bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening of pathologically significant diagnostic biomarkers in tears of thyroid eye disease based on bioinformatic analysis and machine learning
Authors: Shu Xingyi , Zeng Chengcheng , Zhu Yanfei , Chen Yuqing , Huang Xiao , Wei Ruili 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundLacrimal gland enlargement is a common pathological change in patients with thyroid eye disease (TED). Tear fluid has emerged as a new source of diagnostic biomarkers, but tear-based diagnostic biomarkers for TED with high efficacy are still lacking.ObjectiveWe aim to investigate genes associated with TED-associated lacrimal gland lesions. Additionally, we seek to identify potential biomarkers for diagnosing TED in tear fluid.MethodsWe obtained two expression profiling datasets related to TED lacrimal gland samples from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Subsequently, we combined the two separate datasets and conducted differential gene expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) on the obtained integrated dataset. The genes were employed for Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. The genes were intersected with the secretory proteins profile to get the potential proteins in the tear fluid. Machine learning techniques were then employed to identify optimal biomarkers and develop a diagnostic nomogram for predicting TED. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune infiltration analysis were conducted on screened hub genes to further elucidate their potential mechanisms in TED.ResultsIn our analysis of the integrated TED dataset, we identified 2,918 key module genes and 157 differentially expressed genes and finally obtained 84 lacrimal-associated key genes. Enrichment analysis disclosed that these 84 genes primarily pertain to endoplasmic reticulum organization. After intersecting with the secretory proteins, 13 lacrimal gland-associated secretory protein genes (LaSGs) were identified. The results from machine learning indicated the substantial diagnostic value of dyslexia associated gene (KIAA0319) and peroxiredoxin4 (PRDX4) in TED-associated lacrimal gland lesions. The two hub genes were chosen as candidate biomarkers in tear fluid and employed to establish a diagnostic nomogram. Furthermore, single-gene GSEA results and immune cell infiltration analysis unveiled immune dysregulation in the lacrimal gland of TED, with KIAA0319 and PRDX4 showing significant associations with infiltrating immune cells.ConclusionsWe uncovered the distinct pathophysiology of TED-associated lacrimal gland enlargement compared to TED-associated orbital adipose tissue enlargement. We have demonstrated the endoplasmic reticulum-related pathways involved in TED-associated lacrimal gland lesions and established a diagnostic nomogram for TED utilizing KIAA0319 and PRDX4 through integrated bioinformatics analysis. This contribution offers novel insights for non-invasive, prospective diagnostic approaches in the context of TED.
Polymeric resins containing modified starch as environmentally friendly adsorbents for dyes and metal ions removal from wastewater
Authors: Wołowicz Anna , Wawrzkiewicz Monika , Podkościelna Beata , Tarasiuk Bogdan , Blazhevska Gilev Jadranka , Sevastyanova Olena 
Published: October 2024

Effective removal of organic and inorganic impurities by adsorption technique requires the preparation of new materials characterized by low production costs, significant sorption capacity, and reduced toxicity, derived from natural and renewable sources. To address these challenges, new adsorbents have been developed in the form of polymer microspheres based on ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and vinyl acetate (VA) (EGDMA/VA) containing starch (St) modified with boric acid (B) and dodecyl-S-thiuronium dodecylthioacetate (DiTDTA) for the removal of dyes: C.I. Basic Blue 3 (BB3) and C.I. Acid Green 16 (AG16) and heavy metal ions (M(II)): Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) from water and wastewater. The adsorbents were characterized by ATR/FT-IR, DSC, SEM, BET, EDS, and pHPZC methods. These analyses demonstrated the successful modification of microspheres and the increased thermal resistance resulting from the addition of the modified starch. The point of zero charge for EGDMA/VA was 7.75, and this value decreased with the addition of modified starch (pHPZC = 6.62 for EGDMA/VA-St/B and pHPZC = 5.42 for EGDMA/VA-St/DiTDTA). The largest specific surface areas (SBET) were observed for the EGDMA/VA microspheres (207 m2/g), and SBET value slightly decreases with the modified starch addition (184 and 169 m2/g) as a consquence of the pores stopping by the big starch molecules. The total pore volumes (Vtot) were found to be in the range from 0.227 to 0.233 cm3/g. These materials can be classified as mesoporous, with an average pore diameter (W) of approximately 55 Å (5.35–6.10 nm). The SEM and EDS analyses indicated that the EGDMA/VA microspheres are globular in shape with well-defined edges and contain 73.06% of carbon and 26.94% of oxygen. The microspheres containing modified starch exhibited a loss of smoothness with more irregular shape. The adsorption efficiency of dyes and heavy metal ions depends on the phases contact time, initial adsorbate concentration and the presence of competing electrolytes and surfactants. The equilibrium data were better fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model than by the Langmuir, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The highest experimental adsorption capacities were observed for the BB3 dye which were equal to 193 mg/g, 190 mg/g, and 194 mg/g for EGDMA/VA, EGDMA/VA-St/B, EGDMA/VA-St/DiTDTA, respectively. The dyes and heavy metal ions were removed very rapidly and the time required to reach system equilibrium was below 20 min for M(II), 40 min for BB3, and 120 min for AG16. 50% v/v methanol and its mixture with 1 M HCl and NaCl for dyes and 1 M HCl for M(II) desorbed these impurities efficiently.
AI and cybersecurity: a risk society perspective
Authors: Vulpe Simona-Nicoleta , Rughiniș Răzvan , Țurcanu Dinu , Rosner Daniel 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThe rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has introduced transformative potential across various sectors, while simultaneously posing significant cybersecurity risks.MethodsThe aim of this paper is to examine the debates on AI-related cybersecurity risks through the lens of Beck’s theory of the risk society. Utilizing thematic content analysis, we explored public discourse on AI and cybersecurity as presented in articles published by WIRED.ResultsOur analysis identified several key themes: the global nature of AI risks, their pervasive influence across multiple sectors, the alteration of public trust, the individualization of risk, and the uneven distribution of AI risks and benefits.DiscussionThe editorial choices in WIRED predominantly favor a functionalist and solutionist perspective on AI cybersecurity risks, often marginalizing the opinions of ordinary individuals and non-Western voices. This editorial bias tends to limit diversity and underrepresent key opposing viewpoints, potentially hindering a more comprehensive and nuanced debate on AI and cybersecurity issues.
“You’re not learning skills—you’re just realizing what you can do”: a preliminary study of self-regulation in higher education
Authors: Nyman Fredrik 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionThis preliminary study employs a phenomenological approach to investigate the phenomenon of self-regulated learning among higher education students in the United Kingdom. The research seeks to identify both facilitators and challenges associated with effective self-regulated learning, shedding light on the factors that influence students’ ability to manage their own learning processes.MethodsThe study used in-depth interviews with students and employed thematic analysis to explore the experiences of self-regulated learning. Through this qualitative approach, key themes emerged, including motivation, the learning process, support systems, planning, and group dynamics.ResultsNoteworthy findings include the significance of clear guidelines regarding study hours and designated learning environments for students. Themes such as the learning process, planning, and group dynamics were highlighted as crucial factors in effective self-regulated learning. Additionally, motivation and the role of support systems were found to play essential roles in students’ learning outcomes.DiscussionThe findings suggest that even students who exhibit autonomous motivation benefit from additional tools and support mechanisms to enhance their self-study practices. Educators are encouraged to integrate activities that foster learning strategies and promote social relationships within student groups. The study emphasizes the importance of creating structured learning environments and support systems to facilitate effective self-regulated learning for all students.
Bibliometric analysis of photocatalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds from 1998 to 2023
Authors: Zhu Xinjie , Sui Yifan , Li Xiuli , Guan Jie , Zhang Xiaojiao , Zhang Gangfeng , Guo Yaoguang 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) have attracted widespread attention due to their adverse effects on human health. Photocatalytic oxidation is an effective technology for degrading VOCs under ambient conditions.MethodsIn order to better understand the trends and development of global trends in photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs, the analysis of 2493 articles or reviews from the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) in the Web of Science Core Collection, covering the period from 1998 to 2023, was conducted using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software.Results and DiscussionThe findings indicate significant growth in papers concerning photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs. China emerges as the most active country among the main drivers. Principal sources publishing relevant research are Applied Catalysis B-Environmental, Chemical Engineering Journal, Journal of Hazardous Materials, and Environmental Science and Technology. A relatively well-established theoretical framework has been developed for the study of photocatalytic oxidation of VOCs. In the field of VOCs photocatalytic oxidation, the focus is on the development and optimization of advanced photocatalysts with efficient charge separation, better adsorption performance, and a wider light response range. In addition, the in-depth study of the charge generation and transfer mechanisms within the photocatalysts, as well as the comprehensive understanding of the reaction kinetics and catalytic oxidation process, the optimization of the reaction conditions, and the improvement of the catalytic efficiency are at the forefront of the research in this field. This research system is advancing and becoming more refined, with its theoretical propositions, research findings, and methodologies increasingly employed and confirmed.
Exploring the acceptability of a decision aid for rural women with a history of prior cesarean birth regarding subsequent mode of birth in Coatepeque, Guatemala
Authors: Jimenez-Zambrano Andrea , Avery Morgan , Feller Kathryn , Rivera Claudia , Marchin Angela , Bolaños Antonio Guillermo , Asturias Edwin , Rodas Hector , Harrison Margo S. 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundDecisions regarding mode of delivery in the context of a prior cesarean birth is complicated because both trial of labor after cesarean and elective repeat cesarean birth have risks and benefits.PurposeThe objective of this study was to understand the perspective of women and obstetricians in Coatepeque, Guatemala, to guide the development of a decision aid about mode of birth for women with a history of prior cesarean.MethodsWe conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with obstetricians at Coatepeque Hospital and women at the Center for Human Development in the southwest Trifinio region of Guatemala in February 2020. Using qualitative content analysis, we recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed qualitative data for the meaning of themes and concepts exploring the acceptability of counseling with a decision aid regarding mode of delivery.ResultsA total of 30 qualitative interviews were conducted with women and physicians. Three themes emerged from the qualitative interviews: Having a decision aid for women with a prior cesarean birth will be useful and helpful. Content of the decision aid should include benefits and risks for women and babies as well as figures. Women described the need of tailoring the content surrounding family's role in their decisions. They felt that a trusted provider from the healthcare system should facilitate the use of the decision aid for counseling.ConclusionsThese findings emphasize the support and need for innovative approaches to patient education around mode of delivery after a prior cesarean in the southwest region in Guatemala. There is a need to improve the educational information given to women regarding their mode of delivery after a cesarean birth. Finally, an effective decision aid needs to be tailored to not only the women's needs but also the engagement of the family unit for its successful implementation.
Self-care practices and associated factors among hypertensive patients at public hospitals in North Shewa zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Hailemelekot Bekele , Yosef Tewodros , Bilchut Awraris Hailu , Workie Sewnet Getaye , Shifera Nigusie , Mezgebu Alemnew Destaw 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundHypertension significantly contributes to premature mortality worldwide, highlighting the need for effective self-care to manage its complications. However, there is limited research on self-care practices among hypertensive patients in Ethiopia. This study assessed self-care practices and associated factors in hypertensive patients at public hospitals in North Shewa zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 450 participants using multi-stage sampling and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were processed with Epi-Data 4.6.0.6 and analyzed using SPSS 23. Descriptive statistics summarized the results, while bivariable and multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with self-care practices. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, with significance at p &lt; 0.05.ResultsOut of 450 participants, 231 (51.3, 95% CI: 46.4–55.6%) exhibited poor hypertension self-care practices. Factors associated with poor self-care included having a college-level education (AOR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.07–0.95), university-level education (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–0.98), being widowed/widower (AOR = 5.30, 95% CI: 1.05–27.2), poor knowledge of hypertension (AOR = 4.51, 95% CI: 2.44–8.59), inadequate stress management (AOR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.64–5.74), and first diagnosis during a check-up (AOR = 7.72, 95% CI: 4.22–13.8).ConclusionThis study highlights inadequate self-care among hypertensive individuals, affected by factors such as education, marital status, knowledge, stress management, and diagnostic practices. Personalized interventions focusing on health education, stress management, and proactive screening are essential for improving health outcomes. Additionally, psychological support enhances emotional well-being and self-care engagement in hypertension patients, leading to better health outcomes and quality of life.
Nontargeted metabonomics analysis of Scorias spongiosa fruiting bodies at different growth stages
Authors: Nong Xiang , Zhong Shengnan , Huang Lanying , Xiao Jie , Hu Ye , Xie Yue 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionScorias spongiosa is an edible fungus.MethodsIn this study, a nontargeted metabonomic analysis was conducted on the fruiting bodies of this fungus at five growth stages, and the differences in metabolites and the related metabolic pathways during growth and development were analysed.ResultsThis study revealed that the five growth stages of S. spongiosa fruiting bodies were associated with 15 pathways. These 15 metabolic pathways are speculated to play important roles in the growth of S. spongiosa fruiting bodies. Eleven bioactive substances were identified among the differentially expressed compounds. The content of six bioactive substances was highest at the S1 growth stage among all the growth stages. The metabolites related to sugar metabolism were enriched in three main pathways: pentose and gluconate interconversions, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the citrate cycle (TCA cycle).DiscussionThese results suggested that the S1 growth stage can be selected as the harvest period of S. spongiosa in fruiting bodies to retain most of the bioactive substances. Pentose and gluconate interconversions, the pentose phosphate pathway, and the TCA cycle are related to changes in polysaccharide content during the growth of S. spongiosa fruiting bodies.
Comparative analyses on nitrogen removal microbes and functional genes within anaerobic–anoxic–oxic and deoxidation ditch sewage-treating processes in Wuhan and Xi’an cities, China
Authors: Liu Shuangyuan , Liu Yaqi , Ye Linyan , Xiao Enrong , Xu Dong , Chao Hongjun , Dai Jingcheng , Qiu Dongru 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionAnaerobic–anoxic–oxic (A2/O) and deoxidation ditch (DOD) processes are being increasingly preferred owing to their effectiveness in treating various wastes in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Considering seasonal variations is crucial in optimizing treatment processes, ensuring compliance with regulations, and maintaining the overall efficiency and effectiveness of WWTPs. This study aimed to determine the influence of seasonality on nitrogen removing microbes and functional genes within A2/O and DOD processes in the humid Wuhan and semi-arid Xi’an cities, China.MethodsThe physicochemical parameters of water quality were determined, and molecular and bioinformatic analyses of the bacterial community and nitrogen metabolism functional genes in the two different treatment processes of two WWTPs were performed over four seasons.Results and discussionOur analyses revealed a significant difference in all physicochemical parameters across all experimental groups (p &lt; 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Dokdonella, one unidentified genus of Nitrospiraceae, Terrimonas, and one unidentified genus of Chloroflexi was the highest in all groups. Generally, warmer seasons exhibited higher biodiversity indices. The A2/O system exhibited higher values in terms of most nitrogen metabolism functional genes than those of the DOD sewage treatment system. In both WWTPs, the abundance of most genes in spring and summer were higher than that of autumn and winter seasons. Taken together, changes in temperature, caused by seasonal changes, may contribute to changes in abundance of nitrogen metabolic functional genes.
Anatomical study of single incision contralateral C7 nerve transfer through subdural pathway
Authors: Yao Long , Yan Zhengcun , Wang Xiaodong , Gu Jiaxiang , Liu Hongjun , Zhang Hengzhu 
Published: October 2024

ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility of single incision C7 nerve transfer surgery through the subarachnoid pathway on the healthy side through anatomical research.MethodFour fresh frozen cadaver specimens were used for the study. Observe and measure the length of C7 nerve root fibers. Divide the front root into 3 bundles and the rear root into 5 bundles.ResultThe C7 nerve has a filamentous structure, arranged symmetrically on both sides, and the length of the root fibers gradually shortens from top to bottom. The length of the left anterior root decreased from (12.25 ± 0.68) mm to (9.75 ± 1.40) mm, the length of the right anterior root decreased from (12.95 ± 1.49) mm to (10.00 ± 2.00) mm, the length of the left posterior root decreased from (15.63 ± 1.55) mm to (12.38 ± 0.71) mm, and the length of the right posterior root decreased from (15.48 ± 1.37) mm to (12.30 ± 0.90) mm. The distance from the exit of the C7 nerve from the dura mater to the fusion site in 4 specimens was (10.98 ± 1.21) mm on the left and (10.98 ± 1.391) mm on the right. All four specimens have completed nerve bundle anastomosis.ConclusionFrom an anatomical perspective, it is feasible to anastomose the healthy side C7 nerve with the affected side root fibers in the dorsal bundle of the spinal cord after cutting off the dura mater.
Reinforcement learning in motor skill acquisition: using the reward positivity to understand the mechanisms underlying short- and long-term behavior adaptation
Authors: Bacelar Mariane F. B. , Lohse Keith R. , Parma Juliana O. , Miller Matthew W. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionAccording to reinforcement learning, humans adjust their behavior based on the difference between actual and anticipated outcomes (i.e., prediction error) with the main goal of maximizing rewards through their actions. Despite offering a strong theoretical framework to understand how we acquire motor skills, very few studies have investigated reinforcement learning predictions and its underlying mechanisms in motor skill acquisition.MethodsIn the present study, we explored a 134-person dataset consisting of learners’ feedback-evoked brain activity (reward positivity; RewP) and motor accuracy during the practice phase and delayed retention test to investigate whether these variables interacted according to reinforcement learning predictions.ResultsResults showed a non-linear relationship between RewP and trial accuracy, which was moderated by the learners’ performance level. Specifically, high-performing learners were more sensitive to violations in reward expectations compared to low-performing learners, likely because they developed a stronger representation of the skill and were able to rely on more stable outcome predictions. Furthermore, contrary to our prediction, the average RewP during acquisition did not predict performance on the delayed retention test.DiscussionTogether, these findings support the use of reinforcement learning models to understand short-term behavior adaptation and highlight the complexity of the motor skill consolidation process, which would benefit from a multi-mechanistic approach to further our understanding of this phenomenon.
Differential regulation of sleep by blue, green, and red light in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Bond Samuel M. , Peralta Aaliyah J. , Sirtalan Dilhan , Skeele Dominic A. , Huang Haoyang , Possidente Debra R. , Vecsey Christopher G. 
Published: October 2024

IntroductionExposure to blue-enriched light from electronic devices is an emergent disruptor of human sleep, especially at particular times of day. Further dissection of this phenomenon necessitates modeling in a tractable model organism.MethodsThus, we investigated the effects of light color on sleep in Drosophila melanogaster. We measured sleep in red-eyed Canton-S (CS) and white-eyed w1118 flies in baseline 12:12 light/dark conditions and experimental conditions with light-color (blue, red, or green) exposure for all 12 h of daylight or 3 h in the morning or evening.ResultsBlue light reduced daytime and nighttime sleep in CS but not in w1118, potentially indicating a role for the compound eye in blue light’s effects on fruit fly sleep. Red light, especially in the evening, reduced sleep during exposure in both strains. Green light had minimal effects on sleep in CS flies, but evening exposure reduced sleep in w1118 flies, mimicking red light’s effects.DiscussionIn conclusion, light’s effects on sleep in D. melanogaster are dependent on wavelength and time-of-day. Future studies will aim to dissect these mechanisms genetically.