bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide profiling of Hfq-bound RNAs reveals the iron-responsive small RNA RusT in
Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Vogt Laura N. , Panis Gaël , Schäpers Anna , Peschek Nikolai , Huber Michaela , Papenfort Kai , Viollier Patrick H. , Fröhlich Kathrin S.
Published: March 2024

The alphaproteobacterium
Caulobacter crescentus
thrives in oligotrophic environments and is able to optimally exploit minimal resources by entertaining an intricate network of gene expression control mechanisms. Numerous transcriptional activators and repressors have been reported to contribute to these processes, but only few studies have focused on regulation at the post-transcriptional level in
C. crescentus
. Small RNAs (sRNAs) are a prominent class of regulators of bacterial gene expression, and most sRNAs characterized today engage in direct base-pairing interactions to modulate the translation and/or stability of target mRNAs. In many cases, the ubiquitous RNA chaperone, Hfq, contributes to the establishment of RNA-RNA interactions. Although the deletion of the
hfq
gene is associated with a severe loss of fitness in
C. crescentus
, the RNA ligands of the chaperone have remained largely unexplored. Here we report on the identification of coding and non-coding transcripts associated with Hfq in
C. crescentus
and demonstrate Hfq-dependent post-transcriptional regulation in this organism. We show that the Hfq-bound sRNA RusT is transcriptionally controlled by the NtrYX two-component system and induced in response to iron starvation. By combining RusT pulse expression with whole-genome transcriptome analysis, we determine 16 candidate target transcripts that are deregulated, many of which encode outer membrane transporters. We hence suggest RusT to support remodeling of the
C. crescentus
cell surface when iron supplies are limited.

IMPORTANCE

The conserved RNA-binding protein Hfq contributes significantly to the adaptation of bacteria to different environmental conditions. Hfq not only stabilizes associated sRNAs but also promotes inter-molecular base-pairing interactions with target transcripts. Hfq plays a pivotal role for growth and survival, controlling central metabolism and cell wall synthesis in the oligotroph
Caulobacter crescentus
. However, direct evidence for Hfq-dependent post-transcriptional regulation and potential oligotrophy in
C. crescentus
has been lacking. Here, we identified sRNAs and mRNAs associated with Hfq
in vivo
, and demonstrated the requirement of Hfq for sRNA-mediated regulation, particularly of outer membrane transporters in
C. crescentus
.
Complete sequence of the closed circular extrachromosomal element of
Naegleria pringsheimi
De Jonckheere (strain Singh)
Authors: Nguyen Brian T. , Chapman Nora M. , Johnson Niklas , Stessman Holly A. F. , Tracy Steven , Drescher Kristen M.
Published: March 2024

The DNA encoding the ribosomal RNA in
Naegleria
is encoded on closed circular extrachromosomal ribosomal DNA-containing elements (CERE) in the nucleolus. In this report, we describe the sequence of the CERE of
Naegleria pringsheimi
De Jonckheere (strain Singh).
Complete genome sequence of
Klebsiella variicola
subsp.
variicola
ML.9ba2, an endophytic strain isolated from aerial roots of
Philodendron erubescens
Authors: Lam M. , Leung K. M. , Lai G. K. K. , Leung F. C. C. , Griffin S. D. J.
Published: March 2024

The endophytic strain
Klebsiella variicola
subsp.
variicola
ML.9ba2 was isolated from aerial roots of
Philodendron erubescens
in Hong Kong. Its complete genome of 5,682,083 bp (57.29% G+C), comprising a single chromosome and an IncF plasmid, was established through hybrid assembly.
Decoupling between the genetic potential and the metabolic regulation and expression in microbial organic matter cleavage across microbiomes
Authors: Zhao Zihao , Baltar Federico , Herndl Gerhard J.
Published: March 2024

Metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, and metaproteomics are used to explore the microbial capability of enzyme secretion, but the links between protein-encoding genes and corresponding transcripts/proteins across ecosystems are underexplored. By conducting a multi-omics comparison focusing on key enzymes (carbohydrate-active enzymes [CAZymes] and peptidases) cleaving the main biomolecules across distinct microbiomes living in the ocean, soil, and human gut, we show that the community structure, functional diversity, and secretion mechanisms of microbial secretory CAZymes and peptidases vary drastically between microbiomes at metagenomic, metatranscriptomic, and metaproteomic levels. Such variations lead to decoupled relationships between CAZymes and peptidases from genetic potentials to protein expressions due to the different responses of key players toward organic matter sources and concentrations. Our results highlight the need for systematic analysis of the factors shaping patterns of microbial cleavage on organic matter to better link omics data to ecosystem processes.

IMPORTANCE

Omics tools are used to explore adaptive mechanism of microbes in diverse systems, but the advantages and limitations of different omics tools remain skeptical. Here, we reported distinct profiles in microbial secretory enzyme composition revealed by different omics methods. In general, the predicted function from metagenomic analysis decoupled from the expression of corresponding transcripts/proteins. Linking omics results to taxonomic origin, functional capability, substrate specificity, secretion preference, and enzymatic activity measurement suggested the substrate's source, concentration and stoichiometry impose strong filtering on the expression of extracellular enzymes, which may overwrite the genetic potentials. Our results present an integrated perspective on the need for multi-dimensional characterization of microbial adaptation in a changing environment.
Fifteen-minute consultation: The approach to the child with precocious puberty
Authors: Lorenzon Beatrice , Burlo Francesca , Barbi Ludovica , Tamaro Gianluca , Tornese Gianluca
Published: March 2024

Precocious puberty has traditionally been defined as the onset of secondary sexual characteristics occurring before age 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys. This earlier onset of puberty may have significant physical and psychological consequences if left untreated. Moreover, it should be excluded that pubertal signs are not secondary to malignancies, other organic aetiologies or associated syndromic phenotypes. Initial assessment involves a thorough medical history and physical examination; a hand and wrist X-ray to determine bone age, and hormonal tests might be indicated to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the origin of hormonal production. Treatment options depend on the underlying cause. Given the complexity of the differential diagnosis, this article aims to familiarise clinicians with the different steps that can be taken when precocious puberty is suspected.
Maximum outcome with minimal resources: report of a multiligamentous knee injury managed with ‘modified confluent tunnel technique’
Authors: Chellamuthu Girinivasan , Rathi Nitesh Kumar , Ashraf Munis , Vinodh Benjamin
Published: March 2024

Multiligamentous knee injuries (MLKIs) are rare and challenging to manage in many aspects. The injury requires prompt diagnosis, reconstruction of multiple ligaments, and management of associated neurovascular injuries. Another important aspect that surgeons should consider is resource availability. Successful management of a case of MLKI using the cost-effective ‘modified confluent tunnel technique’ is described in this case report. We used confluent tunnels for intra- and extra-articular ligament reconstructions at the femoral side. We incorporated the weave technique for medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction, and Larson’s technique for posterolateral corner (PLC) reconstruction in this construct, and augmented the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with the remaining PLC and MCL grafts, respectively. This was cost-effective and resulted in good functional outcomes. The technique also helped us to avoid tunnel convergence which is an expected complication in MLKI surgeries.
Association between deep learning measured retinal vessel calibre and incident myocardial infarction in a retrospective cohort from the UK Biobank
Authors: Wong Yiu Lun , Yu Marco , Chong Crystal , Yang Dawei , Xu Dejiang , Lee Mong Li , Hsu Wynne , Wong Tien Y , Cheng Chingyu , Cheung Carol Y
Published: March 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of global death. Prospective population-based studies have found that changes in retinal microvasculature are associated with the development of coronary artery disease. Recently, artificial intelligence deep learning (DL) algorithms have been developed for the fully automated assessment of retinal vessel calibres.

Methods

In this study, we validate the association between retinal vessel calibres measured by a DL system (Singapore I Vessel Assessment) and incident myocardial infarction (MI) and assess its incremental performance in discriminating patients with and without MI when added to risk prediction models, using a large UK Biobank cohort.

Results

Retinal arteriolar narrowing was significantly associated with incident MI in both the age, gender and fellow calibre-adjusted (HR=1.67 (95% CI: 1.19 to 2.36)) and multivariable models (HR=1.64 (95% CI: 1.16 to 2.32)) adjusted for age, gender and other cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, diabetes mellitus (DM) and cholesterol status. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve increased from 0.738 to 0.745 (p=0.018) in the age–gender-adjusted model and from 0.782 to 0.787 (p=0.010) in the multivariable model. The continuous net reclassification improvements (NRIs) were significant in the age and gender-adjusted (NRI=21.56 (95% CI: 3.33 to 33.42)) and the multivariable models (NRI=18.35 (95% CI: 6.27 to 32.61)). In the subgroup analysis, similar associations between retinal arteriolar narrowing and incident MI were observed, particularly for men (HR=1.62 (95% CI: 1.07 to 2.46)), non-smokers (HR=1.65 (95% CI: 1.13 to 2.42)), patients without DM (HR=1.73 (95% CI: 1.19 to 2.51)) and hypertensive patients (HR=1.95 (95% CI: 1.30 to 2.93)) in the multivariable models.

Conclusion

Our results support DL-based retinal vessel measurements as markers of incident MI in a predominantly Caucasian population.
Examining the relationship between the oral microbiome, alcohol intake and alcohol-comorbid neuropsychological disorders: protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Maki Katherine A. , Crayton Chelsea B. , Butera Gisela , Wallen Gwenyth R.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Heavy alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD) continues to rise as a public health problem and increases the risk for disease. Elevated rates of anxiety, depression, sleep disruption and stress are associated with alcohol use. Symptoms may progress to diagnosed neurophysiological conditions and increase risk for relapse if abstinence is attempted. Research on mechanisms connecting the gastrointestinal microbiome to neuropsychological disorders through the gut-brain axis is well-established. Less is known how the oral microbiome and oral microbial-associated biomarkers may signal to the brain. Therefore, a synthesis of research studying relationships between alcohol intake, alcohol-associated neurophysiological symptoms and the oral microbiome is needed to understand the state of the current science. In this paper, we outline our protocol to collect, evaluate and synthesise research focused on associations between alcohol intake and AUD-related neuropsychological disorders with the oral microbiome.

Methods and analysis

The search strategy was developed and will be executed in collaboration with a medical research librarian. Studies will be screened by two independent investigators according to the aim of the scoping review, along with the outlined exclusion and inclusion criteria. After screening, data will be extracted and synthesised from the included papers according to predefined demographic, clinical and microbiome methodology metrics.

Ethics and dissemination

A scoping review of primary sources is needed to synthesise the data on relationships between alcohol use, neuropsychological conditions associated with AUD and the oral microbiome. The proposed scoping review is based on the data from publicly available databases and does not require ethical approval. We expect the results of this synthesis will identify gaps in the growing literature and highlight potential mechanisms linking the oral-brain axis to addiction and other associated neuropsychological conditions. The study findings and results will be disseminated through journals and conferences related to psychology, neuroscience, dentistry and the microbiome.
Regional differences in health resource allocation: a longitudinal study in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle, China
Authors: Zhou Minghua
Published: March 2024

Objective

To analyse regional differences in health resource allocation in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle.

Design

A longitudinal analysis that collected data on health resource allocation from 2017 to 2021.

Setting

The number of beds, health technicians, licensed (assistant) physicians, registered nurses and financial allocations per 1000 population in the 42 regions of Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle were used for the analysis.

Methods

The entropy weight technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) method and the rank sum ratio (RSR) method were used to evaluate the health resource allocation.

Results

The number of licensed (assistant) physicians per 1000 population in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle (3.01) was lower than the average in China (3.04) in 2021. According to the entropy weight–TOPSIS method, Yuzhong in Chongqing had the largest C-value and the highest ranking. Jiangbei in Chongqing and Chengdu and Ya’an in Sichuan Province had higher C-values and were ranked in the top 10. Jiangjin, Hechuan, Tongnan and Zhongxian in Chongqing and Guang’an in Sichuan Province had lower C-values and were all ranked after the 30th place. According to the RSR method, the 42 regions were divided into three grades of good, medium and poor. The health resource allocations of Yuzhong, Jiangbei, Nanchuan, Jiulongpo and Shapingba in Chongqing and Chengdu and Ya’an in Sichuan Province were of good grade, those of Tongnan, Jiangjin, Yubei and Dazu in Chongqing and Guang’an and Dazhou in Sichuan Province were of poor grade, and the rest of the regions were of medium grade.

Conclusion

The regional differences in health resource allocation in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle were more obvious, the health resource allocation in Chongqing was more polarised and the health resource allocation in Sichuan Province was more balanced, but the advantaged regions were not prominent enough.
Lack of associations between hospital rating and outcomes in patients with an acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Aspberg Sara , Kahan Thomas , Johansson Fredrik
Published: March 2024

Background

Public reporting of performance data has become a common tool in evaluation of healthcare providers. The rating may be misleading if the association between the measured variables and the outcome is weak.

Methods and results

Nationwide, register-based, cohort study. All Swedish patients hospitalised with an acute coronary syndrome during the time periods 2006–2010 and 2015–2017 were included in the study. Possible associations between cardiovascular morbidity and mortality for these patients and ranking scores for each hospital in a Swedish healthcare quality register for acute coronary syndromes were analysed. We found no association between the ranking score and mortality, and no or weak associations between the ranking score and readmissions.

Conclusions

Lack of associations between quality measurements and patient outcomes warrants improvement in ranking scores. Cautious use of the ranking results is necessary in comparisons between healthcare providers.
Abstracts from international emergency medicine journals
Authors: Production EMJ
Published: March 2024

Editor’s note: EMJ has partnered with the journals of multiple international emergency medicine societies to share from each a highlighted research study, as selected by their editors. This edition will feature an abstract from each publication.
Improved pulmonary function and exercise tolerance despite persistent pulmonary fibrosis over 1 year after severe COVID-19 infection
Authors: McGroder Claire F , Salvatore Mary M , D'Souza Belinda M , Hoffman Eric A , Baldwin Matthew R , Garcia Christine Kim
Published: March 2024

We conducted a prospective single-centre cohort study of 104 multi-ethnic severe COVID-19 survivors from the first wave of the pandemic 15 months after hospitalisation. Of those who were assessed at 4 and 15 months, improvement of ground glass opacities correlated with worsened fibrotic reticulations. Despite a high prevalence of fibrotic patterns (64%), pulmonary function, grip strength, 6 min walk distance and frailty normalised. Overall, dyspnoea, cough and exhaustion did not improve and were not correlated with pulmonary function or radiographic fibrosis at 15 months, suggesting non-respiratory aetiologies. Monitoring persistent, and often subclinical, fibrotic interstitial abnormalities will be needed to determine their potential for future progression.
Clinical implications of airway obstruction with normal or low FEV1in childhood and adolescence
Authors: Koefoed Hans Jacob Lohne , Wang Gang , Gehring Ulrike , Ekstrom Sandra , Kull Inger , Vermeulen Roel , Boer Jolanda M A , Bergstrom Anna , Koppelman Gerard H , Melén Erik , Vonk Judith M , Hallberg Jenny
Published: March 2024

Background

Airway obstruction is defined by spirometry as a low forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio. This impaired ratio may originate from a low FEV1(classic) or a normal FEV1in combination with a large FVC (dysanaptic). The clinical implications of dysanaptic obstruction during childhood and adolescence in the general population remain unclear.

Aims

To investigate the association between airway obstruction with a low or normal FEV1in childhood and adolescence, and asthma, wheezing and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR).

Methods

In the BAMSE (Barn/Child, Allergy, Milieu, Stockholm, Epidemiology; Sweden) and PIAMA (Prevention and Incidence of Asthma and Mite Allergy; the Netherlands) birth cohorts, obstruction (FEV1:FVC ratio less than the lower limit of normal, LLN) at ages 8, 12 (PIAMA only) or 16 years was classified as classic (FEV1<LLN) or dysanaptic (FEV1≥LLN) obstruction. Cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between these two types of obstruction and respiratory health outcomes were estimated by cohort-adjusted logistic regression on pooled data.

Results

The prevalence of classic obstruction at ages 8, 12 and 16 in the two cohorts was 1.5%, 1.1% and 1.5%, respectively. Dysanaptic obstruction was slightly more prevalent: 3.9%, 2.5% and 4.6%, respectively. Obstruction, regardless of FEV1, was consistently associated with higher odds of asthma (dysanaptic obstruction: OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.40 to 3.74), wheezing, asthma medication use and BHR compared with the normal lung function group. Approximately one-third of the subjects with dysanaptic obstruction in childhood remained dysanaptic during adolescence.

Clinical implications

Children and adolescents with airway obstruction had, regardless of their FEV1level, a higher prevalence of asthma and wheezing. Follow-up and treatment at these ages should be guided by the presence of airway obstruction.
Efficient synthesis of the 2-aminoimidazolium-bridged diguanosyl intermediate for nonenzymatic primer extension
Authors: Sammons Scott R. , Robinson James D. , O'Flaherty Derek K.
Published: March 2024

Nonenzymatic genome replication has yet to be demonstrated experimentally. Recently, studies on the nonenzymatic primer extension mechanism mediated by nucleoside 5′-monophosphates (NMPs) activated with 2-aminoimidazole (2AI) have revealed that imidazolium-bridged dinucleotide intermediates (N*N) are responsible for the bulk of the chemical copying process. As a result, an efficacious synthetic pathway for producing these substrates is desirable. Standard dehydrative redox reaction between NMPs and 2AI can produce N*N in high yields for all homodimers, apart from riboguanosine 5′-monophosphate. Here, we report a vastly improved methodology for the preparation of G*G, by the introduction of a simple reverse-phase cation exchange step to increase the solubility of the mononucleotide. Our approach is more efficient, cost-effective, less time-consuming, and has better atom economy than the currently established methodology for this important molecule in primer extension studies.
The $$\eta /{\eta ^\prime }\rightarrow \pi ^+ \pi ^- \gamma $$ decays within BHLS$$_2$$ and the muon HVP
Authors: Benayoun M. , DelBuono L. , Jegerlehner F.
Published: March 2024

The departure of the latest FNAL experimental average for the muon anomalous magnetic moment $$a_\mu =(g_\mu -2)/2$$

a
μ

=

(

g
μ

-
2
)

/
2

measurements, having increased from $$4.2 \sigma $$

4.2
σ

(Abi et al. in Measurement of the positive muon anomalous magnetic moment to 0.46 ppm, arXiv:2104.03281, 2021) to $$5.0 \sigma $$

5.0
σ

(Muon g-2, D.P. Aguillard et al. in Measurement of the positive muon anomalous magnetic moment to 0.20 ppm, arXiv:2308.06230, 2023) with respect to the white paper (WP) consensus (Aoyama et al. in Phys Rep 887:1, arXiv:2006.04822, 2020), may indicate a hint for new physics. As the most delicate piece of $$a_\mu $$

a
μ

is its leading-order hadronic vacuum polarization (HVP) part $$a_\mu ^{HVP-LO}$$

a
μ

H
V
P
-
L
O

, methods to ascertain its theoretical value are crucial to appropriately interpreting this departure from the measurement. We, therefore, propose to closely examine the dipion spectra from the $$\eta /{\eta ^\prime }\rightarrow \pi ^+ \pi ^- \gamma $$

η
/

η
′

→

π
+

π
-

γ

decays in the hidden local symmetry (HLS) context using its BHLS$$_2$$

2

broken variant. We thus have at our disposal a framework where the close relationship of the dipion spectra from the $$\eta /{\eta ^\prime }$$

η
/

η
′

and $$\tau $$
τ
decays and of the $$e^+e^- \rightarrow \pi ^+\pi ^-$$

e
+

e
-

→

π
+

π
-

annihilation can be simultaneously considered. A special focus is given to the high-statistics dipion spectra from the $$\eta $$
η
decay collected by the KLOE/KLOE2 Collaboration and $${\eta ^\prime }$$

η
′

decay collected by the BESIII Collaboration, and it is shown that the BHLS$$_2$$

2

framework provides a fair account of their dipion spectra. More precisely, it is first proven that a single Omnès representation real polynomial is required, common to both the $$\eta $$
η
and $${\eta ^\prime }$$

η
′

dipion spectra. Moreover, it is shown that fits involving the $$\eta /{\eta ^\prime }/\tau $$

η
/

η
′

/
τ

dipion spectra, and excluding the $$e^+e^- \rightarrow \pi ^+\pi ^-$$

e
+

e
-

→

π
+

π
-

annihilation data, allow for a prediction of the pion vector form factor data $$F_\pi (s)$$

F
π

(
s
)

which agrees fairly well with the usual dipion spectra collected in the $$e^+e^- \rightarrow \pi ^+\pi ^-$$

e
+

e
-

→

π
+

π
-

annihilation channel. Even if more precise $$\eta /{\eta ^\prime }/\tau $$

η
/

η
′

/
τ

dipion spectra would help to be fully conclusive, this confirms the dispersive approach results for $$a_\mu ^{HVP-LO}$$

a
μ

H
V
P
-
L
O

and points toward a common non-experimentally dependent origin to this tension with the now well-accepted LQCD result.
Producing Green or Brown? A Game of Green Innovation in an Asymmetric Oligopoly
Authors: Carrilho-Nunes Inês , Catalão-Lopes Margarida
Published: March 2024

As consensus grows for low-carbon development, innovation becomes vital for green growth, given the substantial technology adoption needed for long-term environmental targets. This paper explores market-driven incentives for green product innovation in an asymmetric duopoly using a game theory approach without relying on direct government intervention. The roles that market dynamics and rivalry have on the supply of green or brown products are explored in simultaneous and sequential scenarios, considering technology costs, demand-creating effects, rivalry gains, and information availability. Results reveal that a fully green market is contingent on low innovation costs, depending especially on the magnitude of demand creation effects. Notably, product differentiation occurs only under extreme cost asymmetry. Recommendations underscore the importance of incentivising low-cost innovations, assessing the impact of product differentiation and diversity, especially concerning lower-income consumers, and proposing measures to improve the transparency of firms’ strategic choices.
Cross-Domain Aspect-Based Sentiment Classification with a Pre-Training and Fine-Tuning Strategy for Low-Resource Domains
Authors: Zhao Chuanjun , Wu Meiling , Yang Xinyi , Sun Xuzhuang , Wang Suge , Li Deyu
Published: March 2024

Aspect-based sentiment classification (ABSC) is a crucial sub-task of fine-grained sentiment analysis, which aims to predict the sentiment polarity of the given aspects in a sentence as positive, negative, or neutral. Most existing ABSC methods are based on supervised learning. However, these methods rely heavily on fine-grained labeled training data, which can be scarce in low-resource domains, limiting their effectiveness. To overcome this challenge, we propose a low-resource cross-domain aspect-based sentiment classification (CDABSC) approach based on a pre-training and fine-tuning strategy. This approach applies the pre-training and fine-tuning strategy to an advanced deep learning method designed for ABSC, namely the attention-based encoding graph convolutional network (AEGCN) model. Specifically, a high-resource domain is selected as the source domain, and the AEGCN model is pre-trained using a large amount of fine-grained annotated data from the source domain. The optimal parameters of the model are preserved. Subsequently, a low-resource domain is used as the target domain, and the pre-trained model parameters are used as the initial parameters of the target domain model. The target domain is fine-tuned using a small amount of annotated data to adapt the parameters to the target domain model, improving the accuracy of sentiment classification in the low-resource domain. Finally, experimental validation on two domain benchmark datasets, restaurant and laptop, demonstrates significant outperformance of our approach over the baselines in CDABSC Micro-F1.
Topic-aware Masked Attentive Network for Information Cascade Prediction
Authors: Tai Yu , Yang Hongwei , He Hui , Wu Xinglong , Shao Yuanming , Zhang Weizhe , Sangaiah Arun Kumar
Published: March 2024

Predicting information cascades holds significant practical implications, including applications in public opinion analysis, rumor control, and product recommendation. Existing approaches have generally overlooked the significance of semantic topics in information cascades or disregarded the dissemination relations. Such models are inadequate in capturing the intricate diffusion process within an information network inundated with diverse topics. To address such problems, we propose a neural-based model using Topic-Aware Masked Attentive Network for Information Cascade Prediction (ICP-TMAN) to predict the next infected node of an information cascade. First, we encode the topical text into user representation to perceive the user-topic dependency. Next, we employ a masked attentive network to devise the diffusion context to capture the user-context dependency. Finally, we exploit a deep attention mechanism to model historical infected nodes for user embedding enhancement to capture user-history dependency. The results of extensive experiments conducted on three real-world datasets demonstrate the superiority of ICP-TMAN over existing state-of-the-art approaches.
Passage-aware Search Result Diversification
Authors: Su Zhan , Dou Zhicheng , Zhu Yutao , Wen Ji-Rong
Published: March 2024

Research on search result diversification strives to enhance the variety of subtopics within the list of search results. Existing studies usually treat a document as a whole and represent it with one fixed-length vector. However, considering that a long document could cover different aspects of a query, using a single vector to represent the document is usually insufficient. To tackle this problem, we propose to exploit multiple passages to better represent documents in search result diversification. Different passages of each document may reflect different subtopics of the query and comparison among the passages can improve result diversity. Specifically, we segment the entire document into multiple passages and train a classifier to filter out the irrelevant ones. Then the document diversity is measured based on several passages that can offer the information needs of the query. Thereafter, we devise a passage-aware search result diversification framework that takes into account the topic information contained in the selected document sequence and candidate documents. The candidate documents’ novelty is evaluated based on their passages while considering the dynamically selected document sequence. We conducted experiments on a commonly utilized dataset, and the results indicate that our proposed method performs better than the most leading methods.
The Effect of Graphene Oxide on Optical, Ferroelectric, and Catalytic Properties of Protein-Encapsulated ZnSe Nanocomposite
Authors: Rapaka Suresh Babu , R Markkandan , Bhagavathula S. Diwakar , Singh Jay , Dhanikonda Rajeswari , K A. S. V. R. Sai Phani Kumar , Reddy Venu
Published: March 2024

To explore the effect of graphene oxide (GO) on optical, ferroelectric, and catalytic properties of the protein-encapsulated ZnSe nanocomposite, we have prepared BSA-encapsulated ZnSe (BSA-ZnSe) nanocomposite and graphene oxide integrated BSA-encapsulated ZnSe (GO/BSA-ZnSe) nanocomposite samples. The ZnSe nanoparticles within these nanocomposites exhibit a highly crystalline zincblende structure with an average size of 3.7 nm. Transmission electron microscopy studies confirm the successful integration of GO in the BSA-encapsulated ZnSe sample. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results suggest that the interactions between ZnSe nanoparticles and BSA, likely facilitated by the amide and hydroxyl groups present in BSA. Optical studies showed that the addition of GO influenced the emission spectra towards a red shift, which is attributed to the conductive influence of graphene oxide. The ferroelectric properties indicated that the graphene integrated ZnSe nanocomposite exhibited high remanence and coercivity due to the interaction of semiconductive ZnSe with GO layers. In terms of catalytic activity, the GO/BSA-ZnSe nanocomposite exhibited better performance compared to the BSA-ZnSe nanocomposite.These results highlight the significant influence of graphene oxide on the optical, ferroelectric, and catalytic properties of the BSA-encapsulated ZnSe nanocomposite.
The Prognostic Quality of Risk Prediction Models to Assess the Individual Breast Cancer Risk in Women: An Overview of Reviews
Authors: Wolf Sarah , Zechmeister-Koss Ingrid , Fruehwirth Irmgard
Published: March 2024

Purpose. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, with an incidence of approximately two million cases in 2018. Organised age-based breast cancer screening programs were established worldwide to detect breast cancer earlier and to reduce mortality. Currently, there is substantial anticipation regarding risk-adjusted screening programs, considering various risk factors in addition to age. The present study investigated the discriminatory accuracy of breast cancer risk prediction models and whether they suit risk-based screening programs. Methods. Following the PICO scheme, we conducted an overview of reviews and systematically searched four databases. All methodological steps, including the literature selection, data extraction and synthesis, and the quality appraisal were conducted following the 4-eyes principle. For the quality assessment, the AMSTAR 2 tool was used. Results. We included eight systematic reviews out of 833 hits based on the prespecified inclusion criteria. The eight systematic reviews comprised ninety-nine primary studies that were also considered for the data analysis. Three systematic reviews were assessed as having a high risk of bias, while the others were rated with a moderate or low risk of bias. Most identified breast cancer risk prediction models showed a low prognostic quality. Adding breast density and genetic information as risk factors only moderately improved the models’ discriminatory accuracy. Conclusion. All breast cancer risk prediction models published to date show a limited ability to predict the individual breast cancer risk in women. Hence, it is too early to implement them in national breast cancer screening programs. Relevant randomised controlled trials about the benefit-harm ratio of risk-adjusted breast cancer screening programs compared to conventional age-based programs need to be awaited.
Knowledge Gaps and Determination of Attitude and Practice among Medical Students toward Hepatitis B Infection: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alaridah Nader , Jarrar Raba’a F. , Joudeh Rayan M. , Al-Abdallat Haneen , Ismail Layan , Alnajjar Zaina , Jum’ah Mohammad , Abu-Humaidan Anas Haidar
Published: March 2024

Introduction. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), annually, there are 1.5 million new infections, with more than 290 million people living with chronic hepatitis B diseases in 2019. Medical students (MSs), a subgroup of health care workers (HCWs), are at high occupational risk for HBV infection since HCWs have a 2–10 times greater risk of getting the virus than the general population. Therefore, they must have a broad understanding of hepatitis B infection. In this study, we aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices among MSs, and to explore its predictors. Methodology. A descriptive cross-sectional research was done among MSs, those who finished their infectious disease course. MSs were asked to participate in a self-administered online-structured questionnaire. Results. 612 MSs were enrolled in our study. 67.5% were females, and 36.9% were in their 6th year. Around half of the participants held a high level of knowledge, attitude, and practices toward HBV infection. MSs in the last year of the study who encountered HBV patients showed to have better knowledge. Male MSs who encountered HBV patients and took extra HBV courses showed better attitudes. High practice level among MSs was associated with being in the 6th year and taking extra HBV courses. Conclusions. This study demonstrated a satisfactory level of knowledge, attitude, and practices toward HBV infection among MSs. However, awareness must be enhanced in some areas especially transmission routes of HBV. Thus, it will strengthen the level of attitude and practices to omit the effect of the stigma while delivering care to HBV patients.
Determination of Tumor Marker Screening for Lung Cancer Using ROC Curves
Authors: Dou Xiaofeng , Lu Jiachen , Yu Yingying , Yi Yaohui , Zhou Ling
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Lung cancer ranks first among malignant tumors worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality in both men and women. Combining tumor marker testing is a strategy to screen individuals at high risk of pulmonary cancer and minimize pulmonary cancer mortality. Therefore, tumor marker screening is crucial. In this study, we analyzed combinations of tumor markers for lung cancer screening using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Methods. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted on patients diagnosed with lung cancer, as well as healthy and benign lung diseases, using data from the China Huludao Central Hospital database between January 2016 and July 2022. The t-test and ROC curve were utilized to assess the effectiveness of individual tumor marker and the combination of multiple tumor markers. Tumor markers are molecular products metabolized and secreted by tumor tissues, characterized by cells or body fluids. They serve as indicators of tumor stage and grading, monitor treatment response, and predict recurrence. Results. In this study, 267 healthy participants, 385 patients with benign lesions, and 296 patients with lung cancer underwent tumor marker screening. The sensitivity of five tumor markers—CEA, CYFRA21-1, NSE, pro-GRP, and CA125—was found to be <55%. This study revealed that a single tumor marker had limited value in lung cancer screening. However, combining two or more markers yielded varying area under the curves (AUC), with no significant impact on screening accuracy. The combination of CEA + CA125 demonstrated the highest accuracy for lung cancer screening in healthy participants. At a cutoff of 0.447 for CEA + CA125, the combination showed a sensitivity of 0.676 and specificity of 0.846 for lung cancer screening. Conversely, for patients with benign lung lesions, the optimal combination was CEA + NSE, with a cutoff of 0.393, yielding a sensitivity of 0.645 and specificity of 0.766 for lung cancer screening. Conclusion. The five tumor markers—CEA, CA125, CY211, NSE, GRP—show promising results in screening healthy individuals and patients with lung cancer. However, only CEA, NSE, and GRP effectively differentiate patients with benign lung lesions from those with lung cancer. A single tumor marker has limited utility in detecting and screening for lung cancer and should be combined with other tumor markers. CEA + CA125 emerges as a superior tumor marker for distinguishing healthy individuals from those with lung cancer, whereas the CEA + NSE combination is more effective in identifying tumor markers in patients with benign lung lesions and lung cancer.
Simulation of Vortex‐Induced Vibration for a Cylinder with Different Rounded Corners under Re = 150
Authors: Gong Maofeng , Jin Ruijia , Liu Mingming , Qin Jianmin
Published: March 2024

A comprehensive 2D numerical model was conscientiously developed to investigate the vortex‐induced vibration phenomena in a cylindrical structure with rounded corners. The Navier‐Stokes equation was adeptly solved under the specific condition of a Reynolds number (Re) of 150. The investigation reveals intricate details of the phenomena. The study aimed to systematically analyze the interaction between drag and lift force coefficients, cylinder vibration amplitude, and the patterns of vortex shedding modes under various conditions. This study systematically altered the radius of the cylinder’s rounded corners to evaluate their effects on both structural and hydrodynamic responses. This variation was crucial in comprehending how slight alterations in the cylinder’s geometry impact significant changes in the flow dynamics and correlated vibration behavior. The model’s numerical results revealed the significant impact of the curved edge ratio on both the hydrodynamic forces acting on the cylinder and its vibration response. The variation in edge curvature resulted in changes in drag and lift coefficients, leading to a significant impact on the amplitude of vibration. This elucidates the crucial role of geometric design in controlling and optimizing the structural behavior of cylindrical structures under fluid flow conditions.
Supplementary Table 4 from Immune Profiling of Vulvar Squamous Cell Cancer Discovers a Macrophage-rich Subtype Associated with Poor Prognosis
Authors: Condic Mateja , Rohr Andrea , Riemann Soheila , Staerk Christian , Ayub Tiyasha H. , Doeser Anna , Zillinger Thomas , Merkelbach-Bruse Sabine , Buettner Reinhard , Barchet Winfried , Rudlowski Christian , Mustea Alexander , Kübler Kirsten
Published: March 2024

Supplementary Table 4 summarizes immunohistochemical characteristics of the discovery cohort.
Acromegalic Rat Model Presented Cognitive Impairments and Tau Hyperphosphorylation in the Hippocampus
Authors: Chen Juan , Xiang Zhigao , Zhang Zhuo , Yang Yan , Shu Kai , Lei Ting
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Acromegaly patients, in addition to the most prominent physical and endocrine changes, also exhibit a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction. However, the reasons and mechanisms underlying cognitive impairments in acromegaly patients remain unknown. Methods: Acromegalic rats were induced by subcutaneous injection of tumor cells, with continuous monitoring of the body weight and hormones to confirm the occurrence of acromegaly. Behavioral assessments, including open field test, novel object recognition test, and Barnes maze test, were conducted to evaluate the animals’ cognitive function. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence techniques were employed to examine changes in the hippocampal tau protein, Aβ, and associated signaling pathways. Results: The tumor cells secreting growth hormone increased the secretion of growth hormone, resulting in changes in body size and endocrine functions, thus causing acromegaly. The acromegaly model showed deficiencies in working memory and spatial memory. Hyperphosphorylation of tau protein was observed in the hippocampus of the acromegaly model, but no Aβ deposition was observed. The acromegaly model exhibits hippocampal growth hormone (GH) resistance, decreased expression of GH receptors, and subsequently reduced expression activity of the PI3K-Akt-GSK3β signaling pathway, which is responsible for the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. Conclusion: The prolonged elevation of GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 caused by acromegaly may lead to abnormalities in the SD rat’s PI3K-Akt-GSK3β signaling pathway, subsequently resulting in hyperphosphorylation of the hippocampal tau protein and cognitive impairment.
Genetic Testing Experiences of People Living with Inherited Retinal Degenerations: Results of a Global Survey
Authors: Paudel Nabin , Daly Avril , Waters Fiona , Stratieva Petia
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Obtaining a genetic diagnosis via genetic testing (GT) is a fundamental step in determining the eligibility of a patient to be enrolled in emerging clinical trials and research studies. Besides, the knowledge of genetic outcome allows patients to plan for significant life choices. However, critical barriers exist to an equitable access to genetic services globally. The objective of this study was to explore patient experiences while seeking genomic services for inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). Methods: An online survey was designed based on a focus group conducted by Retina International and including people affected by IRDs and their families living in different regions around the world. The survey was then circulated to 43 Retina International member organisations globally via email newsletters and social networks. The survey involved questions in relation to the accessibility, affordability, and timeliness of genomic services for IRDs as well as patient perceived awareness of genomic services for IRDs among healthcare professionals. Results: A total of 410 respondents (IRD patients and caregivers) from over 30 countries across all continents responded to the survey. A considerable number of the patients had to go through a long and arduous journey to access GT and counselling services, wherein 40% had to visit more than 5 physicians, 27% had to visit more than 5 clinics, and 57% had to wait for more than 3 years before obtaining a genetic diagnosis. Furthermore, 46% of respondents reported not receiving genetic counselling prior to undergoing GT, and 39% reported not receiving genetic counselling after undergoing GT. Over 3/4th of the participants reported that they did not have to pay for their genomic services for IRDs. Thirty-seven percent of the respondents reported that their eye care professionals (ECPs) were either not aware of GT, remained neutral, or did not encourage them to undergo GT. Conclusion: Patients with IRDs do not have equitable access to best practice GT and counselling services. Greater awareness and training regarding IRDs and the benefits of GT and genetic counselling for patients and families are needed among ECPs. A best practice model on access to genomic services for IRDs is required.
Ethnoscience learning: how do teacher implementing to increase scientific literacy in junior high school
Authors: Jufrida Jufrida , Kurniawan Wawan , Basuki Fibrika Rahmat
Published: March 2024

Ethnoscience learning is an activity that connects local wisdom or cultural with science concepts. A mixed method study with an embedded design was used to describe how do teachers apply ethnoscience learning to increase scientific literacy. A total of 90 students grade 8th in District Muaro Jambi were involved in this study consisted of three classes. In-depth interviews and observations were conducted to collect qualitative data. The observation was used to determine the suitability of learning with the lesson plan. Deep interviews were used to explore teacher and student experiences in implementing ethnoscience learning. A teacher and three students were randomly selected as key informants. The quantitative data were collected by scientific literacy test that consisted of ten multiple choices. It has been tested for validity and reliability. The result of the reliability test is 0.85 with a very high category. Increase in scientific literacy is measured by normalized gain (N-gain). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was applied to determine scientific literacy differences between groups. Ethnoscience learning had been implemented by teacher in three different class on topic simple machines. It was designed by integrating local wisdom as a context for finding scientific concepts. The learning was designed by following a discovery model. The implementation of ethnoscience learning can increase scientific literacy with medium category. There was no significant difference between three classes.
Enhancing student career readiness: a two-decade systematic literature review
Authors: Rachmawati Dian , Sahid Sheerad , Mahmud Mohd Izwan , Buang Nor Aishah
Published: March 2024

This study intends to discover the elements that impact student career readiness growth, analyze the components that dominate that growth, and identify the factors that dominate student career readiness. The methods used to review selected articles are discussed including publication standards, databases, eligibility and exclusion criteria, stages of the review process (identification, screening, feasibility) as well as abstraction and analysis of data. By following the guidelines of item preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) to produce this review. Based on the commonalities and traits of the first identified components, these factors have been separated into two categories, internal and external. Self-efficacy factors for internal factors and job training factors for external factors are the two factors with the maximum frequency and dominance over the others. Pursuing formal and non-formal education relevant to the chosen career field, making short-term and long-term career plans, establishing a strong professional network, and seeking relevant work experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work are all components of a career readiness strategy. Develop the necessary skills for an industry or career field, improve your communication skills, think positively, and be willing to confront career challenges. Maintain a balance between personal and professional life.