bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cappable-Seq and Direct RNA Sequencing Reveals Novel insights into the Transcriptome of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Duru Ilhan Cem , Ylinen Anne , Grigore-Gurgu Leontina , Riedel Christian U. , Paulin Lars , Auvinen Petri 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that can survive various stresses. To inactivate Listeria monocytogenes, food processing facilities use high energy methods, such as high-pressure processing (HPP). In this study, we explored the transcriptional units of barotolerant L. monocytogenes RO15 using Cappable-seq and direct RNA sequencing, two novel techniques.
Results
We detected 1641 transcription start sites (TSSs) in L. monocytogenes RO15, including six HPP-specific TSSs, showing that HPP influences the TSS selection. In addition, we predicted small RNAs (sRNAs) candidates and examined promoter motifs, which revealed new regulatory elements that control gene expression. By integrating short and long RNA-seq reads, we predicted the operon structure of L. monocytogenes RO15 and found 658 operons, comprising 71% of all the genes. The largest operons were mainly located in prophage regions. Moreover, we identified A-to-I RNA editing events in L. monocytogenes for the first time. HPP treatment statistically significantly (p < 0.05) increased the A-to-I editing of several genes including hpf and mdxE suggesting a role in the stress response. We predicted m6A RNA modifications in L. monocytogenes RO15 using direct RNA sequencing reads. This is the first report of m6A RNA modifications in L. monocytogenes by using direct RNA sequencing.
Conclusions
This study provides novel insights into the transcriptome complexity and diversity, stress response strategies, and post-transcriptional modifications of L. monocytogenes. Our results uncover the genomic mechanisms of adaptation of L. monocytogenes to HPP and indicate potential targets for developing new strategies to control this pathogen. However, further studies are needed to validate the functional roles of the identified sRNAs, RNA editing events, and RNA modifications in L. monocytogenes.
Prevalence of nosocomial infection and associated factors among paediatric patients admitted to Jimma medical center, Oromia region, southwest Ethiopia. Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Aschalew Serkalem , Balcha Fikadu , Bacha Girma , Garoma Merga , Beyene Tamirat Tamirat 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Nosocomial infections are a significant public health problem worldwide, affecting hundreds of millions of patients annually. However, studies on nosocomial infections specifically focused on paediatric patients in Ethiopia are limited. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of nosocomial infections and associated factors among paediatric patients admitted to Jimma Medical Center, Oromia region, southwest Ethiopia.
Methods: An institution-based retrospective cross-sectional study design was conducted from June 1 to 30, 2023. Data were collected from the medical records of paediatric patients. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select a total of 417 medical records. Data were collected using pretested and structured checklists. The collected data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6, and Statistical Package for Social Science version 26.0 was used for analysis. In the bivariable analysis, variables with p-values less than or equal to 0.25 were considered candidates for multivariable logistic regression analysis. In the multivariable analysis, a p-value less than 0.05 and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 417 (92.87%) medical records met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 99 (23.74%) of paediatric patients developed nosocomial infections. Malnutrition [AOR=2.01; 95%CI:1.18,3.42], length of hospital stay [AOR=3.19; 95%CI:1.73, 5.90], antibiotics received at admission [AOR=4.76; 95%CI: 1.86, 12.15], being on mechanical ventilation [AOR=5.04; 95%CI:2.44, 10.43], blood transfusion [AOR=4.51; 95%CI:2.43, 8.35], and urinary catheter [AOR=3.26; 95%CI:1.72,6.18] were significantly associated.
Conclusion: The finding of this study indicated that nearly one-fourth of paediatric patients developed nosocomial infections. Malnutrition, length of hospital stay, antibiotics received at admission, being on mechanical ventilation, urinary catheter, and blood transfusion contributed to the development of nosocomial infections. Therefore, the concerned bodies should focus intervention strategies on contributing factors to nosocomial infections among paediatric patients.
Direct Writing and Printing of Surface and Interface Modified Cellulose for Friction Nanogenerators
Authors: Fu Xiaofei , Wu Xiaofei , Li Hailong , Zhang Zhengjian , Chen Fengbao 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In recent years, cellulose has garnered substantial attention in the realm of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) fabrication, owing to its commendable biodegradability and reproducibility. Nevertheless, the limited surface polarity and insufficient surface functional groups have imposed significant constraints on its evolution towards high-performance TENGs. In this study, nanocellulose (CNFs) was harnessed as the friction layer material for the friction nanogenerator, while the surface interface underwent chemical treatment to introduce two distinct functional groups, namely -NH2 and -F. Beyond scrutinizing the physical and chemical attributes of these functionally modified cellulose variants, the functionalized CNFs were also employed in TENGs to explore their impact on the electron gain/loss capacity or polarity enhancement of CNFs. Simultaneously, the enhanced surface interfaces of CNFs facilitated the amelioration of the electrical output performance in TENGs. Our findings unveil that the utmost degree of cationic charge was achieved at a mass ratio of 2.0 between epoxy propyl trialkylamine chloride (EPTMAC) and cellulose. Furthermore, the incorporation of -F, facilitated by nano SiO2 and PFOTS, not only rendered the water contact angle of FCNF-SiO2 aerogel superhydrophobic at 150°, but also yielded the highest output voltage at a mass ratio of 3.0 between dried fiber and nano SiO2. These outcomes unequivocally underscore the incomparable advantages and practical value of CNFs in the domain of environmentally friendly mechanical energy harvesting systems, specifically TENGs.
Aberrance of GAP43/p-GAP43 closely associates with the pathology of neuron loss in prion-infected rodent models
Authors: Jia Xiao-Xi , Chen Cao , Hu Chao , Wu Yue-Zhang , Chao Zhi-Yue , Zeng Jia-Feng , Ru-Han A , Zhou Dong-Hua , Wang Yuan , Zhang Wei-Wei , Xiao Kang , Gao Li-Ping , Shi Qi , Dong Xiaoping 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders characterized by neuron damage and loss. Growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) functions in neuronal plasticity and synaptic function, but its role in prion diseases is not fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the changes of GAP43 in the central nerve system (CNS) of several prion infected rodent models and explored the potential relationship of GAP43 with PrPSc deposit and neuron loss using various methods. We found that GAP43 levels were significantly decreased in the brain tissues of scrapie-infected rodent models at the terminal stage of the disease. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that GAP43 colocalized with NeuN-positive cells morphologically, indicating the presence of GAP43 in mature neurons. On contrary, the levels of GAP43 and p-GAP43 increased in a prion-infected cell line SMB-S15 in vitro, accompanying with the increase of intracellular calcium. Stimulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) upregulated whilst removal of PrPSc propagation downregulated the level of GAP43 in SMB-S15 cells. Morphological colocalization and molecular interaction between GAP43 and PrPSc has been addressed in the brains of prion infected rodents and prion infected cell line. Histological assays of the serial sections of the whole brains of prion infected mice proposed that the reduced GAP43 level correlated with large amount of PrPSc deposits and notable neuron damage and loss showing cell crumpled and nuclear pyknosis. The impairment of GAP43 signaling and disturbance of calcium homeostasis by aberrance of brain GAP43/p-GAP43 not only reflect but also likely contribute to the pathology of severe neuron loss at the end of prion disease.
The Body Advocacy Movement-Health: A Pilot Randomized Trial of a Novel Intervention Targeting Weight Stigma Among Health Professional Students
Authors: Kreynin Anna , Meurer Tessa , Pictor Lauren , Laboe Agatha A. , Gavuji Mahathi , Fleege Sabrina , Bowden Erin , Schaumberg Katherine 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Weight stigma among healthcare professionals is associated with negative health impacts on patients, yet there are few effective strategies to combat weight stigma among health professional learners. The present study explores the acceptability, feasibility, and short-term impacts of Body Advocacy Movement-Health (BAM-Health), a group-based, peer-led stigma reduction intervention for health professional students that targets weight stigma across intrapersonal, interpersonal, and structural levels.
Methods
Sixty-seven health professional students participated in BAM-Health (n = 34) or received an informational brochure about weight stigma (n = 33). Participants completed validated self-report surveys assessing internalized weight/ appearance concerns and interpersonal weight stigma prior to their assigned intervention (baseline), immediately following intervention (post-intervention), and four weeks after intervention (follow-up). Baseline to post-intervention and baseline to follow-up effect sizes on each measure were calculated. At post-intervention, participants completed feedback surveys for thematic assessment.
Results
Quantitative ratings and thematic analysis of feedback surveys demonstrated acceptability and feasibility of BAM-Health among health professional students. BAM-Health participation led to a large baseline to post-intervention effect on internalized weight/ appearance concerns that diminished slightly at follow-up (Cohen’s d = -0.88; d = -0.62). Receipt of the informational brochure led to a small initial decrease in internalized weight/ appearance concerns (d = -0.27); however, these changes were not sustained at follow-up (d = 0.04). BAM-Health participation resulted in reductions in interpersonal obesity stigma and anti-fatness with small effect sizes (d = -0.32; d = -0.31). The effect on obesity stigma was slightly amplified at follow-up (d = -0.43); however, decreases in anti-fatness were not sustained (d = -0.13). The brochure condition failed to demonstrate effects on anti-fatness (d = 0.13, d = 0.14) or obesity stigma (d = -0.12; d = -0.12) at either time point.
Conclusions
BAM-Health is a novel peer-led intervention that aims to reduce weight stigma among health professional students. BAM-Health met feasibility benchmarks and was acceptable to health professional students with positive qualitative feedback from participants. The intervention led to promising decreases in internalized and interpersonal weight stigma at post-intervention, some of which were sustained at follow-up. Further investigation of BAM-Health with a larger sample is warranted.
Impact of 'decision-to-delivery' interval on maternal and perinatal outcomes: A retrospective study of emergency caesarean section from 2017 to 2021 at a secondary health facility in Nigeria
Authors: Abdulbaki Mariam , Aliyu Fullaila O , Ayinde Musa , Issa Amudalat , Adeniran Abiodun S , Ibrahim Olayinka R 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
The decision-to-delivery interval (DDI) for a caesarean section is among the factors that reflect the quality of care a pregnant woman receives and the impact on maternal and foetal outcomes and should not exceed 30 minutes. Herein, we aimed to evaluate the effect of decision-to-delivery interval on the maternal and perinatal outcomes among emergency caesarean deliveries at a secondary health facility in north-central Nigeria.
Methods
We carried out a four-year retrospective descriptive analysis of all emergency caesarean sections at a secondary health facility in north-central Nigeria. We included pregnant mothers who had emergency caesarean delivery at the study site from February 10, 2017, to February 9, 2021.
Results
Out of 582 who underwent emergency caesarean section, 550 (94.5%) had a delayed decision-to-delivery interval. The factors associated with delayed decision-to-delivery interval included educational levels (both parents), maternal occupation, and booking status. The delayed decision-to-delivery interval was associated increase in perinatal deaths with an odds ratio (OR) of 6.9 (95% CI, 3.166 to 15.040), and increased odds of Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) admissions (OR 9.8, 95% CI 2.417 to 39.333). Among the maternal outcomes, delayed decision-to-delivery interval was associated with increased odds of sepsis (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.960 to 8.933), hypotension (OR 3.8, 95% 1.626 TO 9.035), and cardiac arrest (OR 19.5, 95% CI 4.634 to 82.059).
Conclusion
This study shows a very low optimum DDI, which was associated with educational levels, maternal occupation, and booking status. The delayed DDI increased the odds of perinatal deaths, SCBU admission, and maternal-related complications.
Spatiotemporal Variation of Small and Micro Wetlands and Their Multiple Responses to Driving Factors in the high-latitude region
Authors: Wang Yingbin , Sun Jiaxin , Wu Yao , Qi Peng , Zhang Wenguang , Wang Yongming , Dai Changlei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Understanding the long-term dynamics and driving factors of small and micro wetlands is crucial for their management and sustainable development. In this study, we utilized Landsat satellite imagery data from 1980 to 2018 and Geodetector Model to explore the spatiotemporal changes of small and micro wetlands in western Jilin Province, China, considering factors such as land use and climate change. The research findings are as follows. (1) The small and micro wetlands in the western Jilin Province have shown a downward trend in the past 40 years. The area of small and micro wetlands has decreased from 2802km2 in 1980 to 818 km2 in 2018, and the number has decreased from 2604 in 1980 to 337 in 2018. (2) From a spatial distribution perspective, the micro-wetlands initially exhibited a concentrated pattern but gradually dispersed around, demonstrating significant spatial heterogeneity., respectively. From a spatial distribution perspective, they are mainly distributed in Da'an City, accounting for 42% of the western Jilin province. (3) As time has unfolded, the dynamic evolution of small and micro wetlands has been distinctly influenced by an amalgam of natural environmental factors and human interventions. In particular, human-induced activities, notably agricultural expansion and urbanization processes, emerged as the predominant driving forces during the period from 1980 to 2000. However, while human activities continued to impart their influence, the roles of natural determinants such as precipitation have become progressively more apparent during the period from 2001 to 2018. Importantly, the influences exerted by human activities and natural environmental factors on these wetlands are not standalone; there is a marked interplay between them. This interaction, typically presents a nonlinear amplification among the varied influencing factors. The results of this study provide supportive data and scientific evidence for the ecological restoration and conservation of wetlands.
WITHDRAWN: Effect of pyro-dextrinization, acid hydrolysis and cross linking modifications on physico-chemical, functional and structural properties of starch from Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)
Authors: Iqbal Unaiza , Saini Pinki , Ahmed Mazia 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Underutilized plants can serve as valuable sources of starch, and it is crucial to explore these resources. Native starch, however, has certain limitations. To overcome these limitations, starch modification is employed to enhance its positive attributes and eliminate its shortcomings. Study reveals that chemical modifications result in alterations to the highly flexible starch polymer, leading to changes in its physicochemical properties and structural attributes, which hold significant technological value for both the food and non-food industries. The research study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of three different chemical modification methods (pyrodextrinization, cross-linking, and acid hydrolysis) on various properties of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius starch. Out of the three chemical treatments given to starch, the most affected results with respect to functional properties were found in Cross-Linking, showing maximum restriction of Swelling power 1.69%, solubility 1.51%, WAC 1.45 ± 0.03d g/ml, moisture content (%) 1.91 ± 0.071b and highest amylose content (%) 16.00 ± 0.11e, thereby revealing its utmost applicability for food packaging industry to be utilized as a film or coating material. The ultimate goal is to render yam starch suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries, including both food and non-food sectors.
The Impact of Batu Bahat Soft Clay on the Properties of Modified Asphalt Binders
Authors: Allam Allam Musbah , Ali Shaban Ismael Albrka , Emmaima Ali Mohamed , Khalifa Nasradeen Ali , Ali Abdualmtalab Abdualaziz 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Various materials have been employed globally to enhance road performance by modifying asphalt binders and mixtures. Polymers and nanomaterials are notable for their capacity to enhance the physical and rheological characteristics of modified asphalt cement. This research introduces a new natural modifier called Batu Pahat Soft Clay (BPSC) for asphalt cement. Various amounts of BPSC (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8% by weight of asphalt cement) were examined using conventional techniques like dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and surface energy tests. The results revealed substantial enhancements in physical properties, with penetration increasing by 4% and softening points decreasing by 22%. Moreover, the susceptibility of the modified binder to elevated temperatures was reduced by 10% compared to the base asphalt cements. SEM analysis confirmed uniform dispersion of BPSC particles, resulting in increased binder stiffness. The rheological properties saw remarkable improvement, particularly at temperatures of 45°C and 70°C, with enhancements of up to 142% and 99%, respectively. The ability to recover under various stress levels showcased the superior performance of the modified binder, with improvements of 90%, 76%, and 67% compared to the base asphalt cements.
Thermal Conductivity of Sand-Tire Rubber Mixtures with Varying Tire Chip Fractions and Size Ratios as a Function of Void Ratio and Applied Vertical Stress
Authors: Oh Jiseok , Choo Hyunwook 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Sand–tire rubber mixtures are promising materials for thermal insulation. However, studies evaluating the impact of applied stress on the thermal conductivity (kt) of these mixtures are limited, despite the fact that energy storage tanks are typically located at deep depths where the sand–tire rubber mixtures may experience changes in the connectivity between sand particles under increasing stress. Therefore, in this study, thermal needle probe tests were conducted on sand–tire rubber mixtures with various size ratios (SR = 0.3, 1.4, and 5.2) and tire chip fractions (TF = 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 1.0). To separate the impact of porosity and that of applied stress on kt of the tested sand–rubber mixtures, kt was measured as a function of porosity at very low stress levels. The kt values of the mixtures were then measured according to the applied vertical stress. The results of the tests performed at low stress levels demonstrated that kt of the tested mixtures decreased with increasing TF and decreasing SR because of the decrease in the number of sand-to-sand contacts. All mixtures showed a decrease in kt with increasing porosity; however, the dependence of kt on porosity was affected by TF and SR. With an increase in the applied stress, kt of all the mixtures increased. In particular, the tested mixtures with smaller SR showed even greater kt than pure sand at an applied vertical stress of 460 kPa, highlighting the significance of the applied stress on kt of the tested mixtures. Most notably, this study developed a novel thermal conductivity model that considers both the packing impact and pure stress impact, providing a more comprehensive framework for predicting the thermal conductivity of sand–tire rubber mixtures with varying SRs, TFs, porosities, and applied stresses.
Assembly and analysis of first genomes of chloroplast and mitochondria of seashore paspalum and the gene transfer among the organelles and nucleus
Authors: Pan Ling , Cai Lirong , Lu Yang , Peng Di , Chen Haiyang , zhao Junming , Wang Xiaoshan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Mitochondria and chloroplast are intracellular organelles that generate energy for the cells in plants. Seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Sw.), a halophytic, warm-season grass, has excellent tolerance capacity towards abiotic stress and is related to various grain crops. The nuclei genome of P. vaginatum has been reported recently, while information on the chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes of P. vaginatum is unavailable so far.
Results
The genomes of cytoplasmic organelles (mitochondria and chloroplast) of a warm-season turfgrass with superior salt tolerance (Paspalum vaginatum) were sequenced and assembled. The 504,515-bp and 140,483-bp genome maps of mitochondria and chloroplast contains a detailed list of protein-coding genes (PCGs), rRNAs and tRNAs. The mitochondrial genome contains large number of small and large repeats, and has little sequence similarity with its relatives such as maize and sorghum. The 580 and 432 RNA editing sites were predicted on 41 PCGs of mitochondrial genome. In the P. vaginatum mitochondrial genome, 185 sequence fragments of nuclear sequences were found, accounting for 16.95% of the total length. 7 chloroplast-derived genes had the 100% similarity with 6 mitochondrial PCGs. Transcriptomic changes in a few PCGs targeted to the two organelles were revealed during salt stress.
Conclusions
This study provides a better understanding of knowledge on plant mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes in seashore paspalum.