bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Wastewater-based Surveillance Relate Antimicrobial Use to Resistance Patterns? Metagenomic Analysis of Two Neighboring Treatment Plants
Authors: Vikesland Peter , Maile-Moskowitz Ayella , Brown Connor , Rumi Monjura , Moumi Nazifa , Majeed Haniyyah , Finkielstein Carla , ceci alessandro , Gonzalez Raul , Xia Kang , McDaniel Lauren , Baffoe-Bonnie Anthony , Rao Jayasimha , Zhang Liqing , Pruden Amy
Published: May 2024

Minimization of the use of antimicrobials is a recommended strategy to reduce the evolution and spread of antibiotic resistance; however, challenges remain in assessing the efficacy of such interventions. Wastewater-based surveillance (WBS) provides a promising means to consider differences in antibiotic resistance profiles across communities as a function of such interventions. We examined the metagenomes of sewage entering two neighboring wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serving a university and a nearby community. We compared antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) profiles as a function of data available for diagnoses of COVID-19 and other illnesses, clinical antibiotic use, antibiotic/antimicrobial and disinfectant/quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) concentrations in sewage, water quality indicators, and COVID-19-related behavioral shifts. Outpatient antibiotic prescription rates were consistently higher in the community than in the university zip code, but dropped markedly in both towns in April 2020, as COVID-19 lockdowns ensued. Antibiotic and QAC concentrations in sewage were consistent with these trends. Diversity and abundances of ARGs unique to the corresponding sewage were consistently higher for the community WWTP, but converged in 2022 when there was a surge in antibiotic prescriptions in the university zip code in response to elevated respiratory illness. Decreases in ARG diversity/abundance were not apparent during periods of decreased antibiotic usage, indicating a lag between antibiotic use and ARG wastewater signal.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Osteoporosis: a Cross-Sectional Study in a Tertiary Center
Authors: Ozmen Samican , Kurt Sefa , Timur Hikmet Tunc , Yavuz Onur , Kula Ali Hakan , Demir Ayşegül Yılmaz , Balci Ali
Published: May 2024

Background: Osteoporosis is a common disease of the skeletal system that increases the risk of fracture. The prevalence of osteoporosis has been increasing as the aging population increases, affecting more than 200 million people worldwide. This study aimed to shed light on the clinical impact of osteoporosis on women’s health and quality of life by evaluating the prevalence and risk factors for this disease among postmenopausal women, using a 10-year dataset from a tertiary center.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at Dokuz Eylul University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, between 2010 and 2022. A total of 3289 postmenopausal women aged 50-60 years who were undergoing routine gynecological checkups were included in the study. Patients with a prior diagnosis, a history of medical conditions or who were taking medications affecting bone mineral density were excluded. Data on demographics, smoking status, diabetes status, body-mass index (BMI), parity, and fracture history were collected. Bone mineral density sores were classified as normal, osteopenia, or osteoporosis.
Results: The prevalence of osteoporosis was 10.4%. The median age of the patients was 56.0 years. Smoking, diabetes, and a history of bone fractures were found to significantly increase the risk of osteoporosis. BMI was found to have a protective effect against osteoporosis. According to multivariate analysis, the risk of osteoporosis increased by 2.46 times in patients who smoke, 3.78 times in patients with diabetes, and 6.23 times in patients with a history of fractures.
Conclusions:Awareness of modifiable risk factors such as smoking is crucial for preventing osteoporosis-related complications. Diabetes, even when it is not complicated, increases the risk of osteoporosis. Physical exercise, calcium, and vitamin D intake are important, especially during young adulthood, as they are the primary contributors to peak bone mass. Because ne fractures are more common in patients with osteopenia, early diagnosis and routine screening can mitigate future complications.
Enhancing Machine Translation Models through Optimal Strategies for Prior Knowledge Integration: A Systematic Review
Authors: Asebel Muluken Hussen , Assefa Shimelis Getu , Haile Mesfin Abebe
Published: May 2024

Machine Translation (MT) has significantly transformed cross-language communication, becoming a pivotal field in Natural Language Processing (NLP). This systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis explore the optimal strategies for integrating prior knowledge into machine translation models. We delve into the strategic aspects of incorporating linguistic proficiency, external semantic information, and attention mechanisms, aiming to answer the research question: "What is the best strategy for integrating prior knowledge into machine translation?" The study employs a methodically crafted search strategy, focusing on Scopus and IEEE Xplore databases from 2014 to 2024. The rigorous selection process, following PRISMA guidelines, results in 22 articles for comprehensive analysis. The literature review highlights the significance of incorporating linguistic proficiency, semantic understanding, and domain-specific knowledge into machine translation models. Scholars consistently advocate for leveraging both syntactic and semantic structures from the source language to enhance model performance. The analysis of 22 selected articles presents a variety of strategies, including node random dropping, shared vocabulary and cognate lexicon induction, word-level domain-sensitive representation learning, and knowledge distillation. Notably, the "Node Random Dropping Strategy" stands out for capturing both semantic and syntactic representations, while the "Shared Vocabulary and Cognate Lexicon Induction" strategy proves effective for languages with shared linguistic features. In conclusion, this systematic review identifies a consensus among scholars on the importance of integrating syntactic and semantic language structures as crucial forms of prior knowledge. To effectively implement these structures, the study recommends employing a graph neural network from the encoder side. This comprehensive analysis contributes valuable insights for future research in optimizing strategies for prior knowledge integration into machine translation models.
Cytoprotective Effects of Microalgal Extracts on H 2 O 2 -Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cell Line
Authors: Herbert Helen , Touzet Nicolas , Campion Eva
Published: May 2024

The body's innate defences often fall short in combating oxidative stress in cells, highlighting the importance of integrating antioxidants from natural sources for preventative healthcare and nutrition. Microalgae-derived compounds like carotenoids and EPA-rich fatty acids play a critical role in protecting cells from oxidative stress. This study evaluated the antioxidant and cytoprotective properties of diethyl ether (Et2O) extracts prepared from the biomass of the microalgae Cyanophora paradoxa, Tetraselmis chuii and Phaeodactylum tricornutum, which were supplemented to human lung cancer cells (A549) experiencing oxidative stress. The extracts of T. chuii and C. paradoxa exhibited higher antioxidant content (123 and 150 µmol Trolox equivalent mg/Recovered Dried Material (RDM)) as compared to P. tricornutum when analysed using the FC assay. All extracts (150 µg mL− 1) demonstrated protective effects by attenuating H2O2-induced oxidative stress in A549 cells, as confirmed by the MTS (≤ 105% increase in cell growth) and DCF-DA assays (≤ 58% decrease in ROS production). RT-qPCR analysis revealed significant changes in the expression of apoptosis regulatory genes, with a decrease in the pro-apoptotic BAX gene (< 50%) and an increase in the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 gene expression (> 200%), when cells were treated with extracts compared to cells treated with medium only after exposure to H2O2. These findings suggest that the microalgal extracts successfully mitigated the H2O2-induced oxidative stress in the A459 cells, likely attributable to their inherent antioxidative and apoptosis regulating properties. These attributes, which appear to restore homeostasis, present promising avenues for use in cosmetics and therapeutic contexts.
Brain Iron in Signature Regions Relating to Cognitive Aging in Older Adults: The Taizhou Imaging Study
Authors: Li Rui , Fan Yi‑Ren , Wang Ying-Zhe , Lu He‑Yang , Li Pei-Xi , Dong Qiang , Jiang Yan-Feng , Chen Xing-Dong , Cui Mei
Published: May 2024

Background
Recent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have established that brain iron accumulation might accelerate cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Both normal aging and AD are associated with cerebral atrophy in specific regions. However, no studies have investigated aging- and AD-selective iron deposition-related cognitive changes during normal aging. Here, we applied quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) to detect iron levels in our cortical signature regions and assessed the relationships among iron, atrophy, and cognitive changes in older adults.
Methods
In this Taizhou Imaging Study, 770 older adults (mean age 62.0 ± 4.93 years, 57.5% women) underwent brain MRI to measure brain iron and atrophy, of whom 219 underwent neuropsychological tests nearly every 12 months for up to a mean follow-up of 2.68 years. Global cognition was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Domain-specific cognitive scores were obtained from MoCA subscore components. Regional analyses were performed for cortical regions and 3 signature regions: aging (AG)-specific regions, AG regions and AD signature meta-ROIs (Fig. 2). The QSM and cortical morphometry means of the above ROIs were also computed.
Results
Significant associations were found between QSM levels and cognitive scores. In particular, after adjusting for cortical thickness of regions of interest (ROIs), participants in the upper tertile of the cortical and AG-specific signature QSM exhibited worse global cognitive function than did those in the bottom tertile [Table 2; \(\beta\) = -0.104, p = 0.035; \(\beta\) = -0.118, p = 0.020, respectively]. Longitudinal analysis suggested that QSM values in all ROIs might predict cognitive decline in global cognition and key domains such as attention and visuospatial function (Table 3, Fig. 3; all p < 0.05). Furthermore, iron levels were negatively correlated with classic MRI markers of cortical atrophy (cortical thickness, gray matter volume, and local gyrification index) in total, AG-specific, and AG signature regions (Fig. 2; all p < 0.05).
Conclusion
AG- and AD-selective iron deposition was associated with atrophy and cognitive decline in elderly people, highlighting its potential as a neuroimaging marker for cognitive aging.
The Challenge of Procrastination: Gaining Insights from Overdue Books in University Libraries
Authors: Liu Jiexuan
Published: May 2024

The late return of library books is a manifestation of procrastination, resulting in fines that impact the overall user experience at the library. Overdue or lost books can disrupt the library’s circulation services and affect the satisfaction of other patrons’ book needs. This study analyzes overdue readers at Nanjing Normal University Library from 2012 to 2023, examining factors such as the frequency of overdue incidents, borrowing habits, instances of book loss, duration of overdue periods, and the gender and background of the readers. The findings from path analysis suggest that the accumulation of fines is a deterrent for overdue behavior by influencing borrowing habits and serving as a warning against procrastination. Structural equation modeling analysis reveals a positive correlation between reader self-regulation and overdue attitudes, negatively impacting book circulation. Additionally, the study observes the application of the law of large numbers to the occurrence of book overdue, with a weak correlation between overdue incidents and instances of book loss.
Artificial Intelligence Based Assessment of Clinical Reasoning Documentation: An Observational Study of the Impact of the Clinical Learning Environment on Resident Performance
Authors: Schaye Verity , DiTullio David J , Sartori Daniel J , Hauck Kevin , Haller Matthew , Reinstein Ilan , Guzman Benedict , Burk-Rafel Jesse
Published: May 2024

Background
Objective measures and large datasets are needed to determine aspects of the Clinical Learning Environment (CLE) impacting resident performance. Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers a solution. Here, the authors sought to determine what aspects of the CLE might be impacting resident performance as measured by clinical reasoning documentation quality assessed by AI.
Methods
In this observational, retrospective cross-sectional analysis of hospital admission notes from the Electronic Health Record (EHR), all categorical internal medicine (IM) residents who wrote at least one admission note during the study period July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2023 at two sites of NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s IM residency program were included. Clinical reasoning documentation quality of admission notes was determined to be low or high-quality using a supervised machine learning model. From note-level data, the shift (day or night) and note index within shift (if a note was first, second, etc. within shift) were calculated. These aspects of the CLE were included as potential markers of workload, which have been shown to have a strong relationship with resident performance. Patient data was also captured, including age, sex, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and primary diagnosis. The relationship between these variables and clinical reasoning documentation quality was analyzed using generalized estimating equations accounting for resident-level clustering.
Results
Across 37,750 notes authored by 474 residents, patients who were older, had more pre-existing comorbidities, and presented with certain primary diagnoses (e.g., infectious and pulmonary conditions) were associated with higher clinical reasoning documentation quality. When controlling for these and other patient factors, variables associated with clinical reasoning documentation quality included academic year (adjusted odds ratio, aOR, for high-quality: 1.10; 95% CI 1.06-1.15; P<.001), night shift (aOR 1.21; 95% CI 1.13-1.30; P<.001), and note index (aOR 0.93; 95% CI 0.90-0.95; P<.001).
Conclusions
AI can be used to assess complex skills such as clinical reasoning in authentic clinical notes that can help elucidate the potential impact of the CLE on resident performance. Future work should explore residency program and systems interventions to optimize the CLE.
Causal effects of triacylglycerol concentration on cervical cancer: evidence from two-step mediated Mendelian randomization.
Authors: Xu Cong , Xu Yonghong , Yang Yunhui , Wang Guangming
Published: May 2024

Cervical cancer ranks as the fourth most prevalent cancer among women globally, and in recent years, there has been widespread attention on the role of lipids in tumorigenesis and development. This study utilized Mendelian Randomization (MR) to explore the causal relationship between immune cell-mediated lipids and cervical cancer risk. We have selected lipids, which are closely associated with the function of immune cells, and identified their genetic instrumental variables. Using large-scale genomic association study (GWAS) data, we genetically evaluated their levels and analyzed their correlation with the risk of cervical cancer Preliminary results suggest that triacylglycerol is significantly associated with cervical cancer risk. And elevated levels of triacylglycerol are associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. In addition, we found that regulatory immune cells such as BAFF − R on naive − mature B cell, BAFF − R on IgD+, and BAFF − R on transitional may indirectly influence the development of cervical cancer by influencing the lipids response. Our research, employing causal inference analysis on Mendelian randomization, demonstrates the significance of immune cell-induced lipids in cervical cancer progression. These results contribute to comprehending the origins of cervical cancer and might steer the creation of upcoming preventive approaches and therapeutic tactics. Additional studies are essential to confirm these results and investigate particular biological processes.
Prioritising Patients for Publicly Funded Bariatric Surgery in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Scuffham Paul , Cross Megan , Teppala Srinivas , Hopkins George , Chikani Viral , Wykes Katie , Paxton Jody
Published: May 2024

Objectives
This study reports the development and pilot application of the Bariatric Surgery Assessment and Prioritisation Tool (BAPT) for use in a public health system. The BAPT was designed as a patient prioritisation instrument to assess patients with excessive weight and type 2 diabetes suitable for bariatric surgery. We assessed whether the instrument successfully identified those who gained including weight loss, diabetes remission, reduction in comorbidities, and health-related quality of life HR-QoL).
Methods
The BAPT instrument was applied to score 292 patients referred for bariatric surgery in Queensland between 2017 and 2020 based on their, body mass index, diabetes status, surgical risk (e.g. pulmonary embolism) and comorbidities (e.g. non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). These data were collected at referral and at 12-months post-surgery for 130 patients and stratified by BAPT scores. Outcomes included those listed.
Results
Patients’ BAPT scores ranged from 12 to 78 (possible range 2–98). Those with higher scores tended to be younger (p<0.001), have higher BMI (p<0.001) or require insulin to manage diabetes (p<0.01).
All patients lost similar percentages of body weight (20-25%, p=0.73) but higher scoring patients were more likely to discontinue oral diabetes medications (p<0.001) and the improvement in glycated haemoglobin was four times greater in patients scoring 70–79 points compared to those scoring 20–29 (p<0.05). Those who scored ³50 on the BAPT were substantially more likely to obtain diabetes remission (57% vs 31%) and greater improvement in HR-QoL (21% vs 7%) than those with a BAPT £20.
Conclusions
The BAPT prioritised younger patients with higher BMIs who realised greater improvements in their diabetes after bariatric surgery. Higher scoring BAPT patients should be prioritised for bariatric surgery as they have greatest gains in health outcomes.
Deceptive pollination mechanisms and low natural fruit set in Cymbidium aloifolium (L.) Sw. (Orchidaceae)
Authors: Baishnab Biswajit , Paul Suman , Datta Badal Kumar
Published: May 2024

Floral biology and pollination mechanisms of Cymbidium aloifolium an epiphytic orchid were investigated in Tripura, India. The flowering period of C. aloifolium lasted for approximately 4 months from the late spring to the summer, with raceme inflorescence where flowers open acropetally. The flower longevity strictly depends on pollination, 3 to 5 days; otherwise, individual flowers commonly last for one month. The flowers are nectarless, so they have to attract pollinators by the deceptive mechanism for capsule production. Flowers are fully pollinator-dependent as they are self-compatible but cannot autonomously self-pollinate. The Indian honey bee, Apis cerana indica, exclusively pollinated the flowers in the field. Pollinarium attached with the insect's back thorax and head due to their movement through the labellum chamber and pollinated the flower while escaping from the same. Both the studied populations estimate the pollination success but the natural fruit set percentage was very low (13–16%) as the result of a lack of nectar, infrequent flower visits by worker's honey bees, specialized single pollinator, and tight packaging of pollen cap with column of flower.
A colorimetric smartphone-based sensor for on-site AA detectionbased on MCTs nanocomposite materials
Authors: She Huanhuan , Wu Chaoling , He Ruotong , Xie Weihong , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2024

Nowadays colorimetric detection of ascorbic acid based on enzyme-mimetic materials are mostly rely on chemically synthesized materials. Although nano enzymes prepared from natural source materials have been reported, their preparation required harsh conditions or multi steps. In this work, nanocomposite materials (MCTs) based colorimetric sensor assisted with smartphone was designed for rapid and on-site ascorbic acid (AA) detection. The MCTs can catalyze the oxidation of 3,3’,5,5’-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) resulting in a color change from colorless to a deep blue in the presence of H2O2. The optimal catalytic conditions of pH, temperature and the material dosage are 3.0, 25°C and 3.0 mg, respectively. Due to the strong reducing property of ascorbic acid, the oxidation of TMB is inhibited so that the blue color faded. Based on the above principle, colorimetric sensor integrated with smartphone RGB mode was fabricated and exhibited a good linear detection range (1–250 µM) and low detection limit of 0.218 µM for AA detection under optimal conditions. The established method can also detect ascorbic acid (AA) in six commercial beverages with good accuracy. Therefore, this study has delivered a new cost-effective approach for the precise detection of ascorbic acid (AA) with a vast potential for various applications.
Novel innate immune systems in pristine Antarctic soils
Authors: Goethem Marc W. Van , Bezuidt Oliver K. I. , Pierneef Rian , Vikram Surendra , Hopkins David W. , Aspray Thomas , Hall Grant , Woodborne Stephan , Hogg Ian D. , Northen Trent R. , Kong Weidong , Daffonchio Daniele , Cowan Don A. , de Peer Yves Van , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , Makhalanyane Thulani P.
Published: May 2024

Background
Antarctic environments are dominated by microorganisms, which are vulnerable to viral infection. Although several studies have investigated the phylogenetic repertoire of bacteria and viruses in these poly-extreme environments, the evolutionary mechanisms governing microbial immunity remain poorly understood.
Results
Using genome resolved metagenomics, we test the hypothesis that these poly extreme high-latitude microbiomes harbour diverse innate immune systems. Our analysis reveals the prevalence of prophages in bacterial genomes (Bacteroidota and Verrucomicrobiota), suggesting the significance of lysogenic infection strategies in Antarctic soils. Furthermore, we demonstrate the presence of diverse CRISPR-Cas arrays, including Class 1 arrays (Types I-B, I-C, and I-E), alongside systems exhibiting novel gene architecture among their effector cas genes. Notably, a Class 2 system featuring type V variants lacks CRISPR arrays, Cas1 and Cas2 adaptation module genes. Phylogenetic analysis of Cas12 effector proteins hints at divergent evolutionary histories compared to classified type V effectors.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest substantial sequence novelty in Antarctic cas sequences, likely driven by strong selective pressures. These results underscore the role of viral infection as a key evolutionary driver shaping polar microbiomes.
Two-tier stochastic frontier analysis: heterogeneous error distributions and model selection
Authors: Papadopoulos Alecos
Published: May 2024

We develop two-tier stochastic frontier models where the two one-sided error components follow different marginal distributions. As estimation methods, we present both Simulated Maximum Likelihood and Corrected Ordinary Least Squares coupled with Generalized Method of Moments. We propose a formal statistical test as well as informal diagnostics to choose between specifications. An application illustrates the use of these new tools.
JEL classification D24 C46 C21
Effects of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress on current drug use among healthcare workers: Differences by occupational level
Authors: Okon Sylvia , Khan Tourna , Duffy Nora , Roan Carson , Hoopsick Rachel
Published: May 2024

Work-related stress has been well-examined among physicians, but little is known about how it might affect drug use or healthcare workers in lower-wage occupations characterized by high job demands and low occupational autonomy (e.g., medical assistants, nursing assistants). In March 2022, we collected data from a diverse sample of healthcare workers (N = 200). We separately examined the cross-sectional relationships between several work-related experiences (i.e., compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress) and measures of current drug use (i.e., non-medical use of prescription drugs [NMUPD], cannabis use, and illicit drug use). We then examined for differences occupational level (i.e., prescriber/administrator vs. other healthcare worker). In main effects models, greater burnout and secondary traumatic stress were both associated with higher odds of NMUPD, cannabis use, and illicit drug use (ps < 0.01). Greater compassion satisfaction was associated with lower odds of illicit drug use (p < 0.05), but not with NMUPD or cannabis use (ps > 0.05). There was a significant interaction between secondary traumatic stress and occupational level on NMUPD (p < 0.05) such that there was no relationship between secondary traumatic stress and NMUPD among prescribers/administrators, but the likelihood of NMUPD among other healthcare workers increased with greater secondary traumatic stress. Similar trend-level interactions were observed between secondary traumatic stress and occupational level on cannabis use (p < 0.10) and between burnout and occupational level on NMUPD. Burnout and secondary traumatic stress are systemic issues, and results suggest they may contribute to drug use. Healthcare workers in positions characterized by high demands and low autonomy may be especially vulnerable.
Transfer with microbiota from lean donors prevents excessive weight gain and restores gut-brain vagal signaling in obese rats maintained on a high fat diet
Authors: Minaya Dulce M. , Kim Jiyoung S. , Kirkland Rebecca , Allen Jillian , Cullinan Sitara , Maclang Neil , de Lartigue Guillaume , Serre Claire B. de La
Published: May 2024

Background. The collection of microorganisms, mainly bacteria, which live in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract are collectible known as the gut microbiota. GI bacteria play an active role in regulation of the host’s immune system and metabolism, as well as certain pathophysiological processes. Diet is the main factor modulating GI microbiota composition and recent studies have shown that high fat (HF) diets induce detrimental changes, known as dysbiosis, in the GI bacterial makeup. HF diet induced microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with structural and functional changes in gut-brain vagally mediated signaling system, associated with overeating and obesity. Although HF-driven changes in microbiota composition are sufficient to alter vagal signaling, it is unknown if restoring normal microbiota in obesity can improve gut-brain signaling and metabolic outcomes. In this study, we evaluated the effect of lean gut microbiota transfer in obese, vagally compromised, rats on gut-brain communication, food intake, and body weight. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on regular chow, or 45% HF diet for nine weeks followed by three weeks of microbiota depletion using an antibiotic cocktail. The animals were then divided into four groups (n=10 each): LF – control group on regular chow, LF-LF – chow fed animals that received antibiotics and microbiota from chow fed animals, HF-LF – HF fed animals that received microbiota from chow fed animals, and HF-HF– HF fed animals that received microbiota from HF fed animals. Animals were gavaged with donor microbiota for three consecutive days on week one and once a week thereafter for three more weeks. HF-LF animals received inulin as a prebiotic to aid the establishment of the lean microbiome.
Results. We found that transferring a LF microbiota to HF fed animals (HF-LF) reduced caloric intake during the light phase when compared with HF-HF rats and prevented additional excessive weight gain. We did not observe significant changes in the density of vagal afferents terminating in the brainstem among the groups, however, HF-LF animals displayed an increase in postprandial activation of both primary sensory neurons innervating the GI tract and brainstem secondary neurons.
Conclusions. We concluded from these data that normalizing microbiota composition in obese rats improves gut-brain communication and restores
Machine-learning-based bitter taste threshold prediction model for bitter substances: fusing molecular docking binding energy with molecular descriptor features
Authors: Chen Can , Deng Haichao , Wei Huijie , Wang Yaqing , Xia Ning , Teng Jianwen , Zhang Qisong , Huang Li
Published: May 2024

Establishing the bitterness threshold of molecules is vital for their application in healthy foods. Although numerous studies have utilized Mathematical algorithms to identify bitter chemicals, few models can accurately forecast the bitterness threshold. This study investigates the binding mode of bitter substances to the TAS2R14 receptor, establishing the relationship between the threshold and binding energy. Subsequently, a structure-taste relationship model was constructed using random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), categorical boosting (CatBoost), and gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) algorithms. Results showed R-squared values of 0.906, 0.889, 0.936, and 0.877, respectively, suggesting a relatively good predictive capability for the bitterness threshold. Among these models, CatBoost performed optimally. The CatBoost model was then employed to predict the bitter thresholds of 223 compounds. The model provides a precise reference for detecting the bitterness thresholds of a wide range of chemicals and dangerous substances.
Agricultural Hotspots in India: Evidence from Paddy, Wheat, and Millets
Authors: Pramanik Chanchal
Published: May 2024

We investigate seasonal yields at the district level of paddy, wheat, and millets in India from 2010 to 2019 to identify hot/coldspots for these major food grains. The analysis includes examining the contrast between hotspot maps of crop yield and historical weather deviation maps to provide insights into the clustering of crop yields. The findings reveal that the north and northeast states, as well as West Bengal in the east, experienced the least weather deviations, while the rest of India experienced significant weather anomalies. Paddy hotspots are concentrated in the north and southern regions and West Bengal in the east, while wheat hotspots are in the north and parts of the central and western regions. Millets are productive in the north-central, the south, and Gujarat in the west. In contrast, consistent coldspots for these major food grains are observed in Maharashtra in the west, the rest of the central and eastern regions, and the northeastern region. The analysis suggests that the approach of developing crop management techniques to mitigate weather anomalies by agricultural systems in hotspot States can benefit farmers in other regions in achieving their crop yield potentials. The results call for a deeper analysis of the factors driving regional crop yield convergence over space and time.
JEL Codes: O13, O47, R11, Q18
Anatomy, 3D micro-CT and Semiquantitative Elemental Microanalysis in Common carp vertebrae (Cyprinus carpio; Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Salinas Paulo , Naciff Antonia , Navarro Felipe , Vicencio Florencia , Sandoval Carlos
Published: May 2024

The study describes the anatomy vertebrae of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio; Linnaeus, 1758) using 3D micro-CT and Semiquantitative Elemental Microanalysis (EDX), which helps to understand the ontogeny and factors that determine the biomechanics of bones in wild fish. The study of Common carp vertebrae revealed a complex and heterogeneous structure, with a variety of components contributing to their function and stability. The vertebral bodies were composed of lamellar trabeculae and internal hollow spaces, while the neural and hemal arches were composed of bony trabeculae and connected by a lace-like structure. The results of EDX analysis demonstrated the presence of oxygen, nitrogen, sodium, carbon, magnesium, and chlorine, among others. The calcium to phosphorus ratio was within the ranges described in teleost, suggesting good bone health. The presence of magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, and nitrogen is due to their essential role in different biological processes. In addition, a difference was observed between the trabeculae present in the vertebrae of the abdominal and caudal segments, suggesting a relationship between the density of each bone and its function. These findings contribute to the understanding of the structure and function of vertebrae in wild Common carp and may have implications for understanding the evolution of the vertebral column in fish in general.
Association of same-day urinary phenol levels and cardiac electrical alterations: analysis of the Fernald Community Cohort
Authors: Rubinstein Jack , Pinney Susan M. , Xie Changchun , Wang Hong-Sheng
Published: May 2024

Background
Exposure to phenols has been linked in animal models and human populations to cardiac function alterations and cardiovascular diseases, although their effects on cardiac electrical properties in humans remains to be established. This study aimed to identify changes in electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters associated with environmental phenol exposure in adults of a midwestern large cohort known as the Fernald Community Cohort (FCC).
Methods
During the day of the first comprehensive medical examination, urine samples were obtained, and electrocardiograms were recorded. Cross-sectional linear regression analyses were performed.
Results
Bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol F (BPF) were both associated with a longer PR interval, an indication of delayed atrial-to-ventricle conduction, in females (p < 0.05) but not males. BPA combined with BPF was associated with an increase QRS duration, an indication of delayed ventricular activation, in females (P < 0.05) but not males. Higher triclocarban (TCC) level was associated with longer QTc interval, an indication of delayed ventricular repolarization, in males (P < 0.01) but not females. Body mass index (BMI) was associated with a significant increase in PR and QTc intervals and ventricular rate in females and in ventricular rate in males. In females, the combined effect of being in the top tertile for both BPA urinary concentration and BMI was an estimate of a 10% increase in PR interval. No associations were found with the other phenols.
Conclusion
Higher exposure to some phenols was associated with alterations of cardiac electrical properties in a sex specific manner in the Fernald cohort. Our population-based findings correlate directly with clinically relevant parameters that are associated with known pathophysiologic cardiac conditions in humans.
Appraisal of hydrochemistry and non-carcinogenic risk assessment for the distribution of Fluoride and Nitrate in a semi-arid region
Authors: Ullengula Mamatha , Dhakate Ratnakar , Gunnam Venakata Ratnalu , Venkata Sudarshan
Published: May 2024

Assessment of hydrochemistry, and its impact on human health via ingestion and dermal contact of Fluoride (F−), and Nitrite (NO3−) concentrated groundwater was assessed via ingestion and dermal contact pathways. Sixty-one groundwater samples from a Dilwarpur Mandal, Nirmal district, Telangana State, India were collected and analyzed major ion chemistry for pre and post-rainy seasons from the semi-arid region. The concentration of F− ranged from 0.24–3.28, and 0.08–1.52 mg/l with mean of 1.01, and 0.65 mg/l, around 48%, and 26% of samples exceeded the permissible limits (> 1 mg/l), and NO3− concentration ranges from 3–136, and 6 -132 mg/l with mean of 36 mg/l, and around 34% and 45% of samples exceeded the permissible limits (> 45 mg/l) for both the seasons. Elevated F−, and NO3− concentration due to the dissolution of fluoride-bearing minerals, and excessive use of nitrate fertilizers. Water Quality Index (WQI) ranges from 28–133, and 29–88 for both seasons. Piper plot suggests that CaHCO3 type water with 56% and 51%; Mixed CaMgCl type water with 41% and 49% and Mixed CaNaHCO3 type water with 3% each for both seasons. Gibbs plot suggests that most of the samples are rock dominant type and suggests that the water-rock interaction during the process of percolation water with high evaporation conditions. Principal component Analyses (PCA) suggest that the same factors contribute to an increase in F− and NO3− concentrations in groundwater. Hazard quotient (HQ) via ingestion (HQING) and dermal contact (HQDER) of F− and NO3− experiences higher values than the threshold limit of 1.0 for various age groups, affecting human health due to non-carcinogenic effect, and immediately requires a suitable effective measure should be implemented in the area to avoid further health hazard impact on the existing society and for an upcoming generation.
Iron Deficiency Anemia as a Potential Risk Factor for Poor Outcomes in Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Abramowitz Binyamin R. , Saba Helena , Meier Rachel R. , Ahlawat Sushil
Published: May 2024

Background:
Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is associated with poor outcomes in many disease processes. There is a paucity of data on the impact of IDA on outcomes of acute pancreatitis (AP) hospitalizations. Our study sought to determine whether IDA is associated with poor outcomes in AP hospitalizations.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted utilizing the 2020 National Inpatient Sample database. Patients aged 18 and above who were hospitalized with AP were identified. Demographic and hospitalization data was collected and compared across patients with IDA and patients without IDA. Additionally, data on the rates of complications were also compared and analyzed.
Results:
A total of 83,154 patients hospitalized with AP were identified. 2,951 of them had a comorbid diagnosis of IDA while the other 80,203 patients were without an IDA diagnosis. IDA patients were more likely to have longer hospitalizations (6.3 vs 5.3 days, p=<0.001) and greater hospitalization costs ($72,254 vs $66,182, p=0.022). They were more likely to experience acute renal failure, deep vein thrombosis, pseudocysts, and pleural effusions.
Conclusions:
In the existing literature, studies report an association between general anemia and poor outcomes in AP. Additionally, high red cell distribution width, which can be seen in IDA, has also been reported to be associated with negative outcomes in AP. Our data clearly delineates an association specifically between IDA and worse outcomes in hospitalized IDA patients. The increase in hospitalization costs seen for IDA patients is likely a result of both the longer hospitalizations as well as the increased complication rates.
Effective Management of Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study of Five Health Facilities
Authors: Antwi Sara Agyemang , Appiah Jemima Aggrey , Boateng Charles Kankam
Published: May 2024

Background
Hypertension remains a significant global health concern due to its high incidence and association with cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and other complications. This research aimed to determine the dynamics of blood pressure control over the course of disease management, focusing on the systolic and diastolic readings at baseline and at the time of the study and on the number of years of patient management and sex.
Methods
A retrospective study with a multicenter approach was used. The information of a total of 373 patients was collected and analyzed using Python and SPSS.
Results
Overall, 72.9% of the patients were female, and 27.1% were male. The mean age was 62.57 ± 0.635 years. A regression model was used to evaluate the associations between the number of years of hypertension management, systolic anddiastolic BP at first diagnosis and current systolic and diastolic BP at R-square, (13.2% and 29.2%, respectively; p<0.01). There was a significant reduction in the systolic BP before (M = 157.01 ± 28.159) compared to after (M =138.07 ± 19.591), t (372) = 12.959, p <0.001. Similarly, the results showed a significant reduction in the diastolic BP of the patients before (M = 91.85 ± 15.934) compared to after (M =85.19 ± 12.955), t (372) = 9.062, p <0.001. There was a greater systolic BP at first diagnosis in males than in females.
Conclusions
The number of years of hypertension management and BP at first diagnosis may be associated with the outcome of management. Appropriate treatment combinations involving two classes of antihypertensive drugs may encourage patient adherence and yield positive outcomes.
Spillover Effects of Built-Environment Vulnerability on Resilience of Businesses in Urban Crises
Authors: Hsu Chia-Wei , Liu Chia-Fu , Stearns Laura , Brody Sam , Mostafavi Ali
Published: May 2024

Exploring the intricate dynamics between the vulnerability of the built environment and the resilience of businesses is not only pivotal for equitable recovery resource allocation, especially among underprivileged populations but also remains a relatively unexplored area within the realm of urban resilience studies. This study uses fine-resolution human mobility and property-level flood damage claim data to uncover the rather unknown effects of built-environment vulnerability on the recovery of businesses and local economies. Using data from the 2017 Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Texas, we examine the extent of nearby residential flood damage on the differential recovery trajectories of essential businesses: grocery stores, gasoline stations, and healthcare retail stores, and physicians' offices. The analysis evaluates what types of businesses are more sensitive to residential flood damage and to what extent this sensitivity varies based on socio-demographic spectrum. The findings reveal the heterogeneity of sensitivity of businesses to residential property damage across business types. Certain businesses, such as grocery stores and offices of physicians, are more sensitive to nearby residential property damage. Also, the findings reveal that businesses located in low-income areas show a heightened sensitivity in the form of slowed recovering trajectories. The greater coupling of residential damage and business recovery in low-income areas creates a feedback mechanism that slows the overall recovery of those communities. The findings contribute to a better understanding, with implications for considering the ripple effect of built-environment vulnerability on economic resilience as a factor for evaluating urban crisis management strategies.
A novel approach for calculating prediction uncertainty when using acoustic indices and machine learning algorithms to monitor animal communities
Authors: Mammides Christos , Huang Guohualing , Sree Rachakonda , Ieronymidou Christina , Papadopoulos Harris
Published: May 2024

There is a growing interest in using passive acoustic monitoring methods to survey biodiversity. Many studies have investigated the efficacy of acoustic indices in monitoring animal communities, particularly bird species richness, with mixed results. It has been suggested that combining multiple acoustic indices could improve accuracy. To accomplish this, researchers have employed machine learning methods, such as the Random Forest Regression, which are considered more robust in this context. However, most machine learning methods have a limitation in that they do not provide well-calibrated uncertainty quantification measures for their predictions. Quantifying uncertainty with the use of appropriate prediction intervals is of paramount importance for making informed management decisions. In this study, we propose addressing this issue using a Machine Learning framework, called Conformal Prediction, which has been developed to provide guaranteed coverage prediction intervals. Specifically, we examine the application of a recently proposed combination of Conformal Prediction with Gaussian Process Regression using data collected through bird and acoustic surveys at biodiverse sites in Cyprus and Australia. Our goal is to demonstrate how the Conformal Prediction framework can be used to assess the models’ prediction accuracy and associated uncertainty when monitoring biodiversity using acoustic indices and machine learning methods. Moreover, we discuss how the framework can be integrated into a wider range of ecological applications to help make more informed conservation management decisions.
Platelet-Rich Plasma-A Safe and Cost-effective Dural Sealant in Spinal Surgeries-A Systematic Review
Authors: Aziz Hafiza Fatima , Yaqoob Uzair , Tariq Rabeet , Shamim Muhammad Shahzad
Published: May 2024

Introduction
Incidental durotomy (ID) is a common complication of otherwise rewarding lumbar decompression surgeries. An effective water-tight closure of the dura can potentially avoid cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage and its dreaded sequel. Several sealants, grafts, and patches are used; however, the cost constrains its utility in resource-limited settings. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been found effective in wound healing and adhesive properties and hence a potential adjunct for watertight closure of dura. This systematic review was conducted to highlight the existing literature on the utility of PRP in spinal procedures for the managing of CSF leaks.
Methods
The review was conducted based on the PRISMA guidelines. After a comprehensive database search through three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library), studies assessing the role of PRP in CSF leaks or for the water-tight closure of dura were included. The study descriptions, demographic details, methodology, and outcomes were assessed.
Results
A total of six studies were included. In vitro studies and animal trials demonstrated the efficacy of PRP in achieving watertight dural closure and prevention of CSF leaks when standard suturing techniques failed. PRP application in rat models have been shown to cause increased dura mater thickness and enhanced vascularity. Clinical cases revealed mixed outcomes, with some patients experiencing symptom relief and improved radiological findings after PRP interventions, while a minority faced recurrent symptoms.
Conclusion
PRP is a promising tool to achieve water-tight dural closure. Although the clinical evidence is limited at this juncture, its feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and safety profile make it suitable for initiating clinical trials to assess its optimal clinical application.
E-Cadherin Expression in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Ullas Geethika P , M Sheela K
Published: May 2024

Background
In this study, we wanted to determine the proportion of negative E-cadherin expression in endometrial carcinoma cases received in the Department of Pathology and evaluate the E-cadherin expression in different histological subtypes of endometrial carcinoma.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted over one year in the Department of Pathology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. 52 specimens histopathologically diagnosed as endometrial carcinoma in the Department of Pathology, were studied. Age, histological subtype, grade, stage and E-cadherin staining were recorded. Data were entered into an Excel sheet and analysed with SPSS.
Result
Clinicopathological features of were studied and the median age group of the patients was between         51-60 years. The majority of cases were of  endometrioid type and presented at stage IA (69.2 %). Negative  E cadherin expression was seen more commonly in Type II endometrial carcinomas (50 & 33.3 % of serous and clear cell carcinoma respectively). Among the Type I carcinoma, grade 3 tumours showed the most proportion of negative E-cadherin staining pattern (33.3 %).
Conclusion:
The study concluded that most of the tumours occurred in the postmenopausal age group and the majority of cases were in stage IA, most cases were of endometrioid type. E-cadherin was lost most commonly in high-grade endometrioid carcinoma and Type 2 carcinomas. Among the 3 grades of endometrioid carcinoma, grade 3 (33.3 %) had the highest proportion of negative staining and grade 1 had the highest proportion of positive staining characteristics. (57.1 %).