.001 in all of them.
Conclusion
PTSD was highly prevalent among the Sudanese children and adolescents featured in the study. The findings will given to the government to provide proper mental health interventions for the affected people.
Ocean-Atmosphere Interrelation of Bjerknes Feedback Loop Associated with Indian Ocean Dipole Retrieved from Altimeter Radar and Microwave Radiometer of Satellite Altimetry
Authors: Abdullah Noor Nabilah , Wijaya Dudy D. , Meilano Irwan , Kuntjoro Wedyanto , Tanuwijaya Zamzam Akhmad Jamaluddin , Abdillah Muhammad Rais , Nurzaman Fathin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In the past few decades, satellite altimetry has surpassed tremendous achievements in examining the mesoscale of ocean dynamics. Recently, new potential of the satellite in observing the variability of climate phenomena through atmospheric medium been unlocked. As it has been ascertained that satellite altimetry not only outstanding in monitoring ocean dynamic, but also in observing atmospheric variability, we intuitively propose a hypothesis that satellite altimetry is reliable in monitoring Bjerknes feedback; a feedback loop involving interaction between atmosphere and oceans. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the capability of satellite altimetry in observing Bjerknes feedback through Precipitable Water Vapour (PWV) and Sea Level Anomaly (SLA) during the anomalous climate mode of Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). The results signify the convincing arguments as both PWV and SLA indexes have high correlation with Dipole Mode Index (DMI), particularly in the west region of Indian Ocean; 0.67 and 0.62, respectively. The correlation of PWV and SLA indexes are also significantly high; 0.73 and 0.69 in west and east region, respectively. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results are also convincing as the spatial pattern of primary (PC1) and secondary (PC2) components of both PWV and SLA are associated with positive and negative IOD, respectively. The temporal pattern of PC1 for PWV and SLA have relatively high correlation with positive IOD. The substantially high temporal correlation (0.81) between PWV and SLA PC1 has reinforce the confidence in the capability of satellite altimetry in observing the Bjerknes feedback.
Parental Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis Drives Transgenerational DNA Methylation Transmission and Autism-like Behaviors in Offspring
Authors: Chen Bin , Xue Xinxin , Jiang Xin , Li Ning , Liu Yanan , Zhao Changying , Jin Chuandi , Yue Kaile , Zhao Guoping , Li Ziyun , Wang Qinghua , Zhang Lei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a complex neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins remain elusive. Emerging research underscores the potential impact of parental environmental exposures on ASD risk in offspring. While the interplay between the "microbiota-gut-brain axis" and epigenetics is increasingly acknowledged in ASD pathogenesis, their comprehensive effects and regulatory mechanisms have not yet been fully revealed. Our hypothesis posits that parental dysbiosis in gut microbiota may engender transgenerational transmission of DNA methylation abnormalities to offspring, consequently modulating their gut microbiota composition, gene expression profiles, and metabolites levels through the "microbiota-gut-brain axis". This multifaceted interplay potentially triggers ASD-like behaviors.
Results
We conducted fecal microbiota transplantations (FMT) from human donors diagnosed with ASD or typically developing (TD) controls into antibiotic-treated mice, revealing that colonization with ASD microbiota triggered distinct autistic-like behaviors in both male and female offspring. These offspring exhibited pathological changes in both the brain and intestines, alongside significant alterations in their gut microbiota, serum metabolome, and brain transcriptome. Notably, colonization with ASD microbiota induced changes in methylation levels of ASD-related genes in parental mice, with some methylation sites being transmitted transgenerationally to the offspring. Employing a multi-omics sequential mediation network, we elucidated potential mechanisms underlying behavioral differences in mice across genders.
Conclusions
Our findings delineate a link between parental gut microbiota dysbiosis, transgenerational DNA methylation, and the emergence of ASD-like traits, uncovering an epigenetic basis for the clinical observation that parents of children with ASD are typically asymptomatic.
Development of a simple turbulent diffusivity expression in the context of relative turbulent dispersion
Authors: Aranciaga Joaquín , López Ezequiel J. , Nigro Norberto M. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Modeling turbulent fluxes in RANS (Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes) equations is a nontrivial task. Unlike molecular diffusion, turbulent scales are tipically not well separated from those over which mean properties vary, and therefore the very common analogy between them is a poor one. When the interest lies in simulating the initial stage of a process (e.g. the zone close to a nozzle discharging material) some modifications to the diffusion coefficients must be done in order to represent the process adequately. Moreover, when the turbulent dispersion of a puff of material or a burning kernel needs to be predicted, it is necessary to consider that not all of the turbulent eddies are effective in diffusing the material. Eddies much larger than the puff primarily convect it in a random way, and this must also be included in the diffusion process if the puff growth is to be computed accurately. In this work, lagrangian simulations are performed in a simplified turbulence configuration. Then, dispersion statistics are used to obtain an expression for the turbulent diffusivity appropriate for simulating the growth of a puff and related phenomena, such as the kernel produced after a spark discharge.
Artificial nano platform for controlling bone microenvironment to reduce bone loss
Authors: Gao Jinpeng , Guo Zeyu , Chen yang , Zhou Zixuan , Lin Sen , Mei Xifan , Chen ShuRui 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Treatment on the regeneration of osteoporosis (OP) remains a challenge due to the severe dysregulation of the bone microenvironment. With the continuous development of nano-platform technology, new nanomaterials have become a hot topic in recent years. In recent research reports, Prussian blue, characterized by its diversity and high-cost performance, has gained attention. Therefore, we synthesized and developed a new Prussian blue particle, Pb-Fe-Cs, which has ability to clear reactive oxygen species (ROS) and specific regulatory effect on the inflammatory micro-environment. As a class of active metal ions, both Fe and Cs have specific antioxidant capacities. In summary, the combination of these two elements can significantly reduce the occurrence of bone loss. The constructed Pb-Fe-Cs nanase has the ability to induce bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to differentiate into osteoblasts, minimizing damage, osteoclast formation, and bone loss when oxidative stress occurs in the bone microenvironment. In vivo experiments confirmed that Pb-Fe-Cs promotes the formation of osteoblasts, reduces osteoclasts. These results suggest that the microenvironmental regulatory effect of these artificial biodegradable nanoplatforms is beneficial for treating OP. This study opens up an exciting prospect for applying OP therapy and supports the clinical significance of Pb-Fe-Cs.
Cadmium activates the innate immune system through the AIM2 inflammasome
Authors: Zhao Letian , Liao Mingxing , Li Lianbing , Chen Linbo , Zhang Tianfeng , Li renyan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a widely used heavy metal and has recently been recognized as a possible source of human toxicity due to its ability to accumulate in organs. Accumulation of heavy metals has several adverse effects, including inducing inflammation, in multiple organs, including the testis. However, how Cd ions are sensed by host cells and how tissue inflammation eventually occurs remains unclear. Here, we show that Cd activates the AIM2 inflammasome by mediating genomic DNA release into the cytoplasm after DNA damage via oxidative stress to trigger IL-1 beta secretion and pyroptosis. Specifically, the toxicity effects induced by Cd in cells were prevented by melatonin, which served as an antagonist of oxidative stress. Accordingly, in a mouse model, Cd-induced inflammation in the testis and consequential male reproductive dysfunction were effectively reversed by melatonin. Thus, our results suggest a function of AIM2 in Cd-mediated testis inflammation and identify AIM2 as a major pattern recognition receptor in response to heavy metal Cd ions.
Failure envelope and bearing capacity of a rigid ring footing on sand layer overlying stiff clay under eccentric loads
Authors: Kitchah Fethi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this paper, numerical calculations in axisymmetry based on the finite difference method are carried out to calculate the bearing capacity of a rigid ring footing on sand overlying stiff clay subjected to eccentric loading. The verification of the model accuracy is examined after an initial analysis by comparing the bearing capacity factor Nγ of a rough and smooth circular footing loaded vertically and placed on the surface of the soil. To show the effect of eccentricity, sand layer thickness and friction angle, the results are presented in graphs and normalized failure envelopes in the V-M loading plane. The results indicate on one hand that the eccentricity of the load has little effect on the reduction of the bearing capacity as long as this eccentricity remains less than the third of footing width, on the other hand, that the influence of the clay layer on the increase of the bearing capacity is negligible if the thickness of the sand layer exceeds twice of the footing width. Moreover, the friction angle makes a significant difference to the size of the standardized failure envelope.
Evolution beats random chance: Performance-dependent network evolution for enhanced computational capacity
Authors: Yadav Manish , Sinha Sudeshna , Stender Merten 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The quest to understand structure-function relationships in networks across scientific disciplines has intensified. However, the optimal network architecture remains elusive, particularly for complex information processing. Therefore, we investigate how optimal and specific network structures form to efficiently solve distinct tasks using a novel framework of performance-dependent network evolution, leveraging reservoir computing principles. Our study demonstrates that task-specific minimal network structures obtained through this framework consistently outperform networks generated by alternative growth strategies and Erdős-Rényi random networks. Evolved networks exhibit unexpected sparsity and adhere to scaling laws in node-density space while showcasing a distinctive asymmetry in input and information readout nodes distribution. Consequently, we propose a heuristic for quantifying task complexity from performance-dependently evolved networks, offering valuable insights into the evolutionary dynamics of network structure-function relationship. Our findings not only advance the fundamental understanding of process-specific network evolution but also shed light on the design and optimization of complex information processing mechanisms, notably in machine learning.
Oral Dextrose Gel for Hypoglycemia in a well baby nursery: a baby friendly initiative
Authors: Zayek Michael , Batra Mansi , Ikeri Kelechi , Bhat Ramachandra , Blake Michelle , Mantell Genevieve 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To assess the impact of oral dextrose gel (ODG) treatment on NICU admission rates for hypoglycemic infants in a well-baby nursery.
Study Design
We retrospectively compared newborn infants, at risk for hypoglycemia, born during the intervention period (n=3775) with historical controls (n=655). Rates of the primary outcome (NICU admission) and secondary outcomes (exclusive breastfeeding, hospital costs) were compared between the groups.
Results
Following the implementation of ODG supplementation, the NICU admissions rates dropped from 4 % to 2 %, p <0.05, for at-risk infants and from 15 % to 7 %, p <0.05, for hypoglycemic infants in the baseline and intervention periods, respectively. Additionally, the ODG protocol sustained rates of exclusive breastfeeding in contrast to the institutional protocol.
Conclusion
The adoption of an ODG protocol fosters a more nurturing and baby-friendly environment through reduced NICU transfers, support for exclusive breastfeeding, and decreased hospital costs.