bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on incident diagnosis patterns in German refugee centres: quasi-experimental study, 2018-2023
Authors: Bozorgmehr Kayvan , Erdmann Stella , Rohleder Sven , Jahn Rosa 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic may have affected morbidity patterns of residents in refugee centres, but empirical evidence is scarce. We utilised linked data from a health surveillance network in German refugee centres, employing a quasi-experimental design to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on newly diagnosed medical conditions. These diagnoses were coded in on-site healthcare facilities for refugee patients. Our analysis encompasses the timeframe from October 2018 to April 2023 and includes individual-level data for 109,175 refugees. This data resulted in 76,289 patient-months across 21 refugee centres, with a total occupancy of 144,012 person-months. We employed segmented regression analyses, adjusting for time trends, socio-demographic factors, centre occupancy, and centre-specific characteristics, to evaluate the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on incident diagnosis patterns among refugees. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered diagnosis patterns among refugees in German centres. Notably, incidents of injuries, mental disorders, psychotherapeutic drug prescriptions, and genitourinary diseases rose, while respiratory diseases decreased, later rebounding. An 88% increase in injury-related diagnoses suggests heightened violence experiences during flight or in centres. Mental disorder diagnoses and psychotherapeutic drug prescriptions rose by 73% and 95%, reflecting pandemic-related stressors in refugee centres, highlighting the pandemic's multifaceted impact on refugee health.
Autism common variants associated with white matter alterations at birth: Cross-sectional fixel-based analyses of 221 European term-born neonates from the developing Human Connectome Project
Authors: Le Hai , Bonthrone Alexandra , Uus Alena , Fenchel Daphna , Lautarescu Alexandra , Dimitrakopoulou Konstantina , Edwards Anthony , Hajnal Jo , Counsell Serena , Cordero-Grande Lucilio , Christiaens Daan , Batalle Dafnis , Pietsch Maximilian , Price Anthony , Patel Hamel , Curtis Charles , Cullen Harriet , Deprez Maria , Tournier Jacques-Donald 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Increasing lines of evidence suggest white matter (WM) structural changes associated with autism can be detected in the first year of life. Despite the condition having high heritability, the relationship between autism common genetic variants and WM changes during this period remains unclear. By employing advanced regional and whole-brain fixel-based analysis, the current study investigated the association between autism polygenic scores (PS) and WM microscopic fibre density and macrostructural morphology in 221 term-born infants of European ancestry from the developing Human Connectome Project. The results suggest greater tract mean fibre-bundle cross-section of the left superior corona radiata is associated with higher autism PS. Subsequent exploratory enrichment analysis revealed that the autism risk single nucleotide polymorphisms most associated with the imaging phenotype may have roles in neuronal cellular components. Together, these findings suggest a possible link between autism common variants and early WM development.
Genetic dissection for seedling root-related traits using multiple-methods in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Wei Naicui , Hao Yuqiong , Tao Jinbo , Zhao Jiajia , Wu Bangbang , Qiao Ling , Li Xiaohua , Zheng Xingwei , Wang Juanling , zheng Jun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The root system of wheat affects water and fertilizer use efficiency, stress tolerance, and agronomic traits. Using association analysis and linkage mapping, QTL associated with 12 seedling-stage root traits were identified with SNPs and SCVs under both hydroponic nutrient solution culture experiment (NCE) and soil culture experiment (SCE). Except for MRL, the root traits of seedlings under NCE and SCE differed significantly. Several seedling indicators, including RFW, RDW and RS, were significantly correlated with adult plant agronomic traits. Identification of RFW, RDW, RS, and RV by NCE is equivalent to SCE for subsequent research. Under NCE, 29 stable loci and 9 SCVs of 12 root traits were detected respectively by SNPs and SCVs association analysis. Under SCE, association analysis detected 23 stable loci with SNPs and 26 loci with SCVs. In the DH population, 21 stable QTL were detected by SNPs linkage analysis, and 6 SCVs were found by SCVs analysis. Co-localization analysis revealed that NCE and SCE simultaneously detected QRdw.sxau-6A, QRd.sxau-1B.2, and QDw.sxau-6A (5.56%-8.76% of R2). Mr1B-3, Mr3A-3 and Mr3A-4 were detected in both NCE and SCE (4.74%-9.07% of R2). In the association panel, SNPs and SCVs co-localized to 14 MTAs, of which Mr5A-6 and QRd.sxau-5A were significantly associated with RD. The association panel and DH population co-located 10 QTL, of which QDw.sxau-1D was stably detected. QDw.sxau-6A and Mg6A-9 overlapped in same genomic location containing candidate genes TraesCS6A02G372300, TraesCS6A02G382900 and TraesCS6A02G365100. The present study contributes novel insights into the genetics of root architecture in wheat.
Development of an accurate breast cancer detection classifier based on platelet RNA
Authors: Xie Wenlong , Hu Jie , Zhao Zehang , Lu Huixin , Han Yu , Li Boan , Ouyang Zhong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Platelets possess cancer-induced reprogramming properties, thereby contributing to RNA profile alterations and further cancer progression, while the former is considered a promising biosource for cancer detection. Hence, tumor-educated platelets (TEP) are considered a prospective novel method for early breast cancer (BC) screening. Our study integrated the data from 276 patients with untreated BC, 95 with benign disease controls, 214 healthy controls, and 2 who underwent mastectomy in Chinese and European cohorts to develop a 10-biomarker diagnostic model. The model demonstrated high diagnostic performance for BC in an independent test set (n = 177) with an area under the curve of 0.957. The sensitivity for BC diagnosis was 89.2%, with 100% specificity in asymptomatic controls, while that for the symptomatic group, including benign tumors and inflammatory diseases, was 62.1%. The model demonstrated substantial accuracy for stages 0–III BC (80% for stage 0 [n = 5], 83.3% for stage I [n = 12], 94.6% for stage II [n = 37], and 88.9% for stage III [n = 9]) and precisely helped determine residual cancer in two patients who underwent mastectomy. Moreover, our developed classifiers distinguish different BC subtypes properly. In summary, we created and tested a new TEP-RNA-based BC diagnostic model that was confirmed valid and demonstrated high efficiency in detecting early-stage BC and heterogeneous subtypes, including recurrent tumors. However, these results warrant more validation in larger population-based prospective studies before clinical implementation.
Virulence characterization of Puccinia graminis f. sp. avenae in Argentina
Authors: Dietz Juan , Silva Laura Da , Simón María Rosa , Campos Pablo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Oat stem rust in oats, caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. avenae Erikss and Henning (Pg), is a disease of great relevance on a global scale, recognized for its destructive capacity under favourable environmental conditions. The characterization of the Pg population provides valuable insights into population size, diversity, and complexity, and allows the identification of race specific genes potentially useful for breeding. This study documents for the first time the structure and complexity of Pg populations in Argentina and their evolution over a period of 17 years, based on 70 isolates collected in different sites during 2005, 2021, 2022 and 2023. We identified 22 different races among the 70 single-uredinial isolates collected during the period, showing a greater diversity in population. Moreover, most of the races identified in 2021, and all the races identified in 2022 and 2023, were different from those found in 2005. We found that current populations are more virulent and complex, and the predominant race demonstrated virulence against all 11 reference oat lines utilized in this study, emphasizing its potential threat to oat cultivation in the region. The change in population dynamics detected here suggests that the use of a few genes as a basis for resistance to stem rust in the Argentinian germplasm has resulted in the continuous selection of Pg phenotypes with virulence to these resistance genes. Additionally, our results demonstrated that the frequency of virulence of Pg isolates increase on most of the resistance genes compared to the 2005 population, and there are not genes potentially useful for breeding under Argentinian conditions. These findings underscore the pressing need to expand our search for new resistance genes and deepen our understanding of the genetic mechanisms governing resistance to stem rust in oats. Moreover, our research highlights the dynamic nature of plant-pathogen interactions, emphasizing the continual evolution of Pg populations and their interaction with oat Pg genes.
Subtype-specific alternative splicing events in breast cancer identified by large-scale data analysis
Authors: Deguchi Yui , Kikutake Chie , Suyama Mikita 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Genome analysis in cancer has focused mainly on elucidating the function and regulatory mechanisms of genes that exhibit differential expression or mutation in cancer samples compared to normal samples. Recently, transcriptome analysis revealed that abnormal splicing events in cancer samples could contribute to cancer pathogenesis. Moreover, splicing variants in cancer reportedly generate diverse cancer antigens. Although abnormal splicing events are expected to be potential targets in cancer immunotherapy, the exploration of such targets and their biological significance in cancer have not been fully understood. In this study, to explore subtype-specific alternative splicing events, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of splicing events for each breast cancer subtype using large-scale splicing data derived from The Cancer Genome Atlas and found subtype-specific alternative splicing patterns. Analyses indicated that genes that produce subtype-specific alternative splicing events are potential novel targets for immunotherapy against breast cancer. The subtype-specific alternative splicing events identified in this study, which were not identified by mutation or differential expression analysis, bring new significance to previously overlooked splicing events.
Risk factors based prediction model for new-onset diabetes mellitus after first-attack acute pancreatitis
Authors: Yuan Chen , Liu Jia , Guan Jiafu , Zhou Binghai , Wu Huajun , Yuan Rongfa , Yu Xin , Zou Shubing , Wang Kai , Hu Zhigang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To construct a practical prediction model for the risk of new-onset diabetes mellitus (DM) in patients with first-attack acute pancreatitis (AP) based on risk factors derived from demographic and clinical data. A total of 780 patients diagnosed with AP were retrospectively enrolled in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from June 2016 to June 2017. A series of exclusion criteria were applied and 396 patients were finally included. With a ratio of 2:1, patients were randomly divided into two groups named training (n = 264) and validation set (n = 132). Demographic and clinical data that may be risk factors of new-onset DM after first-attack AP were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine potential risk factors in the training set, and a predictive nomogram was constructed. Nomogram performance was determined in the training and validation sets concerning discrimination and calibration capabilities. Finally, clinical applicability of the nomogram was assessed in the validation set by decision curve analysis. The morbidity rate of new-onset DM after first-attack AP was 8.6% (34/396) in the included patient cohort. Hyperlipemia (OR = 6.87, 95%CI = 2.33 ~ 20.26, p = 0.000), GGT ≥ 40U/L (OR = 0.07, 95%CI = 0.03 ~ 0.27, p = 0.008), serum glucose ≥ 6.1mmol/L (OR = 7.73, 95%CI = 1.89 ~ 31.64, p = 0.004), CT grade ≥ 2 or 4 points (OR = 3.16 or 4.95, 95%CI = 1.05 ~ 9.45 or 1.12 ~ 21.89, p = 0.039 or 0.035) and APACHE II grade ≥ 8 points (OR = 3.82, 95%CI = 1.19 ~ 12.27, p = 0.024) were independent risk or protective factors and were assembled for nomogram construction. Internal and external validations showed good discrimination (Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.884 and 0.770) and calibration capabilities. The decision curve analysis showed good clinical applicability. We have developed a practical nomogram to predict the risk of new-onset DM after first-attack AP based on risk factors derived from demographic and clinical data, which would contribute to the identification and management of these high-risk patients.
The focus of unique green space design related to restoration: Comparing the restorative quality of Classics Chinese gardens and mordern urban parks.
Authors: Zhang Zhenyu , Jiang Mu , Zhao Jingwei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the public's perceived restorative to urban green spaces (UGS). Compared to Modern Urban Park (MUP), little research has been done on the restoration potential of Classical Chinese Garden (CCG). To fill this gap, we collect video clips of various scenarios to produce video images of CCG and MUP representing UGS. Public evaluations of the videos were collected, and the data were analyzed by combining the Short Version Revision Repair Scale (SRRS) and deep learning techniques. They are finding proof for enhancing the healing effects of CCG and MUP. The results indicated that the difference between the two restorations was not significant. Videos representing CCG had a greater standard deviation of restorative (lower consensus) compared to videos depicting MUP. Deep learning techniques for semantic segmentation combined with expert scoring methods can effectively help us to understand the drivers affecting resilience, and we combine our findings to conclude that improved water feature design is an essential driver for enhancing the perceived restorative of CCGs and that decreasing specific artificial modern structures, enhancing vegetation cover, and increasing public exposure to nature is critical to strengthening the restorative of both. Hopefully, these findings will improve visitors' recovery in UGS environments and guide landscape architects to intervene more effectively in healing design in UGS.
MC3T3-E1 cells lead to bone loss in Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis through oxeiptosis pathway
Authors: Xu Yuan , Sun Chongkai , Zhu Runjiu , Peng Ziyue , Zhou Xuyou , Wang Yutian , Wang Zixuan , Wan Haoyang , Yu Bin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Bone loss is a significant complication of Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis, for which there is currently no efficacious treatment despite research indicating the involvement of various mechanisms in bone loss during bone infections. Oxeiptosis, a caspase independent form of cell death induced by oxidative stress, has been implicated in pathogen elimination. Nevertheless, the role of oxeiptosis in the extinction of osteoblasts during S. aureus infection remains uncertain. In the current investigation, preliminary evidence suggests the existence of alternative mechanisms of cell demise beyond the established pathways of apoptosis and necrosis following S. aureus infection in osteoblasts. Moreover, our findings indicate that dephosphorylation of AIFM1 at Ser116 occurs during S. aureus infection in osteoblasts, ultimately resulting in osteoblast death. Additionally, KEAP1 and PGAM5, situated upstream of AIFM1 in this cascade, are implicated in the process of osteoblast death. Our study demonstrates that the KEAP1-PGAM5-AIFM1 signaling pathway is implicated in S. aureus-induced osteoblast death through the depletion of KEAP1 and PGAM5. This suggests that infection through the oxeiptosis pathway may contribute to osteoblast death and subsequent bone loss in individuals with osteomyelitis.
A qualitative exploration of active ingredients and mechanisms of action of an online singing programme with mothers experiencing postnatal depression during the COVID-19 pandemic: SHAPER-PNDO study.
Authors: Burton Alexandra , Bind Rebecca H. , Davis Rachel , Greenwood Lorna , Lee Ching Yin , Estevao Carolina , Hazelgrove Katie , Miller Celeste , Priestley Kristi , Rebecchini Lavinia , Osborn Tim , Dye Hannah , Dazzan Paola , Woods Anthony , Crane Nikki , Pariante Carmine M. , Fancourt Daisy 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Social distancing restrictions and the suspension of in-person treatment and support contributed to an increase in postnatal depression during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Creative health interventions can help to alleviate anxiety and depression, with studies showing that singing is particularly effective for supporting the mental health of new mothers. We adapted an in-person group singing programme (Breathe Melodies for Mums (M4M)) to online delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic to support the mental health of new mothers, and, in a feasibility study, found improvements in postnatal depression (PND) symptoms at 6-month follow up. The current qualitative study aimed to explore how and why M4M-online impacted the mental health of those taking part.
Methods
We took a theory-based approach using the Ingredients in Arts in Health (INNATE) Framework of ‘active ingredients’ and the Multi-level Leisure Mechanisms Framework of ‘mechanisms of action’ to identify and categorise intervention components and change mechanisms. Iterative consensus building between three researchers were complemented by qualitative semi-structured online interviews with 24 women experiencing PND symptoms who took part in M4M-online. Data were analysed inductively using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
Consistency was found between the online and in-person interventions in active ingredients relating to project design, content, programme management and the composition of the group. Key differences were in the social and contextual ingredients. Psychological, social and behavioural mechanisms for improved mental health and wellbeing included: 1) Increased self-confidence as a mother, 2) Increased positive emotional responses, 3) A supported change in identity, 4) Reduced loneliness and isolation, 5) Increased social bonding and connections with family and 6) Enhanced sense of time through new routines.
Conclusions
Participating in online group singing can support new mothers experiencing PND by triggering psychological, social and behavioural responses that lead to improved mental health. Key programme features are identified which can be used to design future online creative health interventions or tailor in-person activities for remote delivery to support populations who may face practical and social barriers to attending in-person.
A Bird Vocalization Classification Method Based on Improved Adaptive Wavelet Threshold Denoising and Bidirectional FBank
Authors: Peng Chizhou , Zhang Yan , Lu Jing , Lv Danjv , Xiong Yanjiao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Recent advancements in audio signal processing and pattern recognition have made bird vocalization classification a key focus in bioacoustic research. The success of automated birdsong classification largely depends on denoising and feature extraction. This paper introduces two novel methods, namely improved adaptive wavelet threshold denoising (IAwthr) and bidirectional Mel-filter bank (BiFBank), which aim to overcome the limitations of traditional methods. IAwthr achieves adaptive optimization through autocorrelation coefficient and peak-sum-ratio (PSR), overcoming the manual adjustments and incompleteness of conventional methods. BiFBank fusions FBank and inverse FBank (iFBank) to enhance feature representation. This integration addresses the shortcomings of FBank and introduces novel transformation methods and filter designs in iFBank, emphasizing the high-frequency components. The IAwthrBiFBank, a combination of IAwthr and BiFBank, creates a robust feature set that effectively denoises audio signals and is sensitive to low-frequency and high-frequency sounds. The experiments used a dataset including 16 bird species and validated the proposed method using a Random Forest (RF) classifier. The results of IAwthrBiFBank demonstrate an accuracy of 94.00%, and the other indicators, including the F1-score, are higher than 93.00%, outperforming all other tested features. Overall, this proposed method effectively reduces audio noise, captures birdsong characteristics comprehensively, and enhances classification performance.
Innovative Approach to Accelerate Wound Healing: Synthesis and Validation of Enzymatically Cross-linked COL-rGO-PDA Biocomposite Hydrogels
Authors: González Luisbel , Espinoza Víctor , Tapia Mauricio , Aedo Valentina , Ruiz Isleidy , Meléndrez Manuel , Aguayo Claudio , Atanase Leonard I. , Fernández Katherina 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, an innovative conductive hybrid biomaterial was synthetized using collagen and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) in order to be used as wound dressing. The collagen hydrogels (COL) were plasticized with glycerol and enzymatically cross-linked with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). A successful interaction among the components was demonstrated by FTIR, XRD, and XPS. It was demonstrated that increasing the rGO concentration led to higher conductivity and negative charge density values. Moreover, rGO also improved the stability of hydrogels which has expressed by a reduction of the biodegradation rate. Furthermore, the hydrogel’s stability, against the enzymatic action of collagenase type I, was also strengthened by both the enzymatic cross-linking and the polymerization of dopamine. However, their absorption capacity, reaching values of 215 g/g, indicates the high potential of the hydrogels to absorb fluids. The rise of these properties positively influenced the wound closure process, achieving an 84.5% in vitro closure rate after 48 h. These findings clearly demonstrate that these original composite biomaterials can be a viable choice for wound healing purposes.