bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecological status and type of alteration determine the C-balance and climate change mitigation capacity of Mediterranean inland brackish and saline shallow lakes
Authors: Camacho Antonio , Morant Daniel , Rochera Carlos , Picazo Antonio , Miralles-Lorenzo Javier , Camacho-Santamans Alba 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Understanding the metabolic processes governing carbon biogeochemistry in inland brackish and saline shallow lakes is crucial for assessing their capacity to mitigate climate change. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between carbon biotic processes, metabolic carbon balances, and environmental factors such as salinity, hydroperiod, and ecological status, which can be affected by human activities. We analysed carbon metabolic rates and budgets in 19 sites in the Spanish Mediterranean region, representing diverse ecological conditions. Results revealed that alterations in natural salinity levels, often linked to changes in hydrological regimes and ecological degradation, decreased carbon retention capacity and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Well-preserved or restored lakes exhibited higher carbon retention and mitigation capacities, particularly those with lower salinity levels, indicating higher biological activity. However, higher salinity levels mitigated methane emissions, reducing warming potential risks. The study emphasised the importance of proper wetlands management or restoration to enhance their climate regulation services.
Comparative analysis of adriamycin-induced models of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis nephropathy in rats
Authors: Yang Xingge , Ren Xiangge , Li Bing , Zhai Wensheng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective Different methods for the establishment of rat models of focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) nephropathy were compared to identify the model that best simulated the human disease to provide a foundation for experimental studies of this disease.
Methods Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to eight groups (A‒H). Of these, group A, the control, received a single tail-vein injection of saline only. The rats in groups B, C, and D were injected with 5, 6, and 7 mg·kg-1 of adriamycin, respectively. Groups A‒D were assessed after three weeks. Groups E, F, and G received two doses of adriamycin, a first dose of 4 mg·kg-1 and second doses of 2, 3, and 4 mg·kg-1, respectively, at intervals of 14 days and were assessed after one week. The left kidneys in group H rats were surgically removed, and adriamycin (3 mg·kg-1) was injected into the tail vein on days 7 and 14 after surgery, with assessment one week later. The levels of 24 h urinary protein, serum creatinine (SCr), urea nitrogen (BUN), serum albumin (ALB), and serum total protein (TP) were measured, and pathological changes in the kidney were examined using HE, PAS, and Masson staining. The ultrastructural changes in the kidney were evaluated by transmission electron microscopy.
Results The biochemical indices showed that compared with group A, the 24 h urinary protein levels in groups B, C, and D were significantly increased at the end of the third week (P<0.05), while levels in groups F and H were significantly increased from the end of the sixth week (P<0.05). The SCr levels in groups G and H were significantly increased (P<0.05), as were BUN levels in groups C and D (P<0.05), while ALB was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in groups C, D, E, F,H, with the most marked reduction in group D. The serum TP contents in groups D, E, F, G, and H were significantly lower (P<0.05), especially in group H. Histological analysis of glomerular, tubular, and renal interstitial lesions showed a higher degree of renal lesions in the single-injection groups than in the double-injection or surgically-treated groups, and the degree of residual renal lesions in group H (surgical group) rats was comparable to that of group F. Electron microscopy showed that renal podocyte damage was greater in the single-injection groups, with a similar level of damage seen in groups H and F.
Conclusion Considering various factors such as survival and mortality, the overall renal damage in rats in Groups F and H (surgical group) were essentially the same, and they were more typical of human FSGS. Therefore, these two modeling methods can be widely used as a model to induce typical FSGS rat nephropathy, and can provide references for the study of FSGS nephropathy.
Targeting ARF4-mediated intracellular transport as broad-spectrum antivirals
Authors: Qin Cheng-Feng , Li Ming-Yuan , Deng Kao , Cheng Xiao-He , Siu Lewis Yu-Lam , Naik Trupti Shivaprasad , Stancheva Viktoriya G , Cheung Peter , Gao Zhuo-Ran , Teo Qi Wen , Leur Sophie Wilhelmina van , Wong Ho-Him , Lan Yun , Zhang Na-Na , Zhang Yue , Cao Tian-Shu , Yang Fan , Deng Yong-Qiang , Sanyal Sumana 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Host factors that regulate cellular vesicular trafficking also contribute to progeny virions’ destination, thus representing as potential antiviral drug targets. Here we demonstrate that genetic deletion of ARF4, a regulator in vesicle transport, repressed multiple pathogenic RNA viral infections including Zika virus (ZIKV), influenza A virus (IAV), SARS-CoV-2 and Vesicular Stomatitis virus (VSV). ARF4 activation was stimulated upon viral infection, and viral production was rescued when reconstituted with the activated ARF4, but not the inactivated mutants. Mechanically, ARF4 deletion obstructed viral normal translocation into Golgi complex, but led to mis-sorting for lysosomal degradation, consequently caused the blockage of final release. More importantly, ARF4 targeting peptides achieved significant therapeutic efficacy against ZIKV and IAV challenge in mice by blocking ARF4 activation. Hence, we clarify the critical role of ARF4 during viral infection, providing a broad-spectrum antiviral target and the basis for further pharmaceutical development.
Prediction of Split Tensile Strength of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Leveraging Explainable Hybrid XGB with Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Sapkota Sanjog Chhetri , Sapkota Sagar , Saini Gaurav 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Recycled aggregate-based concrete has been adopted in building construction as it can reduce concrete waste, eventually minimizing the environmental impact. However, using recycled materials can lead to compromised performance of mechanical properties like split tensile strength (STS). Several factors, including density, water absorption, and recycled aggregate proportion, play a vital role in assessments of STS. This study explores the better evaluation of STS using a hybridized machine learning algorithm. Ensemble model XGBoost with five optimization algorithms, namely Random search (RS), Grid search (GS), Bayesian Optimization (BO), Grey Wolf optimization (GWO), and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) are considered for the study. The comparison shows that XGB-PSO performed very well with R2 of 0.9988 and 0.9602 in the training and testing sets, respectively. The potential performance of GWO is also seen during the assessments. Further, the 10-fold cross-validation used in this study ensures that the models can predict better without overfitting. The model's explainability is done using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) analysis. SHAP-based study reveals that Cement, Water, and size of aggregates (M-RCA) are critical elements and may enhance STS if considered. The best cement range is 300 to 500 kg/m3, the M-RCA size is 10 to 20 mm, and the water range is 180 to 200 kg/m3. SHAP interaction graphs confirm the result. This study helps engineers and researchers to understand the critical parameters for making informed decisions, thus promoting sustainable construction practices.
Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index has a Prognostic value for Recovery Outcomes in Elderly Patients with Brain Abscess
Authors: Pei Xu , Zhang Yutu , Jiang Dongfeng , Zhang Meng , Fu Junyan , Niu Yang , Tian Mi , huang shanshan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: The Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) is a straightforward and objective tool for nutritional screening in elderly patients and has been demonstrated to possess prognostic predictive value in several diseases. Nonetheless, there is a lack of research on the nutritional risk associated with brain abscess in the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of nutritional risk among these patients by GNRI and to investigate its potential prognostic value for clinical outcomes.
Methods: From August 2019 to April 2023, 100 elderly patients diagnosed with brain abscess were enrolled in the study. The collected data encompassed age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking and alcohol consumption history, number of comorbidities, length of hospital stay (LOS), serum albumin and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels at admission and calculated the GNRI, the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) score 6 months post-discharge. A GOS score of 5 was considered indicative of a good recovery, whereas scores ranging from 1 to 4 were classified as poor recovery.
Results: The prevalence of malnutrition risk among elderly patients with brain abscesses was found to be 48% according to GNRI. Compared to those without nutritional risk, patients at risk exhibited significantly higher post-admission C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P=0.017), a greater number of comorbidities (P<0.001), and elevated age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (aCCI) scores (P<0.001). Spearman correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between GNRI scores and CRP levels, the number of comorbidities, and aCCI scores (Spearman's ρ=-0.291, -0.284, and -0.310, respectively), and a positive correlation with Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores (Spearman's ρ=0.624, P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lower GNRI values in these patients were associated with reduced GOS levels (OR = 0.826, 95% CI: 0.775-0.880). Furthermore, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis identified a GNRI threshold of 97.50 for predicting poor recovery, with a sensitivity of 90.57% and a specificity of 87.23%.
Conclusions: Elderly brain abscess patients exhibited a high malnutrition risk. GNRI showed an important predictive value for recovery in elderly patients, which could be helpful in clinical intervention and rehabilitation.
Clinically active trachoma and its associated factors among one to nine year old children in Tarmaber district, Amhara region, Ethiopia: community based crossectional study design
Authors: Ashine Betsega Nigusu , Tesfahun Esubalew , Sigate Shewaye Gebrekidan , Gebreegziabher Zenebe Abebe , Mekuria Abinet Dagnaw 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background:Trachoma is the most common cause of blindness worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Despite Ethiopia's goal of eliminating trachoma by 2020, the disease is worsening, especially in the Amhara Region. Although consistent intervention strategies are being implemented throughout the region, it is unclear why trachoma remains a substantial public health problem. As a result, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of trachoma among one- tonine-year-old children in the Tarmaber district, Amhara region, Ethiopia, in 2022.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1 to August 30, 2022. A three-stage stratified sampling technique was utilized to select 736 one- to nine-year-old children. A structured questionnaire for an interview, a checklist for observation, and a clinical eye examination for both eyes by using a 2.5× binocular magnifying loupe with a penlight torch were used. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses with crosponding odd ratio and 95% CI were carried out to assess the associations between the dependent and independent variables.
Results: In the present study, the overall prevalence of clinically active trachoma was 15.8% (95% CI: 13.2%, 18.3%). A child from a mother or caregiver who could not read and write (AOR = 7.41, 95% CI: 4.09, 13.44), a child from more than five family members (AOR = 7.51, 95% CI: 4.13, 13.64), a child from a family who did not have a latrine in a compound (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI: 2.01–7.13), a child from a family that openly disposes of their solid and liquid waste (AOR = 3.28, 95% CI: 1.61–6.67), and a family member's child who owns animals but has no corral (AOR = 5.66, 95% CI: 3.11–10.30) were significantly associated with clinically active trachoma.
Conclusion- The prevalence of clinically active trachoma in this study was high. Thus, public health interventions targeting one- to nine-year-old children with the aforementioned factors are needed to decrease the prevalence of trachoma in this population.
Tuneable power-phase distributions in phonon-magnon coupled nano-patterned heterostructures: Magnon Microwave Antenna for reservoir computing
Authors: Samanta Arindam , Roy Saibal 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Exploring the power and phase profiles of spin waves not only enhances our fundamental understanding of magnetic materials but also opens up avenues for innovative applications in energy-efficient technologies such as, spintronics, magnonics, and reservoir computing. Here, we present the power-phase distributions and their tuneability of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) driven nano-patterned “Magnon Microwave Antenna” (MMA), comprised of patterned arrays of magnetostrictive nanomagnets embedded in piezoelectric heterostructures. The MMA generates tunable microwave frequencies without any external bias magnetic fields. The phonon-magnon coupling within the patterned array of nanowires and nanodots generates a multimode microwave frequencies with nonvolatile spin textures in both configurations. A comprehensive static magnetic study elucidates various magnetization reversal process within the nanowires/nanodot arrays. The investigation unveils the crucial role of the demagnetization energy distribution (strength of the dipolar magnetic field) rather than its overall magnitude. Additionally, the external bias magnetic field conditions offer the possibility of tuning the domain configuration vis-à-vis power-phase distributions of these MMAs. Notably, the non-volatile nature of the spin textures generated out of the nanowires/nanodots in the MMA, under bias-field free condition is promising for energy-efficient logic and low-power computing applications. Furthermore, given that MMA consists of piezoelectric/magnetostrictive heterostructures, this work introduces a novel alternative approach, paving the way to utilize these MMAs for on-chip reservoir computing, where amplitude varies at the operating frequency.
Rough Sets for Phenotype-Based Prioritization of Causative Variants
Authors: Sharma Jyoti , Hafeez Khadija Sana , Paul Third Sushmita 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are essential for understanding the genetic basis of complex traits by identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with phenotypes of interest. GWAS employ statistical methods to identify SNPs associated with phenotypes above a predetermined significance threshold. However, this threshold approach may inadvertently exclude highly significant SNPs, posing a potential limitation. GWAS datasets contain many SNPs, which can lead to ambiguity in association results. To resolve these discrepancies, several feature selection (FS) methods have been implemented prior to association tests. However, these FS methods do not effectively illustrate significant biological relevance of the resulting SNPs.
Our work introduces a pipeline that combines a feature selection strategy based on the Rough Set theory with an association test using a machine learning approach. This innovative approach is applied to identify SNPs associated with blood cholesterol levels, focusing on low-density and high-density lipoprotein (LDL and HDL) cholesterol. The efficiency of the pipeline is evaluated using a cohort dataset from the American population to showcase the comparative efficacy of the pipeline. Our pipeline demonstrates excellent performance on datasets with low sample sizes, outperforming existing PLINK approach.
Moreover, to enhance the biological relevance of selected SNPs, we extend our investigation to closely related SNPs, followed by rigorous enrichment studies annotating genes, biological processes, and pathways. This comprehensive exploration unveils the intricate cellular mechanisms and genetic determinants influencing LDL and HDL cholesterol levels. Our findings not only contribute valuable insights to the understanding of these traits but also suggest potential personalised treatment modalities.
Holistic Review of Colorectal Surgery Residency Applicants
Authors: Khan Saher-Zahra , Stein Sharon L. , Steinhagen Emily 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction:
Advice regarding application preparation is often anecdotal; there is limited information about how programs evaluate applicants. It is unclear if holistic review is being properly used in an increasingly competitive field. This study aims to describe desirable applicant characteristics and the application review process of CRS programs.
Methods:
A survey was distributed to all United States CRS Program Directors (PD) during the 2022 application cycle. The survey had questions regarding number of applicants received and the review process including which screening parameters were used and which criteria were valued when evaluating applications. Descriptive statistics are reported.
Results:
Thirty-six responses from the 67 CRS residency PD (54%) were received. Most (72%) characterized their review process as “holistic.” The majority (58%) of PD classified their hospital setting as academic. The median number of applications reviewed per program was 100, with a median of 26% (IQR 20-31%) of applicants invited to interview. When deciding who to interview, in-training examination (ABSITE) score (92%), letter of recommendation (LOR) content (89%), LOR writer (83%), and research productivity (83%) were the most commonly considered criteria. The “Top 3 Criteria” cited by PD in choosing applicants to interview were LOR, ABSITE and Publications/Research.
Conclusions:
CRS residencies continue to value traditional metrics such as ABSITE scores, publications, and LOR with both the content and identity writer appearing to be important. Despite many PDs claiming they use a holistic review process, our results indicate otherwise. Increased education providing the rationale behind holistic review should be provided.
Interconnected Realities: Exploring the Interplay of LGBTQI Policies, Investor Behavior, ROI, Population Dynamics, Climate Change, and Africa's Firms
Authors: Ngunjiri Ndirangu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study examines the intricate connections among LGBTQI legislation, investor conduct, return on investment (ROI), and demographic trends in African businesses. We examine the historical progression of LGBTQI rights in Africa, closely analyzing its influence on the legal framework and public reception. The paper examines the existing LGBTQI policies in African companies and assesses their possible impact on investor trading behavior. The analysis takes into account both positive and negative factors that impact ROI, including enhanced employee engagement and possible expenses associated with implementation. This analysis examines the correlation between LGBTQI policies and climate change, with a focus on promoting inclusion to support the development of resilient and adaptive organizations. An analysis is conducted on population dynamics, which include demographic shifts, urbanization, and migration trends, to determine their impact on the development of LGBTQI inclusion and legislative reforms. The objective of this study is to provide a thorough comprehension of these intricate relationships, enlightening stakeholders about the consequences for Africa's economic, social, and demographic future.
Development and Validation of the Deenz Neurodiversity Scale (DNS-32) for Assessing Neurodivergent Traits in College Students.
Authors: Dar Deen Mohd 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introducing the Deenz Neurodiversity Scale (DNS-32), a groundbreaking instrument designed to assess neurodivergent traits in college students. Developed and validated in a robust sample of 302 students, comprising 104 females and 199 males, the DNS-32 aims to provide a comprehensive measure of traits associated with dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD, and autism inclination. Results reveal significant correlations between the DNS-32 total score and established measures of neurodivergent traits, affirming its validity and reliability. High internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89) and exploratory factor analysis further underscore the scale's psychometric integrity. With 32 meticulously crafted items spanning these domains, the DNS-32 sets a new standard for comprehensive assessment in neurodiversity research. The scale not only sheds light on the diverse cognitive profiles present within college populations but also promises to inform targeted interventions and promote inclusivity. Its potential to catalyze societal understanding of neurodiversity marks a pivotal advancement in the field.
A new innovative method for evaluating monarchies (crowns): A cost‒benefit analysis via social and mass media in a commonwealth country
Authors: Jozaghi Ehsan , Jozaghi Pouria 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: In recent years, there has been opposition to the value of constitutional monarchies around the world. Some have argued that monarchies are no longer relevant in the 21st century. Others have argued that queens and kings are unelected and undemocratic and inadvertently symbolize past histories of colonialism.
Methods: In this evaluation, using the social media coverage of the head of the commonwealth (“the royal family”) on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) as a proxy for its popularity, the economic benefits of the royal household are estimated versus the cost using mathematical models. Moreover, newspaper discussions of the royal family in Canada via the Canadian Newsstream database are used in the cost‒benefit ratio of the model.
Results: Based on conservative estimations, the cost-to-benefit ratio of the head of the commonwealth in Canada alone is 7.443 trillion:1. Based on the social media baseline estimates, on YouTube, there were 6,953 videos, which generated a total of 2.58 billion views. On X, there were 108,750 posts, 83.992 billion views, 32.610 million comments, 129.326 million reposts and 1.146 billion likes. In newspaper coverage in Canada since 1970, among the total articles, there were 1.868 million newspaper articles, 2,596 magazine articles, and 551,066 other articles, demonstrating the level of outreach in every Canadian household. The royal family, as the head of the commonwealth, has possibly reached billions worldwide as a positive force for the common good of humanity and generated a quadrillion dollars in direct and indirect economic benefits for global and local economies since the inception of faster modes of communications and transportation after WWII.
Conclusion: The value that monarchies add to nations and the world as institutions is unparalleled. In some countries, the national unity of different nations/regions/lands/provinces/ territories, the fragile balance of confederations, and the constitution are directly linked to the continuity of the crown. It is recommended that countries that revolted or voted against the monarchy in the past (e.g., Iran and Greece) reinstate the institution. Countries that are currently governed by some form of monarchy should not only maintain these institutions due to their extreme cost-effectiveness, cost-benefits, intangible benefits, efficiency, and superiority to other governing systems but also establish the supreme council of a king and queen and their representatives to give greater voice and urgency to issues facing humanity.
Trial registration: Not applicable