bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic determinants of Child Malnutrition: Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Gebregergis CHERKOS Meaza 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

In this research I have studied the socioeconomic variations in the prevalence of stunting and underweight prevalence of child health in Ethiopia. With regard to the disparities in child malnutrition, the study sought to identify the key health factors that influence them using concentration index, concentration curve, and regression-based decomposition analysis. The relative and absolute gaps between various demographic and socioeconomic groups appear to have increased in Ethiopia, despite a notable decline in the mean of stunting and underweight prevalence. According to the empirical investigation, mothers’ educational level and household wealth benefited children with better socioeconomic positions, who were less likely to suffer from malnutrition. The difference in socioeconomic positions is the driving force towards the inequalities in child malnutrition. The empirical findings suggest that in order to reduce the disparities in child malnutrition, national health policy should promote mother literacy and target interventions for these underprivileged groups.
Exploring Factors Affecting Acceptance of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Female Patients with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: A Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Liu Hongyuan , Wei yaodi , Xu zhenyi , Lin hao , Zhao yu , Wang shiyu , Gao fengbao , Feng Ninghan , Wolfe Alan J. , Liu Fengping 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background Patients with recurrent urinary tract infections (rUTIs) pose complex management challenges. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a superior therapeutic modality for chronic infectious diseases. However, limited patient knowledge about FMT can significantly impact their decision to accept or decline this treatment.
Methods A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews conducted with patients experiencing rUTIs who expressed hesitancy towards FMT. The interviews took place between September 2021 and December 2022. Thematic analysis was conducted on the semi-structured interviews to identify perceived facilitators and barriers associated with FMT.
Results The analysis included interviews with thirty adult female patients with rUTIs. Four facilitators influencing patients’ decision-making regarding FMT were identified: (1) the motivating role of hope and expectations for active patient participation; (2) the influence of healthcare providers, as well as family members and friends on patients’ decisions to pursue FMT; (3) the patients’ perception of FMT as a low-risk treatment option; and (4) the dedication to the advancement of medical treatments. In contrast, two primary barriers to accepting FMT were identified: (1) that conventional treatment controls disease activity, while FMT effects remain uncertain; and (2) that safety concerns surrounding FMT.
Conclusions Acceptance of FMT among patients with rUTIs is influenced by multiple factors. To ensure informed consent, it is crucial for patients and their families to receive comprehensive information regarding various aspects ofFMT. This includes detailed explanations of donor selection criteria, fecal sample processing procedures, the FMT process itself, potential pain and discomfort experienced during FMT, and the integration of FMT into clinical practice. By providing this knowledge, healthcare providers can empower patients to make well-informed decisions regarding their treatment options.
Registration The trial registration number, CHiCTR2100048970, was registered on July 19, 2021.
Alone but Not Lonely: Awe Fosters Positive Attitudes Toward Solitude
Authors: Jiang Tonglin , Yin Yige , Yuan Wenying , Hao Chenxiao , Du Yuhui , Xu Zhengbo , Hicks Joshua 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Research in psychological science has predominantly focused on the importance of social interaction to health and well-being, neglecting how solitude relates to optimal functioning. Although solitude is sometimes perceived as an aversive state associated with loneliness and ostracism, solitude can also serve as a time for self-reflection and spiritual awakening. The aim of the current set of studies was to examine if the experience of awe might serve as an important state influencing people’s attitudes toward solitude. We propose that experiencing awe makes people feel alone but not lonely—dispelling the myth that solitude incurs loneliness—and, importantly that awe leads to positive attitudes toward solitude. Seven studies, using complementary designs (big data analytics, experiments, experience sampling, and intervention), tested these hypotheses. We found that awe changes people’s preference for solitude via self-transcendence. Furthermore, we probed the downstream consequences of this effect, showing that a brief awe intervention enhanced spiritual well-being and peace of mind by augmenting positive attitudes toward solitude.
Shared Genetic Architecture Contributes to Risk of Major Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Pauklin Siim , Qiao Jun , Cai Liuyang , Chang Minjing , Wang Can , Zhao Rong , Song Shan , Tan Ning , He Pengcheng , Jiang Lei , Feng Yuliang 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
The extensive co-occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), as evidenced by epidemiological studies, aligns with positive genetic correlations identified in comprehensive genetic investigations. However, the precise nature and mechanisms governing these multifaceted effects remain elusive. By assessing genome-wide and local genetic correlations, polygenic overlaps, and causal connections, we aimed to shed light on common genetic underpinnings among major CVDs. Employing a multi-trait analysis, we pursued diverse strategies to unveil shared genetic elements. These encompassed genomic loci, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), genes, biological pathways, functional categories, and protein targets with pleiotropic implications. Our study confirmed elevated genetic resemblance across CVDs and pinpointed 40 genomic loci with pleiotropic influence across multiple CVDs. Notably, 11 of these loci presented consistent evidence from both Metasoft and HyPrColoc's multitrait colocalization analyses, displaying congruent directional effects. Examination of genes linked to these genomic loci unveiled robust associations with circulatory system development processes. Intriguingly, distinct patterns predominantly driven by atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, and venous thromboembolism underscored significant disparities between clinically-defined CVD classifications and underlying biological mechanisms. In summary, our findings provide invaluable insights into shared genetic mechanisms spanning CVDs. This knowledge holds potential to guide a biologically-informed restructuring of cardiovascular nosology and innovative therapeutic advancements.
Sde Proteins Coordinate Ubiquitin Utilization and Phosphoribosylation to Promote Establishment and Maintenance of the Legionella Replication Vacuole
Authors: Isberg Ralph , Kotewicz Kristin , Zheng Mengyun , Kim Seongok , Tai Albert 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The Legionella pneumophilaSde family of translocated proteins promote host tubular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) rearrangements that are tightly linked to phosphoribosyl-ubiquitin (pR-Ub) modification of Reticulon 4 (Rtn4). Sde proteins have two additional activities of unclear relevance to the infection process: K63 linkage-specific deubiquitination and phosphoribosyl modification of polyubiquitin (pR-Ub). We show here that the deubiquitination activity (DUB) stimulates ER rearrangements while pR-Ub protects the replication vacuole from cytosolic surveillance by autophagy. Loss of DUB activity was tightly linked to lowered pR-Ub modification of Rtn4, consistent with the DUB activity fueling the production of pR-Ub-Rtn4. In parallel, phosphoribosyl modification of polyUb, in a region of the protein known as the isoleucine patch, caused an absolute block in binding by the autophagy adapter p62. An inability of Sde mutants to modify polyUb resulted in immediate p62 association, a critical precursor to autophagic attack. The ability of Sde WT to block p62 association decayed quickly after bacterial infection, as predicted by the presence of previously characterized L. pneumophila effectors that inactivate Sde and remove polyUb. In sum, these results show that the accessory Sde activities act to stimulate ER rearrangements and protect from host innate immune sensing in a temporal fashion.
Vernier Microcombs for Integrated Optical Atomic Clocks
Authors: Wu Kaiyi , OMalley Nathan , Fatema Saleha , Wang Cong , Girardi Marcello , Alshaykh Mohammed , Ye Zhichao , Leaird Daniel , Qi Minghao , Torres-Company Victor , Weiner Andrew 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

CMOS-compatible Kerr microcombs have drawn substantial interest as mass-manufacturable, compact alternatives to bulk frequency combs. This could enable deployment of many comb-reliant applications previously confined to laboratories. Particularly enticing is the prospect of microcombs performing optical frequency division in compact optical atomic clocks. Unfortunately, it is difficult to meet the self-referencing requirement of microcombs in these systems due to the ∼THz repetition rates typically required for octave-spanning comb generation. Additionally, it is challenging to spectrally engineer a microcomb system to align a comb mode with an atomic clock transition with sufficient signal-to-noise ratio. Here, we adopt a Vernier dual-microcomb scheme for optical frequency division of a stabilized ultranarrow-linewidth continuous-wave laser at 871 nm to a ∼235 MHz output frequency. In addition to enabling measurement of the comb repetition rates, this scheme brings the freedom to pick comb lines from either or both of the combs. We exploit this flexibility to shift an ultra-high frequency (∼100 GHz) carrier-envelope offset beat down to frequencies where detection is possible and to place a comb line close to the 871 nm laser - tuned so that if frequency-doubled it would fall close to the clock transition in 171Yb+. Moreover, we introduce a novel scheme which suppresses frequency noise arising from interferometric phase fluctuations in our dual-comb system and reduces the frequency instability down to our measurement limit. Our dual-comb system can potentially combine with an integrated ion trap toward future chip-scale optical atomic clocks.
Knowledge of cytology results affects the performance of colposcopy: a crossover study
Authors: Lalande Eva , Clarke Holly , Undurraga Manuela , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy , Jaksic Cyril , Goffin Frederic , Arbyn Marc , Jeronimo Jose , Tille Jean-Christophe , Saiji Essia , Vassilakos Pierre , Petignat Patrick 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objective – To determine whether knowledge of cytology affects the colposcopist’s diagnostic accuracy in the identification of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 and worse (≥ CIN2). Method – In this cross-over study, healthcare professionals interpreted colposcopy images from 80 patient cases with known histological diagnoses. For each case, 2 images taken with a colposcope were provided (native and after acetic acid application). Inclusion criteria consisted of women with a transformation zone type 1 or 2, who had both a cytological and histological diagnosis. Cases were distributed across two online surveys, one including and one omitting the cytology. A wash-out period of six weeks between surveys was implemented. Colposcopists were asked to give their diagnosis for each case as < CIN2 or ≥ CIN2 on both assessments. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the two interpretations. Results – Knowledge of cytology significantly improved the sensitivity when interpreting colposcopic images, from 51.1% [95%CI: 39.3 to 62.8] to 63.7% [95%CI: 52.1 to 73.9] and improved the specificity from 63.5% [95%CI: 52.3 to 73.5] to 76.6% [95%CI: 67.2 to 84.0]. Sensitivity was higher by 38.6% when a high-grade cytology (ASC-H, HSIL, AGC) was communicated compared to a low-grade cytology (inflammation, ASC-US, LSIL). Specificity was higher by 31% when a low-grade cytology was communicated compared to a high-grade. Conclusion – Our data suggests that knowledge of cytology increases sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of ≥ CIN2 lesions at colposcopy. Association between cytology and histology may have contributed to the findings.
Prevalence and correlates of common mental disorders among participants of the Uganda Genome Resource: Opportunities for psychiatric genetics research
Authors: Kalungi Allan , Kinyanda Eugene , Akena Dickens , Gelaye Bizu , Ssembajjwe Wilber , Mpango Richard , Ongaria Terry , Mugisha Joseph , Makanga Ronald , Kakande Ayoub , Kimono Beatrice , Amanyire Philip , Kirumira Fred , Lewis Cathryn , McIntosh Andrew , Kuchenbaecker Karoline , Nyirenda Moffat , Kaleebu Pontiano , Fatumo Segun 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Genetics research has the potential to alleviate the burden of mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries through the identification of new mechanistic pathways which can lead to efficacious drugs or new drug targets. However, there is currently limited genetics data from Africa. The Uganda Genome Resource is a well-characterized genomic database which provides opportunities for psychiatric genetics research among underrepresented people from Africa. We determined the prevalence and correlates of major depressive disorder (MDD), suicidality, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol abuse, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and probable attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) among 985 participants of the Uganda Genome Resource. The prevalence of the disorders were: current MDD 19.3 %, lifetime MDD 23.3%, suicidality 10.6%, PTSD 3.1%, alcohol abuse 5.7%, GAD 12.9% and probable ADHD 9.2%. This is the first study to determine the prevalence of probable ADHD among adult Ugandans from a general population. We found a significant association between sex and alcohol abuse (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=0.26 [0.14,0.45], p<0.001), alcohol abuse and GAD (AOR=1.78 [1.09,2.49], p=0.019). We also found a significant association between body mass index and suicidality (AOR=0.85 [0.73,0.99], p=0.041), alcohol abuse (AOR=0.86 [0.78,0.94], p=0.003) and GAD (AOR=0.93 [0.87,0.98], p=0.008). We also found a significant association between high blood pressure and lifetime MDD (AOR =2.87 [1.08,7.66], p=0.035) and probable ADHD (AOR =1.99 [1.00,3.97], p=0.050). We also found a statistically significant association between tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse (AOR=3.2 [1.56,6.67], p=0.002). In conclusion, the Uganda Genome Resource presents opportunity for psychiatric genetics research among underrepresented people from Africa.
Identification of the susceptible genes of systemic lupus erythematosus and sepsis: based on immune and oxidative stress-related genes
Authors: Ye Xiangsheng , He Ran , Jin Meng , Fu Danqing , Shen Yanbin , Yu Ao , Fan Yongsheng , JI Lina 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune inflammatory connective tissue disease involving multiple organs. As one of the serious complications of SLE, sepsis (SEP) has a high risk of death. Here, the goal of this study was to identify vulnerable biomarkers that could be used to diagnose SLE and SEP.
Methods: We used the Limma R software tool and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to find differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SLE. Additionally, genes associated with oxidative stress and immune system function were chosen from the MSigDB database and the Genecard database, respectively. Weighted gene Coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the important module genes associated with SEP. With the help of WGCNA, machine learning, and logistic regression, immunological and oxidative stress-related hub genes were discovered and validated by an external validation set. The analysis was put to the test using consensus clustering. Immune cell infiltration was investigated in SLE and SEP patients.
Results: We obtained 957 genes from the GSE6163 dataset and 2559 genes from the significant module of WGCNA, which yielded 46 genes after taking intersection with immune and oxidative stress-related genes. According to the enrichment analysis's findings, the two diseases share a lot of similar immunological and inflammation-related pathways. Machine learning was utilized to pick 11 hub genes, and ROC was employed to evaluate the diagnostic effectiveness. Furthermore, the expression profiles of the hub genes revealed by logistic regression modeling have a significant diagnostic value. Moreover, consensus clustering revealed a favorable correlation between the severity of immunological and oxidative stress and disease activity in SLE and SEP. Analysis of immune infiltration revealed a more consistent immune cell infiltration behavior between SLE and SEP.
Conclusion: In this study, the expression of 11 potential hub genes, including TLR2, IL1RN, IRF9, ISG20, TXK, SH2D1A, IL7R, CD28, ITK, CD3E, and CCR7, were thoroughly analyzed using bioinformatics. An efficient logistic regression model was created, and it was possible to identify a correlation between the progression of SLE and SEP disease and the expression of immunological and oxidative stress by consensus clustering. In addition, there is a similar immunoinvasive behavior between the two diseases. It is helpful to identify the biological markers with potential diagnostic value.
Prevalence and factors associated with unmet need for menstrual hygiene management in six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Akoth Catherine , Wambiya Elvis Omondi Achach , Kibe Peter M , Mbuthia Grace Wambura , Ng'ang'a Loise , Otieno Peter O. , Oguta James Odhiambo 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background: Menstruation is a normal biological process experienced by more than 300 million women globally daily. Women need clean menstrual absorbents that can be changed as often as needed in private and safe place with proper hygiene and disposal facilities. All these needs must be met throughout the duration of the menstrual cycle. Access to menstrual needs of women is important for their health, wellbeing, and human dignity. This study assessed the prevalence and factors associated with unmet need for menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger.Methods: We used data from the performance monitoring for action (PMA) surveys. We defined the unmet need for MHM as “lackof resources, facilities and supplies for MHM.” Sample characteristics were summarised using frequencies and percentages while prevalence was summarised using proportions and their respective confidence intervals (CI). Factors associated with unmet need for MHM were assessed using a multilevel logistic regression model.Results: In the six countries, majority of women were aged 20-34 years, were married, or cohabiting and had never given birth. The prevalence of unmet need for MHM was high among the uneducated and multiparous women, those who reused MHM materials, practiced open defaecation and lived in rural areas in all the six countries. The prevalence of unmet need for MHM was highest in Burkina Faso (74.8%) and lowest in Ghana (34.2). Age, education level, wealth status and marital status were significantly associated with unmet need for MHM. Reuse of MHM materials and open defaecation increased the odds of unmet need for MHM.Conclusion: More than half of women in five of the six countries have unmet need for MHM withodds of unmet need significantly higher among younger women, those with low wealth status, the unmarried, and those with poor access to sanitary facilities. This study highlights the state of period poverty in Sub-saharan Africa. Efforts to end period poverty should approach MHM needs as a unit as each need is insufficient on its own.
Synergies of reducing greenhouse gases and atmospheric nitrogen pollutants in China
Authors: Gu Baojing , Xu Xin , Zhang Xiuming , Zhang Shaohui , Winiwarter Wilfried , Wang Chen , Reis Stefan , Xu Jianming 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Climate change and environmental degradation caused by greenhouse gases (GHGs) and reactive nitrogen (Nr) emissions are getting exacerbated globally. As a major emitter of both GHGs and Nr, China faces double pressure of GHGs and Nr mitigation to achieve carbon neutrality and environmental sustainability. This study performed the first integrated analysis of the potential and the synergies of GHG (CO2, CH4, and N2O) and atmospheric Nr pollutant (NOx and NH3) mitigation based on multiple models. Here we show that with an integrated policy implementation, China can achieve a 66% reduction of GHG and 68% of air N pollutants by 2050, which would bring society benefits of 2,500 billion USD, 5 times exceeding the implementation costs. Synergistic emission reductions led by industry would be in advantage until around 2030 with carbon peak achieved, while agriculture-led reductions show improved synergies in abatement potential and cost-effectiveness after peak carbon. This demonstrates that the control priority on GHG and atmospheric Nr pollution needs to be switched in the post-peak period to achieve future zero carbon and clean air in China.
Pyramidal traveling waves for a Belousov-Zhabotinskii system with obstacles
Authors: Han Bang-Sheng , Chang Meng-Xue 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This paper is concerned with pyramidal traveling waves for Belousov-Zhabotinskii reaction-diffusion system in external domains $\Omega=\mathbb{R}^N\backslash K$ with a compact obstacle $K$ and aims to investigate the large time dynamics of an entire solution emanating from a pyramidal traveling wave. By constructing several super- and sub-solutions with desirable characteristics, some favorable properties of the pyramidal traveling wave are obtained. We show that by providing propagation completely of the entire solution, the pyramidal traveling wave will converge to the same shape of the pyramidal traveling wave after far behind the obstacle.
AMS Subject Classification (2010): 35A18, 35B08, 35C07, 35K57
Causal effect of negative emotions and insomnia on sepsis and its associated clinical indicators: A Mendelian randomisation and mediation analysis
Authors: Wang ShaoKun , Dong Ning , Xu Tingting , Li Yaqi , Xing Jihong 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Negative emotions and insomnia (NEI) are associated with changes in inflammatory factors, which play a role in sepsis.
Methods
We performed Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis of genome-wide association study (GWAS) data of NEI and sepsis to investigate the causal effect of NEI on sepsis. We employed linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) to calculate the genetic correlation between NEI and sepsis. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was primarily used for investigating causality, while the weighted median and MR-Egger methods ensured the reliability of the findings. To assess heterogeneity, we employed RadialMR and Cochran’s Q test, and we used MR-Egger regression and Mendelian randomisation pleiotropy residual sum and outlier analyses to evaluate the bias of gene polymorphism. Mendelian mediation analysis was conducted to quantify the intermediate effect of inflammatory factors in mediating the relationship between NEI and sepsis, including the percentage of this mediating effect.
Results
LDSC analysis revealed a genetic correlation between NEI and sepsis. Two-sample MR analysis revealed a causal relationship between NEI and sepsis (odds ratio = 1.21, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.36, p = 1.07×10− 3), with no significant heterogeneity and pleiotropy bias. Mendelian mediation analysis revealed an intermediate effect of NEI on sepsis mediated by chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) (0.12, 10.31%).
Conclusions
Our findings prove the causal relationship between NEI and sepsis. We identified CHI3L1 as a potential mediator, offering insight into the pathogenesis of sepsis.