bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Interventions in Face-to-face Communication to Decrease Group Stress Levels
Authors: Tsuji Satomi , Sato Nobuo , Yano Kazuo , Miyake Yoshihiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Reducing workplace stress has become a societal challenge. Traditionally, the measurement of stress and intervention methods for it have focused on individuals. In our prior research, by contrast, we conceptualized stress as a collective phenomenon arising from group dynamics and proposed a method to estimate group stress levels quantitatively. This method involves equipping individuals within a group with accelerometers and calculating the scale exponent of the activity duration distribution of their physical movements. However, the potential for reducing group stress levels remained unverified. In this study, we hypothesized that behavioral change could effectively reduce group stress levels and intervened in workplace behaviors by offering advice through a smartphone app. The interventions targeted five categories of behaviors: (I) conversational partners, (II) methods of conversation, (III) desk work practices, (IV) arrival and departure times, and (V) time management. The results showed that changing behaviors in categories (II), (III), (IV), and (V) had no effect, but intervention with conversational partners, that is, increasing communication between certain pairs, reduced group stress levels. This finding suggests that it is possible to mitigate group stress, particularly through interventions in workplace interpersonal relationships.
Apelin (APLN) is a biomarker contributing to the diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mao Xi , Zhu Xiaoya , Pan Tong , Liu Zehui , Shangguan Pingping , Zhang Yi , Liu Yingle , Jiang Xiwen , Zhang Qi 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Liver cancer, classified as a malignant hepatic tumor, can be divided into two categories: primary, originating within the liver, and secondary, resulting from metastasis to the liver from other organs. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main form of primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The diagnosis and prognosis of HCC using current methods still face numerous challenges. This study aims to develop novel diagnostic and prognostic models while identifying new biomarkers for improved HCC treatment.
Methods Diagnostic and prognostic models for HCC were constructed using traditional binary classification methods and machine learning algorithms based on the TCGA database (Downloaded in August 2023). The mechanisms by which APLN affects HCC were investigated using single-cell sequencing data sourced from the GEO database (GSE149614).
Results The diagnostic models yielded by various algorithms could effectively distinguished HCC samples from normal ones. The prognostic model, composed of four genes, was constructed using LASSO and Cox regression algorithms, demonstrating good performance in predicting the three-year survival rate of HCC patients. The HCC biomarker Apelin (APLN) was identified in this study. APLN in liver cancer tissues mainly comes from endothelial cells and is associated with the carcinogenesis of these cells. APLN expression is significantly upregulated in liver cancer tissues, marking it as a viable indicator of endothelial cell malignancy in HCC. Furthermore, APLN expression was determined to be an independent predictor of tumor endothelial cell carcinogenesis, unaffected by its modifications such as single nucleotide variation, copy number variation, and methylation. Additionally, liver cancers characterized by high APLN expression are likely to progress rapidly after T2 stage.
Conclusions Our study presents diagnostic and prognostic models for HCC with appreciably improved accuracy and reliability compared to previous reports. APLN is a reliable HCC biomarker and contributes to the establishment of our models.
Bioinformatics mining and experimental validation of prognostic biomarkers in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Feng , Alshehade Salah A. , Zhao Wei Guo , Li Zhuo Ya , Fong Jung Yin , Okechukwu Patrick Nwabueaze , Ng Chin Tat , Venkatachalam Karthikkumar , Jeleń Małgorzata , Mlodawsak Beata Morak , Alshawsh Mohammed Abdullah , Selvaraja Malarvili 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent malignancy with rising incidence and mortality rates. It is essential to identify potential prognostic gene biomarkers for CRC. We analyzed public datasets, revealing 5408 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CRC and adjacent normal tissues. Utilizing the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases, we identified 2779 up-regulated and 2629 down-regulated genes. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) yielded the MEbrown module, containing 1639 genes highly correlated with CRC. A total of 926 differentially expressed CRC-related genes were screened for subsequent analysis. Then, a prognostic risk model with five characteristic genes (TIMP1, PCOLCE2, MEIS2, HDC and CXCL13) was constructed. This model demonstrated strong predictive ability in the GSE32323 dataset and an internal test set. All five characteristic genes harbored predominantly missense mutations, with TIMP1 exhibiting the highest variant allele frequency. Functional enrichment analysis, including gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and histological expression analysis in the HPA database, highlighted the biological significance of TIMP1 in CRC. TIMP1 is upregulated in the tumor tissue and enriched in CRC-related pathways such as type I interferon receptor binding, oxidative phosphorylation, and Notch signaling pathways. Additionally, using siRNA technology, the impact of TIMP1 on cellular proliferation and apoptosis in CRC cell lines (HCT116 and HT29) was investigated, showing that TIMP1 knockdown significantly inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis. This study presents a novel prognostic risk model comprising five characteristic genes (TIMP1, PCOLCE2, MEIS2, HDC and CXCL13) for CRC, which are strongly associated with overall survival in CRC patients with TIMP1 identified as having cancer-promoting properties in CRC. Our study suggests that TIMP1 holds promise as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target for CRC.
Hearing loss and its association with the proteome of perilymph, cerebrospinal fluid, and tumor tissue in patients with vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Rasmussen Jesper Edvardsson , Li Peng , Laurel Göran , Bergquist Jonas , Eriksson Per Olof 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study examined the association between hearing loss in sporadic vestibular schwannoma patients and the proteome of perilymph (PL), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and vestibular schwannoma. Intraoperative sampling of PL and of CSF, and biopsy of vestibular schwannoma tissue, was performed in 32, 32, and 20 patients with vestibular schwannoma, respectively. Perilymph and CSF in three patients with meningioma and normal hearing were also sampled.
The proteomes were identified by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Preoperative hearing function of the patients was evaluated with pure tone audiometry, with mean values at frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz (PTA4) in the tumor-affected ear used to delineate three hearing groups.
Analysis of the PL samples revealed significant upregulation of complement factor H-related protein 2 (CFHR2) in patients with severe to profound hearing loss after false discovery rate correction. Pathway analysis of biofunctions revealed higher activation scores in the severe/profound hearing loss group of leukocyte migration, viral infection, and migration of cells in PL. Upregulation of CFHR2 and activation of these pathways indicate chronic inflammation in the cochlea of vestibular schwannoma patients with severe to profound hearing loss compared with patients with normal hearing or mild hearing loss.
Whole-body parametric mapping of tumour perfusion in metastatic prostate cancer using long axial field-of-view [15O]H2O PET
Authors: Jochumsen Mads Ryø , Christensen Nana Louise , Iversen Peter , Gormsen Lars Christian , Sörensen Jens , Tolbod Lars Poulsen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Tumour perfusion is nutrient-agnostic biomarker for cancer metabolic rate. Use of tumour perfusion for cancer growth assessment has been limited by complicated image acquisition, image analysis and limited field-of-view scanners. Long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET scan using [15O]H2O, allows quantitative assessment of whole-body tumour perfusion. We created a tool for automated creation of quantitative parametric whole-body tumour perfusion images in metastatic cancer.
Methods:
Ten metastatic prostate cancer patients underwent dynamic LAFOV [15O]H2O PET (Siemens, Quadra) followed by [18F]PSMA-1007 PET. Perfusion was measured as [15O]H2O K1 (mL/min/mL) with a single-tissue compartment model and an automatically captured cardiac image-derived input function. Parametric perfusion images were calculated using the basis-function method with initial voxel-wise delay estimation and a leading-edge approach.
Results:
For 8 primary tumours, 64 lymph node metastases, and 85 bone metastases, median tumour perfusion were 0.19 (0.15–0.27) mL/min/mL, 0.16 (0.13–0.27) mL/min/mL, and 0.26 (0.21–0.39), respectively. The correlation between calculated perfusion from time-activity-curves and parametric images was excellent (r = 0.99, p < 0.0001).
Conclusion:
LAFOV PET imaging using [15O]H2O allows creation of truly quantitative parametric images of whole-body tumour perfusion, a potential biomarker for guiding personalized treatment and monitoring treatment response.
Impacts of Pollinator Declines on Agri-Food Systems in Europe and Beyond
Authors: Feuerbacher Arndt , Kempen Markus , Steidle Johannes , Wieck Christine 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

While biodiversity conservation policies often encounter resistance, the potential repercussions of diminished pollination services on the global agri-food system remain underexplored. We leverage a global agricultural sector model with a focused analysis of the European sector to evaluate the possible effects of a worldwide decline in both managed and wild pollinators by 2030. Our findings suggest that such a decline could reduce global average crop yields by 9%, leading to an 6% expansion in cropland area to mitigate the reduction in global crop production to 3%. Global economic welfare would decrease by 302 billion EUR (0.4% of global GDP). The European Union, particularly its Eastern members resistant to biodiversity-friendly policies, would incur disproportionately large economic impacts. Although market responses, including expanded land use and shifts in trade patterns, could alleviate some effects, they risk exacerbating food insecurity and hampering biodiversity conservation efforts, especially in the Global South.
Estimation of nucleic acid mimics (NAMs) diffusion in bacteria with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and PyFRAP
Authors: Magalhães Beatriz T. , Herrmann Alexander , Santos Rita S. , Azevedo Nuno F. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The antibiotic resistance crisis urges novel drugs against bacterial infections. Nucleic acids can serve as such drugs by inhibiting vital bacterial genes, provided their diffusion within bacterial cells is understood. We adapted PyFRAP, originally for eukaryotic cell protein diffusion analysis based on Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP), to assess nucleic acid diffusion in bacteria. Validating the method, FRAP assays were conducted in E. coli expressing enhanced Green Fluorescent Protein (eGFP), yielding a diffusion coefficient (DC) of 1.25 (0.38) µm²·s⁻¹, consistent with the literature. We then investigated the internalization and diffusion of a 14-mer nucleic acid mimic (NAM) sequence in live bacterial cells, employing four fitting models. NAMs exhibited DCs (1.90 x 10⁻³ – 6.98 x 10⁻³ µm²·s⁻¹) aligning with theoretical values. This study validates PyFRAP for bacterial FRAP analysis, facilitating the understanding of nucleic acid diffusion and bacterial internalization and efflux mechanisms.
Construction of ecological security network in mountainous transitional geospace using morphological spatial pattern analysis and circuit theory: a case study of Taihang Mountain area
Authors: Zhang Ruicong , Hu Maogui , Sheng Anjie , Deng Wei , Zhang Shaoyao , Liu Jintong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Context
Since entering the process of industrialization, human activities have interfered with the original ecological environment all the time, and the expansion of cities has also continuously impacted the ecological service function.
Objectives
In order to maintain the balance of the ecosystem and the stability of ecological security, it is very important to establish an ecological security network (ESN), particularly in the composite transitional geospace. To address this, we proposed a framework for mountainous transitional geospace by morphological spatial pattern analysis and circuit theory.
Methods
We take Taihang mountain area as a case, identify sources based on landscape connectivity, establish a suitable evaluation system for the mountainous transitional geospace. Then, using circuit theory to quantitate ecological key nodes and constructing the ESN.
Results
We found 34 ecological sources and use eight factors to form a resistance surface. The corridors primarily run north-south on the east and west, but display a mesh-like layout in the central and southern parts. Additionally, pinch points are primarily in plains or plateaus, while barriers are mainly in basins and mountainous areas. These elements integrated an ESN of "four zones and three lines".
Conclusions
Pay more attention to the key ecological pinch point areas and ecological barrier restoration areas, particularly basin and mountainous area. Furthermore, the protection and resotoration of cultivated land are also important to the advance of ecological security. The study provides recommendations for protection and restoration work in the Taihang Mountain area, which hold both theoretical and practical significance for ecological planning.
Strengthening Antibiotics Stewardship at Mowbray Maternity Hospital– Neonatal Unit.
Authors: Mkony Martha Franklin , VanNiekerk Anika , Shabani Josephine , Engelbrecht Heather , Rhoda Natasha Raygaan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective To assess antimicrobial usage, prescription practices, sensitivity patterns, hand hygiene (HH) practices and adherence to antibiotic stewardship principles in the neonatal unit at Mowbray Maternity Hospital (MMH).
Study design: A mixed method observational study was performed at MMH. A point of prevalence survey to assess antibiotic stewardship and HH audits was conducted using the WHO tools in two phases, a baseline in December 2020. The findings of this baseline audit were presented to the Health Care Workers (HCW) and small-group HH training was done with all HCWs (day- and night-shift), representing the intervention. This was followed by a post-intervention audit from March to May 2021.
Results: A total of 246 neonatal unit patient folders were reviewed between December 2020 and May 2021. At baseline, compliance with treatment guidelines was 90%, which improved to 100% postintervention. We found that 37 (15.0%) babies were on antibiotics, with 64.9% of those on first-line antibiotics (Access group). Using multivariate logistic regression, extremely preterm infants were more likely to be on antibiotics, with an odds ratio of 11, which was statistically significant. We found eight positive blood cultures (18.9%), which included one carbapenem-resistant enterococci, Klebsiella pneumoniae. For HH, a total of 444 opportunities were observed. Moment 5 had the lowest overall mean compliance of 57.4%, which was statistically significant with a p-value =0.0172.
Conclusion: Strict adherence to treatment guidelines and good HH are essential factors for the good antibiotic stewardship seen at the MMH neonatal unit. This was reflected by low antibiotic usage, good HH compliance and a low HAI rate. Further improvement requires ongoing HH audits and training, especially focusing on HH moment 5, after touching the patient's surroundings.
Future projection of marine heat waves in a global marine hotspot Case of East/Japan Sea
Authors: Deegala Danushka , Chung Eun-Sung 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The future analysis of the Marine Heat Waves (MHWs) has high uncertainty due to the significant shortcomings of the Global Climate Models (GCMs) in simulating the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) and the MHWs. This study suggests a more systematic approach to do the future projection of MHWs. Our study area is East/Japan Sea which is a large marine ecosystem exposed to rapid warming of the ocean. This study found the models; ACCESS-CM2, BCC-CSM2-MR ACCESS-ESM1, and GFDL-ESM4 from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project sixth phase (CMIP6) are the best performing GCMs in the East Sea by analyzing their grid-wise performance during the historical period (1985–2014). Using the ensemble mean from the selected models, the future MHW metrices of frequency, maximum intensity, and duration during the near future (2041–2070) and far future (2071–2100) was investigated. Following the state-of-art, shifting baseline approach was utilized to identify the MHWs and 30 years were used as the climatology period for each historical and future periods. The time series results from the ensemble mean indicated that high emission scenarios (SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) would have higher trends than that of low emission scenarios (SSP1-2.6, and SSP2-4.5) as well as that of historical observations. The high emission scenarios would have lower values in the beginning of their respective climatology period when compared to that of low emission scenarios but rather higher values toward the end of the period. The average MHW metrices of near and far futures shows certain shifts compared to that of historical but the numerical values are almost similar to that of historical period.
Polyvinyl Pyrrolidone-Chitosan Blend Membrane for Pervaporation Separation of Trimethyl Borate-Methanol Mixture
Authors: Ozekmekci Mehtap , Copur Mehmet , Unlu Derya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Trimethyl borate (TMB) is crucial for applications ranging from organic synthesis to borohydride production, requiring efficient separation from methanol for optimal use. This study examines the effectiveness of pervaporation separation using blend membranes composed of chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) in various ratios in order to enhance pervaporation separation of TMB/methanol mixtures. Comprehensive characterizations of these membranes, addressing aspects like structural morphology, thermal and crystalline nature were carried out using techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), contact angle measurements, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD). Pervaporation experiment were conducted varying feed compositions, operational temperatures and PVP ratios. Evaluations revealed a noticeable improvement in permeation flux with increased PVP content. Two different blended membranes were subjected to cross-linking procedures in order to carefully evaluate its influence on their separation performance. The crosslinked PVP-CS-1 membrane showed good performance, achieving 146.37 selectivity. The optimal performance was achieved in an experiment utilizing a PVP-CS-2 membrane at 45°C, employing a mixture of 75 wt% TMB-25 wt% methanol, resulting in a recorded value of 335.44 g/m2h. Furthermore, the membrane exhibited excellent stability during 5 run experiment, showcasing robust mechanical and chemical stability.
Elevated resting heart rate is associated with mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Saito Hirotaka , Tanaka Kenichi , Ejiri Hiroki , Kimura Hiroshi , Shimabukuro Michio , Asahi Koichi , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Kazama Junichiro 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
A higher heart rate is recognized as an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events in the general population. However, the association between elevated heart rate and clinical adverse outcomes in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) has not been sufficiently investigated.
Methods
A total of 1,353 participants enrolled in the Fukushima CKD Cohort Study were examined to investigate associations between resting heart rate and clinical adverse outcomes using Cox proportional hazards analysis. The primary outcome of the present study was all-cause mortality, with cardiovascular events as the secondary outcome. Participants were stratified into four groups based on resting heart rate levels at baseline (heart rate < 70/min, ≥ 70 and < 80/min, ≥ 80 and < 90/min, and ≥ 90/min).
Results
During the median observation period of 4.9 years, 123 participants died, and 163 cardiovascular events occurred. Compared with the reference level heart rate < 70/min group, the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality were 1.74 (1.05–2.89) and 2.61 (1.59–4.29) for the heart rate ≥ 80 and < 90/min group and heart rate ≥ 90/min group, respectively. A significantly higher risk of cardiovascular events was observed in the heart rate ≥ 80/min and < 90/min group (adjusted HR 1.70, 1.10–2.62), but not in the heart rate ≥ 90/min group (adjusted HR 1.45, 0.90–2.34).
Conclusion
In patients with non-dialysis-dependent CKD, a higher resting heart rate was associated with increased all-cause mortality.