bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of Inconsistent Condom Use and Risky Sexual Behaviors among Female Sex Workers in Mozambique
Authors: Muleia Rachid , Banze Auria Ribeiro , Damião Shelsea Luís , Baltazar Cynthia Semá 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Female sex workers (FSWs) in Mozambique face significant health risks, including high HIV prevalence, due to inconsistent condom use and engagement in risky sexual behaviors. Understanding the determinants of these practices is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
Methods
This cross-sectional study analyzed data from the second round of Biobehavioral Survey (BBS) conducted from 2019–2020 in five urban areas to examine determinants of inconsistent condom use and risky sexual behaviors among FSWs. Logistic regression models were used to assess the association of various socio-demographic, economic, and behavioral factors with the outcomes, providing adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).
Results
Among 2,570 FSWs reporting inconsistent condom use, the majority were younger (15–24 years old, 69.5%), single (68.2%), with secondary or higher education (69.9%), nationals (66.6%), and residents of Quelimane City (77.2%). Initiating sex work < 18 years (73.3%), having 5 + clients in the last month (61.8%), binge drinking (61.7%), and experiencing physical violence (82.9%) were significantly associated with this behavior. From the 2,514 FSWs reporting risky sexual behaviors, the majority aged 15–24 (83.0%) had secondary or higher education (84.2%), were nationals (82.5%), and resided in Quelimane (87.3%). Early sexual debut (< 15 years, 87.4%) and starting sex work < 18 years (86.4%) were linked to increased risks, as was drug use (86.8%). FSWs older > 25 years (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.0–2.0, p = 0.034), from Tete (aOR = 5.8, 95% CI: 3.6–9.3, p < 0.001), with 5 + clients in the last month (aOR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.3–4.7, p = 0.003), were more likely to report inconsistent condom use. Additionally, FSWs aged 15–24 years (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1–1.9, p = 0.011) with early sexual debut (aOR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-2.0, p = 0.002).
Conclusion
The study highlights the complex interplay factors as individual characteristics, geographic location, client volume, early sexual debut, and substance use that influence sexual risks behaviour among FSWs in Mozambique. Tailored interventions addressing not only sexual health education and services, but also economic empowerment and substance use are imperative for mitigating these risks.
Intestinimonas butyriciproducens affects Eimeria tenella development and infection via regulating EtGFAT gene expression
Authors: Li Jun-Yi , Huang Hai-Bin , Shi Chun-Wei , Pan Tian-Xu , Li Ming-Han , Li Yan-Ning , Zhang Bo , Wang Nan , Wang Chun-Feng , Yang Gui-Lian 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Chicken coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria, is a prevalent problem worldwide and results in significant economic losses to the poultry industry. The chicken cecum harbors a diverse and complex microbiota, with E. tenella exclusively parasitizing the cecum and thus engaging in complex interactions with the cecal microbiota. In the investigation, an antibiotic-induced cecal microbiota depletion model was used to study the relationship between E. tenella and the microbial community for the first time. It was revealed that the absence of cecal microbiota can disrupt E. tenella macrogametes development. Furthermore, the critical role of cecal microbiota integrity in E. tenella development was confirmed through fecal microbiota transplantation experiments. Notably, the study identified the genus Intestinimonas within the cecum as a primary factor influencing E. tenella development. Specifically, it was discovered that the genus Intestinimonas significantly affects macrogametes development through EtGFAT gene expression. In addition, transplantation of Intestinimonas butyriciproducens resulted in a significant reduction in clinical symptoms associated with E. tenella infection. Furthermore, Intestinimonas butyriciproducens promoted the secretion of high levels of IFN-γ from CD8 + T cells, which in turn exerts resistance to E. tenella. These findings offer valuable insights for developing innovative anti-coccidia agents.
Enhancing anaerobic degradation of corn stover residues and biogas production via rumen microorganisms
Authors: Makri Anastasia , Ntougias Spyridon , Melidis Paraschos 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Corn is one of the most common cultivations in Greece and worldwide. Raw materials like corn stover contain a remarkable amount of organic content, which could be transformed anaerobically into biogas, using as an alternative energy source. The development of efficient methods to overcome the limitations arisen from the nature of lignocellulosic biomass is a challenge since pretreatment is required to break down its complex structure. An economically-feasible biological approach to disrupt the structure of lignocellulosic materials, like corn stover, is through the valorization of hydrolytic potential of microbial communities present in rumen. Rumen microbiota has demonstrated the ability to break down lignocellulosic biomass. Thus, this work aims to enhance biogas production from corn stover residues using rumen fluid microbiota. The anaerobic digestibility of corn stover in BMP (Biochemical Methane Potential) tests and CSTR (continuous stirring tank reactors) was examined using rumen fluid as inoculum, in presence of control. Three organic loading rates (OLR), i.e. 1, 2, and 3 g VS/L.d, were tested, to define the optimum OLR for corn stover digestion. Moreover, experiments to define the optimum corn stover to rumen fluid ratio to optimize biogas production were carried out. Addition of rumen inoculum into the anaerobic digester at daily basis was found to be essential to enhance biogas production from corn stover. The optimum corn stover residues concentration in rumen fluid for optimum biogas production was 4% w/v. Addition of rumen fluid microbiota in the CSTR operating under various OLRs enhanced biogas production by 2–6.3 times.
Effective water well rehabilitation using a combined ultrasonic-mechanical method
Authors: Pavelková Alena , Pluhař Tomáš , Procházka Martin , Šupíková Irena , Kvapil Petr , Nosek Jaroslav 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
The restoration of original boreholes is preferable to building new ones as the process is more cost-effective. However, traditional chemical or mechanical regeneration methods may cause soil contamination or destruction of the borehole equipment.
Materials and methods
Here, we report on a newly developed ultrasound device that has been designed to reduce the need for the heavy lifting equipment, such as cranes, that typically accompany commercially available equipment. The device is minimized in size and equipped with a PLC, allowing the unit to be controlled remotely using a laptop computer. We tested the prototype ultrasound device on a fifty-year-old borehole and used standard geophysical well-logging techniques to evaluate its regeneration efficiency.
Results
After regeneration the fundamental change was an increase in the intensity of the downward flow, the water no more flows across the borehole, but exclusively downward (Q=115,000 l/day) what was thirty-fold acceleration of the flow of water through the well. New tributaries to the well were activated, which also signalled cleaning of the formerly clogged gravel sheath. The specific yield derived after regeneration was 1.13-1.49 fold higher than the specific yield before regeneration.
Conclusion
Borehole regeneration using ultrasound, while a less widely used method, offers adequate regeneration efficiency and is more environmentally friendly. Moreover, the presented prototype also offers reduced financial costs for regeneration compared to similar techniques that currently use heavy equipment and enables better mobility for harder-to-reach wells.
Development of a model composting process for food waste in an island community and use of machine learning models to predict its performance
Authors: Lytras Christos , Lyberatos Vassilis , Lytras George , Papadopoulou Konstantina , Vlysidis Anestis , Lyberatos Gerasimos 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose: A novel composting process suitable for handling food waste in an island community is developed. Food waste collection exhibits a substantial variation in quantities over the year and is based on separate disposal of food waste from residents and shops at the source.
Methods: The food waste is properly mixed with recycled compost and bulking material, consisting of a mixture of prunings, leaves and sawdust and placed in one of 24 1m3 closed container. After approximately one month, it is transferred to a second 1m3 container and after one more month to a final 1m3 container. Then it is sieved using an automated sieve and separated into two fractions. The net product is bagged and returned to the citizens, while the “reject” fraction is mixed with the feed. Approximately 15 tons of food waste were processed in 44 batches and produced approximately 3.4 tons of compost product. During the composting batches the composting mixture temperature and volume were monitored, the mixture was stirred 2-3 times weekly and water was added as needed to maintain a good level of moisture. For each of the 44 batches, the mean and maximum temperature reached, the mean ambient temperature, the process duration and the amounts of crude and net compost obtained after sieving are presented.
Results: Five machine learning models (Linear Regression, Decision tree regressor, K-Neighbors Regressor, Support Vector Regression, XGBoost Regression) were developed capable of predicting these outputs, using as inputs ambient temperature and the mixture amount and composition with excellent results.
Conclusion: The developed machine learning models are useful for predicting the outcome of composting food waste and could be used for optimal designing compost plant operations.
Characterization and Screening of Selected Eight Improved Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Varieties for Production of Extruded Breakfast Meal
Authors: Mayaki Olutayo Moses , Akinwande Bolanle Aishat , Oke Moruf Olanrewaju 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This research work characterized and screened local rice varieties in order to select the most suitable variety for production of ready-to-eat breakfast meals through extrusion cooking. Eight improved FARO 61–67 paddy rice varieties were milled, characterised and screened for extrusion properties. The milling characteristics, axial dimensional, physical, physicochemical, functional and cooking properties of the varieties were studied. The yield for brown rice ranged from 78.16–79.91% while head brown rice yield ranged from 23.82–75.61%. The bran yield after milling for 60 s ranged from 1.98–7.22%, while degree of milling ranged from 2.52–9.04. Length, width, and thickness for all varieties ranged from 6.21–6.91 mm, 2.02–2.46 mm, and 1.55–1.82 mm, respectively. Length-breadth ratio, aspect ratio and kernel volume of milled rice ranged between 2.59–3.33, 0.30–0.39 and 10.72–15.97 mm3, respectively. The thousand kernel weight has range of 16.55–20.66 g, while bulk density ranged from 0.567–0.652 kgm̵³. Gelatinization temperature has three categories of high alkaline digestion value 6–7 (55–69 ℃), intermediate 4–5 (70–74 ℃) and low 2–3 (75–79 ℃). Cooking time was from 12.67–30.67 min while the gel consistency ranged from 33.22–37.99 mm. Total starch and amylose concentration ranged from 66.83–82.43%, and 22.21–25.96, respectively. Water absorption capacity ranged from 5.61–6.71, and length-wise expansion ratio, breadth-wise expansion ratio, and cooked length-breadth ratio ranged from 1.23–1.47, 1.38–1.50 and 2.43–2.66. Results of physical, physicochemical, functional, cooking, and expansion characteristics of milled rice show FARO 64 variety has optimum extrusion properties. It is therefore considered the most suitable for use in rice extrusion process.
Microbial Assimilatory Sulfate Reduction-Mediated H2S: An Overlooked Role in Crohn's Disease Development
Authors: Luo Wanrong , Zhao Min , Dwidar Mohammed , Xiang Liyuan , Gao Yang , Wu Xueting , Medema Marnix H. , Xu Shu , Li Xiaozhi , Schaefer Hendrik , Chen Minhu , Feng Rui , Zhu Yijun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
H2S imbalances in the intestinal tract trigger Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal disorder characterized by microbiota dysbiosis and barrier dysfunction. However, a comprehensive understanding of H2S generation in the gut, and the contributions of both microbiota and host to systemic H2S levels in CD, remain to be elucidated. This investigation aimed to enhance comprehension regarding the sulfidogenic potential of both the human host and the gut microbiota.
Results
Our analysis of a treatment-naive CD cohorts' fecal metagenomic and biopsy metatranscriptomic data revealed reduced expression of host endogenous H2S generation genes alongside increased abundance of microbial exogenous H2S production genes in correlation with CD. While prior studies focused on microbial H2S production via dissimilatory sulfite reductases, our metagenomic analysis suggests the assimilatory sulfate reduction (ASR) pathway is a more significant contributor in the human gut, given its high prevalence and abundance. Subsequently, we validated our hypothesis experimentally by generating ASR-deficient E. coli mutants ∆cysJ and ∆cysM through the deletion of sulfite reductase and L-cysteine synthase genes. This alteration significantly affected bacterial sulfidogenic capacity, colon epithelial cell viability, and colonic mucin sulfation, ultimately leading to colitis in murine model. Further study revealed that gut microbiota degrade sulfopolysaccharides and assimilate sulfate to produce H2S via the ASR pathway, highlighting the role of sulfopolysaccharides in colitis and cautioning against their use as food additives.
Conclusions
Our study significantly advances understanding of microbial sulfur metabolism in the human gut, elucidating the complex interplay between diet, gut microbiota, and host sulfur metabolism. We highlight the microbial ASR pathway as an overlooked endogenous H2S producer and a potential therapeutic target for managing CD.
New Ensemble Deep Learning Model for Gynaecological Cancer Risk Prediction
Authors: Berahman Kamal , Zhou Xujuan , Li Yufeng , Gururajan Raj , Barua Prabal , Acharya Rajendra , Chennakesavan Srinivas Kondalsamy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Gynaecological cancer is a prevalent type of cancer affecting women worldwide, and early detection is critical for successful treatment and prevention of cancer recurrence. In our study, we introduce an innovative method to predict cervical cancer risk using a combination of deep learning models. Our approach employs a nested ensemble technique, where multiple deep learning base models are individually trained and then integrated to create a more precise ensemble model. In the initial phase of our nested ensemble method, we leverage sophisticated stacking deep learning techniques, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs), and Support Vector Machines (SVMs). The subsequent MetaClassifier section introduces a voting mechanism, seamlessly integrating methods such as j48 and SGD. Our experimental findings reveal that our method surpasses expectations, demonstrating superior performance compared to existing state-of-the-art approaches in analyzing cervical cancer data.
Network analysis of multidimensional symptoms and inflammatory biomarkers in Chinese patients with glioma
Authors: Li Huayu , Shi Xiaohan , Li Jing , Zhang Xinrui , Nyalali Alphonce M K , Li Feng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose Patients with glioma experience multidimensional symptoms that reduce their functional status, quality of life, and survival, and these symptoms may be associated with inflammation. This study applied network analysis to examine and visualize the relationship between multidimensional symptom experiences and inflammatory biomarkers and assess the symptom networks of multidimensional symptom experiences over time in patients with glioma.Methods Participants diagnosed with glioma were recruited and completed the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory-Brain Tumor Module (MDASI-BT) at three different time points: 2 days after admission (T1), 7 days after surgery (T2), and 1 month after surgery (T3). On the same day as the T1 questionnaire collection, plasma levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and c-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Network analysis was employed to explore the relationships among multidimensional symptom experiences and inflammatory biomarkers of patients.Results Of the total 334 participants (mean age 54.38 ± 13.16 years), 67.1% had high-grade tumors. In the symptom-cytokine network model, there were positive correlations between “sad and IL-6” (0.19), “fatigue and IL-10” (0.07), and “sleepy and IL-1β” (0.06). Regarding the symptom-symptom network models, difficulty remembering (rs = 1.20), sad (rs = 1.60), and change in bowel pattern (rs = 1.30) emerged as the most central symptoms across the three assessments.Conclusions Network analysis provides a novel method for investigating the relationships between multidimensional symptom experiences and inflammatory biomarkers. Additionally, it allows for identifying different core symptoms at various stages of treatment. Nurses should effectively address and manage symptoms by focusing on special core symptoms and their interconnections within the network.Implications for Cancer Survivors Assessing and addressing neurological symptoms, psychological changes, gastrointestinal symptoms early in treatment may improve health outcomes of patients with glioma.
Evaluation of the dynamic viscosity in hemoglobin solutions using proton magnetic relaxation
Authors: Cruz Néstor Juan Rodríguez de la , Torres Yulianela Mengana , Naranjo Juan Carlos García , Ferro Beatriz T. Ricardo , Geli Yamirka Alonso , Piña Edalis Guerrero , Durán Yomaidis Araujo , Beyries Lidia C. Suárez , Reyes Inocente C. Rodríguez , Rodriguez Samuel Jorge Rosales , Guevara Manuel Arsenio Lores 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

A Proton Magnetic Relaxation method to determine the absolute dynamic viscosity in samples of hemoglobin (Hb) solutions (ηHb) is presented. The approach is based on the inverse relationship between this physical parameter and the transverse proton magnetic relaxation time (T2). The Hb samples were voluntary obtained from whole blood of healthy individuals and patients, and processed by classical methods (centrifugation, decanting and freezing-thawing cycles).The Carr-Purcell-Meiboon-Gill pulse sequence was employed to determine T2 in a Tecmag Magnetic Resonance console coupled to a magnet of 0. 095 T and the temperature of measurement was 293 K. A theoretical expression was derived; which properly describes the experimental behavior of the transverse proton magnetic relaxation rate (R2) with ηHb. This equation was successfully used to estimate ηHb in samples belonging to 10 healthy individuals considering that the values obtained statistically match with those measured using an Ostwald viscometer. The potential utility, for medical applications, of this proton magnetic resonance based method was observed estimating ηHb in samples belonging to 46 sickle cell disease patients; being the estimated values bigger than those obtained for the case of healthy individuals due to the increasing in the intermolecular interactions inside the hemoglobin S solution, which is provoked by the presence of HbS polymers and fragments of this type of polymers. To use this method a special care must be taken with the temperature and the frequency of resonance used, as well as with the homogeneity of the static magnetic system. Additionally; the presence inside the sample of external amount of water, paramagnetic compounds and/or other biological materials must be avoided.
No one home? New evidence for MIS 3 occupations in the Western Cape (South Africa) from Mertenhof Rock Shelter
Authors: Will Manuel , Jacobs Zenobia , Mackay Alex 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Southern Africa features an intensively studied Stone Age sequence, though one with geographical and temporal gaps. The archaeology of Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 remains understudied, particularly between ~ 50 − 25 ka. This period encompasses numerous ecological, demographic and behavioural changes, most notably the passage from Middle Stone Age (MSA) to Later Stone Age (LSA) technologies. In western South Africa, previous research postulated a hiatus in the cultural sequence during the second half of MIS 3, potentially reflecting depopulation due to hyperarid environments. Here we document rare occupations during this period in the Western Cape at Mertenhof Rock Shelter (MRS) by providing new chronometric and technological data. OSL estimates suggest two pulses of low-density occupations at ~ 50 ka and 41 − 37 ka, allowing for a diachronic assessment of technological changes. These sporadic MSA occupations complement the more widespread occurrence of open-air settlements along the Doring River during ~ 50 − 35 ka. At MRS, knappers procured local rock types and produced small flakes and some blades via platform and bipolar reduction but without Nubian methods. The retouched pieces feature splintered pieces and denticulates but mostly lack points. Notable differences to sites in eastern southern Africa underscore ongoing technological regionalization and demographic partitioning during MIS 3. The temporal changes in the sequence show no consistent trajectory towards the ELSA in the region that appears around 25 ka. Lithic and chronometric evidence from MRS supports scenarios of a long persistence of the MSA within MIS 3 in southern Africa and a late emergence of the LSA after 35 ka.
Regulation and Quality Assurance for the Mental Health and Substance Use Health Workforce: A Scoping Review
Authors: Atanackovic Jelena , Slipp Micheala , Klaus Jesse , Bartram Mary , Myles Sophia , Bourgeault Ivy Lynn , Leslie Kathleen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to identify which regulatory approaches have the greatest potential for improving equitable access to high-quality mental health and substance use health (MHSUH) services. Guided by Arksey & O’Malley’s methodology, we conducted a scoping review of academic and grey literature involving a search of three academic databases, Google, and websites of provider organizations. A total of 49 academic papers and 184 grey literature sources were included. We identified four key findings: 1) a fragmented regulatory landscape and trends towards harmonization of regulation; 2) need to modernize training to improve equity in service provision 3) the value of reducing regulatory barriers and enhancing interjurisdictional mobility; and 4) the need to improve visibility and integration/support for unregulated providers. More research is needed to identify which regulatory approaches hold the greatest potential for expanding equitable access to high-quality providers and services. Future research could explore how to implement lighter-touch regulatory frameworks.