bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of risk-adjusted mortality ratio (RAMR) in bloodstream infections using all-patient refined diagnosis-related groups (APR-DRGs)
Authors: Maestro De La Calle Guillermo , Vélez Jorge , Mateo Flores Javier , García Barrio Noelia , Orellana María Ángeles , Quirós-González Víctor , Lumbreras Bermejo Carlos , Bernal José Luis 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To calculate a risk-adjusted mortality ratio (RAMR) for bloodstream infections (BSIs) using all-patient refined diagnosis-related groups (APR-DRGs) and compare it with the crude mortality rate (CMR).

Methods
Retrospective observational study of prevalent BSI at our institution from January 2019 to December 2022. In-hospital mortality was adjusted with a binary logistic regression model adjusting for sex, age, admission type and mortality risk for the hospitalization episode according to the four severity levels of APR DRGs. The RAMR was calculated as the ratio of observed to expected in-hospital mortality, and the CMR was calculated as the proportion of deaths among all bacteraemia episodes.

Results
Of 2939 BSIs, 2541 were included: Escherichia coli (n = 1310), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 428), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 209), Staphylococcus aureus (n = 498) and candidaemia (n = 96). A total of 436 (17.2%) patients died during hospitalization and 279 died within the first 14 days after the onset of BSI. Throughout the period, all BSI cases had a mortality rate above the expected adjusted mortality (RAMR value greater than 1), except for Escherichia coli (1.03; 95% CI 0.86–1.21). The highest overall RAMR values were observed for P. aeruginosa, Candida and S. aureus with 2.06 (95% CI 1.57–2.62), 1.99 (95% CI 1.3–2.81) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.47–2.16), respectively. The temporal evolution of CMR may differ from RAMR, especially in E. coli, where it was reversed.

Conclusions
RAMR showed higher than expected mortality for all BSIs studied except E. coli and provides complementary to and more clinically comprehensive information than CMR, the currently recommended antibiotic stewardship programme mortality indicator.
Investigation of the seasonal prevalence, phenotypic, and genotypic characteristics ofListeria monocytogenesin slaughterhouses in Burdur
Authors: Erol Zeki , Taşçı Fulya 
Published: March 2024

AbstractAimThis study examined Listeria monocytogenes isolates from two slaughterhouses in Burdur province, southern Turkey, over four seasons for antibiotic resistance, serogroups, virulence genes, in vitro biofilm forming capacity, and genetic relatedness.Methods and resultsCarcass (540) and environment-equipment surface (180) samples were collected from two slaughterhouses (S1, S2) for 1 year (4 samplings). Of the 89 (12.4%) positive isolates, 48 (53.9%) were from animal carcasses, and 41 (46.1%) from the environment-equipment surfaces. Autumn was the peak season for Listeria monocytogenes compared to summer and spring (P &lt; 0.05). In addition, the most common serotype between seasons was 1/2c. Except for plcA and luxS genes, all isolates (100%) harbored inlA, inlC, inlJ, hlyA, actA, iap, flaA genes. Listeria monocytogenes isolates were identified as belonging to IIc (1/2c-3c; 68.5%), IVb (4b-4d-4e; 29.2%), and IIa (1/2a-3a; 2.2%) in the screening using multiplex polymerase chain reaction-based serogrouping test. A total of 65 pulsotypes and 13 clusters with at least 80% homology were determined by using pulsed field gel electrophoresis on samples that had been digested with ApaI. Thirty-four (38.2%) of the isolates were not resistant to any of the 14 antibiotics tested. The antibiotic to which the isolates showed the most resistance was rifampicin (44.9%). Serotype 1/2c was the most resistant serotype to antibiotics. Despite having biofilm-associated genes (inlA, inlB, actA, flaA, and luxS), a minority (11%) of isolates formed weak biofilm.ConclusionThis study revealed seasonal changes prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, particularly higher in autumn, posing a greater risk of meat contamination. Notably, Serotype 1/2c showed significant prevalence and antibiotic resistance. Indistinguishable isolates indicated cross-contamination, underscoring the importance of prioritized training for slaughterhouse personnel in sanitation and hygiene protocols.
Antimicrobial resistance, β-lactamase genotypes, and plasmid replicon types of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolated from different animal hosts
Authors: Tomeh Rwida , Nemati Ali , Hashemi Tabar Gholamreza , Tozzoli Rosangela , Badouei Mahdi Askari 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aims
The primary objective of this study was to analyze antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with a particular focus on β-lactamase genotypes and plasmid replicon types of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains originating from various animal hosts.

Methods and results
A total of 84 STEC strains were isolated from cattle (n = 32), sheep/goats (n = 26), pigeons (n = 20), and wild animals (n = 6) between 2010 and 2018 in various regions of Iran. The Kirby-Bauer susceptibility test and multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels were employed to elucidate the correlation between AMR and plasmid replicon types in STEC isolates. The predominant replicon types were IncFIC and IncFIB in cattle (46.8%), IncFIC in sheep/goats (46.1%), IncA/C in pigeons (90%), and IncP in wild animals (50%). STEC of serogroups O113, O26, and O111 harbored the IncFIB (100%), IncI1 (80%), and IncFIC + IncA/C (100%) plasmids, respectively. A remarkable AMR association was found between ciprofloxacin (100%), neomycin (68.7%), and tetracycline (61.7%) resistance with IncFIC; amoxicillin + clavulanic acid (88.8%) and tetracycline (61.7%) with IncA/C; ciprofloxacin (100%) with IncFIB; fosfomycin (85.7%) and sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim (80%) with IncI1. IncI1 appeared in 83.3%, 50%, and 100% of the isolates harboring blaCTX-M, blaTEM, and blaOXA β-lactamase genes, respectively.

Conclusions
The emergence of O26/IncI1/blaCTX-M STEC in cattle farms poses a potential risk to public health.
Feather meal processing methods impact the production parameters, blood biochemical indices, gut function, and hepatic enzyme activity in broilers
Authors: Safari Hassan , Mohit Ardeshir , Mohiti-Asli Maziar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study investigated the effects of feather meal (FM) processing methods on production parameters, blood biochemical indices, intestinal morphology, digestive and hepatic enzyme activities, and gastrointestinal tract pH and microflora of broilers. A total of 480-d-old male broilers were used for 42 d in a completely randomized design with eight treatments and five replicates (12 chicks/replicate). Treatments were 1) a control diet (without FM), 2) a diet containing 4% raw FM (RFM), 3) a diet containing 4% processed FM (PFM) by autoclave (Au-PFM), 4) a diet containing 4% fermented FM (FFM) by Bacillus licheniformis (Bl-FFM), 5) a diet containing 4% FFM by Bacillus subtilis (Bs-FFM), 6) a diet containing 4% FFM by Aspergillus niger (An-FFM), 7) a diet containing 4% FFM by B. licheniformis + B. subtilis + A. niger (Co-FFM), and 8) a diet containing 4% PFM by an enzyme (En-PFM). Results showed that in the FFMs the contents of ash, ether extract, total volatile nitrogen, and amino acids including Lys, Met, Thr, Trp, His, Leu, Gly, Ile, Phe, and Tyr increased (P &lt; 0.05), while crude fiber, crude protein, and dry matter content decreased (P &lt; 0.05). Compared with the control, the Co-FFM diet had no significant differences (P &gt; 0.05) in total body weight gain (2,827 vs. 2,791 g/chick), total feed intake (5,018 vs. 4,991 g/chick), European production efficiency factor (375 vs. 377), European Broiler Index (371 vs. 371), and feed conversion ratio (1.77 vs. 1.78 g/g). Feeding FFM decreased (P &lt; 0.05) serum total cholesterol (1.46-fold), triglyceride (1.61-fold), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.61-fold), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.27-fold) compared to the control. Also, FFM increased (P &lt; 0.05) villus height (1,045 to 1,351, 661 to 854, and 523 to 620 μm), and villus height to crypt depth ratio (6.15 to 8.45, 4.55 to 7.04, and 4.27 to 5.45), in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, respectively, compared to the control. Compared to the control, the Co-FFM diet increased (P &lt; 0.05) protease (34, 39, and 45 %) in the pancreas, duodenum, and jejunum, as well as amylase (73, and 97 %) activities in the duodenum, and jejunum, respectively. Diets containing FFM reduced (P &lt; 0.05) pH in the crop, gizzard, and ileum, and decreased (P &lt; 0.05) Escherichia coli (6.12 to 5.70) count in ileum compared to the control. The Co-FFM diet increased (P &lt; 0.05) lactic acid bacteria count in crop (6.77 to 7.50) and ileum (6.94 to 7.73), also decreased (P &lt; 0.05) coliforms (6.31 to 5.75) count in ileum compared to the control. In conclusion, FM fermentation, particularly Co-FFM, improves the nutritional value of FM, converting it into a decent source of dietary protein for broilers.
Combining active learning and self-paced learning for cost-effective process design intents extraction of process data
Authors: Huang Rui , Zhu Shuyi , Huang Bo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
With the widespread use of computer-aided technologies like CAD/CAM/CAPP in the product manufacturing process, a large amount of process data is constantly generated and data-driven process planning has shown promising potentials for effectively reusing the process knowledge. However, a lot of labeled data are needed to train a deep learning model for effectively extracting the embedded knowledge and experiences within these process data and the labeling of process data is quite expensive and time-consuming. This paper proposes a cost-effective process design intents extraction approach for process data by combining active learning (AL) and self-paced learning (SPL). First, the process design intents inference model based on Bi-LSTM is generated by using a few pre-labeled samples. Then, the prediction uncertainty of each unlabeled sample is calculated by using a Bayesian neural network, which can assist in the identification of high confidence samples in SPL and low confidence samples in AL. Finally, the low confidence samples with manual-labels and the high confidence samples with pseudo-labels are incorporated into the training data for retraining the process design intents inference model iteratively until the model attains optimal performance. The experiments demonstrate that our approach can substantially decrease the number of labeled samples required for model training and the design intents in the process data could be inferred effectively with dynamically undated training data.
Wavefield simulation of the acoustic VTI wave equation based on the adaptive-coefficient finite-difference frequency-domain method
Authors: Zhao Haixia , Wang Shaoru , Xu Wenhao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Many simulation methods have been developed for P-waves in vertically transversely isotropic (VTI) media. These methods are based on the acoustic approximation. The finite-difference frequency-domain (FDFD) method stands out for its ability to simulate multi-shot or narrowband seismic data. It has no temporal dispersion, facilitates attenuation modelling, and enables parallelization. The optimal FDFD method is commonly used to simulate the acoustic VTI wave equation, but it applies the same FDFD coefficients for different frequencies and model velocities, which cannot fully minimize the numerical dispersion error. To enhance its accuracy and effectiveness, we develop an adaptive-coefficient FDFD method specifically for the acoustic VTI wave equation. The FDFD coefficients depend on two factors: the number of wavelengths in each grid and the Thomsen parameters. The dispersion analysis reveals that the proposed FDFD method can achieve a reduction in the necessary number of grid points from 4 to 2.5 compared to the optimal nine-point average derivative method (ADM), while maintaining a maximum dispersion error of 1%. From three numerical examples, the developed FDFD method can obtain more accurate wavefield results than the ADM optimal FDFD method, while taking comparable computational time and memory.
Physical integrity and bioefficacy of used long-lasting insecticidal nets in Makenene, Centre Region of Cameroon
Authors: Djoufounna Joel , Takougan-Sonfouet Laeticia , Bamou Roland , Ngangue-Siewe Idriss N , Mbiakop Paulette N , Djiappi-Tchamen Borel , Tabue Raymond , Achu-Fosah Dorothy , Ateba Joel M , Mayi Marie P A , Awono-Ambene Parfait , Antonio-Nkondjio Christophe , Tchuinkam Timoléon 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Long-lasting insecticide nets (LLINs) are the recommended tools against mosquito-borne diseases. However, their physical integrity and bioefficacy in the field could be affected by several factors. This study evaluated the physical integrity and bioefficacy of nets used in Makenene since 2016. Cross-sectional field surveys were carried out after 6 y. A questionnaire was first administered to the heads of households, and then the physical integrity of the LLINs was determined by calculating the proportional hole index (pHI). WHO cone bioassays were conducted to determine the bioefficacy of LLINs currently being used against wild strains of Anopheles gambiae s.l., Culex pipiens s.l., and laboratory-reared pyrethroid-susceptible strain of Anopheles coluzzii (Ngousso). Of the 167 LLINs examined in households, 39.5% were fairly good, 26.4% were acceptable, and 34.1% were damaged. The most torn faces of the nets were the sides used for entering and exiting. None of the 30 LLINs used for WHO cone bioassays was still effective against An. gambiae s.l. and Cx. pipiens s.l. while up to 85.7% of these LLINs were at least effective against the susceptible strain after 24 h, with a significant difference observed when comparing the mortality rates between wild and laboratory-susceptible strain of Anopheles (P-value &lt; 0.01). Anopheles gambiae s.l. were all (100%) identified as An. gambiae s.s. by PCR. The LLINs distributed in Makenene since the 2016 campaign are only effective on susceptible strain and should be replaced for a better control of residual malaria transmission and the nuisance by Culex mosquitoes in the locality.
A case of conservatively managed idiopathic spinal cord herniation presenting with low-pressure headache
Authors: Mancuso-Marcello Marco , Frantzias Joseph , Hardwidge Carl 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Idiopathic spinal cord herniation presenting with low-pressure headache is extremely rare. We present a case of thoracic ventral spinal cord herniation in a 35-year-old lady who presented with low-pressure headaches. To our knowledge, this is only the fourth case described in the literature of spontaneous ventral cord herniation presenting in this way. The patient was managed conservatively with no manifestation of focal neurological symptoms at 12-month follow-up. The proposed aetiology of spontaneous ventral cord herniation is an initial CSF leak via a dural defect, through which the cord subsequently also enters blocking the CSF leak. We endorse a conservative approach for patients who present similarly, secondary to the above pathophysiology.
Synchronous intussusception with primary neuroendocrine tumour in an adult
Authors: Turco Jennifer 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Intussusception in adults is rare. There are only a few cases in the literature that report two lead points resulting in double or synchronous intussusception. We present a case of synchronous intussusception in a 45 year old man with neuroendocrine tumour of the ileocaecal valve and lipomatous polyp of the jejunum.
Simulations of galaxy cluster mergers with velocity-dependent, rare, and frequent self-interactions
Authors: Sabarish V M , Brüggen Marcus , Schmidt-Hoberg Kai , Fischer Moritz S , Kahlhoefer Felix 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) has been proposed to solve small-scale problems in $\rm {\Lambda CDM}$ cosmology. In previous work, constraints on the self-interaction cross-section of dark matter have been derived assuming that the self-interaction cross-section is independent of velocity. However, a velocity-dependent cross-section is more natural in most theories of SIDM. Using idealized N-body simulations without baryons, we study merging clusters with velocity-dependent SIDM. In addition to the usual rare scattering in the isotropic limit, we also simulate these systems with anisotropic, small-angle (frequent) scatterings. We find that the collisionless brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) has an offset from the DM peak that grows at later stages. Finally, we also extend the existing upper bounds on the velocity-independent, isotropic self-interaction cross-section to the parameter space of rare and frequent velocity-dependent self-interactions by studying the central densities of dark matter-only isolated haloes. For these upper-bound parameters, the DM-BCG offsets just after the first pericentre in the dark matter-only simulations are found to be ≲10 kpc. On the other hand, because of BCG oscillations, we speculate that the distribution of BCG offsets in a relaxed cluster is a statistically viable probe. Therefore, this motivates further studies of BCG off-centring in hydrodynamic cosmological simulations.
The vertical structure of galactic discs: non-local gravity versus dark matter
Authors: Kashfi Tahere , Roshan Mahmood 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Recent isolated galactic simulations show that the morphology of galactic discs in modified gravity differs from that of the standard dark matter model. In this study, we focused on the vertical structure of galactic discs and compared the bending instability in the vertical direction for both paradigms. To achieve this, we utilized high-resolution N-body simulations to construct two models in a specific non-local gravity theory (NLG) and the standard dark matter model and compared their stability against the bending perturbations. Our numerical results demonstrate that the outer regions of the disc are more susceptible to the instability in NLG, whereas the disc embedded in the dark matter halo is more unstable in the central regions. We then interpret these results based on the dispersion relation of the bending waves. To do so, we presented an analytical study to derive the dispersion relation in NLG. Our numerical results align with the predictions of our analytical models. Consequently, we conclude that the analysis of bending instability in galactic discs offers an explanation for the distinct vertical structures observed in simulated galactic discs under these two theories. These findings represent a significant step towards distinguishing between the modified gravity and dark matter models.
Probing nuclear physics with supernova gravitational waves and machine learning
Authors: Mitra A , Orel D , Abylkairov Y S , Shukirgaliyev B , Abdikamalov E 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) are sources of powerful gravitational waves (GWs). We assess the possibility of extracting information about the equation of state (EOS) of high density matter from the GW signal. We use the bounce and early post-bounce signals of rapidly rotating supernovae. A large set of GW signals is generated using general relativistic hydrodynamics simulations for various EOS models. The uncertainty in the electron capture rate is parametrized by generating signals for six different models. To classify EOSs based on the GW data, we train a convolutional neural network (CNN) model. Even with the uncertainty in the electron capture rates, we find that the CNN models can classify the EOSs with an average accuracy of about 87 per cent for a set of four distinct EOS models.
Tight stellar binaries favour active longitudes at sub- and antistellar points
Authors: Sethi Ritika , Martin David V 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Stellar binaries are ubiquitous in the galaxy and a laboratory for astrophysical effects. We use TESS to study photometric modulations in the light curves of 162 unequal mass eclipsing binaries from the EBLM (Eclipsing Binary Low Mass) survey, comprising F/G/K primaries and M-dwarf secondaries. We detect modulations on 81 eclipsing binaries. We catalogue the rotation rates of the primary star in 69 binaries and discover 17 ellipsoidal variables. In a large portion (at least $\sim 51~{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$) of our sample, we detect photometric modulations consistent with two overdensities of spots on the primary star that are roughly 180° apart. We show that these so-called active longitudes are preferentially at the sub- and antistellar points on the primary star. Physically, this means that the spots on the primary star preferentially face directly towards and away from the secondary star.
Using Gaussian Processes to detect AGN flares
Authors: McLaughlin Summer A J , Mullaney James R , Littlefair Stuart P 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
A key feature of active galactic nuclei (AGN) is their variability across all wavelengths. Typically, AGN vary by a few tenths of a magnitude or more over periods lasting from hours to years. By contrast, extreme variability of AGN – large luminosity changes that are a significant departure from the baseline variability – are known as AGN flares. These events are rare and their time-scales poorly constrained, with most of the literature focusing on individual events. It has been suggested that extreme AGN variability including flares can provide insights into the accretion processes in the disc. With surveys such as the Legacy Survey of Space and Time promising millions of transient detections per night in the coming decade, there is a need for fast and efficient classification of AGN flares. The problem with the systematic detection of AGN flares is the requirement to detect them against a stochastically variable baseline; the ability to define a signal as a significant departure from the ever-present variability is a statistical challenge. Recently, Gaussian Processes have revolutionized the analysis of time-series data in many areas of astronomical research. They have, however, seen limited uptake within the field of transient detection and classification. Here, we investigate the efficacy of Gaussian Processes to detect AGN flares in both simulated and real optical light curves. We show that GP analysis can successfully detect AGN flares with a false-positive rate of less than seven per cent, and we present examples of AGN light curves that show extreme variability.
An implicit algorithm for simulating the dynamics of small dust grains with smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Elsender Daniel , Bate Matthew R 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
We present an implicit method for solving the diffusion equation for the evolution of the dust fraction in the terminal velocity approximation using dust-as-mixture smoothed particle hydrodynamics. The numerical scheme involves casting the dust diffusion equation into implicit form, rearranging into its resolvent cubic equation and solving analytically. This method is relevant for small grains that are tightly coupled to the gas, such as sub-micron dust grains in the interstellar medium or millimetre-sized dust grains in protoplanetary discs. The method avoids problems with the variable used to evolve the dust fraction becoming negative when evolved explicitly and is fast and accurate, avoiding the need for dust stopping time limiters and significantly reducing computational expense. Whilst this method is an improvement over using the explicit terminal velocity approximation method, as with any dust-as-mixture method it still fails to give accurate solutions in the limit of large (weakly coupled) grains.