bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significant benefits from international cooperation over marine plastic pollution
Authors: de Vries Frans , Beaumont Nicola , Börger Tobias , Clark James , Hanley Nicholas , Johnston Robert , Meginnis Keila , Stapenhurst Christopher 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Plastic pollution in the world’s oceans threatens marine ecosystems and biodiversity, and ultimately people. The connected nature of the marine environment suggests that coordinated actions by countries sharing an ocean border may provide more effective pollution control than unilateral actions by any one country. However, economic theory and empirical evidence suggest that countries often fail to cooperate, even when joint economic benefits would be higher under cooperation. Here we present a modelling framework for determining the potential economic benefits of cooperative marine plastic pollution (MPP) management. The framework integrates an estimated plastic transfer matrix with game theory to derive the potential economic benefits of international cooperation for 16 countries bordering the North Atlantic Ocean. A fully cooperative outcome leads to a substantial reduction in MPP, resulting in significant aggregate net economic benefits. Similar findings apply under alternative scenarios and considering modelling uncertainties.
A Recommendation Method Based on Fusion of Graph Neural Network Single-Layer Mixing Negative Samples
Authors: Cai Biao , Zhou Keyi , Cheng Jing , Tang Xiaochuan , Hu Yanmei , Liu Mingzhe , Miao Qiang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In deep neural network recommendation models, a common training method is to provide both positive and negative examples to the model to construct the loss function, in order that the model can better learn the useful information in the data because of the increased distinction between positive and negative examples. Due to their focus on strong negative examples, traditional negative sampling methods tend to select false negative samples, which leads to overfitting, reduces the generalization ability of the model, and brings considerable extra computational overhead. For this study, we designed a reliable negative sample fusion generation method named Single-mix. This method reconsiders message propagation mechanisms of node information in graph neural networks (GNNs) and negative sample embedding and fusion during node information aggregation. Single-mix associates information compression and flattening with generalization to reduce redundant information and computational overhead while constructing negative samples effectively. We also propose the number of mixed layers for single-layer enhancement by exploring the structural characteristics of the dataset. Although Single-mix introduces simpler information compression than other negative sampling methods based on GNNs, it achieves superior experimental results on several general experimental datasets.
Stress triggers gut dysbiosis via CRF-CRHR1-mitochondria pathway
Authors: Duan Liping 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Psychological stress can lead to gut dysbiosis, yet the precise mechanisms underlying the transfer of stress signals from the brain to the gut remain elusive. Here we describe a new pathway that conveys stress from brain to gut and trigger dysbiosis. Acute stress activates hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and release corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) to elevate colonocytes’ CRF receptors 1 (CRHR1) expression, which damages mitochondrial ultrastructure and respiration function, as well impairs colon epithelium hypoxia, thereby shifts gut microbiota dominant strains from obligate anaerobes to facultative anaerobes. Blocking CRHR1 or activating mitochondria conferred resilience to stress induced mitochondria damaging and epithelium hypoxia impairing. Furthermore, we corroborated these findings by observing significant changes in serum CRF levels, colonocytes’ mitochondria and gut microbiota in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). These results suggest that the CRF-CRHR1-mitochondria pathway plays a pivotal role in stress-induced gut dysbiosis that could be therapeutically targeted for stress-induced gastrointestinal diseases.
Investigating deformation and seismic data and their relationships during the ongoing unrest of Campi Flegrei caldera (Italy)
Authors: Bevilacqua Andrea , Neri Augusto , De Martino Prospero , Giudicepietro Flora , Macedonio Giovanni , Ricciolino Patrizia 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Campi Flegrei is the largest active caldera in Europe and it is home of more than 350,000 people. Since 2005, the caldera shows a slow but progressive inflation of the ground and an intensification of seismic activity. Here we quantify the decadal accelerating trend together with oscillations of various frequencies overlying it and explore the relationships between deformation and seismic activity over the period 2000-11/2023. Results reveal an accelerating parabolic increase of vertical uplift, with maximum acceleration of ca. 0.74 cm/yr2, and a super-exponential increase of number of earthquakes and seismic energy release. Inspection of data gives evidence of a close temporal correlation between rates of deformation and seismicity and of an exponential-type relationship, with an exponent increasing in time, between ground deformation and number of earthquakes. These relationships are consistent with a quasi-elastic behavior of the upper crust of the caldera under an increasing stress and suggest a progressive mechanical weakening of it. Most importantly, they provide evidence of an increasing sensitivity of seismic activity on the caldera inflation and warn on the possibility of significant seismic events in case of continuation, with the same trends and relations, of the bradyseismic crisis in the next years.
Psychological capital and mental health problems among the unemployed in Vietnam: Self- esteem as a moderator
Authors: Dat Nguyen Tan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, unemployment has become a widespread phenomenon in society, with notable consequences including the emergence of mental health problems. This study examined the influence of psychological capital on mental health issues among unemployed people in Vietnam as well as the moderating role of self-esteem in this relation.
Methods
The study adopted a quantitative, cross-sectional approach with 468 recently unemployed office workers in 2023. The participants ranged from ages 22 to 49 years and worked in different fields including technology, finance, consumer services, and infrastructure services.
Result
The results indicated severe to extremely severe mental health symptoms, with 54.5%, 50.8%, and 38.9% of respondents reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, respectively. Our results have shown that psychological capital can significantly predict mental health issues including depression, anxiety, stress, and suicidal ideation. Self-esteem was found to play a moderating role in the relation between psychological capital and stress, depression, and suicidal ideation but not anxiety.
Conclusion
Businesses or government agencies should provide mental health support for unemployed workers. Employees should realize that they must improve their psychological capital and self-esteem to propose mental well-being in the post-COVID-19 period.
Adsorption behavior and quantum chemical analysis of surface functionalized polystyrene nano-plastics on gatifloxacin.
Authors: Yang Jie , Ji Wei , Li yanan , Wu Yaning , Yao Meijing , Wu Weiqin , Jing Kangjian , Zhang Guokai 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Micro / nano plastics will age and produce a variety of functional groups, but there are few studies on the interaction behavior of surface-functionalized nano-plastics with antibiotics. In this paper, 400 nm polystyrene microspheres (PS), amino modified PS-NH2, carboxyl modified PS-COOH (PSNPs) and gatifloxacin (GAT) were selected as research objects. The adsorption of GAT by PSNPs was comparatively studied by both experimental and theoretical calculations, and the adsorption mechanism of nano-plastics to antibiotics were revealed. The equilibrium adsorption capacity of PSNPs to GAT was PS-NH2 > PS-COOOH > PS, and adsorption capacity of PS-NH2 was the largest, which was 236 mg/g. The adsorption kinetics of GAT showed that adsorption was controlled by both physical and chemical mechanisms, and the intra-particle diffusion and external diffusion jointly controlled the adsorption rate. All of Na+, alginic acid, Cu2+ and Zn2+ inhibited the adsorption, and the inhibition effect of Cu2+ and Zn2+ on PS-NH2 adsorption of GAT was the most significant., which may be related to the inhibition of hydrogen bond formation by chelates formed by amino functional groups and heavy metals. The theoretical calculation results showed that π-π interaction and electrostatic interaction were the main interactions between PS and GAT, and electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces (vdW) were the main interactions between PS-COOH, PS-NH2 and GAT. The surface electrostatic potential of PS-COOH and PS-NH2 was significantly larger than PS, and the maximum penetration distance of van der Waals was GAT-PS-NH2 (1.20 Å) > GAT-PS-COOH (1.06 Å) > GAT-PS (0.63 Å). The results provided a theoretical basis for the migration and synergistic removal of antibiotics and micro-nano-plastics.
Viscoelastic properties of colorectal liver metastases reflect tumour cell viability
Authors: Skrip Lisa-Marie , Moosburner Simon , Tang Peter , Guo Jing , Görner Steffen , Tzschätzsch Heiko , Brüggemann Kristin , Walter Kilian Alexander , Hosse Clarissa , Fehrenbach Uli , Arnold Alexander , Modest Dominik Paul , Krenzien Felix , Schöning Wenzel , Malinka Thomas , Pratschke Johann , Papke Björn , Käs Josef A. , Sack Ingolf , Sauer Igor M. , Hillebrandt Karl 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Colorectal cancer is the third most common tumour entity in the world and up to 50% of the patients develop liver metastases (CRLM) within five years. To improve and personalize therapeutic strategies, new diagnostic tools are urgently needed. For instance, biomechanical tumour properties measured by magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) could be implemented as such a diagnostic tool. We postulate that ex vivo MRE combined with histological and radiological evaluation of CRLM could provide biomechanics-based diagnostic markers for cell viability in tumours.
Methods
34 CRLM specimens from patients who had undergone hepatic resection were studied using ex vivo MRE in a frequency range from 500 Hz to 5300 Hz with increments of 400 Hz. Single frequency evaluation of shear wave speed and wave penetration rate as proxies for stiffness and viscosity was performed, along with rheological model fitting based on the spring-pot model and powerlaw exponent α, ranging between 0 (complete solid behaviour) and 1 (complete fluid behaviour). For histological analysis, samples were stained with H&E and categorized according to the degree of regression. Quantitative histologic analysis was performed to analyse nucleus size, aspect ratio, and density. Radiological response was assessed according to RECIST-criteria.
Results
Five samples showed major response to chemotherapy, six samples partial response and 23 samples no response. For higher frequencies (> 2100 Hz), shear wave speed correlated significantly with the degree of regression (p ≤ 0.05) indicating stiffer properties with less viable tumour cells. Correspondingly, rheological analysis of α revealed more elastic-solid tissue properties at low cell viability and major response (α = 0.43 IQR 0.36, 0.47) than at higher cell viability and no response (α = 0.51 IQR 0.48, 0.55; p = 0.03). Quantitative histological analysis showed a decreased nuclear area and density as well as a higher nuclear aspect ratio in patients with major response to treatment compared to patients with no response (all p < 0.05)
Discussion
Our results suggest that MRE could be useful in the characterization of biomechanical property changes associated with cell viability in CRLM. In the future, MRE could be applied in clinical diagnosis to support individually tailored therapy plans for patients with CRLM.
Spatial Heterogeneity of Zooplankton Community in an Eutrophicated Tropical Estuary
Authors: Rosas Rayane , Azevedo-Cutrim Andrea Christina Gomes , Cutrim Marco Valerio Jansen , Cruz Quedyane Silva , Campos Danielle Stephane , Sá Ana Karoline Duarte  dos Santos , Oliveira Ana Virgínia Gomes , Santos Taiza Pimentel 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The alpha diversity and environmental heterogeneity of zooplankton reflect the level of degradation in a macrotidal estuary on the Brazilian equatorial margin. Using the multimetric index (TRIX), we assessed the trophic state and its association with zooplankton composition, distribution, and environmental variables in a tropical estuary. The results showed that significant seasonal and sectoral environmental differences contributed to biological heterogeneity, with the second sector (SII) exhibiting the greatest impact, leading to decreased alpha diversity compared to that of the first sector (SI). Salinity, pH, SiO23, and NO2− exhibited significant seasonal and sectoral variations (p < 0.05). The community consisted of 74 taxa, with copepods (75.7%), mainly from Oithonidae and Paracalanidae, dominating species number. Overall, the community exhibited medium diversity, low richness, and heterogeneity. Beta diversity, calculated using PERMADISP and Jaccard dissimilarity, reflected environmental heterogeneity with significant seasonal differences and biological variability between rainy and dry periods. Indicator species analysis identified 15 taxa, including copepods such as Euterpina acutifrons and Clytemnestra scutellata. Of these, nine taxa (60%) were indicators for the SI, and six (40%) were indicators for the SII. This study underscores the importance of identifying environmental filters and indicator species to understand estuarine dynamics and assess ecosystem trophic states.
Ocular Neuromodulation as a Novel Treatment for Retinitis Pigmentosa: Identifying Rod Responders and Predictors of Visual Improvement
Authors: Musallam Ismail M 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Reduced dysregulated ocular blood flow is proposed as a common pathway for the pathogenesis of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). The current study evaluated the safety and efficacy of ophthalmic nerve stimulation (ONS) as an ocular blood flow neuromodulator, combined with ascorbic acid (AA) as a potent anti-oxidant in the treatment of RP. Additionally, the initial characteristics of rod responders were identified. Methods Forty participants with simple, non-syndromic RP presented with a characteristic triad of RP, were enrolled in a prospective open-label single-armed interventional study. The severity of the disease was clinically graded into six stages. Patients with an established diagnosis of RP; aged ≥ 4 years, with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 20/400 were included. All participants were daily treated with bilateral ONS sessions combined with intravenous administration of AA for two weeks. The primary efficiency endpoint was 6 months’ changes in scotopic vision as measured by a 10-item, 100-point, Low Luminance Questionnaire-10 (LLQ-10). The secondary efficiency points included BCVA and contrast sensitivity. Rod responders were defined by ≥ 25 points increment of LLQ-10 score at 6 months after treatment. The Results ONS combined with AA treatment significantly improved low luminance vision, BCVA, and contrast sensitivity in patients with RP (p ≤ 0.05). At 6-month visit, twenty-four (60%) patients were identified as rod responders and 16 (40%) patients were rod-non-responders. The mean change in LLQ-10 score was (46.35 ± 16.81) in rod responders versus (4.9 ± 7.6) in non-responders (p < 0.0001). A clinically significant improvement of BCVA (≥ 0.2 logMAR unit) and contrast sensitivity (≥ 0.3 log unit) were demonstrated in 50% of the right eyes of rod responders. Headache in 5 patients (12.5%) was the only encountered side effect in this study. Conclusion Ocular neuromodulation is a safe therapeutic strategy for RP. It significantly improved night vision, BCVA, and contrast sensitivity. Determinants of rod responders include stage of RP, duration of night blindness, and the thickness of ganglion cell layer at baseline. Additionally, two therapeutic scenarios were recognized; an early disease-modifying intervention that restores night vision and reverses the disease process and a late cone rescue intervention that improves/maintains central vision. The trial has not been registered
ERCC3 serves as a prognostic biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma and positively regulates cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Yang Chen , Du Jiahui , Qiu Xiuqin , Jia Changhong , Ding Cunbao , Wu Yijie , Gao Chaoxu , Wang Weijie , Wang Xiaojun , Liu Song-Bai 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
ERCC3 is an important member of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway, and its overexpression is involved in the development of a variety of cancers and is a potential factor for poor tumor prognosis. Currently, the expression and function of ERCC3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear.
Methods
The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and clinical significance of ERCC3 in HCC tissues. The differential expression of ERCC3 across cancers and the characteristics of genetic variation were evaluated using the TCGA database. The TCGA, GEO and ICGC datasets were combined to examine the expression and prognostic value of ERCC3 in HCC. The independent prognostic value of ERCC3 expression levels in HCC was explored based on Cox regression analysis, Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and nomograms. The ssGSEA method was used to determine the pathway association coefficients to reveal the biological function of ERCC3 in HCC and the potential clinical efficacy of immunotherapy. An ERCC3-overexpressing lentivirus was used to infect HepG2 cells and establish a stable transient cell line, and RTCA, wound healing, and Transwell assays were applied to detect the effects of ERCC3 on the biological phenotypes of HCC cells. Flow cytometry was used to detect the distribution of the cell cycle and apoptosis. Transcriptome sequencing was used to explore the effect of ERCC3 gene overexpression on the expression of genes involved in signaling pathways in HCC.
Results
The results showed that ERCC3 appeared to be abnormally expressed in a variety of tumors, that ERCC3 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly greater in HCC tissues than in normal tissues, and that high ERCC3 expression was significantly correlated with poor survival in HCC patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the ERCC3 expression level was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.014). The gene set associated with the high ERCC3 group was significantly involved in multiple immune pathways and tumor progression-related pathways, and ERCC3 expression was significantly associated with immune checkpoints in HCC. The overexpression of the ERCC3 gene promoted HCC cell proliferation and migration and affected cell cycle progression. Transcriptome sequencing analysis revealed that the overexpression of ERCC3 regulated HCC cell proliferation, participated in multiple proinflammatory pathways, induced the formation of an inflammatory microenvironment in tumors, and promoted HCC progression.
Conclusions
High expression of ERCC3 may be a poor prognostic factor for HCC patients and may play an immunomodulatory role in HCC, providing a theoretical basis for the development of targeted immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Primary auditory area volumetry among Sudanese using 3D MRI: A cross-sectional study and literature review
Authors: AbdAlla Eltayeb , Elgadi Ammar , MohamedAli Hoyam , Mohammed Safaa , Elhag Amal 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

1.1 Background:
The primary auditory cortex (PAC) is the home for complex sound interpretation and noise perception. It is located in the Heschl gyrus, a region of the cerebral cortex located in the temporal lobes. Determining the volume of the auditory cortex is important in surgeries; for instance, it helps in determining the location of auditory-sensitive neurons and the anatomical conformations of the PAC. Our aim was to determine the primary auditory volumetry among Sudanese apparently healthy individuals in order to understand and deal with patients with various auditory diseases.
1.2 Methods:
This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Fedail Hospital. Imaging was done using Structured 3D MRI for healthy Sudanese subjects from January to March 2023.
1.3 Results:
The study involved 91 participants aged 48.64 years and found that the right PAC volume was larger than in the left PAC. The mean difference in volume between the two PAC was also significant. No significant gender differences were found in the right PAC volume or left PAC volume. Age-related differences were found to be significant, with the 18-30 age group having the largest mean difference. Person correlation analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between age and right PAC volume and the difference in volume between PACs, suggesting decreased asymmetry as individuals age. However, age did not significantly correlate with total volume, suggesting a nuanced relationship with overall auditory area volume.
1.4 Conclusion:
The study revealed significant interhemispheric inverse asymmetry towards the right side in Sudanese individuals, with no significant gender-specific asymmetry in the auditory cortex.
Promoting Restful Nights: The Role of Safety in Sleep Quality Among Incarcerated Youth
Authors: Fix Rebecca L , Jackson Dylan B , Testa Alexander , Semenza Daniel C 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Literature demonstrates that carceral settings prove detrimental to sleep among adult populations, yet aspects of juvenile prison that harm the sleep of youth remain understudied. We sought to understand whether and how safety impacts sleep in juvenile prisons in a Southeastern US state. We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed methods study. Survey data were collected from 78 youth in a male juvenile prison. Nineteen youth volunteered for follow-up qualitative interviews. About half of participants were White, and most were non-Latine and heterosexual.
Results
Findings illuminate the need for improved juvenile prison conditions and staff behavior, emphasizing the importance of promoting safer, more supportive environments. Indeed, the inextricable link between safety and environmental characteristics that contribute to feelings of safety (e.g., temperature, noise, lighting) were noted as essential to enhance sleep quality among incarcerated youth, and a vital component of their overall health and well-being. Nutrition and hunger were also regularly noted by participants.
Conclusions
Noteworthy advancements in physical and mental health among these youth are possible by targeting sleep and safety. By holistically supporting needs of incarcerated youth, their safety is more likely, fostering higher well-being and a more successful return to their communities.