bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vaginal microbiota of pregnant women with Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis infections
Authors: Oh Kwan Young , Lee Sunghee , Park Jaewan , Park Mi Hye , Jeong Ji Hun , Yang Jung Bo , Lim Chul Kwon , Ha Joong Gyu , Yang Yun Seok
Published: September 2024

Background

The association between preterm birth and Mycoplasma species such as Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum has been extensively investigated. In a clinical setting, conventional diagnostic methods for them involve culture methods for Mycoplasma spp. and Ureaplasma spp., along with PCR tests. However, the clinical utility of these tests remains controversial, highlighting the necessity for more robust and reliable methods for identifying and understanding Mycoplasma infections.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the distribution of microbiota in pregnant women with Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infection by the comparison of conventional diagnostic methods with vaginal microbial community analysis.

Study Design

This prospective case–control study involved 228 Korean pregnant women and utilized vaginal microbial community analysis, Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma culture, and 12-multiplex PCR for sexually transmitted diseases. Cross-correlation analysis in SPSS 27 compared the results of two conventional methods with vaginal microbial community analysis. R software generated box plots depicting the relative abundance of microorganisms. Network analysis was conducted using Cytoscape.

Results

Positive Ureaplasma urealyticum culture findings were observed in 60.2% of patients, with 76.4% positive for Ureaplasma parvum PCR and 13.2% positive for Ureaplasma urealyticum PCR. Mycoplasma hominis culture was positive only in two patients, while Mycoplasma hominis PCR was positive in eight women. Vaginal microbial community analysis identified significant differences in relative abundances of Gardnerella species type I and Fannyhessea vaginae between the Ureaplasma urealyticum PCR positive and negative groups. Mycoplasma hominis PCR positive patients exhibited significant differences in 11 bacterial species, including Gardnerella species I and Fannyhessea vaginae.

Conclusion

This study suggests that STD-PCR may be more accurate than Ureaplasma/Mycoplasma culture for the diagnosis of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infection. Also, the presence of Gardnerella species I and Fannyhessea vaginae implies their potential influences on Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis infections based on results of vaginal microbial community analysis. Therefore, vaginal microbial community analysis may give the more information of their pathophysiology.
Case Report: A giant right atrial appendage aneurysm in a child
Authors: Luo Yulan , Yuan Dou
Published: September 2024

Right atrial appendage aneurysm is an extremely rare cardiac anomaly. With unclear etiology, there is still no standard treatment method. Clinical symptoms and complications are important indicators for surgical resection. A 2-year-old boy without obvious cardiac symptoms was diagnosed with a giant right atrial outpouching arising from the right atrial appendage by computed tomography. The right atrial outpouching measured approximately 95 × 43 mm. Due to its large size and potential impact on function of right atrium and ventricle, the aneurysm was resected in surgery. During the surgery a 105 × 55 mm noncontractile cystic structure was found locating on the right anterior side of the right atrium. No other abnormalities like intracavity thrombus were detected. The patient was discharged five days after surgery. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.
Surgical treatment of anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the descending aorta in a teenager: a case report
Authors: Guo Fuzheng , Zhang Simeng , Du Zhe , Tai Jing , Pei Fengbo , Shi Yi
Published: September 2024

Anomalous origin of one pulmonary artery (AOPA) is a rare congenital heart disease whose symptoms often occur in infancy, and patients have little chance of surviving into adulthood without timely treatments. AOPA is more frequent in infants and toddlers rather than in adults, and it accounts for only 0.12% of all congenital heart disease cases. In all AOPA cases, the right pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta remains common. This study reported a case with anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery (AOLPA) from the descending aorta in a teenager who underwent double-incision surgery of median sternotomy and left lateral thoracotomies with favorable outcomes.
Etiological stratification and prognostic assessment of haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis by machine learning on onco-mNGS data and clinical data
Authors: Wu Lin , Cao Xuefang , Wang Jingshi , Kong Qi , Hu Junxia , Shi Lin , Dou Liurui , Song Deli , Chen Leilei , Zhou Mengyuan , Liu Huan , Ren Ruotong , Wang Zhao
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, complicated and life threatening hyperinflammatory syndrome that maybe triggered by various infectious agents, malignancies and rheumatologic disorders. Early diagnosis and identification of the cause is essential to initiate appropriate treatment and improve the quality of life and survival of patients. The recently developed Onco-mNGS technology can be successfully used for simultaneous detection of infections and tumors.

Methods

In the present study, 92 patients with clinically confirmed HLH were etiologically subtyped for infection, tumor and autoimmunity based on CNV and microbial data generated by Onco-mNGS technology, and a predictive model was developed and validated for the differential diagnosis of the underlying disease leading to secondary HLH. Furthermore, the treatment outcomes of patients with HLH triggered by EBV infection and non-EBV infection were evaluated, respectively.

Results

The current study demonstrated that the novel Onco-mNGS can identify the infection and malignancy- related triggers among patients with secondary HLH. A random forest classification model based on CNV profile, infectious pathogen spectrum and blood microbial community was developed to better identify the different HLH subtypes and determine the underlying triggers. The prognosis for treatment of HLH patients is not only associated with CNV, but also with the presence of pathogens and non- pathogens in peripheral blood. Higher CNV burden along with frequent deletions on chromosome 19, higher pathogen burden and lower non-pathogenic microbes were prognosis factors that significantly related with unfavorable treatment outcomes.

Discussion

Our study provided comprehensive knowledge in the triggers and prognostic predictors of patients with secondary HLH, which may help early diagnosis and appropriate targeted therapy, thus improving the survival and prognosis of the patients.
Prognostic model for predicting recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with high systemic immune-inflammation index based on machine learning in a multicenter study
Authors: Lu Ningning , Sheng Shugui , Xiong Yiqi , Zhao Chuanren , Qiao Wenying , Ding Xiaoyan , Chen Jinglong , Zhang Yonghong
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study aims to use machine learning to conduct in-depth analysis of key factors affecting the recurrence of HCC patients with high preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) levels after receiving ablation treatment, and based on this, construct a nomogram model for predicting recurrence-free survival (RFS) of patients.

Methods

This study included clinical data of 505 HCC patients who underwent ablation therapy at Beijing You’an Hospital from January 2014 to January 2020, and accepted 65 HCC patients with high SII levels from Beijing Ditan Hospital as an external validation cohort. 505 patients from Beijing You’an Hospital were divided into low SII and high SII groups based on the optimal cutoff value of SII scores. The high SII group was further randomly divided into training and validation cohorts in a 7:3 ratio. eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), random survival forest (RSF), and multivariate Cox regression analysis, were used to explore the factors affecting the post-ablation RFS of HCC patients. Based on the identified key factors, a nomogram model were developed to predict RFS in HCC patients, and their performance were evaluated using the concordance index (C index), receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The optimal cutoff value for nomogram scores was used to divide patients into low- and high-risk groups, and the effectiveness of the model in risk stratification was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves.

Results

This study confirmed that age, BCLC stage, tumor number, and GGT level were independent risk factors affecting RFS in HCC patients. Based on the selected risk factors, an RFS nomogram was successfully constructed. The C-index, ROC curve, calibration curve, and DCA curve each demonstrated the discrimination, accuracy, and decision-making utility of the nomogram, indicating that it has good predictive performance. KM curve revealed the nomogram could significantly differentiate patient populations with different recurrence risk.

Conclusion

We developed a reliable nomogram that can accurately predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year RFS for HCC patients with high SII levels following ablation therapy.
Novel platform for engineering stable and effective vaccines against botulinum neurotoxins A, B and E
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Xiaoyu , Chen Weiwei , Yu Yunzhou , Meng Jianghui , Wang Jiafu
Published: September 2024

Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT), produced by Clostridium botulinum, is the most toxic protein known, capable of causing severe paralysis and posing a significant bioterrorism threat due to its extreme lethality even in minute quantities. Despite this, there are currently no FDA-approved vaccines for widespread public use. To address this urgent need, we have developed an innovative vaccine platform by fusing the neuronal binding domain of BoNT/E (Hc/E) with core-streptavidin (CS), resulting in a stable CS-Hc/E vaccine. Mice vaccinated with CS-Hc/E exhibited superior antibody titers compared to those receiving Hc/E alone. To develop a trivalent vaccine against BoNT/A, BoNT/B, and BoNT/E— key contributors to the vast majority of human botulism—we conjugated CS-Hc/E with a biotinylated atoxic chimeric protein incorporating neutralizing epitopes from BoNT/A and BoNT/B. This chimeric protein includes the binding domain of BoNT/A, along with the protease-inactive light chain and translocation domains of BoNT/B. The interaction between CS and biotin formed a stable tetrameric antigen, EBA. Vaccination with EBA in mice elicited robust antibody responses and provided complete protection against lethal doses of BoNT/A, BoNT/B, and BoNT/E. Our findings highlight EBA’s potential as a stable and effective broad-spectrum vaccine against BoNT. Moreover, our technology offers a versatile platform for developing multivalent, stable vaccines targeting various biological threats by substituting the BoNT domain(s) with neutralizing epitopes from other life-threatening pathogens, thereby enhancing public health preparedness and biodefense strategies.
The influence of urban environmental effects on the orchard soil microbial community structure and function: a case study in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Dai Rongchen , Jin Cuixiang , Xiao Meng
Published: September 2024

The urban environmental effects can have multifaceted impacts on the orchard soil microbial community structure and function. To specifically study these effects, we investigated the soil bacterial and fungal community in the laxly managed citrus orchards using amplicon sequencing. Ascomycota demonstrated significant dominance within the citrus orchard soils. The increased presence of beneficial Trichoderma spp. (0.3%) could help suppress plant pathogens, while the elevated abundance of potential pathogenic fungi, such as Fusarium spp. (0.4%), might raise the likelihood of disorders like root rot, thereby hindering plant growth and resulting in reduced yield. Moreover, we observed significant differences in the alpha and beta diversity of bacterial communities between urban and rural soils (p < 0.001). Environmental surveys and functional prediction of bacterial communities suggested that urban transportation factors and rural waste pollution were likely contributing to these disparities. When comparing bacterial species in urban and rural soils, Bacillus spp. exhibited notable increases in urban areas. Bacillus spp. possess heavy metal tolerance attributed to the presence of chromium reductase and nitroreductase enzymes involved in the chromium (VI) reduction pathway. Our findings have shed light on the intricate interplay of urban environmental effects and root systems, both of which exert influence on the soil microbiota. Apart from the removal of specific pollutants, the application of Bacillus spp. to alleviate traffic pollution, and the use of Trichoderma spp. for plant pathogen suppression were considered viable solutions. The knowledge acquired from this study can be employed to optimize agricultural practices, augment citrus productivity, and foster sustainable agriculture.
The use of thermostable fluorescent proteins for live imaging in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius
Authors: Recalde Alejandra , Abdul-Nabi Jasmin , Junker Pierre , van der Does Chris , Elsässer Jana , van Wolferen Marleen , Albers Sonja-Verena
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Among hyperthermophilic organisms, in vivo protein localization is challenging due to the high growth temperatures that can disrupt proper folding and function of mostly mesophilic-derived fluorescent proteins. While protein localization in the thermophilic model archaeon S. acidocaldarius has been achieved using antibodies with fluorescent probes in fixed cells, the use of thermostable fluorescent proteins for live imaging in thermophilic archaea has so far been unsuccessful. Given the significance of live protein localization in the field of archaeal cell biology, we aimed to identify fluorescent proteins for use in S. acidocaldarius.

Methods

We expressed various previously published and optimized thermostable fluorescent proteins along with fusion proteins of interest and analyzed the cells using flow cytometry and (thermo-) fluorescent microscopy.

Results

Of the tested proteins, thermal green protein (TGP) exhibited the brightest fluorescence when expressed in Sulfolobus cells. By optimizing the linker between TGP and a protein of interest, we could additionally successfully fuse proteins with minimal loss of fluorescence. TGP-CdvB and TGP-PCNA1 fusions displayed localization patterns consistent with previous immunolocalization experiments.

Discussion

These initial results in live protein localization in S. acidocaldarius at high temperatures, combined with recent advancements in thermomicroscopy, open new avenues in the field of archaeal cell biology. This progress finally enables localization experiments in thermophilic archaea, which have so far been limited to mesophilic organisms.
Unveiling wheat growth promotion potential of phosphate solubilizing Pantoea agglomerans PS1 and PS2 through genomic, physiological, and metagenomic characterizations
Authors: Sharma Pinki , Pandey Rajesh , Chauhan Nar Singh
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Phosphorus is an abundant element in the earth’s crust and is generally found as complex insoluble conjugates. Plants cannot assimilate insoluble phosphorus and require external supplementation as chemical fertilizers to achieve a good yield. Continuous use of fertilizers has impacted soil ecology, and a sustainable solution is needed to meet plant elemental requirements. Phosphate solubilizing microbes could enhance phosphorus bioavailability for better crop production and can be employed to attain sustainable agriculture practices.

Methods

The current study unveils the biofertilizer potential of wheat rhizospheric bacteria through physiological, taxonomic, genomic, and microbiomics experimentations.

Results and Discussion

Culture-dependent exploration identified phosphate-solubilizing PS1 and PS2 strains from the wheat rhizosphere. These isolates were rod-shaped, gram-negative, facultative anaerobic bacteria, having optimum growth at 37°C and pH 7. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic characterization revealed their taxonomic affiliation as Pantoea agglomerans subspecies PS1 & PS2. Both isolates exhibited good tolerance against saline (>10% NaCl (w/v), >11.0% KCl (w/v), and >6.0% LiCl (w/v)), oxidizing (>5.9% H2O2 (v/v)) conditions. PS1 and PS2 genomes harbor gene clusters for biofertilization features, root colonization, and stress tolerance. PS1 and PS2 showed nitrate reduction, phosphate solubilization, auxin production, and carbohydrate utilization properties. Treatment of seeds with PS1 and PS2 significantly enhanced seed germination percentage (p = 0.028 and p = 0.008, respectively), number of tillers (p = 0.0018), number of leaves (p = 0.0001), number of spikes (p = 0.0001) and grain production (p = 0.0001). Wheat rhizosphere microbiota characterizations indicated stable colonization of PS1 and PS2 strains in treated seeds at different feek stages. Pretreatment of seeds with both strains engineered the wheat rhizosphere microbiota by recruiting plant growth-promoting microbial groups. In vitro, In vivo, and microbiota characterization studies indicated the biofertilizer potential of Pantoea sp. PS1 & PS2 to enhance wheat crop production. The employment of these strains could fulfill plant nutrient requirements and be a substitute for chemical fertilizers for sustainable agriculture.
The Gly103Arg variant in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis
Authors: Xiong Yihan , Qu Gongcheng , Lu Xiaoyu , Chang Xin , Zhang Miaoping , Liang Jiantang , Lin Kexing , Zhao Xiaoman , Fu Xuejun , Huang Ying , Xu Qianhui
Published: September 2024

Background

Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is an autosomal dominant inherited systematic disease primarily affecting the peripheral and autonomic nervous system, heart, eyes and kidney. Over 140 variants have been identified worldwide, with the Gly103Arg variant reported exclusively in China. This variant is characterized by early onset eye manifestations, making accurate and timely diagnosis difficult. Therefore, we conducted a case study and literature review to investigate the clinical characteristics of the Gly103Arg variant in hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.

Methods

We identified three patients and an asymptomatic carrier in a four-generation family by sequencing the TTR gene. The proband underwent a lumbar puncture, electromyography, abdominal fat biopsy, among other tests. Case reports of Gly103Arg variant were retrieved through a literature search for an analysis of clinical characteristics.

Results

The study included clinical data of 44 patients. Our literature review collected data on 41 patients and the present report supplied 3 patients with the Gly103Arg variant. The mean age at onset was 39.1 ± 4.27 years (range 30–47 years) with a female ratio of 52.3%. All cases were reported in China, predominantly in southern regions, especially Yunan and Guizhou Provinces. The initial manifestation was blurred vision, except for one case presenting with numbness in the upper extremities. All of them had vitreous opacity; 17 cases had peripheral neuropathy,6 cases had autonomic neuropathy, and 3 cases had cardiopathy. No disease-related deaths have been reported to date.

Conclusion

The Gly103Arg variant is unique to the Chinese population, frequently occurring in southern China. The main clinical manifestations are blurred vision, vitreous opacity, and neuropathy, with cardiopathy being rare. ATTRv should be considered if a patient diagnosed with CIDP does not respond to related therapy. Abdominal fat biopsy is a convenient and accurate diagnostic method.
Light-weight neural network for intra-voxel structure analysis
Authors: Aguayo-González Jaime F. , Ehrlich-Lopez Hanna , Concha Luis , Rivera Mariano
Published: September 2024

We present a novel neural network-based method for analyzing intra-voxel structures, addressing critical challenges in diffusion-weighted MRI analysis for brain connectivity and development studies. The network architecture, called the Local Neighborhood Neural Network, is designed to use the spatial correlations of neighboring voxels for an enhanced inference while reducing parameter overhead. Our model exploits these relationships to improve the analysis of complex structures and noisy data environments. We adopt a self-supervised approach to address the lack of ground truth data, generating signals of voxel neighborhoods to integrate the training set. This eliminates the need for manual annotations and facilitates training under realistic conditions. Comparative analyses show that our method outperforms the constrained spherical deconvolution (CSD) method in quantitative and qualitative validations. Using phantom images that mimic in vivo data, our approach improves angular error, volume fraction estimation accuracy, and success rate. Furthermore, a qualitative comparison of the results in actual data shows a better spatial consistency of the proposed method in areas of real brain images. This approach demonstrates enhanced intra-voxel structure analysis capabilities and holds promise for broader application in various imaging scenarios.
Knowledge mapping of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Jiao Yue , Liu Zaichao , Li Juan , Su Yan , Chen Xianwen
Published: September 2024

Objective

Among the disturbing motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD), freezing of gait (FOG) stands out as one of the most severe challenges. It typically arises during the initiation of gait or when turning. This phenomenon not only impose a heavy burden on patients, but also on their families. We conduct a bibliometric analysis to summarize current research hotspots and trends concerning freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease (PD-FOG) over past two decades.

Methods

We retrieved articles and reviews published in English about PD-FOG in the Web of science Core Collection database from 2000 to 2023 on November 30,2023. The tools VOSviewer and CiteSpace facilitated a visual analysis covering various aspects such as publications, countries/regions, organizations, authors, journals, cited references, and keywords.

Result

This study includes 1,340 articles from 64 countries/regions. There is a growth in publications related to PD-FOG over the past two decades, maintaining a stable high output since 2018, indicating a promising research landscape in the field of PD-FOG. The United States holds a leading position in this field, with Nieuwboer A and Giladi N being two of the most influential researchers. Over the past two decades, the research hotspots for PD-FOG have primarily encompassed the kinematic characteristics, diagnosis and detection, cognitive deficits and neural connectivity, as well as therapy and rehabilitation of PD-FOG. Topics including functional connectivity, virtual reality, deep learning and machine learning will be focal points of future research.

Conclusion

This is the first bibliometric analysis of PD-FOG. We construct this study to summarize the research in this field over past two decades, visually show the current hotspots and trends, and offer scholars in this field concepts and strategies for subsequent studies.
Machine learning-based nomogram for distinguishing between supratentorial extraventricular ependymoma and supratentorial glioblastoma
Authors: Chen Ling , Chen Weijiao , Tang Chuyun , Li Yao , Wu Min , Tang Lifang , Huang Lizhao , Li Rui , Li Tao
Published: September 2024

Objective

To develop a machine learning-based nomogram for distinguishing between supratentorial extraventricular ependymoma (STEE) and supratentorial glioblastoma (GBM).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis on MRI datasets obtained from 140 patients who were diagnosed with STEE (n=48) and GBM (n=92) from two institutions. Initially, we compared seven different machine learning algorithms to determine the most suitable signature (rad-score). Subsequently, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant clinical predictors that can differentiate between STEE and GBM. Finally, we developed a nomogram by visualizing the rad-score and clinical features for clinical evaluation.

Results

The TreeBagger (TB) outperformed the other six algorithms, yielding the best diagnostic efficacy in differentiating STEE from GBM, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.735 (95% CI: 0.625-0.845) and 0.796 (95% CI: 0.644-0.949) in the training set and test set. Furthermore, the nomogram incorporating both the rad-score and clinical variables demonstrated a robust predictive performance with an accuracy of 0.787 in the training set and 0.832 in the test set.

Conclusion

The nomogram could serve as a valuable tool for non-invasively discriminating between STEE and GBM.
Outcomes of infants with birthweights less than 501 g compared to infants weighing 501–750 g at a center utilizing first intention high frequency jet ventilation
Authors: Elgin Timothy G. , Berger Jennifer N. , Kaluarachchi Dinushan C. , Dagle John M. , Thomas Brady , Colaizy Tarah T. , Klein Jonathan M.
Published: September 2024

Background

Data on clinical outcomes of infants with birthweights less than 501 g (ELBW<501) are limited.

Objective

To evaluate management strategies and clinical outcomes of ELBW<501infants compared to infants weighing 501–750 g (ELBW501–750).

Methods

A retrospective study of all ELBW<501 and ELBW501–750 infants born between 2012 and 2022 at a center utilizing first intention high frequency jet ventilation was performed. Patient characteristics, clinical and outcome data were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 358 infants (92 ELBW<501 infants and 266 ELBW501–750) were included. The survival rate for the ELBW<501 group was 60.9% compared to 86.5% for ELBW501–750. ELBW<501 infants required more frequent use of 2.0 mm endotracheal tubes, required higher FiO2 and longer duration of mechanical ventilation. Compared to ELBW501–750 group, the ELBW<501 group were more likely to be SGA (68.2% vs. 16.5%) and more premature (23.2 vs. 24.3 weeks) with lower survival, longer length of stay, higher incidence of ROP and lower weight at discharge but comparable rates of IVH, grade 3 BPD, discharged on supplemental oxygen, and tracheostomy.

Conclusion

ELBW<501 infants are at risk for significant morbidity and mortality. However, with specialized obstetric and neonatal care, survival rates of 60% are possible with respiratory outcomes comparable to ELBW501–750 infants. However, the increased risk of severe ROP for ELBW<501 requiring either surgical or medical intervention is concerning and warrants optimal surveillance.
Unraveling the regulatory cell death pathways in gastric cancer: a multi-omics study
Authors: Sun Jiazheng , Rao Lixiang , Zhou Sirui , Zeng Yulan , Sun Yalu
Published: September 2024

Gastric cancer (GC) is a prevalent form of cancer worldwide and has a high death rate, with less than 40% of patients surviving for 5 years. GC demonstrates a vital characteristic of evading regulatory cell death (RCD). However, the extent to which RCD patterns are clinically significant in GC has not been well investigated. The study created a regulatory cell death index (RCDI) signature by employing 101 machine-learning algorithms. These algorithms were based on the expression files of 1292 GC patients from 6 multicenter cohorts. RCDI is a reliable and robust determinant of the likelihood of surviving in general. Furthermore, the precision of RCDI surpasses that of the 20 signatures that have been previously disclosed. The presence of RCDI signature is closely linked to immunological characteristics, such as the infiltration of immune cells, the presence of immunotherapy markers, and the activation of immune-related functions. This suggests that there is a higher level of immune activity in cases with RCDI signature. Collectively, the use of RCDI has the potential to be a strong and encouraging method for enhancing the clinical results of individual individuals with GC.
New method for the investigation of mode coupling in graded-index polymer photonic crystal fibers using the Langevin stochastic differential equation
Authors: Savović Svetislav , Djordjevich Alexandar , Aidinis Konstantinos , Chen Chen , Min Rui
Published: September 2024

The mode coupling in a graded-index polymer photonic crystal fiber (GI PPCF) with a solid core has been investigated using the Langevin equation. Based on the computer-simulated Langevin force, the Langevin equation is numerically integrated. The numerical solutions of the Langevin equation align with those of the time-independent power flow equation (TI PFE). We showed that by solving the Langevin equation, which is a stochastic differential equation, one can successfully treat a mode coupling in GI PPCFs, which is an intrinsically stochastic process. We demonstrated that, in terms of effectiveness, the Langevin equation is preferable compared to the TI PFE. The GI PPCF achieves the equilibrium mode distribution (EMD) at a coupling length that is even shorter than the conventional GI plastic optical fiber (POF). The application of multimode GI PCFs in communications and optical fiber sensor systems will benefit from these findings.
Cognitive activity significantly affects the dynamic cerebral autoregulation, but not the dynamic vasoreactivity, in healthy adults
Authors: Rizko Jasmin M. , Beishon Lucy C. , Panerai Ronney B. , Marmarelis Vasilis Z.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Neurovascular coupling (NVC) is an important mechanism for the regulation of cerebral perfusion during intensive cognitive activity. Thus, it should be examined in terms of its effects on the regulation dynamics of cerebral perfusion and its possible alterations during cognitive impairment. The dynamic dependence of continuous changes in cerebral blood velocity (CBv), which can be measured noninvasively using transcranial Doppler upon fluctuations in arterial blood pressure (ABP) and CO2 tension, using end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) as a proxy, can be quantified via data-based dynamic modeling to yield insights into two key regulatory mechanisms: the dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) and dynamic vasomotor reactivity (DVR), respectively.

Methods

Using the Laguerre Expansion Technique (LET), this study extracted such models from data in supine resting vs cognitively active conditions (during attention, fluency, and memory tasks from the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination III, ACE-III) to elucidate possible changes in dCA and DVR due to cognitive stimulation of NVC. Healthy volunteers (n = 39) were recruited at the University of Leicester and continuous measurements of CBv, ABP, and EtCO2 were recorded.

Results

Modeling analysis of the dynamic ABP-to-CBv and CO2-to-CBv relationships showed significant changes in dCA, but not DVR, under cognitively active conditions compared to resting state.

Discussion

Interpretation of these changes through Principal Dynamic Mode (PDM) analysis is discussed in terms of possible associations between stronger NVC stimulation during cognitive tasks and enhanced sympathetic activation.
Classification of tomato seedling chilling injury based on chlorophyll fluorescence imaging and DBO-BiLSTM
Authors: Dong Zhenfen , Zhao Jing , Ji Wenwen , Wei Wei , Men Yuheng
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Tomatoes are sensitive to low temperatures during their growth process, and low temperatures are one of the main environmental limitations affecting plant growth and development in Northeast China. Chlorophyll fluorescence imaging technology is a powerful tool for evaluating the efficiency of plant photosynthesis, which can detect and reflect the effects that plants are subjected to during the low temperature stress stage, including early chilling injury.

Methods

This article primarily utilizes the chlorophyll fluorescence image set of tomato seedlings, applying the dung beetle optimization (DBO) algorithm to enhance the deep learning bidirectional long short term memory (BiLSTM) model, thereby improving the accuracy of classification prediction for chilling injury in tomatoes. Firstly, the proportion of tomato chilling injury areas in chlorophyll fluorescence images was calculated using a threshold segmentation algorithm to classify tomato cold damage into four categories. Then, the features of each type of cold damage image were filtered using SRCC to extract the data with the highest correlation with cold damage. These data served as the training and testing sample set for the BiLSTM model. Finally, DBO algorithm was applied to enhance the deep learning BiLSTM model, and the DBO-BiLSTM model was proposed to improve the prediction performance of tomato seedling category labels.

Results

The results showed that the DBO-BiLSTM model optimized by DBO achieved an accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score with an average of over 95%.

Discussion

Compared to the original BiLSTM model, these evaluation parameters improved by 9.09%, 7.02%, 9.16%, and 8.68%, respectively. When compared to the commonly used SVM classification model, the evaluation parameters showed an increase of 6.35%, 7.33%, 6.33%, and 6.5%, respectively. This study was expected to detect early chilling injury through chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, achieve automatic classification and labeling of cold damage data, and lay a research foundation for in-depth research on the cold damage resistance of plants themselves and exploring the application of deep learning classification methods in precision agriculture.
Problem perception and problem regulation during online collaborative learning: what is important for successful collaboration?
Authors: Greisel Martin , Spang Laura , Fett Kerstin , Kollar Ingo
Published: September 2024

Background

University students frequently prepare for exams or presentations in self-organized study groups. For this purpose, they often use videoconferencing software. During their collaboration, they need to regulate emerging problems to ensure effective learning. We suppose that regulation is facilitated when (1) the group perceives their regulation problems homogeneously, (2) they choose regulation strategies that have the potential to solve the problems immediately, and (3) they execute these strategies with sufficient intensity.

Aims

We investigated which problems occur during online collaborative learning via videoconferencing and how homogeneity of problem perceptions, immediacy of the chosen strategies, and intensity of strategy use are related to regulation success.

Sample

University students (N = 222) from two lectures in pre-service teacher education and educational sciences in 99 study groups.

Methods

Students collaborated in a self-organized manner, that is, without a teacher present, to study the material of one lecture using videoconferencing software. After the collaboration, group members rated, individually, the intensity of different problems during collaboration, reported which strategies they used to overcome their biggest problem, and rated the success of their problem regulation, their satisfaction with their collaboration, as well as their learning gain. In addition, they answered a knowledge test.

Results

We found that most students rated technical issues as their biggest problem. Multilevel modeling showed that homogeneous problem perception moderated by problem intensity—contrary to immediate and intensive strategy use—predicted successful problem regulation and satisfaction with the collaboration but not knowledge gain. Case analyses illustrate the assumed mechanism that a homogeneous problem perception facilitates socially shared regulation.

Conclusion

We conclude that even in only slightly structured learning contexts, students might only need to jointly identify their problems, whereas the best possible regulation of these problems seems less relevant. Therefore, training students to foster regulation competencies might prioritize identifying problems.
Under the influence: exogenous testosterone influences men’s cross-sex perceptions of sexual interest
Authors: Goetz Stefan M. M. , Lucas Todd , Carré Justin M.
Published: September 2024

The sexual misperception bias is a cognitive bias in which men tend to overestimate sexual interest from women, potentially shaped by evolutionary mating strategies. Testosterone, often linked to mating behaviors, might play a role in sustaining sexual overperceptions. To explore this possibility, we conducted a placebo-controlled study with 190 heterosexual men, administering either 11 mg of testosterone or a placebo. Participants interacted with an attractive female confederate, while naïve raters assessed the confederate’s affiliative behaviors. Our findings suggest that exogenous testosterone did not broadly impact sexual overperception. However, we found that affiliative behavior from the confederate was positively correlated with perceived sexual interest among testosterone-treated, but not placebo-treated men. In addition, we found that this effect among testosterone-treated men was contingent on their self-perceived attractiveness. Specifically, the confederate’s affiliative behaviors were positively correlated with perceived sexual interest, but only for testosterone-treated men with average or above average self-perceived attractiveness. Furthermore, our data revealed that men’s tendency to project their own short-term and long-term mating interests increases as a function of self-perceived attractiveness, and this coupling is enhanced by testosterone for long-term interest. Taken together, these results suggest that testosterone may potentiate existing biases, particularly when sexual motivation is high, and bias perceptions of friendly behavior when engaging in cross-sex mindreading. This study adds to the understanding of the neuroendocrine bases of social cognition, suggesting that testosterone can affect men’s perceptions of potential mates.
Does environmental regulation truly enhance corporate green environmental investment? Evidence from the supervision of independent directors in listed companies
Authors: Wang Chao , Wang Feifei , Jiang Ping
Published: September 2024

With the increasingly prominent environmental issues in China, the government and citizens alike have intensified their focus on corporate investments in green environmental protection. Nevertheless, as government regulations become more stringent, there is substantial debate over whether environmental regulatory policies can consistently encourage listed companies to increase green environmental investments. Simultaneously, independent board supervision plays a crucial role in promoting the compliance and sustainability of listed companies regarding environmental protection. This paper selected a sample of 246 Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2019, and used a fixed effects model to examine the impact of environmental regulation on the environmental investment of listed companies in China. Moreover, we used a mediation effect model to analyze the role of independent director supervision in influencing the relationship between environmental regulation and companies’ green environmental investment. Additionally, we discuss the heterogeneous impact of environmental regulations on corporate environmental investments. Our findings are as follows: first, during the sample period, the tightening of environmental regulations significantly reduces the growth of environmental investment among the studied firms. As government environmental regulatory policies gradually intensify, the negative impact on environmental investments by listed companies becomes increasingly evident. Second, independent directors help alleviate the adverse impacts of environmental regulations on the environmental investment levels of listed companies. This suggests that the inclusion of independent directors in board governance plays a role in assessing government environmental regulatory policies and overseeing corporate decisions related to environmental investment. Lastly, the heterogeneity analysis indicates that environmental regulation significantly negatively impacts the environmental investment of listed companies in pollution-intensive industries and those located in the western regions. Furthermore, environmental regulatory policies impose greater constraints on the environmental investments of small-sized listed companies compared to their large-sized counterparts.
Exploring the interplay of parenting styles, basic empathy, domestic violence, and bystander behavior in adolescent school bullying: a moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Zhong Lujie , Ying Yutong , Zeng Chunni , Li Jiaying , Li Yun
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study investigates how parental styles, basic empathy, and family violence influence adolescents’ bystander behaviors in school bullying.

Methods

A survey was conducted with 1,067 students from three middle schools in southern China. Multifactor logistic regression and a moderated mediation model were employed to analyze the relationships between positive and negative parental styles, basic empathy, and bystander behaviors.

Results

The study found significant correlations and predictive relationships: Positive parental styles were strongly associated with increased basic empathy (r = 0.29, p < 0.01) and behaviors that protect victims (r = 0.29, p < 0.01). In contrast, negative parental styles correlated positively with behaviors that support bullying (r = 0.12, p < 0.01) and instances of family violence (r = 0.62, p < 0.01). Basic empathy negatively predicted behaviors that promote bullying (β = -0.098, p < 0.01) and positively predicted protective behaviors toward victims (β = 0.249, p < 0.001). Furthermore, family violence weakened the positive effects of positive parental styles on both empathy (β = -0.075, p < 0.001) and protective behaviors (β = -0.025, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The findings indicate that positive parental styles indirectly promote adolescents’ victim protector behaviors by enhancing their basic empathy, underscoring the importance of emotional cultivation. Meanwhile, family violence weakens the positive impact of these parental styles on basic empathy and protective behaviors, harming adolescents’ emotional security and behavioral norms.
Causal effects of air pollutants on lung function and chronic respiratory diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Xuannian , Liu Suqi , Jiang Nan , Xu Fei , Liu Huaman , Jia Xinhua
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Our study aims to clarify the causality between air pollutants and lung function, chronic respiratory diseases, and the potential mediating effects of inflammatory proteins.

Method

We employed Mendelian Randomization (MR) analysis with comprehensive instrumental variables screening criteria to investigate the effects of air pollutants on lung function and chronic lung diseases. Our study incorporated genetic instruments for air pollutants, ensuring F-statistics above 20.86. A total of 18 MR analyses were conducted using the inverse-variance weighted approach, along with heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests to validate the results. Mediated MR analysis was utilized to evaluate the inflammatory proteins mediating the effects of air pollutants.

Result

MR analysis demonstrated significant causal interactions of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5), PM10, and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) with lung function decline. Specifically, PM10 negatively affected forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (OR: 0.934, 95% CI: 0.904–0.965, p = 4.27 × 10−5), forced vital capacity (FVC) (OR: 0.941, 95% CI: 0.910–0.972, p = 2.86 × 10−4), and FEV1/FVC (OR: 0.965, 95% CI: 0.934–0.998, p = 0.036). PM2.5 and NO2 were identified as potential risk factors for impairing FEV1 (OR: 0.936, 95% CI: 0.879–0.998, p = 0.042) and FEV1/FVC (OR: 0.943, 95% CI: 0.896–0.992, p = 0.024), respectively. For chronic respiratory diseases, PM2.5 and NO2 were associated with increased COPD incidence (OR: 1.273, 95% CI: 1.053–1.541, p = 0.013 for PM2.5; OR: 1.357, 95% CI: 1.165–1.581, p = 8.74 × 10−5 for NO2). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of these findings, with no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy detected.

Conclusion

Our study ascertained the causal correlations of air pollutants with lung function and COPD, emphasizing the importance of reducing air pollution. Interleukin-17A mediates the reduction of FEV1 and FVC by PM10, revealing potential therapeutic targets.
The impact of economic agglomeration on China’s urban public health
Authors: Wu Honghua , Li Chen
Published: September 2024

Introduction

This study aims to explore the impact of economic agglomeration on the urban prosperity through economies of scale and agglomeration, it may also affect the public health of the agglomeration area.

Methods

This paper takes 280 cities in China as the research object, and explores the impact of economic agglomeration on public health through a two-way fixed effects model, instrumental variable method, and generalized moment estimation.

Results

The results indicate that: (1) the improvement of China’s economic agglomeration can significantly promote urban public health, and economic agglomeration is a prerequisite for the improvement of urban public health, but there is no reverse causal relationship. (2) The enhancement of economic agglomeration in Northeast China has the greatest promotion effect on public health, followed by the eastern, western, and central regions; The economic agglomeration enhancement of the pilot medical group in closely connected cities has a greater promoting effect on public health than the pilot medical group in non-closely connected cities. (3) Empirical results based on micro sample data show that the improvement of economic agglomeration will also promote the increase of the number of public hospitals in cities.

Discussion

This study emphasizes the important role of economic accumulation in the improvement of urban public health and provides empirical support for future economic development policies and practices.