bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sepsis in patients hospitalized in Sicily over the years 2016–2020: a retrospective study
Authors: Pipitò Luca , Puccio Romano , Marrali Domenico , Mancuso Alessandro , Gagliano Maria Chiara , Gaudiano Roberta , Piccione Manfredi , Iaria Chiara , Cascio Antonio 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Sepsis is a leading cause of in-hospital mortality and morbidity globally. Epidemiological data regarding the incidence and mortality of sepsis are scarcely available. Most reports are based on administrative. Furthermore, sepsis in non-intensive care units has been considered only in a few studies.
The present study aimed to describe the epidemiology of sepsis and related outcomes among patients hospitalized in Sicily and analyze the features associated with high mortality.
Methods: Data on the discharge forms of all patients with sepsis in all Sicilian hospitals from January 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively collected. Age, sex, comorbidities, infections, and blood alterations were evaluated using univariate analysis according to in-hospital mortality. The factors associated with mortality were included in the logistic regression model.
Results: In Sicily, 15373 hospitalizations associated with sepsis occurred from 2016 to 2020 with a mortality of 36.3%. The percentage of hospitalizations associated with sepsis represented 0.65 % of all admissions with an increase over the years. The diagnosis of septic shock was reported in 42.0%, with a mortality of 67.7%. The average cost and length of stay were EUR 8849 ± 10395 and 18 ± 22 days, respectively. Septic shock was an independent predictor of mortality. Older age was an independent predictor of mortality in adults. Klebsiella pneumoniae, aspergillosis, peritonitis, chronic respiratory failure, and hypernatremia, were independently associated with death in non-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) adult patients. For paediatric patients, gastrointestinal infection was an independent predictor of mortality, and only for non-ICU hospitalizations, diabetes, and anaemia were.
Conclusions: In Sicily, sepsis is a significant cause of in-hospital mortality, especially for ICU-admitted patients and patients with septic shock. From 2016 to 2020, there was an increase in hospitalizations with sepsis, mortality associated with sepsis and septic shock diagnosis. Hospitalizations associated with sepsis presented high charges, especially for ICU-admitted and septic shock diagnoses. Septic shock was an independent predictor of mortality for all patient groups. Older age, chronic respiratory failure, peritonitis, Klebsiella pneumoniae infection, aspergillosis, and hypernatremia were associated with higher mortality in non-ICU admitted adults, while diabetes, anaemia, and gastrointestinal disease for children non-ICU admitted.
A genetic correlation analysis between addiction-related traits and chronic bowel disorders
Authors: Wen Yan , Chu Xiaoge , Li Chun’e , Shi Sirong , Cai Qingqing , He Dan , Wei Wenming , Zhang Na , Qin Xiaoyue , Zhao Yijng , Zhang Feng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Aims
Addiction is currently seen as a neuropsychiatric disorder with genetic component involved. Multiple chronic bowel disorders could exert influence on mental status including addition. This study aims to investigate the genetic correlation of addiction-related traits and chronic bowel disorders.
Methods
We extracted addiction-related traits information from UK Biobank database. We then calculated the polygenic risk score (PRS) of chronic bowel disorders (ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn’s disease (CD), UC + CD and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) respectively) for each individual. A regression analysis was conducted to measure the correlation of addiction-related traits and chronic bowel disorder PRS. We further performed a linkage disequilibrium score regression to evaluated the genetic correlation of chronic bowel disorders (UC, CD) and addiction traits (alcohol dependence) in another public GWAS datasets. Lastly, a genome-wide genetic interaction study (GWGIS) was conducted to measure the interactive effects of chronic bowel disorders (UC, UC + CD) and genetic variants in addiction-related traits.
Results
Regression analysis identified positive correlation at CD PRS and “ever addicted to any substance or behavior” (P = 4.80×10− 2, beta = 0.141), CD PRS and “ever addicted to alcohol” (P = 1.90×10− 2, beta = 1.533), and UC + CD PRS and “ever addicted to alcohol” (P = 2.70×10− 2, beta = 0.882). LDSC analysis detected a significant genetic correlation at CD and alcohol dependence (P = 8.60×10− 3). GWGIS results revealed that a group of significant genetic variations, such as rs12063422 (P = 4.15×10− 6), showed interactive effect with CD PRS in alcohol addiction.
Conclusions
Our results revealed a genetic correlation between CD and alcohol addiction, which might be partly attributed to accumulated effect of a number of associated SNPs.
Molecular Dynamic Study on the Structure and Thermal Stability of Mutant Pediocin Pa-1 Designed to Contain Extra Cystein Residues
Authors: SEVİM Büşra , ALTUNTAŞ Evrim GÜNEŞ 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Pediocin and pediocin-like bacteriocins are antimicrobial compounds used in the food industry owing to their remarkable thermal stability and resistance to heat. Enhancing their stability at elevated temperatures and harnessing a bacteriocin derivative molecule produced through such improvements holds promise not only in the food industry but also within the pharmaceutical sector due to their broad-spectrum potential. Although previous studies have examined the two disulfide bonds present in Pediocin PA-1, there has been no inclination to increase the number of disulfide bonds. This study aimed to design mutant peptides by introducing a third disulfide bond, in addition to the two naturally occurring ones in pediocin PA-1, and assess the thermal stability of these mutant peptides. In this study, five mutant peptides (Mut 1, Mut 2, Mut 3, Mut 4, Mut 5) with dual Cys mutations were designed. Initially, the thermal stability of these peptides across a range of temperatures (298–394 K) was evaluated through 100 nanoseconds of molecular dynamics simulations. Subsequently, the most stable mutant peptides (Mut 1, Mut 4, and Mut 5) were selected for further investigation. Molecular dynamics simulations lasting 300 nanoseconds were conducted and analyzed to observe the thermal stability of these structures. The analysis encompassed parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, DSSP, and SASA. The stabilization of these structures was compared with Pediocin PA-1, chosen as the reference molecule. In silico analysis revealed that the free Cys residues did not form a third disulfide bond. Furthermore, most mutants (Mut 1, Mut 5), including the reference structure, exhibited a loss of their helical structure, which is known to be crucial for antimicrobial activity, and the disruption of one of the naturally occurring disulfide bonds at high temperatures. Conversely, Mut 4 retained two disulfide bonds even at elevated temperatures, preserved its helical structure, and demonstrated a thermal stability profile similar to that of Pediocin PA-1. The findings of this study suggest that Mut 4, a highly stable peptide, may represent an exceptionally heat-resistant antimicrobial alternative, contingent upon further analysis to confirm its activity.
Findings from private lands prescribed fire workshops in the Sierra Nevada, California
Authors: Wilkin Kate Marie , Stasiewicz Amanda M , Kocher Susan D. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Globally, prescribed fire political interest and practice was rekindled following recent devastating wildfire seasons. This phenomena was especially acute in areas with dual wildfire and forest health crises, like California. Previous research seeks to understand prescribed fire on public lands or on private lands in other regions, but little is known about prescribed fire practice or interest on private lands in California. Therefore, we sought to understand private land managers’ perceptions of prescribed fire and other land management techniques, treatment pathways, motivations, and barriers to complete these treatments in California.
Results
Before the workshop, we surveyed participants in 6 prescribed fires on private lands workshops in the Central Sierra Nevada from 2018 to 2019 (N = 172). We found that participants “want to use” piles and broadcast prescribed fires more than other land management treatments. There was also a strong interest in mechanical treatments in contrast to low interest in grazing. Some participants had “heard about” and “want to use” some pathways to apply prescribed fire on their lands, including government programs, contractors, friends and family, and Prescribed Burn Associations (PBAs). People had multiple objectives for their prescribed fire goals, and the majority wanted to promote ecosystem health e.g. reduce fire hazards, foster natural land health, and reduce invasive plants. Perceived barriers were greatest for safety, cost, and resources while fewer participants perceived permits as a barrier.
Conclusion
Participants are in the early stages of considering using prescribed fire and would like to burn small areas, potentially to build confidence and skills. At this stage, there is strong interest in using prescribed fire on private lands, and some perceived best pathways and barriers are unique from prescribed fire practice on public lands. At the same time, private and public land managers share a common motivation to promote ecosystem health and reduce wildfire risk and impacts.
Deep Fascial Space Infection and Localized Acute Apical Abscess: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Assessment
Authors: Gallegos John , Tahmasbi Mehrnaz , Jalali Poorya 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Variability in the clinical and radiographic presentation of acute apical abscess (AAA) exists. The objective of this study was to evaluate anatomical differences and patterns of bone loss in patients with AAA clinically presenting as a localized swelling or with concomitant fascial space involvement using cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging.
Materials and Methods
Thirty CBCT images of AAA cases presenting with fascial space involvement (FSI) and 31 cases of AAA presenting with a localized swelling (LAAA) were evaluated. Factors that were recorded and compared included the presence/absence of cortical disruption, the distance of the involved tooth apex to the buccal and lingual/palatal cortex, the length of the anatomic root/s of the involved tooth, and the volume of the endodontic lesions.
Results
The median for the volume of the lesions were 138 mm3 for the FSI group and 154 mm3 for the LAAA group (p > 0.05). Radiographic evidence of cortical disruption was seen in 26.7% of the cases with FSI and 41.9% of the cases with LAAA (p > 0.05). The mean root length was 12.3 mm for the FSI group and 12.4 mm for LAAA group (p > 0.05). The mean for distance of the apex to the buccal cortex was the only statistically significant difference between the two groups and was 4.2 mm for the FSI group and 3 mm for the LAAA group (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
CBCT assessment showed root apices associated with fascial space involvement tended to be more confined in cancellous bone. Though a significant difference between the 2 conditions was found, the inflammatory process is complex, and CBCT assessment alone cannot predict AAA remaining as a localized swelling versus spreading to fascial spaces.
Clinical Significance:
Emergency room visits for odontogenic infections are a burden on the healthcare system. Anatomical differences and radiographic patterns of bony lesions could be used in determining the tendency of cases with acute apical abscess toward forming a localized swelling or progressing into fascial space infection.
Ultrasound-based radiomics score to predict the risk of breast cancer recurrence
Authors: Fan Wei , Cui Hao , Wang Panting , Zuo Xiaoxuan , Hu Nana , Liu Xiaoxue , Li Qingxiang , Zhang Xudong , Tian Jiawei , Zhang Lei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background To develop a radiomics model based on ultrasound images for predicting recurrence risk in breast cancer patients. Methods In this retrospective study, 420 patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer were included. According to St. Gallen risk criteria, patients were categorised into low-medium and high-risk recurrence groups. All patients were randomly assigned to training and test cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Radiomics features were extracted from a radiomics analysis set using Pyradiomics. The informative radiomics features were screened using the minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithms. Subsequently, radiomics models were constructed with seven machine learning algorithms. Three distinct nomogram models were created using the features selected through multivariate logistic regression, including the clinic-ultrasound (Clin-US), clinic-radiomics (Clin-Rad), and clinic-ultrasound-radiomics (Clin-US-Rad) models. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC), calibration, and decision curve analysis (DCA) curves were used to evaluate the model’s clinical applicability and predictive performance. Results Overall, 12 ultrasound radiomics features were screened, such as wavelet.LHL_firstorder_median, original_shape_majoraxislength, square_glszm_graylevelcariance, etc. The higher the risk of recurrence, the higher the radiomics score (Rad-score) in training and test cohorts (bothp < 0.05). According to the above screening features, we selected seven different classifiers, among which logistic regression was used to establish the best radiomics model. In the test cohort, the Clin-US-Rad model performed best and had the highest significant areaunder the curve (AUC) values (AUC = 0.873) compared to the Clin-Rad and Clin-US models. The calibration and DCA curves also demonstrated the combined model’s good clinical utility. Conclusions The ultrasound radiomics features were useful for predicting the risk of breast cancer recurrence. The nomograms developed by the above-described features are reliable tools for assessing the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
Causal relationships of circulating Gal-3 levels to osteoarthritis risk: a Mendelian randomized study
Authors: zhang jinfeng , Zhang Zhaoliang , Shang Peng , Song Haobo , Zhang Hua , Wang Chengliang , Jia Junqing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Numerous animal and in vitro human chondrocyte studies have highlighted galectin-3 (Gal-3) as a risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA), but there is little supporting evidence from human studies. This study used Mendelian randomization (MR) to further explore the relationship between Gal-3 levels in human circulation and OA.
Methods: Instrumental variables were obtained from published genome-wide association studies (GWASs). The OA data in the two samples Mendelian randomization (MR) came from the GWAS catalog database. The remaining data were obtained from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU) OpenGWAS database. Firstly, two-sample (MR) analysis was used to evaluate the association between Gal-3 levels and OA. Secondly, the causal relationship between circulating Gal-3 levels and obesity was studied using bidirectional two-sample MR. Thirdly, mediated MR was used to analyze whether the effect of circulating Gal-3 levels on the KOA predicted by genes was mediated by obesity.
Results: Gal-3 levels were correlated with increased risk of KOA and HOA. Bidirectional MR analysis showed that a genetic predisposition to circulating Gal-3 levels was associated with increased risk of obesity, while a genetic predisposition to obesity was not associated with circulating Gal-3 levels. Mediated MR analysis suggested that waist circumference (WC) played a mediating role in the occurrence of KOA as a function of circulating Gal-3 levels.
Conclusions: There is a causal relationship between Gal-3 levels and the occurrence of KOA and HOA, and its effect on KOA is mediated by WC to a certain extent.
Posttraumatic Growth in a Nursing Population During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Levine Heidi , McCann-Pineo Molly , Li Timmy , Bellehsen Mayer , Thomas Lily , Cook Haley M. , Corley Samantha , Yacht Andrew , Schwartz Rebecca M. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
BACKGROUND – Few studies have assessed posttraumatic growth (PTG) in nursing populations during the pandemic. Literature is mixed regarding the moderating effect of support. The study's purpose was to evaluate the impact of negative occupational experiences (NOE) on posttraumatic growth and the potential moderating role of various supports among a sample of nursing staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS – A self-report longitudinal survey was sent to nursing staff within a large health system. Only baseline data (Fall 2022) were analyzed for this study. Linear regression modeling was used.
RESULTS –816 nursing staff participated. After adjusting for covariates, NOE and organizational support were associated with a moderate increase in PTG. Resilience was found to moderate the relationship between NOE and PTG in a simple interaction model.
CONCLUSION – Given the association between NOE and PTG, fostering PTG in the context of occupational stress may be important to preserving mental health among nursing staff.
Characteristics and functions of rhizosphere bacterial communities of C. sinensis cv. Shifocui tea tree with cold resistance characteristics in Anhui Province, China
Authors: Shi Shuiqin , Ge Mengrui , Xiong Yan , Zhang Yixun , Li Wenhui , Wang Jianfen , He Enhui , Liu Zhimuzi , Zhou Duoqi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The rhizosphere microbial community of plants has a crucial effect on healthy plant growth, and each rhizosphere has a specific microbial community. C. sinensis cv. Shifocui is a tea plant distributed in the Dabie Mountains of Anhui Province. It has the characteristics of high yield, good quality, strong cold resistance, and a high amino acid content. This study was the first to use 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing technology and bioinformatics methods to explore the characteristics and functions of the rhizosphere bacterial community of the cold-tolerant tea tree C. sinensis cv. Shifocui, providing an important basis for the development and utilization of rhizosphere microbial resources. The dominant phylum in the rhizosphere microbes of the C.sinensiscv. Shifocui rhizosphere microorganisms were Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteriota, and Actinobacteria. Network analysis showed significant positive and negative correlations among the rhizosphere bacterial groups of C.sinensiscv. Shifocui, among which Candidatus_Xiphinematobacter, Acidobacteriale, Bradyrhizobium, Subgroup_2, Candidatus_Udaeobacter, Gemmataceae, and Gaiellales were notable nodes in the interaction networks. Functional prediction of FAPROTAX indicated that C. sinensis cv. Shifocui was rich in chemoheterotrophic, cellulose hydrolysis, and oxidative heterotrophic conditions, indicating that the dominant bacterial flora was enriched in its rhizosphere microbes and played an important role in plant growth and development.These results lay a foundation for exploring the mechanism of interaction between C.sinensiscv. Shifocui and rhizosphere microorganisms and provide a research basis for the development and utilization of tea plant microbial resources.
Mind wandering and daydreaming, are they different?
Authors: Li Halleyson , Hills Thomas 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Mind wandering and daydreaming reflect non-deliberate and deliberate forms of mental exploration. However, it is not yet known to what extent the kinds of things that come to mind during these exploratory events are similar or different. The current research addresses this question by having participants engage in either a mindfulness task or a daydreaming task, with instructions to self-report novel thoughts as they occurred. Participants were then asked to rate their thoughts on valence, time orientation (past/present/future), and reality orientation (imaginary vs. real). Additionally, their emotional state was assessed using the Emotion Recall Task and PANAS questionnaire. Daydreaming produced a significantly greater number of thoughts compared to mind wandering. Daydreaming thoughts were also more positively valenced and future-oriented. Approximately 25% of thoughts were rated as imaginary, and this did not differ between mind wandering and daydreaming. However, an increase in future thinking was associated with a higher number of imaginary thoughts. Thought valence was predicted by both PANAS and ERT. These results suggest that mind wandering and daydreaming, while sharing many similarities, produce different kinds of thoughts and are not interchangeable.
The Demand for Public Health Academies: What the Creation of an Academy During a Pandemic Has Taught Us
Authors: Tabche Celine , Rawaf Salman , Aloraini Muhannad Sulaiman , Jumah Mohammed Al 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Public Health Academies are crucial in promoting public health practice through research and education aligned with public health competencies. These academies facilitate collaboration among health professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders to address disease prevention, health promotion, and healthcare improvement. They offer resources for public education on health topics, evidence-based programs, and advocacy for policy changes. A Public Health Academy aims to enhance workforce training and deliver health-related targets for specific regions, catering to health, social care, government, and non-governmental organisations. This paper outlines the strategic development of a Public Health Academy, encompassing benchmarking, situational analysis, and the establishment of a vision, mission, and strategy. The development process involves identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT), addressing gaps through structured training programs, and creating a comprehensive strategy document incorporating organisational structure, governance, financial planning, learning models, operational plans, and policies. Despite challenges, the Academy aims to improve public health outcomes, address evolving health landscapes, and provide quality education to professionals. This paper details a case study of creating the first Public Health Academy backed by a governing organisation in the Arab world amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the significance of such initiatives in advancing public health capabilities.
Spatial Transmission Network Analysis of the COVID-19 Outbreak in a Megacity: A Study Based on 2994 Affected Locations in Xi'an in 2021
Authors: Chen Zheng , Yang Zhangbo , Wang Qin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Utilizing patient trajectory data from 2050 case text documents, we constructed a location-contact network to analyze the spatial transmission of the late 2021 COVID-19 outbreak in a megacity of China. Employing complex network analysis, we had several significant findings. The network exhibited 266 components, indicating a relatively sparse network density. Notably, locations with a higher risk of transmission encompassed universities, convenience stores, agricultural markets, and restaurants. Moreover, we applied a network immunization strategy to simulate the impact of lockdowns at various location types on virus spread. Our results show that lock down "shops" and "restaurants" can significantly diminish network connectivity.