bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The application value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in community-acquired purulent meningitis after antibiotics intervention
Authors: SHANGGUAN Lijuan , XUE Lanping , SHANG Jing , WANG Hailong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Bacteria account for nearly one-third of the causes of community-acquired central nervous system infections, and the traditional diagnostic methods of such diseases rely on culture results, which is time-consuming, low detection rate and delayed diagnosis and treatment. Since metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has the advantages of high timeliness and only detecting microbial trace gene fragments, it has been more widely used in recent years. Based on this, we explored whether the application of cerebrospinal fluid next-generation sequencing is advantageous in patients with community-acquired purulent meningitis, especially in people who have already used antibiotics.
Methods
This was a retrospective analysis of 63 patients with community-acquired purulent meningitis admitted to the neurology Department of Shanxi Bethune Hospital from March 2018 to November 2022. Data were systematically collected and sorted into CSF culture group, blood culture group and CSF mNGS group according to different detection methods, and the total detection rate of each detection method was calculated. Each group of patients was divided into two subgroups according to whether antibiotics were used before sampling, and whether there was a difference in detection rate between and within the three groups, so as to explore whether mNGS had advantages over traditional detection methods.
Results
Among the 63 patients, CSF culture, blood culture and CSF mNGS cases were 56, 46, 44, respectively. The total detection rates of the three methods were 17.86%, 36.96%, 81.82%, respectively, suggesting that the detection rate of mNGS was better than CSF culture and blood culture, and the detection rate of blood culture better than that of CSF culture. Further according to whether antibiotics were used before sampling, it was found that without antibiotics, the detection rates of CSF culture, blood culture and CSF mNGS were 28.57%, 56.25% and 88.89%, respectively, and the detection rate of CSF mNGS was better than that of CSF culture, but there was no statistical difference between CSF and blood culture. The detection rates of antibiotics used in the three groups were 14.29%, 26.67% and 80.00%, respectively, and the detection rate of CSF mNGS was still higher than that in CSF culture and blood culture. However, the detection rate of CSF mNGS also decreased after antibiotics were used for more than3 days.
Conclusions
The detection rate of CSF mNGS in patients with purulent meningitis is better than traditional methods, especially for patients who have been given antibiotics, but the detection rate will decrease with the extension of antibiotic use time.
Insight into adsorbents for surfactants removal: A review
Authors: He Zhiqin , Qi Benkun , Li Yun , Dai Chang , Li Zhitao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Wastewater treatment has an important responsibility to react to changing consumer and industrial-produced wastes that pose environmental challenges. Surfactants are one of these emerging contaminants. They are of interest because of their increasingly ubiquitous domestic and industrial use and the difficulty their presence causes traditional treatment. Compared with other treatment technologies, adsorption is a promising approach due to its low cost and environmental friendliness. This paper reviews the hazards of surfactants, the removal effect and mechanism of surfactants by conventional activated carbon, mineral materials, Chitosan-based materials, carbon materials and agricultural waste, and also summarizes the classification of adsorbent regeneration. Finally, future perspectives on surfactants removal and exploitation of adsorbent are presented. Through a comprehensive review, we expect that this review will help the reader to more rationally select the appropriate adsorbent based on the removal mechanism.
Revisiting the volcanic forcing of high-latitude Northern
Hemisphere eruptions
Authors: Fuglestvedt Herman , Zhuo Zhihong , Toohey Matthew , Krüger Kirstin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
High-latitude explosive volcanic eruptions can cause substantial cooling on a hemispheric scale. However, our current understanding of these events remains limited. In this study, we employ a whole atmosphere chemistry-climate model with prognostic stratospheric aerosols to simulate Northern Hemisphere (NH) high-latitude explosive volcanic eruptions of similar magnitude to the 1991 eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Our simulations reveal that the lifetime of sulphur dioxide and the growth of volcanic sulphate aerosols are strongly influenced by the initial state of the NH polar vortex. The stability of the polar vortex during the first weeks after an eruption determines the latitudinal dispersion of the injected gases within the stratosphere. Consequently, interannual variability of the polar vortex stability introduces a variability in the modelled cumulative radiative forcing of more than 20 %. We also test the aerosol evolution’s sensitivity to co-injection of sulphur and halogens, injection season, and injection altitude, and show how processes related to aerosol formation, lifetime, and growth impact the resulting radiative forcing. Notably, several of the sensitivities are of similar magnitude to the variability stemming from initial conditions, highlighting the significant influence of atmospheric variability. Finally, we compare the modelled volcanic sulphate deposition over the Greenland ice sheet with the relationship assumed in reconstructions of past NH extratropical eruptions. Our analysis yields an estimated Greenland transfer function for NH extratropical eruptions of 0.44 × 10⁹ km² . If applied to ice core data, this value would produce volcanic stratospheric sulphur injections from NH extratopical eruptions 23 % smaller than in currently used volcanic forcing reconstructions. Furthermore, the uncertainty attached to the Greenland transfer function for NH extratropical eruptions, which propagates into the estimate of volcanic stratospheric sulphur injection, needs to be at least doubled to account for both atmospheric variability and unknown eruption source parameters. Our results offer insights into the complex dynamics shaping the impacts of both historical and future NH high-latitude eruptions. Furthermore, they underscore the need for more accurate representation of these events in existing volcanic forcing reconstructions, with the aim of improving our understanding of their climatic impacts.
Provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services to Health Workers and Community Members in Conflict-affected Northwest Syria: A Mixed-Methods study
Authors: Bou-Orm Ibrahim R. , Moussallem Marianne , Karam Joelle , deLara Manuel , Varma Vinod , Diaconu Karin , Apaydin Murat Can Birand , Bergh Rafael Van den , Ager Alastair , Witter Sophie 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Northwest Syria (NWS) is a conflict area with challenging political, economic, demographic and social dynamics. The region has a high number of internally displaced persons with increasingly disrupted delivery of basic services, including healthcare. Mental health needs have been increasing in the region while the infrastructure and capacity of the health sector has been negatively affected by the conflict. This study aimed to explore the provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services to communities in NWS (including healthcare workers) and to assess the experiences of beneficiaries with MHPSS services.
Methods
The study followed a mixed-methods research design that included qualitative and participatory methods (44 semi-structured interviews and a group model building workshop with 15 participants) as well as a survey with 462 beneficiaries.
Results
Findings suggested an improvement of MHPSS services in the region over the last few years due to the creation of a specific Technical Working Group (TWG) for MHPSS that contributed to assessment of community needs and support of the MHPSS response. The key elements of this response were: (1) training non-specialized health workers to address the shortage in specialized providers; (2) securing funding and coordination of services between different organizations; and (3) addressing gaps in the availability and geographical distribution of other needed resources, such as medicines. While those elements contributed to improving access to services and the quality of services – especially among health workers seeking MHPSS services - findings suggested gaps in the sustainability of services and a need to scale up those interventions in an integrated approach.
Conclusion
The study findings add to the evidence base on the challenges in scaling up MHPSS interventions and their long-term sustainability concerns. Priority actions should address the intermittent funding of the MHPSS response, incorporate MHPSS outputs and outcomes in the reimbursement of routine services, improve coordination between health partners and non-health actors in order to expand the scope of MHPSS response, and address the inequitable availability of resources in the region.
Acute amnesic symptoms due to bilateral fornix column infarction: a Case Report
Authors: Abe Takafumi , Nezu Tomohisa , Aoki Shiro , Maruyama Hirofumi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction: The fornix is a part of the Papez circuit and is associated with memory formation. Pure fornix infarction is a very rare type of stroke that causes symptoms such as transient global amnesia (TGA), but the degree of memory impairment varies. The cause of fornix infarction is often unknown.
Case Presentation: A right-handed 51-year-old female patient with a current smoking habit and a history of hypertension had an acute onset of anterograde amnesia marked by repetitive questions; this episode, which persisted for 24 hours, appeared to be TGA. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed acute bilateral fornix column infarction. Fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition (FIESTA) revealed that the subcallosal artery (ScA) was responsible for the fornix column infarction. The etiology of the stroke remained indeterminate despite the comprehensive stroke workup, hence, this case was classified as an embolic stroke of undetermined source. ScA is the perforating branch from the anterior communicating artery. In general, minute perforating branches are not detected by ordinary MRI, but FIESTA may be useful to detect the ScA. In the present case, FIESTA showed a relatively large ScA, which might indicate a microembolic etiology. Although we evaluated our patient’s embolic source, it remained indeterminate.
Conclusion: Acute amnesic symptoms occasionally occur as a result of bilateral fornix column infarction, and the resulting memory dysfunction sometimes persists. FIESTA may be useful for imaging the ScA to identify the etiology of stroke.
Learner Satisfaction with Synchronous and Asynchronous Virtual Learning Systems during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Tehran University of Medical Sciences: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Dargahi Hossein , Mireshghollah Masoumeh , Kooshkebaghi Mahdi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background:
The need for electronic learning and its systems, especially during specific circumstances and crises, is crucial and fundamental for users in universities. However, what is even more important is the awareness and familiarity of learners with different systems and their appropriate use in e-learning. Therefore, the present study was conducted to determine the satisfaction of learners with synchronous and asynchronous electronic learning systems during the COVID-19 period at Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
Methods:
The present study was a descriptive-analytical study conducted cross-sectionally from the first semester of 2019-2020 academic year until the end of the second semester of 2021-2022 academic year, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. The sample size was determined to be 370 students and 650 staff members using the Krejcie and Morgan table. The face validity and reliability of the research tool, which was a researcher-made questionnaire, was confirmed. Considering a response rate of 75%, 280 completed questionnaires were received from students, and 500 completed questionnaires were collected from employees. For data analysis, absolute and relative frequencies, as well as independent t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Post Hoc tests in the SPSS software were utilized.
Results:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, both students and staff members at Tehran University of Medical Sciences showed a relatively decreasing level of satisfaction with electronic learning. There was a significant difference in satisfaction between these two groups of learners regarding electronic learning (P=0/031). Learners were relatively more satisfied with the offline system called "Navid" compared to online learning systems. Among the online systems, the highest level of satisfaction was observed with the Skype platform.
Conclusion:
Although learners expressed relative satisfaction with electronic learning during the COVID-19 period, it is necessary to strengthen infrastructure and provide support services, technical assistance, and continuous updates for electronic learning platforms. This can contribute to more effective and efficient utilization of electronic learning, especially during particular circumstances and crises, or in hybrid models combining online and face to face education and training.
Vaginal microflora following the usage of disposable home-use vaginal device, and commercially available ring pessary for pelvic organ prolapse management: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ziv Elan , Keller Nathan , Erlich Tsvia 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To investigate whether ProVate™, a novel, disposable, self-inserted vaginal device for pelvic organ prolapse management, clinically affects the vaginal microflora, as compared with a commercially available ring pessary, in order to assess its microbiological safety.
Methods
This interventional, prospective, multi-center, open-label, randomized, controlled, statistically powered (non-inferiority), home-use, cross-over study was conducted at seven sites. Participants were randomized into either group A (using ProVate™ and then a new reusable commercially available ring pessary [control]) or B (using control device and then ProVate™) with a 1:1 ratio. Primary endpoint was based on meeting one of the failure criteria: significant change in Lactobacillus spp., Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida morphotypes, or Staphylococcus aureus levels compared to the baseline (significant change: Nugent score ≥ 7 or > 1 scale unit increase in S. aureus or Candida morphotype), bothersome vaginal symptoms, or symptoms requiring treatment.
Results
The study included 58 participants (mean age: 64.5 years, 91.4% post-menopausal). The failure rate was 15.5% for ProVate™ and control groups while using 383 ProVate™ devices over 1,647 days or one control device throughout the study. Two patients had bothersome vaginal complaints and one had vaginal infection in the control group, but no such cases were observed in the ProVate™ group.
Conclusion
The primary endpoint of possible vaginal microbial changes, bothersome vaginal symptoms, or treatment-requiring vaginal complaints while using ProVate™ was successfully met. Our findings show that the vaginal microflora is comparable when using either ProVate™ or commercially available ring pessary (control) with a relatively low rate of vaginal infections.
Trial registration details
ClinicalTrials.gov;
Ovarian Recurrence risk Assessment using Clinical and serum protein LEvels (ORACLE): A Machine Learning Risk Score to Predict Survival in High Grade Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Mysona David P. , Purohit Sharad , Richardson Katherine P. , Suhner Jessa , Brzezinska Bogna , Rungruang Bunja , Hopkins Diane , Bearden Gregory , Higgins Robert , Johnson Marian , Satter Khaled Bin , McIndoe Richard , Ghamande Sharad 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In ovarian cancer, there is no current method to accurately predict recurrence after a complete response to chemotherapy. Here, we develop a machine learning risk score using serum proteomics for prediction of early recurrence of ovarian cancer after initial treatment. The developed risk score was validated in an independent cohort who had serum collected prospectively during the remission time period. In the discovery cohort, patients scored as low risk had a median time to recurrence (TTR) that was not reached at 10 years compared to 10.5 months (HR 4.66, p < 0.001) in high risk patients. In the validation cohort, low risk patients had a median TTR which was not reached compared to 4.7 months in high risk patients (HR 4.67, p = 0.009). In advanced stage patients with a CA125 < 10, low risk patients had a median TTR of 68 months compared to 6 months in high risk patients (HR 2.91, p = 0.02). The developed risk score was capable of distinguishing the duration of remission in ovarian cancer patients. This score may help guide maintenance therapy and develop innovative treatments in patients at risk at high risk of recurrence.
Human language evolution: clustering of fifteen language comprehension abilities in 55558 individuals suggests three-step-wise language comprehension acquisition
Authors: Vyshedskiy Andrey , Venkatesh Rohan , Khokhlovich Edward 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
There is an opposition between saltationist and gradualist hypotheses of human language comprehension evolution. The saltationist hypothesis argues for an abrupt step-like transition from non-recursive to recursive language sometime around 100,000 years ago. The gradualist scenario conjectures a much slower acquisition of grammatical and syntactic abilities over several million years. The former hypothesis expects a uniquely-human neurological mechanism made possible by a single mutation that resulted in simultaneous acquisition of a whole range of uniquely-human linguistic abilities, while the latter believes that many different mutations enabled various uniquely human neurological mechanisms that underlie human linguistic abilities. Studying co-acquisition of various linguistic abilities in modern humans can help resolve the two competing scenarios. The saltationist single-neurological-mechanism hypothesis predicts a two-cluster solution (one cluster of individuals who acquired that mechanism and another cluster of individuals who did not), while the gradualist scenario predicts the solution with many smaller clusters. Accordingly, we investigated co-acquisition of fifteen language comprehension abilities in 55,558 individuals using data-driven clustering analysis. Multiple clustering methods resulted in a robust three-cluster solution suggesting a three-step-wise language comprehension acquisition.
Sustainable Seismic Design of Structures
Authors: Targhi Marzie Ansari , Grigorian Mark , Targhi Razie Ansari 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The main purpose of Sustainable seismic design (SSD) is to ensure the functionality of structural systems after severe earthquakes. SSD compares and analyses current and projected states of response for changing natural conditions. It has been devised to control seismic behavior, repairs and replacement of existing parts, optimization of shapes, sizes and energy dissipation as planned. If nature were to design an earthquake resistant structure (ERS) it would probably resort to SSD and Performance Control (PC) rather than conventional methods of approach. Unlike conventional methodologies, SSD also addresses the possibilities of post-earthquake realignment and repairs (PERR) of purpose specific ERSs. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate that resilient ERSs can be materialized, through emulation of SSD without resorting to untenable costs and technologies. In the interim a number of relatively new ideas including Structures of Uniform construction, Multifunction detailing, and the Fail-safe (FS) concept have also been introduced.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Hand Hygiene among Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in referral hospitals: A case study from Southern Iran
Authors: Esfandiari Atefeh , Mahmoodi Marzieh , Seddigh Asma , Salari Hedayat 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Hand hygiene compliance is the simplest, the most important, and the most cost-effective way to prevent and reduce healthcare-associated infections. Its implementation requires adequate knowledge and awareness. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of hand hygiene among healthcare workers in referral hospitals of Bushehr province, southern Iran, in 2021.
Method: This is a cross-sectional descriptive-analytical survey of 205 medical staff. A stratified sampling technique was used to select the respondents. They completed the questionnaire, which included demographic information (age, gender, education, etc.) and questions in three sections to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of medical staff.
Results: The results showed that the mean age of the population studied was 34.18 ± 7.15 years. Of these, 63.9% were female, most of the participants (80.0%) were married, nurses (66.8%), had a bachelor's degree (70.2%), and worked in the COVID-19 wards (51.7%). The mean scores for staff knowledge, attitude, and practice of hand hygiene among the staff were 7.7 ± 2.4 (from 0-12), 69.7 ± 7.1 (from 19-95) and 56.8 ± 9.1 (from 14-70), respectively, indicating relatively adequate knowledge among medical staff. In the non-COVID-19 wards, staff compliance with hand hygiene was higher than in the COVID-19 wards (P<0.001).
There was a direct relationship between hand hygiene knowledge, attitude, and practice scores and education, gender, occupation, and type of employment (P value <0.05).
Conclusion: Due to staff shortages in hospitals and overcrowding in emergency departments and wards such as COVID-19, hand hygiene is usually not practiced because staff believe that their duties of caring for patients are more important than cleaning their hands, or that wearing gloves instead of washing their hands is sufficient. Ongoing infection control education programs for healthcare workers, especially medical staff, are essential.
Gait characteristics during dual task walking in elderly subjects of different age
Authors: Nedovic Nenad , Eminović Fadilj , Marković Vladana , Stanković Iva , Radovanovic Sasa 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose: In older age walking ability gradually decreases due to factors including impaired balance, reduced muscle strength, and impaired vision and proprioception. Further, cognitive functions play a great role during walking and with age cognitive functions gradually decline. There is a greater variability when the demands during walking increase, in dual and multiple task situations.
The aim was to analyze gait parameters while performing demanding cognitive and motor dual task in the different age-related healthy elderly subjects.
Method: Total of 132 healthy individuals (54 males, 78 females) were divided in three groups –55 to 65 years, 66 and 75 and 76 to 85 years. Subjects performed a basic walking task, a dual-motor task, a dual-mental task, and a combined motor and mental task while walking. Gait parameters as cycle time, stride length, swing time and double support time were noted, as well as variability of those parameters.
Results: Cycle time was was increased and stride length was shorter in the group >76 years in comparison to the group 51-65 years in all test conditions. A comparison of all three groups did not show significant difference in swing time, while double support time was increased in the same group.
Conclusions: Changes are observed when gait is performed simultaneously with additional motor or cognitive task. Early detection of gait disorders can help identify elderly people at increased risk of falls. Employing dual task paradigm during gait assessment in healthy elderly may help identify cognitive impairment early in the disturbances course.