bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lactate: a rising star in tumors and inflammation
Authors: Liu Hui , Pan Mengmeng , Liu Mengxia , Zeng Lin , Li Yumeng , Huang Zhen , Guo Chunlei , Wang Hui
Published: November 2024

Lactate has been traditionally regarded as a mere byproduct of glycolysis or metabolic waste. However, an increasing body of literature suggests its critical role in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Lactate is generally associated with hypoxia, inflammation, viral infections, and tumors. It performs complex physiological roles by activating monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) or the G protein-coupled receptor GPR81 across the cell membrane. Lactate exerts immunosuppressive effects by regulating the functions of various immune cells (such as natural killer cells, T cells, dendritic cells, and monocytes) and its role in macrophage polarization and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) differentiation in the tumor microenvironment. Lactic acid has also recently been found to increase the density of CD8+ T cells, thereby enhancing the antitumor immune response. Acute or chronic inflammatory diseases have opposite immune states in the inflammatory disease microenvironment. Factors such as cell types, transcriptional regulators, ionic mediators, and the microenvironment all contribute to the diverse functions lactate exhibits. Herein, we reviewed the pleiotropic effects of lactate on the regulation of various functions of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment and under inflammatory conditions, which may help to provide new insights and potential targets for the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory diseases and malignancies.
Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 in cancer immunotherapy: function, prognostic biomarker and therapeutic potentials
Authors: Ren Ke , Hamdy Hayam , Meyiah Abdo , Elkord Eyad
Published: November 2024

Lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3) has emerged as a key immune checkpoint regulating immune responses in the context of cancer. The inhibitory effect of LAG-3-expressing T cells contributes to suppressing anti-tumor immunity and promoting tumor progression. This review discusses the function of LAG-3 in immune suppression, its interactions with ligands, and its potential as a prognostic biomarker for cancers. We also explore therapeutic strategies targeting LAG-3, including monoclonal antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and CAR T cells. This review summarizes the current preclinical and clinical studies on LAG-3, highlighting the potential of therapeutic regimens targeting LAG-3 to enhance antitumor immunity and improve patients’ outcomes. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the mechanism of action of LAG-3 and optimize its application in tumor therapy.
Study on mechanical properties of large deformation segmental cement-based honeycomb structure
Authors: Song Gang , Wang Ao , Hu Chengjun , Zhao Baofu , Jing Hongwen , Meng Bo , Yu Zixuan
Published: November 2024

Honeycomb structures provide a new means of controlling and supporting the tunnel envelope. However, traditional honeycomb structures have low strength and poor stability, and are prone to stress concentration and instability, further limiting their application in deep tunnel support projects. In this paper, a new type of segmental cementitious honeycomb structure is investigated, its performance under different loading rates is tested, and its application in deep large deformation tunnel support is discussed. Firstly, the honeycomb model was drawn and the honeycomb skeleton was prepared. Then, the cement suspension technique was optimised. Secondly, the effects of different loading rates on the performance of segmented cement-bonded honeycomb structures were investigated by laboratory experiments. The results show that when the loading rate is 3 mm/min, the structure has the maximum load capacity and the best energy absorption performance. It is worth noting that too fast or too slow loading rate will affect the performance of the structure. Finally, the damage mechanism of the segmented honeycomb structure was further investigated by using an acoustic emission system, and the acoustic emission characteristics showed that the segmented cementitious honeycomb structure firstly went through a relatively stable stage of microcrack development under the action of the loads in all bands, and then a large area of damage was observed in the top layer of the honeycomb skeleton when the peak load was reached, resulting in the collapse of the whole layer of the honeycomb structure, which led to the collapse of the whole layer of the honeycomb skeleton. This led to the collapse of the whole layer of the honeycomb structure and a significant decrease in the bearing capacity, which confirmed the layer-by-layer damage characteristics of segmental cementitious honeycomb structures. In addition, the RA-AF values show that the loading rate has little effect on the crack type, which is almost unchanged with the increase of loading rate. These studies verify the feasibility of using honeycomb structure to support roadway with fast deformation speed and large deformation. It is of great significance to guide the application of honeycomb structure in deep roadway support engineering.
Application of situational simulation based on the Mini-CEX and DOPS rating scales in urology clinical training
Authors: Xu Ben , Zhang Jia-en , Ye Lin , Yuan Chang-wei
Published: November 2024

Objective

The objective of the study was to investigate the application effect of scenario simulation teaching based on the Mini-Clinical Evaluation Exercise (Mini-CEX) and direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) rating scales in urology clinical apprenticeship training.

Materials and methods

A total of 32 students from the class of 2015–2017 who completed their traineeship in the Department of Urology of our hospital were selected and divided into a research group and a routine group. Routine teaching was implemented for the trainees in the control group, while situational simulation teaching based on the Mini-CEX and DOPS scoring scales was implemented for the trainees in the research group. The Mini-CEX and DOPS scores and student satisfaction were compared at the time of admission and discharge between the two groups.

Results

At the time of admission, there was no statistically significant difference between the Mini-CEX and DOPS scores of the two groups of trainees (p > 0.05). However, at the time of discharge, the Mini-CEX and DOPS scores of the trainees in the study group were 53.21 ± 4.52 and 81.23 ± 3.57, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the conventional group (p < 0.001), and the trainees in the study group’s satisfaction with teaching was (20.11 ± 2.31), which was significantly higher than that of the conventional group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Implementing scenario simulation teaching based on the Mini-CEX and DOPS rating scales in urology clinical traineeship can significantly improve trainees’ surgical skills while also leading to high levels of satisfaction with the teaching method.
Comparative metagenomics of microbial communities and resistome in southern farming systems: implications for antimicrobial stewardship and public health
Authors: Kilonzo-Nthenge Agnes , Rafiqullah Iftekhar , Netherland Michael , Nzomo Maureen , Mafiz Abdullah , Nahashon Samuel , Hasan Nur A.
Published: November 2024

Agricultural practices significantly influence microbial diversity and the distribution of virulence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, with implications for ecosystem health and food safety. This study used metagenomic sequencing to analyze 60 samples (30 per state) including water, soil, and manure (10 each) from Alabama (a mix of cattle and poultry sources) and Tennessee (primarily from cattle). The results highlighted a rich microbial diversity, predominantly comprising Bacteria (67%) and Viruses (33%), with a total of over 1,950 microbial species identified. The dominant bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, with the viral communities primarily represented by Phixviricota and Uroviricota. Distinct state-specific microbial profiles were evident, with Alabama demonstrating a higher prevalence of viral populations and unique bacterial phyla compared to Tennessee. The influence of environmental and agricultural practices was reflected in the microbial compositions: soil samples were notably rich in Actinobacteria, water samples were dominated by Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria, and manure samples from Alabama showed a predominance of Actinobacteria. Further analyses, including diversity assessment and enterotype clustering, revealed complex microbial structures. Tennessee showed higher microbial diversity and phylogenetic complexity across most sample types compared to Alabama, with poultry-related samples displaying distinct diversity trends. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) highlighted notable state-specific variations, particularly in manure samples. Differential abundance analysis demonstrated elevated levels of Deinococcus and Ligilactobacillus in Alabama, indicating regional effects on microbial distributions. The virulome analysis revealed a significant presence of virulence genes in samples from Alabama. The community resistome was extensive, encompassing 109 AMR genes across 18 antibiotic classes, with manure samples displaying considerable diversity. Ecological analysis of the interactions between AMR gene subtypes and microbial taxa revealed a sophisticated network, often facilitated by bacteriophages. These findings underscore the critical role of agricultural practices in shaping microbial diversity and resistance patterns, highlighting the need for targeted AMR mitigation strategies in agricultural ecosystems to protect both public health and environmental integrity.
Exploring the pathophysiological mechanisms and wet biomarkers of VPS13A disease
Authors: Lin Jingqi , Meng Hongmei , Shafeng Nilupaer , Li Jiaai , Sun Huaiyu , Yang Xi , Chen Zhiqing , Hou Shuai
Published: November 2024

VPS13A disease (also known as Chorea-Acanthocytosis, ChAc) is a representative subtype of the neuroacanthocytosis (NA) syndromes, characterized by neurodegeneration in the central nervous system and acanthocytosis in peripheral blood. It is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder caused by loss-of-function variants in the VPS13A gene, which is currently the only known pathogenic gene for ChAc. VPS13A protein is a member of novel bridge-like lipid transfer proteins family located at membrane contact sites, forming direct channels for lipid transport. The specific mechanism underlying how the loss of VPS13A function leads to the hematological and neurological phenotypes of the disease remains unclear. Here we present a review of recent studies on VPS13A protein and ChAc, focusing on the potential role of the VPS13A protein in pathophysiology of ChAc and also review the known and potential wet biomarkers of ChAc to enhance our comprehension of this rare disease.
Four-class ASME BCI: investigation of the feasibility and comparison of two strategies for multiclassing
Authors: Kojima Simon , Kanoh Shin'ichiro
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The ASME (stands for Auditory Stream segregation Multiclass ERP) paradigm is proposed and used for an auditory brain-computer interface (BCI). In this paradigm, a sequence of sounds that are perceived as multiple auditory streams are presented simultaneously, and each stream is an oddball sequence. The users are requested to focus selectively on deviant stimuli in one of the streams, and the target of the user attention is detected by decoding event-related potentials (ERPs). To achieve multiclass ASME BCI, the number of streams must be increased. However, increasing the number of streams is not easy because of a person's limited audible frequency range. One method to achieve multiclass ASME with a limited number of streams is to increase the target stimuli in a single stream.

Methods

Two approaches for the ASME paradigm, ASME-4stream (four streams with a single target stimulus in each stream) and ASME-2stream (two streams with two target stimuli in each stream) were investigated. Fifteen healthy subjects with no neurological disorders participated in this study. An electroencephalogram was acquired, and ERPs were analyzed. The binary classification and BCI simulation (detecting the target class of the trial out of four) were conducted with the help of linear discriminant analysis, and its performance was evaluated offline. Its usability and workload were also evaluated using a questionnaire.

Results

Discriminative ERPs were elicited in both paradigms. The average accuracies of the BCI simulations were 0.83 (ASME-4stream) and 0.86 (ASME-2stream). In the ASME-2stream paradigm, the latency and the amplitude of P300 were shorter and larger, the average binary classification accuracy was higher, and the average weighted workload was smaller.

Discussion

Both four-class ASME paradigms achieved a sufficiently high accuracy (over 80%). The shorter latency and larger amplitude of P300 and the smaller workload indicated that subjects could perform the task confidently and had high usability in ASME-2stream compared to ASME-4stream paradigm. A paradigm with multiple target stimuli in a single stream could create a multiclass ASME BCI with limited streams while maintaining task difficulty. These findings expand the potential for an ASME BCI multiclass extension, offering practical auditory BCI choices for users.
Long-term aerobic exercise improves learning memory capacity and effects on oxidative stress levels and Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 pathway in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Wang Shiyan , Zhou Ye , Wu Yucheng , Lang Yali , Mao Yajun , Pan Guoyuan , Gao Zhenzhen
Published: November 2024

Objective

To examine the effects of long-term aerobic exercise on oxidative stress and learning memory ability of APP/PS1 mice, focusing on the hippocampal Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 proteins.

Methods

Thirty APP/PS1 double transgenic AD mice were randomly divided into three groups: model group, short-term exercise group, and long-term exercise group, with 10 mice in each group. Male non-transgenic mice of the same age served as the control group. The groups underwent swimming training for 6 weeks and 12 weeks, respectively. After the intervention, cognitive abilities were assessed using the Morris water maze test. Hippocampal tissue samples were analyzed for changes in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. ROS expression was observed using dihydroethidium probe, and Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1, and GPX4 protein levels were detected by Western blot analysis.

Results

Aerobic exercise significantly reduced the escape latency and increased both the time spent in the target quadrant and the number crossing the platform compared to the model group (p < 0.05). In the hippocampus, aerobic exercise significantly reduced the MDA content, while significantly increased SOD activity (p < 0.05). The level of ROS in the hippocampal region was significantly reduced by aerobic exercise (p < 0.05), with decreased Keap1 protein expression of and increased Nrf2, HO-1, GPX4 protein expression (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Aerobic exercise enhances memory and learning abilities, improves cognitive function, and reduces the oxidative stress levels in the hippocampus of AD mice, which involves in the activation of Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 pathway.
Construction of a preoperative emotional state and postoperative intra-abdominal pressure based prediction model for early enteral feeding intolerance in postoperative patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Xu Yingying , Hu Qiongyuan , Pei Dandan , Zhang Yin , Zhu Huanhuan , Hui Yan , Guan Wenxian , Xu Meiling , Chen Li
Published: November 2024

Background

The incidence of enteral feeding intolerance (ENFI) in the early postoperative period is high in patients after gastric cancer resection due to the characteristics of surgical traumatic stress and changes in the physiological structure of the digestive tract, and the current evaluation of ENFI after gastric cancer resection mostly depends on the symptoms and complaints of patients after gastric cancer resection, which is lagging and subjective. Early accurate and objective prediction of the risk of early ENFI after gastric cancer resection is critical to guide clinical enteral nutrition practice.

Materials and methods

This study included 470 patients who underwent radical gastric cancer surgery at the Division of Gastric Surgery of a tertiary hospital in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, between November 2021 and October 2022. The patients were divided into a training set (n = 329) and a validation set (n = 141) in a 7:3 ratio. The predictors were first screened through Lasso regression. Subsequently, multifactorial logistic regression analysis was used to establish a model for predicting patients' early ENFI column charts after gastric cancer resection. Internal and external validation of the model were performed on the training set and validation set data, respectively, including plotting the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curves to assess the differentiation and calibration of the prediction model. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test was also used to assess the fit of the model.

Results

The incidence of early ENFI in postoperative patients with gastric cancer was 44.68% in the training set and 43.97% in the validation set. The final predictors entered into the model were enteral nutrition solution type (OR1 = 1.31/OR2 = 7.23), preoperative enteral nutrition pre-adaptation technique (OR = 0.29), surgical approach (OR = 2.21), preoperative Profile of Mood State-Short Form score (OR = 5.07), and intra-abdominal pressure (OR = 6.79). In the internal validation, the AUC was 0.836, the 95% CI ranged from 0.792 to 0.879, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed χ 2 = 4.368 and P = 0.737, the sensitivity was 0.775, and the specificity was 0.741. In the external validation, the AUC was 0.853, the 95% CI ranged from 0.788 to 0.919, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed χ2 = 13.740 and P = 0.089, the sensitivity was 0.785, and the specificity was 0.823.

Conclusions

The Nomogram model of early ENFI in postoperative patients with gastric cancer, constructed on the basis of Lasso-logistic regression, had good predictive efficacy and may serve as a reference for healthcare professionals to identify high-risk patients with early ENFI after gastrectomy.
Prognostic value of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio in patients with esophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Han Yongqi , Zheng Song , Chen Yijing
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To report the largest systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate prognostic value of lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR) in patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature retrieval via PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane until December, 2023 for studies which evaluated the prognostic value of LMR in patients with esophageal cancer. Outcomes measured were overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results

11 studies including 3,377 patients with esophageal cancer were included for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis demonstrated that OS (HR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.31; P = 0.003) and DFS (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.09, 2.01; P = 0.01) were significantly shorter in the low LMR group compared with the high LMR group. In addition, meta-analysis revealed a similar PFS (HR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.00, 2.51; P = 0.05) and RFS (HR: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.93, 1.46; P = 0.18) in the two groups. Subgroup analysis found that the predictive value of LMR for OS remained significant in resectable and unresectable esophageal cancers, and in studies with follow-up ≥24 months and < 24 months. Subgroup analysis based on treatment methods found that the prognostic value of LMR was significant for both patients who received PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and those who did not receive PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. However, subgroup analysis based on LMR threshold found that the significance remained in studies with LMR threshold<3.5 (HR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.13, 3.87; P = 0.02) but disappeared in studies with LMR threshold ≥ 3.5 (HR: 1.39; 95% CI: 0.93, 2.07; P = 0.11).

Conclusions

Low LMR is associated with poor prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer. Due to the simple availability and low cost of routine blood tests in clinical practice, LMR can be widely used to assess prognosis and construct risk prediction models for patients with esophageal cancer.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42024509796.
Case report: A rare case of renal tuberculosis combined with bladder cancer
Authors: Xiang Yang , Wen Zhou , Yang Meng , Lyu Han , Chen Zongyu , Yuan Dongbo , Zhu Jianguo
Published: November 2024

We report a case of renal tuberculosis combined with bladder cancer. The patient was a 57-year-old man with no history of tuberculosis who presented with hematuria and signs of urinary tract irritation. Computed tomography (CT) showed florid, bowel-filling calcifications at the level of the right renal hilum, multiple hyperdense shadows from the right renal pelvis to the ureter, and left pyelo-ureteral effusion. Enhanced CT showed localized protrusion and marked enhancement of bladder tissue. Blood TSPOT.TB was positive, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was increased, and urine Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA was negative. Cystoscopy showed an irregular bulge at the bladder neck opening, and pathological examination diagnosed high-grade papillary carcinoma of the uroepithelium. The diagnosis was tuberculosis of the right kidney and bladder tumor. The patient was re-visited due to anuria for 2 days and underwent emergency left percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) to improve the left kidney function. Given the potential for extensive infiltration into the muscular layer of the bladder tumor, a transurethral resection of the bladder tumor (TURBT) was advocated as an initial step to obtain tissue for diagnostic confirmation. Following this, a right nephrectomy and radical cystectomy to address the bladder cancer would have been performed. Nevertheless, the patient declined surgery due to the associated risks and succumbed to the illness 7 months post-follow-up. This is a rare case, and informed consent was obtained from the patient and her family.
Refractory hypokalemia and metabolic acidosis induced by undifferentiated connective tissue disease secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitors: a case report and literature review
Authors: Gu Yinfang , Yi Lilan , Zou Xiaofang , Guo Longhua , Wu Guowu , Zhao Jingjing
Published: November 2024

In the past, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) like camrelizumab have been associated with rheumatic immune-related adverse events (irAEs).To prevent serious adverse consequences, early diagnosis of rheumatic irAEs is crucial. A 40-year-old patient with malignant melanoma experienced severe hypokalemia and fatigue after 6 months of camrelizumab therapy, which was unresponsive to potassium chloride supplementation. Subsequently, the patient was diagnosed with refractory hypokalemia secondary to type I renal tubular acidosis (RTA). After treatment with potassium citrate and hydroxychloroquine, blood potassium, chloride, carbon dioxide binding capacity, and arterial blood gases returned to normal and the fatigue symptoms disappeared. However, severe hypokalemia and fatigue returned following resumption of camrelizumab therapy, and only resolved upon discontinuation and intensified symptomatic treatment. No recurrence of the condition was observed after camrelizumab was discontinued. Refractory hypokalemia and RTA were attributed to undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD), a rheumatic condition considered as an adverse event of camrelizumab. This case underscores the necessity of monitoring serum potassium levels during ICI therapy and the consideration of RTA and autoimmune diseases in cases of hypokalemia to prevent serious adverse consequences.
Recommendations for the effective use of T-cell–redirecting therapies: a Canadian consensus statement
Authors: Lancman Guido , Song Kevin , White Darrell , Crosbie Tina , Sharif Ismail , Emond Marianne , Saleem Raza Muhammad , Elias Martine , Kaedbey Rayan , Chu Michael P.
Published: November 2024

Background

T-cell–redirecting therapies, such as bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, exploit the cytotoxic capabilities of the immune system to destroy cells expressing specific surface antigens, including malignant cells. These therapies have demonstrated unprecedented rates, depth, and duration of responses in relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma. However, there are significant challenges in implementing these therapies into practice, which require multidisciplinary and multicenter coordination and significant healthcare resources to effectively manage these patients. So far, there are no Canadian guidelines for the effective implementation and use of T-cell–redirecting therapies.

Methods

This consensus statement was developed based on three advisory meetings held in March, July, and November 2023. During these meetings, a panel of Canadian subject matter experts and representation from Myeloma Canada gathered to discuss the optimal procedures for the use of T-cell–redirecting therapies in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Members of the panel performed a thorough review of randomized clinical trials, real-world data, and other current literature, and provided their up-to-date clinical experience with T-cell–redirecting therapies in Canadian practice settings. Subsequently, asynchronous working groups were appointed to develop unified criteria for patient selection, appraise referral pathways, and devise strategies for management of short-term and long-term adverse events arising from the use of T-cell–redirecting therapies in multiple myeloma.

Results

Here, we present recommendations for optimizing patient selection, referral pathways, and adverse event management in the Canadian practice setting. These recommendations are relevant for hematologists/oncologists, oncology nurses, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other providers who treat patients with multiple myeloma, as well as individuals with multiple myeloma and their care partners. These recommendations will be of interest to clinicians who treat patients with MM at community clinics and hospitals and who may be interested in referring patients for T-cell–redirecting therapy.
Tobacco production under global climate change: combined effects of heat and drought stress and coping strategies
Authors: Liu Ming , Liu Xianglu , Song Yuxiao , Hu Yanxia , Yang Chengwei , Li Juan , Jin Shuangzhen , Gu Kaiyuan , Yang Zexian , Huang Wenwu , Su Jiaen , Wang Longchang
Published: November 2024

With the intensification of global climate change, high-temperature and drought stress have emerged as critical environmental stressors affecting tobacco plants’ growth, development, and yield. This study provides a comprehensive review of tobacco’s physiological and biochemical responses to optimal temperature conditions and limited irrigation across various growth stages. It assesses the effects of these conditions on yield and quality, along with the synergistic interactions and molecular mechanisms associated with these stressors. High-temperature and drought stress induces alterations in both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant activities, lead to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and promote lipid peroxidation, all of which adversely impact physiological processes such as photosynthetic gas exchange, respiration, and nitrogen metabolism, ultimately resulting in reduced biomass, productivity, and quality. The interaction of these stressors activates novel plant defense mechanisms, contributing to exacerbated synergistic damage. Optimal temperature conditions enhance the activation of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and antioxidant-related genes at the molecular level. At the same time, water stress triggers the expression of genes regulated by both abscisic acid-dependent and independent signaling pathways. This review also discusses contemporary agricultural management strategies, applications of genetic engineering, and biotechnological and molecular breeding methods designed to mitigate adverse agroclimatic responses, focusing on enhancing tobacco production under heat and drought stress conditions.
College students’ psychology and behavior in the context of online public opinion: a cross-sectional study in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Chen Xiaoqing , Wu Qi , Yin Dehui
Published: November 2024

Background

With the rapid development of the Internet and the widespread use of social media, online public opinion has profoundly impacted the psychology and behavior of college students. College students are in a crucial stage of psychological development and self-awareness, making them highly sensitive to online information and easily influenced by online public opinion.

Methods

This study employed a cross-sectional design to explore the psychological adaptation and behavioral responses of college students to online public opinion. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 2,294 college students across four universities in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, using an online questionnaire administered via Questionnaire Star. The study utilized three well-established scales: the Belief in a Just World (BJW) Scale, the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Internet Altruistic Behavior (IAB) Scale. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 26.0, encompassing descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Any responses with missing or inconsistent data were excluded from the analysis, ensuring a final effective response rate of 95.7%.

Results

Among the 2,294 participants, 60.1% were female, 56.8% were from rural areas, and 57.4% were non-only children. Univariate analysis showed significant relationships between BJW scores and gender, family economic status, parents’ attitudes, relationships with classmates, and emotional responses to negative online content (p < 0.001). CD-RISC scores were significantly related to only child status, family economic status, parents’ attitudes, relationships with classmates, and emotional responses to negative online content (p < 0.05). IAB scores were significantly related to gender, grade level, family economic status, parents’ attitudes, relationships with classmates, and emotional responses to negative online content (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed significant associations among BJW, CD-RISC, and IAB. Multiple regression analysis identified key predictors for each scale, including gender, parents’ attitudes, relationships with classmates, emotional responses to negative online content, and various other factors (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In the context of online public opinion, targeted interventions by families and schools are needed to regulate the psychological and behavioral states of college students, promoting good mental health and positive behavior in the complex online environment.
A systematic comparison of intercultural and indigenous cultural dance education from a global perspective (2010–2024)
Authors: Liu Weishan , Xue Hanbing , Wang Zi Yi
Published: November 2024

Cultural dance fosters social cohesion, emotional well-being, creative thinking, and cultural identity by conveying cultural values and social meanings. However, systematic comparative research on cross-cultural and indigenous cultural dance education remains limited. This study, adopting a global perspective, examines the current applications, core issues, and educational strategies in this field. Through a systematic literature review and grounded theory approach, the research scrutinizes studies conducted from 2010 to 2024. The results show that intercultural research primarily focuses on multicultural exchange, cultural integration of immigrant groups, and cultural acceptance among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, highlighting the influence of intercultural adaptability and globalization. In contrast, indigenous cultural research emphasizes local culture and educational systems, with a particular focus on local cultural identity and educational reform. While both types of research reach a consensus on the importance of cultural transmission, diversity in teaching strategies, and the critical role of educators, significant differences remain in cultural identity and the design of educational content. Future research could concentrate on virtual dance education, innovation in indigenous cultures, the exploration of dance education’s role in mental health, and the deep integration of artificial intelligence into dance pedagogy. Furthermore, consideration of the potential impact of globalization and technological advancement on cultural identity and educational models will foster theoretical innovation and practical development in dance education.
Outpatient coordination reform improves the sustainability of China's Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance Fund
Authors: Lin Jingping , Yan Chengming , Wang Hanning , Xu Cong , Fan Weiqiang
Published: November 2024

This study aims to examine the impact of outpatient coordination reform (OCR) on the sustainability of the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) pooling fund. Using an employee medical insurance pooling fund model, we found that, without OCR, the fund will face current deficits by 2024 and cumulative deficits by 2033. However, with the “partial outpatient coordination reform,” offering 50 or 75.6% reimbursement rates, the onset of cumulative deficits is delayed by 11 and 8 years, respectively. In contrast, implementing the “complete outpatient coordination reform” with 50 or 75.6% reimbursement rates ensures a positive cumulative balance until 2050. In conclusion, OCR not only strengthens the mutual assistance function of medical insurance but also ensures the sustainability of the insurance fund. Therefore, it is advisable to implement and refine these policies promptly to reduce the financial burden on the UEBMI pooling fund.
Gradient boosting-based classification of interactome hub genes in periimplantitis with periodontitis – an integrated bioinformatic approach
Authors: Yadalam Pradeep Kumar , Sharma Sarvagya , Natarajan Prabhu Manickam , Ardila Carlos M.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Peri-implantitis, a destructive inflammatory condition affecting the tissues surrounding dental implants, shares pathological similarities with periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease that impacts the supporting structures of natural teeth. This study utilizes a network-based approach to classify interactome hub genes associated with peri-implantitis and periodontitis, aiming to improve understanding of disease mechanisms and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Methods

We employed gradient boosting and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to predict and classify these interactome hub genes. Gene expression data related to these diseases were sourced from the NCBI GEO dataset GSE223924, and differential gene expression analysis was conducted using the NCBI GEO R tool. Through WGCNA, we constructed a co-expression network to identify key hub genes, while gradient boosting was used to predict these hub genes.

Results

Our analysis revealed a co-expression network comprising 216 genes, including prominent hub genes such as IL17RC, CCN2, BMP7, TPM1, and TIMP1, which are implicated in periodontal disease. The gradient boosting model achieved an 88.2% accuracy in classifying interactome hub genes in samples related to peri-implantitis and periodontitis.

Discussion

These identified genes play roles in inflammation, osteoclast genesis, angiogenesis, and immune response regulation. This study highlights essential hub genes and molecular pathways associated with peri-implantitis and periodontitis, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for developing innovative treatment strategies.
The role of silver diamine fluoride as dental caries preventive and arresting agent: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alqalaleef Saeed S. , Alnakhli Rabab A. , Ezzat Yousef , AlQadi Hamad I. , Aljilani Abdulrahman D. , Natto Zuhair S.
Published: November 2024

Background

Dental caries is a significant global health concern, impacting around 2.5 billion people worldwide. Conventional methods for managing dental caries have evolved to prioritize preventive measures and minimally invasive treatment alternatives. One of these approaches involves the application of silver diamine fluoride. Although effective, the limited use of SDF is attributed to concerns about potential long-term complications and other adverse effects.

Objective

This systematic review aims to assess the role of SDF in preventing and managing dental caries, evaluating its efficacy and adverse reactions.

Material and methods

This review adheres to PRISMA guidelines. An electronic search was performed on PubMed, Google Scholar, and CENTRAL to include peer-reviewed randomized controlled trials published between 2014 and 2024. The Cochrane risk of bias and GRADE tools were employed to evaluate the trials and ensure the certainty of the evidence. Statistical analysis was conducted to examine the effectiveness of SDF at the individual, tooth, and surface levels.

Results

Findings from 20 randomized controlled trials, which met the inclusion criteria, revealed that participants aged 1–50 showed promising results with follow-up intervals ranging from 1 to 30 months. The caries arrestment rate of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) varied from 25% to 99%.

Conclusion

These results indicate that SDF could be an invaluable tool in combating dental caries, providing a less invasive and potentially more cost-effective alternative to traditional treatment methods. Nonetheless, further research is essential to comprehensively understand the potential of SDF in various settings and to optimize its application in clinical practice.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/, PROSPERO (CRD42024559853)
Colorism and immigrant earnings in the United States, 2015–2024
Authors: Hersch Joni
Published: November 2024

Using data from the Current Populations Survey 2015–2024 matched to skin color data in the New Immigrant Survey, this article shows that immigrants from countries with darker skin color face a substantial earnings penalty. The penalty is similar to that found using 2003 data on individual immigrants. Controls for extensive labor market characteristics and race and ethnicity does not eliminate the negative effect of darker skin tone on wages. Color discrimination lawsuits in light of the addition of a Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) reporting category for US government surveys may become more viable.
Deriving improved plasma fluid equations from collisional kinetic theory
Authors: Dimant Y. S.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Developing a quantitative understanding of wave plasma processes in the lower ionosphere requires a reasonably accurate theoretical description of the underlying physical processes. For such a highly collisional plasma environment as the E-region ionosphere, kinetic theory represents the most accurate theoretical description of wave processes. For the analytical treatment, however, collisional kinetic theory is extremely complicated and succeeds only in a limited number of physical problems. To date, most research has applied oversimplified fluid models that lack a number of critical kinetic aspects, so the coefficients in the corresponding fluid equations are often accurate only to an order of magnitude.

Methods

This paper presents a derivation for the highly collisional, partially magnetized case relevant to E-region conditions, using methods of the collisional kinetic theory with a new set of analytic approximations.

Results

This derivation provides a more accurate reduction of the ion and, especially, electron kinetic equations to the corresponding 5-moment fluid equations. It results in a more accurate fluid model set of equations appropriate for most E-region problems.

Discussion

The results of this paper could be used for a routine practical analysis when working with actual data. The improved equations can also serve as a basis for more accurate plasma fluid computer simulations.
Occurrence, associated risk factors and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant S. aureus from foods of bovine origin in Dessie and Kombolcha towns, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Engidaw , Gugsa Getachew , Ahmed Meselu , Awol Nesibu , Tefera Yalew , Abegaz Shimelis
Published: November 2024

Food-producing animals including bovine species are major reservoirs for different food-borne pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus is among the causes of food-borne diseases globally that can be transmitted mainly through consumption of contaminated foods of animal origin and emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria like methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) become a significant public health concern. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to July 2021 to estimate the prevalence, identify associated risk factors and determine antibiogram profiles of S. aureus and MRSA from foods of bovine origin in Dessie and Kombolcha towns. A total of 384 foods of bovine origin samples were collected using random sampling techniques. Isolation and characterization of S. aureus were done according to the standard bacteriological protocols. Agar disc diffusion method was employed to determine the in vitro antimicrobial resistance pattern of S. aureus and MRSA isolates. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The overall prevalence of S. aureus and MRSA were found to be the equal (39.3%). The prevalence of S. aureus was 55.6, 44.0, 41.1, 36.4, 16.7, and 0.0% in yogurt, beef swab, udder milk, carcass swab, tank milk, and cheese samples, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed in the prevalence of S. aureus among the different sample types (P < 0.05). The prevalence of S. aureus in milk samples from cows with and without treatment history was 47.1 and 26.0%, respectively. The difference in the prevalence of S. aureus among treatment history categories was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Higher prevalence of S. aureus was recorded in carcass swab samples collected from Dessie town (50.0%), municipal abattoirs (46.7%), slaughtering process with poor hygiene (57.1%); and carcasses slaughtered by butchers with poor hygiene (62.1%). 100.0, 97.4, 90.1, and 74.8% of S. aureus isolates were resistant to Cefoxitin, Penicillin G, Ampicillin, and Nalidixic acid, respectively. 97.3% of S. aureus isolates showed multidrug resistance to three and more than three drugs. To reduce the high magnitude of S. aureus contamination of foods of bovine origin, improvement of cattle health and good hygienic procedures along the production chain should be implemented in the study areas.
Innovations in animal health: artificial intelligence-enhanced hematocrit analysis for rapid anemia detection in small ruminants
Authors: Siddique Aftab , Panda Sudhanshu S. , Khan Sophia , Dargan Seymone T. , Lewis Savana , Carter India , Van Wyk Jan A. , Mahapatra Ajit K. , Morgan Eric R. , Terrill Thomas H.
Published: November 2024

Due to their value as a food source, fiber, and other products globally, there has been a growing focus on the wellbeing and health of small ruminants, particularly in relation to anemia induced by blood-feeding gastrointestinal parasites like Haemonchus contortus. The objective of this study was to assess the packed cell volume (PCV) levels in blood samples from small ruminants, specifically goats, and create an efficient biosensor for more convenient, yet accurate detection of anemia for on-farm use in agricultural environments for animal production optimization. The study encompassed 75 adult male Spanish goats, which underwent PCV testing to ascertain their PCV ranges and their association with anemic conditions. Using artificial intelligence-powered machine learning algorithms, an advanced, easy-to-use sensor was developed for rapidly alerting farmers as to low red blood cell count of their animals in this way to enable timely medical intervention. The developed sensor utilizes a semi-invasive technique that requires only a small blood sample. More precisely, a volume of 30 μL of blood was placed onto Whatman filter paper No. 1, previously soaked with anhydrous glycerol. The blood dispersion pattern on the glycerol-infused paper was then recorded using a smartphone after 180 s. Subsequently, these images were examined in correlation with established PCV values obtained from conventional PCV analysis. Four separate machine learning models (ML) supported models, namely support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), backpropagation neural network (BPNN), and image classification-based Keras model, were created and assessed using the image dataset. The dataset consisted of 1,054 images that were divided into training, testing, and validation sets in a 70:20:10 ratio. The initial findings indicated a detection accuracy of 76.06% after only 10 epochs for recognizing different levels of PCV in relation to anemia, ranging from healthy to severely anemic. This testing accuracy increased markedly, to 95.8% after 100 epochs and other model parameter optimization. Results for SVM had an overall F1 score of 74–100% in identifying the PCV range for blood pattern images representing healthy to severely anemic animals, and BPNN showed 91–100% accuracy in identifying the PCV range for anemia detection. This work demonstrates that AI-driven biosensors can be used for on-site rapid anemia detection. Optimized machine learning models maximize detection accuracy, proving the sensor’s validity and rapidity in assessing anemia levels. This breakthrough will allow farmers, with rapid results, to increase animal wellbeing and agricultural productivity.
Toward Sustainable Performance in the Hotel Food Supply Chain: Influences of Quality Management Practices and Digital Integration
Authors: Al-Husain Raed , Elshaer Abdallah , Alzuman Abad , Albadry Omaima , Sheikhelsouk Samar , Al-Monawer Nasser , Alsetoohy Omar
Published: November 2024

This study addresses a gap in the literature on how quality management practices within the food supply chain can be effectively integrated with digital technologies to enhance Food Supply Chain Sustainable Performance (FSCSP) in the hospitality and tourism sector in Egypt. Thus, a quantitative approach was employed, with data being collected through both online and in-person surveys from employees with sufficient knowledge of their hotel’s food products, food supply chain, and quality management practices in five-star hotels in Egypt. SPSS and WarpPLS-SEM techniques were used to analyze the research data. The findings showed that Food Supply Chain Quality Management (FSCQM) practices positively influence both FSCSP and Supply Chain Digital Integration (SCDI), with SCDI serving as a mediator in the relationship between FSCQM and FSCSP. This study is helpful for hospitality businesses in developing economies because it shows how important it is to combine digital innovation with strong quality management to improve operating efficiency and gain a competitive edge in terms of sustainability. This involves fostering a technology-driven culture that encourages creativity, innovation, transparency, and information-sharing among employees to ensure the successful integration of FSCQM practices with hotels’ digital competences.