bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and correlates of distress in Chinese women with benign breast disease
Authors: Gao Yan , Wang Jintao , Guo Jun , Gao Jinnan
Published: November 2023

Purpose: Breast cancer patients often experience high levels of psychological distress, but there is limited research on the psychological distress status of patients with benign breast diseases. This study aims to investigate the psychological distress levels and influencing factors among patients with benign breast disease (BBD).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on BBD patients admitted to a tertiary medical center in China between November 2022 and May 2023. Patient-reported distress and problems were assessed using the distress thermometer (DT) and the 42-item Problem List by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the DT in comparison to the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and to determine an optimal cutoff score for the DT in this specific population.
Results: Among the 255 BBD patients, the mean psychological distress score was 3.69±1.96. The prevalence of psychological distress (≥4 points) was 52%. The main factors causing psychological distress were worry or anxiety (43.5%), fear (21.2%), pain (7.1%), sleep problems (6.7%), and child care responsibilities (5.1%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age, education, employment, and BI-RADS classification were factors associated with psychological distress in BBD patients. ROC curve analyses showed that a DT cutoff score of 4 had an area under the ROC curve of 0.88 and 0.7 when compared to HADS-A and HADS-D, respectively, indicating good overall accuracy.
Conclusions: Patients with benign breast disease also experience significant psychological burden, which requires attention from healthcare professionals. Targeted health education and psychological counseling should be provided to these patients.
Digital Mapping of Coastal Landscapes Integrating Ocean-Environment Relationships and Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Kui
Published: November 2023

Currently, the Internet of Things (IoT) is in a premature phase. Although it is growing at a steady pace, there is still a need for further research in the field of security. In this work, the Fujian Province was selected as the study area. The climate, parent material and topographic information of the area were obtained, and the soil-landscape quantitative model was used to quantitatively obtain the relationship between the attributes of coastal sand and gravel soil. On the basis of soil type map, according to the difference of soil type elevation distribution, further predict the soil type distribution and make a map. The results show that the method can achieve more than 80% coincidence with the survey results on the scale of soil digital mapping, and can make up for the missing areas of the survey.
Causal Relationship Between Liver Iron Content, Liver Fat Percentage, Liver Volume, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Han Tianrun , Li Chundi , Wang Baisen , Xu Ying , Xu Bin
Published: November 2023

Objective
To investigate the causal relationship between liver iron content, percent liver fat, liver volume, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), using Mendelian randomization (MR).
Methods
Tools from public databases were utilized as instrumental variables to analyze the links between the exposure factors (liver iron content, percent liver fat, and liver volume) and the outcome (HCC) through two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. The inverse-variance weighted method (IVW) was employed for the primary analysis, with MR-Egger regression, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode as the supplementary methods. The causal relationship among liver iron content, percent liver fat, liver volume, and HCC was evaluated using the effect indicator odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Leave-one-out analysis, heterogeneity tests, and horizontal pleiotropy tests were performed to validate the stability and reliability of the results.
Results
The IVW for liver iron content was OR = 1.0009, 95% CI: 1.0005–1.0013, using 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables. The IVW for percent liver fat with 10 SNPs as instrumental variables was OR = 1.0015, 95% CI: 1.0012–1.0019. The IVW for liver volume was OR = 1.0009, 95% CI: 0.9996–1.0023, using 11 SNPs as instrumental variables. The IVW p-values for liver iron content and percent liver fat were less than 0.05, indicating a causal relationship with HCC. However, the IVW p-value for liver volume was greater than 0.05, suggesting no causal relationship between liver volume and HCC.
Conclusion
This study revealed that higher liver iron content and percent liver fat were associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, no causal relationship was established between liver volume and HCC.
Effectiveness of prismatic combination treatment on children with amblyopia combined with esotropia
Authors: Xiao man-yi , Wu Yin , Qi Xin , Wei Xin , Hu Ye
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Prism has been used as a non-surgical treatment for certain types of strabismus; however, its role as the primary intervention for amblyopia combined with esotropia has been rarely studied. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of prismatic correction with traditional occlusion therapy in treating amblyopia combined with esotropia.
Methods
This retrospective case-control study included children aged 3 to 16 years with amblyopia combined with esotropia. After refractive correction, the patients were divided into two groups. The control group received traditional occlusion therapy combined with binocular treatment, while the prism group received full correct prisms combined with binocular treatment. Clinical characteristics, visual acuity, binocular functions, and the angle of esodeviation were assessed at each follow-up examination. The treatment outcomes after 12 months were evaluated to determine the more effective protocol.
Results
At baseline, there were no significant differences in age, gender ratio, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the amblyopic eye, deviation amount (△), and binocular vision function between the two groups (all P > 0.05). After treatment, both groups showed improvement in amblyopic eye visual acuity. The difference in visual acuity improvement between the two groups was not statistically significant at 6 months (0.18±0.17 vs 0.14±0.11, P > 0.05), but it was statistically significant at 12 months (0.35±0.20 vs 0.25±0.18, P < 0.05). The prism group demonstrated a significant improvement in binocular vision function, whereas there was no significant change in the control group at 6 months or 12 months after treatment. The deviation amount (△) remained stable in both groups, with no significant difference between the two groups after treatment.
Conclusion
Prismatic treatment combined with binocular treatment was more effective in improving amblyopic eye visual acuity and binocular vision compared to traditional occlusion therapy combined with binocular treatment in children with amblyopia combined with esotropia. Prismatic correction could be considered as the first-line treatment for amblyopia combined with esotropia.
Bradyrhizobium ontarionense sp. nov. isolated from Aeschynomene indica (Indian jointvetch) harbours photosynthesis, nitrogen fixation and nitrous oxide reductase genes.
Authors: Bromfield Eden S. P. , Cloutier Sylvie
Published: November 2023

Bacterial strain A19T was previously isolated from a root-nodule of Aeschynomene indica (Indian jointvetch) and assigned to a new lineage in the genus Bradyrhizobium.
Here data are presented for the detailed phylogenomic and taxonomic characterisation of strain A19T.
Phylogenetic analysis of whole genome sequences as well as 51 concatenated core gene sequences placed strain A19T in a highly supported lineage that was distinct from described Bradyrhizobium species; B. oligotrophicum, a symbiont of A. indica, was the most closely related species. The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values for strain A19T in pair-wise comparisons with close relatives were far lower than the respective threshold values of 70% and ~96% for definition of species boundaries.
The complete genome of strain A19T consists of a single 8.44 Mbp chromosome (DNA G+C content, 64.9 mol%) and contains a photosynthesis gene cluster, nitrogen-fixation genes and genes encoding a complete denitrifying enzyme system including nitrous oxide reductase. Nodulation and type III secretion system genes, needed for nodulation by most rhizobia, were not detected in the genome of A19T.
Data for multiple phenotypic tests complemented the sequence-based analyses. Strain A19T elicits nitrogen-fixing nodules on stems and roots of A. indica plants but not on soybeans or Macroptilium atropurpureum. Based on the data presented, a new species named Bradyrhizobium ontarionense sp. nov. is proposed with strain A19T (= LMG 32638T = HAMBI 3761T ) as the type strain.
Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) infection, and its impact on gut microbiome of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Ashraf Hajra , Dikarlo Plamena , Masia Aurora , Zarbo Ignazio R. , Solla Paolo , Ijaz Umer Zeeshan , Sechi Leonardo A.
Published: November 2023

Background
There is a growing body of evidence suggesting the role of gut microbiome in the aetiology of Multiple sclerosis (MS) with the development and progression of the disease as a multifactorial interaction between the gut, the brain, and the immune system. At the same time there is also existing evidence to link Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis infections (MAP) and the development of MS. Whilst perturbations of the gut microbiome in patients with MS are well described in the literature, nothing is known about the gut microbiome perturbations in MAP infected MS patients. In the present study, using 16S rRNA amplification, we characterize the compositional and functional differences of the gut microbiome between MS patients with MAP (MAP+) and without (MAP-) infection and compare the results with a healthy cohort to understand the gut microbiome dynamics.
Results
Based on diversity analyses, there were notable differences between HC, MAP-, and MAP + profiles. Fitting neutral modelling on core microbiome, we have found taxa selected by the hosts, and those that were based on dispersal limitation. Core phyla shared between MAP + and MAP- belonged to Actinobacteria, Bacteroidata, Verrucomicrobiota, Firmicutes, with additional Desulfobacterota, and Proteobacteria observed in MAP + only. Using a Quasi Conditional Association Test, Archaea were over represented in MS samples, particularly in MAP+. Using contingency analyses, we are able to identify discriminatory patterns between MAP statuses in the context of anthropometric and sociodemographic patterns. Finally, an advanced mediation analysis then consolidates confounders, treatment groups, microbiome, and the outcome parameters (including disease duration). This highlighted certain species i.e., Sutterella, Akkermmansia, Bacteriodes, Gastranaerophilales, Alistipes, Balutia, Faecalibacterium, Lachnospiraceae, Anaerostipes, Ruminococcaceae, Eggerthellaceae and Clostridia-UCG-014 having mediatory effect considering disease duration as an outcome and MAP as a treatment group.
Conclusions
Overall, we found that there were profound differences in the composition and function of the gut microbiome between MAP + and MAP- MS patients, with the difference in taxonomic structure being greater than the functional difference. Our analysis indicates that the gut microbiome may be an important target for dietary and lifestyle intervention in MS patients with and without MAP infection.
Individual fungal taxa drive community structure change and necromass accumulation increment
Authors: Meng Xiangtian , Zhang Xuechen , Fan Lichao , Wang Jiangyuzhuo , Yu Haiyang , Jiang Yuhan , Shi Jianglan , Tian Xiaohong , Kuzyakov Yakov
Published: November 2023

Background
Conversion of accessible organic compounds to fungal biomass and subsequent necromass is a crucial process for soil organic matter accrual. The contribution of fungal community structure and biomass to necromass accumulation in croplands remain unclear.
Results
We assessed the fungal necromass increment by amino sugar content in soil of a long-term field experiment after straw return and nitrogen (N) fertilization. The fungal absolute copy number and community structure were assessed by absolute quantitative sequencing technology. Straw input and N-fertilization-induced wheat growth was the main factor in increasing fungal absolute copy number, altering community structure, and consequently boosting necromass accumulation. N fertilization additionally shifted the fungal community structure by alleviating N limitation and balancing the C:N ratio of added material. The fungal community structure, rather than the total absolute copy number, was the best predictor of necromass increment. Specifically, necromass increment were primarily attributed to the rapid growth of individual fungal taxa rather than the keystones in dominant modules. Specifically, the community structure changed towards the aggregation of pathogenic fungi represented by Pyrenochaetopsis and Dokmaia under high straw return and low or no N fertilization scenarios, while in the scenario of co-existence of straw and N fertilization increased the abundance of saprophytic fungi, represented by Ascobolus and Botryotrichum, replaced pathogenic fungi and dominated the community structure change and raised the fungal necromass accumulation.
Conclusions
In conclusion, individual fungal taxa drive community structure changes and necromass increment.
Bacteriological quality and antimicrobial resistance patterns of isolates from raw milk in dairy farms in Ethiopia
Authors: Sebsibe Kaleab Awoke , Mulugeta Yimer , Legesse Tesfaye , F/silassie Getinet , Gonbena Waktole , Abera Frehiwot , Girma Samsone , Alemu Amare , Behailu Getamesay , Yohannes Tigist , Kefale Tesfaddis , Beyene Degefu , Abdela Sintayehu , Akililu Mesfin , Birhanu Endalkachew , Tefera Nardos , Araya Shambel , Abera Dessie , Desta Kassu
Published: November 2023

Background
Food-borne illness has a significant impact on public health and the economy, affecting nearly 30% of the population in developing countries annually. Infections transmitted through milk can lead to acute and severe diseases. However, there is inadequate information available regarding the bacteriological profile and antimicrobial resistance of organisms present in raw milk. This study aimed to assess the bacteriological quality and antimicrobial resistance patterns of isolates from raw milk at different dairy farms found in Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted, selecting 176 raw milk samples through a multi-stage sampling technique from August 2022- April 2023. Bacteriological tests, including Aerobic colony count, total coliform count, thermotolerant coliform count, Salmonella and Shigella detection, as well as Staphylococcus enumerations, were performed. Further bacterial identification was carried out using VITEK-2 compact, while the antimicrobial susceptibility test was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc-diffusion technique. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS V.27, employing descriptive statistics and appropriate statistical tests.
Resut
The mean aerobic colony count, total coliform, thermo-tolerant coliform, E. coli, and Staphylococcus count was,3.2, 2.70, 2.69, 2.9, and 3.1 log10 cfu/ml respectively. E. coli (77%), Klebsiella spp. (5%), Salmonella spp. (1.4%), S. aureus (13.6%), S. saprophyticus (9.8%) were also isolated. Gram-negative isolates showed sensitivity for Meropenem (96.8%) and Ciprofloxacin (89.9%) but resistant against Tetracycline (62.2%) and Streptomycin (62.2%). Staphylococcus isolates showed 95.1% Sensitivity for Levofloxacin and Gentamycin but 92.6% of isolates were resistant against Oxacillin. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase production was detected in 16.6% of gram-negative isolates, and Methicillin resistance were observed in 30% of S. aureus isolates.
Conclusion
The results indicate that the overall quality of raw milk is poor, containing pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant organisms. This highlights the necessity for effective control measures to enhance production, storage, and processing practices.
Assessment of Fuzzy Logic to Enhance Species Distribution Modelling
Authors: LI XINGYU , Emery Robert N. , Coupland Grey T. , Ren Yonglin , McKirdy Simon J.
Published: November 2023

Fuzzy logic presents a promising approach for Species Distribution Modelling by generating a commensurable value termed ‘favourability’. Departing from conventional value ‘probability’, ‘favourability’ remains robust regardless of species prevalence, enabling across species comparisons despite varying prevalence. Such comparisons facilitate the interpretation of cryptic species, which have intricate distribution data to assign. This study generated environmental favourability values for two borers within a cryptic beetle species complex: Euwallacea fornicatus and Euwallacea perbrevis in Australia. This research delved into biogeographic relationship analyses fuzzy intersection and potential biotic interaction of these closely related borers, highlighting a notably favourable distribution pattern for Euwallacea fornicatus in Queensland. To evaluate the model’s performance, this paper utilized commonly employed evaluation metrics (Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, True statistical skill, Correct classification rate), alongside fuzzy entropy value and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test to assess the model reliability. This study validates the efficacy of fuzzy logic in species distribution modelling and showcases its utility in assessing habitat suitability for closely related species through the utilization of a more informative value – favourability. This value emerges as a valuable refinement to Species distribution models, enabling the assessment of differences and similarities among species’ distribution areas alongside the species’ environmental correlates.
Conceptualization of Community (Advice)-based Health eCoach Recommendation Generation for Physical Activity Level Monitoring using an Explainable and Ethical Approach
Authors: Chatterjee Ayan , Riegler Michael A. , Halvorsen Pål
Published: November 2023

Utilizing a digital platform for self-monitoring offers advantages for remote activity tracking and generating recommendations. An automatic coaching system, known as eCoach, can be a valuable tool. It consistently gathers individual health and wellness data for the purpose of creating lifestyle recommendations, either tailored to an individual or based on community input. While personal recommendations in eCoaching are well-received, there is a lack of research on community-based recommendations. This study introduces an effective community-based eCoach recommendation system for assessing daily activity levels and offering physical activity suggestions. The approach involves collecting data from remote participants using wearable activity sensors and categorizing the data into sedentary (0) and active (1) classes for binary classification. The dataset used for physical activity levels exhibits an imbalance in class distribution and unequal misclassification costs, making imbalanced classification challenging. To address this issue and improve the performance of traditional machine-learning models, the study employs various oversampling techniques, including the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE), to create balanced datasets by generating synthetic samples from the minority class. Third, we explain the model classifications with Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP). Fourth, we use hyperparameter tuning methods to obtain the best classification performance. Fifth, we consider a preference, activity patterns, and demographic attributes, such as age, gender, height, and weight, for advice and community-based recommendations to meet activity goals. For experimentation, we collected activity data from 16 participants (Male: 12; Female: 4) using a wearable MOX2-5 activity sensor (CE-certified) and combined the dataset with the public Fibit-based PMData activity dataset of 15 participants (Male: 12; Female: 3) to avoid bias, and for verification and advice-based recommendation planning, we considered last week’s participant data. The system’s performance has been evaluated using metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, brier-score, and Mathew’s coefficient (MCC) and achieves 99.8% accuracy (F1 = 99.8%, Precision = 99.8%, Recall = 99.8%, and MCC = 99.8%) with DecisionTree Classifier on the imbalanced dataset and 99.8% accuracy (F1 = 99.8%, Precision = 99.8%, Recall = 99.8%, and MCC = 99.8%) with DecisionTree Classifier on the balanced dataset. Ethical AI involves more than just coding; it entails ethical considerations and decision-making throughout development. In this study, we evaluated our models for bias and fairness, concentrating on the recommendation generation within an eCoach system. Future research will focus on efficacy evaluation in controlled trials, extending beyond this theoretical investigation.
A Deep Learning Approach for Automatic 3D Segmentation of Hip Cartilage and Labrum from Direct Hip MR Arthrography
Authors: Meier Malin Kristin , Helfenstein Ramon , Boschung Adam , Nanavati Andreas , Ruckli Adrian C. , Lerch Till D. , Gerber Nicolas , Jung Bernd , Afacan Onur , Tannast Moritz , Siebenrock Klaus A. , Steppacher Simon Damian , Schmaranzer Florian
Published: November 2023

The objective was to use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for automatic segmentation of hip cartilage and labrum based on 3D MRI. In this retrospective single-center study, CNNs were used to develop a fully automated segmentation model for hip cartilage and labrum from MRI. Direct hip MR arthrographies (01/2020-10/2021) were selected from 100 symptomatic patients. Institutional routine protocol included a 3D T1 mapping sequence, which was used for manual segmentation of hip cartilage and labrum. 80 hips were used for training and the remaining 20 for testing. Model performance was assessed with six evaluation metrics including Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). In addition, model performance was tested on an external dataset (40 patients) with a 3D T2-weighted sequence from a different institution. Inter-rater agreement of manual segmentation served as benchmark for automatic segmentation performance. 100 patients were included (mean age 30 ± 10 years, 64% female patients). Mean DSC for cartilage was 0.92 ± 0.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92–0.93) and 0.83 ± 0.04 (0.81–0.85) for labrum and comparable (p = 0.232 and 0.297, respectively) to inter-rater agreement of manual segmentation: DSC cartilage 0.93 ± 0.04 (0.92–0.95); DSC labrum 0.82 ± 0.05 (0.80–0.85). When tested on the external dataset, the DSC was 0.89 ± 0.02 (0.88–0.90) and 0.71 ± 0.04 (0.69–0.73) for cartilage and labrum, respectively. The presented deep learning approach accurately segments hip cartilage and labrum from 3D MRI sequences and can potentially be used in clinical practice to provide rapid and accurate 3D MRI models.
Allopatric populations of Drosophila ananassae exhibit different degree of trade-off for evolving immune response against bacterial infection
Authors: Paul Pallab , Mukherjee Goutam , Mandal Sayarneel , Das Debasmita , Dutta Ishita , Ghosh Papiya , Ghosh Sujay
Published: November 2023

We conducted laboratory based selection experiment with two allopatric populations of Drosophila ananassae collected from two isolated geographic regions of India namely, Mysuru and Port Blair and subsequently inbred for several generations at laboratory. The populations were infected enteritically with the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa for fifty-five generations followed by ten generations under relaxed selection. We tested development of immune-competence of the selected flies through the generations and inquired if elicitation of immune responses were needed to pay cost by trading-off with life history and morphological traits. We observed gradual and progressive increase in longevity, reproductive life span, post reproductive life span, developmental time, fecundity rate, fat content and gradual reduction in body length and water content. Under relaxed selection regime there was a reversion of all the traits but not to the basal level. Responses exhibited by the infected-selected flies from Port Blair and Mysuru differed, with the former group exhibited more reduction in body length, more reduction in water content, greater antioxidant enzyme activity, longer post infection period, greater survival than later group. On other side, Mysuru flies showed greater fat deposition, faster developmental time, longer oviposition time than Port Blair flies. Interestingly, Port Blair flies exhibited, increase in post ovipository period in contrast to Mysuru flies that showed decrease for the same. We inferred that two allopatric populations of D. ananassae show different trade-off for evolving immune response with life history traits.
The Contribution of the Social and Solidarity Economy to Sustainable Economic Growth: A Modified Solow Model Approach
Authors: Salustri Andrea , Caria Sara , Sacchetti Silvia , De Pretis Francesco
Published: November 2023

This paper illustrates the interplay between economic growth and social inclusion, whereas the latter is produced by the organizations of the social and solidarity economy, highlighting its synergies with the pursuit of the Sustainable Development Goals. Assuming that economic growth and social inclusion are not antinomic concepts, but, rather, the two sides of the same coin, technological progress can be restricted to the subset of the eco-efficient innovations, and social inclusion can be added to the arguments of a production function, thus obtaining a macroeconomic model encompassing the three dimensions of sustainable development. By introducing social inclusion in a modified Solow model, the paper illustrates how the former is an important driver of economic growth and can complement input accumulation, reducing the inconsistencies between growth and development. Given the heterogeneity among equilibrium level of output of different countries, this model identifies an alternative pattern of development, compatible with the initial conditions of a low resource economy lacking endogenous technological progress. This research provides a strong case for the integration of socio-economic and environmental concerns into policy planning, building on the specific resources that can be mobilised and the peculiar socio-economic needs expressed by society.
JEL codes: O00; O35; Q01; L30
A marigold corolla detection model based on the improved YOLOv7 lightweight
Authors: Fan Yixuan , Tohti Gulbahar , Geni Mamtimin , Zhang Guohui , Yang Jiayu
Published: November 2023

Marigold, as an important traditional Chinese medicine with the functions of clearing heat and detoxification, protecting the liver, beautifying the face as well as promoting the health of the eyes, etc. Its demand is increasing day by day, and mechanized harvesting has become an inevitable trend in the industrialization of marigold harvesting. Therefore, this study tries to collect a new dataset in the south of Xinjiang, China, which is important for the production of marigold focusing on improving the YOLOv7 model by lightweighting, and proposing a set of detection models suitable for marigold. By deleting the redundant object detection layer of the YOLOv7 model, replacing the ordinary convolution of the backbone network with the DSConv convolution, replacing the SPPCSPC module with Simplified SPPF, and finally pruning and fine-tuning the model, it seeks to solve the trouble of the difficulty in deploying the mobile devices of the marigold picking robot and the inability to realize the high real-time detection. The experimental result shows that the accuracy and average accuracy mAP0.5 of the improved YOLOv7 model in marigold detection reach 93.9% and 97.7%, which are both improved compared with the original YOLOv7 model; the GFLOPs is only 2.3, which is 2.2% of the original model; and the parameter amount is 15.04M, which is 41.2% of the original model; The FPS is 166.7, which is 26.7% higher than the original model. It shows excellent accuracy and speed in detecting marigolds, providing strong technical support for marigold harvesting.
Social exclusion and short video addiction in Chinese college students: The mediating role of boredom and self-control
Authors: Zhang Yali , Bu Ruohan , Zhao Jinxia , Li Xiaoli
Published: November 2023

Background
Short video apps are very popular among Chinese college students, and some students even rely on them. Most of the current research only focuses on Internet addiction, and seldom pays attention to the phenomenon of short video addiction. Its influencing factors and formation mechanism are worth exploring.
Objectives
This study aims to explore the relationship between social exclusion and short video addiction among college students, and the mediating roles of boredom and self-control.
Methods
This study adopted a Multi-stage investigation and investigated 532 college students (39% males; mean age 19.32 ± 1.23 years) with social exclusion scale, boredom proneness scale, self-control scale, and short video addiction scale. The mediating effect was tested with Process 3.1.
Results
The results showed that social exclusion could directly affect short video addiction. Moreover, boredom and self-control can independently mediate the association between social exclusion and short video addiction. Furthermore, boredom and self-control can sequentially mediate the association between social exclusion and short video addiction.
Conclusion
Theoretically, this study modified the I-PACE model, indicating that behavioral addiction, such as short video addiction, should consider personal and distant social factors. Practically, the results suggested that schools should reduce peer rejection and improve students' mental health literacy to reduce boredom and enhance self-control, thus effectively preventing short video addiction.
Associations between exposure to multiple metals/metalloid and periodontitis risk in US adults: an NHANES study using multipollutant approaches
Authors: He Yuwei , Li Yuguang , Wang Yao , Ji Wei , Zhao Yixin , Zheng Kaiwen , Liu Yining , Liu XiangLiang , Cui JiuWei
Published: November 2023

Background:
Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease affected by multiple factors. Heavy metals exposure may be environmental risk factors for periodontitis. However, relationships between multiple metals/metalloid and periodontitis risk remain unclear.
Methods:
We analyzed associations between blood levels of cadmium, lead, manganese, mercury and selenium and periodontitis prevalence in 4,982 adults aged 30–80 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2018. Multivariable logistic regression assessed individual and combined metals/metalloid effects. Restricted cubic splines (RCS) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression evaluated potential non-linear and joint relationships. Mediation analysis was used to explore their potential mediated effects of neutrophils with periodontitis.
Results:
With increasing blood cadmium and lead, periodontitis risk increased significantly, while decreasing selenium was associated with elevated risk. Combined exposure to cadmium and lead conferred greater risk than individual metals. RCS confirmed monotonically increasing trends between cadmium, lead and periodontitis risk at higher levels. WQS found cadmium and lead positively correlated and selenium negatively correlated with periodontitis.
Conclusion:
Increased environmental exposure to cadmium and lead as well as insufficient selenium may be independent risk factors for periodontitis. This study provided important evidence regarding relationships between environmental pollutants, nutritional factors and periodontal health. Further research is warranted to validate our findings and elucidate underlying mechanisms.
Stable critical point of the Robin function and bubbling phenomenon for a slightly subcritical elliptic problem
Authors: Fourti Habib , Ghoudi Rabeh
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we deal with the boundary value problem -Δu = |u|4/(n-2)u/[ln (e+|u|)]ε in a bounded smoothdomain Ω in ℝn, n ≥ 3 with homogenousDirichlet boundary condition. Here ε > 0. Clapp et al. in Journalof Diff. Eq. (Vol 275) built a family of solution blowing up if n ≥ 4 and ε small enough. They conjectured in their paper the existence of sign changing solutions which blow up and blow down at the same point. Here we give a confirmative answer by proving that our slightly subcritical problem has a solution with the shape of sign changing bubbles concentrating on a stable critical point of the Robin function for ε sufficiently small.
Mathematics Subject Classification 2000: 35J20, 35J60.
Droplet-based whole genome amplification: a novel approach for sequencing minute amounts of Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA
Authors: Dippenaar Anzaan , Ismail Nabila , Heupink Tim H , Grobbelaar Melanie , Loubser Johannes , Rie Annelies , Warren Robin M
Published: November 2023

Implementation of whole genome sequencing (WGS) for patient care is hindered by limited Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in clinical specimens and slow Mtb growth. We evaluated droplet multiple displacement amplification (dMDA) for amplification of minute amounts of Mtb DNA to enable WGS as an alternative to other Mtb enrichment methods. Purified genomic Mtb-DNA (0.1, 0.5, 1, and 5pg) was encapsulated and amplified using the Samplix Xdrop-instrument and sequenced alongside a control sample using standard Illumina protocols followed by MAGMA-analysis. The control and 5pg input dMDA samples underwent nanopore sequencing followed by Nanoseq and TB-profiler analysis. dMDA generated 105-2400ng DNA from the 0.1-5pg input DNA, respectively. Followed by Illumina WGS, dMDA raised mean sequencing depth from 7× for 0.1pg input DNA to ≥ 60× for 5pg input and the control sample. Bioinformatic analysis revealed a high number of false positive and false negative variants when amplifying ≤ 0.5pg input DNA. Nanopore sequencing of the 5pg dMDA sample presented excellent coverage depth, breadth, and accurate strain characterization, albeit elevated false positive and false negative variants compared to Illumina-sequenced dMDA sample with identical Mtb DNA input. dMDA coupled with Illumina WGS for samples with ≥ 5pg DNA offers precision for drug resistance, phylogeny, and transmission insights.
Cardiovascular Impact of COVID-19: Risk Factors and Post-Infection Sequelae in Recovered Patients - Insights from a Single-Center Study
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Wang Dongli , Chen Yongzhi , Zhang Na , Li Tianshu , Fan Ruixia , Yang Lei , Yang Chuanhua , Yang Jie
Published: November 2023

Background
COVID-19 sequelae are long-term symptoms of COVID-19. Cardiovascular disease is not only a risk factor for the occurrence of COVID-19 sequelae but also a potential result directly or indirectly caused by COVID-19 infection.
Objectives
To examine cardiovascular symptoms post-novel coronavirus in outpatients and inpatients and analyzing factors, symptoms, aiming to inform precise diagnosis and treatment strategies.
Materials and methods
From January 15, 2023, to February 15, 2023, 452 recovered patients with novel coronavirus infection who were admitted to the Cardiovascular Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine due to symptoms of the cardiovascular system (complaints of chest pain and palpitations) were involved in this study. A unified questionnaire was used to record the general information, past medical history, characteristics of chest pain or palpitations, and other COVID-19-related sequelae of the selected patients. All data were statistically analyzed by SPSS 26.0 statistical software.
Results
In this study of 452 patients (226 with cardiovascular symptoms and 226 without), various factors were linked to increased risks of cardiovascular symptoms post-COVID-19. Women and young individuals exhibited higher risks, as did those with prehypertension, hypertension, prior cardiovascular disease, or diabetes. The prevalent COVID-19 sequelae reported among all patients included fatigue (76.8%), shortness of breath (54.2%), dry or bitter mouth (46.0%), gastrointestinal symptoms (42.7%), sleep disturbances (37.4%), sweating (31.9%), chills (29%), dizziness (25.7%), brain fog (25.2%), and tinnitus (14.6%). Patients with cardiovascular symptoms were notably more prone to experiencing shortness of breath (OR 3.521), gastrointestinal issues (OR 2.039), and dry or bitter mouth (OR 1.918) compared to those without such symptoms. These differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05), emphasizing distinct symptom patterns associated with post-COVID-19 cardiovascular concerns.
Conclusion
COVID-19 shows higher cardiovascular symptom risks in women, young/elderly, prehypertension/hypertension, history of heart disease/diabetes, often associated with other sequelae.
Numerical study of a two-dimensional eco-epidemiological model with diffusion and convex incidence rate: Unconditionally positivity preserving method
Authors: Bagheri Safieh , Akrami Mohammad Hossein , Heydari Mohammad , Loghmani Ghasem Barid
Published: November 2023

In this paper, a two-dimensional eco-epidemiological model with diffusion and convex incidence rate is studied, that is, the density of population depends on time and two spatial variables. The main challenge in investigation of population models is finding a numerical method to obtain non-negative solutions. Some numerical methods, for instance Euler's method, based on the standard finite difference formulas are inefficient for solving such models because they are not always able to produce non-negative approximate solutions. On the other hand, the non-standard finite difference schemes can provide non-negative approximations conditionally. In current work, first, the stability of the dynamic proposed eco-epidemiological model is examined. Then, a numerical method that provides unconditional acceptable solutions is introduced. In what follows, the consistency and stability of the numerical method are discussed. Finally, using numerical simulation, the efficiency of this method is compared with the Euler and non-standard methods. Furthermore, we examined the role of initial functions in interpreting species-environment interactions and deliberated on predator-prey behaviors in various scenarios.
A case of multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia associated with the ANKRD26 gene variant
Authors: cheng Xiaohang , Zhang Yating , Duan Mengtao , Shen Fuhui , Fan Wang
Published: November 2023

Background: Multifocal lymphangioendotheliomatosis with thrombocytopenia (MLT) is a rare disease characterized by congenital progressive vasculopathy of the skin and gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of MLT is unclear and only little is known about the genetic variants associated with it.
Case presentation: We report a case of MLT associated with a ANKRD26 gene variant in a child whose exon gene testing revealed a variant in the ANKRD26 gene at chromosome chr10:27328937 (c.2329-2332del), which is also a gene variant of unknown significance in ANKRD26-associated thrombocytopenia (ANKRD26-RT). The patient presented with cutaneous petechiae, gastrointestinal bleeding, and severe thrombocytopenia. Treatment with propranolol and sirolimus improved his symptoms, including gastrointestinal bleeding.
Conclusions: In this study a possible link between ANKRD26 variant chr10:27328937 (c.2329-2332del) and MLT was identified, and ANKRD26-RT does not exclude other variants on the chromosomal loci. Genetic testing should be completed extremely early when MLT is suspected to facilitate the clinical diagnosis and treatment of MLT and provide personalized genetic counseling for affected children.
Ectomycorrhizal hydrophobicity influences ectomycorrhizal C dynamics, N dynamics, and fruiting patterns in N addition experiments under pine
Authors: Hobbie Erik A. , Jocher Georg , Peichl Matthias , Zhao Peng , Zhou Zaixing , Hasselquist Niles J.
Published: November 2023

Background
Fungal morphology such as the hydrophobicity of ectomycorrhizae may correspond to functional attributes including enzymatic capabilities, carbon (C) demand from host plants, temporal patterns of fruiting, C sequestration, and nitrogen (N) sequestration. Here, we assessed how ectomycorrhizal hydrophobicity influenced the timing of C dynamics and fungal processing of C and N, as integrated by fruiting patterns, δ13C, δ15N, and loge C/N of ectomycorrhizal sporocarps.
Methods
We linked δ13C, δ15N, loge C/N, and temporal fruiting patterns of ectomycorrhizal sporocarps and soils across seven N fertilization treatments in two Swedish Pinus sylvestris L. forests to ectomycorrhizal hydrophobicity and daily gross primary production.
Results
Gross primary production of seven and 6–9 days prior to collection correlated positively with sporocarp δ13C and loge C/N, respectively, reflecting transit times of peak delivery of plant-derived carbohydrates to sporocarp formation. Hydrophobic taxa fruited 10 days later than hydrophilic taxa, suggesting greater C demands for hydrophobic taxa. Taxa with hydrophobic ectomycorrhizae had lower δ13C, higher δ15N, and higher loge C/N (less protein) than taxa with hydrophilic ectomycorrhizae.
Conclusions
Long C accumulation times and high sequestration (hydrophobic taxa) versus low sequestration (hydrophilic taxa) of 13C-enriched carbohydrates and 15N-depleted chitin in mycelia could account for the late fruiting, 13C depletion, and 15N enrichment of hydrophobic sporocarps. We concluded that sporocarp production and hydrophobicity integrated functional information about the extent of belowground hyphal development and the C accumulation times of C transfers from host Pinus.
Examining the Role of Digital Technology as an Enabler of Digital Disruption: A Systematic Review
Authors: lei jingjun , Indiran Logaiswari , Kohar Umar Haiyat Abdul , Liu Haibing , Khatib Saleh F. A.
Published: November 2023

This systematic review critically analyzes the intricate relationship between digital technology and digital disruption by examining 83 papers from the Scopus database. Utilizing a systematic literature review methodology, the study delves into the impact of key technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, 3D printing, Internet of Things, big data, and cloud computing. Findings underscore the substantial role of digital tech in prompting disruption, challenging norms, and reshaping industry boundaries. Notably, artificial intelligence emerges as a major influencer, prompting organizations to reassess business strategies. The analysis explores collaborative and democratizing effects driven by platforms like IoT, blockchain, big data, and cloud computing. The results offer practical insights for enterprises, policymakers, and practitioners, emphasizing the transformative potential of digital technologies. Key drivers include operational efficiency, predictive analytics, personalization, and supply chain integration. Recognition of synergies among digital technologies provides strategic guidance for fostering innovation and gaining a competitive edge. Societal consequences and adoption challenges are examined, highlighting the importance of stakeholder reactions, decision-making processes, governance, and user acceptance in successful implementation.
Gender in Professional Football: Unveiling Stereotypes and Sport Performance Variabilities in Recent 2022 and 2023 World Cups.
Authors: Vázquez Adriana Fernández de Caleya , Martín-Magdalena Jorge , Garrido-Merchán Eduardo C.
Published: November 2023

This study aims to interrogate the gendered stereotypes and perceived performance differences in professional football, utilizing data from the recent FIFA World Cups (Qatar 2022 and Australia & New Zealand 2023). A comprehensive analysis of 141 variables, encompassing various facets of gameplay, was undertaken to determine whether gender-based disparities in performance actually exist. The key focus was identifying variables showing no significant gender differences or where women's performance surpassed that of men. Surprisingly, over half of the variables, including goals scored, assists, shots on target, and passing distances, displayed no significant gender variance. Furthermore, women exhibited superior performance in 28% of the analysed variables, notably in precision and successful completion rates of various types of passes, indicating a higher efficiency in certain game aspects. These findings challenge the entrenched stereotypes within the sport, suggesting that gender differences in football performance are not as pronounced as commonly believed and highlighting the need for a fair and equitable appreciation of sporting talent across genders.
The relationship between serum astroglial and neuronal markers and AQP4 and MOG autoantibodies
Authors: Chatanaka Miyo K , Avery Lisa M , Pasic Maria D , Sithravadivel Shanthan , Rotstein Dalia , Demos Catherine , Cohen Rachel , Gorham Taron , Wang Mingyue , Stengelin Martin , Mathew Anu , Wohlstadter Jacob , Prassas Ioannis , Diamandis Eleftherios P
Published: November 2023

Background
Certain demyelinating disorders, such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) exhibit serum autoantibodies against aquaporin-4 (αAQP4) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (αMOG). The variability of the autoantibody presentation warrants further research into subtyping each case.
Methods
To elucidate the relationship between astroglial and neuronal protein concentrations in the peripheral circulation with occurrence of these autoantibodies, 86 serum samples were analyzed using immunoassays. The protein concentration of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neurofilament light chain (NFL) and tau protein was measured in 3 groups of subcategories of suspected NMOSD: αAQP4 positive (n = 20), αMOG positive (n = 32) and αMOG/αAQP4 seronegative (n = 34). Kruskal-Wallis analysis, univariate predictor analysis, and multivariate logistic regression with ROC curves were performed.
Results
GFAP and NFL concentrations were significantly elevated in the αAQP4 positive group (p = 0.003; p = 0.042, respectively), and tau was elevated in the αMOG/αAQP4 seronegative group (p < 0.001). A logistic regression model to classify serostatus was able to separate αAQP4 seropositivity using GFAP + tau, and αMOG seropositivity using tau. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were 0.77 and 0.72, respectively. Finally, a combined seropositivity versus negative status logistic regression model was generated, with AUC = 0.80.
Conclusion
The 3 markers can univariately and multivariately classify with moderate accuracy the samples with seropositivity and seronegativity for αAQP4 and αMOG.