bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinguish different sensorimotor performance of the hand between the individuals with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease through deep learning models
Authors: Mo Pu-Chun , Hsu Hsiu-Yun , Lin Cheng-Feng , Cheng Yu-Shiuan , Tu I-Te , Kuo Li-Chieh , Su Fong-Chin
Published: February 2024

Diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease represent escalating global epidemics with comorbidities akin to neuropathies, resulting in various neuromuscular symptoms that impede daily performance. Interestingly, previous studies indicated differing sensorimotor functions within these conditions. If assessing sensorimotor features can effectively distinguish between diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, it could serve as a valuable and non-invasive indicator for early detection, swift screening, and ongoing monitoring, aiding in the differentiation between these diseases. This study classified diverse diagnoses based on motor performance using a novel pinch-holding-up-activity test and machine learning models based on deep learning. Dataset from 271 participants, encompassing 3263 hand samples across three cohorts (healthy adults, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease), formed the basis of analysis. Leveraging convolutional neural networks, three deep learning models were employed to classify healthy adults, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease based on pinch-holding-up-activity data. Notably, the testing set displayed accuracies of 95.3% and 89.8% for the intra- and inter-participant comparisons, respectively. The weighted F1 scores for these conditions reached 0.897 and 0.953, respectively. The study findings underscore the adeptness of the dilation convolutional neural networks model in distinguishing sensorimotor performance among individuals with diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and healthy adults. These outcomes suggest discernible differences in sensorimotor performance across the diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and healthy cohorts, pointing towards the potential of rapid screening based on these parameters as an innovative clinical approach.
Are cities ready for climate change? Exploring the spatial discrepancies between urban vulnerability and adaptation readiness
Authors: Yao Yufeng , Zhang Zhejun , Zhang Zucheng , Meng Fan
Published: February 2024

Climate change is an increasingly severe global crisis, posing threats to ecosystems, economies, and human lives. To address these threats, different cities around the world have adopted various levels of adaptation strategies to cope with varying degrees of negative impact, such as increasing water efficiency and enhancing health response systems. Despite some progress, there is a spatial discrepancy among cities in terms of their vulnerability to climate change and their adaptation readiness. Uncovering the reasons behind this spatial discrepancy could help us formulate better policies to address climate issues. To this end, we conduct an empirical analysis using city response data from 2020, sourced from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), focusing on a dataset that encompasses 421 cities worldwide. Specifically, we first formulate a “vulnerability index” to measure the propensity of cities to suffer negative effects in the event of climate hazards and a “readiness index” to represent their adaptation readiness level. Then we introduce the “discrepancy score” to quantify discrepancies across cities and discover the spatial distribution of the discrepancies through spatial visualization. Further, we employ a clustering analysis method named k-means to group different cities based on vulnerability index and readiness index. Finally, we perform Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) to quantitatively analyze the spatial correlation between the economy and the discrepancy score of different cities. Our research mainly reveals several findings: (1) European cities tend to exhibit high levels of adaptation readiness with low degrees of vulnerability. In contrast, African cities consistently display heightened degrees of vulnerability combined with limited adaptation readiness. (2) Economic factors play a significant role in the spatial discrepancies between levels of adaptation readiness and degrees of vulnerability of cities; (3) The impact of the economy on the discrepancy scores exhibits significant spatial heterogeneity, with its influence being greater in European and African regions compared to other areas. Our study contributes both theoretically and practically to the comprehension of global climate change. It provides evidence-based support for the development of more effective climate change mitigation strategies and lays the foundation for fostering worldwide collaboration and initiatives.
The linkage between autumn Barents-Kara sea ice and European cold winter extremes
Authors: Cai Di , Lohmann Gerrit , Chen Xianyao , Ionita Monica
Published: February 2024

While the Arctic's accelerated warming and sea ice decline have been associated with Eurasian cooling, debates persist between those attributing this to sea ice retreat and those to internal variability. Our study examines the association between autumn sea ice variability over the Barents-Kara Seas and extreme cold winters in Europe. Using the observational data and composite analysis, we explore the interannual variability and the potential linkage between sea ice and atmospheric circulation patterns. It reveals a correlation with shifts toward a negative phase of North Atlantic Oscillation and more frequent episodes of the atmospheric blocking over Greenland and the North Atlantic. Furthermore, the negative phase of the North Atlantic Oscillation and enhanced blocking are closely related and mutually reinforcing, shaping the spatial distribution of cold anomalies over much of the European continent. Our results suggest a link between the unusual decrease in Barents-Kara Sea ice during autumn and the occurrence of intense European weather extremes in subsequent winter months, emphasizing the need for delving deeper into this relationship on monthly time scales to enhance our predictive capabilities for midlatitude extreme events.
Validity of resting heart rate derived from contact-based smartphone photoplethysmography compared with electrocardiography: a scoping review and checklist for optimal acquisition and reporting
Authors: Mather James D. , Hayes Lawrence D. , Mair Jacqueline L. , Sculthorpe Nicholas F.
Published: February 2024

Background

With the rise of smartphone ownership and increasing evidence to support the suitability of smartphone usage in healthcare, the light source and smartphone camera could be utilized to perform photoplethysmography (PPG) for the assessment of vital signs, such as heart rate (HR). However, until rigorous validity assessment has been conducted, PPG will have limited use in clinical settings.

Objective

We aimed to conduct a scoping review assessing the validity of resting heart rate (RHR) acquisition from PPG utilizing contact-based smartphone devices. Our four specific objectives of this scoping review were to (1) conduct a systematic search of the published literature concerning contact-based smartphone device-derived PPG, (2) map study characteristics and methodologies, (3) identify if methodological and technological advancements have been made, and (4) provide recommendations for the advancement of the investigative area.

Methods

ScienceDirect, PubMed and SPORTDiscus were searched for relevant studies between January 1st, 2007, and November 6th, 2022. Filters were applied to ensure only literature written in English were included. Reference lists of included studies were manually searched for additional eligible studies.

Results

In total 10 articles were included. Articles varied in terms of methodology including study characteristics, index measurement characteristics, criterion measurement characteristics, and experimental procedure. Additionally, there were variations in reporting details including primary outcome measure and measure of validity. However, all studies reached the same conclusion, with agreement ranging between good to very strong and correlations ranging from r = .98 to 1.

Conclusions

Smartphone applications measuring RHR derived from contact-based smartphone PPG appear to agree with gold standard electrocardiography (ECG) in healthy subjects. However, agreement was established under highly controlled conditions. Future research could investigate their validity and consider effective approaches that transfer these methods from laboratory conditions into the “real-world”, in both healthy and clinical populations.
Research on cultural diversity and sustainable land-use management assessment model
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhang Junqiao
Published: February 2024

This study quantitatively evaluated the role of cultural diversity and psychological awareness in sustainable land-use management (SLUM). Firstly, an assessment model based on fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is established by combining fuzzy logic, expert knowledge and analytic hier-archy process. The model addresses the uncertainty of qualitative assessment and adapts to dy-namic environments and complex human behavior. The research process included a literature review and expert consultation to identify key factors influencing land use and assign weights to these factors through FAHP. Subsequently, FAHP determined that cultural diversity had the highest weight among all considerations, indicating the urgent need to respect and integrate local cultural diversity in land management. Psychological awareness follows closely, suggesting that land-use decisions are profoundly influenced not only by tangible economic and environmental conditions, but also by the psychological states, knowledge levels, value systems, and social perceptions of groups and individuals. These findings highlight the need to consider and integrate these intangible factors when developing land management strategies. This approach fosters broad social acceptance and participation, ultimately moving towards the long-term goal of sustainable land use. Finally, the study provides decision-makers with a tool for identifying subtle differences at the cultural and psychological levels that can help develop more nuanced and personalized management options for different land use strategies.
Understanding COVID-19-associated endothelial dysfunction: role of PIEZO1 as a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Zhang Xiaoting , Liu Jinhai , Deng Xiaoming , Bo Lulong
Published: February 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Due to its high infectivity, the pandemic has rapidly spread and become a global health crisis. Emerging evidence indicates that endothelial dysfunction may play a central role in the multiorgan injuries associated with COVID-19. Therefore, there is an urgent need to discover and validate novel therapeutic strategies targeting endothelial cells. PIEZO1, a mechanosensitive (MS) ion channel highly expressed in the blood vessels of various tissues, has garnered increasing attention for its potential involvement in the regulation of inflammation, thrombosis, and endothelial integrity. This review aims to provide a novel perspective on the potential role of PIEZO1 as a promising target for mitigating COVID-19-associated endothelial dysfunction.
Waves from compact SeaSonde® High Frequency radars in the southeastern Bay of Biscay: measurement performance under different noise and wind conditions
Authors: Solabarrieta Lohitzune , Fernandes Maria , Ruiz Irene , Ferrer Macu , Liria Pedro , de Santiago Iñaki , Sánchez Jorge , Aranda Jose Antonio , Rubio Anna
Published: February 2024

Global concern on extreme events is increasing the need for real time monitoring of the wave fields in coastal areas. High Frequency (HF) radars, a remote sensing technology widely applied to measure near real time surface coastal currents with demonstrated accuracy, can also play a major role in the operational monitoring of waves height, period and direction. However, the ability of HF radar to measure waves can be jeopardized by specific ocean-meteorological and environmental conditions. Thus, a case-to-case analysis and parameterization is necessary to ensure the best data in each study area. In the southeastern (SE) Bay of Biscay, the EuskOOS HF radar network, composed by two compact HF radar stations provides hourly surface waves data in near real time. In this work, we analyze the effects of wind and noise levels on the radar skills for wave measurement, compared with existing in-situ data obtained by an offshore buoy. Then, the HF radar wave measurements for 2022 are analyzed with special focus on the most energetic observed wave events. The analysis performed versus in-situ data shows that both stations present reliable and accurate data for waves over 1.5 m, in agreement to what can be expected for a 4.46 MHz radar. The highest correlations are observed for waves > 4 m significant wave height, which demonstrates the capabilities for monitoring highly energetic events. Interference and noise detected on very precise time slots significantly reduced the availability and reliability of the measurements. Also, local winds blowing from land direction were found to affect the agreement between radar and in-situ measurements. Recommendations extracted from the analysis are provided, with the aim that they can be extended to other HF networks for more accurate wave monitoring.
Transcriptomic analysis of nitrogen metabolism pathways in Klebsiella aerogenes under nitrogen-rich conditions
Authors: Chen Yanyan , Lin Yijing , Zhu Jingyi , Zhou Jiayin , Lin Haoyi , Fu Yiting , Zhou Yan
Published: February 2024

The acceleration of the nitrogen cycle and the nitrogen excess observed in some coastal waters has increased interest into understanding the biochemical and molecular basis of nitrogen metabolism in various microorganisms. To investigate nitrogen metabolism of a novel heterotrophic nitrification and aerobic denitrification bacterium Klebsiella aerogenes strain (B23) under nitrogen-rich conditions, we conducted physiological and transcriptomic high-throughput sequencing analyses on strain B23 cultured on potassium nitrate–free or potassium nitrate–rich media. Overall, K. aerogenes B23 assimilated 82.47% of the nitrate present into cellular nitrogen. Further, 1,195 differentially expressed genes were observed between K. aerogenes B23 cultured on potassium nitrate–free media and those cultured on potassium nitrate-rich media. Gene annotation and metabolic pathway analysis of the transcriptome were performed using a series of bioinformatics tools, including Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and Non-Redundant Protein Database annotation. Accordingly, the nitrogen metabolism pathway of K. aerogenes B23 was analyzed; overall, 39 genes were determined to be involved in this pathway. Differential expression analysis of the genes involved in the nitrogen metabolism pathway demonstrated that, compared to the control, FNR, NarK/14945, fdx, gshA, proB, proA, gapA, argH, artQ, artJ, artM, ArgR, GAT1, prmB, pyrG, glnS, and Ca1 were significantly upregulated in the nitrogen-treated K. aerogenes B23; these genes have been established to be involved in the regulation of nitrate, arginine, glutamate, and ammonia assimilation. Further, norV, norR, and narI were also upregulated in nitrogen-treated K. aerogenes B23; these genes are involved in the regulation of NO metabolism. These differential expression results are important for understanding the regulation process of key nitrogen metabolism enzyme genes in K. aerogenes B23. Therefore, this study establishes a solid foundation for further research into the expression regulation patterns of nitrogen metabolism–associated genes in K. aerogenes B23 under nitrogen-rich conditions; moreover, this research provides essential insight into how K. aerogenes B23 utilizes nutritional elements.
The changes and its significance of peripheral blood NK cells in patients with tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Mi Jie , Liu Yinping , Xue Yong , Sun Wenna , Liang Yan , Liang Jianqin , An Huiru , Wu Xueqiong
Published: February 2024

Objective

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is the most severe form of tuberculosis (TB). The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the number of natural killer (NK) cells and adaptive immune status, and disease severity in TBM patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study on 244 TB patients and 146 healthy control subjects in the 8th Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital from March 2018 and August 2023.

Results

The absolute count of NK cells in the peripheral blood of TBM patients was significantly lower than that in normal controls (NC), latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and non-severe TB (NSTB) patients (p < 0.05). The proportion of TBM patients (48.7%) with a lower absolute count of NK cells than the normal reference value was significantly higher than that in NC (5.2%) and LTBI groups (4.0%) (p < 0.05), and slightly higher than that in NSTB group (36.0%) (p > 0.05). The absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets in TBM combined with other active TB group, etiology (+) group, IGRA (−) group, and antibody (+) group were lower than that in simple TBM group, etiology (−) group, IGRA (+) group, and antibody (−) group, respectively. The CD3+ T, NK, and B cells in BMRC-stage III TBM patients were significantly lower than those in stage I and stage II patients (p < 0.05). The counts of CD3+ T, CD4+ T, and B cells in the etiology (+) group were significantly lower than those in the etiology (−) group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The absolute counts of lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of TBM patients were significantly decreased, especially in NK cells. The reduction of these immune cells was closely related to the disease severity and had a certain correlation with cellular and humoral immune responses. This study helps to better understand the immune mechanism of TBM and provides reliable indicators for evaluating the immune status of TBM patients in clinical practice.
Case report: Acute HHV6B encephalitis/myelitis post CAR-T cell therapy in patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Li Ningwen , Zhang Ruoxuan , Wang Jue , Zhu Xiaojian , Meng Fankai , Cao Yang , Wang Gaoxiang , Yang Yang
Published: February 2024

Background

The development of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has revolutionized treatment outcomes in patients with lymphoid malignancies. However, several studies have reported a relatively high rate of infection in adult patients following CD19-targeting CAR T-cell therapy, particularly in the first 28 days. Notably, acute human herpesvirus 6 B (HHV6B) reactivation occurs in up to two-thirds of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients.

Case presentations

Herein, we describe a report of HHV6B encephalitis/myelitis in three patients with relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma post CAR T-cell therapy. All three patients received multiple lines of prior treatment (range: 2–9 lines). All patients presented with fever that persisted for at least 2 weeks after CAR-T cell infusion (CTI). Both the onset time and duration were similar to those of the cytokine release syndrome (CRS); nevertheless, the CRS grades of the patients were low (grade 1 or 2). Delirium and memory loss after CTI were the earliest notable mental presentations. Neurological manifestations progressed rapidly, with patients experiencing varying degrees of impaired consciousness, seizures, and coma. Back pain, lumbago, lower limb weakness and uroschesis were also observed in Patient 3, indicating myelitis. High HHV6B loads were detected in all Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples using metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS). Only one patient required high-activity antivirals and IgG intravenous pulse treatment finally recovered, whereas the other two patients died from HHV6B encephalitis.

Conclusion

Considering its fatal potential, HHV6B encephalitis/myelitis should be urgently diagnosed post CAR-T cell-based therapy. Furthermore, hematologists should differentially diagnose these conditions from CRS or other immunotherapy-related neurotoxicities as early as possible. The results of this study demonstrate the potential of mNGS in the early diagnosis of HHV6B infection, particularly when the organism is difficult to culture.
Estimation of dietary intake of sodium, potassium, phosphorus and protein in healthy Indian population and patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kaur Prabhjot , Yadav Ashok Kumar , Pal Arnab , Jassal Ravjit Singh , Shafiq Nusrat , Sahni Nancy , Kumar Vivek , Jha Vivekanand
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Poor nutritious diet is a major risk element for non-communicable diseases (NCD), which are of considerable public health concern. Given the diverse dietary patterns in India, precise determination of nutrient consumption is crucial for disease management. The present study assessed the dietary intake of sodium, potassium, protein, and phosphorus among North Indians.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included healthy adults and adults with stage 2 to 4 chronic kidney disease (CKD). We analysed sodium, protein, potassium and phosphorus intakes using one-time 24-h urinary excretion. Dietary intake was also analysed in subgroups based on sex, body mass index, blood pressure and abdominal obesity. We evaluated the performance of various equations available to estimate sodium intake using a spot urine sample with respect to the sodium excretion measured in a 24-h urine sample. Descriptive statistics was used along with t-test for statistical significance.

Results

A total of 404 subjects (182 adult healthy subjects and 222 adults with CKD) with a mean age of 47.01 ± 11.46 years were studied. Mean dietary intakes of sodium, salt, potassium, protein and phosphorus were 2.94 ± 1.68 g/day, 7.42 ± 4.24 g/day, 1.43 ± 0.59 g/day, 47.67 ± 14.73 g/day and 0.86 ± 0.39 g/day, respectively. There were no differences in nutrient consumption between adults who were healthy and those with CKD. Consumption of sodium, salt, protein, potassium, and phosphorus among healthy population vs. those with CKD were 2.81 ± 1.60 vs. 3.05 ± 1.73 g/day (p = 0.152), 7.08 ± 4.04 vs. 7.70 ± 4.37 g/day (p = 0.143), 47.16 ± 14.59 vs. 48.08 ± 14.86 g/day (p = 0.532), 1.38 ± 0.59 vs. 1.48 ± 0.58 g/day (p = 0.087) and 0.86 ± 0.41 vs. 0.87 ± 0.37 g/day (p = 0.738), respectively. Men had higher consumption of these nutrients than women. Compared to non-hypertensives, hypertensive subjects had higher consumption of salt (8.23 ± 4.89 vs. 6.84 ± 3.59 g/day, p = 0.002) and potassium (1.51 ± 0.63 vs. 1.38 ± 0.55 g/day, p = 0.024), however, no difference were found in protein and phosphorus intakes. In terms of performance of equations used to estimate 24-h sodium intake from spot urinary sodium concentration against the measured 24-h urinary sodium excretion, INTERSALT 2 equation exhibited the least bias [1.08 (95% CI, −5.50 to 7.66)].

Conclusion

The study shows higher-than-recommended salt and lower-than-recommended potassium intake in the north Indian population compared to those recommended by guidelines. The dietary protein intake is below the recommended dietary allowance. These findings help the development of targeted policies for dietary modification to reduce the risk of the development and progression of CKD.
Population-based screening for colorectal cancer in Wuhan, China
Authors: Liu Song , Wang Yifan , Wang Yuying , Duan Chaofan , Liu Fan , Zhang Heng , Tian Xia , Ding Xiangwu , Zhang Manling , Cao Dan , Liu Yi , Jiang Ruijingfang , Zhuo Duan , Peng Jiaxi , Zhu Shida , Zhao Lijian , Wang Jian , Wei Li , Shi Zhaohong
Published: February 2024

Fecal DNA test has emerged as a non-invasive alternative for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in average-risk population. However, there is currently insufficient evidence in China to demonstrate the effectiveness of population-based CRC screening using fecal DNA based test. Here, a large-scale real-world study for CRC screening was implemented in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. A total of 98,683 subjects aged between 45 and 60 years were screened by a fecal DNA test (ColoTect®) which detected methylation status of SDC2, ADHFE1, and PPP2R5C. Participants who tested positive were advised to receive diagnostic colonoscopy. 4449 (4.5%) subjects tested positive for fecal DNA test, and 3200 (71.9%) underwent colonoscopy. Among these, 2347 (73.3%) had abnormal colonoscopy findings, of which 1330 (56.7%) subjects received pathological diagnosis. Detection rates for CRC and advanced precancerous lesions were 1.3% and 2.3%, respectively. Detection rates for nonadvanced adenomas and polyps were 14.0% and 21.6%, respectively. 28.0% of all colonoscopies showed colorectal neoplasm but lack pathological diagnosis. 6.1% showed other abnormalities such as enteritis. In conclusion, preliminary real-world evidence suggested that fecal DNA tests had promising diagnostic yield in population-based CRC screening.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=192838, identifier ChiCTR2300070520.
The potential causal relationship between various lifestyles and depression: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Guo Shaobo , Zhu Wenhui , Yu Likai , Jie Lishi , Tian Di , Zhao Tianci , Zhao Biqing , Zhang Biao
Published: February 2024

Background

Previous studies have shown that lifestyle was associated with depression. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the causality between multiple lifestyles and depression by Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

The single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of depression, alcoholic drinks per week, sleeplessness or insomnia, body mass index (BMI), mood swings, weekly usage of mobile phone in the last 3 months, beef intake, cooked vegetable intake, and “smoking status: never” were acquired from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit Open genome-wide association study database. Causal effects of eight exposure factors and depression were investigated using MR-Egger, weighted median, inverse variance weighted (IVW), simple mode, and weighted mode, and results were primarily referred to IVW. Subsequently, univariable MR (UVMR) analysis was performed on eight exposure factors and depression, separately. In addition, sensitivity analysis, including heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy, and leave-one-out (LOO) methods, was conducted to evaluate the stability of MR results. Furthermore, multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was carried out.

Results

UVMR analysis revealed that all eight exposure factors were causally associated with depression; alcoholic drinks per week, sleeplessness or insomnia, BMI, mood swings, weekly usage of mobile phone in the last 3 months, and cooked vegetable intake were risk factors, and beef intake and “smoking status: never” were protection factors. Heterogeneity tests revealed no heterogeneity for alcoholic drinks per week, sleeplessness or insomnia, mood swings, weekly usage of mobile phone in the last 3 months, and cooked vegetable intake. Meanwhile, there was no horizontal pleiotropy in UVMR, and LOO analysis verified that univariable analysis results were reliable. Moreover, MVMR analysis indicated that mood swings and weekly usage of mobile phone in the last 3 months were risk factors, and beef intake was a protection factor for depression when multiple factors occurred at the same time.

Conclusion

Alcoholic drinks per week, sleeplessness or insomnia, BMI, mood swings, weekly usage of mobile phone in the last 3 months, and cooked vegetable intake were risk factors, and beef intake and “smoking status: never” were protection factors. In addition, mood swings, weekly usage of mobile phone in the last 3 months, and beef intake had a direct effect on depression when multiple factors occurred simultaneously.
Effects of empathy on the bidirectional relationships between problematic smartphone use and aggression among secondary school students: a moderated network approach
Authors: Wu Wenxia , Zou Xinyuan , Tang Qihui , Tao Yanqiang , Wang Shujian , Ma Zijuan , Li Min , Liu Gang
Published: February 2024

Background

Existing literature on the relationship between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and aggression has primarily focused on examining their unidirectional association, with limited attention paid to the bidirectional nature of this relationship, particularly when considering the role of empathy. This study employs a novel moderated network approach to examine the bidirectional relationship between problematic smartphone use and aggression, while also investigating the moderating mechanism of empathy.

Methods

A total of 2,469 students (49.1% female, Meanage = 13.83, SDage = 1.48) from 35 junior and senior high schools in Harbin, China, participated in this study. Empathy level, aggressiveness, and PSU symptoms were assessed using the Basic Empathy Scale, the Buss-Warren Aggression Questionnaire, and the Mobile Phone Addiction Index.

Results

Analysis revealed that the relationship between PSU and aggression was complex and bidirectional. The strongest association was observed between “hostility” and “withdrawal/escape”. In addition, “anger” had the highest Expected Influence (EI) in both affective and cognitive moderate network models. An important discovery was also made regarding the conditional effect of “productive loss” and “physical aggression” across different levels of affective empathy. Specifically, at lower levels of affective empathy, a positive bidirectional relationship was found between “productive loss” and “physical aggression”. However, this relationship turned negative and bidirectional at higher levels of affective empathy.

Conclusion

The findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics between PSU and aggression and highlight the need for targeted interventions that promote affective empathy to mitigate the negative consequences of excessive smartphone use.
Does the Heart Age Faster in Space?
Authors: Rehnberg Emil , Baselet Bjorn , Moroni Lorenzo , Baatout Sarah , Tabury Kevin
Published: February 2024

Living in space is not as simple as living on Earth. The environment in space is harmful for humans. Astronauts experience weightlessness and are exposed to dangerous radiation. On top of that, astronauts live in a tiny area, far from their loved ones. All our organs are harmed by these factors. The heart, for example, starts to age much quicker in space than on Earth. This means that astronauts have a higher risk of heart disease after going to space. It is therefore important that we investigate why this happens so that we can prevent it. In the past, these studies were based on experiments using animals or humans. Today, we can create mini-hearts in the lab for our experiments instead. In this article, we will explain how we make mini-hearts and how they help us understand and prevent the heart’s aging in space.
Missing Puzzle Pieces: Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Polley Hannah , Rickard Brynn , Jekic Danica , Matic Damir
Published: February 2024

Facial differences can arise while a baby is still growing inside the mother. Two common examples include cleft lip and cleft palate. Most of the body’s cells contain DNA, which serves as the instructions for creating all the features of the body, such as the parts of the face. Cells use DNA’s instructions to form the face from five big “puzzle pieces” called prominences. Sometimes the DNA instructions get changed or steps are skipped, which can change how the puzzle pieces, or prominences, connect. This results in facial differences like cleft lip, in which there is a gap in the lip and cleft palate, in which there is a gap in the roof of the mouth. Most cases of cleft lip and cleft palate can be fixed with surgery, and children go on to live long, healthy lives.
Short-Term Outcomes of Conventional Laparoscopic versus Robot-Assisted Distal Pancreatectomy for Malignancy: Evidence from US National Inpatient Sample, 2005–2018
Authors: Huang Jyun-Ming , Chen Sheng-Hsien , Chen Te-Hung
Published: February 2024

Background: The primary treatment for pancreatic cancer is surgical resection, and laparoscopic resection offers benefits over open surgery. This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of robot-assisted vs. conventional laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy. Methods: Data of adults ≥ 20 years old with pancreatic cancer who underwent conventional laparoscopic or robot-assisted laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy were extracted from the United States (US) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) 2005–2018 database. Comorbidities and complications were identified through the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. Short-term outcomes were compared using logistic regression and included length of hospital stay (LOS), perioperative complications, in-hospital mortality, unfavorable discharge, and total hospital costs. Results: A total of 886 patients were included; 27% received robot-assisted, and 73% received conventional laparoscopic surgery. The mean age of all patients was 65.3 years, and 52% were females. Multivariable analysis revealed that robot-assisted surgery was associated with a significantly reduced risk of perioperative complications (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45–0.83) compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. Specifically, robot-assisted surgery was associated with a significantly decreased risk of VTE (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.14–0.83) and postoperative blood transfusion (aOR = 0.37, 95% CI: 0.23–0.61). Robot-assisted surgery was associated with a significantly shorter LOS (0.76 days shorter, 95% CI: −1.43–−0.09) but greater total hospital costs (18,284 USD greater, 95% CI: 4369.03–32,200.70) than conventional laparoscopic surgery. Conclusions: Despite the higher costs, robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy is associated with decreased risk of complications and shorter hospital stays than conventional laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy.
Improving the Catalytic Performance of BaMn0.7Cu0.3O3 Perovskite for CO Oxidation in Simulated Cars Exhaust Conditions by Partial Substitution of Ba
Authors: Ghezali Nawel , Díaz Verde Álvaro , Illán Gómez María José
Published: February 2024

The sol–gel method, adapted to aqueous media, was used for the synthesis of BaMn0.7Cu0.3O3 (BMC) and Ba0.9A0.1Mn0.7Cu0.3O3 (BMC-A, A = Ce, La or Mg) perovskite-type mixed oxides. These samples were fully characterized by ICP-OES, XRD, XPS, H2-TPR, BET, and O2–TPD and, subsequently, they were evaluated as catalysts for CO oxidation under different conditions simulating that found in cars exhaust. The characterization results show that after the partial replacement of Ba by A metal in BMC perovskite: (i) a fraction of the polytype structure was converted to the hexagonal BaMnO3 perovskite structure, (ii) A metal used as dopant was incorporated into the lattice of the perovskite, (iii) oxygen vacancies existed on the surface of samples, and iv) Mn(IV) and Mn(III) coexisted on the surface and in the bulk, with Mn(IV) being the main oxidation state on the surface. In the three reactant atmospheres used, all samples catalysed the CO to CO2 oxidation reaction, showing better performances after the addition of A metal and for reactant mixtures with low CO/O2 ratios. BMC-Ce was the most active catalyst because it combined the highest reducibility and oxygen mobility, the presence of copper and of oxygen vacancies on the surface, the contribution of the Ce(IV)/Ce(III) redox pair, and a high proportion of surface and bulk Mn(IV). At 200 °C and in the 0.1% CO + 10% O2 reactant gas mixture, the CO conversion using BMC-Ce was very similar to the achieved with a 1% Pt/Al2O3 (Pt-Al) reference catalyst.
Designing Potent Anti-Cancer Agents: Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies of Thieno[2,3-d][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine Derivatives
Authors: Elsenbawy Eman S. M. , Alshehri Zafer S. , Babteen Nouf A. , Abdel-Rahman Adel A.-H. , El-Manawaty Mai A. , Nossier Eman S. , Arafa Reem K. , Hassan Nasser A.
Published: February 2024

A new series of thieno[2,3-d][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines was designed and synthesized using readily available starting materials, specifically, β-enaminoester. Their cytotoxicity was screened against three cancer cell lines, namely, MCF-7, HCT-116, and PC-3. 2-(4-bromophenyl)triazole 10b and 2-(anthracen-9-yl)triazole 10e afforded excellent potency against MCF-7 cell lines (IC50 = 19.4 ± 0.22 and 14.5 ± 0.30 μM, respectively) compared with doxorubicin (IC50 = 40.0 ± 3.9 μM). The latter derivatives 10b and 10e were further subjected to in silico ADME and docking simulation studies against EGFR and PI3K and could serve as ideal leads for additional modification in the field of anticancer research.
Comparative Analysis of Metabolome and Transcriptome in Different Tissue Sites of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg
Authors: Wang Anjun , Liu Juan , Huang Luqi
Published: February 2024

The resinous stem of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg is the sole legally authorized source of agarwood in China. However, whether other tissue parts can be potential substitutes for agarwood requires further investigation. In this study, we conducted metabolic analysis and transcriptome sequencing of six distinct tissues (root, stem, leaf, seed, husk, and callus) of A. sinensis to investigate the variations in metabolite distribution characteristics and transcriptome data across different tissues. A total of 331 differential metabolites were identified by chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), of which 22.96% were terpenoids. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in RNA sequencing were enriched in sesquiterpene synthesis via the mevalonate pathway. The present study establishes a solid foundation for exploring potential alternatives to agarwood.
Illuminating the Tiny World: A Navigation Guide for Proper Raman Studies on Microorganisms
Authors: Frempong Sandra Baaba , Salbreiter Markus , Mostafapour Sara , Pistiki Aikaterini , Bocklitz Thomas W. , Rösch Petra , Popp Jürgen
Published: February 2024

Raman spectroscopy is an emerging method for the identification of bacteria. Nevertheless, a lot of different parameters need to be considered to establish a reliable database capable of identifying real-world samples such as medical or environmental probes. In this review, the establishment of such reliable databases with the proper design in microbiological Raman studies is demonstrated, shining a light into all the parts that require attention. Aspects such as the strain selection, sample preparation and isolation requirements, the phenotypic influence, measurement strategies, as well as the statistical approaches for discrimination of bacteria, are presented. Furthermore, the influence of these aspects on spectra quality, result accuracy, and read-out are discussed. The aim of this review is to serve as a guide for the design of microbiological Raman studies that can support the establishment of this method in different fields.
Penyelesaian Sengketa dalam Pengadaan Tanah bagi Pembangunan Jalan Tol untuk Kepentingan Umum
Authors: Mina Revi Fauzi Putra , Mubarak Ridho , Muazzul Muazzul
Published: February 2024

Land issues in North Sumatra, especially in Medan City, still occur frequently, one of which is land acquisition for the construction of toll road infrastructure to accelerate development, facilitate access to production, distribution, and tourism areas, and create new jobs. Although this development accelerates the economic growth of the country and society, disputes related to land acquisition for public interest are inevitable. One of the cases that is the focus of this research is located in Sumatra Province, specifically the jurisdiction of the Medan District Court. The problem of this research is how legal protection for land rights owners due to land acquisition for toll roads and how the consignment process of compensation for land affected by toll road project acquisition. The research method used is normative juridical with an analytical descriptive approach, using the Legislation Approach. This research uses the Law Approach by collecting and analyzing statutory provisions related to the environment and corporations. The legal material collection technique used is library research, then analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that there is legal protection for the owner of the toll road acquisition through consignment settlement.
Brain activity corresponding to swallowing and hands activity: narrative review
Authors: Leão Rômulo Evandro Brito de , Lobo Neto Arnaldo , Gonçalves Regiane Lima , Paracampo Carla Cristina Paiva , Rocha Fernando Allan de Farias
Published: February 2024

Objective. To analyse the relationship between the level of brain activity during the hand motor act and swallowing in studies that used Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI). Method. A narrative literature review was carried out, and the data sources were obtained from Pubmed, BVS, and Google Scholar platforms. Results. Few studies were found that investigated the neurological activation correlated to the movement of hands and swallowing through FMRI, but all studies show a topographic relationship between the main areas for activity of hands and swallowing, as well as some studies showing some neurofunctional relationship between both concurrent activities. Conclusion. It is known that the precentral gyrus has significant areas innervating the hands and oral cavity, which are in nearby areas, being subject to questions about function interactions. The findings already described may encourage studies and discussions, but more research is needed to describe and measure the relationship between the motor areas of the hands and swallowing.
An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research-Doing Approach for Higher Education
Authors: Rivera Joel Laffita
Published: February 2024

The 21st Century has changed, like no other centuries, the human society’s development on unprecedent scale. Is the century of technological advances such Artificial Intelligence (AI) that, is currently hard-pressing the field of research-doing at Higher Education beyond human intellectual capabilities. This can change the future of this educational field. As it is becoming a global education phenomenon. The study aims to present an outlook about the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into academia research. An interdisciplinary approach based on prior trustworthy research-works results has been used to address the research hypotheses and answer their respective questions.
A qualitative methodology has been used to accomplish the aim. This research criterium involved a theory triangulation, the reviewing of academic and scientific research works, books, and Internet accredited websites.
Internal Factor Analysis of Non-Performing Loans Using Multiple Linear Regression Method
Authors: Irfandi Muhammad , Fitria Fitria
Published: February 2024

Loans are the largest source of income from banks compared to other sources of income. To ensure bank continuity, Bank income must exist from interest on loans, reaching almost 95% of all bank activities. For companies and banks that apply loan differences, loans are receivables which are cash that is delayed in receipt. Having problem loans can weaken a bank's financial condition. In general, two factors cause problems with loans, namely internal and external factors of the bank. Bank internal factors can be controlled by banks, compared to external factors, to prevent problem loans. Therefore, in this study, an analysis of internal factors affecting problem loans was carried out. The internal factors analyzed are the things that become the process and the essential part of the loan process, which includes loan supervision, acceptance procedures, and loan guarantees. This analysis is carried out to minimize the risk of non-performing loans caused by the inner side of the organization. The method used for analysis is using multiple linear regression analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis analyzed the relationship between the three independent variables (loan monitoring, acceptance procedures, and loan guarantees) and one dependent variable (non-performing loans). Multiple linear regression analysis provides predictions of the value of the dependent variable if the value of the independent variable increases or decreases and describes the direction of the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable, whether each independent variable is positively or negatively related. Based on the analysis results, the influence of loan monitoring factors, acceptance procedures, and loan guarantees on problem loans can be concluded that there is an influence between loan supervision and acceptance procedures on problem loans. At the same time, there is no effect between loan guarantees on problem loans.
Covid-19 Social Aid Admission Selection Using Simple Additive Weighting Method as Decision Support
Authors: Setiyorini Tyas , Frieyadie Frieyadie , Pratama Aditiya Yoga
Published: February 2024

The process of receiving Covid-19 social assistance to residents who are recorded as social aid recipients in the RT.07 RW.10 Kp. Sukapura Jaya area is still uneven. The second problem is that there is no particular mathematical calculation to determine the value of the weight of the criteria, especially for residents who are recorded as receiving Covid-19 social aid in the RT.007 RW.10 Kp. Sukapura Jaya area. The gradual decline in social aid programs so that the number that falls does not match the data of social aid recipients. This caused a polemic for RT administrators in distributing social aid programs. The decline in social aid programs does not match the number of citizens recorded. It overcomes citizens who cause social jealousy—analyzing the problems experienced by the RT management in the distribution of Covid-19 social assistance, especially the RT.07 RW.10 Kp. Sukapura Jaya area to residents who are recorded as recipients. Selecting Covid-19 social assistance recipients, especially in the RT.07 RW.10 Kp. Sukapura Jaya area. So the application of methods as decision support is needed, and it is needed to help determine the weight of particular criteria for citizens who are recorded as more in need. This study proposes a decision support method using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method, which is expected to help decision-making in solving problems for selecting Covid-19 social aid recipients in the RT.07 RW.10 Kp. Sukapura Jaya community. The purpose of the study is to select residents who are recorded to receive social aid who are more in need first will get Covid-19 social aid.
Controles sobre el registro y modificación de los signos distintivos de los partidos políticos en Costa Rica. Ámbito de aplicación y límites en su implementación
Authors: Ignacio Salazar Valerio
Published: February 2024

Se analiza la regulación actual referente a la protección especial de los elementos distintivos de los partidos políticos en Costa Rica, con especial examen a sus puntos débiles. Además, se analizan distintas regulaciones que ordenamientos jurídicos extranjeros han establecido sobre el tema a efectos de evaluar su aplicabilidad en el contexto local
Financiamiento público de los partidos políticos: posibilidades de mejora para procurar una contienda electoral más equitativa
Authors: Angélica María Delgado Artavia , Daniela Sáenz Meléndez , Ureña Fernández Ureña Fernández
Published: February 2024

El presente artículo tiene como finalidad realizar un análisis sobre el financiamiento público de los partidos políticos en Costa Rica desde una perspectiva jurídica, procurando un abordaje descriptivo y razonado. A partir de este estudio, se pretende desarrollar cómo sería posible una contienda entre partidos políticos más equitativa a través del financiamiento público, visto como una garantía al derecho de elección, a partir del piso presupuestario permitido para que los partidos políticos puedan participar en contiendas electorales