bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity, and psychosocial well-being in young South Africans newly diagnosed with HIV: a mediation analysis
Authors: Bondarchuk Connor , Lemon Tiffany , Medina-Marino Andrew , Rousseau Elzette , Sindelo Siyaxolisa , Sibanda Nkosiypha , Butler Lisa , Bekker Linda-Gail , Earnshaw Valerie , Katz Ingrid 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Poor psychological well-being, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, is both prevalent among young South Africans living with HIV and associated with poor HIV clinical outcomes. By impacting food insecurity and employment, the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced psychological well-being in this population. This analysis sought to examine whether food insecurity and unemployment mediated the relationship between study cohort (pre- versus during-pandemic) and psychological well-being in our sample of young South Africans living with HIV.
METHODS: This was a secondary analysis comparing baseline data from two cohorts of young South Africans ages 18-24 from the Cape Town and East London metro areas who tested positive for HIV at clinics (or mobile clinics) either before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. Baseline sociodemographic, economic, and psychological outcomes were analyzed through a series of bivariate logistic regression and mediation analyses. All data were analyzed in 2023 and 2024.
RESULTS: Reported food anxiety, insufficient food quality, and insufficient food quantity were lower in the cohort recruited during the COVID-19 pandemic than those recruited before the pandemic (p<0.001). Higher levels of food insecurity predicted higher depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower self-esteem. Food anxiety, insufficient food quality, and insufficient food quality, but not unemployment, mediated the relationship between study cohort and depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and self-esteem.
CONCLUSION: Food insecurity may have decreased amongst our sample of young people during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings build on our understanding of how the psychological well-being of young people living with HIV was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and may lend support to interventions targeting food insecurity to improve psychological well-being in this population.
Official Turnovers and Economic Growth: Evidence from China
Authors: Gu Jiafeng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The positive interaction between economic growth and official turnover can promote high-quality and stable economic development. Using data from 275 prefecture-level cities in China from 2016 to 2020, this study applies a spatial panel simultaneous equation model to investigate the relationship between economic growth and official turnover, and reveals a two-way relationship. A city's economic growth (official turnover) promotes the growth (official turnover) of other cities in the same province but inhibits their official turnover (economic growth). Heterogeneity analysis by region shows a significant spillover effect of official turnover in one city on economic growth and official turnover in other cities in the same province in the central-eastern region, but not in the western region.
JEL code: C33; P35;P11;O12
Exploring the Causal Effects of 731 Immune Cell Phenotypes on Asthma: A Bidirectional Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Shi Jian , Li Han 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background:Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition characterized by reversible airflow obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and inflammation, influenced by genetic predispositions, environmental exposures, and immune responses. Current treatments focus primarily on symptom management, underscoring the need for a deeper understanding of the disease mechanisms.
Methods: This study employed Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal relationships between 731 immune cell phenotypes and asthma susceptibility. Using genetic variants as instrumental variables, we aimed to address confounding and reverse causation biases typical of observational studies. Data were sourced from the FinnGen database's GWAS summary statistics and immune trait data from the GWAS catalog. Various MR methods, including MR Egger, Weighted Median, Inverse Variance Weighted, Simple Mode, and Weighted Mode, were utilized.
Results:
Our study has identified six immune cell phenotypes that exhibit potential causal relationships with asthma.After adjustments for a False Discovery Rate (FDR) less than 0.05, the expression of HLA-DR on plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DCs) was significantly associated with asthma, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.054 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 1.029 to 1.080 (P = 2.02E-05, PFDR = 0.015).The following immune phenotypes also demonstrated notable associations:CD62L− CD86+ myeloid DC percentage (p = 3.354E-04; PFDR = 0.078; 95% CI = 1.031 to 1.049),CD3 expression on CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) (p = 1.661E-04; PFDR = 0.061; 95% CI = 0.959 to 0.980),CD33 expression on dimly expressed CD33 HLA-DR+ CD11b− cells (p = 5.471E-04; PFDR = 0.078; 95% CI = 1.019 to 1.030),CD33 on monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (Mo MDSCs) (p = 6.0433E-04; PFDR = 0.078; 95% CI = 1.018 to 1.028),HLA-DR expression on CD33− HLA-DR+ cells (p = 4.472E-04; PFDR = 0.078; 95% CI = 1.064 to 1.102). Similarly, we conducted reverse MR analysis, which revealed no significant association between immune traits and asthma at a significance level of 0.05.
Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the significant role of specific immune cell phenotypes in asthma pathogenesis and suggest potential targets for precision medicine strategies.
Comparison of the Relationship Between Calf Circumference and Vitamin D with Orthostatic Intolerance and Vasovagal Syncope in Children
Authors: irdem Ahmet , Ergin Selma Oktay , Kaçar Alper , Yüksel Ayşen 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study is to elucidate the relationship between calf circumference, calf circumference to leg length ratio, and vitamin D in patients presenting with orthostatic intolerance (OI) and vasovagal syncope (VVS)
Methods
This retrospective study included 313 pediatric patients, and 128 healthy pediatric individuals served as the control group. All anthropometric measurements, including body weight, height, body mass index, leg length, calf circumference, and calf circumference to leg length ratio, were performed by the same individual using standardized criteria to ensure reliability. Blood values, including vitamin D, electrocardiography, and echocardiography, were evaluated by the same physician
Results
There were no significant differences between the two groups in any of the variables in terms of age, body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), serum calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, TSH, T4, B12 vitamin, and ferritin values. Additionally, no significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of LVIDd, LVIDs, IVSd, IVSs, LVPWd, LVPWs, and fractional shortening. However, serum vitamin D, calf circumference, calf circumference to leg length ratio, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure results were found to be 12.2 ± 4.4, 24.8 ± 7.9, 31.1 ± 3.7, 34.0 ± 3.7, 0.3 ± 0.4, 0.3 ± 0.4, 103.1 ± 10.2, 108.9 ± 10.9, 61.8 ± 8.7, and 68.9 ± 8.8 respectively in the patient and control groups. Serum vitamin D, calf circumference, calf circumference to leg length ratio, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure results were found to be significantly lower in the patient group (p < 0.005)
Conclusions
In this study, we found that calf circumference, calf circumference to leg length ratio, and vitamin D levels were lower in patients presenting with VVS and/or orthostatic intolerance (OI). We believe that measuring vitamin D levels and calf circumference may be considered as a tool for assessing muscle mass in patients with OI and VVS syncope.
DNA barcode developement based on chloroplast and ITS genes for species identification of endangered and threated species of
Authors: Fatima Tanzeem , MN Srividya , Singh Raj Kishore 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Accurate identification is crucial for conserving species, especially in regions such as the Western Ghats, where trade poses a significant threat to endangered and threatened forest species. Traditional morphology-based identification can be challenging and time-consuming, leading to inaccuracies, especially with similar-looking species or dried specimens. Therefore, DNA barcoding offers a potent solution for precise species identification to address illicit trade and address impactful conservation measures. DNA barcoding is a taxonomic technique that uses standardized short DNA sequences to differentiate and classify species. This approach is especially valuable when morphological characteristics alone are insufficient for accurate species identification. In this study, we focused on the development of a DNA barcoding system for the efficient and accurate identification of threatened and endangered important forest species of Western Ghats Karnataka. To develop the DNA barcoding system, a multilocus approach utilizing sixteen standard DNA barcoding markers was used. A total of 47 threatened and endangered forest species from the Western Ghats were selected for this study. Using a larger number of markers to develop DNA barcodes led to the most precise species identification rates. Moreover, the wide availability of DNA barcode databases allows for quick and accurate species identification. In our study, we observed the highest amplification rates for rbcL1 (40 species), psbtrnH2 (36 species), and PsbA-trnH1 (33 species). DNA amplification varied from 11.76–94.11%. Notably, the highest DNA amplification rates were detected for A. wightii (94.11%) and A. hondala (92.34%), both of which belong to the Arecaceae and Passifloraceae families, respectively. Sequencing success rates ranged from 37.5–100%. This study will aid in the development of a database of available threatened forest species in western Ghats Karnataka and other regions.
Complete Mitochondrial Genome Sequence Analysis Revealed Double Matrilineal Components in Indian Ghungroo Pigs
Authors: Das Pranab Jyoti , Kumar Satish , Choudhury Manasee , Pegu Seema Rani , K Meera , Deb Rajib , Kumar Sunil , Banik Santanu , Gupta Vivek Kumar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This research aimed to characterize the mitochondrial genome of the Ghungroo (GH) pig, a notable breed in India, along with its crossbred varieties, to elucidate their matrilineal components, evolutionary history, and implications for conservation. Seven pigs (5 GH, 2 crossbred, namely Rani and Asha) were sequenced for complete mitochondrial genome, while 24 pigs (11 GH, 6 Rani, and 7 Asha) were sequenced for the complete D-loop of the mitochondrial genome. The genome size of these pigs was determined to be 16690 bp. Analysis of the mitochondrial sequences and phylogenetics uncovered two distinct matrilineal components within the GH population, a phenomenon also observed in its crossbred counterparts, Rani and Asha. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a clear clustering of GH sequences into two clades, indicating the presence of two independent maternal lineages. Haplotype analysis revealed 10 different haplotypes, with some sequences shared among GH, Rani, and Asha, while others differed due to varying matrilineal origins. Furthermore, examination of tRNA genes and nucleotide composition offered insights into genetic diversity within these pigs. The findings suggest that geographical isolation and historical events likely contributed to the emergence of distinct maternal lineages within the GH breed. This study underscores the significance of mitochondrial DNA analysis in uncovering hidden genetic diversity within seemingly uniform populations. The molecular insights gained into the genetic makeup of GH pigs could aid in designing effective breeding programs for conservation efforts and highlight its significance in understanding the broader context of pig domestication in India.
Enhanced uniformity of zirconia coating for high power lasers via solvent replacement and PEG-doping
Authors: Hu Wenjie , Zhang Ce , Li Nini , Wu Shengli , Xu Yao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Zirconia coating has a lot of promise when it comes to enhancing the optical performance and laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) of the mirror in laser systems. In this work, a high LIDT ZrO2 coating was created using the sol-gel spin coating technique. The anhydrous ethanol solvent was substituted with alcohol ether solvent, and the spin coating technique was employed to achieve a macro homogeneous and flawless ZrO2 coating. Additionally, organic polymer polyethylene glycol (average Mn 200, PEG200) doping was used to achieve the uniform ZrO2 coating with LIDT. ZrO2-PEG composite coatings with consistent LIDT and exceptional optical properties were created. Alcohol ether solvents helped the sol produce a more homogeneous gel coating on the substrate, as demonstrated by the ZrO2 coating microscope pictures. The LIDT with a 0.5 wt.% PEG200 content was the most uniform. PEG200 organic molecules were able to alter the link state of the ZrO2 particles. The macroscopic mechanical characteristics of the coatings revealed that the hardness and elastic modulus of the ZrO2-PEG composite coating were mostly influenced by the PEG200 content. When the PEG200 content was 0.3 wt.%, the hardness and elastic modulus of the ZrO2-PEG composite coating were the lowest with the highest of the LIDT at 39.25±3.13 J/cm2 (@ 1064 nm, 11 ns, 1 mm2).
A Study on Cytokines In Severe and Non-severe Malaria in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Odisha.
Authors: Patnaik Madhusmita , Patnaik Gautam , Sarangi Ashok kumar , Nayak Alok Ranjan , Sarangi Anshuman 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Odisha state, one of the leading contributors to the malaria burden in India as it accounted for around 27% of India’s malaria cases having 17.6% of all reported deaths. It has been seen that the cytokines, both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory can be taken as the markers for both complication or severity of Malaria. Hence our study is essentially meant to study cytokines in both vivax and falciparum of malaria in our area.
Methods: Haematological parameters like Haemoglobin, Platelet count and other hematocrit was accessed. From serum part biochemical tests like Liver function test, Blood sugar levels, Kidney function test and Glucose 6- Phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was done. From the serum cytokines study particularly pro and anti-Inflammatory cytokines were done involved in Malaria.
Results: Out of 39 cases9 were severe and 30 nonsevere malaria.The mean age of cases in severe malaria was 42.72 ± 17.14 years and 36.17 ±14.07 years in nonsevere malaria.IL1b levels were higher in both vivax and falciparum malaria.IL-4 levels are lower in non-severe malaria compared to severe group.. IL-6, IL-7 levels in non-severe and severe groups, IL-8 levels were very high in falciparum and IL-9 levels were lower in malaria cases whereas IL-10 , TNF-alpha levels were higher.
Conclusion: IL-8 and IL-1b both can be taken as marker in severe malaria infection. As it is often difficult to assess the progression and severity of malaria in the early stages, these arrays of cytokines can be useful in diagnostic as well as prognostic purpose.
Sentiment Analysis with Graph Convolutional Networks using directed PMI
Authors: Ameripour Mina , Seydi Vahid 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Sentiment analysis is a fast-growing area of research in natural language processing (NLP) and more specifically text classification which makes it possible to automatically detect the sentiment of data and is used in a wide range of applications. Many studies have applied deep learning techniques to text classification trying to mend the shortcomings of previous methods and improve their performance. In recent years several studies have applied the powerful graph convolutional networks (GCNs) to text classification problems, demonstrating promising results. However, most GCNs can’t directly work on directed graphs and make full use of the informative graph structure and these models’ capabilities. As order is extremely important in sentiment analysis tasks and most datasets in this field contain short texts, considering the order of words and creating a directed graph can add extra information to model and improve the training process. In this study we introduce DPMI (Directed PMI) as a measure to calculate word associations between word nodes considering the order of word occurrence and enhance one of the powerful existing GCN models named Text GCN, to accept directed graphs. The results show that adding order and using the proper aggregation function can improve the accuracy of predictions without adding complexity to the model.
3D WCSPH modelling of the 1963 Vajont landslide
Authors: Manenti Sauro , Salis Nicolò , Todeschini Sara 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study illustrates the full-scale 3D numerical simulation of the coupled water-landslide dynamics of the 1963 Vajont catastrophic event. The focus is given to the early phase of the event when about 270 million cubic meters of rock fell into the reservoir within an estimated runout time of about 25 seconds. A complex surge wave system developed throughout the basin in the first 40-55 seconds, producing maximum run-up of 270 m above the dam crowning. The mesh-free Lagrangian weakly compressible Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (WCSPH) method is adopted to discretize and solve the coupled system of governing equations for the landslide and water dynamics. The novelties regard the validation of a derived model and the influence of water saturated soil on prediction of surge wave run-up. The average values from technical literature are assigned to mechanical parameters without tuning or calibration. The maximum flooding on the opposite side of the valley and the peak flow rate of the discharge hydrograph through the dam section show good agreement with reference data and improvements with respect to published results. The validated derived model proves to be a promising engineering tool for quantifying the level of risk in analogous applications.
Similarity-based retroactive interference in semantic and procedural long-term memories in human participants in real-life situations
Authors: Fu Zhaoying 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

If memories of similar things are stored in the brain at about the same location or using a similar group of neurons and with similar neural networks, then a newly acquired memory will interfere with or even erase an old similar memory and lead to forgetting. We designed two experiments to test this hypothesis: a verbal experiment (for declarative semantic memory) and a gymnastic experiment (for nondeclarative procedural-related memory). In the verbal experiment, the participants first memorized two poem stanzas, then memorized two new stanzas that are very similar to the first two, and finally, took a test on the stanzas they memorized first. In the gymnastic experiment, the participants first learned a set of gymnastics, then learned another (very similar) set, and finally, took a test on the gymnastics set they learned first. The results showed that the participants who memorized two new poem stanzas made more mistakes than did the control participants in the last test, and the participants who learned a new set of gymnastics performed the first set much poorly compared with the control participants in the last test. We included an additional group in each experiment. The participants in this group were required to review the previously learned poem stanzas or gymnastics when they were learning the new ones (to compare the new ones with the old ones). The results showed that this group performed far better in the last test (on what they learned first). In summary, our experiments showed that newly acquired memories significantly interfered with or even erased similar old (semantic and procedural long-term) memories; nevertheless, if new things were learned in comparison with old ones, the interference could be noticeably reduced. Our study provided support for similarity-based retroactive interference in long-term semantic and procedural memories and offered ways to reduce such interference.
Biotic and abiotic factors collectively drive the macroscopic differences in soil seed bank density between planted and natural forests
Authors: Wang Jiangfeng , Wang Ru , Zhang Xing , Xu Jiali , Zhang Xueting , Guo Xiali , Gao Jie 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Global climate change is intensifying forest degradation, making the soil seed bank density (SSBD) in planted and natural forests a crucial resource for ecosystem restoration. Focusing on soil seed bank density can help us assess the potential of vegetation regeneration and maintain ecosystem stability and function. However, the macro-scale distribution differences and controlling mechanisms of SSBD in these forests remain elusive. This study focuses on the SSBD in 537 natural and 383 planted forest sites across China, examining the specific impacts of climatic, soil, and forest stand factors. It also predicts the pathways through which these factors modulate SSBD variations in both forest types. Our findings reveal that SSBD is significantly higher in planted forests compared to natural ones (P < 0.001). SSBD shows a marked declining trend with increasing temperature and precipitation (P < 0.001). In contrast, increases in sunlight duration and evapotranspiration positively correlate with SSBD in both forest types. Natural forests exhibit higher sensitivity to soil nutrient changes than planted forests. Both forest types show similar SSBD trends with changes in forest stand factors. Soil pH independently contributes the most to the spatial variation of SSBD in natural forests, while soil nitrogen content is the most significant contributor for planted forests. Mean Annual Temperature (MAT) and Mean Annual Precipitation (MAP) not only directly affect SSBD in natural forests but also indirectly through soil pH, forest stand density, and forest net primary productivity, with direct impacts outweighing the indirect. In planted forests, SSBD is primarily influenced directly by Mean Annual Evapotranspiration (MAE), MAP, soil nitrogen content, and stand density. Additionally, MAE and soil nitrogen content indirectly affect SSBD through forest stand density. Our results reveal that in forest management and administration, attention should not only be given to changes in climatic factors but also to soil nutrient loss.
Structures of Natural and Strategic Mutants reveal a Core Network crucial for Integrity of the SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid NTD
Authors: Schlundt Andreas , Dhamotharan Karthikeyan , Korn Sophie , Wacker Anna , Becker Matthias , Günther Sebastian , Schwalbe Harald 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein is indispensable for processing of the viral RNA genome. The N-terminal domain (NTD) was suggested to mediate specific RNA-interactions, but the lack of high-resolution structures with viral RNA prohibits insights into the precise mechanism of complex formation. Similarly, mutations in the nucleocapsid NTD since 2019 have not been addressed molecularly. Systematically combining crystallography and solution NMR, we here investigate the influence of six naturally occurring plus strategic NTD mutations on structural integrity and RNA-binding. We find that both features rely on a core network of residues conserved in Betacoronaviruses. This core network proves important for protein stability and communication between flexible loop-regions, key for RNA-recognition. Our comprehensive structural analysis demonstrates that crucial contacts within the expanded network steer selective interaction with target RNAs. We propose the core network renders the NTD evolutionarily robust in stability and plasticity for its versatile RNA genome-processing functions.