bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influencia de la retroalimentación docente en el rendimiento académico en la educación virtual en tiempos de pandemia SARS-COV-2 en un Instituto privado de Lima
Authors:   , Gonzales Cachi Evelyn Smith , Matta Ferreyra Francis Gisela
Published: August 2023

El presente trabajo de investigación tuvo por finalidad determinar la relación entre retroalimentación docente y el rendimiento académico en la educación virtual en tiempos de pandemia COVID - 19 para lo cual se tomó como referencia a estudiantes de la carrera de banca y finanzas de un instituto privado de Lima. Se trabajó con el enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo correlacional, diseño no experimental, transeccional. En este estudio participaron 53 estudiantes entre varones y mujeres que se encontraban desarrollando sus clases de manera virtual a través de la plataforma Zoom. Los instrumentos que se emplearon han sido elaborados por los tesistas y validados por jueces expertos doctores en investigación fueron dos cuestionarios uno denominado Instrumento para la Medición de la Variable Retroalimentación Docente, conformado por 10 ítems a través de tres dimensiones: estrategia docente, frecuencia de la retroalimentación y habilidad del docente, y el otro cuestionario denominado Instrumento para la Medición de la Variable de Rendimiento Académico, conformado por 10 ítems. a través de las dimensiones: evaluación formativa, por el número de veces que se conectó el estudiante a clases y la evaluación sumativa por la calificación obtenida del estudiante en el examen parcial. Luego de la aplicación de los instrumentos se evidenció a través del coeficiente de RHO Spearman que el valor del coeficiente correlación fue de 0.702; por lo que existe una correlación significativa entre las variables Retroalimentación Docente y Rendimiento Académico en la educación virtual en tiempos de pandemia SARS-CoV-2 de los estudiantes de la carrera de Banca y Finanzas de un Instituto Privado de Lima, lo que determina que existe una relación significativa.
Practical Aspects of Waterflooding
Authors: Poston Steven W. , Laprea-Bigott Marcelo
Published: August 2023

Practical Aspects of Waterflooding explains the screening and analysis fundamentals for applying the waterflood displacement process to increase reserves. Organized in four parts, the book begins with an overview of reservoir analysis principles, then covers waterflood design followed by an extensive review of detailed field studies before closing with an explanation of what it takes to conduct a thorough review to ensure efficient operations. Along the way, decision points are included to consider the feasibility of continuing to a conclusion or abandoning the effort. The ultimate goal for readers is to help them increase the value of an oil field through improved waterflood management.
Integrating communities’ perspectives in understanding disaster risk
Authors: Shiroshita Hideyuki , Jayaratne Ravindra , Kitagawa Kaori
Published: August 2023

This paper reports exploratory research that considers two challenges recognised in the disaster risk reduction (DRR) community in recent years. One is the reinforcement of community-based DRR, and the other is experts' prioritising high-impact/low-frequency hazards. Inquiries into stakeholders’ – community members’ in particular – understandings of disaster risks have been scarce. The research aimed to address these gaps by investigating communities’ perceptions around community-based DRR and disaster risks. The research focused on natural water hazard, such as floods and typhoons generated due to atmospheric forcing factors, as well as tsunamis in four communities in Japan and England. A field survey of major structural mitigation solutions, non-structural measures, and community interviews revealed that community members did not necessarily find the often-used impact/frequency description of hazards helpful in developing and implementing community-based DRR activities. Such hazard-based scientific language does not necessarily correspond with the general public. The paper attempted ‘the number of affected people’, which was recognised by the research participants, to be applied as a tool for understanding disaster risks.
Genome assembly provides insights into the genome evolution of Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.
Authors: Huang Lour. Jianjian , Chen Jie , Shi Min , Zheng Jiaqi , Chen Ming , Wu Linjun , Zhu Hui , Zheng Yuzhong , Wu Qinghan , Wu Fengnian
Published: August 2023

Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., an evergreen tree of the Baccaurea genus of the Phyllanthaceae family, is mainly distributed in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and southern China, including southern Yunnan Province. It is a wild or semicultivated tree species of ornamental, edible, and medicinal value, with important development potential. Here, we report the whole-genome sequencing of B. ramiflora through the combination of PacBio SMRT and Illumina HiSeq 2500 sequencing techniques. The size of the assembled genome is 975.8 Mb, with a contig N50 of 509.33 kb and a longest contig of 7.74 Mb. Highly repetitive sequences make up 73.47% of the genome, of which 52.1% are long terminal repeat–retrotransposon sequences. A total of 29,172 protein-coding genes are predicted, of which 25,980 (89.06%) have been annotated, while 3,452 noncoding RNAs are found. Comparative genomic analysis indicates that B. ramiflora is closely related to the family Euphorbiaceae, being sister groups to each other that diverged approximately 59.9 Mya. During the evolutionary process, B. ramiflora has 278 candidate genes under positive selection. The synonymous substitution rate and collinearity analysis show that B. ramiflora only underwent one ancient genome-wide triploidization event and no recent genome-wide duplication event. This high-quality B. ramiflora genome provides a valuable resource for basic research and tree improvement programs of the Phyllanthaceae family.
Assessment of Socioeconomic and Environmental Impacts of Flooding in Tuti Island, Khartoum State, Sudan.
Authors: Elzubair Asma Elyas Mohammed , Omer Ali , Jamal Mohamed
Published: August 2023

Thousands of flood events occur around the globe every year with severe negative impacts. The current study aimed to assess the flood socioeconomic and environmental negative consequences in Tuti Island, Sudan. The results showed that there are several social, economic, and environmental impacts of flooding. Socially, migration, displacement, injury or death of family members, loss of job opportunities, and increased poverty were identified as common impacts. Spatial analysis revealed variations in social impacts across the island, with the eastern region experiencing higher frequencies. Economically, the impacts included loss of income sources, property losses, decreased annual income rates, infrastructure destruction, a hindrance to economic growth, crop damage, and animal deaths. Property losses were particularly prevalent, and economic losses varied across different parts of the island, with proximity to the Nile River associated with higher losses. Individuals dependent on agriculture were more affected by flooding. Environmentally, flood impacts included loss of vegetation cover, soil erosion, lack of diversity, water pollution, loss of natural beauty, and landslides. Landslides were the most common environmental impact. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to address these multidimensional impacts, promote resilience, and protect the well-being of residents while safeguarding the island's ecosystems.
A 5 Mbps 178 µW Completely On-Chip OOK Receiver for Internet-of-Things Applications
Authors: Boora Aasish , Thangarasu Bharatha Kumar , Yeo Kiat Seng
Published: August 2023

Internet-of-things (IoT) devices has a huge demand for power sources. For sustainability, energy harvesting technologies are currently pursued as a potential power source for these IoT devices. In certain applications where continuous operation mode is required, these power sources get exhausted soon. Most of the power is dissipated during wireless communication of IoT devices. As a result, it is crucial to achieve low-power solutions for high-speed data communications. Here we show a fully integrated radio frequency (RF) receiver frontend with unique block-level circuit design techniques to decode high data rate On-Off Keying (OOK) modulated signals in the 2.4 GHz Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. As a result, this work provides a compact design while avoiding bulky external components such as BAW resonators, crystal oscillators, etc. The proposed OOK receiver achieves a sensitivity of -62 dBm/-67 dBm while consuming 178 µW/119 µW power for a 5 Mbps/1 Mbps data rate.
Emergence of flat bands and their impact on superconductivity in Mo5Si3-xPx
Authors: Khasanov Rustem , Ruan Bin-Bin , Shi Youguo , Chen Gen-Fu , Luetkens Hubertus , Ren Zhian , Guguchia Zurab
Published: August 2023

The superconductivity in systems containing the dispersionless (flat) bands might appear to be paradoxical, since the conventional Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer theory requires an infinite enhancement of the carrier masses. At the same time, the combination of a flat and steep (dispersive) bands within the multiple band scenario are expected to enhance the superconducting response and may potentially explain a high-temperature superconductivity in cuprates and metal hydrides.
Here, we report on the magnetic penetration depths, the upper critical field, and the specific heat measurements together with the first-principles calculations for Mo$_5$Si$_{3-x}$P$_x$ superconducting family.
The calculated band structure features a flat band, which gradually approaches the Fermi level as a function of phosphorus doping $x$. The flat band reaches the Fermi level at $x\simeq 1.3$, leading to an abrupt change of nearly all the superconducting quantities. In particular, a strong reduction of the coherence length $\xi$ and enhancement of the penetration depth $\lambda$ result in nearly factor of three increase of the Ginzburg-Landau parameter $\kappa=\lambda/\xi$ (from $\kappa\simeq 25$ for $x< 1.3$ to $\kappa\simeq 70$ for $x> 1.3$) thus initiating the transition of Mo$_5$Si$_{3-x}$P$_x$ from a moderate to an extreme type-II superconductivity. The superfluid density data placed on the 'Uemura plot' result in two separated branches thus indicating that emergency of a flat band leads to enhancement of correlations between conducting electrons.
The current diagnosis and treatment strategy of breast cancer based on multicenter retrospective data in Shaanxi province
Authors: Du Qin , Guo Yize , Zhu Yuxuan , Qu Jingkun , Guo Ya , Zhang Shuqun , Liu Di
Published: August 2023

Background: Breast cancer is a common malignancy, and early detection coupled with standardized treatment is crucial for patient survival and recovery. This study aims to scrutinize the current state of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Shaanxi Province, providing valuable insights into the local practices and outcomes.
Methods: We selected 25 hospitals that typically represent the current diagnosis and treatment strategy of breast cancer in Shaanxi(a province in northwest China. The questionnaire comprised sections on fundamental information, outpatient consultations, breast-conserving surgery, neoadjuvant therapy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, breast reconstruction surgery, and adjuvant therapy.
Results: 25 hospitals were selected in Shaanxi, 17 are located in Xi'an. A total of 6665 breast cancer operations were performed in these 25 hospitals in 2021. The overall proportion of breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is 23.6%.There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the annual volume of breast cancer surgery and the implementation rate of BCS (p= 0.004).A total of 2882 cases of neoadjuvant treatment accounted for 43.24% of breast cancer patients treated with surgery in 2017. Hospitals in Xi'an performed more neoadjuvant therapy for patients with breast cancer compared to other districts (p= 0.008).15 (60%) hospitals routinely perform axillary SLNB for more than 50% of patients with cN0 disease. There was a significantly positive correlation between outpatient visits and the implementation rate of SLNB (p= 0.005). 14 hospitals in Shaanxi performed reconstructive surgery. The breast reconstruction (BR) after mastectomy was more than 10%.
Conclusions: Breast conserving surgery, adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy and sentinel lymph node biopsy in central hospitals in Shaanxi province have reached the national average level. Moreover, hospitals in Xi 'an have surpassed this average. However, a disparity is observed in the development of breast reconstruction surgery when compared to top-tier hospitals.
Adult female callers' characteristics and mental health status：A retrospective study based on the psychological assistance hotline in Hangzhou
Authors: Wei Yating , Song Haidong
Published: August 2023

Objective: This study aims to analyze the basic characteristics and mental health status of adult female callers to the psychological assistance helpline in Hangzhou City, in order to provide targeted services for effectively intervening in the psychological crises of this group.
Methods: Data from adult female callers to the helpline in Hangzhou City from 2019 to 2022 were collected, including demographic information and the types of issues discussed during the calls. The data were grouped and compared based on different age groups, marital status, and call times. The mental health status of the adult female population was assessed by evaluating depressive mood and suicide risk. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors influencing their mental health status.
Results: A total of 15,580 adult female callers were included in the study. Among them, adults aged 30 and below accounted for 52.2%, unmarried callers accounted for 62.1%, and callers from other provinces accounted for 42.6%. The types of calls were concentrated in mental health issues (56.5%), romantic relationship issues (11%), and marriage/family issues (13%). Among callers aged 30 and below, the proportion of consultations romantic relationship (P＜0.001), work (P＜0.001), and study-related issues (P＜0.001) were significantly higher than callers aged over 30. Realatively, callers aged over 30 had a significantly higher proportion of consultations marriage/family (P＜0.001) and child education issues (P＜0.001) compared to those aged 30 and below. The callers aged 30 and below exhibited significantly higher levels of depression and suicide risk compared to callers aged over 30. Unmarried callers had a significantly higher proportion of moderate depression and suicide risk compared to married callers. Female callers with higher education levels were less likely to report suicidal ideation and had lower levels of depression (OR=0.631, P=0.013) and lower high-risk proportions (OR=0.263, P＜0.001). Callers contacting in the late evening had a higher high-risk proportion (OR =1.622, P=0.001). High-risk proportions were lower among employed individuals compared to unemployed callers (OR=0.707, P=0.037).
Conclusion: The mental health status of female callers aged 30 and below, unemployed individuals, and those calling in the latter part of the night have relatively poorer mental health and are more likely to be at risk for suicide, which needs to be taken seriously, and more professional and targeted intervention services need to be enhanced in the hotline.
Does economic growth the cause of climate change or the cure? A spatial mediation-moderation model of foreign investment and eco-innovation orientation
Authors: AMARA DHEKRA BEN , Qiao Jiajun
Published: August 2023

Economic growth is frequently held responsible for environmental problems. Some believe the relationship between ecological damage and economic growth is more complicated than others. Some even contend that economic growth might help the environment. Therefore, moving toward a greener economy depends heavily on environmental advancements. However, despite increased eco-innovation activities and attracting foreign investments, the ecological situation is not improving. In this respect, re-evaluating the problem from a different perspective is critical. Can the mediation-moderation effect of foreign investment and eco-innovation orientation develop and support economic growth to cure the environment? Therefore, this paper first uses the geographic Durbin model to examine the effects of economic growth on carbon emissions for nine countries in the MENA region for 20 years. Second, the present research investigates the mediation effect of eco-innovation. Third, this article uses the spatial stepwise regression model to explore the moderating function of FDI on the mediation model. The outcomes of this research are that: (i) Economic growth positively impacts carbon emissions. (ii) Eco-innovation mediates the relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions. (iii) FDI has a dual moderating effect on the mediation model. This paper depicts an indispensable move towards grasping the current climate change risk and supporting the sustainability transition. Finally, several policy implications were presented based on this study's research findings.
Systematic determination of a material's magnetic ground state from first principles
Authors: Mora Andres Tellez , He Xu , Bousquet Eric , Wirtz Ludger , Romero Aldo
Published: August 2023

The characterization of magnetic materials necessitates a deep understanding of their magnetic phase. Knowledge of the magnetic ground state is essential to study magnetic excitations and other magnetic properties. In this work,
we present a self-consistent method based on first-principles calculations to determine the magnetic ground state of materials, regardless of their dimensionality. Our methodology is founded on satisfying the stability conditions derived from the linear spin wave theory (LSWT) by optimizing the magnetic structure iteratively. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method by successfully predicting the experimental magnetic structures of NiO, FePS3, and FeP. In each case, we compared our results with available experimental data and existing theoretical calculations reported in the literature. Furthermore, our methodology can be easily combined with phonon calculations, enabling a comprehensive approach to investigate magnons' influence on materials' thermal properties by computing the magnon/phonon coupling. Finally, we discuss the validity of the method and the possible extensions.
The detection of CatSper1, and CatSper3 expression in Normozoospermic and Asthenoteratozoospermia men and its association with sperm parameters, fertilization rate, embryo quality
Authors: Jalalabadi Fahimeh Naghi , Cheraghi Ebrahim , Janatifar Rahil , Momeni Hamid
Published: August 2023

CatSper affects sperm function and male fertilization capacity markers, including sperm motility and egg penetration. The study has aimed to evaluate the mRNA expression of CatSper1, and CatSper3, in the spermatozoa of normozoospermia and Asthenoteratozoospermia men as well as the correlation with sperm parameters, fertilization rate, and embryo quality in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was utilized to evaluate the mRNA expression of CatSper1 and CatSper3 in sperm in two patient groups: Normozoospermia (NOR; n = 32), and Asthenoteratozoospermia (AT; n = 22). In all patients receiving intracytoplasmic sperm injection, the fertilization rate and embryo quality were evaluated. CatSper1, and CatSper3 mRNA expression in sperm was significantly lower in AT males than in NOR (P < 0.05). At the cleavage stage following ICSI, low levels of these genes had a significant correlation with low motility, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Capacitation and fertilization rate, and good-quality embryos (P < 0.05). However, a negative correlation was found between mRNA expression of CatSper1, 3 and sperm DNA fragmentation (P < 0.05). Findings indicate low levels of CatSper1, and CatSper3 mRNA expression in Asthenoteratozoospermia men, in results low sperm quality and embryo development following ICSI therapy.
Assessment of Clinicians' Cognition and Influencing Factors in Multidisciplinary Treatment Implementation: A Study in Municipal Public Class III Grade A Hospitals in Southwest China
Authors: Zhong Xuemin , Zeng Xianbao , Zhao Longchao , Chen Tao , Ming Xing , He Rui
Published: August 2023

Background
Previous studies have highlighted many problems in the implementation of multidisciplinary treatment (MDT) from a managerial perspective. However, no study has addressed these issues from clinicians’ perspective. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and address the existing problems in MDT by investigating the clinicians' cognition of MDT, the influencing factors, and strategies to improve its quality.
Methods
A self-designed questionnaire was used to evaluate the cognition of MDT clinicians in municipal public Class III Grade A hospitals in Western China.
Results
Overall, 70.56% of clinicians knew the scope of MDT, and 63.41% knew the process of MDT. Professional title (P = 0.001; OR: 2.984; 95% CI: 1.590–5.603), participated in MDT (P = 0.017; OR: 1.748; 95% CI: 1.103–2.770), application for MDT (P = 0.000; OR: 2.442; 95% CI: 1.557–3.830) had an impact on clinicians' awareness of the scope of MDT. Professional title (P = 0.002; OR:2.446; 95% CI: 1.399–4.277), and participation in MDT (P = 0.000; OR: 2.414; 95% CI: 1.581–3.684) influenced clinicians' knowledge of the scope of MDT.
Conclusion
Approximately one-third of clinicians were not fully aware of the consultation process, whereas experienced doctors or those who had participated in MDT demonstrated a better understanding. The inadequate dissemination of MDT knowledge emphasizes the need for medical management departments to enhance MDT education, particularly for new and young doctors. Furthermore, MDT plays an important role in clinical care. Nevertheless, clinical medical personnel have not yet fully mastered the scope and process of MDT. As a result, many problems persist in its implementation that necessitate attention from the management department.
Leptospirosis-associated meningitis in a patient with Sjögren's Syndrome: a case report
Authors: Zhang Yifan , Zheng Yong
Published: August 2023

Background Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that afflicts both humans and animals. It progresses from flu-like symptoms to more severe hepatic and renal failure, and may also lead to aseptic meningitis. Individuals with autoimmune diseases (ADs) are potentially more susceptible to Leptospirosis. Thus far, limited data has documented the association between Leptospirosis and autoimmune disorders.Case presentation The patient had a definitive pathological diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Due to recurrent headaches, the patient sought consultation with a neurologist. Lumbar puncture revealed elevated white blood cells and protein levels in the cerebrospinal fluid, along with decreased glucose. Tuberculous meningitis was suspected. Radiographic imaging exhibited meningeal enhancement, ventricular enlargement, and hydrocephalus. The patient commenced treatment with anti-tuberculosis therapy and corticosteroids. Subsequently, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) of cerebrospinal fluid identified the presence of Leptospira interrogans. The patient was ultimately diagnosed with Leptospiral meningitis, and underwent antimicrobial and immunosuppressive therapy, resulting in stabilization of the condition and gradual symptom recovery.Conclusions The case highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing leptospirosis-related meningitis in the presence of ADs and emphasizes the importance of utilizing HTS for accurate pathogen detection. The potential correlation between leptospirosis and SS warrants further investigation, as does the need for multidisciplinary involvement in treatment strategies for such complex cases.
Study Protocol for Prospective Multi-Institutional Phase III Trial of Standard of Care Therapy with or without Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy for Recurrent Ovarian Cancer (SABR-ROC)
Authors: Kim Yong Bae , Byun Hwa Kyung , Wee Chan Woo , Kim Hojin , Kim Seyoung , Yang Gowoon , Kim Jina , Park Sang Joon , Lee Jung-Yun
Published: August 2023

Background
Efforts have been made to investigate the role of salvage radiotherapy (RT) in treating recurrent ovarian cancer (ROC). Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) is a state-of-the-art therapy that uses intensity modulation to increase the fractional dose, decrease the number of fractions, and target tumors with high precision.
Methods
The SABR-ROC trial is a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, prospective study to evaluate whether the addition of SABR to the standard of care significantly improves the 3-year overall survival (OS) of patients with ROC. Patients who have completed the standard treatment for primary epithelial ovarian cancer are eligible. In addition, patients with number of metastases ≤ 10 and maximum diameter of each metastatic site of gross tumor ≤ 5 cm are allowed. Randomization will be stratified by 1) platinum sensitivity, absence of ascites, normal level of CA125, ECOG performance status of 0–1; 0–3 vs. 4; 2) site of recurrence: with vs. without lymph nodes; and 3) PARP inhibitor use vs. non-use. The target number of patients to be enrolled in this study is 270. Participants will be randomized in a 1:2 ratio. Participants in Arm 2 will receive SABR for recurrent lesions clearly identified in imaging tests as well as the standard of care (Arm 1) based on treatment guidelines and decisions made in multidisciplinary discussions. The RT fraction number can range from 1 to 10, and the accepted dose range is 16–45 Gy. The RT Quality Assurance (QA) program consists of a three-tiered system: general credentialing, trial-specific credentialing, and individual case reviews.
Discussion
SABR appears to be preferable as it does not interfere with the schedule of systemic treatment by minimizing the elapsed days of RT. The synergistic effect between systemic treatment and SABR is expected to reduce the tumor burden by eradicating gross tumors identified through imaging with SABR and controlling microscopic cancer with systemic treatment. It might also be beneficial for quality-of-life preservation in older adults or heavily treated patients.
Trial registration:
This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05444270) on June 29th, 2022.
A Simulation Study to Investigate an Extension to the Point Cluster Technique
Authors: Karmarkar Vivek , Vitali Rachel
Published: August 2023

Joint kinematics are an important and widely utilized metric in quantitative human movement analysis. Typically, trajectory data for skin-mounted markers are collected using stereophotogrammetry, sometimes referred to as optical motion capture, and processed using various mathematical models to estimate joint kinematics (e.g., angles). Among the various sources of noise in optical motion capture data, soft tissue artifacts (STAs) remain a critical source of error. This study investigates the performance of the point cluster technique (PCT), an extension of the PCT using perturbation theory (PCT-PT), and the gold standard singular value decomposition least squares (SVD-LS) method for 100 different marker configurations on the thigh and shank during treadmill walking. This study provides additional evidence that the PCT method is significantly limited by the underlying mathematical constraints governing its optimization process. Furthermore, the results suggest the PCT-PT method outperforms the PCT method across all performance metrics for both body segments during the entire gait cycle. For position-based metrics, the PCT-PT method provides better estimates than the SVD-LS method for the thigh during majority of the stance phase and provides comparable estimates for the shank during the entire gait cycle. For knee angle estimates, the PCT-PT method provides equivalent results as the SVD-LS method.
Diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) for infection in hematology patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yuhui , Wang Jinjin , Niu Ting
Published: August 2023

Objectives
Infection is one of the leading causes of death in hematology patients. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) has been applied to diagnose infection. This meta-analysis will focus on systematically assessing the diagnostic value of mNGS for infection in hematology patients.
Methods
We searched for studies that assessed the efficacy of mNGS for the diagnosis of infection in hematology patients published in Embase, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to December 31, 2022. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were estimate and subgroup analysis was performed.
Results
The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 89.6% (95%CI: 88–91%) and 56% (95%CI: 44–69%), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio and negative likelihood ratio were 2.10 (95%CI: 1.48–3.30) and 0.22 (95%CI: 0.15–0.32), respectively. And diagnostic odds ratio was 10.29 (95%CI: 4.61–19.72). The SROC (summary receiver operating characteristic) curve revealed an AUC (area under curve) of 0.88 (95%CI: 0.85–0.90). The method of sample selection and the research type/gold standard may be sources of heterogeneity in sensitivity and specificity, respectively.
Conclusion
mNGS has shown good diagnostic efficacy for infection in hematology patients, but it’s important to choose suitable samples for mNGS according to infection types.
Sex-specific effects in how childhood exposures to multiple ambient air pollutants affect white matter microstructure development across early adolescence
Authors: Cotter Devyn , Ahmadi Hedyeh , Cardenas-Iniguez Carlos , Bottenhorn Katherine , Gauderman W. James , McConnell Rob , Berhane Kiros , Schwartz Joel , Hackman Daniel , Chen Jiu-Chiuan , Herting Megan
Published: August 2023

Ambient air pollution is ubiquitous, yet questions remain as to how it might impact the developing brain. Large changes occur in the brain’s white matter (WM) microstructure across adolescence, with noticeable differences in WM integrity in male and female youth. Here we report sex-stratified effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) on longitudinal patterns of WM microstructure from 9-13 years-old in 8,182 (49% female) participants using restriction spectrum imaging. After adjusting for key sociodemographic factors, multi-pollutant, sex-stratified models showed that one-year annual exposure to PM2.5 and NO2 was associated with higher, while O3 was associated with lower, intracellular diffusion at age 9. All three pollutants also affected trajectories of WM maturation from 9-13 years-old, with some sex-specific differences in the number and anatomical locations of tracts showing altered trajectories of intracellular diffusion. Concentrations were well-below current U.S. standards, suggesting exposure to these criteria pollutants during adolescence may have long-term consequences on brain development.
Adaptive immune responses to two-dose COVID-19 vaccine series in healthy Canadian adults > 50 years: a prospective, observational cohort study
Authors: Gaultier Gabrielle N , McMillan Brynn , Poloni Chad , Lo Mandy , Cai Bing , Zheng Jean J , Baer Hannah M , Shulha Hennady , Simmons Karen , Márquez Ana Citlali , Bartlett Sofia R , Cook Laura , Levings Megan K , Steiner Theodore , Sekirov Inna , Zlosnik James EA , Morshed Muhammad , Skowronski Danuta M , Krajden Mel , Jassem Agatha N , Sadarangani Manish
Published: August 2023

To evaluate immune responses to COVID-19 vaccines in adults aged 50 years and older, spike protein (S)-specific antibody concentration, avidity, and function (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) inhibition surrogate neutralization, antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), and T cell responses were quantified in response to two-dose series. Eighty-four adults were vaccinated with either: mRNA/mRNA (mRNA-1273 and/or BNT162b2); ChAdOx1-S/mRNA; or ChAdOx1-S/ChAdOx1-S. Anti-S IgG concentrations, ADCP scores and ACE2 inhibiting antibody concentrations were highest at one-month post-dose two and declined by four-months post-dose two for all groups. mRNA/mRNA and ChAdOx1-S/mRNA schedules had significantly higher antibody responses than ChAdOx1-S/ChAdOx1-S. CD8 T cell responses one-month post-dose two were associated with increased ACE2 surrogate neutralization. Antibody avidity was maintained between one-month and four-months post-dose two and did not significantly differ between groups by four-months post-dose two. In determining COVID-19 correlates of protection, both antibody concentration and avidity should be considered.
Flotation separation of pyrite and chalcopyrite with potassium permanganate as a depressant
Authors: Cao Qinbo , Zhang Haiyu , Yan Yan , Li Yanjun , Liu Dianwen
Published: August 2023

This paper used potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as a pyrite depressant to separate pyrite from chalcopyrite. Flotation and contact angle results indicated that pyrite could be depressed by KMnO4 at pH 7, while KMnO4 treated chalcopyrite could be floated by sodium ethylxanthate. Zeta potential analysis revealed that KMnO4 oxidized the pyrite surface, lowering its hydrophobicity. The oxidation products on the pyrite surface were FeO, FeOOH and Fe2(SO4)3 as determined by XPS analyses. These oxidation products were well coated on the pyrite surface, which dramatically lowers the hydrophobicity of pyrite. In contrast, in the case of chalcopyrite, KMnO4 treatment did not generate new oxidation components on its surface, causing chalcopyrite surface to remain hydrophobic and allowing the flotation of chalcopyrite by air bubbles. Thus, pyrite could be efficiently separated from chalcopyrite using KMnO4 as a depressant.
Functional Analysis of Human GRIN2A Mutations Associated with Schizophrenia and Neurodevelopmental Disorders Reveals Distinct Pathological Mechanism
Authors: Shepard Nate , Baez-Nieto David , Iqbal Sumaiya , Campbell Arthur J. , Pan Jen Q , Sheng Morgan , Farsi Zohreh
Published: August 2023

Human genetic studies have revealed rare missense and protein-truncating variants in GRIN2A, encoding for the GluN2A subunit of the NMDA receptors, that confer significant risk for schizophrenia (SCZ). Mutations in GRIN2A are also associated with epilepsy and developmental delay/intellectual disability (DD/ID). However, it remains enigmatic how alterations to the same protein can result in diverse clinical phenotypes. Here, we performed functional characterization of human NMDA receptors (GluN1/GluN2A heteromers) that contain SCZ-linked GluN2A variants, and compared them to NMDA receptors with GluN2A variants associated with epilepsy or DD/ID. All tested protein-truncating variants and a subset of missense variants associated with SCZ led to a loss-of-function (LoF) phenotype, whereas epilepsy and DD/ID-associated variants resulted in both gain-and loss-of-function phenotypes. We additionally show that M653I, a LoF GRIN2A variant associated with DD/ID, exerts a dominant-negative effect when co-expressed with a wild-type GluN2A, whereas Y698C, a LoF SCZ-linked variant, does not. These findings demonstrate that SCZ-associated GRIN2A variants are predominantly LoF and offer a potential mechanism by which SCZ and DD/ID-linked variants can cause different effects on receptor function and therefore result in divergent pathological outcomes.
ESG Practices to Foster Green Innovation with Moderating Role of Innovation Orientation: A Conceptual Framework for the Manufacturing Organizations
Authors: Mukhtar Bilal , Shad Muhammad Kashif , Woon Lai Fong , Waqas Ahmad
Published: August 2023

In today's dynamic world, many organizations often do not incorporate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices which are the critical input for green innovation and further sustainable development. There is, however, deficient evidence regarding how ESG practices and innovation orientation affect green innovation in manufacturing listed companies on Bursa Malaysia. Thus, this paper seeks to conceptualize a framework to examine the impact of ESG practices on green innovation by examining the moderating impact of innovation orientation in manufacturing listed companies. This study proposes a quantitative approach by using the well-structured questionnaire for the data collection. The questionnaire will be distributed to 182 manufacturing listed companies on Bursa Malaysia to gain insights about the ESG practices, innovation orientation and green innovation. As part of this research work, Smart Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) is proposed to investigate the relationship between constructs. This conceptualization of ESG practices toward green innovation will provide insights into formulating strategies and will serve as an important conduit to improve green innovation. The application of this proposed model to public listed companies strengthens the originality of this study. Moreover, this work will help in strategic planning toward enhancing green innovation and this will certainly develop business competitiveness and achieve sustainable business performance.
Morphological, Histological and Gene-Expression Analyses on Stolonization in the Japanese Green Syllid, Megasyllis nipponica (Annelida, Syllidae)
Authors: Nakamura Mayuko , Oguchi Kohei , Sato Daisuke S. , Kato Sumika , Okanishi Masanori , Hayashi Yoshinobu , Aguado M. Teresa , Miura Toru
Published: August 2023

Benthic annelids belonging to the family Syllidae (Errantia, Phyllodocida) exhibit a unique reproduction mode called “schizogamy” or “stolonization”, in which the posterior body part filled with gametes detaches from the original body, as a reproductive unit (stolon) that autonomously swims and spawns. In this study, detailed developmental processes during stolonization were morphologically/histologically observed in Megasyllis nipponica. The results suggest that the stolon formation started with maturation of gonads, followed by the formation of a head ganglion in the anteriormost segment of the developing stolon. Then, the detailed stolon-specific structures such as stolon eyes and notochaetae were formed. Furthermore, expression profiles of genes involved in the anterior-posterior identity (Hox genes), head identification, germ-line, and hormone regulation were compared between anterior and posterior body parts during the stolonization process. The results reveal that, in the posterior body part, genes for gonadal development were up-regulated, followed by hormone-related genes and head-identification genes. Unexpectedly, Hox genes known to identify body parts along the anterior-posterior axis showed no significant temporal expression changes. Taken together, these findings suggest that during stolonization, gonad development induces the head formation of a stolon, without up-regulation of anterior Hox genes.
XAF1 is a promising target to regulate osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Zhou Xiaozhong , Zhang Mingchao , Huang Yingkang , Shan Huajian , Sheng Lei , Bai Jinyu , Gao Xiang , Tian Bo , Ni Yichao , Dong Qirong , Ma Feng
Published: August 2023

Over-activated osteoclast (OC) is a major cause of diseases related to bone loss. Both bone resorption inhibition and apoptosis induction of osteoclast are crucial in treating these diseases. However, the mechanisms that determine osteoclast function and lifespan are limited. Here, our findings were presented indicating that the newly characterized gene X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP)-associated factor 1 (Xaf1) was an important interferon-stimulated gene for termination of osteoclastogenesis via apoptosis induction. We showed that Xaf1 ablation enhanced osteoclast generation in vitro. Xaf1 knockout increased osteoclast number and bone resorption, thereby exacerbating bone loss in both OVX and osteolysis models. Activation of XAF1 with BV6 (XIAP inhibitor) suppressed osteoclast formation. Mechanistically, Xaf1 deletion decreased osteoclast apoptosis via increasing interaction between XIAP and caspase-3/7. Collectively, our data illustrated an essential role of Xaf1 in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis in both osteoporosis and osteolysis models and highlighted its underlying mechanism.
Assembly and characterization analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Lithocarpus litseifolius (Hance) Chun
Authors: Qiu Xiaoyan , Tian Yuqiao , Li Ziqiang , Wu Xianjin , Xiang Zhuwen , Wang Yiqing , Li Jin , Xiao Shengen
Published: August 2023

Lithocarpus litseifolius (Hance) Chun (L. litseifolius 1837) is an evergreen tree of Fagaceae, commonly known as sweet tea. L. litseifolius is a natural sweetener with high levels of dihydrochalcone. In addition, L. litseifolius is a precious medicinal material, its phlorizin has a unique role in the treatment of diabetes. This investigation aimed to assemble and scrutinize the entire mitochondrial (mt) genome of L. litseifolius. The circular mt genome of L. litseifolius spans 573,177 bp and has a GC content of 45.61%. The mt genome of L. litseifolius comprises 61 genes, of which 21 are tRNA genes, 3 are rRNA genes, 36 are protein-coding genes (PCGs), and 1 is a pseudogene. Tetramer repeats made up 32.57% of all identified simple repeat sequences (SSRs), making them the most abundant type of SSR. 35 PCGs with a combined length of 32,208 bp were predicted to include a total of 461 RNA editing sites in the L. litseifolius mt genome. Besides, nine homologous genes between the chloroplast and mt genomes of L. litseifolius were identified. Furthermore, our findings demonstrated that while plant mt genome sizes vary considerably, the GC content of these genomes has remained largely constant. Seven genes were found to be associated with conservatism: atp6, rps1, ccmC, rpl2, nad4, nad7, and trnY-GTA. The phylogenetic analysis confirmed that L. litseifolius was genetically more clustered with Quercus variabilis. This study establishes the groundwork for investigations on the systematic evolution, genetic variability, and breeding of L. litseifolius.
Perfect separation of benzene and toluene associated with vapochromic behaviors by hybrid[4]arene-based co-crystals
Authors: Zhou Jiong , Chen Jingyu , Zhang Wenjie , Yang Wenzhi , Xi Fengcheng , He Hongyi , Liang Minghao , Dong Qian , Hou Jiawang , Wang mengbin , Yu Guocan
Published: August 2023

The combination of macrocyclic chemistry with co-crystal engineering has promoted the development of materials with vapochromic behaviors in supramolecular science. Herein, we develop a novel macrocycle co-crystal based on hybrid[4]arene (H) and 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) that is able to construct vapochromic materials. After the capture of benzene (Bz) and toluene (Tol) vapors, activated hybrid[4]arene-based co-crystal (H-TCNBα) forms new structures, accompanied by color changes from brown to yellow. However, when H-TCNBα captures cyclohexane (Cy) and pyridine (Py), neither structures nor colors change. Interestingly, H-TCNBα can separate Bz from a Bz/Cy equal-volume mixture and allow Tol to be removed from a Tol/Py equal-volume mixture with purities reaching 100%. In addition, the process of adsorptive separation can be visually monitored. The selectivity of Bz from a Bz/Cy equal-volume mixture and Tol from a Tol/Py equal-volume mixture is attributed to the different changes in the charge-transfer interaction between H and TCNB when H-TCNBα captures different vapors. Moreover, H-TCNBα can be reused without losing selectivity and performance.
Are there differences in whole-body coordination between the sexes during standing turns in healthy adults?
Authors: Khobkhun Fuengfa , Thanakamchokchai Jenjira
Published: August 2023

Background and objectives:
Sex has been reported to influence postural control and balance due to differences in musculoskeletal structures, hormonal factors, and neuromuscular control which could contribute to the incidence of falls particularly during turning. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the stepping characteristics and whole-body coordination during standing turns in healthy adults to determine the effects of sex and turn speed.
Methods
Fifty participants (25 males and 25 females) completed 180° standing turns on level ground. Inertial Measurement Units (XSENS) were used to measure whole-body movement turning kinematics and stepping characteristics. Moreover, dynamic balance and the risk of falling were measured by the Time Up and Go (TUG). Participants were randomly tasked to turn at three speeds; fast, moderate, or slow to the left and right sides. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the independent variables between male and females, and Friedman tests with Dunn’s tests for pairwise comparisons were used to compare between the three turning speeds within the two groups.
Results
Significant differences were seen between males and females during fast turning for the leading foot onset (p = 0.048) and in the slow speed for the step duration (p = 0.033), showing that these were greater in female with an increase in turn speed. In addition, significant differences were seen only in the males when comparing different speeds (p < 0.05) in the trailing foot onset latency, step size, and total number of steps, while in the females a significant difference was found in peak head yaw velocity between fast and slow turn speeds, and moderate and slow turn speeds. Finally, there was no significant difference in TUG between groups.
Conclusion
These findings show differences between sexes in the response to whole-body coordination and step characteristics, indicating that females tend to have more changes in stepping characteristics compared to males due to differences in turning speed. This can affect their balance and stability. However, the differences in sex did not impact the fall risk due to the lack of a significant difference shown by TUG between males and females.
Utilization of nicking properties of CRISPR-Cas12a effector for genome editing
Authors: Kim Chan Hyoung , Lee Wi-jae , Oh Yeounsun , Lee Youngjeon , Lee Hyomin K. , Seong Jung Bae , Lim Kyung-Seob , Park Sang Je , Huh Jae-Won , Kim Young-Hyun , Kim Kyoung Mi , Hur Junho K. , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: August 2023

The CRISPR-Cas nickase system for genome editing has attracted considerable attention owing to its safety, efficiency, and versatility. Although alternative effectors to Cas9 have the potential to expand the scope of genome editing, their application has not been optimized. Herein, we used an enhanced CRISPR-Cas12a nickase system to induce mutations by targeting genes in a human-derived cell line. The newly developed CRISPR-Cas12a nickase system effectively introduced mutations into target genes under a specific directionality and distance between nickases. In particular, the single-mode Cas12a nickase system can induce the target-specific mutations with less DNA double-strand breaks. By effectively inducing mutations in the Thymine-rich target genes in single- or dual-mode, Cas12a nickase addresses the limitations of Cas9 nickase and is expected to contribute to the development of future genome editing technologies.