bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation, identification, and antibiogram profiles of bacteria from dairy cows with postpartum uterine infection in southern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekibib Berhanu , Belachew Mesfin , Asrade Biruhtesfa , Abebe Rahmeto
Published: November 2023

Background
Uterine infections pose a significant problem for dairy farmers worldwide, leading to poor reproductive performance and economic losses. These infections, caused primarily by bacterial pathogens, can negatively affect cow fertility, milk production, and overall welfare. This study was conducted between December 2020 and December 2021 to gain insights into the incidence risk of uterine infections in postpartum dairy cows, isolate and identify bacterial causes and determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the isolated bacteria. A total of 236 cows from 74 dairy farms were monitored from calving to 90 days postpartum, and aseptic uterine swab samples were collected from 40 cows with uterine infections. The samples were cultured, and the isolated bacteria were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using the disk diffusion method.
Results
Out of 236 cows monitored during the postpartum phase, 45 (19.1%) were found to have contracted uterine infection, which could be either metritis or clinical endometritis. The incidence risk of metritis was 11.4% (n=27), while the incidence risk of endometritis was 7.6% (n=18). Of the 40 cultured swab samples, 29 (72.5%) had one or more bacteria isolated. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli(45%), coagulase-positive staphylococci (30%), and Klebsiella spp. (22.5%). Other bacteria, including Arcanobacterium pyogenes. (12.5%), Fusobacteriumspp. (12.5%), Enterobacter aerogenes (12.5%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (12.5%), Streptococcus spp. (7.5%) Salmonellaspp, (5%) Proteus spp (5%) and Pasteurella spp (2.5%) were also isolated. All of the isolated bacteria demonstrated resistance to at least one of the antimicrobials tested. Multidrug resistance was observed in E. coli, Klebsiella spp., A. pyogenes, and Fusobacterium spp. Gentamicin was found to be the most effective antimicrobial against all bacteria tested, while tetracycline was the least effective of all.
Conclusion
The study found that a significant proportion of cows in the population were affected by uterine infections and the isolated bacteria developed resistance to several antimicrobials. The study emphasizes the need for responsible use of antimicrobials to prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. It also highlights the importance of raising awareness among dairy farmers to avoid the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and its consequences.
A Blessing and a Curse: Social Interaction Between Youth Inpatients with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Dekker L. , Offringa T.M. , Vermeiren R.R.J.M. , Krabbendam A.A. , Nooteboom L.A.
Published: November 2023

Objective

Youth with anorexia nervosa inevitably interact with peers during inpatient care, which can affect their wellbeing. To help clinicians further improve care for these youth, this study aims to qualitatively research the experiences of social interaction among peers with anorexia nervosa in inpatient care.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eleven adolescents and young adults with a history of inpatient care for anorexia nervosa. Their views and experiences surrounding social interaction among peers with anorexia nervosa in inpatient care were discussed comprehensively and processed through thematic analysis.

Results

Participants expressed corresponding views on social interaction among peers during admissions. Three main themes, including the positive and negative effects of social interaction, were defined: (1) the duality of social interaction, (2) the pressure to become the “best anorexic” and (3) multiple ways of interaction. Most participants noted a duality of positive and negative effects, which impacted their motivation for recovery.

Conclusions

Negative aspects of social interaction between patients with anorexia nervosa during admissions overshadow the positive aspects. This study provides insight in the benefits and risks of peer interaction and discusses the potential role of experts by experience and the importance for practitioners to acknowledge the impact of social media.
Statistical Approach to Examining the True Status of Long Memory and Volatility Persistence in PM10 Air Pollutant at Different Regions of Malaysia: A Methodical Methodology
Authors: Isma'il Lawan Adamu , Awang Norhashidah , Kane Ibrahim Lawal
Published: November 2023

Air pollution continues to be an international problem that endangers both human health and the environment. Over the past few decades, air pollution in Malaysia has emerged as a serious potential risk due to accelerated economic expansions and seasonal transnational pollution. Particulate matter atmospheric air pollutants in Malaysia have been identified as the most rampant and dominant in the air pollution index (API) amongst other criteria pollutants. The aim of this study is to investigate the statistical issues of long memory and volatility persistence in the level of particulate matter emission from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2021 in fourteen continuous air monitoring stations of industrial, urban, and suburban categories using the main and partitioned series before and after the regimes of break. The Ordinary Least Square Cumulative Sum (OLS-based CUSUM) test was employed to partition the original series in each monitoring station based on its estimated break dates. The long memory parameter d alongside its standard error was estimated through three techniques namely, Geweke and Porter-Hudak, Fractionally Differenced Sperio, and Exact Local Whittle estimation. The issue of volatility persistence was investigated using the hybrid of the Autoregressive Fractionally Integrated Moving Average (ARFIMA) and Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedastic (GARCH) model. The results confirm evidence of a mean-reverting form of long memory with a higher degree of persistence in the main series and volatility persistence in both the main and partitioned series that encountered structural break. This confirms that the data-generating process of particulate matter pollutant in Malaysia possesses true long memory and volatility persistence not spurious due to neglected structural break problem. Maximum emissions in all monitoring sites were observed during the pre-break regime except for Kota Kinabalu station where it occurred during the post-break regime. Most series were characterized by higher values of kurtosis and skewness implying the significant fluctuation and non-Gaussian behavior in the affected series.
Life cycle assessment of nutrient recovery from domestic wastewaters for sustainability of water resources and environmental benefits
Authors: Pausta Carla Mae , Kalbar Pradip , Saroj Devendra
Published: November 2023

Increase in anthropogenic activities proliferated the consumption of resources such as phosphorus; and increase the adverse environmental impacts especially eutrophication on water resources such as lakes. Nutrient recovery from domestic wastewaters to produce a fertiliser has been explored to address these challenges in the context of a sustainable circular nutrient economy. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to holistically assess the impacts of integrating a nutrient recovery system on wastewater and water resource management using Laguna de Bay, Philippines as the geographical boundary. The inventory was developed based on the results of the emerging nutrient recovery reactor operations and the application of the recovered fertiliser on the agricultural crops. The LCA results for the proposed scenario showed environmental benefits of about 83.6% freshwater eutrophication, 102.5% terrestrial ecotoxicity, 26.9% water consumption, 100.7% mineral resource scarcity, while the global warming potential is 95.4% higher than the baseline scenario. Results imply policy review for septage management, system optimisation, and evaluation of alternative methods of wastewater management, in terms of life cycle thinking and sustainability across the globe.
On the variability and climatology of Arunachal Pradesh: An observational study
Authors: SANDEEP ARAVETI , VH ARUN , DAS SUNIT
Published: November 2023

A comprehensive study on the variability and climatology of Arunachal Pradesh (study region) has been studied with the suite of automatic weather stations (AWS) and manual measured observations. Important meteorological variables such as air temperature (T), relative humidity (RH), wind speed (WS), wind direction (WD), and rainfall (RF) have been assessed, and explored the trend and variabilities for the study region. A very good correspondence is seen between two rainfall estimates (correlation coefficient value R = 0.77) over the study region, whilst during the monsoon season 10–20% higher R values were registered. The minimum (maximum) R value is 0.67 (0.92) at Ziro (Daporijo) station. Most of the stations in the study region exhibit significant monthly, seasonal, and diurnal variabilities in above mentioned meteorological attributes, whereas the diurnal variability is less significant in WD and RF. Spatial distribution of rainfall exhibits substantial season-to-season variation, where isolated (scattered) rainfalls are dominant during the cooler (warmer) seasons with values are almost 65% (40%). In addition, a higher percentage of fairly widespread (32%) and widespread rainfalls (8%) are noticed during the monsoon relative to other seasons, whereas dry percentage is higher during the cooler seasons. The frequency of heavy, very-heavy, and extremely heavy rainfall events is 2-times higher during with respect to the pre-monsoon season. Interestingly, the contribution of very light rain, light rain, and moderate rain to the total rainfall is ≈ 70%, whilst heavy, very heavy contributes about ≈ 30%. A significant negative trend in RF with a slope rate of -0.08 mm/year during the period 1976 to 2021, whereas the frequency of heavy and very-heavy rainfall events is increased with a slope rate of 1.28/year and 0.35/year, respectively for the study region.
Global insight of tertiary lymphoid structures and inspiration: A visualized and bibliometric study
Authors: Wu Jianjun , You Siyao , Lai Sicen , Peng Yihao , Dong Jingyi , Zhang Wei , Cui Xinyan , Yan Fei , Liu Zefu , Liu Ousheng
Published: November 2023

Background
Various significant roles of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) have been revealed, particularly as a predictor of better prognosis and high immunotherapy response in cancer. This study aims to present global insight and succedent potential hot topics of TLSs, facilitating its future application in the clinic.
Methods
A literature screening of research on TLSs from 1999 to 31 July 2023 was actualized by using the Web of Science Core Collection database. The number of publications, countries, institutes, authors, journals, hot spots, and potential trends were summarized with bibliometric and visualized analysis, applying software including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and R package.
Results
A total of 1964 papers were included. A significant increase in annual publications was observed in 2016 and 2020, with the maximum number of publications (351 papers) occurring in 2022. France was the most influential country, while the United States was the most productive. In addition, the United Kingdom has persisted long for the research on TLSs. Udice French Research University has published the most documents. Frontiers in Immunology was the most productive journal. The latest trends showed that the roles of TLSs and even inclusive B cells in immunotherapy, particularly in clinical trials, have been concerning and will be explored more in-depth in the future.
Conclusions
This study provides the first global trend and characteristics of the literature on TLSs, which facilitates further research and clinical applications. Exploration of the role of TLSs in cancer and immunotherapy will continue to be an attractive direction, especially for the B cells in TLSs.
Persistent Poverty Disparities in Incidence and Outcomes Among Oral and Pharynx Cancer Patients
Authors: Karanth Shama , Mistry Shilpi , Wheeler Meghann , Akinyemiju Tomi , Divaker Joel , Yang Jae Jeong , Yoon Hyung-Suk , Braithwaite Dejana
Published: November 2023

Purpose
Disparities in oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) based on race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status have been reported, but the impact of living within areas that are persistently poor at the time of OPC diagnosis and outcome is unknown. This study aimed to investigate whether the incidence, 5-year relative survival, stage at diagnosis, and mortality among patients with OPC varied by persistent poverty.
Methods
Data was drawn from the SEER database (2006-2017) and included individuals diagnosed with OPC. Persistent poverty (at census tract) is defined as areas in which ≥20% of the population lived below the poverty level for ~30 years.Age-adjusted incidence and 5-year survival rates were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between persistent poverty and advanced stage. Cumulative incidence and multivariable subdistribution hazard models were used to evaluate mortality risk. Additionally, results were stratified by cancer primary site, sex, race/ethnicity, and rurality.
Results
Of the 90,631 patients included in the analysis (61.7% <65 years old, 71.6 % males) 8.8% lived in persistent poverty. Compared to non-persistent poverty, patients in persistent poverty had higher incidence and lower 5-year survival rates. Throughout 10 years, the cumulative incidence of cancer death was greater in patients from persistent poverty and were more likely to have advanced stage cancer and higher mortality risk. In the stratified analysis by primary site, patients in persistent poverty with oropharyngeal, oral cavity, and nasopharyngeal cancers had an increased risk of mortality compared to the patients in non-persistent poverty.
Conclusion
This study found an association between OPC outcomes among patients in persistent poverty indicating a multidimensional strategy to improve survival.
Identification of Potential Binding Region of Annexin II and Dengue Virus Envelop Glycoprotein
Authors: Aliyu Isah Abubakar , Chee Hui Yee , Chong Wei Lim , Lee Vannajan Sanghiran
Published: November 2023

The tissue tropism of a virus is a key determinant of viral pathogenicity which is often modulated by the presence or absence of appropriate molecules on the surface of a host cell that can be used by the virus to gain entry into that cell. Annexin II was seen to interact with dengue virus (DENV) and enhanced infection. Herein, we aimed to explore this interaction as a potential target for the design of anti-DENV therapeutics. We demonstrated annexin II extracellular translocation in Vero cells upon exposure to DENV, extracellular and intracellular colocalization assays as well as co-immunoprecipitation assay were performed to further confirmed protein interaction. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulation were employed to identify the interaction sites. The result showed extracellular translocation of annexin II upon DENV exposure to the cell, the result further showed annexin II colocalizing with DENV E-glycoprotein extracellularly and intracellularly. Furthermore, the result of co-immunoprecipitation assay shows DENV E glycoprotein pulling down annexin II, and the result of molecular docking showed strong interaction between the two proteins. MD simulations has proposed the binding of two regions of annexin II (i) Y274-K280 and (ii) K369-Q327 with BR3 E glycoprotein of DENV2 (residue 380–389), with potential of infections abrogation upon inhibition.
Predicting Stock Prices in the Iranian Stock Market Using Convolutional Neural Network Optimization
Authors: Asl Mohsen Mahdavi , Kolahkaj Maral
Published: November 2023

One of the ways to assist investors in the stock market is by providing innovative patterns for predicting stock prices. Stock price information is a crucial metric that shareholders consider, and in most cases, it serves as a fundamental factor in investment decisions. In this study, deep learning algorithms are used for data mining and market prediction in Iran. The proposed method for predicting stock prices is based on an improved Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) using Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO). To create a high-precision stock price detection model, supervised learning within the CNN is employed to replace feature extraction with deep learning in the intermediate layers of the CNN. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, data collected, including the stock prices of Bahman Khodro, listed on the stock exchange, from January 8, 2001, to December 14, 2020, is used. Daily stock data includes the number of transactions, trading volume, value, yesterday's price, opening price, closing price, lowest and highest price. Since the labels for samples (stock values) are continuous numerical values, the Mean Squared Error (MSE) is considered as the evaluation parameter for the model. The prediction results using the proposed method show that the accuracy of stock price predictions using a combination of Convolutional Neural Network and Harris Hawks Optimization is higher compared to conventional stock price prediction models, and the MSE error is lower with these mentioned features.
A Perturbation Approach for Refining Boolean Models of Cell Cycle Regulation
Authors: Banerjee Anand , Rahaman Asif Iqbal , Mehandale Alok , Kraikivski Pavel
Published: November 2023

Considerable effort is required to build mathematical models of large protein regulatory networks. Utilizing computational algorithms that guide model development can significantly streamline the process and enhance the reliability of the resulting models. In this article we present a perturbation approach for developing data-centric Boolean models of cell cycle regulation. We assign a score to a network based on the steady states of the network-dynamics, and the dynamical trajectories corresponding to the initial conditions. Then, perturbation analysis is used to find new networks with lower scores, in which dynamical trajectories traverse through the correct cell cycle path with high frequency. We apply this method to refine Boolean models of cell cycle regulation in budding yeast and mammalian cells.
Useful robotic stapler technique for division of intersegmental plane in robotic portal pulmonary segmentectomy
Authors: Okazaki Mikio , Suzawa Ken , Shien Kazuhiko , Hashimoto Kohei , Tanaka Shin , Miyoshi Kentaroh , Yamamoto Hiromasa , Sugimoto Seiichiro , Toyooka Shinichi
Published: November 2023

Objectives: Robot assisted thoracoscopic (RATS) segmentectomy is becoming increasingly common due to the expanded indications for segmentectomy and the widespread adoption of robotic surgery. Precise division of intersegmental plane is necessary to ensure oncologic margins from the tumor and preserve lung function. In this study, we present our strategy for accurately dividing the intersegmental plane using a robotic stapler and review the surgical outcomes.
Methods: RATS portal segmentectomy was performed using Da Vinci Xi system and the intersegmental plane was dissected using robotic stapler. During dissection of the pulmonary hilum, the silk threads stapled with the blood vessels and bronchi were pulled to widen the view of the pulmonary hilum and outline the correct line of dissection. We evaluated the perioperative outcomes of 92 patients who underwent RATS portal segmentectomy using this technique between May 2020 and January 2023. These results were compared with 82 patients who underwent complete video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (CVATS) during the same period.
Results: The operative time and console time was 162 minutes and 97 minutes, respectively. No intraoperative complication occurred, andpostoperative complications were observed in 4 cases (4.3%). The operative time, blood loss, postoperative complications and maximum incision size were significantly lower in RATS compared to CVATS. However, RATS required a significantly higher number of staplers than CVATS.
Conclusions: Our technique for dividing theintersegmental plane using a robotic stapler in RATS portal segmentectomy was found to be safe and effective.
Mediator Kinase Inhibition Impedes Transcriptional Plasticity and Prevents Resistance to ERK/MAPK-Targeted Therapy in KRAS-Mutant Cancers
Authors: Wood Kris , Nussbaum Daniel , Martz Colin , Waters Andrew , Barrera Alejandro , Rutter Justine , Cerda-Smith Christian , Stewart Amy , Wu Chao , Cakir Merve , Levandowski Cecilia , Kantrowitz David , McCall Shannon , Pierobon Mariaelena , III Emanuel Petricoin , Smith J , Der Channing , Taatjes Dylan
Published: November 2023

Acquired resistance remains a major challenge for therapies targeting oncogene activated pathways. KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human cancers, yet strategies targeting its downstream signaling kinases have failed to produce durable treatment responses. Here, we developed multiple models of acquired resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibitors across KRAS-mutant pancreatic, colorectal, and lung cancers, and then probed the long-term events enabling survival against this class of drugs. These studies revealed that resistance emerges secondary to large-scale transcriptional adaptations that are diverse and cell line-specific. Transcriptional reprogramming extends beyond the well-established early response, and instead represents a dynamic, evolved process that is refined to attain a stably resistant phenotype. Mechanistic and translational studies reveal that resistance to dual-mechanism ERK/MAPK inhibition is broadly susceptible to manipulation of the epigenetic machinery, and that Mediator kinase, in particular, can be co-targeted at a bottleneck point to prevent diverse, cell line-specific resistance programs.
A Bioluminescent and homogenous assay for monitoring GPCR-mediated cAMP modulation and PDE activity
Authors: mikheil Dareen , larsen Matthew , hsiao kevin , murray nathan , Ugo Tim , Wang Hui , Goueli Said
Published: November 2023

3’,5’-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), the first identified second messenger, is implicated in diverse cellular processes involving cellular metabolism, cell proliferation and differentiation, apoptosis, and gene expression. cAMP is synthesized by adenylyl cyclase (AC), which converts ATP to cAMP upon activation of Gαs-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in most cases and hydrolyzed by cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) to 5’-AMP. Dysregulation of cAMP signaling is implicated in a wide range of pathophysiological conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative and behavioral disorders, cancers, diabetes, obesity, cataracts, and others. Therefore, cAMP targeted therapies have been and are still undergoing intense investigation for the treatment of these and other diseases. This highlights the need for developing assays to detect and monitor cAMP levels. In this study, we show cAMP Lumit assay as a highly specific homogenous bioluminescent assay suitable for high throughput screenings with a large assay window and a wide dynamic range for cAMP detection. We believe that this assay will aid and simplify drug discovery screening efforts for cAMP signaling targeted therapies.
Cross-cultural Translation of the Adolescent Menstrual Bleeding Questionnaire (AMBQ)
Authors: Howie Chelsea , Cameron Hannah , Bouchard Mandy , Price Victoria , Young Nancy , Pike Meghan
Published: November 2023

Background
Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) affects up to 37% of adolescents. Many aspects of their lives are affected by HMB, including school attendance and participation in sports and social activities, underscoring the importance of evaluating patient reported outcomes in addition to physical outcomes in the assessment of HMB. Given the paucity of available tools to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents with HMB, we developed the Adolescent Menstrual Bleeding Questionnaire (aMBQ), a valid and reliable measure of bleeding-related quality-of-life. The aim of this study was cross-cultural translation and adaptation of the English aMBQ into French to ensure accessibility for all Canadian adolescents who menstruate.
Methods
A 5-step process was followed: 1) forward translation of English aMBQ to Canadian French; 2) backward translation of aMBQ in French to English by a professional translation service; 3) review of the source and translated aMBQ to create a reconciled version; 4) cognitive debriefing to ensure linguistic, cultural, and clinical equivalence, and 5) review of cognitive debriefings to determine if changes were required and to produce the final version of the French aMBQ. This process identified words, concepts, and response options which are not clear. Results of cognitive debriefings were reviewed after every 3 participants; items were revised if presented as an issue by ≥ 2 participants. These changes were implemented and tested in cognitive debriefings until saturation was reached.
Results
Lingustic changes were made to 9 (33%) of the questions and one (3.7%) answer options. Major changes were made to 4 of the 27 questions (15%), and minor changes were made to 5 of the 27 questions (19%). One instruction item has changed, and multiple items were bolded for attention to specific words.
Conclusions
Professional translators, clinical experts, and patient input through cognitive debriefing are pivotal to successful cross-cultural translation. Results of cognitive debriefing interviews suggest the French aMBQ is easily understood and confirms its face validity. The French aMBQ will be made available on the mobile health application, WeThrive, in the near future.
Long-term evaluation of machine learning based methods for air emission monitoring
Authors: Si Minxing , Wiens Brett M. , Du Ke
Published: November 2023

Machine learning (ML) techniques have been researched and used in various environmental monitoring applications. Few studies have reported the long-term evaluation of such applications. Discussions regarding the risks and regulatory frameworks of ML applications in environmental monitoring have been rare. We monitored the performance of six ML-based predictive models for 28 months. The six ML models used to predict NOx emissions were developed using six different algorithms. The model developed with a moderate complexity algorithm, adaptive boosting, had the best performance in long-term monitoring, with a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.48 kg/hr in the 28-month monitoring period, and passed two of the three relative accuracy test audits. High complexity models based on gradient boosting and neural network algorithms had the best training performance, with a minimum RMSE of 0.23 kg/hr and 0.26 kg/hr, but also had the worst RMSE scores, of 0.51 kg/hr and 0.57 kg/hr, during the monitoring period. In addition, all six models failed all three relative accuracy test audits. The following problems were observed: 1) Complex ML models tended to have overfitting problems, thus indicating the importance of the trade-off between model accuracy and complexity. 2) Model input sensor drift or out of high-frequency ranges from the training data resulted in inaccurate predictions or an accuracy lower than the minimum allowed by regulators. 3) Existing regulatory frameworks must be modernized to keep pace with current machine learning practices. Some statistical tests are unsuitable for applications developed by using ML methods.
Promoting or inhibiting: establishment of eco-industrial parks and green development
Authors: Tan Feifei , Niu Zhiyuan
Published: November 2023

Green development, focused on resource conservation and environmental improvement, has become a new imperative for economic progress. In the current era of high-quality and green development, eco-industrial parks (EIPs) are powerful engines for promoting both green transformation of industrial development and ecological civilization. However, despite the large-scale establishment of EIPs in China in recent years, their effectiveness in promoting green development is still unknown. To address this gap, this study employs the difference-in-difference (DID) framework to explore the effect of EIPs construction on green development in China. Results indicate that the establishment of EIPs significantly promotes the green development, with the central region having a more significant impact than the eastern and western regions. While EIPs in the western region have some inhibiting effect on green development, urban green development can be enhanced more effectively through EIPs establishment in cities with higher administrative levels. Moreover, the study identifies the influence paths through technological innovation and industrial agglomeration. Robustness tests confirm the positive effect of EIPs construction on green development. These findings provide a foundation for optimizing EIPs construction and achieving a win-win situation between economic and environmental performance, thereby transforming the development mode of a green economy.
Research on Safety Level Evaluation of Xi'an Metro Operation Based on SEM-MEA
Authors: Li Yingwei , Feng Taozhu , Liu Yuchen
Published: November 2023

In order to ensure the safety of Xi'an Metro, a comprehensive evaluation model based on the 4M theory has been implemented. By analyzing both domestic and international Metro accident cases and literature, four perspective risk factors were identified as personnel, equipment, management, and environment. To accurately assess the safety risk of Xi'an Metro, a risk assessment index system consisting of 44 factors was developed. The index weights were determined using the Structural Equation Model (SEM), and a comprehensive evaluation utilizing the Matter-Element Extension Method (MEA) was conducted to obtain precise safety evaluation results. The model was applied to Xi'an Metro Line 2, and the results indicated that the operation safety level of Xi'an Metro Line 2 is relatively secure. These findings are consistent with actual conditions and provide valuable information for enhancing the operation safety management of Xi'an Metro.
The expectations and acceptability of a smart nursing home model among Chinese older adults: A mixed methods study
Authors: Zhao Yuanyuan , Sazlina Shariff-Ghazali , Rokhani Fakhrul Zaman , Chinna Karuthan , Su Jing , Chew Boon-How
Published: November 2023

Background
Integrated smart technologies in nursing homes can enhance the quality of care. This study expands upon prior research, including a scoping review defining smart nursing homes and a qualitative study exploring the expectations and acceptability of such facilities among Chinese older adults and their families. It investigates the levels of these expectations, acceptability, and related sociodemographic factors.
Methods
This study presents the development and validation of the 24-item Expectation and Acceptability of Smart Nursing Homes Questionnaire (EASNH-Q), and a cross-sectional study conducted in four major cities in China in an exploratory sequential mixed methods study design.
Results
The newly developed EASNH-Q with Likert Scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) demonstrated commendable validity, reliability, and stability. The overall mean (SD) scores for expectations and acceptability were 4.0 (0.60) for each. The highest tertile of expectations (62/70, 88.6%, ꭓ2=28.89, p<0.001) and acceptability (68/83, 81.9%, ꭓ2=25.64, p<0.001) towards smart nursing homes were significantly associated with the willingness to relocate to such facilities. Older adults with self-efficacy in applying smart technologies (OR: 28.0, 95% CI: 5.92-132.66) and those expressing a willingness to move to a nursing home (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.06-8.37) were more likely to have the highest tertile of expectations compared to those in the lowest tertile. Similarly, older adults with self-efficacy in applying smart technologies were more likely to be in the highest tertile of acceptability of smart nursing homes compared to those in the lowest tertile (OR: 13.8, 95% CI: 4.33-43.95).
Conclusions
The majority of Chinese older adults were willing to move to a smart nursing home. Self-efficacy in applying smart technologies links to the high expectations and acceptability of smart nursing homes. The willingness to relocate to a nursing home increased the high expectations of smart nursing homes.
Sociodemographic determinants of reproductive healthcare service use among pregnant women in Pakistan
Authors: He Zhifei , Bishwajit Ghose , Ji Qian , Hou Yaru , Guo Shuyan
Published: November 2023

Background: Using the essential reproductive care services such as antenatal care (ANC) and skilled birth services are vital for ensuring safe motherhood and controlling maternal and child mortality. There is no recent evidence on the state of using reproductive care services in Pakistani women. We aimed to assess the prevalence of using essential reproductive care services including: 1) timing and 2) frequency of using antenatal care, 3) hospital/other institutional delivery, and 4) use of cesarean section (C- section) services. Secondly, we identified the sociodemographic factors that are associated with the use of these services.
Methods: We used the latest Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (2017-18 PDHS) for this analysis. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews by trained interviewers. The analysis included 8,287 women aged 15-49 years. PDHS is a cross-sectional survey that collects data on women’s reproductive health issues along with various demographic and socioeconomic factors. The data on reproductive services were defined by standard guidelines by World Health Organization (WHO). Data analysis involved univariate tests and multivariate regression techniques.
Results: The percentage of women who attended ANC visit in the first trimester was 62.59%, and those who attended the minimum recommended number of 4 visits was 49.46%. The percentage of using hospital (or other institutional) and C-section services were respectively 76.20% and 19.63%. In the regression analysis, place of residence, education, household wealth status, access to using electronic media and learning about family planning from electronic media and before marriage were found to significantly predict the use of ANC (timely and adequate visits) and facility delivery services (hospital delivery and C-section). However, educational and household wealth status stood out as the strongest predictors of all.
Conclusion: About half of the women Pakistan were not having adequate ANC visits and about one-third not making timely ANC contact. More than three-quarter reported choosing to deliver at hospital/other facility, and about one-fifth preferred C-section. Among the predictor of using these services, education and household wealth status were found to have the strongest association, highlighting the role of women’s socioeconomic well-being in availing the basic reproductive healthcare services.
Strontium isotope analysis of human remains from Zhaitouhe and Shijiahe cemeteries in Huangling， Shaanxi，China
Authors: Keyu Liu , Xue Ling , Zouyong Sun , Zhanwei Sun , Jing Shao , Anding Shao , Liang Chen , Songmei Hu , Miaomiao Yang
Published: November 2023

The Rong people were one of the essential people in ancient times and occupied an important position in China's diverse and integrated historical civilization. Due to different reasons, the Rong people have migrated many times. The Shaanxi was once where the Rong people lived. However, the scarcity of literature and archaeological discoveries has led to a lack of historical information on the lives of the ancient Rong people in the academic community. The archaeological excavations of the Rong people's cemeteries in the Zhaitouhe and the Shijiahe in Huangling, Yan'an, Shaanxi Province, provided precious materials for understanding the social life of the Rong people. This article takes the human teeth unearthed from two cemeteries as the research object, and uses the strontium isotope analysis method to determine the strontium isotope ratio in tooth enamel, and then discusses the population migration of the ancestors in Zhaitouhe and Shijiahe cemeteries. Based on the local strontium isotope range (0.710429 ~ 0.711298), we found many immigrants in Zhaitouhe and Shijiahe cemeteries. After discussing viewpoints combined with archaeological material and literature, we inferred that the source of the Rong people may be Yiqu Rong. The population of the cemetery also include the Qin people, the northern grassland ethnic and the Wei people.
Supervised Learning and Large Language Model Benchmarks on Mental Health Datasets: Cognitive Distortions and Suicidal Risks in Chinese Social Media
Authors: Qi Hongzhi , Zhao Qing , Li Jianqiang , Song Changwei , Zhai Wei , Dan Luo , Liu Shuo , Yu Yi Jing , Wang Fan , Zou Huijing , Yang Bing Xiang , Fu Guanghui
Published: November 2023

In the realm of social media, users frequently convey personal sentiments, with some potentially indicating cognitive distortions or suicidal tendencies. Timely recognition of such signs is pivotal for effective interventions. In response, we introduce two novel annotated datasets from Chinese social media, focused on cognitive distortions and suicidal risk classification. We propose a comprehensive benchmark using both supervised learning and large language models, especially from the GPT series, to evaluate performance on these datasets. To assess the capabilities of the large language models, we employed three strategies: zero-shot, few-shot, and fine-tuning. Furthermore, we deeply explored and analyzed the performance of these large language models from a psychological perspective, shedding light on their strengths and limitations in identifying and understanding complex human emotions. Our evaluations underscore a performance difference between the two approaches, with the models often challenged by subtle category distinctions. While GPT-4 consistently delivered strong results, GPT-3.5 showed marked improvement in suicide risk classification after fine-tuning. This research is groundbreaking in its evaluation of large language models for Chinese social media tasks, accentuating the models' potential in psychological contexts. All datasets and code are made available at: \url{https://github.com/HongzhiQ/SupervisedVsLLM-EfficacyEval}.
What differentiates suicidal ideation from depressive symptoms amongst Korean Young Adults aged 20-39 years?
Authors: Kang Jiwon , Jang Soong-nang , Kim Hyun-soo
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to examine and compare factors influencing depressive symptoms from those influencing suicidal ideation in Korean adults aged 20–39 years.
Methods: Data were collected from September 15 to 23, 2021 using an online survey company because of the limitations of face-to-face surveys during the coronavirus 2019 pandemic. Participants were also recruited from the Seoul Suicide Prevention Center. Suicidal ideation, depressive symptoms, and general health and demographic characteristics were determined based on existing standardized questionnaires. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine associations with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.
Results: Based on data from 1014 participants, age, sex, alcohol consumption, sleep duration, and stress were associated with depressive symptoms. In contrast, income, subjective health status, and stress were found to influence suicidal ideation; the effect of income disappeared when adjusted for depression. Lower income, poor subjective health status, higher stress levels, and depression were associated with a higher risk of suicidal ideation.
Conclusions: These findings suggest that depression and suicidal ideation have distinct influencing factors and that simply viewing depression as a risk factor for suicidal ideation may lead to other important factors being overlooked. This study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions and prevention strategies to address specific factors associated with each outcome. Overall, this study provides valuable evidence for developing effective mental-health interventions and policies for young adults. Further research is recommended to delve deeper into the similarities and differences between depression and suicidal behaviors in this population.
Environmental Pollution, Racial Segregation, and Lung Cancer Incidence
Authors: Poulson Michael , Uvin A Ziggy , Kenzik Kelly M
Published: November 2023

There are wide racial disparities in lung cancer incidence, treatment, and outcomes. Previous studies have shown the impact of structural racism and the built environment on lung cancer outcomes in Black communities. The current study sought to understand the mediation of airborne pollutants between racial segregation and lung cancer incidence in the United States. Lung cancer incidence data for Black/white populations from 2014–2018 were obtained from the CDC. We assessed the impact of segregation on lung cancer incidence and the mediating effects of pollutants SO2, NO2, PM2.5, O3, and CO in the pathway. We estimated the indirect effect of each pollutant on the interaction between segregation and cancer outcomes. We found that segregation was associated with an 11% increase in lung cancer incidence among Black individuals (IRR 1.11, 95%CI 1.08,1.14) and a 7% increase in white lung cancer incidence (IRR 1.07, 95%CI 1.05,1.09). For Black lung cancer rates, this effect was mediated by SO2/ NO2 (23%), PM2.5 (9.2%), and smoking (36%). For white lung cancer rate, the effect was mediated through SO2/ NO2 (25%), PM2.5 (15%), O3/CO (4%), and smoking (37.4%). Air pollution is an important mediating factor on lung cancer incidence in more segregated areas, suggesting that the increased pollution in more segregated areas likely also affects white residents, leading to higher levels of lung cancer compared to their counterparts in less segregated areas. Policies targeting polluting sources in segregated areas will be important in reducing lung cancer incidence and disparities therein.
Reproductive toxicities of tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide on Caenorhabditis elegans over four consecutive generations
Authors: Zhang Jing , Ding Ruoqi , Yu Zhenyang
Published: November 2023

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) become emerging pollutants and their toxicities earn increasing attentions. So far, their reproductive toxicities were poorly investigated, and their effects over generations were even less explored. In the present study, reproductive toxicities of two QACs, i.e., tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride (TTAC) and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) were studied on Caenorhabditis elegans with a consecutive exposure over four generations (from F1 to F4). The effects of TTAC on total reproduction showed stimulation and inhibition which oscillated from F1 to F4, and such oscillation was also observed in the effects on initial reproduction. The effects of TTAB on the total reproduction commonly showed stimulation over generations. The greatest stimulation was in F2, and it was accompanied with inhibition on the initial reproduction but stimulation on the reproduction duration. Further mechanisms exploration demonstrated that both TTAC and TTAB significantly disturbed the levels of SPE8, SPE9, Vg, MSP and VAB-1 and the expressions of vab-1, ceh-18, set-2, met-2 and mes-4 over generations. Such disturbances demonstrated that both QACs impacted the reproductive processes in multiple aspects including oocyte meiosis, gonadal support and germline development. Further analysis also showed that the effects of both TTAC and TTAB in parents were connected with those in the offspring, which highlighted the conjunctive roles of reproduction in responses of adjacent generations. In addition, the differences the effects of TTAC and TTAB also demonstrated the anionic influences on the QACs’ toxicities.
Two novel FRMD7 frameshift mutation identified in two Chinese pedigrees with congenital nystagmus as producing truncated proteins
Authors: Su Yuqing , Zhang Juntao , Gao Jiahui , Ding Guoqing , Jiang Heng , Liu Yang , Li Yulei , Yang Guohua
Published: November 2023

Idiopathic congenital nystagmus (ICN) is a condition characterized by involuntary and periodic eye movements. To identify the genetic defect associated with X-linked ICN, we performed WES in two families. We identified two novel frameshift mutations in FRMD7, c.1492dupT/p.Y498Lfs15 and c.1616delG/p.R539Kfs2. Plasmids containing the mutated genes were constructed and qPCR analysis showed that both mutations produce mRNAs that are not degraded by the NMD pathway. Western-blot analysis corroborated the production of truncated proteins. Further experiments found that both truncated proteins were degraded through the proteasomal (ubiquitination) pathway. This information may indicates that targeting the proteasomal pathway may be a potential therapeutic strategy for the types of mutation. Moreover, we summarized 140 mutations that have occurred on the FRMD7 gene to date and found that the FERM and FA structural domains are mutation-prone regions. Interestingly, exons 9 and 12 are the most mutated regions, but 90% (28/31) mutations in exon 9 are missense while 84% (21/25) mutations in exon 12 are frameshift. And almost all of the shift code mutations occurred on exons 11 and 12. We believe that this is related to the location of the premature termination codons (PTCs), leading to the production of harmful truncated proteins. Additionally, we have speculated that the loss of FRMD7 protein function is not all pathological, and the production of abnormal protein function is the cause of nystagmus. The normal function of FRMD7 depends mainly on the front half of the protein. Further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Blood lead levels (BLL) in children from urban and industrial areas of Indonesia and mitigation measures
Authors: Hindratmo Bambang , Rita  , Lestari Retno Puji , Wardoyo Suwaji Handaru , Rahmani Rizqika , Hidayat Muhamad Yusup , Wahyuni Resti , Fauzi Ridwan
Published: November 2023

Lead (Pb), a heavy metal, has characteristics that make it simple to recycle. Due to its ease of recycling and continued economic value, this metal is highly sought-after in its scrap form. Because they contain leads that can still be used, used batteries are one of the waste materials that are still sought after. Illegal recycling puts people at risk of lead pollution exposure, which is bad for everyone's health but especially for growing children. The purpose of this study is to gather data and details regarding blood lead levels (BLL) in kids across several Indonesian cities. A total of 167 elementary school-aged children from Tangerang Regency, Medan City, and Surabaya City participated in the research study in 2016. A Lead Care Portable Analyzer (ESA Laboratories, Chelmsford, MA, USA) was used to measure BLL. The average BLL of all the participants whose blood samples were tested was 12.45 µg/dL, with Tangerang Regency having the highest average BLL at 30.67 g/dL. It was 3.55 µg/dL for respondents from Surabaya City and 4.38 µg/dL for respondents from Medan City, respectively. The average value is significantly higher than the WHO's BLL cutoff of 3.5 µg/dL. A high BLL indicates that there is still lead contamination. To lessen the negative effects of lead pollution in both the air and the water, remediation must be mitigated by using vacant land and planting trees. Regular lead data monitoring is done to identify pollution at an early stage.