bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing single species abundance models: robust models for predicting abundance using co-occurrence from communities
Authors: Stahl Aliénor , Pedersen Eric , Peres-Neto Pedro
Published: May 2024

Accurate estimates of abundance are crucial for successful conservation and management. However, gathering abundance data is costly. Species Abundance Models (SAMs) are increasingly used to predict variation in abundance for resource management for single species, but collecting enough relevant environmental information to build effective SAMs can often be challenging. Species co-occurrence patterns may provide additional information on missing environmental predictors, and data on presence-absence species co-occurrence are typically easier to collect than abundance or detailed environmental data. However, it is still not clear when supplementing abiotic data with co-occurrence data should improve abundance predictions, as co-occurrence data itself represents a noisy indicator of the local environment. Using simulated data where we manipulated the strength of relevant environmental predictors across multiple species, we assessed the conditions that improve model predictions of a target species by using co-occurrence data on the remaining species as a proxy for missing environmental predictors. Because species often share environmental preferences in nature, an aspect simulated in our data, latent variables are expected to summarize important environmental gradients across co-occurring species. We employed Gaussian copulas to generate presence-absence co-occurrence-based latent variables as proxies. These latent variables, along with various combinations of environmental predictors, were subsequently used as predictors in SAMs. We evaluated the accuracy of these models in predicting the presence and abundance of target species through model validation exercises. Our results showed that incorporating presence-absence latent predictors generally improved model performance when compared to models lacking relevant environmental predictors, although there was considerable variation in performance across simulations. All models tended to have greater error rates when predicting abundant species compared to rare species. The goal of our proposed framework is to offer a novel and easy to implement method for accurately predicting abundance from both biotic and environmental information.
The Impact of the Street-Stall Economy on the Quality of Employment in the Informal Economy
Authors: Lu Yifan
Published: May 2024

As a form of informal economy, the street-stall economy has a positive role in providing employment opportunities, but at the same time, there are problems such as low quality of employment and insufficient social security. Therefore, the question explored in this paper is whether the quality of informal economy employment generated by the ground stall economy is an effective job and whether it can be a way for low-income groups to earn a living. In this paper, the composition and proportion of the intangible costs of the stall economy and the average monthly income of the urban low-income group are analyzed to determine whether the informal jobs created by the stall economy can meet the basic needs of the urban low-income group. Taking the average per capital income of the low-income group as the standard, if the stall economy can steadily bring more than the standard net income to the low-income group, it means that the informal jobs created by the stall economy are effective jobs. The study shows that nearly 30% of the vendors in the statistics of the monthly net income of the street-stall economy are unable to reach the average income of the low-income group in the city, indicating that the informal economy jobs created by the street-stall economy are of low quality and are not enough to satisfy the basic living needs of the lowest-income group and that the proportion of effective jobs is low.
The Development of U.S. Immigration History: Historical Factors, Formation Mechanisms, and Migrant Groups
Authors: Cao Hao
Published: May 2024

Regional economic integration has emerged as a significant focus for China in the post-pandemic era, as the nation seeks to establish mutually beneficial relationships with external economies and promote national development. In this study, the entropy method is employed to construct an index system tailored specifically to the four provinces within the Yangtze River Delta region. This research aims to explore the advantages and challenges of regional economic integration in China by conducting a comparative analysis of the Yangtze River Delta. The study also evaluates the merits and drawbacks of different integration models, drawing on examples from developed countries. The ultimate goal of the research is to provide insights and recommendations for China's regional economic integration, thus contributing to the country's overall prosperity. The results revealed that factors such as economic downturns caused by the pandemic have led the United States to experience a resurgence of racism and xenophobia, reminiscent of historical periods of American nativism, marked by economic insecurity and rapid demographic changes due to mass immigration. However, unlike previous eras with unrestricted immigration, the U.S. has tightened border policies and reduced the number of immigrants, using violent methods to expel unauthorized immigrants, such as Mexican migrant workers, along with their children born in the U.S., forcing them to move to a country where they may not speak the language or understand the culture.
ARCSINE RAYLIEGH PARETO DISTRIBUTION: PROPERTIES AND APPLICATION TO CARBON FIBERS DATA SETS
Authors: Abubakar Usman , Osi Abdulhameed Ado , Salisu Iliyasu Abubakar , Muhammad Hassan , Muhammad Yusuf Ibrahim , Abubakar Abbas
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we introduce a new modified distribution called arcsine Rayliegh Pareto (ASRP) Distribution. We derived its mathematical and statistical properties, including survival function, hazard function, entropy, moment, moment generating function, and order statistics. We also used maximum likelihood estimation for estimating the parameters of the distribution. The plots of the cdf, pdf, hazard rate function, and survival function were illustrated with right skewed probability density function, cumulative distribution function with monotone increasing function, which converge at one. The value of some goodness of fit measure (i.e. AIC, AICc, and BIC) were computed, as well as the KS, A, and W statistic. Finally, we suggested that the new modified model outperform better than the other standard distribution using Carbon fibers data sets.
Circular Economy in Haiti and Least Developed Countries to Improve Social Justice The Missing Aspects of The Circular Economy Discourse
Authors:   University of Coimbra (Portugal), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences. Phd Social Work., Neves Almeida Helena , Ghione Niccolo ,   University of Coimbra (Portugal), Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, Master of Social Work.
Published: May 2024

Current development aid methods implemented by NGOs have demonstrated to generate negative consequences as for
example to weaken the role of state, create dependency and reproduce imperialistic power relations. Furthermore, despite
great efforts, good wills and a lot of money spent by NGOs and international agencies for development aid projects in Haiti
all along the last few decades, little to no results have been reached in a long-term perspective. The purpose of this work is
therefore to present and evaluate a new strategy for the field of developmental aid, which is based in this case on the circular
economy principles and that is intended to produce a long-lasting change. Circular economy is a relatively new method of
thinking about production which will lead the economy of the future, however, its positive effects have been analyzed only in
relation to the industrialized and industrializing world, while for the moment no studies have been produced to understand its
applicability in the least developed countries of the world. Therefore, this article is of exploratory nature and aims to start a
discussion on this subject and to contribute to the understanding of the benefits that circular economy-based projects could
generates in fragile and failed states like Haiti. The method utilized has been the one of bibliographic research and a case
study, which deeply describe a social-eco enterprise that works in Haiti applying circular economy principles to its projects,
is provided. The results confirmed our hypothesis and sustained the idea that to generate long lasting changes and to improve
social justice in Haiti and in the other least developed countries of the world, these kind of projects are more than necessary.
While the main limit of our method is that we have been able to presents a single case study only, to conclude, we suggest
that further studies in this direction and the provision of more case studies by other researchers could better contribute to the
solving of the questions generated by this research and could provide more data in support of our assumptions.
أثر انموذج التعلم البنائي في التفكير الإبداعي وبعض المهارات الأساسية بكرة السلة لطلاب كلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة جامعة المثنى
Authors: Assis  Teacher . Rafaa Rahim Musa
Published: May 2024

تكمن اهمية البحث في استخدام انموذج تعليمي  وهو انموذج التعلم البنائي للتعرف على تأثيره في التفكير الابداعي وبعض المهارات الأساسية بكرة السلة لطلاب المرحلة الأولى كلية التربية البدنية وعلوم الرياضة جامعة المثنى للعام الدراسي (2021- 2022) والبالغ عددهم ( 65 ) طالب يمثلون ( 3 ) شعبة ، واستخدمت الباحثة  المنهج التجريبي بأسلوب المجموعتين المتكافئتين لملائمته في تطبيق اجراءاته الميدانية ، اما عينة البحث اشتملت على (26 )  طالب والتي تم اختيارها عن طريق القرعة وكانت من شعبتي
( ب ، د ) والتي تم اختيارهم بالطريقة القرعة  اصبحت شعبة ( د ) المجموعة التجريبية وشعبة ( ب ) المجموعة الضابطة ، وتم استخدام الادوات والاجهزة الضرورية في البحث وخطوات تنفيذه والتي تضمن اعداد انموذج التعلم البنائي والتجربة الاستطلاعية والتجربة الميدانية الرئيسة المتضمنة في الاختبارات القبلية  وتطبيق انموذج التعلم البنائي ثم الاختبارات البعدية واستنتجت الباحثة حاجة الطلاب الى انموذج التعلم البنائي لمساعدتهم في تطوير التفكير الابداعي وبعض المهارات الأساسية بكرة السلة وتوصي الباحثة  بالاستفادة النماذج الحديثة في المحاضرات لما لها من دور كبير في التفكير الإبداعي وبعض المهارات الأساسية بكرة السلة  .
Optimal Summary Statistics for X-ray Polarization
Authors: Heyl Jeremy , González-Caniulef Denis , Caiazzo Ilaria
Published: May 2024

We develop two new highly efficient estimators to measure the polarization (Stokes parameters) in experiments that constrain the position angle of individual photons such as scattering and gas-pixel-detector polarimeters, and analyse in detail a previously proposed estimator. All three of these estimators are at least fifty percent more efficient on typical datasets than the standard estimator used in the field. We present analytic estimates of the variance of these estimators and numerical experiments to verify these estimates. Two of the three estimators can be calculated quickly and directly through summations over the measurements of individual photons.
Kriittinen yhteiskuntatieteellinen matkailututkimus Suomessa
Authors: Rantala Outi , García-Rosell José-Carlos , Haanpää Minni , Haapakoski Anna-Emilia , Hakkarainen Maria , Höckert Emily , Jutila Salla , Lüthje Monika , Nousiainen Minna , Veijola Soile
Published: May 2024

Tässä katsausartikkelissa Lapin yliopiston matkailututkijat tarkastelevat teemoja, joiden voidaan katsoa sijoittuvan suomalaisen kriittisen yhteiskuntatieteellisen matkailututkimuksen keskiöön. Uuden työn, matkailun vastuullisen talouden, hitauden ja läheisyyden, monilajisuuden, osallisuuden ja kulttuurisensitiivisyyden teemojen kautta on viime vuosina rakennettu aktiivisesti tutkimusta, jota voisi kuvailla Matkailututkimuksen pohjoista koulukuntaa (Nordic School of Tourism Research) edustavaksi tutkimukseksi – tutkimukseksi, joka pyrkii muun muassa purkamaan vastakkainasetteluita (kuten me ja toiset, luonto ja kulttuuri) ja ottaa aktiivisesti kantaa siihen, millaisia matkailun maailmoja tutkijat ovat tutkimuksen kautta luomassa. Kriittinen yhteiskuntatieteellinen tutkimusote näkyy käsillä olevan katsauksen teemoissa myös siinä, että useampi teemoista tuo esiin myös muiden kuin ihmistoimijoiden roolin yhteiskuntatieteellisiä kysymyksiä käsiteltäessä.
Matkailututkimus-lehden toiminta tilastojen valossa vuosina 2018–2023
Authors: Renfors Sanna-Mari , Pesonen Juho
Published: May 2024

Tässä pääkirjoituksessa keskitymme tarkastelemaan Matkailututkimus-lehden toimintaa vuosina 2018–2023 Journal.fi-alustan keräämien tietojen avulla. Kyseisellä ajanjaksolla lehdessä julkaistiin 92 artikkelia, joista 60 % julkaistiin suomeksi ja 40 % englanniksi. Lehdessä julkaistut, latauksiltaan suosituimmat artikkelit pitävät sisällään sekä vertaisarvioituja artikkeleita ja katsausartikkeleita että puheenvuoroja. Suosittuja teemoja ovat olleet erityisesti vapaa-ajan asuminen, lähimatkailu sekä kestävän ja vastuullisen matkailun erilaiset ulottuvuudet ja näkökulmat. Lähestulkoon kaikki suosituimmat artikkelit on julkaistu sen jälkeen, kun lehti siirtyi Journal.fi alustalle vuoden 2017 lopussa. Lehden suosio ja merkitys ovat nousseet erityisesti koronapandemian alkamisen jälkeen.
ANALISIS FENOMENA FEAR OF MISSING OUT SELEBRITI PADA KONSER BLACKPINK JAKARTA DI TWITTER
Authors: Tannia Fennita , Priscillia Bernice , Elisabeth Scholus Jessica
Published: May 2024

Memiliki pengaruh musik yang besar membuat musik K-Pop banyak diminati oleh banyak masyarakat internasional termasuk di Indonesia. Banyaknya jumlah penggemar di Indonesia membuat para pelaku industri K-Pop berlomba-lomba mengadakan kegiatan K-Pop seperti konser. Konser Blackpink merupakan salah satu konser terbesar di Indonesia pada tahun 2023 yang memberikan persembahan dan semangat kepada para penggemarnya. Tak hanya itu, kepopuleran konser Blackpink juga menimbulkan FoMO khususnya di kalangan selebritis. Fenomena FoMO pada selebriti sendiri sempat membuat geram para penggemar Blackpink dengan mengungkapkannya di media sosial Twitter dan menjadikan isu tersebut sebagai trending topik. Dari besarnya fenomena FoMO yang terjadi pada para selebritis tersebut, maka penelitian ini berjudul “Analisis Fenomena Fear of Missing Out Selebriti pada Konser Blackpink Jakarta di Twitter” dengan tujuan untuk menganalisis bagaimana fenomena FoMO bisa terjadi dan dampaknya terhadap para selebritis tersebut. Untuk memperoleh hasil penelitian, peneliti menggunakan teori kegunaan dan gratifikasi yang dipadukan dengan metode kualitatif deskriptif untuk menjelaskan fenomena yang terjadi dan menarik kesimpulan. Data diambil dengan wawancara beberapa narasumber dengan kriteria utama seperti menggunakan Twitter dan mengetahui konser Blackpink Jakarta. Observasi juga dilakukan di media Twitter melalui hashtag, mention, dan interaksi online terkait konser Blackpink di Jakarta. Dengan demikian, penelitian ini memberikan kontribusi untuk memahami fenomena FoMO pada selebriti di konser Blackpink Jakarta dan bagaimana pengaruhnya terhadap motivasi dan dampaknya terhadap pengguna Twitter. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan Twitter dan tanggapan penggemar Blackpink terhadap berita negatif tentang selebriti Kiky Saputri mencerminkan kebutuhan akan informasi, interaksi sosial, dan pemenuhan emosional dalam konteks FoMO di konser Blackpink Jakarta. Para penggemar menunjukkan dedikasi mereka dalam membela sang idola dan mengenang momen-momen berharga, sementara persepsi dan minat mereka terhadap Blackpink tetap kuat meskipun terdapat perbedaan pandangan dari non-penggemar.
Enhancing percutaneous kyphoplasty efficacy in elderly osteoporotic fractures through optimal cement filling ratio
Authors: Sun Ningxue , Zhang Yu , Xie Deqian , Chen Yating , Liu Yang
Published: May 2024

Objective

To explore the appropriate bone cement filling ratio in percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF).

Methods

Clinical and radiological data from 150 OVCF patients treated with PKP were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were categorized into three groups based on bone cement filling ratio: low (<0.4), medium (0.4-0.6), and high (>0.6) filling ratio groups. The clinical characteristics (age, gender, BMI, etc.) and related study data (bone cement leakage and its location, pre/post-operative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), pre/post-operative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), vertebral height restoration, kyphotic Cobb angle, etc.) among the three groups were compared using statistical software to compare to identify the most appropriate cement filling ratio.

Results

The 0.4-0.6 group presented a lower cement leakage rate compared to the >0.6 group, and there were no significant differences in pre-operative VAS, post-operative day 2 VAS, post-operative month 1 VAS, and pre-operative ODI (p>0.05). However, significant differences were observed in post-operative month 3 VAS (p=0.002), post-operative day 2 ODI (p=0.002), post-operative month 1 ODI (p<0.001), and post-operative month 3 ODI (p<0.001). The “0.4-0.6” group showed better pain improvement and functional recovery compared with the “>0.6” group at the 3-month follow-up. While presenting the best vertebral height restoration, the “>0.6” group also exhibited the greatest variability. Additionally, no significant difference in Cobb angle changes was observed among the groups.

Conclusion

A bone cement filling ratio of 0.4-0.6 in PKP treatment for OVCF strikes a favorable balance between complication reduction and positive patient outcomes, warranting it as an optimal filling volume.
Clinical effectiveness and predictors of response to topiramate plus lifestyle modification in youth with obesity seen in a weight management clinical setting
Authors: Bomberg Eric M. , Clark Justin , Rudser Kyle D. , Gross Amy C. , Kelly Aaron S. , Fox Claudia K.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Obesity affects approximately 20% of U.S. youth. Anti-obesity medications (AOMs) are promising lifestyle modification adjuncts for obesity treatment, and topiramate is commonly prescribed in pediatric weight management clinics. It is important to determine “real-world” effectiveness of AOMs and, given shifts towards personalized approaches, characteristics potentially predicting better or worse response. We therefore sought to describe clinical effectiveness from topiramate plus lifestyle modification, and to determine if baseline phenotypic characteristics are associated with better or worse response.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study (2012-2020) among youth (<18 years old) followed in a U.S. academic-based weight management clinic. Baseline characteristics (i.e., body mass index (BMI), liver function tests, eating-related behaviors) and outcomes (%BMI of 95th percentile (%BMIp95), BMI, percent %BMI change, weight) were determined through review of electronic health records and clinic intake survey data.

Results

Among 282 youth prescribed topiramate plus lifestyle modifications (mean baseline age 12.7 years, %BMIp95 144%), %BMIp95 and percent BMI change were statistically significantly reduced at each time point (1.5-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month %BMIp95 reductions: -2.2, -3.9, -6.6, and -9.3 percentage points, respectively; percent BMI reduction: -1.2%, -1.9%, -3.2%, and -3.4%, respectively; all p<0.01). Considering multiple comparisons, no baseline characteristics statistically significantly predicted response at any time point.

Conclusions

We found that topiramate plus lifestyle modification reduced %BMIp95 and BMI among youth in a weight management clinical setting, and that no baseline characteristics evaluated were associated with response. These results should be considered preliminary given the observational nature of this study, and prospective studies are needed to further characterize clinical effectiveness and identify and confirm potential predictors of response.
Uterine leiomyoma causes an increase in systolic blood pressure: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xu Hui , Ma Yuxia , Long Yi , Liu Ren , Cheng Ziyang , Xie Xiuzhen , Han Xingjun , Wang Xuan
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Hypertension and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are common diseases in women at different stages, which affect women’s physical and mental health, and the impact of the latter on the offspring cannot not be ignored. Observational studies have investigated the correlation between uterine leiomyoma (UL) and the above conditions, but the relationship remains unclear. In this study, we employed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to assess the association between UL and hypertension, HDP, as well as blood pressure.

Methods

We collected genetic association data of UL (35,474 cases), hypertension (129,909 cases), HDP (gestational hypertension with 8,502 cases, pre-eclampsia with 6,663 cases and eclampsia with 452cases), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (both 757,601 participants) from published available genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with UL phenotype were used as instrumental variables, and hypertension, three sub-types of HDP, SBP and DBP were used as outcomes. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was employed as the primary method of causal inference. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q test, and sensitivity analyses were conducted using MR-Egger regression and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) tests to evaluate the pleiotropy of instrumental variables. PhenoScanner search was used to remove confounding SNP. Robustness and reliability of the results were assessed using methods such as the weighted median and weighted mode.

Results

The IVW analysis revealed a positive correlation between genetically predicted UL and SBP [odds ratio (OR)= 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.24~2.25, P = 0.0007], and no statistical association was found between UL and hypertension, HDP, or DBP. The MR-Egger regression suggested that the above causal relationships were not affected by horizontal pleiotropy. The weighted median method and weighted model produced similar results to the IVW.

Conclusion

Based on large-scale population GWAS data, our MR analysis suggested a causal relationship between UL and SBP. Therefore, women with UL, especially pregnant women, should pay attention to monitoring their blood pressure levels. For patients with hypertension who already have UL, interventions for UL may serve as potential therapeutic methods for managing blood pressure.
Sex-specific associations between the developmental alterations in the pituitary-thyroid hormone axis and thyroid nodules in Chinese euthyroid adults: a community-based cross−sectional study
Authors: Li Ying , Yu Genfeng , Yao Nanfang , Liu Siyang , Wang Dongmei , Ma Qintao , Liu Lan , Wan Heng , Shen Jie
Published: May 2024

Background

Previous studies have revealed the sex-specific features of pituitary–thyroid hormone (TH) actions and the prevalence of thyroid nodules (TNs) in children and adolescents. However, it was unclear in adults. We aimed to investigate the features of pituitary–TH actions in women and men at different ages, and the associations of thyrotropin (TSH), THs, and central sensitivity to THs indices including the thyroid feedback quantile-based index by FT4 (TFQIFT4) and the thyroid feedback quantile-based index by FT3(TFQIFT3) with of TNs in Chinese euthyroid adults.

Methods

8771 euthyroid adults from the communities in China were involved. Demographic, behavioral, and anthropometric data were gathered through the questionnaires. Ultrasound was performed to evaluate the TNs. TSH and THs levels were measured. The multivariable logistic regression and multivariable ordinal logistic regression were conducted.

Results

TFQIFT3 among both genders, except women aged 43 to 59 years, where it increased slightly. Additionally, there was an age-related decline in TFQIFT4 levels in both women and men at ages < 50 and < 53, respectively, but a marked increase after that. Lower TSH levels were significantly associated with a higher prevalence and lower odds of having fewer TNs using multiple nodules as the base category in both men and women (both P for trend < 0.05). Additionally, lower TFQIFT3 and TFQIFT4 levels were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of TNs in women (both P for trend < 0.05), and lower TFQIFT3 levels were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of TNs in men. Both higher TFQIFT3 and TFQIFT4 levels were significantly associated with higher odds of having fewer TNs using multiple nodules as the base category in women. However, the relationships between TFQIFT4 and the prevalence or number of TNs in men were not found.

Conclusions

The trends of THs, TSH, TFQIFT4, and TFQIFT3 at different ages were sex-dependent. Both TFQIFT4 and TFQIFT3 levels were negatively associated with the prevalence and number of TNs in women. The present results may lead to a better understanding of the sex-specific relationships between the development of the pituitary-TH axis and the formation of TNs.
Machine learning algorithms for identifying contralateral central lymph node metastasis in unilateral cN0 papillary thyroid cancer
Authors: Ren Anwen , Zhu Jiaqing , Wu Zhenghao , Ming Jie , Ruan Shengnan , Xu Ming , Huang Tao
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The incidence of thyroid cancer is growing fast and surgery is the most significant treatment of it. For patients with unilateral cN0 papillary thyroid cancer whether to dissect contralateral central lymph node is still under debating. Here, we aim to provide a machine learning based prediction model of contralateral central lymph node metastasis using demographic and clinical data.

Methods

2225 patients with unilateral cN0 papillary thyroid cancer from Wuhan Union Hospital were retrospectively studied. Clinical and pathological features were compared between patients with contralateral central lymph node metastasis and without. Six machine learning models were constructed based on these patients and compared using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic and decision curve analysis. The selected models were then verified using data from Differentiated Thyroid Cancer in China study. All statistical analysis and model construction were performed by R software.

Results

Male, maximum diameter larger than 1cm, multifocality, ipsilateral central lymph node metastasis and younger than 50 years were independent risk factors of contralateral central lymph node metastasis. Random forest model performed better than others, and were verified in external validation cohort. A web calculator was constructed.

Conclusions

Gender, maximum diameter, multifocality, ipsilateral central lymph node metastasis and age should be considered for contralateral central lymph node dissection. The web calculator based on random forest model may be helpful in clinical decision.
Association between blood urea nitrogen levels and diabetic retinopathy in diabetic adults in the United States (NHANES 2005-2018)
Authors: Du Kejie , Luo Wenjuan
Published: May 2024

Objective

To investigate the association between blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels and diabetic retinopathy (DR) in adults with diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

Seven cycles of cross-sectional population information acquired from NHANES(national health and nutrition examination surveys) 2005-2018 were collected, from which a sample of diabetic adults was screened and separated into two groups based on whether or not they had DR, followed by weighted multivariate regression analysis. This study collected a complete set of demographic, biological, and sociological risk factor indicators for DR. Demographic risk factors comprised age, gender, and ethnicity, while biological risk factors included blood count, blood pressure, BMI, waist circumference, and glycated hemoglobin. Sociological risk factors included education level, deprivation index, smoking status, and alcohol consumption.

Results

The multiple regression model revealed a significant connection between BUN levels and DR [odds ratio =1.04, 95% confidence interval (1.03-1.05), p-value <0.0001],accounting for numerous variables. After equating BUN levels into four groups, multiple regression modeling showed the highest quartile (BUN>20 mg/dl) was 2.22 times more likely to develop DR than the lowest quartile [odds ratio =2.22, 95% confidence interval (1.69-2.93), p- value <0.0001]. Subgroup analyses revealed that gender, race, diabetes subtype, and duration of diabetes had a regulating effect on the relationship between BUN and DR.

Conclusion

BUN levels were related with an increased prevalence of DR, particularly in individuals with BUN >20 mg/dl. These findings highlight the significance of BUN level in assessing the risk of DR.
Forecasting of energy efficiency in buildings using multilayer perceptron regressor with waterwheel plant algorithm hyperparameter
Authors: Alharbi Amal H. , Khafaga Doaa Sami , Zaki Ahmed Mohamed , El-Kenawy El-Sayed M. , Ibrahim Abdelhameed , Abdelhamid Abdelaziz A. , Eid Marwa M. , El-Said M. , Khodadadi Nima , Abualigah Laith , Saeed Mohammed A.
Published: May 2024

Energy consumption in buildings is gradually increasing and accounts for around forty percent of the total energy consumption. Forecasting the heating and cooling loads of a building during the initial phase of the design process in order to identify optimal solutions among various designs is of utmost importance. This is also true during the operation phase of the structure after it has been completed in order to ensure that energy efficiency is maintained. The aim of this paper is to create and develop a Multilayer Perceptron Regressor (MLPRegressor) model for the purpose of forecasting the heating and cooling loads of a building. The proposed model is based on automated hyperparameter optimization using Waterwheel Plant Algorithm The model was based on a dataset that described the energy performance of the structure. There are a number of important characteristics that are considered to be input variables. These include relative compactness, roof area, overall height, surface area, glazing area, wall area, glazing area distribution of a structure, and orientation. On the other hand, the variables that are considered to be output variables are the heating and cooling loads of the building. A total of 768 residential buildings were included in the dataset that was utilized for training purposes. Following the training and regression of the model, the most significant parameters that influence heating load and cooling load have been identified, and the WWPA-MLPRegressor performed well in terms of different metrices variables and fitted time.
Environmental impact assessment of hemp cultivation and its seed-based food products
Authors: Meffo Kemda Marlyse , Marchi Michela , Neri Elena , Marchettini Nadia , Niccolucci Valentina
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Hemp is a crop cultivated in Europe since ancient times, with a variety of purposes and products. Despite being known for its positive environmental effects on ecosystems, the impacts of hemp-based food products have not been sufficiently investigated yet. This paper contributed to deepen the knowledge of the hemp industry by focusing on the potential environmental impact of the cultivation phase (under three different agronomic practices in Italy: organic outdoor and conventional outdoor, and indoor) and the production of selected hemp-based goods (seed oil and flour for food purposes and flowers for therapeutic uses).

Methods: The impact was quantified utilizing the life cycle assessment within different impact categories, such as carbon footprint (CF), eutrophication (EP), acidification (AP), and water footprint (WF). For a carbon offset assessment, the carbon storage capability (i.e., the carbon fixed in crop residues left in the field) of hemp was also investigated through the guidelines provided by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Results and Discussion: The cultivation phase contributed to a CF that ranged from 1.2 (organic outdoor) to 374 (indoor) kg per kg of grains (conventional outdoor). These results were in line with the literature. Sensitivity scenarios based on hotspot analysis were also presented for CF mitigation for each kind of cultivation. On the other hand, the ability of hemp to sequester carbon in the soil due to crop residues left in the field (i.e., carbon storage) was evaluated (−2.7 kg CO2 (ha year)−1), showing that the CF was fully compensated (−0.27 kg CO2 (ha year)−1 for conventional outdoor and −1.07 kg CO2 (ha year)−1 for organic outdoor). Regarding hemp-based products, only dried flowers showed a negative balance (−0.99 kg CO2 per kg dry flower), while hemp oil and flour reported 31.79 kg CO2 per kg flour) when carbon storage was accounted. The results support the idea that the production chain can be sustainable and carbon-neutral only when all the different parts of the plant (flowers, seeds, fibers, leaves, and all residues) were used to manufacture durable goods according to the framework of the circular economy.
BJLD-CMI: a predictive circRNA-miRNA interactions model combining multi-angle feature information
Authors: Zhao Yi-Xin , Yu Chang-Qing , Li Li-Ping , Wang Deng-Wu , Song Hui-Fan , Wei Yu
Published: May 2024

Increasing research findings suggest that circular RNA (circRNA) exerts a crucial function in the pathogenesis of complex human diseases by binding to miRNA. Identifying their potential interactions is of paramount importance for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. However, long cycles, small scales, and time-consuming processes characterize previous biological wet experiments. Consequently, the use of an efficient computational model to forecast the interactions between circRNA and miRNA is gradually becoming mainstream. In this study, we present a new prediction model named BJLD-CMI. The model extracts circRNA sequence features and miRNA sequence features by applying Jaccard and Bert’s method and organically integrates them to obtain CMI attribute features, and then uses the graph embedding method Line to extract CMI behavioral features based on the known circRNA-miRNA correlation graph information. And then we predict the potential circRNA-miRNA interactions by fusing the multi-angle feature information such as attribute and behavior through Autoencoder in Autoencoder Networks. BJLD-CMI attained 94.95% and 90.69% of the area under the ROC curve on the CMI-9589 and CMI-9905 datasets. When compared with existing models, the results indicate that BJLD-CMI exhibits the best overall competence. During the case study experiment, we conducted a PubMed literature search to confirm that out of the top 10 predicted CMIs, seven pairs did indeed exist. These results suggest that BJLD-CMI is an effective method for predicting interactions between circRNAs and miRNAs. It provides a valuable candidate for biological wet experiments and can reduce the burden of researchers.
Motion history images: a new method for tracking microswimmers in 3D
Authors: Riekeles Max , Albalkhi Hadi , Dubay Megan Marie , Nadeau Jay , Lindensmith Christian A.
Published: May 2024

Quantitative tracking of rapidly moving micron-scale objects remains an elusive challenge in microscopy due to low signal-to-noise. This paper describes a novel method for tracking micron-sized motile organisms in off-axis Digital Holographic Microscope (DHM) raw holograms and/or reconstructions. We begin by processing the microscopic images with the previously reported Holographic Examination for Life-like Motility (HELM) software, which provides a variety of tracking outputs including motion history images (MHIs). MHIs are stills of videos where the frame-to-frame changes are indicated with color time-coding. This exposes tracks of objects that are difficult to identify in individual frames at a low signal-to-noise ratio. The visible tracks in the MHIs are superior to tracks identified by all tested automated tracking algorithms that start from object identification at the frame level, particularly in low signal-to-noise ratio data, but do not provide quantitative track data. In contrast to other tracking methods, like Kalman filter, where the recording is analyzed frame by frame, MHIs show the whole time span of particle movement at once and eliminate the need to identify objects in individual frames. This feature also enables post-tracking identification of low-SNR objects. We use these tracks, rather than object identification in individual frames, as a basis for quantitative tracking of Bacillus subtilis by first generating MHIs from X, Y, and t stacks (raw holograms or a projection over reconstructed planes), then using a region-tracking algorithm to identify and separate swimming pathways. Subsequently, we identify each object's Z plane of best focus at the corresponding X, Y, and t points, yielding ap full description of the swimming pathways in three spatial dimensions plus time. This approach offers an alternative to object-based tracking for processing large, low signal-to-noise datasets containing highly motile organisms.
Retinal microglia express more MHC class I and promote greater T-cell-driven inflammation than brain microglia
Authors: Bloomfield Christina L. , Gong Joyce , Droho Steven , Makinde Hadijat M. , Gurra Miranda G. , Stumpf Cecilia H. , Kharel Arjun , Gadhvi Gaurav , Winter Deborah R. , Cui Weiguo , Cuda Carla M. , Lavine Jeremy A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Macrophage function is determined by microenvironment and origin. Brain and retinal microglia are both derived from yolk sac progenitors, yet their microenvironments differ. Utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from mice, we tested the hypothesis that retinal and brain microglia exhibit distinct transcriptional profiles due to their unique microenvironments.

Methods

Eyes and brains from 2-4 month wildtype mice were combined (20 eyes; 3 brains) to yield one biologically diverse sample per organ. Each tissue was digested into single cell suspensions, enriched for immune cells, and sorted for scRNA-seq. Analysis was performed in Seurat v3 including clustering, integration, and differential expression. Multi-parameter flow cytometry was used for validation of scRNA-seq results. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) Clone 13, which produces a systemic, chronic, and neurotropic infection, was used to validate scRNA-seq and flow cytometry results in vivo.

Results

Cluster analysis of integrated gene expression data from eye and brain identified 6 Tmem119+P2ry12+ microglial clusters. Differential expression analysis revealed that eye microglia were enriched for more pro-inflammatory processes including antigen processing via MHC class I (14.0-fold, H2-D1 and H2-K1) and positive regulation of T-cell immunity (8.4-fold) compared to brain microglia. Multi-parameter flow cytometry confirmed that retinal microglia expressed 3.2-fold greater H2-Db and 263.3-fold more H2-Kb than brain microglia. On Day 13 and 29 after LCMV infection, CD8+ T-cell density was greater in the retina than the brain.

Discussion

Our data demonstrate that the microenvironment of retina and brain differs, resulting in microglia-specific gene expression changes. Specifically, retinal microglia express greater MHC class I by scRNA-seq and multi-parameter flow cytometry, resulting in a possibly enhanced capability to stimulate CD8+ T-cell inflammation during LCMV infection. These results may explain tissue-specific differences between retina and brain during systemic viral infections and CD8+ T-cell driven autoimmune disease.
Case report: A highly active refractory myasthenia gravis with treatment of telitacicept combined with efgartigimod
Authors: Zhang Chaoyue , Lin Yangtao , Kuang Qianjin , Li Hongjin , Jiang Qilong , Yang Xiaojun
Published: May 2024

There is always a lack of effective treatment for highly active refractory generalized myasthenia gravis (GMG). Recently, telitacicept combined with efgartigimod significantly reduces circulating B cells, plasma cells, and immunoglobulin G, which brings promising therapeutic strategies. We report a case of a 37-year-old female patient with refractory GMG, whose condition got significant improvement and control with this latest treatment after multiple unsuccessful therapies of immunosuppressants. The new combination deserves further attention in the therapeutic application of myasthenia gravis.
Diagnostic performance of lactate dehydrogenase as a potential biomarker in predicting preeclampsia and associated factors
Authors: Teklemariam Awgichew Behaile , Abebe Endeshaw Chekol , Agidew Melaku Mekonnen , Ayenew Atalo Agemas , Mengistie Misganaw Asmamaw , Baye Nega Dagnew , Muche Zelalem Tilahun
Published: May 2024

Background

Preeclampsia (PE), a pregnancy specific syndrome, is defined as new-onset hypertension (≥140/90 mmHg) and proteinuria diagnosed after gestational week 20 or new-onset pre-eclampsia associated signs in the absence of proteinuria, and it may tend to present as late as 4–6 weeks’ postpartum period. It is a leading cause of maternal mortality in both developed and developing countries. In order to prevent PE, the disease must be diagnosed at its earliest stage, however, the triads of high blood pressure, edema and albuminuria is neither specific nor sensitive enough for diagnosing the disease. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is useful biochemical marker reflecting the occurrence of complications associated with preeclampsia. Besides, it has been suggested as potential biomarker to predict the severity of preeclampsia and as indicator of multi-organ involvement. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of LDH, which is affordable and easy to test, as a potential clinical biomarker to predict onset of preeclampsia.

Methods

A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted as of September 9 to December 24, 2022 at Debre Birhan Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (DBCSH). A total of 132 study subjects (66 preeclamptic and 66 normotensive controls) were enrolled in the study. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) and determine diagnostic accuracy of LDH. Youden’s index was used to identify an optimal cut-off point for LDH in detecting preeclampsia associated complications.

Result

AUC for LDH was found to be 0.963 (95% CI, 0.91, 1.0; p = 0.000) from ROC curve analysis. An optimal cut-off point for LDH was 376.5 U/L having a sensitivity and specificity of 87.5 and 90.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

Serum LDH had an AUC of greater than 0.8 and showed good diagnostic accuracy in predicting development of preeclampsia. Disease duration, gestational age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure among enormous number of predictor variables had association with serum level of LDH.
Actin polymerization and longitudinal actin fibers in axon initial segment plasticity
Authors: Micinski David , Hotulainen Pirta
Published: May 2024

The location of the axon initial segment (AIS) at the junction between the soma and axon of neurons makes it instrumental in maintaining neural polarity and as the site for action potential generation. The AIS is also capable of large-scale relocation in an activity-dependent manner. This represents a form of homeostatic plasticity in which neurons regulate their own excitability by changing the size and/or position of the AIS. While AIS plasticity is important for proper functionality of AIS-containing neurons, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of AIS plasticity are poorly understood. Here, we analyzed changes in the AIS actin cytoskeleton during AIS plasticity using 3D structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM). We showed that the number of longitudinal actin fibers increased transiently 3 h after plasticity induction. We further showed that actin polymerization, especially formin mediated actin polymerization, is required for AIS plasticity and formation of longitudinal actin fibers. From the formin family of proteins, Daam1 localized to the ends of longitudinal actin fibers. These results indicate that active re-organization of the actin cytoskeleton is required for proper AIS plasticity.
Association of maternal mineral status with the risk of preterm birth: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hong Sumiao , Jiang Nan , Lin Guankai , Wang Quqing , Xu Xiaoyang , Shi Xinrui , Zhou You , Wen Xiaoting , Sun Baochang , Wang Hexing , Huang Min , Wang Jiwei , Wang Na , Chen Yue , Jiang Qingwu
Published: May 2024

Background

There has been a gradual increase in the proportion of preterm birth in China during the past several decades. Maternal malnutrition is a significant determinant for preterm birth. Nevertheless, comprehensive studies investigating serum mineral levels during pregnancy associated with preterm birth remain scarce. This study aims to assess the associations between maternal serum mineral levels and the risk of preterm birth.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study of 18,048 pregnant women used data from a tertiary hospital in China from January 2016 to December 2022. Demographic data and serum mineral concentrations in the second and third trimesters of mothers were collected from the hospital information system. Analysis was performed using restricted cubic splines and logistic regression models.

Results

The proportion of preterm birth in this study was 6.01%. Phosphorus [P for overall = 0.005; P for nonlinear = 0.490; OR (95%CI) = 1.11 (1.04, 1.18)] and chlorine [P for overall = 0.002; P for nonlinear = 0.058; OR (95%CI) = 1.11 (1.03, 1.19)] showed a significant positive correlation with preterm birth in a linear fashion. Furthermore, serum levels of potassium (P for nonlinear <0.001), sodium (P for nonlinear = 0.004), and magnesium (P for nonlinear <0.001) exhibited non-linear relationships with the risk of preterm birth.

Conclusion

Serum levels of some minerals during pregnancy were associated with the risk of preterm birth among pregnant women. In addition to commonly recognized micronutrients such as folic acid, iron, and vitamin D, healthcare providers should also pay attention to the levels of these minerals during pregnancy.