bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual and reproductive health of university students with a gender and ethnicity focus before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Castro-Benavides Mayra , Morales Gladys , Balboa Teresa , Sanhueza Antonio , Jara-Gavilán Karen , Montalva Nicolás , Otzen Tamara 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Understanding the sexual and reproductive health practices among university students is crucial due to the transitional phase to adulthood and the potential associated risks. This study aimed to determine sexual and reproductive health practices among university students according to gender, year, and ethnicity.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted between 2018 and 2021 at the University of La Frontera, involving first-year students. The study included 5131 participants, accounting for 58.36% of the total enrolled students. Among the participants, 55.4% were female, and the average age was 18.9 years.
Results
The study revealed that men engaged in higher levels of sexual activity compared to women, with men initiating sexual intercourse at a significantly younger age. Furthermore, women reported lower condom usage in their last sexual encounter and had a higher prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) within the past 12 months. Women also demonstrated a higher frequency of HIV testing, which was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). In terms of ethnicity, students identifying as Mapuche displayed a lower proportion of sexual activity compared to those not identifying as Mapuche. The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in sexual activity and the prevalence of STIs, potentially reflecting an annual global trend observed in other research studies as well. Moreover, there was an increasing trend in condom use each year, while HIV testing showed a decline, possibly influenced by the pandemic.
Conclusions
These findings underscore the significance of addressing gender differences, promoting healthy behaviours, and advocating for condom use during sexual encounters. It is essential to implement strategies for STI prevention and encourage regular HIV testing, particularly among high-risk individuals. Additionally, tailored interventions targeting the specific needs of the Mapuche ethnicity should be developed to ensure equitable sexual and reproductive health. The pandemic has significantly impacted sexual activity and sexual health among university students, highlighting the necessity of adapting and reinforcing sexual education and prevention programs in this context.
Post-traumatic growth and influencing factors among parents of premature infants: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhang Shuo , Liu Chunyan , Ni Zhihong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background Post-traumatic growth is a positive psychological change observed in individuals experiencing trauma, which may aid in recovery. Due to the lack of research in the area of parental care for premature infants, we decide to explore the level and influencing factors of post-traumatic growth among parents of premature infants in neonatal intensive care units. We believe these findings will help to re-examine existing care practices so that health care providers can promptly identify negative emotions and take necessary measures to help and develop their potential to enhance post-traumatic growth.Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted between February and September 2022 using convenience sampling. Data were analysed using independent-sample t-tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Bivariate correlations were analysed using Pearson's or Spearman's methods, and related factors were analysed using multiple linear regression. Throughout the study, the authors followed the SRQR checklist.Results In total, 217 were effectively received, with a recovery rate of 98.64%. Univariate analysis showed that length of stay in hospital, presence of an only child, parents' age, marital status, education level, working status, and per capita monthly familial income were influencing factors. Bivariate analysis showed that post-traumatic growth correlated moderately positively with perceived social support as well as with rumination and family resilience. Multiple linear regression showed that purposeful contemplation, family resilience, education, family support, age, and marital status entered the regression equation, and together accounted for 47.4% of the total variation.Conclusions It is necessary to pay attention to post-traumatic growth and familial stability in these families, aid in building a good support system, and encourage parents to mobilise their family and favourable factors to increase post-traumatic growth levels.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Assessment of Various Ureteroscope Cross Sections to Reduce Intra- pelvic Pressure
Authors: Miguel Carla , Sangani Ashok , Wiener Scott 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background High intrapelvic pressure (IPP) during ureteroscopy can lead to complications such as pyelovenous backflow, bleeding, and infection. Our study aimed at identifying the best cross-section and orientation of a ureteroscope within a Ureteral Access Sheath (UAS) to minimize IPP and maximize outflow. We have also validated our findings by testing a UAS prototype.Materials and Methods To determine the optimal ureteroscope cross-section within a UAS, four ureteroscopes of equivalent cross-sectional area were simulated within a 10 Fr UAS using computational fluid dynamics software COMSOL. We then created a corresponding prototype by securing a 3 − 0 monofilament suture at the inferior aspect of the 12 Fr outer UAS, inducing an offset to the ureteroscope. Mean flow volumes through a 10/12 Fr UAS occupied by a 9.5 Fr single-use flexible ureteroscope were compared (17 iterations) to those through our prototype UAS.Results Compared to a ureteroscope centered in a UAS during simulation, the lowest IPP and highest outflow were seen with an offset circular ureteroscope (41% resistance). The unmodified UAS had an average volume of 30.0 mL/minute (SD +/- 0.35) compared to 33.76 mL/minute (SD +/-0.90) for the modified UAS (P < 0.05).Conclusions We found that using a circular ureteroscope positioned along the sidewall maximizes outflow through a circular UAS. We made modifications to a UAS to offset the ureteroscope and observed a 12.5% increase in outflow. This approach can potentially decrease IPP during ureteroscopy without impacting inflow or the working channel. Although modifying a ureteroscope is more difficult, it could create an offset without reducing UAS cross-section.
Association of Gut Microbiota and Gastric Cancer: a Two-sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yu Yongkai , Wang Weizhi , Xu Zekuan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Numerous observational studies and clinical trials have presented evidence of a correlation between gut microbiota and multiple cancers. However, the precise causal relationship between gut microbiota and gastric cancer remains unclear. The objective of this study was to delve into the causal role of gut microbiota in the development of gastric cancer.
Methods
To assess the causal relationship between gut microbiota and gastric cancer, a two-sample Mendelian randomization study was conducted. This study utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary statistics from the MiBioGen and IEU Open GWAS projects. Several statistical approaches, including inverse variance weighted, simple mode, MR-Egger, weighted median, weighted model, and MR-PRESSO, were employed to investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and gastric cancer. Additionally, we performed a reverse Mendelian randomization analysis of the gut microbiota that was found to have a causal association with gastric cancer.
Results
Through Mendelian randomization analysis, a causal relationship between gut microbiota dysbiosis and the risk of gastric cancer was identified. Specifically, six groups of gut microorganisms, including short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs)-producing bacteria, demonstrated a protective effect against gastric cancer. Conversely, four groups of gut microorganisms, including the genus. Clostridium sensu stricto1, exhibited a promotive effect on gastric cancer. No inverse causal effect of gastric cancer on the distribution of intestinal microbiota was observed. Furthermore, no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy of instrumental variables was detected.
Conclusion
The findings of this study indicate that The imbalance of gut mocrobiota, especially the reduction of SCFAs-producing bacteria, may promote the occurrence of gastric cancer Consequently, this study serves as an essential reference for future research pertaining to gut microbiota-mediated cancer.
Effect of data harmonization of multicentric dataset in ASD/TD classification
Authors: Serra Giacomo , Mainas Francesca , Golosio Bruno , Retico Alessandra , Oliva Piernicola 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Machine Learning (ML) is nowadays an essential tool in the analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) data, in particular in the identification of brain correlates in neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. ML requires datasets of appropriate size for training, which in neuroimaging are typically obtained collecting data from multiple acquisition centers. However, analyzing large multicentric datasets can introduce bias due to differences between acquisition centers. ComBat harmonization is commonly used to address batch effects, but it can lead to data leakage when the entire dataset is used to estimate model parameters. In this study, structural and functional MRI data from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) collection were used to classify subjects with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) compared to Typical Developing controls (TD). We compared the classical approach (external harmonization) in which harmonization is performed before train/test split, with an harmonization calculated only on the train set (internal harmonization), and with the dataset with no harmonization. The results showed that harmonization using the whole dataset achieved higher discrimination performance, while non-harmonized data and harmonization using only the train set showed similar results, for both structural and connectivity features. We also showed that the higher performances of the external harmonization are not due to larger size of the sample for the estimation of the model and hence these improved performance with the entire dataset may be ascribed to data leakage. In order to prevent this leakage, it is recommended to define the harmonization model solely using the train set.
Relationship between the severity of preoperative anemia and postoperative deep vein thrombosis in patients with bone trauma: a cohort study
Authors: Yang Yitong , Wu Linqin , Zhang Hui , Cheng Bo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objective To analyze the relationship between preoperative anemia and postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients with lower limb bone trauma who have a high rate of preoperative anemia. Method In this retrospective cohort study, 957 patients at our center were included. Patients were categorized based on their last preoperative hematocrit (HCT) results. The univariate analysis included general preoperative conditions, complications, surgical and fracture-related factors, preoperative laboratory indicators, anticoagulation, and anemia in patients with DVT (284 cases) and those without DVT (673 cases) after surgery. Results Among the 284 cases with postoperative thrombosis, 61(21.5%) had no anemia before surgery, while 223(78.5%) had anemia before surgery. Among those with anemia, 65(22.9%) had mild anemia, and 158 had moderate to severe anemia. Age over 65 years old, total length of stay (LOS) exceeding 14 days, preoperative anticoagulation, delay of more than 24 h in starting anticoagulation after surgery, 30%≤HCT < 33% and blood transfusion, and HCT < 27% and blood transfusion were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative DVT formation. The ROC curves showed that a preoperative HCT of 35.15% (AUC = 0.670, sensitivity = 64.6%, specificity = 61.2%) in males and 33.45% (AUC = 0.637, sensitivity = 63.7%, specificity = 60.2%) in females were the cut-off values for predicting postoperative DVT occurrence. Conclusions The risk of postoperative DVT increases with the severity of preoperative anemia in patients with bone trauma, and perioperative blood transfusion further increases the risk of DVT. Trial registration: ChiCTR2100049356.
Boosting the structure, linear/nonlinear and dielectric characteristics of PVA/PVP/graphene blend by doping with Zn/CuO nanostructures for optoelectronic applications
Authors: Badawi Ali , Althobaiti M. G. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Linear/nonlinear optical, structural and dielectric performance of PVA/PVP/graphene blend has been enhanced by doping with Cu/ZnO (ZCO) nanoparticles (NPs) for optoelectronic applications. Bare and ZCO polymeric nanocomposites (PNCs) blends were fabricated by the casting method. The structure of the synthesized ZCO NPs and ZCO PNCs were studied by the XRD and FT-IR techniques. The optical performance was discussed on the basis of UV-visible-NIR data. XRD investigations reveals the wurtzite structure of ZCO NPs with a crystallite size of 17.8 nm. FT-IR investigations confirm the integration of ZCO NPs with host blend’s structure. The optical analysis exposes that the direct and indirect band gap of the host blend decreases from 5.20 eV and 4.94 eV to 4.36 eV and 4.29 eV (10 wt% of ZCO PNCs). The Urbach energy rises from 0.62 eV to 1.28 eV (ZCO PNCs). The refractive index growths from 1.29 (bare blend) to 1.82 (ZCO PNC) at hν = 2.0 eV. Besides, great enhancement in the nonlinear optical constants is achieved via ZCO doping. The third-order nonlinear susceptibility χ(3)increases from 1.30 x 10− 13esu (bare) to 9.23 x 10− 11esu (ZCO PNC) at hν = 5.0 eV. These valuable achievements in the optical behavior of PVA/PVP/graphene blend by ZCO doping nominate it for applications in optical devices issues.
Revisiting Fiscal Deficit Sustainability and Revenue-Expenditure Nexus in India
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Adil Masudul Hasan , Fatima Sana 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of fiscal sustainability has emerged as one of the most challenging issues for both developing and developed countries. In this backdrop, it is imperative to examine fiscal deficit sustainability, particularly in federal countries like India, where both Central and State governments are continuously borrowing and debt is at relatively high levels. Therefore, the core objective of the study is to empirically investigate the fiscal deficit sustainability in India by employing Gregory-Hansen cointegration approach. In addition, the study also aims at determining the causal relationship between government expenditures and revenues using Toda-Yamamoto Granger non-causality test. The result supports the evidence of “weak” fiscal deficit sustainability for both governments, individually. Further, result also supports the “spend-tax hypothesis” for both governments. Therefore, the present study suggests that there is a dire need for fiscal consolidation along with prudent fiscal policies for lowering the size of fiscal deficit, optimizing the implementation of monetary and exchange rate policies and promoting private sector-led growth.
Enhanced First-order Non-linear Optical Responses of 4-Amino-6-chloro-1,3- benzenedisulfonamide Polymer
Authors: Lakhera Shradha , Devlal Kamal , Rana Meenakshi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Polymers enriched with reactive sites and free-charge clouds had been a considerable field of research. The present study reports the nonlinear optical activity of polymer 4-Amino-6-chloro-1,3-benzenedisulfonamide using density functional theory. The substitution of the sulfonamide group on the symmetrical positions gave rise to the intramolecular charge transfer within the title molecule. The molecular electrostatic potential surface illustrates that the O = S = O and NH2 groups act as electrophilic and nucleophilic groups and were found responsible for the intramolecular charge transfer. This gave the dipole moment of 5.4 Debye for the title molecule. The molecular orbitals were used to compute the band gap of 3.81 eV. The value of hyperpolarizability was computed as 499.22 au. This value was found 27 times higher than the general reference nonlinear optical activity compound Urea (18.53 au), four times higher than thiourea (102.3 au), and two times higher than phenyl urea (245.69 au). Thus, the reported study validates that the title molecule can be used as a potential NLO material.
Prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors among the academic staff in Limpopo Province
Authors: Madzaga Thizwilondi , Mabunda Tsakani Jabu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Obesity is an important public health challenge. The World Health Organization has emphasized the assessment of overweight and obesity in different populations, to help with prevention. Obesity is associated with cardiovascular diseases, arthritis and diabetes. Exercise and diet are used in prevention and management. This study sets out to determine the prevalence of obesity and its associated risk factors among University of Venda academic staff.
Methods
Academic staff (n = 179) mean age 43.9 ± 10.1, including 104 male and 75 female were recruited from all eight schools at the University of Venda, South Africa, using simple random sampling in a cross-sectional study. A pretested questionnaire was used to determine demographic and lifestyle characteristics of respondents. Weight and height was measured using a standard procedure and body mass index was calculated and classified using the World Health Organization classification. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists Version 23.0. The Chi-square test was used to determine the association between body mass index and related risk characteristics, both demographic and lifestyle, for obesity. The level of significance was set at P ≤ 0.05.
Results
The prevalence of obesity was 37.29% (66/177), overweight was 36.16% (64/177) and only 26.55% (46/177) had a normal body mass index. The prevalence of obesity was significantly associated with age, gender and fast-food intake.
Conclusions
The risk of obesity was high considering that the respondents are academic staff. Women had a higher prevalence of obesity than men; possibly as a result of childbearing and different hormonal pathways in the two genders. Age was also a risk factor for obesity, possibly because as people grow older level of physical activity decreases. It is recommended that fast-food intake should be discouraged as it is associated with many non-communicable diseases linked to obesity. The findings have shown that there is a need for programmes directed at academics to assist in prevention and management of obesity.
Multi Sequential Embedding-based Cross-Domain Recommendation
Authors: Hong Minsung , Jung Jason J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

In the real world, users interact with various items in a sequential and multi-behavior manner. Cross-domain recommendations (CDRs) usually transfer knowledge across different domains to improve their performance in a target domain. We propose a novel Multi Sequential Embedding for Cross-Domain Recommendation named MSECDR. Exploiting Doc2Vec, it reflects the sequentiality of user-item interactions in multiple domains on user and item modeling. In particular, this approach enables us to learn three types of item relationships (named intra-/inter- and other interaction sequences) simultaneously for representation learning. In addition, a deep neural network structure is introduced to combine the linearity and non-linearity of user-item interactions.Extensive experiments with six domain datasets from two real-world services (Amazon and TripAdvisor) demonstrate that MSECDR outperforms the state-of-the-art for single and cross-domain recommendations. Furthermore, experimental results show that MSECDR can effectively and efficiently adapt to CDRs fusing more domains.
Ten-eleven translocation 1 participates in oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain in mice by regulating miR-30b-5p/Nav1.6 signaling
Authors: Zhao Sen , Zhang Jingjing , Zhang Mengya , Yang Qingqing , Ren Xiuhua , Su Songxue , Si Tianen , Li Jianmin , Wu Huirui , Chen Shile , Zang Weidong , Cao Jing 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain refers to a pathological condition of pain that arises as a dose-dependent adverse effect, potentially hindering or obstructing the efficacy of cancer treatment. Oxaliplatin (OXA) is a chemotherapeutic agent belonging to the third generation of platinum-based compounds. Our previous investigation demonstrated the involvement of miR-30b-5p in the development of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain in rats, specifically through the regulation of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.6. Additionally, Ten-eleven translocation methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) has been identified as a significant contributor to gene regulation. Here, we investigated the effects of TET1 on neuropathic pain and explored whether TET1 is involved in oxaliplatin -induced pain through miR-30b-5p/Nav1.6 signaling.
Methods
The chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy model was established using an intraperitoneal injection of OXA. TET1 Lentiviral Activation Particles were microinjected to overexpress TET1. AAV5-CMV-bGlobin-Cre-eGfp were microinjected to decrease TET1 in Tet1flox/flox mice dorsal root ganglions (DRGs). Then, we detect miR-30b-5p and Nav1.6 expression, neuronal excitability, and pain behavior.
Results
We found that oxaliplatin decreased the TET1 expression in the DRGs and led to neuropathic pain symptoms by upregulating the Nav1.6 expression via modulating the methylation site in the Mir30b promoter. Simulating the decrease of TET1 in DRGs significantly reduced the level of DNA hydroxymethylation and led to pain-like behaviors. Conversely, blocking the decrease in TET1 reversed the oxaliplatin -induced miR-30b-5p reduction and attenuated the increase in Nav1.6 in the affected DRGs, thus alleviating oxaliplatin -induced pain hypersensitivities.
Conclusion
Our findings indicated that TET1 insufficiency was implicated in the development of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy via the modulation of Nav1.6 expression in primary sensory neurons, which was mediated by inadequate demethylation of Mir30b.
Tantalum Disulfide (TaS 2 ) Based Symmetrical Long-Range Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor with Ultrahigh Imaging Sensitivity and Figure of Merit
Authors: Kumar Virendra , Pal Sarika 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This manuscript presents a comprehensive performance analysis of a proposed Kretschman configured Tantalum Disulfide (TaS2) mediated Symmetric Long Range Surface Plasmon Resonance (SLRSPR) biosensor. The sensor performance is optimized and compared for different metals (Au, Ag, and Al) and four dielectric buffer layers, DBLs (LiF, Teflon, Cytop and MgF2) to explore the best suited metal and DBL. The 27 nm thickness of Al and 1000 nm of LiF has demonstrated the best performance by achieving smaller full width at half maximum (FWHM = 0.03 Deg.), higher values of detection accuracy (DA = 33.33 1/Deg.), imaging figure of merit (IFOM = 431933.34 Deg.−1RIU−1), and imaging sensitivity (Simg. =12958 RIU− 1) for the proposed SLRSPR biosensor. The proposed LRSPR sensor show 45.32 times higher Simg., 181.03 times higher IFOM, and 4.37 times higher DA than conventional SPR (CSPR) sensor. Furthermore, it exhibits 6.76 times higher Simg., 13.52 times higher IFOM., and 2 times higher DA than the conventional LRSPR (CLRSPR) sensor. The proposed SLRSPR biosensor shows the highest PD (401.5 nm), indicating deep analyte sensing. The work presented here highlights the significant potential of the proposed SLRSPR biosensor in biomedical applications that require highly accurate and sensitive refractive index sensing.