bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Radiation Dose Optimization for Improving the Sterile Insect Technique of the Cotton Leaf Worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: hassan Reda , Sileem Thanaa , sayed waheed 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) is one the successful methods for insect population suppression against many insect pests worldwide, another form of SIT, inherited sterilely (SIT/IS), is considered a promising tactic against Lepidoptera using sub-sterilizing doses of ionizing radiation rather than sterile doses. Optimization of irradiation doses is important for developing the SIT/IS operational for an efficacious programme. The present trial deals with the effective dose to induce sterility for improving SIT/IS against Spodoptera littoralis with particular emphasis on mating ability and competitiveness. Eight gamma radiation doses (0, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225 and 250 Gy) were used to irradiate full-grown male and female pupae of S. littoralis. Results indicated that the male moths was more radiosensitive than male moths, the dose of 175 and 250 Gy exhibited (0.0%) egg hatch of irradiated female and male moth, respectively. Moreover, the sperm transfer by irradiated male was drastically reduced by increasing the dose level, however, the percentages of spermatophore were increased among the F1 male as compared to the P1 at the same dose level. Full competitiveness was attained in the ratio of 3 irradiated: 1un-irradiated male moths at the doses 225 and 250 Gy. Field cage tests revealed that high levels of mating competitiveness were attained between irradiated and non-irradiated moths at all tested doses. Moreover, the copula duration showed insignificant differences among irradiation doses, however the duration was shorter in irradiated category that un-irradiated ones. The dose 225 Gy caused a full sterility of female moths and F1 male with high competiveness and can be used effectively in SIT/IS for S. littoralis management.
Challenges and priorities of nursing profession and services in Uganda: A qualitative study for strategic planning
Authors: OKUONZI Sam A , MWIZERWA Joseph , LYAVALA Michael , KABAYAMBI Joan , MPANGA Tony , ATUHAIRWE Irene , BAKUCANDIA Agnes 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Nurses and midwives make up the majority of health workers. Nursing services are needed in all settings throughout an individual’s life. Uganda has had no strategic direction for developing nursing and midwifery services.This study was done between August 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022 to understand the context and experiences of nurses and midwives for strategic planning of nursing in the country. Specifically, the objectives were to identify the challenges, strengths and opportunities, and priorities for strategic planning.
Methodology: Four methods were used: a scoping review of documents, a survey of views from nurses and midwives, and a qualitative study using key informant interviews and focus group discussions.
Findings: Considerable progress has been made to establish nursing and midwifery institutions, training and services, but major challenges remain. These challenges include weak leadership and governance, low political will, poor nursing image and status, poor quality nursing services, inadequate training, unfair employment conditions, long and costly licensing, absenteeism, extortion of money from patients and lack of nurses in hard-to-reach areas. The priorities are grouped under leadership and governance, training and professionalization, and service delivery.
Discussion and conclusion: There is need to mobilize political will, develop nursing leadership, elevate the nursing profession, and promote nursing status and image in society. The nursing profession has to be aligned with the equivalent health cadres. International and regional benchmarking is required for comparability. Research led and done by nurses about nursing has to become a key element in the profession. Qualification and service standards have to be reviewed, matched and enforced. The quality of services and the performance of nurses should be monitored and supervised regularly. Public health nursing ought to be revitalized for primary health care to support universal health coverage. Special arrangements and incentives need to be made to attract nurses to remote and hard-to-reach areas. In addition, specialization, advanced nursing, and private nursing ought to be promoted and benchmarked internationally and matched with other health sector professions.
Research on mechanical properties of loaded coal at the micro/nanoscale by coupling nanoindentation and SAXS experiments
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liu Yaoru , Li Xiangchun , Nie Baisheng , Meng Junqing 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The relationship between the mechanical behaviors at macro and micro scales is of great significance for supplementing and explaining the physical and mechanical properties of loaded coal. An in-situ loading machine suitable for small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) experiments was self-designed, and the mechanical properties and damage evolution mechanisms of loaded coal were revealed at the micro/nanoscale. It also looked at the connections between the macro damage evolution rules and the micro mechanical behavior shown by the interior minerals and microstructures of coal. The research results indicate that the microscale deformation of coal undergoes elastic, elastic-plastic, and plastic deformation stage. The linear relationship without intercept between hardness, fracture toughness, and elastic modulus is independent with the indentation depth. As the depth of indentation increases, the mechanical properties at the microscale of coal gradually stabilize, showing the excellent homogeneity. The surface fractal dimensions of coal samples are 2.42, 2.36, and 2.34, respectively. The increase in load does not change the surface roughness of loaded coal, while the complexity of the pore structure increases as the fractal dimension of the pores decreases. The research results also indicate that coal is a composite material composed of micro-pores, fracture structures, and various mineral components. The differences in geometric shapes and mechanical properties among these components are bound to influence the ultimate mechanical behavior of coal. The corresponding elastic modulus determined by the Mori-Tanaka homogenization model is 3.24 MPa, which is a little bit higher than the value determined by macro mechanical testing. An increase in the size or volume of the test sample will lead to an increase in the number of pores, cracks, or other defect structures, which are more likely to expand and evolve under external loads, thereby affecting the performance of macro mechanical behavior.
GPU Cluster Dynamics: Insights from Alibaba's 2023 Trace Release
Authors: Siavashi Ahmad , Momtazpour Mahmoud 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we present a comprehensive analysis of GPU cluster traces from Alibaba, released in 2023, with a focus on unraveling the intricacies of node and pod configurations and their associated metrics. By dissecting the configurations of 1,523 nodes, predominantly GPU-based, we identify a wide array of configurations and GPU models, highlighting a balanced interplay between CPU cores and RAM across all nodes while also noting a decoupling between CPU/RAM and GPU-specific metrics in GPU nodes, indicating a nuanced approach to workload placement. Our investigation extends to an analysis of 8,152 pods, revealing diverse configurations and a significant prevalence of latency-sensitive pods, indicative of a cluster geared towards timely resource provisioning. The presence of Failed and Pending pods, however, underscores the complexity and challenges inherent in scheduling efficiency and resource allocation. By delving into both node and pod configurations and metrics, this study sheds light on the operational characteristics and workload patterns within the cluster. The insights gleaned from this analysis are invaluable for researchers, system designers, and operators, providing a nuanced understanding of the cluster's workings. This, in turn, lays the groundwork for future research and optimization efforts, ultimately contributing to the advancement of GPU cluster management and operation.
Mammalian STE20-like kinase 1 inhibits synoviocytes activation in rheumatoid arthritis through mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by SIRT3/mTOR axis
Authors: Tan min , Mao Jing , Li Jun , Zheng Jianxiong , Hao Jiayao , Shen Haili 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Mammalian STE20-like kinase 1 (MST1) plays a pivotal role in the progression of cancer and autoimmune diseases by modulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, among other cellular processes. However, its role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its downstream targets remain unclear. In the present study, our results show that MST1 expression is significantly downregulated in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) from rheumatoid arthritis patients compared with FLSs from normal trauma controls. Furthermore, MST1 overexpression in RA-FLSs led to augmented apoptosis and a marked reduction in both cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, upregulation of MST1 expression promotes mitochondrial fission, weakens mitochondrial fusion, curtails mitophagy, and inhibits NF-κB activation by constraining Sirtuin-3 (SIRT3). This cascade of events results in mitochondrial impairment and triggers the mitochondria-driven apoptosis pathway. This ultimately amplifies apoptosis, diminishes cell migration and invasion, and mitigates inflammation. Enhanced MST1 cleavage by the MST1 agonist, chelerythrine, alleviated joint synovial inflammation and bone and cartilage destruction and erosion in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA). In summary, this study suggests that MST1 regulates the activation of RA-FLSs through the interplay of mitochondrial fission, fusion and mitophagy, laying a foundation for exploring new therapeutic targets for rheumatoid arthritis.
Blood Lead Levels and Their Association With Iron Deficiency and Anemia in Children
Authors: Disalvo Liliana , Varea Ana , Matamoros Natalia , Sala Marisa , Fasano María V. , González Horacio F. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Lead is a ubiquitous and neurotoxic heavy metal particularly harmful to children, who are more susceptible than adults to its toxic effects. The prevalence of lead poisoning and iron deficiency (ID) is high in socioeconomically vulnerable child populations, negatively affecting the child neurocognitive development. Despite numerous studies have shown the association between blood lead levels (BLL) and ID, the issue remains controversial. Here, we aimed to identify the association between BLL and iron nutritional status in children. We conducted an analytical cross sectional study of healthy children aged 1–6 y attending periodic health checks in primary healthcare units from La Plata and Greater La Plata, Argentina, between 2012 and 2017. We performed anthropometric evaluations and determined BLL, hemoglobin (Hb) and serum ferritin levels. Blood lead levels ≥ 5 µg/dL were defined as elevated BLL; ferritin levels < 12 ng/ml were considered ID; Hb levels < 11 g/dL (< 11.5 g/dL for children ≥ 5 y) were defined as anemia. Data were analysed using Mann Whitney test, Student´s t-test, chi-square test and logistic regression. The R package (v. 4.2.2.) was used for the statistical analysis of data. The sample included 392 children (mean age, 2.4 ± 1.4 y; 44.6% females). The prevalence of elevated BBL, ID and anemia was 8.7%, 26.3% and 31.8%, respectively. We found a significant association between elevated BLL and ID (odds ratio [OR], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.16 (1.50, 6.63)). The prevalence of elevated BLL was 16.2% and 5.8% in children with and without ID, respectively (p = 0.003). We also found association between elevated BBL and anemia (OR, 95% CI: 3.03 (1.49, 6.29)). In conclusion, blood lead levels ≥ 5 µg/dL were significantly associated with ID and anemia in children aged 1–6 years.
Mechanical Evaluation of Frozen and Cryo-Sectioned Papillary Muscle Samples by Using Sinusoidal Analysis: Cross-bridge Kinetics and the Effect of Partial Ca 2+ activation
Authors: Xi Jing , Feng Han-Zhong , Jin Jian-Ping , Yuan Jinxiang , Kawai Masataka 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The use of frozen and cryo-sectioned cardiac muscle preparations, introduced recently by (Feng & Jin, 2020), offers promising advantages of easy transport and exchange of muscle samples among collaborating laboratories. In this report, we examined integrity of such preparation by studying tension transients in response to sinusoidal length changes and following concomitant amplitude and phase shift in tension time courses at varying frequencies. We used sections with 70 µm thickness, isolated fiber preparations, and studied cross-bridge (CB) kinetics: we activated the preparations with saturating Ca2+, and varying concentrations of ATP and phosphate (Pi). Our experiments have demonstrated that this preparation has the normal active tension and elementary steps of the CB cycle. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of Ca2+ on the rate constants and found that the rate constant r4 of the force generation step is proportionate to [Ca2+] when it is < 5 µM. This observation suggests that the activation mechanism can be described by a simple second order reaction. As expected, we found that magnitude parameters including tension and stiffness are related to [Ca2+] by the Hill equation with cooperativity of 4–5, consistent to the fact that Ca2+ activation mechanisms involve cooperative multimolecular interactions. Our results are consistent with a long-held hypothesis that process C (phase 2 of step analysis) represents the CB detachment step, and process B (phase 3) represents the force generation step. In this report, we further found that constant H may also represent work performance step. Our experiments have demonstrated excellent CB kinetics with reduced noise and well-defined two exponentials, which are better than skinned fibers, and easier to handle and study than single myofibrils.
n-3 PUFAs Show Promise as Adjuvants in Chemotherapy, Enhancing
their Efficacy while Safeguarding Hematopoiesis and Promoting Bone
Generation
Authors: Gurav Pradnya , Garad Suraj , Nirmala Kedar R. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract:
Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of mortality in high-income countries, underscoring
the critical need for effective therapeutic strategies. One prominent approach, chemotherapy,
is widely employed for treating solid tumors. However, the significant adverse effects associated
with chemotherapy, notably myeloablation and osteonecrosis, impart considerable challenges
by compromising immune function and diminishing patients' quality of life. Furthermore, the
emergence of chemotherapy resistance poses a formidable hurdle in achieving successful cancer
treatment outcomes. In this context, the focus is on exploring alternative approaches to enhance
the efficacy of cancer treatment and mitigate its adverse consequences. Among these approaches,
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), two n-3 polyunsaturated fatty
acids (PUFAs), have garnered substantial interest. These PUFAs exhibit the potential to influence
membrane lipid composition and modulate critical gene expressions associated with cancer, such
as Bcl-2, PI3K, NF-κB, and phosphorylated Akt, thereby potentially reducing cancer risk. Moreover,
emerging evidence highlights their ability to augment chemotherapy efficacy, particularly in
drug-resistant cancer cells. Importantly, both preclinical and clinical investigations have provided
compelling evidence supporting the protective effects of n-3 PUFAs on healthy cells. Leveraging
these findings, there has been growing attention on the exploration of n-3 PUFAs as adjuvants to
chemotherapy. This strategic approach holds promise in mitigating the adverse effects linked to
chemotherapy, notably myeloablation and osteonecrosis, while simultaneously enhancing its effectiveness
in combating cancer. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted attributes
of n-3 PUFAs, encompassing their cytotoxic properties, potential as chemopreventive agents, and
their prospective role in ameliorating the adverse effects commonly associated with chemotherapy,
with a particular emphasis on myeloablation and osteonecrosis. By elucidating the intricate interplay
between n-3 PUFAs and cancer treatment paradigms, this review contributes to the expanding
body of knowledge aimed at refining cancer therapeutic strategies and enhancing patient outcomes.
Cardioprotective Role of Tinospora cordifolia against Trimethylamine-N-Oxide and Glucose Induced Stress in Rat Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Singhal Shivani , Rani Vibha 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Type 2 diabetes has become a concern issue that affects the quality of
life and can increase the risk of cardiac insufficiency elevating the threat to the life safety of patients. A recognized cause of cardiac insufficiency is diabetic cardiomyopathy, chronic hyperglycemia, and myocardial lipotoxicity which can reduce the myocardial contractile performance,
and enhance the cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis. The cause of diabetic cardiomyopathy is multi-factorial which includes oxidative stress, insulin resistance, inflammation,
apoptosis, and autophagy. Recent clinical studies have suggested the dysbiosis of gut microbiota,
secretion of metabolites, and their diffusion in to the host as to have direct detrimental effects on
the cardiac contractility.

Materials and Methods:
In the present paper, we have done in silico studies including molecular
interaction of phytoconstituents of Tinospora cordifolia against reactive oxygen species producing proteins. Whereas, in vitro studies were conducted on H9C2 cardiac cells including cell morphological examination, level of reactive oxygen species, cell count-viability, apoptotic status, in
the presence of high glucose, trimethylamine-n-oxide, and plant extracts which were determined
through cell analyzer and microscopic assays.

Results:
The treatment of high glucose and trimethylamine-n-oxide was found to be increase the
cardiac stress approximately two fold by attenuating hypertrophic conditions, oxidative stress,
and apoptosis in rat cardiomyocytes, and Tinospora cordifolia was found to be a cardioprotective agent.

Conclusion:
Conclusively, our study has reported that the Indian medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia has the ability to treat diabetic cardiomyopathy. Our study can open up a new herbal therapeutic strategy against diabetic cardiomyopathy
The Use of Higher Secretory Immune Response of IgG And IgA in Breast Milk and Blood as a Donor Therapy in COVID-19 Survivor Mothers
Authors: Wahyutri Endah W. , Noorma Nilam , Nugraha Jusak , Andika I. Gede 
Published: November 2023

Introduction:
The breast milk of mothers recovering from COVID-19 has elevated levels of secretory-type antibodies, such as IgG and IgA. Furthermore, these antibodies serve as immunity, which can be passed on to the baby through breastfeeding.

Objective:
This study aimed to analyze the relationship between IgG and IgA levels in breast milk and blood of breastfeeding mothers who recovered from COVID-19 and assess other determinants.

Methods:
This was an analytical study, which was carried out using 54 participants who were equally divided into two groups, namely case and control. The case group consisted of individuals who were exposed to COVID-19, while the controls were not exposed. Blood and breast milk (each 5 CC) were then collected to determine the levels of IgG and IgA using the Eliza method. Furthermore, the test used 27 blood and 18 breast milk samples.

Results:
The statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences in the levels of IgG and IgA in the breast milk and blood of the case and control groups. The average IgA in the blood and breast milk of the control was greater compared to the case group. Furthermore, the average IgG in the breast milk of the case group was greater compared to the controls. Based on the results, there was no difference in mean IgG in breast milk in both groups.

Conclusion:
The results showed that there were differences in mean IgA in the breast milk of both groups. The average IgA in the blood of the controls was greater than the case group, but the IgG in breast milk was lower.
Factors Associated with Readmission of Cardiovascular Patients: A Cross-sectional Study in Iran
Authors: Salimi Marzie , Bastani Peivand , Nasiri Mahdi , Karajizadeh Mehrdad , Ravangard Ramin 
Published: November 2023

Objective:
Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death in both men and women around the world. Considering the heavy economic and social burden of readmission of cardiovascular patients on the patients and their families as well as the health care system, this study aimed at determining the factors associated with hospital readmission of cardiovascular patients in four public hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted on cardiovascular patients hospitalized in public hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. A total of 264 patients were studied, 132 of whom had been readmitted and were selected through the census method. The other 132 patients had not been readmitted and were randomly selected through stratified sampling proportional to the size and simple random sampling method. The patients were examined using a questionnaire developed according to previous studies and experts' opinions. To analyze the data collected, we used the t-test, chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, Mann-Whitney test, and logistic regression through the SPSS 23.0 software.

Results:
The results showed that the following factors were associated with the readmission of the cardiovascular patients: being hospitalized 6 to 9 months before the current admission (OR=19.03, P-value<0.001), having arrhythmia (OR=6.34, P-value<0.001), having right ventricular dysfunction (OR=4.99, P-value=0.019), having fluid and electrolyte disorder (OR=3.89, P-value=0<0.001), undergoing angiography (OR=2.96, P-value=0.003), having chest pain (OR=2.42, P-value=0.014), having cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular co-morbidities (OR=1.45, P-value=0<0.001), and having non-elective admission (OR=2.10, P-value=0.034).

Conclusion:
Given the influencing factors, management and follow-up of the patients, especially the high-risk ones, after discharge and providing them with the necessary training to prevent various complications could reduce their readmission rates.