bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of post-implantation syndrome on outcomes in acute type B	aortic syndrome patients undergoing endovascular repair
Authors: Wang Bin , Miao Miao , Shi Qiulin , Xian Haiying , Cao Yuecheng , Wang Xiaoxiang
Published: December 2023

Summary: Background: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of post-implantation syndrome (PIS) on prognosis outcomes in individuals with type B acute aortic syndrome (AAS) undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Patients and methods: Data from type B AAS individuals who underwent TEVAR from January 2014 to April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Study subjects were divided into PIS and non-PIS (nPIS) groups and postoperative clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results: Our study cohort of 74 individuals with type B AAS included 40 aortic dissection (AD), 30 intramural hematoma (IMH), 4 penetrating aortic ulcer (PAU). The incidence of PIS was 14.9%. No statistically significant differences were found in baseline characteristics. The left subclavian artery (LSCA) reconstruction was performed more frequently among the PIS group (45.5% vs 9.5%, p=.008). Major adverse events (MAE) tended to be more frequent in the PIS group, but the difference was not significant (27.3% vs 22.2%, p=.707). At 2-year follow-up, results were comparable between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that PIS was not associated with a higher incidence of mortality, endoleak, new-onset AD, or stroke. A baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >10.3 was associated with greater incidence of MAE. In individuals with IMH, better aortic remodeling evaluated by lower total aortic diameter/true lumen diameter (TAD/TLD) was achieved in the nPIS group (1.23±0.10 vs 1.43±0.07, p<.001), and a TAD/TLD ratio >1.32 was associated with significantly more MAE. Cox multivariate regression analysis also showed that a postoperative TAD/TLD ratio >1.32 was an independent risk factor for MAE (OR, 11.36; 95% CI, 1.53–84.26; p=.017). Conclusions: PIS was associated with a trend toward a higher incidence of MAE after TEVAR. In individuals with IMH, a TAD/TLD ratio >1.32 was an independent predictor of postoperative MAE.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and quality of life in patients after	open thoracoabdominal aortic repair
Authors: Frankort Jelle , Krabbe Julia , Otte Nelly , Doukas Panagiotis , Krabbe Hanif , Jacobs Michael J. , Gombert Alexander
Published: December 2023

Summary: Background: Open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair is often related to significant morbidity and complications like paraplegia or acute kidney injury. Subsequently, prolonged intensive care stay is common. However, there is a lack of research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the perceived quality of life (QOL) in patients undergoing complex aortic procedures, such as open TAAA repair. Therefore, our study aims to determine the prevalence of PTSD and the current QOLin these patients and whether it is associated with demographic factors or complications following open thoracoabdominal aortic repair. Patients and methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 213 adult surviving patients after open thoracoabdominal aortic repair were contacted with two questionnaires one to assess PTSD and another to evaluate current QOL after open thoracoabdominal aortic repair. 61 patients returned one or both the questionnaires, and 59 patients (97%) answered all questions of the 4-item primary care PTSD section of the survey. In addition to the PTSD screening, patients were sent an SF-36 questionnaire to assess their current quality of life. 60 patients answered the SF-36 questionnaire partially or completely (98%). Results: 27% of patients (16/59) screened positive for PTSD. Electronic medical records were matched to all responding patients. Patients who were screened positive for PTSD spent more days in intensive care (OR, 1.073; 95% CI 1.02–1.13; p=0.005), had a higher frequency of tracheotomy (OR, 6.43; 95% CI 1.87–22.06; p=0.004), sepsis (OR, 5.63; 95% CI 1.56–20.33; p=0.014), as well as postoperative paraparesis (OR, 13.23; 95% CI 1.36–129.02; p=0.019). In patients with postoperative complications, a statistically significant decrease in the overall score was observed for certain categories of the SF-36. Conclusions: The prevalence of PTSD is higher, in comparison to the general population’s prevalence, and the quality of life is affected following open thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair, with a significant relation to postoperative complications as well as the length of ICU stay. Further research and screening for PTSD in relation to open TAAA repair is needed to assess its role in patient QOL during follow up.
Addictive Social Media Use and Depressive Symptoms in Adolescents
Authors: Leo Katharina , Arnold Julia , Kewitz Sonja , Lindenberg Katajun
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Theoretical Background: The use of social media has become an integral part of the lives of young people. Negative effects on mental health have been reported previously; however, it remained unclear whether the amount of time spent with social media use per se or its usage patterns lead to possible impairments. Addictive use is characterized by compulsive usage patterns in contrast to a flexible use. Objective: The present work investigated the associations between the amount of time spent with social media, the usage pattern (i. e., addictive use vs. flexible use), and the occurrence of depressive symptoms. Method: Cross-sectional data based on the self-reports of 513 high-school students aged 11 – 19 ( M = 12.91, SD = 1.02) from 39 classes (18 schools) in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, are presented. Hierarchically linear models accounted for the nested structure and were applied to investigate the predictive significance of time spent with social media and addictive use of social media on depressive symptoms. Results: Addictive use of social media could be identified as a significant predictor of depressive symptoms and explained 17 % of variance in depressive symptoms in the present model. Time spent with social media use did not explain a significant share of variance in depressive symptoms, after controlling for addictive social media use. Discussion and Conclusion: These findings highlight that it is not the time spent on social media per se, but the addictive usage patterns that explain a significant share of depressive symptoms in adolescents. Although a reciprocal or circular association between both disorders can be assumed, addictive usage patterns of social media may represent a potential risk to adolescents’ mental health. To prevent negative consequences of social media use, interventions should focus on the particular functionality of social media use.
Open Science in German Sport Psychology
Authors: Wunsch Kathrin , Pixa Nils Henrik , Utesch Katharina
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Open Science is an important development in science, not only to overcome the replication crisis or crisis of confidence but also to openly and transparently describe research processes to enable replication and reproduction. This study describes the current state of the art within German-speaking sport psychology regarding open science-related attitudes, behaviors, and intentions and identifies the reasons for a potential reluctance toward open science. The findings revealed a match between open science-related attitudes and intentions, although open science-related behaviors still fall behind those two. We discovered time constraints, time allocation issues, and anticipated competitive disadvantages if not all researchers adhere to open science practices as the reasons behind this behavioral reluctance. Our findings suggest that the development of open science has clearly reached the German-speaking sport-psychological community, but that there is considerable potential for improvement – especially regarding behaviors.
High Subset Homogeneity Impairs Structural Validity of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale
Authors: Schweizer Karl , Gold Andreas , Krampen Dorothea
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Problems in providing evidence of structural validity of the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS) are addressed. As the German translation of a short version of the scale (BIS-15) included pairs of items with highly similar item statements, like the original English version, we hypothesized high subset homogeneity (HSH) as the source of these problems. HSH denotes a situation in which a subset of items shows a larger degree of homogeneity than the remainder of the items of the scale. In a sample of 287 university students, we investigated BIS data by means of confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models including BIS factors only and models additionally including HSH factors. Whereas the models without HSH factors yielded model misfit, good model fit was observed for the models with HSH factors. These results suggested that BIS items basically showed structural validity, but this validity was impaired by HSH.
Tidying Up Attitudes, Queer Eye	Style
Authors: Yao Shay Xuejing , Ellithorpe Morgan E. , Cuddy Liam , Siddika Aysha , Nadeem Hira , Myer Mackenzie
Published: December 2023

Abstract: The parasocial contact hypotheses (PCH) posits that mediated contact with social outgroups can result in more positive attitudes. The present study includes Asian women as a specific identity group that has yet to be studied in the context of PCH. It also includes gay men as a comparison group for the same processes. Participants ( n = 241) were exposed in a two-condition experiment to either Queer Eye (2018 version; gay men as target group) or Tidying Up With Marie Kondo (Asian women as target group). Only social attraction significantly mediated the relationship between exposure to Queer Eye and attitudes toward gay men. Attitudes toward Asian women were measured with positive and negative subscales; social and task attraction significantly mediated a reduction in negative attitudes. Uncertainty reduction had an ambivalence effect; it mediated increases in both positive and negative attitudes. These results support the general hypothesis of PCH, with mixed effects.
The Effect of Interviewer Job Expertise and Risk-Related Traits on Opportunity to Fake
Authors: Ho Jordan L. , Mastrella Simonne J. , Powell Deborah M.
Published: December 2023

Abstract: Job applicants may fake in interviews for numerous reasons. One of these reasons could be that applicants may see greater opportunity and motivation to fake when interviewers have lower job-relevant expertise, as there is a lower risk of having their faking detected. We conducted two experiments to test this proposition by manipulating the job expertise of interviewers. Using reinforcement sensitivity theory, we also examined risk-related traits as antecedents of opportunity and motivation to fake. Study One, a vignette experiment, and Study Two, an experiment that used mock interviews, suggested that interviewer job expertise did not affect opportunity and motivation to fake. Across both studies, a few risk-related traits were related to these outcomes.
Climate Change May Be Causing Stronger Thunderstorm Wind Gusts
Authors: Owen Rebecca
Published: December 2023

A new study suggests straight-line wind events are increasing in a warming climate.
The Salinity of Coastal Waters as a Bellwether for Global Water Cycle Changes
Authors: Fournier S. , Reager J. T. , Chandanpurkar H. A. , Pascolini‐Campbell M. , Jarugula S.
Published: December 2023

While the global water cycle has been studied previously based on land and open ocean studies, here we use coastal satellite sea surface salinity (SSS) data to show that in global aggregate, SSS variations near coasts are strongly correlated with global water cycle variability driven by El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). This is a significant finding as we demonstrate that open ocean SSS variability is not as sensitive to ENSO and global water cycle variability as the coastal oceans at interannual timescales. Aggregated global coastal SSS could therefore be used as a proxy for detection of changes in the large‐scale cycling of water between the oceans and continents. Moreover, we identify major potential “hotspots” on land and in the coastal ocean that tend to drive global coastal salinity variability, and which may consequently be most sensitive to future physical and biological impacts of water cycle changes on the coastal oceans.
Energy Transfer Between Various Electron Populations Via Resonant Interaction With Whistler Mode Wave
Authors: Luzhkovskiy A. A. , Shklyar D. R.
Published: December 2023

Electron energization in the Earth's radiation belts caused by resonant interaction with whistler mode waves is currently under intense investigation. When the waves are excited due to cyclotron instability in collisionless plasma, that is, when the energy source for the waves is the free energy of unstable electron distribution, particle energization by excited waves is nothing but energy transfer from one group of electrons to another mediated by the waves. An example of such a process is considered in which a quasi‐monochromatic whistler mode wave packet with the frequency and the wave normal angle corresponding to the maximum growth rate is excited at the equator. Since the maximum growth rate corresponds to parallel propagating wave, only the first cyclotron resonance particles play a part in this excitation. While propagating from the equator toward the Earth, the wave normal vector becomes more and more oblique, and all cyclotron resonances, in particular, Landau resonance come into play. Wave‐particle interaction at Landau resonance leads to the wave damping and the corresponding particle energization on the average. Moreover, we show that the mean square variation of resonant particle energy greatly exceeds the average value, thus, the energy increase of some particles is much larger than the Landau resonance particles get from the wave on the average. This means that the exchange of energy between different groups of particles through a wave is a more efficient process than the amplification or damping of a wave due to its resonant interaction with particles.
TRIM21-mediated Sohlh2 ubiquitination suppresses M2 macrophage polarization and progression of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Ruihong , Shen Ying , Zhang Qi , Feng Xiaoning , Liu Xuyue , Huo Xiaoning , Sun Jinhao , Hao Jing
Published: December 2023

Lung metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) represent the M2-like phenotype with potent immunosuppressive activity, and play a pro-tumor role in TNBC lung metastasis. Sohlh2 belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor family. However, its role in macrophages polarization remains unknown, especially in TNBC progression. Here we demonstrated that Sohlh2 overexpression promoted M2 macrophage polarization. Moreover, high expression of Sohlh2 in M2-like macrophage enhanced TNBC cell growth, migration and lung metastasis in vivo and in vitro. Mechanistically, we revealed that Sohlh2 functioned through up-regulating LXRα, ABCA1, ABCG1 expression and disturbing the lipid homeostasis on the membrane of macrophages. Sohlh2 could directly bind to the promoter of LXRα and promote its transcription activity. E3 ubiquitin ligase TRIM21 promoted Sohlh2 ubiquitination and degradation, and suppressed M2 macrophage polarization and TNBC progression. Collectively, our findings suggested that Sohlh2 in macrophage could be a novel therapeutic target for TNBC metastatic treatment.
Distinct gene expression signatures comparing latent tuberculosis infection with different routes of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination
Authors: Silver Richard F. , Xia Mei , Storer Chad E. , Jarvela Jessica R. , Moyer Michelle C. , Blazevic Azra , Stoeckel David A. , Rakey Erin K. , Tennant Jan M. , Goll Johannes B. , Head Richard D. , Hoft Daniel F.
Published: December 2023

Tuberculosis remains an international health threat partly because of limited protection from pulmonary tuberculosis provided by standard intradermal vaccination with Bacillus of Calmette and Guérin (BCG); this may reflect the inability of intradermal vaccination to optimally induce pulmonary immunity. In contrast, respiratory Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection usually results in the immune-mediated bacillary containment of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Here we present RNA-Seq-based assessments of systemic and pulmonary immune cells from LTBI participants and recipients of intradermal and oral BCG. LTBI individuals uniquely display ongoing immune activation and robust CD4 T cell recall responses in blood and lung. Intradermal BCG is associated with robust systemic immunity but only limited pulmonary immunity. Conversely, oral BCG induces limited systemic immunity but distinct pulmonary responses including enhanced inflammasome activation potentially associated with mucosal-associated invariant T cells. Further, IL-9 is identified as a component of systemic immunity in LTBI and intradermal BCG, and pulmonary immunity following oral BCG.
A multi-stable deployable quadrifilar helix antenna with radiation reconfigurability for disaster-prone areas
Authors: Bichara Rosette Maria , Costantine Joseph , Tawk Youssef , Sakovsky Maria
Published: December 2023

In disaster-prone areas, damaged infrastructure requires impromptu communications leveraging lightweight and adaptive antennas. Accordingly, we introduce a bi-stable deployable quadrifilar helix antenna that passively reconfigures its radiation characteristics in terms of pattern and polarization. The proposed structure is composed of counter-rotating helical strips, connected by rotational joints to allow a simultaneous change in the helix height and radius. Each helical strip is composed of a fiber-reinforced composite material to achieve two stable deployed states that are self-locking. The reconfiguration between an almost omnidirectional pattern and a circularly polarized directive pattern enables the antenna to be suitable for both terrestrial and satellite communication within the L-band. More specifically, the presented design in infrastructure-less areas achieves satellite localization with directive circularly polarized waves and point-to-point terrestrial connectivity with an almost omnidirectional state. Hence, we present a portable, agile, and passively reconfigured antenna solution for low-infrastructure areas.
Selective amide bond formation in redox-active coacervate protocells
Authors: Wang Jiahua , Abbas Manzar , Wang Junyou , Spruijt Evan
Published: December 2023

Coacervate droplets are promising protocell models because they sequester a wide range of guest molecules and may catalyze their conversion. However, it remains unclear how life’s building blocks, including peptides, could be synthesized from primitive precursor molecules inside such protocells. Here, we develop a redox-active protocell model formed by phase separation of prebiotically relevant ferricyanide (Fe(CN)63−) molecules and cationic peptides. Their assembly into coacervates can be regulated by redox chemistry and the coacervates act as oxidizing hubs for sequestered metabolites, like NAD(P)H and gluthathione. Interestingly, the oxidizing potential of Fe(CN)63− inside coacervates can be harnessed to drive the formation of new amide bonds between prebiotically relevant amino acids and α-amidothioacids. Aminoacylation is enhanced in Fe(CN)63−/peptide coacervates and selective for amino acids that interact less strongly with the coacervates. We finally use Fe(CN)63−-containing coacervates to spatially control assembly of fibrous networks inside and at the surface of coacervate protocells. These results provide an important step towards the prebiotically relevant integration of redox chemistry in primitive cell-like compartments.
The Cousa objective: a long-working distance air objective for multiphoton imaging in vivo
Authors: Yu Che-Hang , Yu Yiyi , Adsit Liam M. , Chang Jeremy T. , Barchini Jad , Moberly Andrew H. , Benisty Hadas , Kim Jinkyung , Young Brent K. , Heng Kathleen , Farinella Deano M. , Leikvoll Austin , Pavan Rishaab , Vistein Rachel , Nanfito Brandon R. , Hildebrand David G. C. , Otero-Coronel Santiago , Vaziri Alipasha , Goldberg Jeffrey L. , Ricci Anthony J. , Fitzpatrick David , Cardin Jessica A. , Higley Michael J. , Smith Gordon B. , Kara Prakash , Nielsen Kristina J. , Smith Ikuko T. , Smith Spencer LaVere
Published: December 2023

Multiphoton microscopy can resolve fluorescent structures and dynamics deep in scattering tissue and has transformed neural imaging, but applying this technique in vivo can be limited by the mechanical and optical constraints of conventional objectives. Short working distance objectives can collide with compact surgical windows or other instrumentation and preclude imaging. Here we present an ultra-long working distance (20 mm) air objective called the Cousa objective. It is optimized for performance across multiphoton imaging wavelengths, offers a more than 4 mm2 field of view with submicrometer lateral resolution and is compatible with commonly used multiphoton imaging systems. A novel mechanical design, wider than typical microscope objectives, enabled this combination of specifications. We share the full optical prescription, and report performance including in vivo two-photon and three-photon imaging in an array of species and preparations, including nonhuman primates. The Cousa objective can enable a range of experiments in neuroscience and beyond.
Continuous solutions of cosmic-rays and waves in astrophysical environments
Authors: Irshad K. , Ramzan B. , Qazi S. N. A. , Areeb F. , Rasheed A. , Jamil M.
Published: December 2023

The propagation of energetic charged particles and cosmic rays in magnetized thermal plasma is focused. We consider a four-fluid system that consists of thermal plasma, cosmic rays, and two opposite propagating Alfvén waves to investigate the dynamics and energy exchange mechanisms of the system. Additionally, cosmic rays diffusion within the plasma is considered along the magnetic field lines whereas neglected the cross field line diffusion effects. This study is important for understanding of pressure gradients and their impact on the feedback in astrophysical environment. Over the last few decades, this problem becomes important when we discuss the interaction of cosmic rays with plasma in space, such as interstellar clouds or interstellar medium.
Rapid and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 using the RHAM technology
Authors: Xiao Zhuo , Liu Xiaoli , Kang Xiaolong , Feng Yaoheng , Zheng Lijun , Chen Chong
Published: December 2023

Rapid and sensitive detection of pathogens is of utmost importance in interrupting the transmission chain of infectious diseases. In recent years, this has proven to be vital during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) global pandemic that put countless lives at risk. Numerous molecular diagnostic methods were used, including RT-PCR, NASBA, E-SDA, E-RCA, LAMP, and RPA. However, these technologies potentially require primer optimization and complex instruments. Here, we propose the RHAM (RNase Hybridization-Assisted amplification) system as a rapid, specific, and sensitive molecular diagnosis platform. Combining the LAMP and RNase HII-mediated fluorescent reporter, the RHAM system can amplify and visualize the target in one isothermal system with high sensitivity (5 × 102 copies/mL). There was no cross-reactivity with other common respiratory viruses. Analysis of clinical samples revealed the RHAM system to generate positive signals within 15 min without false positive or negative results. The present study shows that RHAM is not only an ideal platform for detecting pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 but can be potentially applied in POCT settings.
4D structural changes and pore network model of biomass during pyrolysis
Authors: Edeh Ifeoma Gloria , Masek Ondrej , Fusseis Florian
Published: December 2023

Biochar is an engineered carbon-rich substance used for soil improvement, environmental management, and other diverse applications. To date, the understanding of how biomass affects biochar microstructure has been limited due to the complexity of analysis involved in tracing the changes in the physical structure of biomass as it undergoes thermochemical conversion. In this study, we used synchrotron x-ray micro-tomography to visualize changes in the internal structure of biochar from diverse feedstock (miscanthus straw pellets, wheat straw pellets, oilseed rape straw pellets, and rice husk) during pyrolysis by collecting a sequence of 3D scans at 50 °C intervals during progressive heating from 50 °C to 800 °C. The results show a strong dependence of biochar porosity on feedstock as well as pyrolysis temperature, with observed porosity in the range of 7.41–60.56%. Our results show that the porosity, total surface area, pore volume, and equivalent diameter of the largest pore increases with increasing pyrolysis temperature up to about 550 °C. The most dramatic development of pore structure occurred in the temperature range of 350–450 °C. This understanding is pivotal for optimizing biochar’s properties for specific applications in soil improvement, environmental management, and beyond. By elucidating the nuanced variations in biochar’s physical characteristics across different production temperatures and feedstocks, this research advances the practical application of biochar, offering significant benefits in agricultural, environmental, and engineering contexts.
Leveraging machine learning to distinguish between bacterial and viral induced pharyngitis using hematological markers: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jin Zhe , Ma Fengmei , Chen Haoyang , Guo Shufan
Published: December 2023

Accurate differentiation between bacterial and viral-induced pharyngitis is recognized as essential for personalized treatment and judicious antibiotic use. From a cohort of 693 patients with pharyngitis, data from 197 individuals clearly diagnosed with bacterial or viral infections were meticulously analyzed in this study. By integrating detailed hematological insights with several machine learning algorithms, including Random Forest, Neural Networks, Decision Trees, Support Vector Machine, Naive Bayes, and Lasso Regression, for potential biomarkers were identified, with an emphasis being placed on the diagnostic significance of the Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio. Distinct inflammatory signatures associated with bacterial infections were spotlighted in this study. An innovation introduced in this research was the adaptation of the high-accuracy Lasso Regression model for the TI-84 calculator, with an AUC (95% CI) of 0.94 (0.925–0.955) being achieved. Using this adaptation, pivotal laboratory parameters can be input on-the-spot and infection probabilities can be computed subsequently. This methodology embodies an improvement in diagnostics, facilitating more effective distinction between bacterial and viral infections while fostering judicious antibiotic use.
Augmenting an electronic Ising machine to effectively solve boolean satisfiability
Authors: Sharma Anshujit , Burns Matthew , Hahn Andrew , Huang Michael
Published: December 2023

With the slowdown of improvement in conventional von Neumann systems, increasing attention is paid to novel paradigms such as Ising machines. They have very different approach to solving combinatorial optimization problems. Ising machines have shown great potential in solving binary optimization problems like MaxCut. In this paper, we present an analysis of these systems in boolean satisfiability (SAT) problems. We demonstrate that, in the case of 3-SAT, a basic architecture fails to produce meaningful acceleration, largely due to the relentless progress made in conventional SAT solvers. Nevertheless, careful analysis attributes part of the failure to the lack of two important components: cubic interactions and efficient randomization heuristics. To overcome these limitations, we add proper architectural support for cubic interaction on a state-of-the-art Ising machine. More importantly, we propose a novel semantic-aware annealing schedule that makes the search-space navigation much more efficient than existing annealing heuristics. Using numerical simulations, we show that such an “Augmented” Ising Machine for SAT is projected to outperform state-of-the-art software-based, GPU-based and conventional hardware SAT solvers by orders of magnitude.
Global birdsong embeddings enable superior transfer learning for bioacoustic classification
Authors: Ghani Burooj , Denton Tom , Kahl Stefan , Klinck Holger
Published: December 2023

Automated bioacoustic analysis aids understanding and protection of both marine and terrestrial animals and their habitats across extensive spatiotemporal scales, and typically involves analyzing vast collections of acoustic data. With the advent of deep learning models, classification of important signals from these datasets has markedly improved. These models power critical data analyses for research and decision-making in biodiversity monitoring, animal behaviour studies, and natural resource management. However, deep learning models are often data-hungry and require a significant amount of labeled training data to perform well. While sufficient training data is available for certain taxonomic groups (e.g., common bird species), many classes (such as rare and endangered species, many non-bird taxa, and call-type) lack enough data to train a robust model from scratch. This study investigates the utility of feature embeddings extracted from audio classification models to identify bioacoustic classes other than the ones these models were originally trained on. We evaluate models on diverse datasets, including different bird calls and dialect types, bat calls, marine mammals calls, and amphibians calls. The embeddings extracted from the models trained on bird vocalization data consistently allowed higher quality classification than the embeddings trained on general audio datasets. The results of this study indicate that high-quality feature embeddings from large-scale acoustic bird classifiers can be harnessed for few-shot transfer learning, enabling the learning of new classes from a limited quantity of training data. Our findings reveal the potential for efficient analyses of novel bioacoustic tasks, even in scenarios where available training data is limited to a few samples.
Ionomic analysis, polyphenols characterization, analgesic, antiinflammatory and antioxidant capacities of Cistus laurifolius leaves: in vitro, in vivo, and in silico investigations
Authors: Zouhri Aziz , Bouddine Toufik , Menyiy Naoual El , Kachkoul Rabie , El-mernissi Yahya , Siddique Farhan , moubachir Rania , Khallouki Farid , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Wondmie Gezahign Fentahun , Bourhia Mohammed , Hajji Lhoussain
Published: December 2023

This study aims to investigate the chemical and mineral composition, antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of Cistus laurifolius var. atlanticus Pit. (Cistaceae). Additionally, molecular docking interactions of various ligands with antioxidant protein target urate oxidase (1R4U) and anti-inflammatory protein target cyclooxygenase-2 (3LN1), revealing potential dual activities and highlighting specific residue interactions. The chemical characterization focused at first glance on the mineral composition which showed that C. laurifolius extract is a mineral-rich source of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), and zinc (Zn). We next performed, ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis, the latter showed various polyphenols in C. laurifolius extract including Gallic acid as the predominant polyphenol. Isoquercetin, Taxifolin and Astragalin were also among the major flavonoids detected. The antioxidant capacity of C. laurifolius leaves was tested using 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power (RP) assays. In vitro analysis of the anti-inflammatory property of C. laurifolius leaves was conducted by the albumin denaturation test and the in vivo was assessed in the sequel by carrageenan-induced paw edema test. The analgesic activity was evaluated in vivo using tail flick, acetic acid-induced contortion, and plantar tests. The findings showed that the leave extract had a powerful antioxidant activity with an IC50 values of 2.92 ± 0.03 µg/mL (DPPH) and 2.59 ± 0.09 µg/mL (in RP test). The studied extract strongly abolished the induced inflammation (82%). Albumin denaturation test recorded an IC50 value of 210 µg/mL. Importantly, the oral administration of C. laurifolius extract considerably reduced the nociceptive effect of acetic acid in rats, showing a significant analgesic effect in a dose-related manner. Altogether, our results showed that C. laurifolius can be a promising source of phytochemicals for drug development potential.
Comprehensive analysis of the potential biological significance of cuproptosis-related gene LIPT2 in pan-cancer prognosis and immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Wangbiao , Li Shiang , Huang Yumian , Guo Jun , Sun Lili , Sun Gang
Published: December 2023

Lipoyltransferase 2 (LIPT2) acts as a key enzyme involved in fatty acid metabolism and cell membrane synthesis. However, the biological function of LIPT2 in various cancer types and its potential significance in prognosis continue to be unresolved. For this analysis, we evaluated the expression levels and the significance of prognosis of LIPT2 gene in all cancers by various bioinformatics methods. The results found that LIPT2 was dramatically overexpressed in the vast majority of cancers. The upregulated LIPT2 was related to bad prognosis in Brain Lower Grade Glioma (LGG), Glioma (GBMLGG), Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), Kidney Chromophobe (KICH), and High-Risk Wilms Tumor (WT), while it had a favorable prognosis in Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), and Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OV), Pan-kidney cohort (KIPAN). Furthermore, we assessed the mutation status, methylation levels, and immune status of LIPT2 in pan-cancer. Single-cell sequencing results revealed the correlation of LIPT2 expression with various biological characteristics such as DNA lesion, tumor angiogenesis, cell apoptosis, metastasis, and invasion. Enrichment analysis unveiled potential molecular regulatory mechanisms. In conclusion, our research reveals a detailed key role of LIPT2 in the progression, prognosis, and immune efficacy of various forms of cancer. Therefore, we have reason to believe that LIPT2 has the potential to be a candidate biomarker for tumors.
Tomato maturity recognition with convolutional transformers
Authors: Khan Asim , Hassan Taimur , Shafay Muhammad , Fahmy Israa , Werghi Naoufel , Mudigansalage Seneviratne , Hussain Irfan
Published: December 2023

Tomatoes are a major crop worldwide, and accurately classifying their maturity is important for many agricultural applications, such as harvesting, grading, and quality control. In this paper, the authors propose a novel method for tomato maturity classification using a convolutional transformer. The convolutional transformer is a hybrid architecture that combines the strengths of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and transformers. Additionally, this study introduces a new tomato dataset named KUTomaData, explicitly designed to train deep-learning models for tomato segmentation and classification. KUTomaData is a compilation of images sourced from a greenhouse in the UAE, with approximately 700 images available for training and testing. The dataset is prepared under various lighting conditions and viewing perspectives and employs different mobile camera sensors, distinguishing it from existing datasets. The contributions of this paper are threefold: firstly, the authors propose a novel method for tomato maturity classification using a modular convolutional transformer. Secondly, the authors introduce a new tomato image dataset that contains images of tomatoes at different maturity levels. Lastly, the authors show that the convolutional transformer outperforms state-of-the-art methods for tomato maturity classification. The effectiveness of the proposed framework in handling cluttered and occluded tomato instances was evaluated using two additional public datasets, Laboro Tomato and Rob2Pheno Annotated Tomato, as benchmarks. The evaluation results across these three datasets demonstrate the exceptional performance of our proposed framework, surpassing the state-of-the-art by 58.14%, 65.42%, and 66.39% in terms of mean average precision scores for KUTomaData, Laboro Tomato, and Rob2Pheno Annotated Tomato, respectively. This work can potentially improve the efficiency and accuracy of tomato harvesting, grading, and quality control processes.
Hemiarthroplasty through SuperPATH versus hemiarthroplasty through conventional approaches in patients with femoral neck fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ramadanov Nikolai , Jóźwiak Katarzyna , Marinova-Kichikova Polina , Lazaru Philip , Dimitrov Dobromir
Published: December 2023

The aim was to conduct a systematic review of literature and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing short-term outcomes of bipolar hemiarthroplasty (HA) through SuperPATH and bipolar HA through conventional approaches (CAs) in patients with femoral neck fractures. The following PICO question was formulated: In human participants with femoral neck fractures, are the short-term outcomes of SuperPATH HA better than the short-term outcomes of CAs HA? The following databases were searched until 25 August 2023: PubMed, CNKI, CENTRAL of The Cochrane Library, Clinical trials, and Google Scholar. Quality assessment of the RCTs was performed, according to the Cochrane’s Risk of Bias 2 tool and the recommendations of the GRADE system. Furthermore, we evaluated publication bias with funnel plots. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous variables using the Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman method and a random effects model. Nine RCTs with overall 762 patients were included in this meta-analysis. All 9 RCTs were rated with a moderate risk of bias. The quality of evidence of the outcome parameters was rated moderate to very low. The funnel plots were overall broadly symmetrical, possibly indicating low to moderate publication bias. SuperPATH had a longer operation time compared to CAs (MD = 21.79, 95% CI 12.57 to 31.02). SuperPATH decreased incision length (MD = − 4.50; 95% CI − 5.80 to − 3.20), intraoperative blood loss (MD = − 103.96, 95% CI − 150.27 to − 55.66), postoperative drainage volume (MD = − 137.30, 95% CI − 178.74 to − 95.86), time to mobilization (MD = − 3.86; 95% CI − 5.96 to − 1.76), pain VAS ≤ 1 week postoperatively (MD = − 1.81; 95% CI − 2.17 to − 1.45), and hospitalization time (MD = − 4.05; 95% CI − 4.96 to − 3.15). SuperPATH improved HHS ≤ 1 week postoperatively (MD = 11.10; 95% CI 1.65 to 20.54) and HHS 3 months postoperatively (MD = 6.33; 95% CI 3.97 to 8.69). There was no difference in pain VAS 1–3 months postoperatively (MD = − 0.08; 95% CI − 0.22 to 0.05) and HHS 6 months postoperatively (MD = 0.44; 95% CI − 0.11 to 1.00). This is the first meta-analysis comparing SuperPATH HA with CAs HA in patients with femoral neck fractures. SuperPATH HA was superior in the early short-term functional outcome (HHS) compared to CAs HA, reaching minimal clinically important differences. Furthermore, SuperPATH HA showed significantly better results in incision length, blood loss, time to mobilization, pain intensity (VAS), and hospitalization time than CAs HA.
Differences in characteristics between patients from Egypt and Germany presenting with lacunar stroke
Authors: Maged Mohamed , Aref Hany , Nahas Nevine El , Hamid Eman , Fathy Mai , Roushdy Tamer , Schaefer Jan Hendrik , Foerch Christian , Spitzer Daniel
Published: December 2023

Despite the enormous health burden of lacunar stroke, data from low- and middle-income countries on lacunar stroke characteristics and its comparison with that of high-income countries are scarce. Thus, we aimed to investigate and compare the variable characteristics and vascular status in patients from Egypt and Germany suffering lacunar stroke. Two cohorts of lacunar stroke patients from Ain Shams University Hospital, Egypt and Goethe University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany were retrospectively collected between January 2019 and December 2020 and analyzed for demographics, risk factors, mode of presentation, neuroimaging features, treatment protocols and outcomes. MRI showed a different distribution pattern of lacunar strokes between cohorts, detecting posterior circulation lacunar infarctions preponderantly in patients from Egypt and anterior circulation lacunar infarctions preponderantly in patients from Germany. Complementary MR/CT angiography revealed a significantly higher proportion of intracranial and combined intracranial and extracranial arterial stenosis in patients from Egypt than in patients from Germany, suggesting differences in pathological processes. Younger age, higher NIHSS on admission, and posterior circulation lacunar infarction were predictors of Egyptian origin, whereas hypertension was a predictor of German origin. Our results support the idea of clinical and neuroimaging phenotype variations in lacunar stroke, including different sources of lacunar stroke in patients of different populations and geographical regions. This implies that guidelines for management of lacunar stroke might be tailored to these differences accordingly.
Eyetracking-enhanced VEP for nystagmus
Authors: Dunn Matt J. , Carter Perry , Self Jay , Lee Helena , Shawkat Fatima
Published: December 2023

Visual evoked potentials (VEPs) are an important prognostic indicator of visual ability in patients with nystagmus. However, VEP testing requires stable fixation, which is impossible with nystagmus. Fixation instability reduces VEP amplitude, and VEP reliability is therefore low in this important patient group. We investigated whether VEP amplitude can be increased using an eye tracker by triggering acquisition only during slow periods of the waveform. Data were collected from 10 individuals with early-onset nystagmus. VEP was obtained under continuous (standard) acquisition, or triggered during periods of low eye velocity, as detected by an eye tracker. VEP amplitude was compared using Bonferroni corrected paired samples t-tests. VEP amplitude is significantly increased when triggered during low eye velocity (95% CI 1.42–6.83 µV, t(15) = 3.25, p = 0.0053). This study provides proof-of-concept that VEP amplitude (and therefore prognostic reliability) can be increased in patients with early onset nystagmus by connecting an eye tracker and triggering acquisition during periods of lower eye velocity.
Weather whiplash events in Europe and North Atlantic assessed as continental-scale atmospheric regime shifts
Authors: Francis Jennifer A. , Skific Natasa , Zobel Zachary
Published: December 2023

The term “weather whiplash” describes abrupt transitions from one persistent weather regime to another substantially different one, such as from a frigid cold spell to anomalous warmth. Weather whiplash events (WWEs) are often highly disruptive to agriculture, ecosystems, infrastructure, and human activities. While no consistent definition exists, we identify WWEs based on substantial shifts in the continental-scale, upper-atmosphere circulation. As first demonstrated in our earlier study focused on the NE Pacific/North American region, a WWE is detected when one persistent, large-scale pattern in 500 hPa height anomalies shifts to another distinctly different one. Patterns are identified using self-organizing maps (SOMs), which create a matrix of representative patterns in the data. In the present study, we apply this approach to identify WWEs in the North Atlantic/European sector. We analyze the occurrence of WWEs originating with long-duration events (four or more days) in each pattern. A WWE is detected when the pattern two days following a long-duration event is substantially different, measured with distance thresholds internal to the matrix. Changes in WWE frequency, past and future, are assessed objectively based on reanalysis output and climate model simulations. We find that future changes under RCP 8.5 forcing exhibit distinct trends, especially in summer months, while those based on reanalysis are less clear. Patterns featuring positive height anomalies in high latitudes are projected to produce more WWEs in the future, while patterns exhibiting negative anomalies produce fewer. Shifts in temperature and precipitation extremes associated with these WWEs are diagnosed.
Perceptions of the seriousness of major public health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic in seven middle-income countries
Authors: Carson Richard T. , Hanemann Michael , Köhlin Gunnar , Adamowicz Wiktor , Sterner Thomas , Amuakwa-Mensah Franklin , Alpizar Francisco , Khossravi Emily A. , Jeuland Marc , Bonilla Jorge A. , Tan-Soo Jie-Sheng , Nam Pham Khanh , Ndiritu Simon Wagura , Wadehra Shivani , Chegere Martin Julius , Visser Martine , Chukwuone Nnaemeka Andegbe , Whittington Dale
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Public perception of the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to six other major public health problems (alcoholism and drug use, HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, lung cancer and respiratory diseases caused by air pollution and smoking, and water-borne diseases like diarrhea) is unclear. We designed a survey to examine this issue using YouGov’s internet panels in seven middle-income countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America in early 2022.

Methods

Respondents rank ordered the seriousness of the seven health problems using a repeated best-worst question format. Rank-ordered logit models allow comparisons within and across countries and assessment of covariates.

Results

In six of the seven countries, respondents perceived other respiratory illnesses to be a more serious problem than COVID-19. Only in Vietnam was COVID-19 ranked above other respiratory illnesses. Alcoholism and drug use was ranked the second most serious problem in the African countries. HIV/AIDS ranked relatively high in all countries. Covariates, particularly a COVID-19 knowledge scale, explained differences within countries; statistics about the pandemic were highly correlated with differences in COVID-19’s perceived seriousness.

Conclusions

People in the seven middle-income countries perceived COVID-19 to be serious (on par with HIV/AIDS) but not as serious as other respiratory illnesses. In the African countries, respondents perceived alcoholism and drug use as more serious than COVID-19. Our survey-based approach can be used to quickly understand how the threat of a newly emergent disease, like COVID-19, fits into the larger context of public perceptions of the seriousness of health problems.
Novel tetranuclear grid-like Zn(ii) complexes derived from dihydrazone pyrimidine derivatives as antitumor agents
Authors: Yuan Juan , Lan Hai-Rong , Xing Ai-Ping , Zeng Dai , Hao Ya-Ting , Song Jun-Ying , Lu Jia-Xing , Zhang Bin , Wang Jing , Zhang Zhen-Qiang
Published: December 2023

Due to the antitumor properties, Zn(ii) complexes have attracted more and more attention. Tetranuclear [2 × 2] grid-like Zn(ii) complexes were synthesized, characterized and evaluated.
Synergy of redox-activity and hemilability in thioamidato cobalt(iii) complexes for the chemoselective reduction of nitroarenes to anilines: catalytic and mechanistic investigation
Authors: Gioftsidou Dimitra K. , Kallitsakis Michael G. , Kavaratzi Konstantina , Hatzidimitriou Antonios G. , Terzidis Michael A. , Lykakis Ioannis N. , Angaridis Panagiotis A.
Published: December 2023

Thioamidato Co(iii) complexes catalyze the chemoselective reduction of nitroarenes to anilines by CH3NHNH2. Suggested reaction mechanism includes coordination-induced activation of CH3NHNH2 and Co(i)/Co-hydride intermediates.