bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations in vaginal and urinary microbiota among women of different ages based on a cross-sectional study from Health Examination Center
Authors: Li Ya , Jin Xi , Xiang Liyuan , Wen Jun , Li Puhan , Wei Jingwen , Huang Yan , Wang Kunjie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Role of vaginal and urinary microbiomes have gaining increasing concern in many health aspects. The dynamic change of these bacterial communities of healthy females throughout their life remained poorly understood, and how vaginal and urinary microbiota interact with each other requires further exploration. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study to examine vaginal and urinary microbiota of healthy female of different age based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing.
Results: A total of 348 vaginal swab samples and 209 urine samples were collected and 90 pairs of samples were matched. The average age of all participants was 44.76±0.55 years old. All the participants were further divided into 5 age groups: <=30 years old (G1), 31-40 years old (G2), 41-50 years old (G3), 51-60 years old (G4), >60 years old (G5). 16s rRNA analysis of vaginal and urinary microbiota identified 3458 OTUs and 1282 OTUs respectively. Lactobacillus was the most abundant genus in both vaginal and urinary microbiota of female under 40 years old, but the abundance decreased with age. The diversity of both vaginal and urinary microbiota increased with age. Moderate to high Pearson correlations were found in some genera presenting in both sites, including Lactobacillus (R2=0.7735, P≤0.001), Gardnerella (R2=0.6698, P≤0.001), Actinomyces (R2=0.6118, P≤0.001), while vaginal Anaerococcus was also positively associated with urine Peptoniphilus (R2=0.6352, P≤0.001). Urine Lactobacillus was negatively associated with Streptococcus (R2=-0.62275, P≤0.001), Peptoniphilus (R2=-0.6097, P≤0.001), and Finegoldia (R2=-0.60703, P≤0.001). Age and the status of menopause appeared to be the most dominant clinical factors impact both vaginal and urinary microbiota.
Conclusions: Significant variations of vaginal and urinary microbiota in different age groups were observed. Lactobacillus was the most dominant genus in both in female under 40 and correlated highly between different samples. The diversity increased, with the decrease of Lactobacillus dominance in both vaginal and urinary microbiota after 40 and the change was especially significant in the perimenopausal period. This change may be partially related to the susceptibility of some urogenital diseases of the postmenstrual women, but more studies on microbiota of patients are required to further explore it.
The Efficacy of Online Extensive Reading Among University Students: Focus on the Relationship Between Affective Variables and English Reading Comprehension
Authors: Anggia Helta , Habók Anita 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Online extensive reading has been shown to improve English reading comprehension and related motivational factors. However, few studies have examined the structural relationship between affective variables and reading comprehension in this platform. Thus, this study designed an online extensive reading program to examine this relationship and the affective behavior of a sample of university students. Clustered random sampling was used to select two experimental groups (N = 120, N = 130) and a control group (N = 100), who were requested to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language reading comprehension pre-and post-tests and complete online surveys about self-beliefs, reading motivation, and English reading behavior. Based on the findings, the experimental groups significantly outperformed the control group in reading comprehension. Meanwhile, reading self-efficacy predicted intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, but self-concept only predicted extrinsic drive. Although there was no correlation between extrinsic or intrinsic motivation and English reading comprehension, only the latter mediated self-efficacy with English reading behavior. Surprisingly, reading behavior did not mediate intrinsic motivation and reading comprehension. The findings imply that internal motivation and reading behavior cannot guarantee students’ reading comprehension achievement.
Risk of inappropriate fixation position for patients with cleft lip and palate after head and neck extension
Authors: Tsukamoto Masanori , Matsuo Kazuya , Yokoyama Takeshi , Hano Kazuhiro , Eto Michi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Preformed oral tubes are preferred in clinical practice due to airway patency for enough operative fields during procedures. However, as the tube moves away from the carina during neck extension performed for procedures following intubation, the tracheal tube cuff may compress the vocal cords and potentially cause balloon-induced injury. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the incidence of tube replacement after procedures involving head and neck extension. We retrospectively investigated pediatric patients (6–15 years) who underwent oral surgery. Intubation was performed using a cuffed 5.0–7.5 mm ID RAE oral tube. Patients were subsequently positioned with a hyperextended neck for surgical procedures. The tube cuff position was reconfirmed by video laryngoscope, and the tube was replaced by a wire-reinforced tube. This retrospective study included 185 patients. We observed no intraoperative respiratory complications in this study. Among 186 patients, 16 (8%) underwent tube replacement owing to inaccurate cuff position after neck extension. Fixation of the lower lip in RAE tube was 17.9 ± 1.8 cm, which was not significantly different from values using wired-reinforced tracheal tubes 18.9 ± 2.3 cm. We observed that inappropriate tube positioning after head and neck extension occurred in 16 patients (8%). Anesthesiologists should closely monitor and confirm the position of the tube cuff for safe airway management.
Activated tissue-resident macrophages contribute to hair cell insults in noise-induced hearing loss
Authors: Pan Jing , Wang Kaiye , Qu Jiaxi , Chen Dongxiu , Chen Anning , You Yunyou , Tang Jie , Zhang Hongzheng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Macrophages serve as the primary immune cell population and assume a pivotal role in the immune response within the damaged cochleae, yet the origin and role of macrophages in response to noise exposure remains controversial.
Methods
We generated Ccr2RFP/+ Cx3cr1GFP/+ dual-reporter mice to identify the infiltrated and tissue-resident macrophages in the noise-exposed cochlea.
Results
Under steady-state, tissue-resident macrophages present in the Rosenthal's canal (SGNs), spiral ligament, and basilar membrane of the adult cochlea. After noise exposure, activated resident macrophages change in morphology, increase in abundance, and migrate to the region of hair cells, leading to the loss of outer hair cells and the damage of ribbon synapses. Meanwhile, peripheral monocytes are not implicated in the noise-induced hair cell insults. Furthermore, the noise-induced activity and redistribution of macrophages were abolished by the inhibition of TLR4 signaling, resulting in alleviated insults of hair cells and partial recovery of hearing function.
Conclusions
Our findings point to cochlea resident macrophages as pro-inflammatory and detrimental players in acoustic trauma and introduce a potential therapeutic target in noise-induced hearing loss.
Association between breast and endometrial cancer: a two-way Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Chengyi , Qian Yao , Yuan Haiyu , Guo Ruizhao , Cui Xiaoqiao , Liu Feng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer worldwide, and endometrial cancer is one of the most common gynecological cancers. Observational studies have shown an association between breast and endometrial cancers, but it may be influenced by potential confounding factors. Meanwhile, Mendelian randomization (MR) studies can overcome these confounding factors to assess causality.
Methods
We obtained breast cancer data (122,977 breast cancer cases and 105,974 controls) and endometrial cancer data (12,906 endometrial cancer cases and 108,979 controls) indirectly from the Breast Cancer Association Coalition (BCAC) and the Endometrial Cancer Association Consortium (ECAC) through the IEU Open GWAS program(https://gwas.mrcieu.ac.uk/). Then, Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was used as the primary analysis method. Sensitivity analyses were performed by multiple MR methods to ensure the accuracy of the results.
Results
Based on the IVW approach, our study found that patients with endometrial cancer have an increased risk of developing breast cancer (OR:1.072; 95% CI: 1.027–1.119; p = 0.002), especially the ER + subtype of breast cancer (OR:1.072; 95% CI: 1.029–1.129; p = 0.001). Similarly, reverse MR analyses showed an increased risk of endometrial cancer in breast cancer patients (OR:1.078; 95% CI: 1.018–1.141; p = 0.009), particularly in those who were ER+ (OR:1.075; 95% CI: 1.015–1.137; p = 0.013). However, the bidirectional MR analyses did not reveal any proof of a connection between endometrial cancer and ER- breast cancer.
Conclusions
We found a bidirectional causal effect between breast and endometrial cancer, especially ER + breast cancer. Therefore, our study supports timely screening and prevention of endometrial cancer in breast cancer patients and vice versa. At the same time, we suggest further exploration of the potential pathogenic mechanisms between breast cancer and endometrial cancer.
Bond analysis in meta-, and para-substituted thiophenols: overlap descriptors, local mode analysis, and QTAIM
Authors: Barbosa Willis , Santos Carlos , Andrade Railton , Lucena Juracy , Moura Renaldo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Context: This study delves into the chemical nuances of thiophenols and their derivatives through a comprehensive computational analysis, moving beyond traditional energetic perspectives such as bond dissociation enthalpy and S−H dissociation dynamics. By employing the overlap model along with its topological descriptors (OP/TOP), Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM), and Local Vibrational Mode (LVM) theories, the research provides a deeper understanding of the S−H and C−S bonding scenarios in substituted thiophenols. The investigation follows the electron-donating capacity of S−H substituent variation with the nature and positioning of other ring substituents.
Energy profile analyses indicate distinct stability differences in the cis and trans conformations of meta- and para-PhSH systems, influenced by the electron-donating strength of these substituents. The study also uncovers significant variations in S−H bond distances and descriptor values, particularly in para-substituted PhSH, reflecting the influence of electron-donating or withdrawing substituents. In contrast, alterations at the meta- position show minimal effects on C−S bond descriptors, while pra- substitutions markedly influence C−S bond characteristics, demonstrating a clear correlation with the electron-donating or withdrawing capabilities of the substituents. This research sheds light on the intricate bond dynamics in aromatic systems with diverse substituents, highlighting the complex interaction between electronic effects and molecular conformation.
Methods: The study employs the ωB97X-D/Def2TZVP level of theory for molecular geometries, ensuring accurate characterization of structures as true minima via analytical harmonic frequency determination. The electronic properties of S−H and C−S bonds in variously substituted thiophenols were analyzed using OP/TOP, QTAIM, and LVM methodologies. Computational processes,including conformational scans, geometry optimizations, and vibrational frequency calculations, were conducted using Gaussian 09, with ultra-fine integration grids and tight convergence criteria for the SCF procedure. Bond descriptors were computed utilizing ChemBOS, Multiwfn, and LModeA software, providing a robust and detailed examination of bond properties.
Investigation of Mechanical Properties of Kofke Stone Used in Historical Buildings in Isparta by Nondestructive and Destructive Methods
Authors: EVCİ PINAR USTA 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The seismic behavior of historical buildings and possible damages that may occur in the structure can be determined by software such as finite element models. However, for an accurate simulation, the properties of masonry building materials should be determined with high precision. In many cases, it is inconvenient to conduct experiments that may destroy historical structures. Therefore, non-destructive methods are also needed to determine material properties. In this study, the mechanical properties of Köfke stone used in historical masonry buildings in Isparta province, many of which are still actively used, were investigated. Non-destructive and destructive methods were used in the investigation and these methods were correlated with each other. In the study, properties of kofke stone such as dry-unit volume mass, porosity, water absorption by mass, ultrasonic seismic velocity, Schmidt tensile strength, dynamic modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, splitting-tensile strength, static modulus of elasticity were determined. All tests were performed by the applicable national and international standards. The dry unit volume mass of Kofke stone is 1434 kg/m3, water absorption by mass is 18.5%, longitudinal seismic wave velocity (avg.) was 1806 m/s, Schmidt hammer strength was 17.6 MPa, dynamic modulus of elasticity was 4.85 GPa and Poisson's ratio was 0.19. In the destructive tests, the compressive strength was determined as 6.57 MPa, the splitting-tensile strength as 0.71 MPa, and the modulus of elasticity as 1.66 GPa. Empirical equations for the prediction of the compressive strength and static modulus of elasticity of kofke stone by non-destructive methods were also presented.
Research and Application of Fault Location Technology for T-Connection-Hybrid Transmission Lines
Authors: Qiu Long , Ai Yongheng , Liu Jianxing , Xie Cheng , Fu Han , Yan Yitao 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Aiming at the problem of low reliability of fault location for existing T-junction-hybrid transmission lines, a method of fault location for T-junction-hybrid transmission lines based on distributed fault traveling wave location is proposed. Firstly, the basic principle of double-terminal traveling wave location is analyzed, and then the fault location method of T-junction line based on modulus time difference and the fault location method of overhead-cable hybrid line based on wave velocity normalization method are studied. Finally, the simulation model of complex transmission line including T-connection and overhead-cable hybrid frame is built, and two typical scenarios of T-connection branch fault and main line fault are simulated respectively. The results show that the fault location method proposed in this paper can achieve accurate fault location of T-connection-hybrid frame transmission line.
Current perceptions and demands of home pharmacy services: a survey of medical staff and community-dwelling patients in Shanghai of China
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Tong Wai Kei , Xia Qian , TANG Zhijia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background In response to the challenges posed by an aging demographic, China has recently embraced home pharmacy services. Our study aims to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and demands of home pharmacy services in Shanghai, China, and pinpoint challenges from the vantage points of both healthcare providers and community-dwelling patientsMethod A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted among medical practitioners in community health centers and residents within five districts of Shanghai, China from March–October 2022. The Chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability method was employed to assess the distributions of categorical variables across different groups. A logistic regression model was utilized to evaluate factors associated with demands for home pharmacy services.Result A total of 283 medical practitioners and 172 community-dwelling patients were included. They expressed positive attitudes but finite familiarity and confidence to home pharmacy services. Medication guidance/education was the top service, favored by 89.0% of practitioners and 83.1% of patients. Service providers varied, with 33.2% of practitioners preferring residents' self-governing organizations and 62.8% of patients favoring pharmacists in secondary and tertiary hospitals. Logistic regression highlighted age, professional role, and education significantly influence their demands. Preferences for home pharmacy service modalities differed significantly (P < 0.001), with practitioners leaning towards the "team mode" (39.6%) and patients preferring the "pharmacist-physician mode" (42.4%). Furthermore, 75.0% patients were willing to spend 50 RMB or less per visit, with those aged 60 or older (P < 0.001) and those with education below a bachelor's degree (P = 0.001) favoring payments of 10 RMB or less per visit.Conclusion Study revealed the discrepancy and disparity between service supply and demand. Common implementation challenges and diverse preferences emerged for home pharmacy services. Exploring larger sample sizes and personalized system designs for future research is recommended.
Machine learning-based integration develops multi regulated cell death-related signatures for improving outcomes and immune response in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Li Lin , Zhang Rui , Li Jinming 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents an unpredictable and complex prognosis. Researchers have been exploring different ways to determine the death of cancer cells, including various forms of regulated cell death such as apoptosis, autophagy, cuproptosis, disulfidptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, panoptosis, and pyrotosis. However, there have been limited studies on combining these cell death modalities in AML. This study aimed to identify clinically relevant molecular classification of AML based on genes related to multiple programmed cell death signaling pathways. Machine learning techniques were used to identify these subtypes and provide guidance on medication for each subtype using transcriptome data. The subtypes differed in immune and drug response. A robust prognostic model MPCDPG was developed based on gene pairs and validated in multiple test sets. In conclusion, this study identified three clinically relevant subtypes of AML and developed a reliable prognostic model based on gene pairs regulated cell death-related genes.
Stakeholder perspectives on factors influencing acute care patient outcomes: A qualitative approach to model refinement
Authors: Ziemek Jessica , Hoge Natalie , Woodward Kyla F , Doerfler Emily , Bradywood Alison , Pletcher Alix , Flaxman Abraham D , Iribarren Sarah 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background: Health systems have long been interested in the best practices for staffing in the acute care setting. Studies on staffing often focus on registered nurses and nurse-to-patient staffing ratios. There are fewer studies on the relationship between interprofessional team members or contextual factors such as hospital and community characteristics and patient outcomes. This qualitative study aimed to refine a causal model by soliciting hospital stakeholder feedback on staffing and patient outcomes.
Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to understand hospital stakeholder perspectives and their experiences of factors that affect acute care inpatient outcomes. Interviews were conducted in 2022 with 38 hospital stakeholders representing 19 hospitals across Washington State.
Results: Findings support a model of characteristics impacting patient outcomes to include the complex and interconnected relationships between community, hospital, patient, and staffing characteristics. Within the model, patient characteristics are nested into hospital characteristics, and in turn these were nested within community characteristics to highlight the importance of setting and context when evaluating outcomes. Together, these factors influenced both staff characteristics and patient outcomes, while these two categories also share a direct relationship.
Conclusion: Findings can be applied to hospitals and health systems across the globe to examine how external factors such as community resource availability impact care delivery. Future research should expand on this work with specific attention to how staffing changes and interprofessional team composition can improve patient outcomes.
Experimental Methods for Membrane Applications in Desalination and Water Treatment
Authors: Salinas-Rodríguez Sergio G. , Villacorte Loreen O. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Water quality is a critical issue for the water industry today, and membrane fi ltration a highly effective treatment used to provide clean water for the global population. Experimental processes and methods are being developed for assessing fouling, scaling, performance and modelling of membrane systems, and research is needed to further improve the sustainability and feasibility of these technologies, and to mitigate the challenges of water scarcity for billions of people, particularly in developing countries.
This book aims to address this vital issue by bringing together experts in the fi eld to share their learning, including: Membrane processes: microfi ltration (MF), ultrafi ltration (UF), reverse osmosis (RO), forward osmosis (FO) and membrane distillation (MD)Particulate fouling: silt density index (SDI), modifi ed fouling index (MFI-0.45 and MFI-UF)Inorganic fouling and scaling: assessment, characterization tools and mitigationOrganic fouling: size exclusion chromatography (LC-OCD), fl uorescence spectroscopy (FEEM) and transparent exopolymer particles (TEP)Biological fouling: genomic tools, bacterial growth potential (BGP) of seawater and low-nutrient water and optical coherence tomography (OCT)General applications: membrane autopsy and computational fl uid dynamics (CFD) modelling
Effectiveness and health risk assessment of drinking water from different sources treated by local household water treatment methods in Bamenda, Cameroon
Authors: Nkwatoh Therese Ncheuveu , Yakum Benard Mingo , Itor Paul Oto Beseka 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

This study accessed the efficiency and health risks of drinking water from different sources treated by filtration, boiling, chlorination, flocculation, and solar disinfection. The microbial quality of 45 treated water samples from boreholes, wells, and pipe-borne water was analyzed to determine treatment effectiveness and to quantify risk using quantitative microbial risk assessment. The effectiveness of each treatment method was a function of sampling sources (p &lt; 0.05) and location (p &lt; 0.10), chlorination and boiling being the most efficient methods (100%). Shiegella in well water samples treated by filtration and flocculation had the highest daily infection risk of 69.5 × 10−1 and 67.5 × 10−1 pppd. The annual risk of infection from Salmonella, Shigella, and Staphylococcus ranged from 7.8 × 10−1 to 1.00 pppy, exceeding the U.S. EPA annual infection benchmark (≤10−4 pppy). Salmonella, Shigella, and Staphylococcus had the highest risk of illness of 4.50 × 10−1, 3.30 × 10−1, and 9.80 × 10−1, respectively. All disease burden values exceeded the WHO disease burden benchmark (≤10−6 DALYs/pppy), with Staphylococcus and Salmonella contributing the highest disease burden of 4.71 × 10−2 and 2.13 × 10−2, DALYs/pppy. Therefore, boiling and chlorination are the best disinfection methods for the pathogens tested.