bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The potential of metagenomic next-generation sequencing in the diagnosis of fracture-related infection: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhu Hanxiao , Zhang Xiangfeng , Li Hang , Xie Lijun , Chen Erman 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Diagnosis of infective pathogen could be challenging in fracture-related infection (FRI). Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a new approach to identify the organism in bone infection disease. We aimed to evaluate the accuracy of mNGS in determining the causative organisms of FRI.
Methods
From January 2021 to June 2023, a total of 105 cases with suspected FRI in our hospital were enrolled. Samples for mNGS, culture, and histopathological tests were collected surgically or by aspiration biopsy. mNGS was performed for diagnosis. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for mNGS and culture test, using histopathological results in conjunction with FRI criteria.
Results
According to FRI criteria, 96 of the 105 cases had infection, and 9 were classified in the aseptic group. Specificity of mNGS was 88.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 51.8–99.7%), sensitivity was 90.6% (95% CI, 82.9–95.2%), positive predictive value (PPV) was 98.9% (95% CI, 93.8–99.9%), and negative predictive value (NPV) was 47.1% (95% CI, 26.2–69.0%). Specificity of culture was 100% (95% CI, 66.4–100%), sensitivity was 50% (95% CI, 39.6–60.4%), PPV was 100% (95% CI, 92.6–100%), and NPV was 15.8% (95% CI, 7.5–27.9%). mNGS was more sensitive than culture (χ༒=9.931, P = 0.001), whereas the specificity of mNGS and culture was similar (P > 0.05). A total of 81.2% (39/48) of culture-negative patients had positive results on mNGS. Soft tissue specimen without pus was a risk factor for the negative result of mNGS (χ༒=5.693, P = 0.017). In FRI cases, open fracture was a risk factor for polymicrobial infection (χ༒=11.482, P = 0.001).
Conclusions
mNGS offers higher sensitivity for diagnosis and pathogen detection of FRI compared with microbiological culture. We believe that application of mNGS in the field of FRI would benefit more patients.
A Story about Optimism and Access to Healthcare Services Among Crisis Migrant Venezuelan Women Living in Peru
Authors: Scaramutti Carolina , Pesantes Maria Amalia , Cortez-Farfan Leonardo , Sahbaz Sumeyra , Montero-Zamora Pablo , Alpysbekova Aigerim , Vo Duyen H. , Penna Abby , PortoCarrero Jill , Brown Eric C. , Behar-Zusman Victoria , Schwartz Seth J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Venezuela has triggered a substantial migration exodus, with Peru emerging as a primary destination for Venezuelan refugees. Since 2016, approximately 1.8 million Venezuelans have migrated to Peru, resulting in significant challenges for both the migrants and the host country.
Objectives
This study, conducted in 2020–2021, investigates the interrelation between discrimination, mental health, and access to healthcare services among Venezuelan women residing in Peru. Specifically, it aims to elucidate how perceived cultural stressors (discrimination and negative context of reception) influence healthcare access, with a focus on the mediating roles of anxiety, depressive symptoms, optimism, and life satisfaction.
Methods
Data were collected in 2021 from 100 Venezuelan women (M age: 34 years) living in Peru through surveys that assessed cultural stressors, mental health indicators, well-being, and healthcare access. Using structural equation modeling, we explored the associations of cultural stressors with healthcare access. We also examined the mediating effects of anxiety, depressive symptoms, optimism, and life satisfaction.
Results
The analyses revealed that perceived discrimination was negatively associated with optimism and life satisfaction, and directly correlated with decreased access to healthcare. Furthermore, negative context of reception was positively associated with greater anxiety and depressive symptoms, which in turn indirectly reduced healthcare access by reducing levels of optimism.
Conclusion
The findings highlight the profound impact of social and psychological factors on healthcare access among Venezuelan women in Peru. The study underscores the critical need for fostering supportive environments to enhance the well-being of this population. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of optimism and life satisfaction in mitigating the adverse effects of discrimination and negative context of reception.
Ghosts of predators past remain in the spatial distribution and population density of the Japanese serow
Authors: Takada Hayato , Washida Akane , Yamasaki Shuhei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Some ungulate species select areas with abundant escape terrain despite the absence of predators, indicating that the ghosts of predators past continue to affect their spatial behavior. Population densities of such ungulates may also be influenced by the escape terrain; however, this has not been fully investigated. We examined spatial distribution and population density of the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) at Mt. Fuji in the absence of predators in relation to abundance and quality of forage, vegetation, escape terrain (steep slopes), and other factors. Only escape terrain affected serow spatial distribution and their distribution was biased towards areas with steeper slopes, suggesting that the ghosts of predators past, i.e., wolves (Canis lupus) and serow-hunting humans, still influence serow spatial distribution. The population density of serows was higher in coniferous forests than in broad-leaved forests, and in areas with abundant dwarf bamboos and where high fecal nitrogen content was detected, suggesting that forage availability of dwarf bamboo and coniferous trees as well as forage quality influenced population density. Moreover, the population density of serows was higher in areas with abundant escape terrain, suggesting that the ghosts of predators past still affect their population density. Population densities of serows may be low because fewer individuals settle in environments with minimal escape terrain.
An optimal weighting scheme for a synthetic index of perception of inequality
Authors: Bavetta Sebastiano , Donni Paolo Li , Marino Maria , Ribaudo Francesco 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This study develops a composite index to measure perception of inequality (PI), focusing on two domains: inequality of opportunity and inequality of outcome. Using survey responses from 24 OECD countries within the International Social Survey Programme (ISSP), we identify latent patterns in public perceptions of inequality and construct a PI score using a weighting scheme optimized through latent variable models. By aggregating various indicators related to societal and economic inequalities, we address multidimensionality and the inherent unobservability of PI, ensuring our index provides a nuanced and comprehensive representation. The optimal weighting methodology allows for clear comparisons across groups and over time, reflecting context-invariance in the outcome domain but multidimensional perceptions in the opportunity domain. Validations with objective inequality indicators, such as the Gini index and intergenerational mobility indices, confirm the robustness of our score. Our findings reveal the sensitivity of the perception of inequality to demographic and socioeconomic factors, aligning with previous research. This index offers a valuable tool for understanding public perceptions of inequality and its drivers, with implications for policy evaluation and social research.
JEL codes: D63, D31, D83
Strong Anonymous Batch Authentication Scheme Against Sybil Attack in VANET
Authors: Man Zeyu , Pan Senshan , Xu Zhiwei , Ye Mengping 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Addressing the challenges of efficiency, security, and privacy protection in vehicle communication within the vehicular ad hoc networks (VANET), this study proposes a strongly anonymous privacy protection scheme based on group signatures. Our scheme supports batch verification and immediate revocation, making it suitable for the trusted authority-roadside unit-vehicle (TA-RSU-Vehicle) system architecture. By incorporating efficient batch verification technology, it enhances signature verification efficiency, reduces system overhead, and verifies its reliability. Combining the Chinese Remainder Theorem with Schnorr's signature idea, even a vehicle of limited resources can check by itself the legitimacy of the message signer in the system due to our instant revocation mechanism. Roadside units (RSUs) are introduced to alleviate the workload of the trusted authority (TA). The strong anonymity design protects vehicle privacy. After a comprehensive security analysis and performance evaluation, our scheme demonstrates reliable batch verification, immediate revocation, and a secure system structure with good performance.
Understanding the risk of breast cancer from population and geographic perspective
Authors: Xiao Chenchang , Chen Juan , Wang Kai , Xu Yunan , Wijayabahu Akemi , Yu Bin 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer is one of the most significant public health challenges in the United States. This study aims to deepen the understanding of burden of breast cancer from a four-dimensional view based on population and geographic information to inform better evidence-based decision making and resource optimization.
Methods
Data of breast cancer in the study were derived from National Cancer Institutes’ State Cancer Profiles, including total count and age-standardized prevalence of breast cancer by state. Four indicators were estimated, including total count, population-based P rate, geographic-based G rate and population and geographic-based PG rate. The free software R was used to do the geographic mapping to visualize the pattern of the four indicators across states.
Results
The top five states with the largest count of breast cancer were California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania, informing the resources needed for treatment. The top five states with highest P rate were Maryland, Wyoming, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Oregon, while the top five states with highest G rate included New Jersey, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Maryland, revealing breast cancer risk from population and geographic perspective. When controlling for both population and geographic size, the states with highest PG rate were Rhode Island, Delaware, Connecticut, Hawaii, and New Jersey, presenting a declining trend of breast cancer burden from Northeast to Southwest.
Conclusion
This study added two indicators to the conventional measures of disease risk to incorporate the influence of geographic information, presenting a four-dimensional national pattern of breast cancer risk. Study findings will provide evidence informing better decision making for optimal resource allocation.
Effects of Foliar Copper Supplementation on Metabolomic Profile of Garlic Bulb
Authors: de Almeida Natália Reis , Ikehara Brena Rodrigues Mota , Calácio Camila Cristina , Oliveira Thaísa Fernanda , Pinto Frederico Garcia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Introduction Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is renowned for its health-promoting properties, largely due to its sulfur-rich compounds. While copper is essential for plant growth and metabolism, excessive levels can disrupt cellular processes and lead to oxidative stress.Objectives This study aims to investigate the impact of copper supplementation on the metabolic profile of garlic, with a particular focus on changes in sulfur metabolism.Methods Using LC-MS metabolomics, the metabolic profile of garlic was analyzed after copper supplementation to assess changes, specifically in sulfur-containing compounds.Results Substantial decreases were observed in alliin-derived key sulfur compounds responsible for garlic's health benefits and aroma, including allicin, alliin, and γ-glutamyl-S-allylcysteine. Additionally, precursors of the antioxidant protein glutathione (GSH) were depleted, likely as a result of GSH sparing efforts to counteract copper-induced oxidative stress. This redirection may increase susceptibility to ferroptosis, a form of cell death linked to oxidative damage.Conclusion The findings suggest that even field-appropriate levels of copper could negatively affect sulfur compound biosynthesis in garlic, potentially reducing its quality and therapeutic value. This underscores the importance of balanced copper application in garlic cultivation to maintain both crop yield and quality.
Machine learning based pan-plant analyses of transposable elements across 352 species illuminates genome evolution
Authors: Liu Xin , Huang Yan , Sahu Sunil , Shi Chengcheng , Sun Shuai 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Transposable elements (TEs), nature’s genetic engineers’, are pivotal drivers of genome evolution, yet their precise mechanisms in shaping plant functional innovation remain elusive. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of TEs across 558 high-quality plant genomes, encompassing 352 species from 221 genera across five phyla, ranging from algae to angiosperms. We identified over 460 million TEs and 67 million transposase domains, systematically assessing their impact on host genomes through gene domestication, noncoding RNA generation, and gene duplication. Our analysis revealed 1,258,230 genes domesticated from TEs, 1,165,059 ncRNAs originating from TEs, and 10,488,967 TE-induced gene duplications. These genes affect more than 2,805 function families, likely planning crucial roles at key stages of plant evolution. Using a machine learning-based framework, we uncovered 1,536 lineage-specific functional gene families significantly influenced by TEs, with enzymes and transcription factors being predominant. Notably, we elucidated the role of TEs in expanding transcription factor gene families and in facilitating potential horizontal gene transfer of synthase gene families. This study provides unprecedented insights into TE-driven plant evolution, demonstrating how TEs contributes to key innovations at various evolutionary stages. Our finding not only enhance understanding of plant genome dynamics but also offer valuable resources for crop improvement and synthetic biology, illumination both current knowledge and future potential of evolutionary processes.
A Minimal Incision Technique for Gynecomastia Surgery: Feasibility and Outcome of a Minimal Incision Technique
Authors: Haridas Aswin , Radhakrishnan Akhi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Rationale:
Gynecomastia or enlargement of the male breasts affects a large proportion of males, with most patients requiring surgical intervention . Refinements in the surgical process are still ongoing so as to provide the best results with minimal scarring. The authors presented a case of unilateral gynecomastia which was successfully managed with a technique that offered acceptable operative time, minimal complications, good recovery and satisfactory aesthetic outcome.
Patient Concerns:
A male patient aged 22 years presented with complaints presented with unilateral swelling of on left chest and following investigation was diagnosed as having gynaecomastia.
Diagnosis:
Ultrasonography finding showed Breast growth of fibrofatty glandular tissue measuring 7 cm noted in left chest . Changes suggestive of gynaecomastia.
Intervention:
Direct infra areolar incision and the gland removal through a single transverse (Minimal One-Third Incision and Four-Step )MOTIF incision below the nipple.
Outcomes:
The operating time was 35 min, and there was minimal bleeding during the procedure. Complications were also negligible, patient achieved restoration of chest contour with intact nipple areolar complex after surgery proving that single infra areolar incision made below the nipple is a safe approach with good cosmetic outcomes.
Human Alveolar Macrophage Function is Impaired in Tuberculosis Contacts With Diabetes
Authors: Ronacher Katharina , Kleynhans Léanie , Kunsevi-Kilola Carine , Tshivhula Happy , Webber Tariq , Keyser Alana , Prins Nicole , Snyders Candice , Shabangu Ayanda , Rozot Virginie , Kidd Martin , Zhang Hao , Cai Hong , Wang Yufeng , Ewing Adam , Malherbe Stephanus , Azad Abul , Arnett Eusondia , Restrepo Blanca , Schlesinger Larry 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) increases susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB) with the underlying mechanisms remaining unknown. To determine whether immune dysfunction in the lung contributes to TB susceptibility, we obtained paired human alveolar macrophages (HAMs) and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from TB-exposed individuals with/without T2D. Upon infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb), T2D-HAMs had more M.tb growth and produced more TNF. There were fewer neutrophils in the bronchoalveolar lavage of T2D patients which was inversely correlated with M.tb growth. Both T2D-HAMs and MDMs expressed less CD32, with T2D patients having fewer M1-like MDMs. T2D-MDMs produced less IL-1RA and CSF2. Overall M.tb-induced gene expression was delayed in T2D-HAMs, but genes involved in negative regulation of neutrophil migration were upregulated. T2D-HAM DNA was hypermethylated compared to control HAMs, however genes linked to TNF signalling were hypomethylated. We show here the first in-depth analysis of T2D-HAMs providing an explanation for more severe TB in T2D patients.
#22 – Kinder- und Jugendmedienschutz mitmachen Teil 3
Authors: Struckmeyer Kati , Frense Elena 
Published: November 2024

Wie funktioniert partizipativer Jugendmedienschutz in der Praxis? Das erfahren wir in dieser Podcast-Folge von unseren Interview-Gästinnen. Elena Frense arbeitet inzwischen beim Deutschen Kinderschutzbund und hat sich schon in ihrer Masterarbeit mit partizipativem Jugendmedienschutz auseinandergesetzt. Sie erzählt unserer Redakteurin Kati Struckmeyer von ihren Ansätzen, wie Kinder und Jugendliche den Medienschutz mitgestalten können. In der Praxis setzt das Projekt ACT ON! diese Ansätze schon erfolgreich um. Die Praxismodule mit Kindern- und Jugendlichen bauen auf Monitoring-Studien auf, in denen die jungen Nutzer*innen zu ihren Interessen und Bedarfen befragt wurden. Tina Drechsel stellt das Projekt und den Ansatz dahinter vor (ab. Min 23:00).
Hier haben wir für euch die Materialien von ACT ON! sowie den Link zu Elena Frenses Buch:
ACT ON!-Projektclip
Podcast-Interview zu Jugendschutzgesetz
Material Game ‚Influenc[AR]‘
Elena Frense: Partizipativer Jugendmedienschutz
Reichert, Ramón (2023). Selfies. Selbstthematisierung in der digitalen Bildkultur. Bielefeld: transcript. 200 S., 30,00 €.
Authors: Struckmeyer Kati 
Published: November 2024

Selfies sind aus dem alltäglichen Handeln mit Medien nicht mehr wegzudenken und omnipräsent in den Bildkulturen der Gegenwart. Der Kultur- und Medientheoretiker Ramón Reichert analysiert in seinem Werk die Selbstthematisierung im digitalen Zeitalter und verbindet dabei Plattformkritik mit einer Kritik an digitaler Subjektivität.
Selfies werden von Reichert aber auch als Ermöglichung einer kritischen Reflexion des Selbst und seiner Praktiken des Erzählens, Zeigens und Mitteilens in den Fokus gerückt. Dabei wird auch die innovative Dynamik einer kritisch-reflexiven Distanzierung des Selfie-Kults auf der Grundlage praktischer Mediennutzung sichtbar gemacht.
Anhand von Beispielen wie dem Hashtag #rkoi (Rich Kids of Instagram) werden jugendliche Medienpraktiken analysiert. Reichert zeigt hier die Komplexität der Inszenierungen sozialer Ungleichheit in Social Media nachvollziehbar auf. Auch „Selfie Wars“ (S. 66) ist ein Kapitel gewidmet: Reichert zeigt hier, wie hybride Kriegsführung, zum Beispiel in Syrien oder im Irak, auch medialisierte Formen militärischer Gewalt benutzt, um „den digitalen Informationskrieg im Internet für die Beeinflussung der öffentlichen Meinung zu instrumentalisieren.“ (S. 67).
Diese und weitere Aspekte machen Selfies zu einer interessanten Lektüre für alle, die sich analytisch mit dem Phänomen Selfies auseinandersetzen wollen.

Reichert, Ramón (2023). Selfies. Selbstthematisierung in der digitalen Bildkultur. Bielefeld: transcript. 200 S., 30,00 €.
Neuroprotective Potential of Tanshinone-IIA in Mitigating Propionic Acidinduced Experimental Autism-like Behavioral and Neurochemical Alterations: Insights into c-JNK and p38MAPK Pathways
Authors: Sherawat Kajal , Mehan Sidharth , Khan Zuber , Tiwari Aarti , Gupta Ghanshyam Das , Narula Acharan S. 
Published: November 2024

Introduction:
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation. These factors can lead to
the overactivation of c-JNK and p38MAPK

Methods:
In rats, stereotactic intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of propionic acid (PPA) results in autistic-like characteristics such as poor social
interaction, repetitive behaviours, and restricted communication. Research has demonstrated the beneficial effects of phytochemicals derived from
plants in treating neurological disorders. Tanshinone-IIA (Tan-IIA) is a chemical found in the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza. It has neuroprotective
potential by inhibiting c-JNK and p38MAPK against behavioral and neurochemical alterations in PPA-induced autistic rats. We observe behavioral
changes, alterations in apoptotic markers, myelin basic protein (MBP), neurofilament-Light (NEFL), inflammatory cytokines, brain-derived
neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and neurotransmitter imbalances using different brain regions (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, striatum), as well as
biological samples, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood plasma.

Results:
Persistent administration of 30 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg Tan-IIA via intraperitoneal injection reduced these alterations dose-dependently. Anisomycin
(3 mg/kg.,i.p.) as a SAPK (c-JNK and p38MAPK) agonist was administered to assess the neuroprotective effect of Tan-IIA in autistic rats. Tan-
IIA's molecular interactions with c-JNK and p38MAPK were confirmed using silico analysis. We also observed gross morphological,
histopathological, and Luxol Fast Blue (LFB) myelin straining changes in whole and coronal brain sections

Conclusion:
Thus, Tan-IIA has a neuroprotective potential by inhibiting the c-JNK and p38MAPK signalling pathways, which reduces the behavioral and
neurochemical abnormalities induced by PPA in adult Wistar rats, indicating that current results should be studied further for the diagnosis and
treatment of autism.