bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring fish choruses: patterns revealed through PCA computed from daily spectrograms
Authors: Sánchez-Gendriz Ignacio , Luna-Naranjo D. , Guedes Luiz Affonso , López José D. , Padovese L. R. 
Published: July 2024

Soundscape analysis has become integral to environmental monitoring, particularly in marine and terrestrial settings. Fish choruses within marine ecosystems provide essential descriptors for environmental characterization. This study employed a month-long sequence of continuous underwater recordings to generate 24-h spectrograms, utilizing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) specifically adapted to analyze fish choruses. The spectrograms were constructed using a frequency range from 0 to 5 kHz, represented by 1,025 spectral points (frequency bin width 5 Hz) on a linear scale. A preliminary spectral subsampling reduced the frequency components to 205 spectral points. PCA was then applied to this subsampled data, selecting 7 principal components (PCs) that explained 95% of the variance. To enhance visualization and interpretation, we introduced “acoustic maps” portrayed as heatmaps. This methodology proved valuable in characterizing the structure of the observed environment and capturing pertinent diel patterns of fish choruses. Additionally, these PCA components can be analyzed using acoustic maps to reveal hidden dynamics within the marine acoustic environment. The dimensionality reduction achieved by PCA not only streamlined data handling but also enabled the extraction of spectral information pertinent to fish choruses and the temporal dynamics of the soundscape. In conclusion, our methodology presents a versatile framework extendable to diverse biological choruses and ecoacoustic studies. The straightforward, easily interpretable analysis leverages computations derived from 24-h spectrograms, offering novel insights into the daily dynamics of biological. Choruses and contributing to future advancements in ecoacoustic research.
Diversity analyses of bacterial symbionts in four Sclerodermus (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) parasitic wasps, the dominant biological control agents of wood-boring beetles in China
Authors: Kang Kui , Wang Lina , Gong Jun , Tang Yanlong , Wei Ke 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveSclerodermus wasps are important biocontrol agents of a class of wood borers. Bacterial symbionts influence the ecology and biology of their hosts in a variety of ways, including the formation of life-long beneficial or detrimental parasitic infections. However, only a few studies have explored the species and content of the symbionts in the Sclerodermus species.MethodsHere, a high-throughput sequencing study of the V3-V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene revealed a high level of microbial variety in four Sclerodermus waps, and their diversities and functions were also predictedResultsThe three most prevalent phyla of microorganisms in the sample were Firmicutes, Bacteroides, and Proteus. The KEEG pathways prediction results indicated that the three pathways with the highest relative abundances in the S. sichuanensis species were translation, membrane transport, and nucleotide metabolism. These pathways differed from those observed in S. guani, S. pupariae, and S. alternatusi, which exhibited carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, and amino acid metabolism, respectively. Bacteroides were found to be abundant in several species, whereas Wolbachia was the most abundant among S. sichuanensis, with a significant negative correlation between temperature and carriage rate.ConclusionsThese results offer insights into the microbial communities associated with the bethylid wasps, which is crucial for understanding how to increase the reproductive capacity of wasps, enhance their parasitic effects, and lower cost in biocontrol.
“I feel like I don't matter because of my status as a person”— A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study of emergency department care experiences among equity-deserving groups in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Walker Melanie , MacKenzie Meredith , Douglas Stuart L. , Collier Amanda , Pritchard Jodie , Hoffe Sharleen , Norman Patrick A. , Purkey Eva , Messenger David , Bartels Susan A. 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundEquity-deserving groups (EDGs) have increased emergency department (ED) use, and often report negative ED care. Past studies have largely been qualitative and suffer from methodological bias and lack of comparison groups, thereby limiting their identification of interventions to ensure equitable care among equity-deserving populations. This study sought to better understand ED care experiences among EDGs in our local setting.Materials and methodsWe conducted a community-engaged, mixed-methods cross-sectional study using sensemaking methodology at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre's ED and Urgent Care Centre (Ontario, Canada), as well as at community partner organizations. From June-August 2021, eligible participants were invited to complete a survey about an ED care experience within the previous 24 months. Multiple-choice questions collected demographic/ED visit information including self-identification with up to three EDGs (Indigenous; having a disability; experiencing mental health concerns; persons who use substances (PWUS); 2SLGBTQ+; people who experience homelessness (PWEH); a visible minority; or having experienced violence). We evaluated differences in overall ED care experiences by EDG self-identification using chi-squared tests. Quantitative analysis of survey questions disaggregated by EDG status, and a thematic analysis of participant experiences are presented.ResultsOverall, 1,973 unique participants completed the survey (949 controls and 994 EDGs) sharing 2,114 ED care experiences in total. Participants who identified as PWUS, having mental health concerns, 2SLGBTQ+, PWEH, or having a disability, reported more negative overall experiences (p &lt; 0.001). Compared with controls, each of the eight EDGs were statistically more likely to report feelings of judgement/disrespect, that there was too little attention paid to their needs (p &lt; 0.001), and that it was more important to be treated with kindness/respect than to receive the best possible care (p &lt; 0.001). Thematic analysis supported quantitative findings and identified four themes: stigma/judgement, poor staff communication, lack of compassionate care, and patients feeling unsupported.DiscussionNegative ED care experiences were pervasive among EDGs including feelings of judgement/stigma and a perception that a better understanding of personal situation/identity/culture was needed to improve care. Qualitative findings identified the following future interventions: universal trauma-informed care, improved care for addiction/substance use, and improved access to mental health care resources.
Causal associations and potential mechanisms between inflammatory skin diseases and IgA nephropathy: a bi-directional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cao Wenlong , Xiong Jing 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThere is growing evidence of an association between inflammatory skin diseases and chronic kidney disease, but the association between inflammatory skin diseases and IgA nephropathy has rarely been studied. Thus, bi-directional Mendelian randomization was employed to explore the causality between inflammatory skin diseases (including atopic dermatitis, acne and psoriasis) and IgA nephropathy.MethodsThe selection of instrumental variables for inflammatory skin diseases and IgA nephropathy were based on genome-wide association studies. Following the heterogeneity and pleiotropy tests, the bidirectional causality was evaluated by inverse variance weighted along with four other approaches. Three atopic dermatitis-related datasets were obtained from the GEO database and then combined. In the combined dataset, the expression of galactose-deficient IgA1-associated genes (including GALNT2, GALNT12, C1GALT1, C1GALT1C1 and ST6GALNAC2) were compared between atopic dermatitis patients and healthy controls.ResultsAtopic dermatitis was associated with an increased risk of IgA nephropathy (OR = 1.054, 95% CI = 1.014–1.095, p = 0.007). However, acne and psoriasis showed no significant causal relationship with IgA nephropathy (OR = 0.988, 95% CI = 0.948–1.031, p = 0.583; OR = 0.996, 95% CI = 0.966–1.028, p = 0.821). In the combined microarray dataset, the expression levels of GALNT12 and C1GALT1C1 in atopic dermatitis patients were significantly lower compared with controls (p = 2.3e−9; p = 0.00067), which may contribute to an increase in aberrant IgA1 synthesis.ConclusionAmong inflammatory skin diseases, atopic dermatitis was found to increase the risk of IgA nephropathy, which may result from the decrease of GALNT12 and C1GALT1C1 expression and the increase of aberrant IgA1 production. Therefore, active management of atopic dermatitis may help prevent the occurrence and progression of IgA nephropathy.
Intelligent electromagnetic navigation system for robot-assisted intraoral osteotomy in mandibular tumor resection: a model experiment
Authors: Zhao Zhijie , Zhang Yichi , Lin Li , Huang Wenyi , Xiao Can , Liu Jiannan , Chai Gang 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundMandibular tumor surgery necessitates precise osteotomies based on tumor boundaries; however, conventional osteotomies often lack accuracy in predicting osteotomy positions and planes, potentially leading to excessive resection of normal bone tissues or residual tumors, thus compromising postoperative quality of life and clinical outcomes. Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) augmented with artificial intelligence (AI) offers precise localization capabilities, aiding surgeons in achieving accurate osteotomy positioning. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of a robotic magnetic navigation system for positioning and osteotomy in an intraoral surgical trial of a mandibular tumor model.MethodsPatient computed tomography (CT) imaging data of mandibular chin and body tumors were utilized to create 3D printed models, serving as study subjects for mandibular tumor resection. Ten pairs of models were printed for the experimental and control groups. The experimental group (EG) underwent osteotomy using a robot-assisted surgical navigation system, performing osteotomy under robotic navigation following alignment based on preoperative design. The control group (CG) underwent traditional surgery, estimating osteotomy position empirically according to preoperative design. Postoperative CT scans were conducted on both models, and actual postoperative results were compared to preoperative design. Osteotomy accuracy was evaluated by positional and angular errors between preoperatively designed and actual osteotomy planes.ResultsFor ten randomly selected spots on the left and right sides, respectively, the EG group had mean distance errors of 0.338 mm and 0.941 mm. These values were obtained from the EG group. In the EG group, on the left side, the mean angular errors were 14.741 degrees, while on the right side, they were 13.021 degrees. For the 10 randomly selected spots on the left and right sides, respectively, the CG had mean distance errors of 1.776 mm and 2.320 mm. This is in contrast to the results obtained by the EG. It was determined that the left side had a mean angle error of 16.841 degrees, while the right side had an error of 18.416 degrees in the CG group. The above results indicated significantly lower point errors of bilateral osteotomy planes in the experimental group compared to the control group.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the feasibility of electromagnetic navigation robot-assisted intraoral osteotomy for mandibular tumors and suggests that this approach can enhance the precision of clinical surgery.
No clear benefit of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation for non-native speech sound learning
Authors: Honda Claire T. , Bhutani Neha , Clayards Meghan , Baum Shari 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionLearning to understand and speak a new language can be challenging and discouraging for adults. One potential tool for improving learning is transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), which modulates perception, memory, and attention systems. It has recently been reported that taVNS can improve English speakers' ability to perceive unfamiliar Mandarin tones. The current project explored the potential benefits of taVNS for language learning beyond tone perception.MethodsWe studied adults' ability to perceive and produce unfamiliar speech sounds as well as any potential change in language learning motivation from pre- to post-training. Forty-five native English speakers were divided into three groups and were trained to perceive German sounds: one group received stimulation during easier-to-learn sounds (vowels), one group received stimulation during harder-to-learn sounds (fricatives), and a control group received no stimulation.Results and discussionWe did not find evidence that taVNS improved perception or production of the German sounds, but there was evidence that it did improve some aspects of motivation. Specifically, the group that received taVNS during easier sounds showed a significant decrease in feelings of tension/pressure about language learning, while the other groups did not. Overall, the present study does not find that taVNS holds benefits for the acquisition of new speech sounds; however, the field is nascent, and so the potential applications of taVNS for language learning remain to be clarified.
Analysis of the thickness of layered armor to provide protection against 7.62 mm ball projectiles using experimental and numerical methods
Authors: Morghode Divyanshu S. , Thakur D. G. , Salunkhe Sachin , Cepova Lenka , Abouel Nasr Emad 
Published: July 2024

The layered configuration of different material plates is one of the ways of achieving protection against different kinds of kinetic energy ammunitions. The thickness of each plate is one of the most important influencing parameters to prevent the penetration of the projectile. In the present study, a layered configuration of the Al2O3 and Al 7075-T651 is analysed, to prevent the perforation of 7.62 mm Lead core projectile, under normal impact conditions, by using LS-DYNA numerical simulations. Experiments were conducted on Al 7075-T651 plate and Numerical model was validated with experiment results. To achieve the objective, the validated numerical model was used to investigate influence on various Al2O3 and Al 7075-T651 combinations. Three factors led to the selection of Al 7075-T561 and Al2O3 as the target materials. First, the literature review revealed that these materials have already been employed in the construction of armour. Second, Al2O3 is a brittle material whereas Al 7075-T651 is ductile. Consequently, when combined in a layered arrangement, these materials offer the ideal destroyer-absorber arrangement. Thirdly, these materials have lower densities than steel. As a result, these materials offer a lightweight alternative for lead core 7.62 mm bullet defense. From the analysis, it is observed that two layered configurations were found to be effective in the prevention of bullet perforation: a front plate of Al2O3 that was 10 mm thick and had a rear plate of Al 7075-T651 that was 06 mm thick, and a front plate of Al2O3 that was 04 mm thick and had a 12 mm thick layer of Al 7075-T651.
Partial rupture of the left main bronchus with left lung atelectasis due to blunt chest injury: a case report
Authors: Bi Taiyu , Duan Xiaotian 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundBronchial injury is rare in blunt chest trauma, but can be life-threatening. The symptoms of patients with complete bronchial rupture are typical, and most of them are diagnosed in a timely manner and treated with surgery. However, for those with partial rupture of the bronchus, the symptoms are mild, the imaging results are negative, the possibility of delayed diagnosis is high, and serious complications can occur. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to treating this disease.Case descriptionWe report a 52-year-old woman with mild mediastinal emphysema after blunt chest trauma. Left whole-lung atelectasis appeared after a period of conservative treatment. Bronchoscopy revealed injury of the left main bronchus, and surgery was performed. The patient’s lungs recovered well after surgery. CT (Computed tomography) examination during follow-up revealed that the structure of the left main bronchus was intact and unobstructed. The left lung was well recovered.ConclusionFor patients with mild symptoms of blunt chest trauma, mediastinal emphysema and subcutaneous emphysema; no pleural effusion or pneumothorax; and a negative chest CT, laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy should be performed in a timely manner to ensure the stability of the respiratory and circulatory system and confirm whether there is tracheobronchial injury. Surgical treatment should be performed in a timely manner after localization and diagnosis.
CRISPR/Cas13a-based rapid detection method for porcine deltacoronavirus
Authors: Luo Ran , Cheng Zhimeng , Wang Haoyu , Yang Qiyue , Zeng Yongping , Yang Yijun , Chen Yuankun , Li Wenting , Liu Xiao 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPorcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is a newly discovered porcine intestinal pathogenic coronavirus with a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome and an envelope. PDCoV infects pigs of different ages and causes acute diarrhea and vomiting in newborn piglets. In severe cases, infection leads to dehydration, exhaustion, and death in sick piglets, entailing great economic losses on pig farms. The clinical symptoms of PDCoV infection are very similar to those of other porcine enteroviruses. Although it is difficult to distinguish these viral infections without testing, monitoring PDCoV is very important because it can spread in populations. The most commonly used methods for the detection of PDCoV is qPCR, which is time-consuming and require skilled personnel and equipment. Many farms cannot meet the conditions required for detection. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a faster and more convenient method for detecting PDCoV.AimsTo establish a rapid and convenient detection method for PDCoV by combining RPA (Recombinase Polymerase Isothermal Amplification) with CRISPR/Cas13a.MethodsSpecific RPA primers and crRNA for PDCoV were designed, and the nucleic acids in the samples were amplified with RPA. Fluorescent CRISPR/Cas13a detection was performed. We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the RPA–CRISPR/Cas13a assay using qPCR as the control method.ResultsCRISPR/Cas13a-assisted detection was completed within 90 min. The minimum detection limit of PDCoV was 5.7 × 101 copies/μL. A specificity analysis showed that the assay did not cross-react with three other porcine enteroviruses.ConclusionThe RPA–CRISPR/Cas13a method has the advantages of high sensitivity, strong specificity, fast response, and readily accessible results, and can be used for the detection of PDCoV.
Migrainous vertigo impairs adaptive learning as a function of uncertainty
Authors: Sharif Mishaal , Rea Oliver , Burling Rose , Ellul Miraval Mel , Patel Rakesh , Saman Yougan , Rea Peter , Yoon Ha-Jun , Kheradmand Amir , Arshad Qadeer 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveIn this study, we examined whether vestibular migraine, as a source of increased perceptual uncertainty due to the associated dizziness, interferes with adaptive learning.MethodsThe IOWA gambling task (IGT) was used to assess adaptive learning in both healthy controls and patients with migraine-related dizziness. Participants were presented with four decks of cards (A, B, C, and D) and requested to select a card over 100 trials. Participants received a monetary reward or a penalty with equal probability when they selected a card. Card decks A and B (high-risk decks) involved high rewards (win £100) and high penalties (lose £250), whereas C and D (low-risk decks; favorable reward-to-punishment ratio) involved lower rewards (win £50) and penalties (lose £50). Task success required participants to decide (i.e., adaptively learn) through the feedback they received that C and D were the advantageous decks.ResultsThe study revealed that patients with vestibular migraine selected more high-risk cards than the control group. Chronic vestibular migraine patients showed delayed improvement in task performance than those with acute presentation. Only in acute vestibular migraine patients, we observed that impaired learning positively correlated with measures of dizzy symptoms.ConclusionThe findings of this study have clinical implications for how vestibular migraine can affect behavioural adaption in patients, either directly through altered perception or indirectly by impacting cognitive processes that can result in maladaptive behavior.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Weizmannia coagulans BC99 in the treatment of chronic constipation in adults
Authors: Wu Ying , Bai Zhouya , Jin Yuehong , Zhu Hong , Dong Yao , Gu Shaobin , Jin Ying 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionWeizmannia coagulans has emerged as a promising candidate for the management of gastrointestinal ailments. The novel strain of Weizmannia coagulans, Weizmannia coagulans BC99 (BC99), displays robust pathogen-inhibiting capabilities, susceptibility to various antibiotics, and a high level of biosafety. Nevertheless, additional research is necessary to fully understand its effectiveness in managing chronic constipation.MethodsThis study investigates the role of BC99 in alleviating chronic constipation in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, and participants were divided into BC99 (2 billion CFU/d) or placebo (maltodextrin) groups for a 4-week period.Results and discussionResults showed that significant improvements were noted in the BC99 group, with an increase in complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) after 4-week treatment compared to the placebo (p = 0.002). The BC99 group also showed significantly lower Quality of Life (PAC-QOL) scores and reduced Constipation Symptoms (PAC-SYM) scores after 4 weeks of treatment (p &lt; 0.001), indicating symptomatic relief. Notably, BC99 effectively modulated key gut microbiota such as Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus, linked to crucial metabolic pathways like glutathione metabolism. In all, BC99 is confirmed to be an effective and safe therapeutic option for the relief of adult chronic constipation, enhancing gut microbiota balance and influencing critical metabolic pathways.Clinical trial registrationChiCTR2200065493.