bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global Patterns of Belonging: A Cross-National Study of 22 Countries
Authors: Counted Victor , Allen Kelly-Ann , Johnson Byron R. , VanderWeele Tyler J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Belonging is the human need to form and maintain lasting, positive, and significant connections. However, as our societies grow more diverse and complex, understanding the factors associated with a sense of belonging has become increasingly challenging, particularly because these experiences can vary widely across different cultures and countries. Studying belonging across multiple countries is needed to capture this variability and understand how individuals connect with their communities. This study investigates patterns of belonging across 22 countries using data from 202,898 individuals, examining how demographic factors such as age, gender, marital status, employment, religious service attendance, education, immigration status, religious affiliation, and race/ethnicity are associated with belonging. The meta-analysis reveals general trends: older individuals and those employed tend to report higher belonging compared to younger participants and the unemployed. Frequent religious service attendance is also linked to higher belonging, even in more secular countries. However, these patterns vary across countries. For instance, belonging decreases with age in India, but shows a mixed pattern in Nigeria, and in Japan after remaining stable across ages 18–49, increases substantially from age 50 onwards, with the highest levels observed among those 80 or older. Similarly, while men generally report lower belonging than women, some countries, like Sweden and Germany, show lower belonging among individuals of other gender. Unemployed individuals generally report lower belonging, though the gap is smaller in countries like Mexico, while migrants also tend to report lower belonging, with varying differences across countries such as Egypt and Indonesia, where native-born individuals reported lower belonging than migrants. These insights offer global benchmarks and suggest that public health strategies and community interventions might benefit from being tailored to address the specific needs of subpopulations with lower belonging levels, varying by demographic and country context.
Boosting VFAs production during the anaerobic digestion of corn stover waste in Northeast China: Freeze-thaw pretreatment and effect of initial pH
Authors: Qi Nan , Zhao Yinuo , Zhang Chaoxing , Xu Ying , Wei Zixi , Bao Hongxu , Wang Jian 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The low temperature in Northeastern China is a prospective and exploitable advantage in low energy consumption pretreatment for lignocellulose. The effects of freeze-thaw pretreatment on the microstructure of corn stover hydrolysis characteristics and fermentation acid production were investigated using corn stover as the raw material. The experimental results demonstrated that the reducing sugar release and SCOD values of corn stover following freeze-thaw pretreatment exhibited increases of 15.77–66.96% and 13.89–68.94%, respectively, compared to those of the control group. Freeze-thaw pretreatment effectively alters the microstructure of stover, disrupting the hydrogen bonds between cellulose and hemicellulose in the amorphous zone of treated corn stover and removing lignin. The acid yield of the treated corn stover under optimal pretreatment conditions is enhanced by up to 77.94% compared with the control group. The initial pH pronouncedly influenced the acid yield of anaerobic fermentation of corn stover, with the highest acid yield of 3.78 g/L observed at pH values between 7.5 and 8. This study provides theoretical guidance for the industrial development of low-cost and low-energy consumption pretreatment method in lignocellulose wastes.
Ecotoxicological data of selected antiviral drugs acting against SARS-CoV-2: Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence inhibition, Daphnia magna immobilization, and comparison with in silico predictions
Authors: Bartels Indra , Nahar Nazmun , Smollich Esther , Zimmermann Sonja , Schmidt Torsten , Jaeger Martin , Sures Bernd 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Micropollutants such as pharmaceuticals that are released into the environment after wastewater treatment may have a severe impact on organisms in the aquatic environment. Especially ecotoxicological effects of antiviral drugs have been insufficiently investigated up to date. As a result of SARSCoV-2, favipiravir, remdesivir and molnupiravir, as well as their metabolites GS-441524 and EIDD-1931, have become the focus of treatment options against the COVID-19 virus. Thus, this study investigated potential ecotoxicological effects of these substances to the aquatic organisms Aliivibrio fischeri (DIN EN ISO 11348-1:2008) and Daphnia magna (OECD No. 202). The concentrations of the test substances in the exposure media were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight high-resolution mass spectrometry. During the bioluminescence inhibition test using A. fischeri, effective concentration values indicating 10% efficacy were found for favipiravir and molnupiravir, i.e. 9.3 mg∙L− 1 and 95.5 mg∙L− 1. For EIDD-1931, ecotoxicological data were obtained and could fill the gap in available databases. As the effective concentrations indicating 50% efficacy on the test organisms were determined to exceed 1400 and 1500 mg∙L− 1, no ecotoxicological hazards during exposure of EIDD-1931 on both A. fischeri and D. magna are expected. Ecotoxicity values were further predicted using quantitative structure-activity relationship regarding the test organisms green algae and D. magna. Predicted values did not correlate with the findings of the acute immobilization tests with D. magna, suggesting predictions should be considered with caution. In general, the ecotoxicological findings as well as the calculation of the risk quotients indicated no or low ecotoxicological risks emerging from the five substances tested.
Synthesis, physical properties, and root canal sealing of experimental MTA- and salicylate-based root canal sealers
Authors: Vitti Rafael , Cardoso Flávia , Pereira Flávia , Piva Evandro , Zanchi Cesar , Abuna Gabriel , Lima Carolina , Silva Emmanuel , Aguiar Flávio , Sinhoreti Mário Alexandre 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives: To develop and evaluate the physical properties and sealing ability within the root canal of three experimental sealers based on MTA and a salicylate resin.
Materials and Methods: The experimental sealers were composed of two pastes. The base paste was prepared using 1,3-butyleneglycol disalicylate and bismuth oxide. Three different catalytic pastes were formulated, creating three groups: [MTA] n,n,dihydroxyethyl-p-toluidine (DPT), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA); [MTA-HA] DPT + TiO2 + MTA + hydroxyapatite (HA); and [MTA-DCPD] DPT + TiO2 + MTA + dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD). MTA Fillapex (Angelus) was used as the commercial reference (control). The sealers were manipulated at a 1:1 ratio (base paste:catalyst). Tests for working time and setting time, flow, and film thickness were conducted following ISO 6876:2012 standards. Single-rooted human teeth root canals were utilized for evaluating root canal filling using micro-computed tomography, push-out bond strength testing, and sealer penetration into dentinal tubules using confocal microscopy. Failure patterns in the push-out test were classified as adhesive, cohesive, or mixed. Sealer micromorphology was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed statistically (α=0.05).
Results: MTA Fillapex showed the longest working and setting times, highest flow, the lowest film thickness, and better penetration into dentinal tubules. There was no difference in void among evaluated sealers. Overall, MTA-DCPD sealer showed the lowest bond strength values for cervical and apical thirds. Micromorphological analysis revealed similar crystallographic properties among all sealers.
Conclusions: The sealers tested showed reduced working and setting times, with flow and film thickness according to ISO 6876:2012. Their void volume and bond strength were similar to MTA Fillapex, except for MTA-DCPD. Clinical Relevance: The experimental root canal sealers demonstrated suitable physical properties and good adaptation within the root canal.
Influence of COVID-19 infection prevention measures on face-to-face psychotherapy
Authors: Ono Satoshi , Fukui Hatuna , Aoki Sanae 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

While knowledge of telepsychotherapy increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about face-to-face psychotherapy conducted under infection prevention measures. This study examined this model, assuming that infection prevention measures had the effect of increasing difficulties in face-to-face psychotherapy and psychologists' concerns, and that supportive devices were made to resolve these difficulties. An online survey of 471 Japanese psychologists was conducted.The results showed that an acrylic board separating client and therapist inhibited mutual information exchange and the maintenance of stable support. In addition, limiting the number of sessions, such as decreasing the time and frequency of support, caused the greatest variety of problems, including difficulty in communication and stability of support. When psychologists felt difficulties in stable support and communication difficulties in support, they were encouraged to clarify communication by overacting and confirming, both directly and through a sense of crisis in their identity as psychologists, to complement face-to-face psychotherapy stabilization.
The effect of climate changes on soil fertility and temperature stress in rice cultivation
Authors: Mahdavi Seyed Mohamad , Mohammadian Mohammad , Mashaki Keyvan Mahdavi , Abadian Hoda , Nabipour Alireza , Moghaddam Rahman Erfani 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In order to ensure food security for the future, finding optimal agricultural management in the shadow of significant impact of climate changes on crops is needed. This research related to nutritional problems under effect of future climate changes on rice, at four levels of nitrogen application treatments (0, 60, 90 and 120 Kg/ha) and three planting densities (20cm × 20cm, 30cm × 16cm, 30cm × 14cm) and two CO2 concentration scenario (RCP2.6 and RCP6.0) at 2044 and 2064, was conducted in northern part of Iran, using Aquacrop model. The introduced polynomial equation increased the accuracy of the relationship between leaf area index and canopy cover with an average error of 16%. With the increase in fertilizer level and planting density, crop production increased, with observed maximum and minimum yields of 7and 3.7 ton/ha for N3D1 and N0D2 treatments, respectively. It was observed that the soil fertility stress led to up to 55% reduction in biomass. By increasing temperature and CO2 concentration, the fertility stress was also increased with the highest value of 45.5% for RCP6.0 scenario in 2064.There is a possibility of temperature stress in future years which causes stomata closure and early senescence, so in our work a maximum of 2% temperature stress was observed in 2064, which led to a 5% decrease in the yield. The water requirement of the crop increased from 305 mm in the base year to 322 mm in 2064.Both WP* and WUE were increased with increasing temperature and CO2, with the highest values of 26 g/cm2 and 2.56 Kg/m3, respectively, for RCP6.0 in 2064.
Draft genome of pin nematode Paratylenchus projectus recovered from rhizosphere of blueberry
Authors: Liu Liang-Qin , Fu Wei-Qi , Ma Yuan-Yuan , Liu Zhi-Yin , Ge Chun-feng , Yang Yi-Ru , Qing Xue , Zeng Qi-Long 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The pin nematode, belonging to the genus Paratylenchus, parasitizes higher plants, often causing reduced or arrested root tip development.
Methods
Pin nematodes were isolated from the roots and rhizosphere of blueberry plants and subsequently identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular barcoding. The draft genome was sequenced using the Illumina platform.
Results
Phylogenetic analysis based on 18S, 28S, and ITS rRNA placed this species in highly supported clades alongside other P. projectus specimens. The draft genome of P. projectus was sequenced and assembled, representing the first genomic data for both the genus Paratylenchus and the family Tylenchulidae. The assembled genome, though fragmented, had a total length of 191.36 Mbp in 84,313 contigs. Protein-coding genes were predicted using four different databases, with particular focus on carbohydrate-active enzymes from the GH5 and GH18 families. The recovered GH5 genes were distributed among three distinct clades: one forming a basal group relative to other nematodes, one as a sister clade to the fungivorous nematode Aphelenchus avenae, and one nested within a fungal clade. The GH18 chitinase genes were grouped into two clades: one closely related to sedentary plant-parasitic nematodes of the genera Heterodera and Globodera, and the other closely related to the fungivorous nematode Ditylenchus.
Conclusions
The draft genome of Paratylenchus projectus was sequenced and assembled, representing the first genomic data for both the genus Paratylenchus and the family Tylenchulidae.
Naturally occurring antibodies against ASC decrease during aging
Authors: Zhu Xiaopeng , Gao Xia , Liu He , Long Yan , Deng Juan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate the variations of the naturally occurring antibodies against ASC (NAbs-ASC) among a healthy Chinese population and analyze their correlation with age.
Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited a total of 97 young, 99 middle-aged, and 108 elderly subjects from the Health Management Department of Daping Hospital, Army Medical University. The study compared the levels of the NAbs-ASC in different age groups and analyzed the correlation between NAbs-ASC and age using Spearman's correlation. Additionally, the study involved plotting NAbs-ASC to evaluate the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for aging.
Results: NAbs-ASC were widely present in humans.NAbs-ASC levels were significantly lower in the elderly group compared with the young (2421.15ng/L vs. 2849.26 ng/L, p<0.001) and middle-aged groups (2421.15 ng/L vs. 2878.44 ng/L, p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in NAbs-ASC levels between the young and middle-aged groups (2849.26 vs. 2878.44, p=0.576). Spearman's correlation analysis indicated a negative correlation between age and NAbs-ASC levels (r=-0.324, p<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) for NAbs-ASC was 0.699 (95% CI: 0.628-0.771, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: The NAbs-ASC levels were reduced in elderly individuals and are negatively correlated with age. NAbs-ASC may serve as a potential biomarker of aging and aging-related diseases.
Effect of fluoride on the expression of Th17-related cytokines profiles in Hepa1-6 cells
Authors: Guo Hong-wei , Wang Xiao-pan , Zhao Wen-peng , Zhao Jing , Li Hua-wei , Zheng Ming 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Excessive fluorine (F) ion has strong cytotoxicity and can cause inflammatory reaction. However, little is understood about associations between the secretion of T helper-17 (Th17)-related inflammatory factor and the risk of F ion-induced disorders in Hepa1-6 cells. In this study, Hepa1-6 cells were exposed to culture medium containing 0, 1 and 2 mmol/L F ion for 48 h, then the culture supernatant was subjected to detect the Th17-related inflammatory cytokines (macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-3α, interleukin (IL)-13, IL-21, transforming growth factor type beta 1 (TGF-β1), IL-17F, IL-5, IL-28A, IL-23, IL-22, IL-17A, IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-1β, Interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-6, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α). The results showed that TGF-β1 as the only differential expression protein (DEP) was down-regulated in the 1 mmol/L F ion group when compared with the control group. However, 7 DEPs were detected in the 2 mmol/L F ion group, with 2 DEPs (IL-6 and IL-17F) were up-regulated and 5 DEPs (IL-5, IL-10, TGF-β1, IL-1β and IL-2) were down-regulated. Besides, the expressions of up-regulated IL-6 and down-regulated IL-5 in the 2 mmol/L F ion group were significant difference when compared with the 1 mmol/L F ion group. Additionally, the Gene ontology (GO) database and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database were used to analyze the biological processes, cellular component and signaling pathways that DEPs are potentially involved in. Collectively, these data indicate that Th17-related cytokines expression pattern plays an important role in fluoride-induced cytotoxicity.
Assessment of binocular vision and accommodation in myopic children wearing Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) Lenses for 24 Months
Authors: Yahaya Nur Adibah , Norazman Fatin Nur Najwa , Mohd-Ali Bariah , Shahimin Mizhanim Mohamad , Fadzil Norliza Mohamad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the changes in binocular vision (BV) and accommodation in myopic children following long-term wear of Defocus Incorporated Multiple Segments (DIMS) spectacle lenses for 24 months.
Methods: Twenty-three Malay myopic children aged 7–12 years were enrolled in this prospective, self-controlled study. DIMS spectacle lenses were prescribed, and assessments were conducted at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Assessments included visual acuity (VA), cycloplegic refraction, axial length (AL), and a range of BV measures including stereopsis, near point of convergence (NPC), phoria, positive/negative fusional vergence (PFV/NFV), amplitude of accommodation (AA), accommodative lag, positive/negative relative accommodation (PRA/NRA), and accommodative convergence to accommodation (AC/A) ratio.
Results: Statistically significant changes were observed after 24 months, including AL elongation and myopia progression (P<0.001), receded NPC (p<0.001), reduced AA (p=0.002), increased distance PFV (p=0.026), and improvements in accommodative lag (p=0.002), NRA (p=0.004), stereopsis (p<0.001), and the AC/A ratio (p<0.001). Additionally, there were statistically significant improvements in distance and near VA (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Wearing DIMS spectacle lenses for 24 months significantly altered the BV and accommodation of myopic children, particularly by improving the accommodation-convergence interaction. Regular monitoring of NPC, as well as distance and near PFV and NFV, is recommended to optimize the effectiveness of DIMS lenses in controlling myopia progression and maintaining BV stability.
Visual impairments simulation in virtual reality as an empathy booster
Authors: Zwoliński Grzegorz , Kamińska Dorota , Pinto-Coelho Luis , Haamer Rain Eric , Raposo Rui , Vairinhos M´ario 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The World Health Organization estimates that 1.3 billion people, or 16% of the world's population, currently live with a significant disability. This number is growing due to the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases and longer life expectancy. It is estimated that most people will experience a temporary disability at least once in their lifetime. Despite recent progress, persons with disabilities continue to face challenges in social and labor market inclusion, often due to a widespread lack of awareness of their daily struggles. In response to this critical issue, this paper seeks to promote awareness by inviting the user into a world of visual impairments through an innovative simulation of these conditions within a virtual environment. Within this immersive experience, users engage in a series of tests that challenge them to perform seemingly simple tasks while navigating the complexities of 18 different visual impairments. This research, validated by the participation of 60 users, relies on objective metrics such as reaction time and accuracy to quantify the profound impact of these impairments on task performance. Beyond the quantitative measurements, an online pre- and post-test questionnaire reveals a remarkable transformation in participants - an increase in empathy. The results of the study not only underscore the fact that a true understanding of the challenges faced by people with visual impairments often requires first-hand experience, but also illuminate the power of such experiences in fostering empathy and raising awareness. As a result, the proposed application contributes to a broader understanding of the challenges posed by visual impairments and the importance of promoting universal design approaches and initiatives.
Deletion of a Distal IRF4 Element Prevents Inflammation-induced Reprogramming of Human Regulatory T-cell Fate
Authors: Tang Qizhi , Ho Patrick , Rosenthal Wendy , Bluestone Jeffrey 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Adoptive regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy is an emergent treatment paradigm for restoring immune tolerance in patients with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. While preclinical models have demonstrated the remarkable efficacy of Treg cell therapy, lineage-tracing studies have also revealed that murine Tregs can lose lineage identity and adopt a proinflammatory state. Whether human Tregs exhibit a similar susceptibility to inflammatory cytokine-mediated lineage decommitment remains inconclusive. Here, we present an in vitro model of human Treg destabilization characterized by silencing of the Treg lineage-defining transcription factor, FOXP3, loss of suppressive activity, and gain of proinflammatory functions. Analysis of single-cell ATAC and transcriptomic profiles of Tregs during destabilization revealed a switch in chromatin accessibility between two elements at the IRF4 locus. Excision of the distal IRF4 element enabled Tregs to resist inflammatory cytokine-induced reprogramming, presenting a cell-engineering strategy to design more effective Treg therapies.
High-capacity data transmission for optical I/O driven by efficient microcomb and microring modulator
Authors: Lu Liangjun , Zhang Hongyi , Ran Shihuan , Liu Yuanbin , Wang Shuxiao , Cai Yan , Guo Yuyao , Li Yu , Chen Jianping , Zhou Linjie 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The escalating demand for high-speed, low-power data transmission between processing units (XPUs) has underscored the limitations of traditional electrical input/output (I/O) technologies. Silicon photonics emerges as a promising solution for chip-level optical I/O by integrating Kerr microcombs, microring-based modulators, and photodetectors. In this study, we demonstrate a record-breaking error-free optical I/O transmission achieving 2.3 Tbit/s per fiber port. This feat is enabled by dark soliton microcombs generated in a 400-nm-thick Si3N4 microring, exhibiting a high conversion efficiency of 49% and an on-chip spectral bandwidth of 28 nm at -5 dBm, achieved through precise coupling and dispersion engineering. Utilizing a silicon microring modulator with an electro-optic bandwidth of 61.7 GHz, 36 comb lines are encoded with PCIe6.0-compatible 64 Gbit/s on-off keying (OOK) signals. Additionally, these comb lines support 100 Gbit/s OOK per channel with a bit error rate (BER) of 10− 10. The successful integration of these foundry-compatible platforms confirms the viability of microcomb-based optical I/O, paving the way for the next generation of high-speed, energy-efficient data communication systems.