bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two cases suggest Tropheryma whipplei as a causative agent of pulmonary marginal zone lymphoma
Authors: Haslbauer Jasmin Dionne , Wiegand Charlotte , Hamelin Baptiste , Ivanova Vanesa-Sindi , Menter Thomas , Prince Spasenija Savic , Tzankov Alexandar , Mertz Kirsten Diana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Marginal zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphatic tissues (MZL of MALT) are a group of indolent B-cell neoplasms, which are thought to arise from chronic antigenic stimulation of B-cells either due to underlying chronic infection or autoimmune disease. Little is known about potential causative pathogens in pulmonary MZL (PMZL), although some data suggests a potential role of Achromobacter (A.) xylosoxidans.
Methods
An index case of chronic pulmonary colonisation with Tropheryma (T.) whipplei and subsequent development of PMZL was identified by T. whipplei specific PCR and metagenomics whole genome sequencing (WGS). This case prompted a retrospectively conducted analysis of T. whipplei-specific PCRs in lung tissue from PMZL patients (n = 22), other pulmonary lymphomas, and normal controls. Positive results were confirmed by metagenomics WGS. A systematic search for T. whipplei and A. xylosoxidans in our in-house metagenomics WGS dataset comprising autopsy lungs, lung biopsies and lung resection specimens (n = 181) was subsequently performed.
Results
A 69-year-old patient presented with weight loss and persistent pulmonary consolidation. Subsequent metagenomics WGS analysis detected T. whipplei in the resected lung specimen. An antibiotic regimen eventually eliminated the bacterium. However, the consolidation persisted, and the diagnosis of PMZL was made in a second lung resection specimen. A second case of T. whipplei-associated PMZL was subsequently detected in the retrospectively analysed PMZL cohort. Both cases showed comparatively few mutations and no mutations in genes encoding for NF-κB pathway components, suggesting that T. whipplei infection may substitute for mutations in these PMZL. None of the samples in our in-house dataset tested positive for T. whipplei. In contrast, A. xylosoxidans was frequently found in both autopsy lungs and lung biopsy / resection specimens that were not affected by PMZL (> 50%).
Conclusions
Our data suggests that T. whipplei colonisation of lungs may trigger PMZL as a potential driver. Systematic analyses with larger cohorts should be conducted to further support this hypothesis. The frequent detection of A. xylosoxidans in lung tissue suggests that it is a common component of the pulmonary microbiome and therefore less likely to trigger lymphomas.
BiLSTM-MLAM: A Multi-Scale Time Series Prediction Model Based on Bi-LSTM and Local Attention Mechanism
Authors: Fan Yongxin , Tang Qian , Guo Yangming 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This paper introduces BiLSTM-MLAM, a novel multi-scale time series prediction model. Initially, the approach utilizes Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory to capture information from both forward and backward directions in time series data. Subsequently, a multi-scale patch segmentation module generates varies long sequences composed of equal-length segments, enabling the model to capture data patterns across multiple time scales by adjusting segment lengths. Finally, the local attention mechanism enhances feature extraction by accurately identifying and weighting important time segments, thereby strengthening the model's understanding of the local features of the time series, followed by feature fusion. The model demonstrates outstanding performance in time series prediction tasks by effectively capturing sequence information across various time scales. Experimental validation illustrates the superior performance of BiLSTM-MLAM compared to six baseline methods across multiple datasets. In predicting the remaining life of aircraft engines, BiLSTM-MLAM outperforms the best baseline model by 6.66% in RMSE and 11.50% in MAE. In the LTE dataset, it achieves RMSE improvements of 12.77% and MAE enhancements of 3.06%, while in the load dataset, it demonstrates RMSE enhancements of 17.96% and MAE improvements of 30.39%. Additionally, ablation experiments confirm the positive impact of each module on prediction accuracy. Through segment length parameter tuning experiments, combining different segment lengths has resulted in lower prediction errors, affirming the effectiveness of the multi-scale fusion strategy in enhancing prediction accuracy by integrating information from multiple time scales.
Diversity of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae clones causing cryptogenic liver abscesses and metastatic complications in Argentina.
Authors: Nannini Esteban , Lahitte Matías , Scapellato Pablo , Nemirosvky Corina , Zylberman Marcelo , Vila Andrea , Rodriguez Viviana , Zucchi Roman , Mykietiuk Analia , David Valeria , Limansky Adriana , Marchiaro Patricia , Rinaudo Mariangel 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Cryptogenic liver abscesses (CLA) caused by hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) strains are emerging in western countries. The aim of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics of patients from Argentina with hvKP-related CLA and the analysis of isolated strains. A retrospective chart review of 15 patients hospitalized in 8 hospitals of Argentina between October 2015 and November 2018 was performed. PCR for genes associated with capsular and multilocus sequence (MLST) determination and virulence factors were done in 8 hvKP isolates from these patients. We found that the mean age was 60 years and 73% were men; 40% had diabetes. Sixty percent had bacteremia and 73% had ≥1 metastatic foci of infection. There was no in-hospital death but 2 patients with endophthalmitis required eye enucleation. From the 8 studied isolates, 4 belonged to K1 and 4 to K2 serotypes, the rpmA and iroB genes were present in all of them, and 7 and 5 also harbored the iucA and the rmpA2 gene, respectively. MSLT analysis showed that most of the K1 serotypes belonged to ST23 while a diverse MLST pattern was seen with K2 strains. In addition, the four hvKP strains associated to metastatic complications, belonging to three distinct sequence types, were positive to the rpmA, iroB and iuc virulence genes. We could show an important morbidity associated with this syndrome in Argentina, a significant diversity in the hvKP clones causing CLA in Argentina, and the potential utility of the rpmA and iroB genes as predictors of virulence.
Social determinants of student mental health before and after the Beirut port explosion: Two cross-sectional studies
Authors: Scheuring Julia , Bosqui Tania 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Students in Lebanon are facing the devastating impact of multiple national crises, including an unprecedented economic collapse and the Beirut port explosion that killed hundreds, injured thousands, and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. The aim of this study was to identify key social determinants of common mental health symptoms before and after the Beirut port explosion for students at the American University of Beirut, a university based around 4km from the port.
Methods
Two cross-sectional studies were conducted using a representative sample of undergraduate and graduate students at the American University of Beirut. The study was conducted just before (Study 1) and repeated after the Beirut port explosion (Study 2).
Results
A total of 217 students participated (n = 143 in Study 1 and n = 74 in Study 2). In Study 1 before the explosion, poorer family functioning and social support were correlated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, but not with anxiety or trauma symptoms. Financial stress was correlated with all symptoms. In the fully adjusted regression model, only financial stress was significantly associated with depressive symptoms. In Study 2 after the explosion, poorer family functioning and poorer social support were correlated with higher levels of depressive symptoms, while only poorer social support was correlated with higher levels of anxiety symptoms - trauma symptoms were not correlated with either. Financial stress was correlated with all symptoms. In the fully adjusted regression model, only financial stress was significantly associated with all symptom clusters.
Conclusion
Findings indicate a detrimental impact of financial stress on the mental health of students in Lebanon, beyond the otherwise protective effects of family and social support, in the context of an unprecedented economic crisis and extremely high levels of distress after the explosion. Findings indicate that mental health interventions for college students in Lebanon should include addressing financial stress.
The Impact of TiO 2 - Doped V 2 O 5 Films on the Structural, Linear and Nonlinear Optical Behavior for Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Morad Ibrahim , El-Barbary G A , Ibraheem Awad A. , Ali H. Elhosiny , Fareed Shereef A. , El-Desoky M. M. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

By the dip-coating method, composite films of titanium oxide-doped vanadium pentoxide (TVPO) in different compositional ratios were created. X-ray diffraction and TEM data indicate that TVPO films at any compositional ratio of TiO2 produce xTiO2-100−x V2O5, a substitutional solid solution where 0≤x≤5. Employing double-beam UV-VIS spectrophotometers, the optical properties of the created TiO2-doped V2O2 nanocrystalline films, including their transmittance, absorbance, and reflectance, were investigated. The nanocrystalline-formed films exhibit good transparency in the Visible region (550 - 900 nm). Urbach band tail energy, the refractive index, parameters of dispersion energy using the Wemple and DiDomenico (WDD) single-oscillator model, nonlinear refractive index, and first and third optical susceptibilities were also estimated. It was found that by comparing the observed linear and nonlinear optical properties in TiO2-doped films to pure V2O5, the doped films revealed smaller optical bandgaps of about 2.2 eV where the pure V2O5 is around 2.4 eV, suggesting the possibility of a variety of optical applications. As the TiO2 concentration rises, the absorption coefficient marginally increases. This is explained by the increasing lattice distortion brought on by the growing crystallite size, as shown by the XRD. It was discovered that the indirect permitted type transition mechanism had an expanding optical band gap Eop concerning the TiO2 concentration. By supposing a hydrogen-like model, the carrier’s contents N was presumed. The present research demonstrates that TiO2 doping significantly affects the optical and structural characteristics of V2O5 films, making them intriguing materials for a range of uses, including nonlinear optical applications and optoelectronic devices.
Development of rutin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for improved ocular delivery: Optimization, in vitro, ex vivo, and toxicity evaluation
Authors: Chakole Chandrashekhar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Rutin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for various ocular disorders. However, its clinical applications are hindered by poor aqueous solubility and low ocular bioavailability. This study aimed to develop and optimize nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to encapsulate rutin and enhance its ocular delivery. Rutin-loaded NLCs (RT-NLCs) were prepared by a melt-emulsification and ultrasonication technique using varying concentrations of rutin (0.05-0.5% w/v). The formulations were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency, and transcorneal permeability. Based on these parameters, the RT-NLC formulation containing 0.1% w/v rutin (F3) was identified as the optimized formulation, exhibiting a mean particle size of 229.50 ± 50.58 nm, PDI of 0.454 ± 0.083, and entrapment efficiency of 69.36 ± 0.54%. Transmission electron microscopy revealed the spherical morphology and smooth surface of the optimized RT-NLCs. In vitro release studies demonstrated controlled release of rutin from the optimized formulation, following the Higuchi kinetic model. Significantly, ex vivo transcorneal permeation studies using excised goat cornea showed a 6-fold higher permeability coefficient (134.99 ± 36.21 cm/s) for the optimized RT-NLC compared to F5 rutin NLC formulations. Furthermore, the hen's egg test-chorioallantoic membrane (HET-CAM) assay confirmed the non-irritant nature of the optimized formulation. In conclusion, the nanostructured lipid carrier system demonstrated promising potential for improving the ocular bioavailability of the poorly soluble drug rutin.
Thalassospira aquimaris sp. nov. and Winogradskyella marincola sp. nov. two marine bacteria isolated from an agar-degrading co-culture
Authors: Fu Zi-Yue , Zhang Dao-Feng , Huang Meng-Han , Wang Hong-Chuan , Chen Xiao-Ye , Yao Yu-Fang , Yuan Yang , Li Wen-Jun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Two novel Gram-stain-negative, aerobic and non-motile strains, designated FZY0004T and YYF002T, were isolated from an agar-degrading co-culture, which was obtained from seawater of intertidal zone of Yancheng City, the Yellow Sea of China. Strain FZY0004T optimally grew at 28°C, pH 7.0 and 2–6% NaCl, while strain YYF002T optimally grew at 28°C, pH 7.5 and 2–4% NaCl. Strain FZY0004T possessed Q-9 as the major respiratory quinone, and its major fatty acids (> 10%) were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c), C16:0, and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c). The major polar lipids identified in strain FZY0004T were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and several unidentified phospholipids (PL) and lipids (L). On the other hand, strain YYF002T had MK-6 as the predominant respiratory quinone and its major fatty acids consisted of iso-C15:0, iso-C15:1 G and iso-C15:0 3-OH. The major polar lipids identified in strain YYF002T were aminolipid (AL), PE and several unidentified lipids. Strain FZY0004T shared 99.5% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and 90.1% average nucleotide identity (ANI) with T. povalilytica Zumi 95T, and strain YYF002T shared 99.2% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and 88.2% ANI with W. poriferorum UST030701-295T. The genomic DNA G + C contents of strains FZY0004T and YYF002T were 54.5% and 33.5%, respectively. The phylogenetic, phenotypic and physiological characteristics permitted the distinction of the two strains from their neighbors, and we thus propose the names Thalassospira aquimaris sp. nov. (type strain FZY0004T = JCM 35895T = MCCC 1K08380T) and Winogradskyella marincola sp. nov. (type strain YYF002T = JCM 35950T = MCCC 1K08382T).
Association of Screen Time and Mental Disorders among Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Xu Jue , Duan Hanmin , Qin Kang , Liu Bing 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: A small number of studies have researched the relationship between screen time and mental disorders. This research aims to investigate the link between screen time and mental disorders in Chinese adolescents, and to examine the role of sleep duration as a mediating factor.
Method: Data were collected from 3,307 students using a multi-stage random cluster sampling method and self-administered questionnaires. The study applied linear regression to investigate the relationship between screen time and mental disorders, and mediation analysis to understand how sleep duration might influence this relationship.
Results: Teenagers who had more than 2 hours of screen is around 25.5% (33.56% for electronic devices and 17.46% for television), and average mental disorder score was 5.942±0.085 for depression and 4.521±0.076 for anxiety. The linear regression analysis showed that longer electronic devices use (β=0.601, 95%CI: 0.265 to 0.937)), television usage (β=0.751, 95%CI: 0.346 to 1.156) were positively associated with depression, and electronic devices was also positively associated with anxiety (β=0.471, 95%CI:0.159 to 0.784). The study found sleep duration plays a partial mediating role between screen time and mental disorders. For electronic devices, the effect was -27.50% in depression and -44.01% in anxiety; for television, the effect was -42.70% in depression.
Limitations: The cross-sectional study design could not prove causation.
Conclusions: The association between screen time and mental disorders in adolescents was positive, and sleep duration acting as a mediator. This suggests that future research could focus on screen time and sleep management as ways to address mental disorders in adolescents.
Microbially-enhanced silicate weathering in agricultural soils to remove carbon dioxide
Authors: Fuenzalida-Meriz Gonzalo , Timmermann-Aranis Tania , Wemmer Kimberly , Yip Christopher , Yang Yun-Ya , Chowdhury Anupam , Dores Daniel , Takayama Taichi , Nademanee Sharon , Traag Bjorn , Zamanian Kazem , Gonzalez Bernardo , Breecker Daniel O , Fierer Noah , Slessarev Eric 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Silicate weathering moderates atmospheric CO2 levels over geologic time but proceeds naturally at rates too slow to substantially mitigate anthropogenic emissions. Microorganisms can accelerate silicate weathering and may thereby augment carbon dioxide removal. Here, we demonstrate that Bacillus subtilis strain MP1 can couple silicate dissolution with carbonate precipitation to capture CO2. In culture, MP1 formed biofilm in the presence of feldspar and increased silicate dissolution rates, pH and calcium carbonate formation relative to MP1-free controls. In a soil column experiment, MP1 enhanced inorganic carbon accumulation and the levels of available Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, and Al3+. These results suggest that MP1 was able to accelerate the weathering of silicates naturally present in the soil to release cations. In field experiments, application of MP1 increased soil inorganic carbon and exchangeable calcium, resulting in a gross accrual of 2.02 tonnes inorganic C ha-1 y-1 in the uppermost 30 cm of the soil column. Our results are consistent with a 'trans' calcification type model in which MP1 links silicate dissolution with calcite precipitation via cross-biofilm Ca2+ and proton transport. Furthermore, our results demonstrate the potential for microbially-enhanced silicate weathering in agricultural soils to promote inorganic carbon accumulation and removal of atmospheric CO2.
Official development finance in solid waste management reveals insufficient resources for tackling plastic pollution: A global analysis of two decades of data
Authors: Lerpiniere David J. , Wilson David C. , Velis Costas A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Providing effective solid waste management (SWM) is essential to tackle plastics pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and avoid other potentially harmful impacts, including local air pollution impacts from open burning and the conditions that spread disease. Official development finance (ODF) plays a key role in providing SWM waste infrastructure and services. International cooperation is also central to the multi-lateral environmental agreement currently being negotiated (the ‘Plastics Treaty’). To provide insight on the scale, flows and changes in SWM ODF over time, we developed a standardised methodology to analyse OECD development finance data and applied it to data for 2003-2021. ODF focused on SWM is still very low, representing just 0.41% of all ODF. It is also an order of magnitude less than ODF focused on water and sanitation. This is despite an eight fold increase between 2003 and 2021. SWM ODF is dominated by five main donors who account for over three quarters of SWM ODF: World Bank Group, Asian Development Bank, EU Institutions, Germany and Japan. The majority of recipients of SWM ODF are middle income countries. Low income countries received only 8% of SWM ODF between 2003 and 2021. Total SWM ODF commitments in 2021 were ca. at 1.8 Billion USD. This is still significantly short of the over 30 Billion USD investment estimated to be needed to develop SWM and substantially reduce plastics pollution. The Plastics Treaty represents a key opportunity to rapidly scale up international cooperation and official development finance on solid waste management, help tackle the triple planetary crisis and enable a Just Transition to a circular economy.
Topological Defects in Tactoid Nematic Phase
Authors: Elnikova L. V. , Belyaev V. V. 
Published: April 2024

The purpose research of the work is to illustrate the role of point surface topological defects in nematics in phase transitions using the example of inorganic sols of vanadium pentoxide in water V2O5/H2O.Methods. Basing on the measurements on polarization light microscopy and theoretically, in frames of the Landau-de Gennes model and the Kibble-Zurek model for defects, the influence of point topological defects at the surface of nematic colloid of lyotropic liquid crystals, in particular, in inorganic sols of the V2O5/H2O system, on their critical thermodynamic, electric, optical, elastic and mechanical properties is estimated. For the system V2O5/H2O, we study the developed models of nematic colloid phases with non-trivial topology composed of spindle-shaped particles, in which their topological defects are classified; geometrical parameters of nematic particles in dynamics and evolution depending on physicochemical conditions, phase stability criteria, conditions for coalescence of particles, including, under external magnetic field, and also, experimental observations confirmed the proposed theories and models, are considered.Results. With a glance of coalescence regime, the critical size of a colloid particle of the system V2O5/H2O, ~ 10 nm in the long axis direction, in which the value of magnetic energy equals to the sum of elastic and surface energy of acolloid particle, is estimated.Conclusion. We confirmed, that the prerequisite of sol particle coalescence in the system V2O5/H2O in the magnetic field is annihilation of the point topological defects at their poles, the geometrical criterion of tactoid coalescence in magnetic field is established basing on the different theories of their surface defects.