bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Chinese investment in renewable energy generation in Brazil
Authors: Zeng Fenyu , Wu HongZhen 
Published: July 2024

As a result of the “Belt and Road” and “Going Global” policies, a growing number of Chinese power companies are expanding overseas, implementing global development strategies, and making investments in the overseas power industry. Several countries are undergoing an energy transition because of the rapid development of the world economy. This is being done to address the climate change issues that are a result of the overuse of fossil fuels. Brazil is also accelerating its pace of power transformation in its position as a major power generating country in Latin America. In addition to being the largest economy in South America, Brazil is also the country in which China has made the most investments. Additionally, Brazil is increasing its development efforts in wind power, photovoltaics, and other renewable energy sources in response to a large demand for renewable energy sources. Brazil’s renewable energy sector offers a great deal of potential for investment based on solid foundations for cooperation between China and Brazil. The Grey Prediction Model was used for this research to forecast Brazil’s renewable energy generation installed capacity, and the results show a positive trend in Brazil’s renewable energy generation. There is a rapid growth in wind and photovoltaic power generation over the next 5 years, with growth rates reaching 50.39% and 182.99%, respectively, suggesting that there is potential for a broad range of development. Following this, the research applies factor analysis to assess investment risks associated with Brazil’s renewable energy sector from 2000 to 2020. Based on the results of the study, Chinese power companies investing in Brazil’s renewable energy sector face the greatest political risk, while other risks gradually decrease. To avoid political risks when investing, companies should place a high priority on preventing them.
The utility of software-detected non-invasive tear break-up in comparison to fluorescein tear break-up measurements
Authors: Pflugfelder Stephen C. , Kikukawa Yasushi , Tanaka Shin , Kosugi Takuya 
Published: July 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to characterize and discuss the difference between software-detected non-invasive tear break-up time (NIBUT) and the traditional clinical method of fluorescein break-up time (FBUT).MethodsTear interferometry with the KOWA DR-1α (Kowa, Japan) and a standardized comprehensive ocular surface/tear evaluation were performed in 307 eyes. Software-detected NIBUT in the KOWA DR-1α images and the investigator-detected FBUT were compared.ResultsSoftware-detected NIBUT was significantly shorter than investigator-measured FBUT. NIBUT was 3.1 ± 2.5 s (mean ± SD), whereas FBUT was 4.8 ± 3.0 s. This difference was due to three different patterns or conditions: a spot break immediately after eyelid opening, moderate to severe keratitis sicca, and epithelial basement membrane corneal dystrophy (EBMD). In these cases, rapid tear film disruption was not captured by FBUT. A spot break immediately after eye opening that rapidly disappears was observed with conjunctivochalasis. This type of break-up may be difficult to detect using fluorescein because the human eye cannot catch such rapid blinks or post-blink events. In the second group with severe corneal epithelial disease, break-up may occur over the entire corneal surface upon eye opening, and distinct fluorescein tear break-up may not be identified because of poor dye dilution or spread over the corneal surface, whereas the non-invasive break-up is not solution-dependent, and the software can detect a distinct appearance. In the third group with EBMD, it is possible that focal break-up in the fluorescein pattern over the epithelial elevations, which might be missed visually, can be detected by software in video images.ConclusionWe found that software-detected NIBUT is more sensitive in detecting tear break-up, can identify certain tear film disruptions that are missed by traditional FBUT, and may be more useful in distinguishing certain tear disorders.
Microstimulation reveals anesthetic state-dependent effective connectivity of neurons in cerebral cortex
Authors: Hudetz Anthony G 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionComplex neuronal interactions underlie cortical information processing that can be compromised in altered states of consciousness. Here intracortical microstimulation was applied to investigate anesthetic state-dependent effective connectivity of neurons in rat visual cortex in vivo.MethodsExtracellular activity was recorded at 32 sites in layers 5/6 while stimulating with charge-balanced discrete pulses at each electrode in random order. The same stimulation pattern was applied at three levels of anesthesia with desflurane and in wakefulness. Spikes were sorted and classified by their waveform features as putative excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Network motifs were identified in graphs of effective connectivity constructed from monosynaptic cross-correlograms.ResultsMicrostimulation caused early (&lt;10 ms) increase followed by prolonged (11–100 ms) decrease in spiking of all neurons throughout the electrode array. The early response of excitatory but not inhibitory neurons decayed rapidly with distance from the stimulation site over 1 mm. Effective connectivity of neurons with significant stimulus response was dense in wakefulness and sparse under anesthesia. The number of network motifs, especially those of higher order, increased rapidly as the anesthesia was withdrawn indicating a substantial increase in network connectivity as the animals woke up.ConclusionThe results illuminate the impact of anesthesia on functional integrity of local cortical circuits affecting the state of consciousness.
Association between ultra-processed dietary pattern and bullying: the role of deviant behaviors
Authors: Okada Letícia Martins , Marques Emanuele Souza , Levy Renata Bertazzi , Gonçalves Vivian Siqueira Santos , Peres Maria Fernanda Tourinho , Azeredo Catarina Machado 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundUltra-processed foods have been associated with several negative outcomes, but it is not clear whether they are related to bullying perpetration. Moreover, no previous study has investigated the potential role of deviant behaviors as a mediator of this association. Our objective was to evaluate the association between ultra-processed dietary pattern and bullying, and the mediating effect of deviant behaviors in this association, among school adolescents.MethodsWe used data from a representative sample of 9th grade Brazilian adolescents (N = 2,212) from the São Paulo Project for the social development of children and adolescents (SP-PROSO). Exploratory factor analysis was used to obtain the dietary patterns, through questions of frequency of consumption in the last week of several foods. The ultra-processed dietary pattern was considered as exposure. The outcomes were the types of bullying (any type, social exclusion, psychological/verbal aggression, physical aggression, property destruction, and sexual harassment). Deviant behaviors (mediator) were assessed through a score. Mediation analyses were carried out using logistic regression based on the KHB method.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, the mediating effect of deviant behaviors was found in the association between ultra-processed dietary pattern and all the types of bullying perpetration, especially for psychological/verbal aggression (39.4%). A small mediating effect of deviant behaviors in the association of ultra-processed dietary pattern with physical aggression (17.7%) and property destruction (18.5%) was observed, but this effect explained only a small portion of the total effect of such association (significant direct effect).ConclusionThe ultra-processed dietary pattern was associated with bullying, and the association was mediated through deviant behaviors. Policies and actions for improving the adolescent’s diet and managing the adoption of deviant and bullying behaviors by this public are required.
Nomogram for predicting overall survival of metastatic pancreatic cancer patients based on HBV infection and inflammatory-nutritional biomarkers
Authors: Long Xiawei , Li Qian , Liao Sina , Lin Youzhi , Liao Xiaoli 
Published: July 2024

PurposeTo develop and validate a nomogram for predicting the overall survival of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.MethodsThis retrospective study included 236 patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer treated at Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital between October 2013 and October 2022. Patients were grouped according to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify the prognostic factors independently associated with overall survival. Results were used to build a nomogram, which was assessed through internal validation using bootstrap resampling.ResultsPatients in the HBV-positive group (N = 37) showed significantly better overall survival than those in the HBV-negative group (N=199; P = 0.014). Overall survival was independently associated with the following factors: HBV infection status, sex, chemotherapy, metastatic sites, a combined index of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocytes, and platelets, neutrophil-albumin ratio, as well as levels of CA125. The nomogram showed good predictive power, with an area under the curve of 0.808 for the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic. Calibration and decision curve analyses indicated good calibration and clinical usefulness of the nomogram for predicting the overall survival of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.ConclusionA nomogram based on the HBV infection status and inflammatory nutritional markers may help predict the overall survival of patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer and guide personalized clinical treatment.
Evaluation of the combined predictive value of multiple indicators based on diaphragmatic ultrasound using logistic regression and ROC curve in weaning from mechanical ventilation in pediatric patients
Authors: Ge Hejia , Zhang Ailian , Teng Yiqun , Hu Li 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundConventional single indicators have low sensitivity and specificity for predicting weaning from mechanical ventilation in pediatric patients, necessitating the establishment of a combined prediction model for predicting weaning outcomes.ObjectivesTo explore the combined predictive value of PaO2/FiO2 Ratio (P/F ratio), diaphragm excursion-rapid shallow breathing index (DE-RSBI), diaphragm thickening fraction-rapid shallow breathing index (DTF-RSBI), and Pediatric Critical Illness Score (PCIS) in weaning from mechanical ventilation in pediatric patients.MethodsSixty critically ill pneumonia pediatric patients requiring mechanical ventilation treatment from July 2022 to June 2023 at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University were selected. They all underwent a spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) and were divided into the weaning success group (42 cases) and weaning failure group (18 cases) based on the weaning outcome. Parameters including total duration of illness, mechanical ventilation duration, heart rate (HR), P/F ratio, diaphragm excursion (DE), DE-RSBI, diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF), DTF-RSBI, and PCIS were included in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to determine independent factors affecting pediatric weaning success. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted to evaluate the predictive value of P/F ratio, DE-RSBI, DTF-RSBI, PCIS alone or in combination for weaning success.ResultsComparing P/F ratio, DE, DE-RSBI, DTF, DTF-RSBI and PCIS, there were statistically significant differences (P &lt; 0.05). Through collinearity analysis and binary logistic regression analysis,P/F ratio [OR = 0.777, 95% CI (0.641,0.941)], DE-RSBI [OR = 1.694, 95% CI (1.172, 2.447)], DTF-RSBI [OR = 1.057, 95% CI (1.002, 1.114)], and PCIS [OR = 0.661, 95% CI (0.445, 0.982)] were identified as independent factors affecting successful weaning(P &lt; 0.05).The regression equation was: LogitP = 73.299–0.253 P/F ratio + 0.525DE-RSBI + 0.055DTF-RSBI-0.43PCIS.The sensitivity of the combined indicator Logit(P) in predicting successful weaning from mechanical ventilation in pediatric patients was 88.9%, with a specificity of 95.2% (optimal cutoff value of 0.511), and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.960 [95% CI (0.915, 1.000)]. The AUC of the combined prediction model for predicting pediatric weaning was greater than that of P/F ratio, DE-RSBI, DTF-RSBI and PCIS alone (Z values = 9.129, 2.061, 2.075, 8.326, P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsIn mechanically ventilated pediatric patients, the combined prediction model has better predictive value for weaning success compared to using P/F ratio, DE-RSBI, DTF-RSBI, or PCIS alone.
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in neonates (MIS-N): an updated systematic review
Authors: Muthiah Divya , Chan Ming , Low Yue Wey , Ramasamy Sheena Nishanti , Amin Zubair , Chan-Ng Pauline Poh Lin , Low Jeen Liang , Low Jia Ming 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe aim of the study was to summarize and update clinical features and outcomes of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in neonates (MIS-N).MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted of studies on MIS-N published in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CNKI, and WHO COVID-19 databases between 1 December 2019 and 30 June 2023. Reference lists of selected articles, Google Scholar, and pre-print servers were searched for additional studies. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed.ResultsOf 1,572 records screened after the initial search, 35 studies involving a total of 201 neonates with MIS-N were included. One study was retrieved from a pre-print server. For those with available data, 34/47 (78.7%) mothers were infected in the third trimester. Of the 199 mothers (two with twin pregnancies), 183 (92.0%) were from India. The median age of neonates at presentation was 2.0 days (interquartile range 1.0–9.5). Over two-thirds (144/201, 71.6%) presented with respiratory distress, while 112 (55.7%) had cardiac involvement, such as ventricular dysfunctions, involvement of coronary arteries, and atrioventricular blocks. Arrhythmias and thrombosis were reported in 15/201 (7.5%) and 2/201 (3.0%) neonates, respectively. All neonates, except one, required critical care; 64/160 (40.0%) required inotropic support and 105/187 (56.1%) required respiratory support, of whom 59/105 (56.2%) were specified to require intubation. The mortality rate was 5.0% (10/201).Discussion/ConclusionMIS-N should be considered in ill neonates presenting with involvement of two or more organ systems, especially among those neonates with cardiorespiratory dysfunctions, in the presence of proven or suspected maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021278717, PROSPERO, identifier CRD42021278717.
Long Mu Qing Xin mixture improves behavioral performance in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR/NCrl) by upregulating catecholamine neurotransmitters in prefrontal cortex and striatum via DRD1/cAMP/PKA-CREB signaling pathway
Authors: Li Xuejun , Xiao Zhen , Jiang Zhiyan , Pu Wenyan , Chen Xiufeng , Wang Shumin , Liu Anqi , Zhang Hongyu , Xu Zihao 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children, can be effectively alleviated by the herbal preparation Long Mu Qing Xin Mixture (LMQXM), but its mechanism has not been fully elucidated.ObjectiveTo scrutinize the potential pharmacological mechanisms by which LMQXM improves behavior in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR/NCrl).MethodsThe SHR/NCrl rats were randomly stratified into the model (SHR) group, the methylphenidate hydrochloride (MPH) group, and groups subjected to varying dosages of LMQXM into the medium dose (MD) group with a clinically effective dose, the low dose (LD) group with 0.5 times the clinically effective dose, and high dose (HD) group with 2 times the clinically effective dose. Furthermore, the WKY/NCrl rats constituted the control group. The evaluation of behavior involved the open field test and the Morris water maze test. HPLC, LC-MS, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and RT-qPCR were utilized to scrutinize the catecholamine neurotransmitter content and the expression of proteins and genes associated with the dopamine receptor D1 (DRD1)/cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-cAMP response element-binding (CREB) pathway in prefrontal cortex (PFC) and striatum.ResultsMPH and LMQXM ameliorated hyperactivity and learning and memory deficits of SHR/NCrl rats. Among them, LMQXM-MD and MPH also upregulated dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), adenylate cyclase (AC) and cAMP levels, and the expression of proteins and genes associated with the DRD1/cAMP/PKA-CREB pathway in PFC and striatum of SHR/NCrl rats. PFC and striatum DA levels were also upregulated in the LMQXM-LD group as well as the striatum DA levels in the LMQXM-HD group, but there were no statistically significant differences in their NE levels compared to the SHR group. LMQXM-LD and LMQXM-HD also upregulated some DRD1/cAMP/PKA-CREB pathway-related proteins and gene expression, but the effects were discernibly disparate in PFC and striatum. Upon comprehensive analysis, LMQXM-MD appeared to be the most effective dose.ConclusionOur study tentatively suggests that LMQXM may rectify hyperactivity and learning and memory deficits of SHR/NCrl rats by elevating catecholamine neurotransmitters in the PFC and striatum. This effect may be attributed to the potential activation of the DRD1/cAMP/PKA-CREB signaling pathway, which appears to achieve an optimal response at moderate doses.
Polychlorinated biphenyls modify Arabidopsis root exudation pattern to accommodate degrading bacteria, showing strain and functional trait specificity
Authors: Rolli Eleonora , Ghitti Elisa , Mapelli Francesca , Borin Sara 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe importance of plant rhizodeposition to sustain microbial growth and induce xenobiotic degradation in polluted environments is increasingly recognized.MethodsHere the “cry-for-help” hypothesis, consisting in root chemistry remodeling upon stress, was investigated in the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), highly recalcitrant and phytotoxic compounds, highlighting its role in reshaping the nutritional and signaling features of the root niche to accommodate PCB-degrading microorganisms.ResultsArabidopsis exposure to 70 µM PCB-18 triggered plant-detrimental effects, stress-related traits, and PCB-responsive gene expression, reproducing PCB phytotoxicity. The root exudates of plantlets exposed for 2 days to the pollutant were collected and characterized through untargeted metabolomics analysis by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Principal component analysis disclosed a different root exudation fingerprint in PCB-18-exposed plants, potentially contributing to the “cry-for-help” event. To investigate this aspect, the five compounds identified in the exudate metabolomic analysis (i.e., scopoletin, N-hydroxyethyl-β-alanine, hypoxanthine, L-arginyl-L-valine, and L-seryl-L-phenylalanine) were assayed for their influence on the physiology and functionality of the PCB-degrading strains Pseudomonas alcaliphila JAB1, Paraburkholderia xenovorans LB400, and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus P320. Scopoletin, whose relative abundance decreased in PCB-18-stressed plant exudates, hampered the growth and proliferation of strains JAB1 and P320, presumably due to its antimicrobial activity, and reduced the beneficial effect of Acinetobacter P320, which showed a higher degree of growth promotion in the scopoletin-depleted mutant f6’h1 compared to Arabidopsis WT plants exposed to PCB. Nevertheless, scopoletin induced the expression of the bph catabolic operon in strains JAB1 and LB400. The primary metabolites hypoxanthine, L-arginyl-L-valine, and L-seryl-L-phenylalanine, which increased in relative abundance upon PCB-18 stress, were preferentially used as nutrients and growth-stimulating factors by the three degrading strains and showed a variable ability to affect rhizocompetence traits like motility and biofilm formation.DiscussionThese findings expand the knowledge on PCB-triggered “cry-for-help” and its role in steering the PCB-degrading microbiome to boost the holobiont fitness in polluted environments.
Parenting styles and personal belief in a just world among Chinese children and adolescents: gender, living location, and age as moderators
Authors: Wang Jing , Ye Yonghong , Wang Yun , Zeng Xihua 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe positive development of the personal belief in a just world (PBJW) plays a vital role in academic achievement and mental health among children and adolescents. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the influencing factors of PBJW better. The association between parenting styles and PBJW has been well established, but whether this association varies among different groups remains an open issue. The present study aimed to examine the strength of the associations between parenting styles and PBJW among Chinese children and adolescents and the role of certain moderators (gender, living location, and age) in these associations.MethodsThis study employed hierarchical regression and simple slopes analyses to examine data from the National Children's Study of China. The database includes 24,013 Chinese children and adolescents in grades 49 (M = 12.76 years, SD = 1.73), with 53.50% boys.ResultsThe results indicated that (1) authoritative parenting was positively correlated with PBJW; (2) both authoritarian and permissive parenting styles were negatively correlated with PBJW; (3) the positive relationship between authoritative parenting and PBJW was more prominent in urban regions; the negative relationship between authoritarian and PBJW was stronger in urban regions; and the negative relationship between permissive parenting and PBJW was more pronounced among girls and older children and adolescents.DiscussionThese findings highlight important associations between parenting styles and the development of PBJW among Chinese children and adolescents, and suggest strategies for policy-makers, educators, and parents to improve PBJW for different types of Chinese children and adolescents.