bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The interrelation between microbial immunoglobulin coating, vaginal microbiota, ethnicity, and preterm birth
Authors: Schuster H. J. , Breedveld A. C. , Matamoros S. P. F. , van Eekelen R. , Painter R. C. , Kok M. , Hajenius P. J. , Savelkoul P. H. M. , van Egmond M. , van Houdt R. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Vaginal microbiota composition is associated with spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB), depending on ethnicity. Host-microbiota interactions are thought to play an important underlying role in this association between ethnicity, vaginal microbiota and sPTB.

Methods
In a prospective cohort of nulliparous pregnant women, we assessed vaginal microbiota composition, vaginal immunoglobulins (Igs), and local inflammatory markers. We performed a nested case–control study with 19 sPTB cases, matched based on ethnicity and midwifery practice to 19 term controls.

Results
Of the 294 included participants, 23 pregnancies ended in sPTB. We demonstrated that Lactobacillus iners-dominated microbiota, diverse microbiota, and ethnicity were all independently associated with sPTB. Microbial Ig coating was associated with both microbiota composition and ethnicity, but a direct association with sPTB was lacking. Microbial IgA and IgG coating were lowest in diverse microbiota, especially in women of any ethnic minority. When correcting for microbiota composition, increased microbial Ig coating correlated with increased inflammation.

Conclusion
In these nulliparous pregnant women, vaginal microbiota composition is strongly associated with sPTB. Our results support that vaginal mucosal Igs might play a pivotal role in microbiota composition, microbiota-related inflammation, and vaginal community disparity within and between ethnicities. This study provides insight in host-microbe interaction, suggesting that vaginal mucosal Igs play an immunomodulatory role similar to that in the intestinal tract.
Global soil metagenomics reveals distribution and predominance of Deltaproteobacteria in nitrogen-fixing microbiome
Authors: Masuda Yoko , Mise Kazumori , Xu Zhenxing , Zhang Zhengcheng , Shiratori Yutaka , Senoo Keishi , Itoh Hideomi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Biological nitrogen fixation is a fundamental process sustaining all life on earth. While distribution and diversity of N2-fixing soil microbes have been investigated by numerous PCR amplicon sequencing of nitrogenase genes, their comprehensive understanding has been hindered by lack of de facto standard protocols for amplicon surveys and possible PCR biases. Here, by fully leveraging the planetary collections of soil shotgun metagenomes along with recently expanded culture collections, we evaluated the global distribution and diversity of terrestrial diazotrophic microbiome.

Results
After the extensive analysis of 1,451 soil metagenomic samples, we revealed that the Anaeromyxobacteraceae and Geobacteraceae within Deltaproteobacteria are ubiquitous groups of diazotrophic microbiome in the soils with different geographic origins and land usage types, with particular predominance in anaerobic soils (paddy soils and sediments).

Conclusion
Our results indicate that Deltaproteobacteria is a core bacterial taxon in the potential soil nitrogen fixation population, especially in anaerobic environments, which encourages a careful consideration on deltaproteobacterial diazotrophs in understanding terrestrial nitrogen cycling.
Psychometric properties of the chinese version of multidimensional experiential avoidance questionnaire-30
Authors: Xue Dongdong , Meng Hongxing , Liu Hongpei , Wang Nana , He Jin , Feng Lina , Su Juan , Wang Xiaozhuang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Experiential avoidance represents the tendency to avoid negative internal experiences, which is a key concept in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. However, existing measures of experiential avoidance (i.e., Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–II, AAQ-II) have some limitations. This study aims to assess the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of Multidimensional Experiential Avoidance Questionnaire-30 (MEAQ-30) and provide evidence for the reliability and validity of this new instrument.

Methods
Two questionnaire surveys were conducted. The first sample (N = 546) was analyzed using classical test theory (CTT), and the second sample (N = 511) was analyzed using multidimensional item response theory (MIRT).

Results
CTT supported the six-factor structure of MEAQ-30, indicating good internal consistency and measurement invariance across genders. Furthermore, the Chinese version of MEAQ-30 showed satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity. The incremental validity test showed that after controlling for the effects of neuroticism and AAQ-II, the Chinese version of MEAQ-30 could still significantly predict depression, anxiety, and stress. MIRT indicated that 30 items had good discrimination and difficulty, and the six subscales were sufficiently reliable across the continuum of experiential avoidance.

Conclusion
The Chinese version of MEAQ-30 has good reliability and validity and is suitable for assessing experiential avoidance among Chinese populations.
Working through multiple crises: the experience of psychotherapists and psychoanalysts in Lebanon
Authors: Nassif Rose Marie , Husseini Mayssa’ El , Beaini Nour , Choueiri Tonnie , Tarazi-Sahab Layla , Moro Marie-Rose 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Introduction
This research explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on psychotherapists' practices and their ability to maintain a framework despite a shared reality with their patients. The specific focus in this article is on the Lebanese context, which is characterized by a series of crises including economic collapse, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Beirut blast. The objective of this study was to examine how the destabilization of the meta-frame due to crises necessitates adaptations in theoretical knowledge, practice, and setting.

Methods
We conducted a qualitative study among a population consisting of mental health professionals, which were recruited in Lebanon through associations and societies of psychologists, psychotherapists, and psychoanalysts. Data was collected using semi-structured individual interviews. The interviews were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), which allowed for a dynamic exploration of the participants' experiences.

Results
Our study revealed four superordinate themes: (1) The strained frontiers; (2) The cumulative traumatic reality and its impact; (3) A challenged professional identity; (4) The creativity stemming from collective trauma.

Conclusions
Our results highlight the insecurity caused by external reality infiltrating the therapeutic setting. Online therapy allowed for continued work, but uncertainty about the online environment's impact on therapeutic relationships was observed. The study underscores the importance of adaptability, containment, and support for therapists navigating crises, particularly in the online setting.
Efficiently approaching vertical federated learning by combining data reduction and conditional computation techniques
Authors: Folino Francesco , Folino Gianluigi , Pisani Francesco Sergio , Pontieri Luigi , Sabatino Pietro 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a framework based on a sparse Mixture of Experts (MoE) architecture is proposed for the federated learning and application of a distributed classification model in domains (like cybersecurity and healthcare) where different parties of the federation store different subsets of features for a number of data instances. The framework is designed to limit the risk of information leakage and computation/communication costs in both model training (through data sampling) and application (leveraging the conditional-computation abilities of sparse MoEs). Experiments on real data have shown the proposed approach to ensure a better balance between efficiency and model accuracy, compared to other VFL-based solutions. Notably, in a real-life cybersecurity case study focused on malware classification (the KronoDroid dataset), the proposed method surpasses competitors even though it utilizes only 50% and 75% of the training set, which is fully utilized by the other approaches in the competition. This method achieves reductions in the rate of false positives by 16.9% and 18.2%, respectively, and also delivers satisfactory results on the other evaluation metrics. These results showcase our framework’s potential to significantly enhance cybersecurity threat detection and prevention in a collaborative yet secure manner.
Dynamics of acyl carrier protein in de novo fatty acid synthesis by Enterococcus faecalis based on NMR spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Oh Sujung , Lee Chaeyoung , Son Minwon , Yeon Jiwon , Kim Yangmee 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFatty acid synthesis (FAS) is essential for the production of biological components such as cell membrane building blocks and metabolism-related compounds. There are two types of bacterial FAS: de novo FAS and FAS through the incorporation of external fatty acids. Enterococcus faecalis possesses two distinct acyl carrier proteins (ACPs), AcpA (EfAcpA) and AcpB (EfAcpB), which serve as cofactors in the two types of FAS. We previously showed through NMR spectroscopy that EfAcpA comprises only three long helices, while EfAcpB consists of four helices, including a short α3 helix, similar to other bacterial ACPs. An increase in melting temperature (Tm) from 64.0 to 76.1 °C confirmed that protein structural stability increased in the presence of calcium ions. Using NMR spectroscopy, two metal binding sites were identified in EfAcpA: site A was located at the start of the α2 helix while site B was situated near the α2 helix and α2α3 loop. To understand the importance of structural flexibility of EfAcpA in de novo FAS, we investigated its motional properties using backbone spin relaxation and molecular dynamics simulations. The α2α3 loop in EfAcpA displayed high flexibility, as indicated by low heteronuclear NOE values. The residues Val51, Glu54, and Gly58 exhibited significant R2 values, likely due to the movement of this loop. EfAcpA created a novel cavity towards the α1α2 loop, in contrast to conventional cavity formation in most bacterial ACPs. This unique behavior was attributed to the flexibility exhibited by the α2α3 loop. The structural and motional characteristics of EfAcpA confirmed that its conformational plasticity is a crucial factor influencing acyl chain transfers in de novo FAS. Given the increasing antibiotic resistance observed for E. faecalis in clinical settings, the findings of this study may contribute to the development of more effective pathogen management strategies targeting FAS.
Characteristics and reasons for delayed presentation in acute ischemic stroke: single-centered study in Indonesia
Authors: Yang Natasha , Hartanto Yohan Budi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Effective therapy for acute ischemic stroke relies on timely intervention. We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with the onset-to-arrival time and delayed hospital presentation in acute ischemic stroke patients. Subjects with acute ischemic stroke in Bethesda Hospital Yogyakarta, Indonesia from March to June, 2023 were prospectively recruited. A questionnaire was used to collect the information by direct interviews. Prespecified variables were included in univariate and multivariable analyses to identify the predictors of delayed hospital presentation of more than 4.5 h.

Results
Among a total of 175 patients, 64.6% of the patients arrived at the hospital more than 4.5 h after the stroke onset. Only 3 (1.7%) patients were eligible and received intravenous thrombolysis. In multivariable analysis, monthly income of more than IDR 550,000 (OR, 4.22; 95% CI 1.47–12.17; p = 0.007), wake-up stroke or unknown stroke onset (OR vs. known onset, 0.17; 95% CI 0.05–0.56; p = 0.004), distance from location of stroke onset more than 9.45 km (OR, 3.13; 95% CI 1.41–6.92; p = 0.005) and no history of coronary artery disease or heart failure (OR vs. present history, 0.12; 95% CI 0.04–0.37; p = 0.000) were related to delayed hospital presentation. The most frequently mentioned reasons for the delay were waiting for spontaneous improvement at home and unawareness of the stroke symptoms.

Conclusions
There is an enormous disparity in stroke services between developed and developing countries. This study highlighted the need to increase public stroke symptoms awareness.
Comparative analysis of energy efficiency for three heating and cooling supply schemes in a region with hot summers and cold winters in a chemical industrial park
Authors: Jiang Kewen , Zhang Wei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBuilding energy consumption in China accounts for 45% of the total national energy consumption, with air conditioning energy consumption representing approximately two-thirds of that. Therefore, energy efficiency in buildings is of utmost importance. This study focuses on a chemical industrial park located along the Fujiang River and compares three heating and cooling supply schemes: the river water source heat pump system, which utilizes river water as the heat source and heat sink; the water cooling unit and boiler system, which uses water-cooled electric compression chillers for cooling and an oil-fired boiler system for heating; and the split air conditioning and gas water heater scheme, which relies on refrigerants such as fluorine-containing compounds for cooling and a gas water heater for heating. By calculating the energy consumption of the above three schemes and conducting a comparative analysis, it is found that the river water source heat pump system exhibits significantly higher energy efficiency throughout the year compared to the water cooling unit and boiler system and the split air conditioning and gas water heater scheme. This highlights the notable energy efficiency advantage of the river water source heat pump system.
Measuring flow rate and purity in portable oxygen concentrators
Authors: Sivalingam Vijai , Jayaraj Jayakumar , Paul Subha Hency Jose 
Published: May 2024

AbstractFor people with respiratory disorders who need additional oxygen therapy, oxygen concentrators are vital medical equipment. By concentrating oxygen from the ambient air, they function to give the user a greater flow of oxygen-enriched air. The application of lithium zeolite for oxygen concentration in POCs is the most intense part of this work. One kind of zeolite material that may selectively absorb nitrogen from the air to increase oxygen concentration is lithium zeolite. The capacity, effectiveness, and dependability of a POC fitted with lithium zeolite are all examined in this study, along with its overall performance. The findings show that lithium zeolite, which has benefits including high oxygen purity and low energy consumption, is a potential material for use in POCs. The results of this study aid in the creation of POCs for oxygen therapy that are more effective and efficient. This study suggests utilizing an Arduino microcontroller and an HX710B air pressure sensor to measure the oxygen flow rate in a POC. The POC’s oxygen flow channel incorporates the HX710B sensor to monitor pressure variations, which the Arduino uses to translate into flow rate readings. To verify the accuracy and dependability of the system, its performance is assessed under different flow rate scenarios. Lithium zeolites are well-known for having a high selectivity for nitrogen adsorption, which can enhance the concentrator’s oxygen separation process’s effectiveness. Lithium-zeolite-based oxygen concentrators may have a lower environmental effect than standard concentrators.
Providing a hybrid approach to increase the accuracy of intrusion detection systems in computer networks
Authors: Zhao Wei , Zhao Zhitong 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIntrusion detection is a critical obstacle in the realm of security and data mining methodologies. Consequently, researchers have extensively investigated the quest for the swiftest and most precise means of identifying intrusions. Essentially, intrusion detection systems are tasked with recognizing any unauthorized activities, misuse, or harm inflicted upon a system, be it by internal or external users. Recently, in order to design intrusion detection systems, artificial intelligence and machine learning methods have been used, each of which has its own characteristics and advantages. Accordingly, this article focuses on using machine learning to improve the accuracy of the intrusion detection process. In fact, by using machine learning, trends, and patterns can be easily identified and thus used in a network environment to detect intrusion. It can be very useful. For this purpose, we utilize Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural networks and support vector machine (SVM) algorithm to improve decision-making and intrusion detection. By employing RBF neural networks, important features of the data are extracted, which in turnPlease check if the author details and affiliations are presented correctly. Kindly amend if necessary. enhance the overall performance of the solution and the efficiency of the SVM algorithm. This is because feature reduction ultimately leads to improved effectiveness of the SVM algorithm. In methods lacking this capability, the learning algorithm is compelled to utilize features that have no specific correlation with intrusion and essentially do not contribute to identifying attacks. Such learning approaches essentially learn from noisy data, which negatively impacts the intrusion detection solution. Finally, the proposed solution was evaluated using Python programming language and KDD99 data set. The results of the evaluation indicate that the proposed solution has a higher accuracy and precision than other evaluated solutions. So, the accuracy is 97, and the precision is over 99%.
The Effect of Apalutamide on Thyroid Function in Prostate Cancer Patients
Authors: Moffatt Clare , Lechner Melissa G , Angell Trevor E , Shen John , Drakaki Alexandra , Acosta Gonzalo J , Liang Tom Z , Tsai Karen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Context
Apalutamide (APT) is a nonsteroidal antiandrogen medication used to treat metastatic castrate-sensitive and nonmetastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Early clinical trials of APT identified thyroid dysfunction as a common adverse effect of therapy, but the clinical presentation and management of APT-induced hypothyroidism has not been studied.

Objective
The objective of our study is to elucidate the clinical presentation and treatment approach of APT-associated thyroid dysfunction in prostate cancer patients.

Methods
We report a case series of 16 patients with APT-associated thyroid dysfunction during prostate cancer treatment at 2 academic medical centers. Patient clinical parameters, thyroid function laboratory data, and thyroid hormone requirements over the course of APT treatment were analyzed.

Results
Among the 16 patients in our case series with APT-associated hypothyroidism, 3 had no prior thyroid disease and 13 had preexisting hypothyroidism. The patterns of thyroid dysfunction included overt and subclinical hypothyroidism. The median time from APT initiation to thyroid function test abnormality was 19 weeks, but occurred in some cases as early as 2 to 4 weeks. Hypothyroidism was effectively managed with thyroid hormone replacement using levothyroxine (LT4), though some patients with preexisting hypothyroidism required a 2- to 3-fold dose increase while on APT to achieve a euthyroid state. In the subset of patients who completed or stopped APT therapy, thyrotropin levels fell at a median of 11 weeks post APT therapy and thyroid hormone requirements decreased to near pre-APT levels.

Conclusion
APT-associated thyroid dysfunction presents as new or worsening hypothyroidism and should prompt initiation or increase in thyroid hormone replacement. Monitoring of thyroid function tests is recommended every 1 to 2 months for all patients on APT and 2 to 3 months after completion of APT.
UK practitioners' motivations and experiences of farm animal internship programmes
Authors: Prior Stephanie , Mahendran Sophie A 
Published: May 2024

Background: Recruitment and retention of practicing farm animal veterinary surgeons is of growing importance in the UK. Farm animal internships are one route for early career veterinarians to pursue, and can be offered by both universities and corporate practices. Aims: This survey established the motivations, experiences and drivers for farm animal veterinary surgeons undertaking internships. Methods: An online questionnaire consisting of 14 questions of both free text and multiple-choice questions was used to evaluate the opinions of veterinarians who have undertaken farm animal internships in the UK. Findings: The main motivation for carrying out an internship was the desire for support, which was stated by 63.3% of participants. Interns who received weekly or fortnightly contact with a mentor were significantly more likely to regard this as sufficient (P<0.05) compared to interns whose support was less frequent. Conclusions: The results of this questionnaire suggest that internship programmes are well received by those undertaking them.
Relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine fetal distress
Authors: Chen Ji , Liu Fei-Xue , Tao Rui-Xue 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND
By comprehensively analyzing the blood flow parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries, doctors can more accurately identify fetal intrauterine distress, as well as assess its severity, so that timely interventions can be implemented to safeguard the health and safety of the fetus.
AIM
To identify the relationship between ultrasound parameters of the umbilical and middle cerebral arteries and intrauterine distress.
METHODS
Clinical data of pregnant women admitted between January 2021 and January 2023 were collected and divided into the observation and control groups (n = 50 each), according to the presence or absence of intrauterine distress. The ultrasound hemodynamic parameters of the uterine artery (UtA), fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA), and umbilical artery (UmA) were compared with neonatal outcomes and occurrence of intrauterine distress in the two groups.
RESULTS
Comparison of ultrasonic hemodynamic parameters, resistance index (RI), pulsatility index (PI), and systolic maximal blood flow velocity of UmA compared to diastolic blood flow velocity (S/D), revealed higher values of fetal MCA, PI, and S/D of UmA in pregnant women with UtA compared to controls (P < 0.05), while there was no difference between the two groups in terms of RI (P < 0.05) The incidence of a neonatal Apgar score of 8-10 points was lower in the observation group (66.7%) than in the control group (90.0%), and neonatal weight (2675.5 ± 27.6 g) was lower than in the control group (3117.5 ± 31.2 g). Further, cesarean section rate was higher in the observation group (70.0%) than in the control group (11.7%), and preterm labor rate was higher in the observation group (40.0%) than in the control group (10.0%). The incidence of fetal distress, neonatal growth restriction and neonatal asphyxia were also higher in the observation group (all P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Fetal MCA, UmA, and maternal UtA hemodynamic abnormalities all develop in pregnant women with intrauterine distress during late pregnancy, which suggests that clinical attention should be paid to them, and monitoring should be strengthened to provide guidance for clinical intervention.