bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing fecal metaproteomics workflow and small protein recovery using DDA and DIA PASEF mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Angela , Fekete Emily E F , Creskey Marybeth , Cheng Kai , Ning Zhibin , Pfeifle Annabelle , Li Xuguang , Figeys Daniel , Zhang Xu 
Published: July 2024

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the impact of experimental workflow on fecal metaproteomic observations, including the recovery of small and antimicrobial proteins often overlooked in metaproteomic studies. The overarching goal is to provide guidance for optimized metaproteomic experimental design, considering the emerging significance of the gut microbiome in human health, disease, and therapeutic interventions.
Methods: Mouse feces were utilized as the experimental model. Fecal sample pre-processing methods (differential centrifugation and non-differential centrifugation), protein digestion techniques (in-solution and filter-aided), data acquisition modes (data-dependent and data-independent, or DDA and DIA) when combined with parallel accumulation-serial fragmentation (PASEF), and different bioinformatic workflows were assessed.
Results: We showed that, in DIA-PASEF metaproteomics, the library-free search using protein sequence database generated from DDA-PASEF data achieved better identifications than using the generated spectral library. Compared to DDA, DIA-PASEF identified more microbial peptides, quantified more proteins with fewer missing values, and recovered more small antimicrobial proteins. We did not observe any obvious impacts of protein digestion methods on both taxonomic and functional profiles. However, differential centrifugation decreased the recovery of small and antimicrobial proteins, biased the taxonomic observation with a marked overestimation of Muribaculum species, and altered the measured functional compositions of metaproteome.
Conclusion: This study underscores the critical impact of experimental choices on metaproteomic outcomes and sheds light on the potential biases introduced at different stages of the workflow. The comprehensive methodological comparisons serve as a valuable guide for researchers aiming to enhance the accuracy and completeness of metaproteomic analyses.
MODEL OF RANDOM-LIKE PLANAR TRAJECTORIES WITH INTERSECTIONS
Authors: Romanuke Vadim , Pabich Michał 
Published: July 2024

Background. Recently the task of detecting and identifying trajectories of objects whose genuine purposes are uncertain or strike threatening has become extremely important. The known approaches produce insufficiently smooth trajectories.
Objective. The purpose of the paper is to build a model of generating random-like planar trajectories, which would have sufficiently smooth curves. A trajectory may have self-intersections and may intersect other trajectories.
Methods. Preliminarily two starting points on a plane are generated. The distance and angle between these points are calculated, which then are successively updated to calculate new trajectory points using the polar coordinate system. A trajectory of points is generated using values of normally distributed random variables with zero mean and unit variance and four values of -uniformly distributed random variables.
Results. The random-like trajectory generator has the same time complexity as its predecessors, including the direction randomization generator and its modifications. Exemplary trajectories appear very realistic. Self-intersections are important to manoeuvre and confuse the opponent side. The trajectory has four parameters to adjust its heading, scattering of points, and intensity of turns and twists. These parameters serve as magnitudes to amplify the respective properties. The highest influence has the angle-scattering parameter. Four simple conditions can be embedded to fit the trajectory within a rectangular domain.
Conclusions. The suggested model should serve either for generating trajectory datasets to train manoeuvring-object detectors on them or for masking reconnaissance. The model allows balancing the trajectory smoothness and randomness.
Is Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Associated with Spinal Degenerative Disorders?
Authors: Zou Ming-Xiang , Xia Chao , Wu Peng-Fei , Hu Hai-Hong , Zhu Hong-Xia , Zheng Bo-Wen , Jiang Ling-Xiang , Escobar David , Li Jing , Lü Guo-Hua , Huang Wei , Zhang Tao-Lan , Liu Jiang-Hua 
Published: July 2024

Background:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and spinal degenerative disorders (SDD) are common diseases that frequently coexist. However, both traditional observational studies and recent Mendelian randomization (MR) studies have demonstrated conflicting evidence on the association between T2DM and SDD. This comparative study explored and compared the association between T2DM and SDD using observational and MR analyses.

Methods:
For observational analyses, cross-sectional studies (44,972 participants with T2DM and 403,095 participants without T2DM), case-control studies (38,234 participants with SDD and 409,833 participants without SDD), and prospective studies (35,550 participants with T2DM and 392,046 participants without T2DM with follow-up information until 2022) were performed to test the relationship between T2DM and SDD using individual-level data from the U.K. Biobank from 2006 to 2022. For MR analyses, the associations between single-nucleotide polymorphisms with SDD susceptibility obtained using participant data from the U.K. Biobank, which had 407,938 participants from 2006 to 2022, and the FinnGen Consortium, which had 227,388 participants from 2017 to 2022, and genetic predisposition to T2DM obtained using summary statistics from a pooled genome-wide association study involving 1,407,282 individuals were examined. The onset and severity of T2DM are not available in the databases being used.

Results:
Participants with T2DM were more likely to have SDD than their counterparts. Logistic regression analysis identified T2DM as an independent risk factor for SDD, which was confirmed by the Cox proportional hazard model results. However, using single-nucleotide polymorphisms as instruments, the MR analyses demonstrated no causal relationship between T2DM and SDD. The lack of such an association was robust in the sensitivity analysis, and no pleiotropy was seen.

Conclusions:
Our results suggest that the association between T2DM and SDD may be method-dependent. Researchers and clinicians should be cautious in interpreting the association, especially the causal association, between T2DM and SDD. Our findings provide fresh insights into the association between T2DM and SDD by various analysis methods and guide future research and clinical efforts in the effective prevention and management of T2DM and SDD.

Level of Evidence:
Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Evolution of Medical Students' Interest in Orthopaedic Surgery Careers from Matriculation to Graduation
Authors: Gerull Katherine M. , Pérez Maria , Cipriano Cara A. , Jeffe Donna B. 
Published: July 2024

Introduction:
Little is known about risk factors for changes in students' interest in orthopaedics during medical school. We aimed to identify variables associated with diminished (vs. sustained) and emerging (vs. no) plans to become board certified in orthopaedic surgery.

Methods:
We conducted a retrospective national-cohort study of students who matriculated in US MD-granting medical schools in academic years 1993 to 1994 through 2000 to 2001. The outcome measure was the evolution of students' board-certification plans in orthopaedic surgery from matriculation to graduation using responses on the Association of American Medical Colleges' Matriculating Student Questionnaire and Graduation Questionnaire. Covariates included demographic, attitudinal, experiential, and career intention variables.

Results:
Of 53,560 graduates with complete data, 2,765 students reported diminished interest in becoming board certified in orthopaedics, 1,345 reported emerging interest, and 1,327 reported sustained interest. In multivariable logistic regression models, students who were female (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43-2.34), Asian (aOR 1.46, 95% CI 1.18-1.82), reported greater importance of social responsibility (aOR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.33) and prestige (aOR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10-1.30) in choosing a medicine career, and planned full-time university faculty careers (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.33-1.89) at graduation were independently more likely to have diminished (vs. sustained) interest. Students who participated in research and/or authorship electives (aOR 3.50, 95% CI 3.00-4.07) and who attended private institutions (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.10-1.39) were more likely to have emerging (vs. no) interest.

Conclusions:
Twice as many students lost interest than gained interest in orthopaedics during medical school, and the cohort of students interested in orthopaedics became less diverse over the course of medical school. Several risk factors amenable to change were identified. Interventions that target these risk factors are warranted to increase the diversity of the orthopaedic surgery workforce.
School Well-Being Boosts Student Motivation in Indonesia
Authors: Priambadi Braniodi Shandy , Nastiti Dwi 
Published: July 2024

This study examines the relationship between school well-being and learning motivation among Islamic Vocational High School students in Tulangan, Sidoarjo. Using a quantitative correlational method, 222 students were selected from a population of 497 through stratified random sampling. Validated scales measured school well-being and learning motivation, with data analyzed using Pearson product-moment correlation via JASP software. Results showed a significant positive correlation (r=0.432, p<0.001), indicating that higher school well-being is associated with increased learning motivation. These findings suggest that improving school infrastructure and resources can enhance student motivation, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to boost educational quality.

Highlight:

Positive correlation between school well-being and learning motivation identified.
Enhanced infrastructure boosts student motivation.
Collaboration with parents and institutions crucial for educational quality.

Keyword: School well-being, learning motivation, Islamic vocational students, quantitative study, Pearson correlation
Investment, ZIS Funds, Mudharabah Financing and Economic Growth in Indonesia
Authors: Hamidi Ichsan , Farhan Muhammad , Apriani Deassy 
Published: July 2024

This study conducted to investigate the effect of investment, ZIS funds, and mudharabah financing towards Indonesia's economic growth during the period 2011-2021. This study uses a quantitative approach with multiple linear regression analysis of monthly time series data. The results showed that investment realization has a positive and significant effect on economic growth, in accordance with Schumpeter's theory which highlights the role of investment in encouraging economic activity. Meanwhile, the distribution of ZIS funds has a positive but insignificant effect on economic growth with 0,7127 p-value, due to a lack of public trust in zakat amil institutions in Indonesia, That caused lack of ZIS funds to be distributed in encouraging economic growth. Mudharabah financing also has a positive but insignificant effect on economic growth with 0,5224 p-value, due to a small value of financing and low public interest in applying for mudharabah financing. It is hoped that the results of this study can become a basis for strengthening the role of Islamic economics, especially ZIS and mudharabah towards economic growth in Indonesia and improving people's welfare.
Clinical and molecular genetic analysis further delineates the phenotypic variability of POMT2-related limb girdle muscular dystrophy type R14
Authors: Yang Guiguan , Lv Xiaoqing , Wu Wenjing , Wang Guangyu , Yang Mengqi , Feng Yifei , Yan Chuanzhu , Liu Meirong , Lin Pengfei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The POMT2 gene, which encodes protein O-mannosyltransferase 2, is crucial for the initial stage of α-dystroglycan glycosylation. Mutations in POMT2 are responsible for severe congenital muscular dystrophies, such as Walker-Warburg syndrome, muscle-eye-brain disease, and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy R14 (LGMDR14). This article retrospectively analyzed the clinical, pathological and genetic data of three patients diagnosed with LGMDR14. Aberrant mRNA processing analysis was subsequently conducted to investigate the pathogenic mechanism of the mutation. We employed innovative bioinformatic techniques of molecular dynamics to assess the impact of identified POMT2 mutations on protein structure and function and sought to establish a connection between these variants and their phenotypic manifestations.
Results
Three LGMDR14 patients from unrelated Chinese families were recruited. Adult onset age and proximal muscle weakness were common in our patients. They all showed myopathic lesions on electromyography and decreased α-dystroglycan expression on muscle biopsy. One patient was found to have severe cardiomyopathy and mild cognitive impairment, highlighting the importance of monitoring both the heart and brain activity. Genetic sequencing revealed that patient 1 harbored compound heterozygous c.1006+1G>A and c.295C>T variants of the POMT2 gene, patient 2 harbored c.1261C>T and c.700_701insCT variants, and patient 3 harbored c.812C>T and c.170G>A variants. Among these mutations, the variants c.700_701insCT, c.812C>T and c.170G>A have never been reported before. RNA sequencing revealed that the c.1006+1G>A mutation could cause retention of the first 26 bp of intron 8 by inducing recognition of new donor splice sites. Pyrosequencing revealed that both the frameshift mutation c.700_701insCT and the splicing mutation c.1006+1G>A triggered nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Molecular dynamics indicated that the c.1006+1G>A, c.700_701insCT and c.170G>A variants could generate truncated protein structures and change the stability and function of the POMT2 protein.
Conclusions
Our study summarizes the clinical and genetic characteristics of three newly diagnosed adult-onset LGMDR14 patients, expanding the genetic spectrum of POMT2mutations. Moreover, this study also broadens the understanding of the anomalous mRNA regulation of POMT2 caused by splicing mutations and introduces a new bionformatic method for predicting the effect of POMT2variants on protein structure using molecular dynamics.
Layered gel emulsion-templated Janus porous composites for emulsified oil separation
Authors: Zuo Shixiang , Wang Chunyu , Alshammari Nawaa Ali Husaykan , El-Bahy Salah Mohamad , Xu Rong , Li Saijie , Wang Lei , Yao Chao , El-Bahy Zeinhom Mohamad , Gui Haoguan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Efficient separation of emulsified oil is urgently needed to repair the ecological environment, given the explosive development in modern industrial civilization. Herein, Janus porous composites were constructed using two different paraffin oil-in-dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) gel emulsions. One of the gel emulsions contained graphene oxide (GO) within the DMSO phase, while the other continuous phase was dissolved with triarm hydroxyl-terminated poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL-triol). To create Janus porous composites, the gel emulsions were overlaid and solidified with poly[(phenyl isocyanate)-co-formaldehyde] through step-growth polymerization. The resultant GO/PCL Janus porous composites exhibited an asymmetric double-layer structure with a tightly bonded interface. GO/PCL Janus porous composites displayed asymmetric surface wettability, functioning as a liquid diode, and enabling effective separation of oil-in-water (O/W) miniemulsion. The separation efficiency could be further improved under simulated solar irradiation, due to heat-induced viscosity reduction and phase separation caused by the photothermal conversion effect of the GO-based layer. These Janus porous composites demonstrated excellent performance in oil-water separation, making them an ideal candidate for such applications.
Parent-child Relationship Quality Predicts Higher Subjective Wellbeing in Adulthood Across a Diverse Group of Countries
Authors: Rothwell Jonathan , Davoodi Telli 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Theoretically and empirically, parenting is closely related to the psychological health of offspring, but long-term effects are not well established and international variation unknown. In a pre-registered multilevel modelling analysis, we test whether retrospective parent-child relationship quality (PCRQ) predicts adult wellbeing in a representative sample of 202,898 adults living in 22 countries. Our findings indicate a substantial effect size for PCRQ on an index of flourishing (std mean effect = 0.21, 95% CI 0.19–0.23) and internalized mental health (std mean effect = 0.18, 95% CI 0.17–0.20). We find a positive effect of PCRQ on flourishing in all 22 countries (significant in all but one). Parental religiosity positively predicts PCRQ (std mean effect = 0.09, 95% CI 0.06–0.11). In higher-income and more secular countries, PCRQ is lower but the wellbeing benefits of PCRQ are higher. The positive effect of parental religiosity on PCRQ is found in every country in the sample.
Real-world impact of physical activity reward-driven digital App use on cardiometabolic and cardiovascular disease incidence
Authors: Senderey Adi Berliner , Mushkat Tom , Hadas Ofer , Carmeli Dafna , Hayek Samah , Charpingnon Marie-Laura , Jacobson Eyal , Balicer Ran 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The lack of effective tools available to health providers for enhancing patient physical activity prompts this study to examine the real-world impact of a physical activity reward-driven app on health outcomes, utilizing Electronic Health Records (EHR) data from Israel’s largest healthcare organization. Conducting a retrospective cohort study, we matched app-users to non-users based on demographic and clinical characteristics. App-users showed significant reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (HR 0.95), stroke (HR 0.91), and type 2 diabetes (HR 0.82) compared to non-app users. Moreover, vigorous physical activity among app-users significantly lowered incidence rates of cardiovascular disease (HR 0.88), stroke (HR 0.84), and type 2 diabetes (HR 0.75) compared with non-app user. However, engagement in mild physical activity did not differ from controls in incidence of either outcome. These findings highlight the potential of app-based interventions, particularly in promoting higher levels of physical activity, to mitigate major vascular and metabolic illnesses.
Structural level Implementation of Different Symmetrical Multilevel Inverter for Power Quality (PQ) Applications
Authors: D Shyam , A Nazar Ali , K Premkumar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

An inverter is a solution for power back-up which provides services when normal power is cut off. One of the major concerns in the present-day scenario towards power quality applications is harmonics which creates a lot of problem in designing medium and high-power applications because of its capability in compensation of reactive power. Presently reducing the harmonics with better switching pattern is the need of the hour. The conventional method of inverters focuses on two-level topologies with complications primarily based on THD and switching losses compared to Multilevel inverter. Multi-level inverters are rapidly moving towards future dominance in the field of inverter technology because of its surpassing performance towards newer configuration and topological techniques. Its presence has created an opportunity to propose new techniques to reduce switching losses, THD level and switching circuit tremendously. This proposed paper focuses on structured topology for N-level symmetrical multilevel inverter (NL-SMLI) and also presents the comparative analysis of different PWM techniques such as sinusoidal PWM, third- harmonic PWM, random PWM. Modified Sinusoidal Reference Pulse Width Modulation (MSR-PWM) techniques have been introduced to Hybrid multi-level inverter with new topology to reduce the THD level with the minimum number of switches possible.
Barriers to Sustainable Construction: An In-Depth Analysis of the Nigerian Construction Industry
Authors: Unegbu H. C. O. , Yawas D. S. , Dan-asabe B. , Alabi A. A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the factors hindering the adoption of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, with a focus on organizational culture, availability of technology and expertise, stakeholder practices, financial implications, and government policies and regulations. Through a mixed-methods approach incorporating literature review, survey questionnaire development, and data analysis, the research provides comprehensive insights into the complexities of sustainable development within the Nigerian construction industry. The data collected from 237 respondents was analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), and Correlation Analysis in LISREL. Findings reveal the critical role of government policies and regulations in driving sustainability initiatives, alongside the influence of organizational culture, technological capabilities, financial considerations, and stakeholder dynamics. The study underscores the need for supportive regulatory frameworks, organizational commitment, stakeholder collaboration, and investment in sustainable technologies to overcome barriers and advance sustainability agendas. These findings contribute to the scholarly discourse on sustainable construction practices in Nigeria and offer practical implications for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers striving to promote sustainable development and resilience in the Nigerian construction sector.
Surgical outcomes and co-morbidities among all-cause paediatric hydrocephalus patients in Eastern Denmark
Authors: Duc Anna , Dokhi Marveh , Guldberg Frederikke , Østergaard Elsebet , Larsen Carl , Juhler Marianne , Munch Tina Nørgaard 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to provide granular descriptions of aetiologies of hydrocephalus and concurrent conditions. Furthermore, to describe the short-term effect of ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) on preoperative symptoms and to estimate the risks of shunt revision, conversion of ETV to shunt, and the risks of complications. Methods A retrospective, single-centre study was performed among children who underwent shunt insertion or ETV for hydrocephalus between December 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2021. Information regarding course of disease, surgical treatments, and comorbidities were registered from the digital patient records. The risks of conversion of treatment modality and shunt revision were estimated as cumulative incidences (CI’s) after 30-days, 3-, and 12 months. Results A total of 89 children with either obstructive (OH) (65%) or communicating (CH) (35%) hydrocephalus were surgically treated with VPS or ETV. Neurological disorders (CH 29%, OH 26%) and genetic conditions (CH 36%, OH 16%) were frequent concurrent conditions. Increased head size (74%) and symptoms of elevated intracranial pressure (57%) were the most common preoperative symptoms. Treatment with VPS entailed a 13.7% failure rate for OH and 9.7% for CH, whereas ETV displayed 14.3% failure rate, all reflecting failure of alleviating the preoperative clinical symptoms. The cumulative 1-year risk of shunt revision was 67%, most often due to valve dysfunction (28%), disconnection (14%), and shunt displacements (12%). Conclusion The considerable risks of treatment failure and complications call for improvements in treatment based on a better understanding of the heterogenic mechanisms of disease.