bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED: Hybrid meta-heuristic algorithms for a sustainable closed-loop supply chain network based on circular economy approach: Under uncertainty during the post-COVID Era
Authors: Abbasi Sina , Rokhva Shayan , Farahmand Kazem , Ghasemi Peiman , Shahab Erfan
Published: April 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Diet Adjustment Before Colonoscopy Can Improve the Quality of Bowel Preparation in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Li Yuan-Rung , Chang Wei-En , Huang Ying-Che , Wang Chih-Feng , Tsay Feng-Woei
Published: April 2024

Background: Quality of bowel preparation is crucial in colonoscopy. However, patients with schizophrenia are prescribed antipsychotic medicines, which may influence the effect of bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Poor quality of bowel preparation can reduce the benefit of colonoscopy, and increase the risk of overlooking possible colorectal cancers.
Aim: This study aimed to employ diet adjustment before colonoscopy to improve the quality of bowel preparation.
Method: Since January 2022, patients with schizophrenia at our institute requiring colonoscopy examination were divided into a standard group and a diet-modified groups. The standard group was initiated with a low-residue diet two days before and a clean liquid diet the day before the colonoscopy examination. The diet-modified group was initiated with a low-residue diet four days before and a clean liquid diet two days before the colonoscopy examination. Both groups were administered bowel cleansing medicines the day before and the morning of the examination. We used the Aronchick bowel preparation scale to evaluate the quality of bowel preparation.
Result: From January 2022 to September 30, 2022, the quality of bowel preparation was poor in 25/325 (7.69%) non-schizophrenic patients and 32/135 (23.70%) patients with schizophrenia (p < 0.001). The quality of bowel preparation was poor in 20/59 (33.90%) and 12/76 (15.79%) patients of the standard and the diet-modified groups, respectively (p = 0.014).
Conclusions: Diet adjustment before colonoscopy can be used to improve the quality of bowel preparation in patients with schizophrenia.
Exploring the Relationship Between Dietary Intake and Clinical Outcomes in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Ma Liantao , Wu Yueying , Gao Junyi , Tang Wen , Su Chunyan , Zhu Yinghao , Wang Tianlong , Liao Weibin , Chu Xu , Harrison Ewen , Wang Yasha
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the relationship between dietary intake and mortality risk among patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), a population for whom nutritional management is crucial yet challenging due to the disease's complexity and the limitations of existing dietary guidelines. Recognizing the gaps in current research, particularly the lack of detailed evidence-based recommendations for micronutrient intake and a focus predominantly on the early stages of chronic kidney disease, our work seeks to provide evidence-based dietary guidance tailored to the needs of ESRD patients. Through the collection of long-term, longitudinal, and fine-grained dietary records linked with extensive electronic health records (EHR) data over a 12-year period, we have constructed a dataset that offers a detailed view of dietary nutrient intake across 26 types of nutrients. Utilizing a two-stage model, we have analyzed the association between dietary intake and mortality risk. Our model provides comprehensive dietary recommendations for 26 nutrients, with 13 out of these nutrients showing a significant correlation with mortality risk while currently lacking specific guidelines for ESRD patients. This research not only challenges and refines the current dietary recommendations but also highlights the importance of considering non-linear relationships between nutrient intake and health outcomes. By offering a comprehensive perspective on dietary management for ESRD patients, this study contributes to the optimization of nutritional care strategies, aiming to improve patient prognosis and quality of life.
Pressure Vessel Mass Estimation for High Altitude PEM Unmanned Aircraft System
Authors: Albayati Ibrahim M. , Ali Rashid , Al-Bayati Abdulrahman Muataz
Published: April 2024

The power to weight ratio of the power plant is an important consideration, especially in design of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). In this paper, a UAS with an MTOW of 35.3 kg, equipped with a fuel cell as a prime power supply to provide electrical power to the propulsion system is being considered. A pressure vessel design is proposed that can estimate and determine the total size and weight of the combined power-plant of a fuel cell stack with hydrogen and air/oxygen vessels and the propulsion system of the UAS for high altitude operation. Two scenarios are adopted in determining the size and weight of pressure vessels required to supply oxygen to the fuel cell stack. Different types of stainless-steel materials are used in the design of the pressure vessel in order to find an appropriate material that provides low size and weight advantages. Also, hydrogen pressure vessel design and mass estimation are also considered. The estimated sizes and weights of hydrogen and oxygen vessels of the power-plant and propulsion system in this research offers a maximum of four hours of flying time for the UAS mission; this is based on a Horizon (H-1000) PEM stack.
Insect herbivory on Acer rubrum varies across income and urbanization gradients in the D.C. metropolitan area
Authors: Blake Elizabeth , Bennett Shelley , Hruska Amy , Komatsu Kimberly J
Published: April 2024

Urbanization has increased wealth disparity within the United States, impacting the urban landscape and species interactions. In particular, the interactions between street trees and the arthropod communities that live among them may be modified by both human population densities across urban to suburban locations, as well as income levels within these areas. We examined the effect of land use type (urban vs suburban) and median household income on variation in leaf damage and arthropod abundance of red maples (Acer rubrum) in the District of Columbia metropolitan region. We compared these levels of leaf damage to rates observed in a nearby natural forest. We predicted leaf damage would be positively correlated with urbanization (forested < suburban < urban) and a negative relationship between leaf damage and neighborhood income level (low > medium > high). Instead, we observed higher levels of leaf damage on trees in the forest environment compared to the urban and suburban areas. Leaves from urban medium and high-income areas were less likely to exhibit herbivore damage than those from suburban areas. Of the leaves with any damage, those in urban high-income and suburban low-income areas exhibited the most leaf area missing. These trends may be related to specific factors associated with urbanization and income level, such as tree and impervious surface coverage and pesticide use. This study highlights differences in biotic interactions across individual neighborhoods and the importance of including socio-economic variables (e.g., household income) when examining species interactions in developed environments.
O primeiro registro de um híbrido em espécies de vida livre do gênero Columbina, por Columbina picui (Temminck, 1813) e Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1811).
Authors: Silva Ricardo Henrique Pereira da , Souza José Alan Sales , de Lucena Bruno Pinho , Mariano Erich de Freitas
Published: April 2024

Hybridization between bird species is a phenomenon that has been widely documented in scientific literature. However, this study presents the first record of free-living hybridization between the species Columbina picui and Columbina talpacoti. The case occurred in the municipality of Itapetim, Pernambuco, Brazil, at a site on the edge of town, near the Pajeú River, with well-wooded surroundings and just a few meters from the countryside. We observed a variety of behaviors from both the parental taxa and the juvenile individual, as well as analyzing the pterylographic characteristics of the hybrid. Although the occurrence of hybrids in the Columbidae family has been previously described, this case represents the first record of hybridization between species of the Columbina genus. The relevance of this study stands out, since the description of hybrids contributes significantly to various branches of science, such as knowledge of evolutionary processes, through the emergence of reproductively isolated hybrid species, as well as the genetic diversity that these individuals can provide.
Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma presented as acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: A case report
Authors: Lin Yan , Chu Junqing , Qiao Wenbo , Yu Chao , Gao Chunhua
Published: April 2024

Pulmonary benign metastasizing leiomyoma is a rare disease, and it often occurs in women of childbearing age with a history of uterine smooth muscle tumors and uterine leiomyoma surgery. The disease progression in PBML is often unpredictable and depends on the condition of the extent to which the lung is involved. Generally, most patients are asymptomatic, but a few have cough, wheezing, or shortness of breath, which are often misdiagnosed as pneumonia. Therefore, it has a large difficulty of treatment and nursing in pre-diagnosis. This paper reports a 35-year-old woman who was primarily diagnosed with acute hypoxic respiratory failure and transferred to the intensive care unit from the emergency room. The patient's lung Initial computed tomography scan shows that it is diffuse interstitial pneumonia, but no bacteria, fungi, or viruses were detected by sequencing of the alveolar lavage pathogenic macroscopic genome. Besides, the patient had a persistent hypoxic state before the definitive diagnosis. So, we focused on maintaining the airway patency of the patient, using prone ventilation, inhaling nitric oxide, monitoring electrical impedance tomography, and preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia to improve oxygenation, to wait for the immunohistochemical staining of the patient's biopsied lung tissue, which could help us to clarify a diagnosis and treat it base on etiology. After careful treatment and nursing, the patient was removed from the ventilator after 26 days and was transferred to the respiratory ward after 40 days. This meeting could provide a reference for clinical practice and help the patient who is suffering from PBML.
The fabrication of Spherical Hydroxypropyl Cellulose/Molybdenum Disulfide for the Efficient Removal of Europium
Authors: Li Yan , Zheng Yuqi , Guo Sisheng , He Wenfang , Wang Jian
Published: April 2024

The hydroxypropyl cellulose embellished molybdenum disulfide (HPC/MoS2) was prepared to remove europium(Eu) from aqueous solution. Introducing hydroxypropyl cellulose into molybdenum disulfide can provide more functional groups and active sites to bind to Eu(III). The material showed a rugged and uneven spherical structure with a diameter of 4.5 µm. The adsorption of Eu(III) relied on pH, and the adsorption capacity of HPC/MoS2 for Eu(III) attained 157.2 mg/g at 298 K. The Eu(III) removal mechanisms included Eu(III) entering the layers of HPC/MoS2, electrostatic attraction, forming complexes, and generating sediment. This study can provide new insight into the design and application of two-dimensional nanomaterials for environmental pollution cleanup.
Gender Affirming Hormonal Therapy Induces a Gender-Concordant Gut Metagenome Transition in Transgender Individuals
Authors: Liwinski Timur , Auer Matthias K. , Schröder Johanna , Pieknik Ina , Casar Christian , Stalla Günter K. , Lang Undine E. , Klitzing Alina , Briken Peer , Hildebrandt Thomas , Bang Corinna , Schramm Christoph , Fuss Johannes
Published: April 2024

Background
Limited data exists regarding gender-specific microbial alterations during gender-affirming hormonal therapy (GAHT) in transgender individuals. This study aimed to investigate the nuanced impact of sex steroids on gut microbiota taxonomy and function, addressing this gap. We prospectively analyzed gut metagenome changes associated with twelve weeks of GAHT in trans women and trans men, examining both taxonomic and functional shifts.
Methods
Thirty-six transgender individuals (17 trans women, 19 trans men) provided pre- and post-GAHT stool samples. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was used to assess the gut microbiota response.
Results
While alpha and beta diversity remained unchanged during transition, specific species, including Parabacteroides goldsteinii and Escherichia coli, exhibited significant abundance shifts aligned with affirmed gender. Overall functional metagenome analysis showed a statistically significant effect of gender and transition (R2 = 4.1%, P = 0.0115), emphasizing transitions aligned with affirmed gender, particularly in fatty acid-related metabolism.
Conclusions
This study provides compelling evidence of distinct taxonomic and functional profiles in the gut microbiome between trans men and women. GAHT induces androgenization in trans men and feminization in trans women, potentially impacting physiological and health-related outcomes.
Trial registration
clinicaltrials.gov NCT02185274
Machine learning algorithm to predict determinants of home delivery after ANC visit among reproductive age women in East Africa: Using SHAP
Authors: Walle Agmasie Damtew , Kebede Shimels Derso , Adem Jibril Bashir , Gebreegziabher Zenebe , Mamo Daniel
Published: April 2024

Background: Home birth is described as a delivery that takes place at home without the presence of a skilled birth attendant. Home delivery after ANC visit is a major public health concern, and reducing the proportion of home births in East Africa is a key strategy for lowering the maternal death rate. However, no studies on this public health issue. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the machine learning approach to predict determinants of home delivery after ANC visits among reproductive-age women in East Africa.
Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted using a recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) from 2011 to 2021 data set. Nine supervised machine learning algorithms were employed on a total weighted sample of 44,123 women and evaluated using performance metrics using Python version 3.11 statistical software. This study also employed the most popular outlines of Yufeng Guo’s steps of supervised machine learning and SHAP analysis to predict and identify important predictors of home delivery after ANC visits in East Africa.
Results: Home delivery after ANC visit was highest in Malawi, Uganda, and Kenya. Among the nine machine learning algorithms random forest was fitted for this study. The Beeswarm plot of SHAP analysis showed that being a rural resident of women and having a second trimester of ANC visit increases the likelihood of home delivery after an ANC visit. Whereas rich household income, secondary educational level of husband, contraceptive use, short birth interval, primary educational level of husband, having no problems of distance to health facility, and having above four ANC visits decreased women’s home delivery after ANC visits in East Africa.
Conclusion: The random forest machine learning classification algorithms effectively predict home delivery after the ANC visit. As a result, this study recommends, considering the top ten determinants of home delivery and guaranteeing high-quality health institution services from a qualified practitioner, women should begin antenatal care services early and often throughout their pregnancies. Developing health facilities, promoting media health education, and encouraging women to get adequate information on health care services. Moreover, healthcare policy should give great consideration to women from low-income households.
Performance and Stability Assessment of Hybrid Semisubmersible Platform Under Metoceanic Condition of Bay of Bengal
Authors: Dey Swarnadip , Banik Atul , Roy Pronab
Published: April 2024

This paper provides a useful and simple methodology supported by the available literature to estimate meteorological and oceanographical loads combination i.e., metocean data of Bay of Bengal. A reliability-based approach to determine the joint occurrence of wave parameters conditioned in average wind speed is proposed. Based on hindcast data, the statistical description of the metocean is formulated. Furthermore, a parametric study is carried out after performing coupled dynamic analysis of this novel hybrid semisubmersible platform combined with wave energy convertor which was proven to be more suitable to operate in the recognised United States’ coast from its base platforms. The significant observation from this study is that the Bay of Bengal has a substantial potential to extract energy from the available wind as this metocean condition supports to generate a wide range of wind power from the tested platform unlike from the energy pattern generated from the same platform installed in the coasts of United States. Additionally, it is also observed that the motion of the flap type wave energy convertor with flexible arm can generate relatively more wave energy in survival state than the operational state of the system. Finally, it can be concluded that a new location of resourceful wind and wave in Indian subcontinent to generate renewable power from a hybrid platform can be identified from this study by adopting a simplified methodology.
Aquatic Condition Index (ACI): A rapid wetland assessment tool for evaluating urban wetland health
Authors: Erratt Kevin J. , Nwaishi Felix , Lee Tracey S. , Allison Abisola , Carney Vanessa A. , Creed Irena F.
Published: April 2024

Urbanization poses significant threats to wetland ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, hydrological alterations, and the introduction of invasive species that adversely affect essential ecosystem services. This widespread threat underscores the need to develop a robust management tool for gauging urban wetland health. The Aquatic Condition Index (ACI) has been proposed as a diagnostic tool for monitoring urban wetland health in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The ACI evaluates wetland health by incorporating functional indicators (i.e., hydrologic, ecological, and water quality functions) chosen by scientific experts. Gathering the data necessary to generate wetland indicators for the ACI requires substantial financial resources and a high degree of analytical expertise for data collection (e.g., field surveys), thus presenting opportunities for optimizing indicators. Here, we shifted from physical to visual-based assessments (i.e., in the field and using geographic information systems), which refined indicator selection and removed those with low practicality. The refined ACI tool provides results comparable to the original prototype and a rapid and cost-effective solution for long-term urban wetland monitoring and assessments to ensure the sustainability of these core urban features.
Exploring Advice-Seeking Dynamics in Undergraduate Medical Research: A Social Network Analysis
Authors: Jarukasemkit Setthanan , Yoadsanit Seksan , Teansue Chawisa , Sukkrasanti Peerapass , Kaewkamjornchai Phanuwich , Leerapan Borwornsom
Published: April 2024

Purpose
Research achievement thrives on collaboration, often facilitated by mentorship. To understand how these meaningful interactions promote research productivity, this study investigates the dynamics of undergraduate peer-to-peer and student-to-advisor advice-seeking behaviors using social network analysis (SNA). SNA provides a valuable quantitative lens to map social structures and reveal potential collaborative opportunities and barriers.
Method
Cross-sectional surveys on advice-seeking behavior were collected from 95 medical students enrolled in the research program from 2016 to 2023. The data were obtained from medical students awarded research presentations and publication grants. SNA was used to visualize the dynamics of advice-seeking behaviors and research community structure. Path analysis and subgroup analysis were then conducted to identify influential success factors.
Results
SNA revealed a shift towards decentralized advice-seeking behaviors and a rising trend in peer-to-peer advice-seeking. Our analysis identified modularity or group formation as a key social mechanism that mediated the number of projects by 20.41% (p = 0.04). Students preferentially seek advice from those at a similar academic year and stage (preclinical vs. clinical), while gender and field of research interest did not show a significant impact. Subgroup analysis also revealed distinct variations in advice-seeking patterns among genders, academic stages, cohort statuses, and publication statuses.
Discussion
This study presents the first empirical exploration of advice-seeking dynamics within the undergraduate research community. Based on the network perspective, this study identifies group formation as a mediator toward research productivity that medical educators should consider. Moreover, studying advice-seeking behavior can unveil the influences of institutional policy and the hidden factors affecting undergraduate collaboration patterns. Encouraging research diversity and establishing a student research mentorship program can potentially promote research productivity and desirable outcomes.
Ambulatory dispersal of Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki Wainstein (Acari: Phytoseiidae) along Solanceae stem
Authors: Tixier Marie-Stephane , Raeckelboom Amandine , Tabary Lou , Douin Martial , Navajas Maria , Navia Denise
Published: April 2024

Tomato crops are attacked by several pests, including mites. While the main predatory mites are not effective enough to control mite pests due to problems with plant dispersal and establishment (associated with glandular trichomes - GT - on leaves and stems), recent studies have shown encouraging results with the European endemic phytoseiid Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) recki. The first objective of the present study was to assess the ability of this species to disperse along the tomato stem, considering six genotypes of Solanum lycopersicum, S. peruvianum and S. cheesmaniae with contrasted trichome numbers and types of stem trichomes, accuratetly characterised in a previous study. As morphological variation in body size has been observed within the species T. (A.) recki, the second objective was to determine how predator morphological traits can explain dispersal along the tomato stem. For this, ambulatory dispersal ability of females was tested in lab conditions on the eight Solanum genotypes. Then, the females were mounted on slides and body dimensions measured. No effect of the tomato genotypes was observed on the dispersal ability of the predator. However, specimens that succeeded in crossing the stem, had a higher mobility time than those that failed. Furthermore, body width at midbody and dorsal shield length were negatively correlated with dispersal ability. This suggests that the more slender and relatively small the specimens, the more are mobile and able to successfully cross the stem, regardless of the plant genotype considered. The number of glandular trichomes type (GT) VI and to a lesser extent GT I and IV, and non-glandular trichomes (NGT) II&III appear to limit dispersal. The GT VI seems to have a repellent effect, inducing mite escape in some cases. On the opposite, the number of NGT V were positively correlated with high mobility and stem crossing rates. Assuming that the main barrier to biological control efficiency is dispersal along tomato stems, the results obtained here should have implications for biological control success. The proportion of mites with 'optimal dimensions' appears to be low and further studies should be undertaken to better assess the proportion of mites with such ideal dimensions in different populations and also to determine whether these morphological traits are associated with different feeding abilities and/or abiotic conditions.
Prediction model for device density of states for quantum-confined SiC nanotube with magnetic dopant: A Machine learning and DFT based combined framework
Authors: Roy Debarati Dey , Guluzade Sevinj , Jafarova Vusala
Published: April 2024

In this study based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Local Spin Density Approximation (LDA) methods within Hubbard U corrections have been theoretically studied electronic and magnetic properties of single wall silicon carbide nanotube doped by vanadium. These properties were simulated for cases that single or double silicon atoms of the SiC nanotube replaced with V atoms. Using Deep Learning (DL) Algorithms are the boon to provide prediction of quantum-confined electronic structure calculations, however first-principles simulation methods more accurate. ML based regression model shows the accuracy and prediction model for the quantum-confined nanotube. Among the various neural network algorithms, tri-layered and medium neural netwok algorithms provide more accuracy and less error rate for this molecular nanotube. The comparison between ML based approach and DFT based procedure reveals the similarity and accuracy of the proposed algorithm. The first-principles calculated energy spin-up and spin-down band gap values for single wall chiral (6,0) SiC:V nanotube systems are about of 0.6 and 1.4 eV, respectively. Although the undoped SiC system is a nonmagnetic, the V-doped SiC nanotube induces magnetism and total magnetic moment of this magnetic material equal to ~1.001 µB. Density of states calculations indicated that the magnetization of SiC:V single wall nanotube mainly come from the 2p orbitals of carbon atoms and 3d orbitals of V dopant. From the total energy calculations for ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic phases for V-doped SiCNT systems obtained that the ferromagnetic phase more stable.
The Impact of China’s Environmental Protection Tax on Resource Allocation Efficiency
Authors: Zhong Yu , Xu Yanchao , Tang Baoshi
Published: April 2024

Understanding the efficacy of environmental protection taxes in optimizing resource allocation efficiency is crucial, yet limited empirical evidence exists on this topic. Based on a sample of Chinese listed manufacturing companies spanning the 2012–2021 period, this study employs a difference-in-differences approach to rigorously evaluate the nuanced impact of environmental protection taxes on resource allocation efficiency in the Chinese context. Our findings underscore that environmental protection taxes serve as catalysts for improved resource allocation efficiency, orchestrating factor flows towards high-productivity enterprises and simultaneously amplifying their market shares. Furthermore, these fiscal instruments play a pivotal role in ameliorating credit resource distortions vis-à-vis heavily polluting industries, thereby curbing instances of capital misallocation. And the disparity in actual tax rates among enterprises decreased. The influence of environmental protection taxes on resource allocation is particularly pronounced in sectors characterized by heightened pollution levels. Finally, the robustness of tax administration capabilities, and mitigating collusion between governmental and corporate entities are instrumental factors in safeguarding the resource allocation efficacy of environmental protection taxes.
The Impact of Tumor Resection on Survival and Functional Outcomes for Patients with Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma
Authors: Nien Ju-En , Chuang Chi-Cheng , Hsu Peng-Wei , Huang Yin-Cheng , Tsai Hong-Chieh , Chen Pin-Yuan , Lee Cheng-Chi , Lu Yu-Jen , Lin Ya-Jui , Wei Kuo-Chen , Chen Ko-Ting
Published: April 2024

Purpose
The role of tumor resection remains undetermined in treating primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSLs). This study aimed to clarify the impact of tumor resection on survival and functional outcomes, and to identify subgroups benefiting from resection.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed records from 2010 to 2021 for PCNSL diagnosed at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou. Patients were categorized by extent of resection: gross total resection (GTR), partial resection (PR), and biopsy. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for survival and functional outcomes. Subgroup analysis was conducted to characterize patients who benefit from tumor resection.
Results
Of 88 patients, 12 had GTR, 25 had PR, and 51 received biopsy. GTR correlated with longer progression free survival (PFS) (HR 0.25, p = 0.039), remaining significant in multivariate analysis (adjusted HR 0.09, p = 0.004). In solitary PCNSLs, GTR also independently predicted longer PFS (adjusted HR 0.13, p = 0.023). Patients with dominant tumors measuring ≥ 3cm trended towards improved overall survival (OS) with cytoreductive surgery versus biopsy (median survival 38.6 months vs 22.3 months, p = 0.083). Age ≥ 60 years (adjusted OR 16.9, p = 0.008) and preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale ≤ 70 (adjusted OR 4.97, p = 0.049) predicted poorer functional outcomes, while radiation therapy (adjusted OR 0.10, p = 0.033) was protective.
Conclusions
GTR significantly improved PFS in treating PCNSLs, particularly in solitary cases. For patients with dominant tumors measuring ≥ 3cm, cytoreductive surgery may improve OS. Neither cytoreductive surgery nor GTR correlated with poor functional outcomes.
Risk Spillover Effects of International Risk Factors on China's Energy Market - Based on Geopolitical Threats and Shipping Markets
Authors: Ren Zheng Yu , Chen Yujie , Hsiao Cody Yu-Ling , Liao Chonghan
Published: April 2024

Risks caused by geo-risk cases, such as regional conflicts, propagate around the world, and this study provides insights into the dynamic and complex interactions of risks between international geopolitical risks, international shipping markets, China's carbon market, and the energy sector. The findings show that international geopolitical risk and international shipping markets are net transmitters of risk with positive net spillover values, indicating that they tend to export risk volatility to other markets. In contrast, the Chinese carbon market and the markets of traditional energy and high-emission sectors exhibit amplified volatility in the face of extreme risk events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This highlights the time-varying nature of risk spillovers in these markets. Notably, the peaks in net spillovers from the Geopolitical Risk Index to the Baltic Dry Index and Shanghai crude oil futures suggest a direct correlation with geopolitical tensions affecting the oil and shipping industries, such as conflicts in oil-rich regions or maritime disputes affecting shipping lanes. These findings highlight the mediating role of international shipping in the transmission of geopolitical risks to regional markets. The paper concludes with policy recommendations for predicting and mitigating the impact of geopolitical uncertainty and shipping markets on energy markets.
Two cases suggest Tropheryma whipplei as a causative agent of pulmonary marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Haslbauer Jasmin Dionne , Wiegand Charlotte , Hamelin Baptiste , Ivanova Vanesa-Sindi , Menter Thomas , Prince Spasenija Savic , Tzankov Alexandar , Mertz Kirsten Diana
Published: April 2024

Background
Marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphatic tissues (MZL of MALT) are a group of indolent B-cell neoplasms, which are thought to arise from chronic antigenic stimulation of B-cells either due to underlying chronic infection or autoimmune disease. Little is known about potential causative pathogens in pulmonary MZL (PMZL), although some data suggests a potential role of Achromobacter (A.) xylosoxidans.
Methods
An index case of chronic pulmonary colonisation with Tropheryma (T.) whipplei and subsequent development of PMZL was identified by T. whipplei specific PCR and metagenomics whole genome sequencing (WGS). This case prompted a retrospectively conducted analysis of T. whipplei-specific PCRs in lung tissue from PMZL patients (n = 22), other pulmonary lymphomas, and normal controls. Positive results were confirmed by metagenomics WGS. A systematic search for T. whipplei and A. xylosoxidans in our in-house metagenomics WGS dataset comprising autopsy lungs, lung biopsies and lung resection specimens (n = 181) was subsequently performed.
Results
A 69-year-old patient presented with weight loss and persistent pulmonary consolidation. Subsequent metagenomics WGS analysis detected T. whipplei in the resected lung specimen. An antibiotic regimen eventually eliminated the bacterium. However, the consolidation persisted, and the diagnosis of PMZL was made in a second lung resection specimen. A second case of T. whipplei-associated PMZL was subsequently detected in the retrospectively analysed PMZL cohort. Both cases showed comparatively few mutations and no mutations in genes encoding for NF-κB pathway components, suggesting that T. whipplei infection may substitute for mutations in these PMZL. None of the samples in our in-house dataset tested positive for T. whipplei. In contrast, A. xylosoxidans was frequently found in both autopsy lungs and lung biopsy / resection specimens that were not affected by PMZL (> 50%).
Conclusions
Our data suggests that T. whipplei colonisation of lungs may trigger PMZL as a potential driver. Systematic analyses with larger cohorts should be conducted to further support this hypothesis. The frequent detection of A. xylosoxidans in lung tissue suggests that it is a common component of the pulmonary microbiome and therefore less likely to trigger lymphomas.
BiLSTM-MLAM: A Multi-Scale Time Series Prediction Model Based on Bi-LSTM and Local Attention Mechanism
Authors: Fan Yongxin , Tang Qian , Guo Yangming
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces BiLSTM-MLAM, a novel multi-scale time series prediction model. Initially, the approach utilizes Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory to capture information from both forward and backward directions in time series data. Subsequently, a multi-scale patch segmentation module generates varies long sequences composed of equal-length segments, enabling the model to capture data patterns across multiple time scales by adjusting segment lengths. Finally, the local attention mechanism enhances feature extraction by accurately identifying and weighting important time segments, thereby strengthening the model's understanding of the local features of the time series, followed by feature fusion. The model demonstrates outstanding performance in time series prediction tasks by effectively capturing sequence information across various time scales. Experimental validation illustrates the superior performance of BiLSTM-MLAM compared to six baseline methods across multiple datasets. In predicting the remaining life of aircraft engines, BiLSTM-MLAM outperforms the best baseline model by 6.66% in RMSE and 11.50% in MAE. In the LTE dataset, it achieves RMSE improvements of 12.77% and MAE enhancements of 3.06%, while in the load dataset, it demonstrates RMSE enhancements of 17.96% and MAE improvements of 30.39%. Additionally, ablation experiments confirm the positive impact of each module on prediction accuracy. Through segment length parameter tuning experiments, combining different segment lengths has resulted in lower prediction errors, affirming the effectiveness of the multi-scale fusion strategy in enhancing prediction accuracy by integrating information from multiple time scales.
Diversity of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae clones causing cryptogenic liver abscesses and metastatic complications in Argentina.
Authors: Nannini Esteban , Lahitte Matías , Scapellato Pablo , Nemirosvky Corina , Zylberman Marcelo , Vila Andrea , Rodriguez Viviana , Zucchi Roman , Mykietiuk Analia , David Valeria , Limansky Adriana , Marchiaro Patricia , Rinaudo Mariangel
Published: April 2024

Cryptogenic liver abscesses (CLA) caused by hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) strains are emerging in western countries. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics of patients from Argentina with hvKP-related CLA and the analysis of isolated strains. A retrospective chart review of 15 patients hospitalized in 8 hospitals of Argentina between October 2015 and November 2018 was performed. PCR for genes associated with capsular and multilocus sequence (MLST) determination and virulence factors were done in 8 hvKP isolates from these patients. We found that the mean age was 60 years and 73% were men; 40% had diabetes. Sixty percent had bacteremia and 73% had ≥1 metastatic foci of infection. There was no in-hospital death but 2 patients with endophthalmitis required eye enucleation. From the 8 studied isolates, 4 belonged to K1 and 4 to K2 serotypes, the rpmA and iroB genes were present in all of them, and 7 and 5 also harbored the iucA and the rmpA2 gene, respectively. MSLT analysis showed that most of the K1 serotypes belonged to ST23 while a diverse MLST pattern was seen with K2 strains. In addition, the four hvKP strains associated to metastatic complications, belonging to three distinct sequence types, were positive to the rpmA, iroB and iuc virulence genes. We could show an important morbidity associated with this syndrome in Argentina, a significant diversity in the hvKP clones causing CLA in Argentina, and the potential utility of the rpmA and iroB genes as predictors of virulence.
Social determinants of student mental health before and after the Beirut port explosion: Two cross-sectional studies
Authors: Scheuring Julia , Bosqui Tania
Published: April 2024

Background
Students in Lebanon are facing the devastating impact of multiple national crises, including an unprecedented economic collapse and the Beirut port explosion that killed hundreds, injured thousands, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. The aim of this study was to identify key social determinants of common mental health symptoms before and after the Beirut port explosion for students at the American University of Beirut, a university based around 4km from the port.
Methods
Two cross-sectional studies were conducted using a representative sample of undergraduate and graduate students at the American University of Beirut. The study was conducted just before (Study 1) and repeated after the Beirut port explosion (Study 2).
Results
A total of 217 students participated (n = 143 in Study 1 and n = 74 in Study 2). In Study 1 before the explosion, poorer family functioning and social support were correlated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, but not with anxiety or trauma symptoms. Financial stress was correlated with all symptoms. In the fully adjusted regression model, only financial stress was significantly associated with depressive symptoms. In Study 2 after the explosion, poorer family functioning and poorer social support were correlated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, while only poorer social support was correlated with higher levels of anxiety symptoms - trauma symptoms were not correlated with either. Financial stress was correlated with all symptoms. In the fully adjusted regression model, only financial stress was significantly associated with all symptom clusters.
Conclusion
Findings indicate a detrimental impact of financial stress on the mental health of students in Lebanon, beyond the otherwise protective effects of family and social support, in the context of an unprecedented economic crisis and extremely high levels of distress after the explosion. Findings indicate that mental health interventions for college students in Lebanon should include addressing financial stress.
The Impact of TiO 2 - Doped V 2 O 5 Films on the Structural, Linear and Nonlinear Optical Behavior for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Morad Ibrahim , El-Barbary G A , Ibraheem Awad A. , Ali H. Elhosiny , Fareed Shereef A. , El-Desoky M. M.
Published: April 2024

By the dip-coating method, composite films of titanium oxide-doped vanadium pentoxide (TVPO) in different compositional ratios were created. X-ray diffraction and TEM data indicate that TVPO films at any compositional ratio of TiO2 produce xTiO2-100−x V2O5, a substitutional solid solution where 0≤x≤5. Employing double-beam UV-VIS spectrophotometers, the optical properties of the created TiO2-doped V2O2 nanocrystalline films, including their transmittance, absorbance, and reflectance, were investigated. The nanocrystalline-formed films exhibit good transparency in the Visible region (550 - 900 nm). Urbach band tail energy, the refractive index, parameters of dispersion energy using the Wemple and DiDomenico (WDD) single-oscillator model, nonlinear refractive index, and first and third optical susceptibilities were also estimated. It was found that by comparing the observed linear and nonlinear optical properties in TiO2-doped films to pure V2O5, the doped films revealed smaller optical bandgaps of about 2.2 eV where the pure V2O5 is around 2.4 eV, suggesting the possibility of a variety of optical applications. As the TiO2 concentration rises, the absorption coefficient marginally increases. This is explained by the increasing lattice distortion brought on by the growing crystallite size, as shown by the XRD. It was discovered that the indirect permitted type transition mechanism had an expanding optical band gap Eop concerning the TiO2 concentration. By supposing a hydrogen-like model, the carrier’s contents N was presumed. The present research demonstrates that TiO2 doping significantly affects the optical and structural characteristics of V2O5 films, making them intriguing materials for a range of uses, including nonlinear optical applications and optoelectronic devices.
Development of rutin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for improved ocular delivery: Optimization, in vitro, ex vivo, and toxicity evaluation
Authors: Chakole Chandrashekhar
Published: April 2024

Rutin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for various ocular disorders. However, its clinical applications are hindered by poor aqueous solubility and low ocular bioavailability. This study aimed to develop and optimize nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to encapsulate rutin and enhance its ocular delivery. Rutin-loaded NLCs (RT-NLCs) were prepared by a melt-emulsification and ultrasonication technique using varying concentrations of rutin (0.05-0.5% w/v). The formulations were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency, and transcorneal permeability. Based on these parameters, the RT-NLC formulation containing 0.1% w/v rutin (F3) was identified as the optimized formulation, exhibiting a mean particle size of 229.50 ± 50.58 nm, PDI of 0.454 ± 0.083, and entrapment efficiency of 69.36 ± 0.54%. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the spherical morphology and smooth surface of the optimized RT-NLCs. In vitro release studies demonstrated controlled release of rutin from the optimized formulation, following the Higuchi kinetic model. Significantly, ex vivo transcorneal permeation studies using excised goat cornea showed a 6-fold higher permeability coefficient (134.99 ± 36.21 cm/s) for the optimized RT-NLC compared to F5 rutin NLC formulations. Furthermore, the hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) assay confirmed the non-irritant nature of the optimized formulation. In conclusion, the nanostructured lipid carrier system demonstrated promising potential for improving the ocular bioavailability of the poorly soluble drug rutin.
Thalassospira aquimaris sp. nov. and Winogradskyella marincola sp. nov. two marine bacteria isolated from an agar-degrading co-culture
Authors: Fu Zi-Yue , Zhang Dao-Feng , Huang Meng-Han , Wang Hong-Chuan , Chen Xiao-Ye , Yao Yu-Fang , Yuan Yang , Li Wen-Jun
Published: April 2024

Two novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and non-motile strains, designated FZY0004T and YYF002T, were isolated from an agar-degrading co-culture, which was obtained from seawater of intertidal zone of Yancheng City, the Yellow Sea of China. Strain FZY0004T optimally grew at 28°C, pH 7.0 and 2–6% NaCl, while strain YYF002T optimally grew at 28°C, pH 7.5 and 2–4% NaCl. Strain FZY0004T possessed Q-9 as the major respiratory quinone, and its major fatty acids (> 10%) were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c), C16:0, and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c). The major polar lipids identified in strain FZY0004T were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and several unidentified phospholipids (PL) and lipids (L). On the other hand, strain YYF002T had MK-6 as the predominant respiratory quinone and its major fatty acids consisted of iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G and iso-C15:0 3-OH. The major polar lipids identified in strain YYF002T were aminolipid (AL), PE and several unidentified lipids. Strain FZY0004T shared 99.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and 90.1% average nucleotide identity (ANI) with T. povalilytica Zumi 95T, and strain YYF002T shared 99.2% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and 88.2% ANI with W. poriferorum UST030701-295T. The genomic DNA G + C contents of strains FZY0004T and YYF002T were 54.5% and 33.5%, respectively. The phylogenetic, phenotypic and physiological characteristics permitted the distinction of the two strains from their neighbors, and we thus propose the names Thalassospira aquimaris sp. nov. (type strain FZY0004T = JCM 35895T = MCCC 1K08380T) and Winogradskyella marincola sp. nov. (type strain YYF002T = JCM 35950T = MCCC 1K08382T).
Association of Screen Time and Mental Disorders among Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Xu Jue , Duan Hanmin , Qin Kang , Liu Bing
Published: April 2024

Background: A small number of studies have researched the relationship between screen time and mental disorders. This research aims to investigate the link between screen time and mental disorders in Chinese adolescents, and to examine the role of sleep duration as a mediating factor.
Method: Data were collected from 3,307 students using a multi-stage random cluster sampling method and self-administered questionnaires. The study applied linear regression to investigate the relationship between screen time and mental disorders, and mediation analysis to understand how sleep duration might influence this relationship.
Results: Teenagers who had more than 2 hours of screen is around 25.5% (33.56% for electronic devices and 17.46% for television), and average mental disorder score was 5.942±0.085 for depression and 4.521±0.076 for anxiety. The linear regression analysis showed that longer electronic devices use (β=0.601, 95%CI: 0.265 to 0.937)), television usage (β=0.751, 95%CI: 0.346 to 1.156) were positively associated with depression, and electronic devices was also positively associated with anxiety (β=0.471, 95%CI:0.159 to 0.784). The study found sleep duration plays a partial mediating role between screen time and mental disorders. For electronic devices, the effect was -27.50% in depression and -44.01% in anxiety; for television, the effect was -42.70% in depression.
Limitations: The cross-sectional study design could not prove causation.
Conclusions: The association between screen time and mental disorders in adolescents was positive, and sleep duration acting as a mediator. This suggests that future research could focus on screen time and sleep management as ways to address mental disorders in adolescents.