bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection and quantitative microbial risk assessment of pathogenic Vibrio cholerae in a river used for drinking, domestic, fresh produce irrigation and recreational purposes
Authors: Ozochi Chizoba A. , Okonkwo Christopher C. , Adukwu Emmanuel C. , Ujor Victor C. , Enebe Matthew C. , Chigor Vincent N. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCholera infection results from the ingestion of water or food contaminated with toxigenic Vibrio cholerae. This study evaluated the occurrence of toxigenic V. cholerae in Asata River, Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria, and estimated V. cholerae infection risks from use of the River water for drinking, domestic and recreational purposes. Vibrio was detected and quantified using membrane filtration technique and thiosulfate–citrate–bile salts–sucrose agar. Isolates were screened by PCR, using specific primers targeting the internal transcribed spacer (its) region between 16 and 23S rRNA and the cholera toxin (ctx) gene. Sequenced 16SrRNA gene amplicons of two selected isolates were used for phylogenetic analysis. Quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) was conducted using the β-Poisson dose–response model. About 81% (58/72) of Asata River samples recorded Vibrio counts above 1.0 $$\times$$
×
103 cfu/100 mL. Of the fifty Vibrio isolates screened, its was detected in 54% (27/50), out of which 74% (20/27) had the ctx gene of toxigenic V. cholerae. Evolutionary relatedness of the sequenced isolates to V. cholerae was revealed. The estimated risks of cholera infection in persons exposed to untreated Asata River water were above 0.5 for all the exposure scenarios, for both the rainy and dry seasons. The risks were highest (~ 0.9) for exposure via drinking water and annual risk of infection was deduced to have a probability of 1.0. Therefore, dependence on the untreated Asata River water for drinking, recreational, domestic and irrigation purposes may present a potential public health risk of cholera outbreak. We recommend increased monitoring and surveillance of River water for Vibrio abundance and that Asata River be protected from further degradation.
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA-4) gene polymorphisms in a cohort of Egyptian patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
Authors: El Demerdash Doaa Mohamed , Saber Maha Mohamed , Ayad Alia , Gomaa Kareeman , Abdelkader Morad Mohamed 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is characterized by immune response dysregulations. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte‐associated antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4) plays a central role in immune checkpoint pathways and preventing autoimmune diseases by regulating immune tolerance. We aimed to explore the potential association between CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms and ITP as well as study their impact on the response to therapy.

Methods
We investigated two CTLA-4 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs: 231775 and rs: 3087243) using real-time PCR as well as the plasma levels of CTLA-4 by ELISA in 88 patients with ITP and 44 healthy participants (HC).

Results
CTLA-4 (rs: 3087243) A > G polymorphism analysis showed most HC had the homozygous AA genotype, which was statistically significant compared to patients with ITP. Plasma levels of CTLA4 were statistically lower in patients with acute ITP. There was no correlation between CTLA-4 (rs: 231775 and rs: 3087243) A/G SNPs were not correlated to the response to all lines of therapy assessed (corticosteroids, thrombopoietin receptor agonists, splenectomy, and rituximab).

Conclusion
CTLA-4 CT 60 A/G may affect the susceptibility of ITP, but both CTLA-4 + 49 A/G and CT60 A/G did not impact the response of patients with ITP to different lines of therapy.
Overcrowding in the Dispatching Centre During the COVID-19 Crisis: Are Medical Students a Resource?
Authors: Douillet Delphine , Plard Delphine , Morin François , Courjault Yannick , Gaultier Gwladys , Lerolle Nicolas , Templier François , Roy Pierre-Marie , Savary Dominique 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
In February, the emergence of COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID - 19) in France made it necessary to rapidly adapt emergency and SAMU services in order to take care of many infected patients. To respond to the increase in the number of calls in the dispatch centers, reinforcements were necessary on the fronts of the Medical Regulation Assistants (ARM). The aim of this study was to assess the relevance of medical students’ responses to first calls exclusively concerning COVID-19.

Methods:
This prospective, observational cohort study was carried out at the University Hospital Centre (CHU) in Angers. Twenty medical students mostly in the 5th year were voluntarily enrolled in the first line COVID-19 call taker team. Calls on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th starting day for each medical student, and randomly selected calls from the experienced first-line call taker were listened to by a medical expert to assess the adequate level of prioritization and orientation (emergency physician or general practitioner). The percentage of agreement between the expert, students, and experienced first-line call handlers were assessed. All participants gave their free consent to participate. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Angers (N° 2020-48).

Results:
From March 18 to April 23, 2020, 302 calls from medical students (n = 20 students) and 40 calls from experienced first-line call handlers were analyzed. The average prioritization agreement rate between the expert and students was 76.16% (95% Confidence Interval: 71.04 to 80.62%) (n = 230/302) compared to 87.50% (95% CI: 73.9 to 94.5%) (n = 45/50) for the experienced first-line call handlers (P = 0.15). Medical students took more time per call with an absolute difference of 2 minutes 16 seconds (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
The lessons to be observed from this COVID-19 crisis are that in the early days of increasing calls heralding a strain on the healthcare system, support by medical students must be considered.
Effectiveness of an Intervention Program to Enhance the Self-Confidence of Kindergarten Teachers Dealing with Radiation-Related Health Concerns from Parents of Young Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Moriyama Nobuaki , Nakayama Chihiro , Watanabe Kiyotaka , Kuga Tomomi , Yasumura Seiji 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Objective:
This study examined the effectiveness of an intervention program to enhance the self-confidence of kindergarten teachers who address radiation-related health concerns among parents following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident in March 2011, wherein radiation anxiety among mothers with young children was high. Kindergarten teachers are expected to address the concerns of these parents

Methods:
Participants from 2 private kindergartens in Fukushima City were assigned to either the intervention group (n = 10), which received an intervention program comprising lectures, group discussions, and presentations, or the control group (n = 16), which received only written materials used in the intervention program. Changes in the measured scores post-intervention were calculated, and the mean values were compared between both groups using the Student’s t-test.

Results:
The primary outcome was self-confidence, and the difference-in-differences approach was used to assess the effectiveness of the intervention program. The study found a more significant difference between pre- and post-intervention self-confidence in the intervention group compared to the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:
The intervention program effectively enhanced the self-confidence of kindergarten teachers in dealing with radiation-related health concerns of parents with young children.
Association between carotenoid intake and periodontitis in diabetic patients
Authors: Li Fengli , Wang Ge , Zhang Yujie 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the association between dietary carotenoid intake and periodontitis in diabetic patients. Data on diabetic patients were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009–2014 for this cross-sectional study. Dietary intake of carotenoids was assessed through the first 24-hour dietary recall interview. Full-mouth periodontal examinations were conducted by trained dental examiners. Subgroup analysis was conducted in terms of age, gender, the number of missing teeth, cardiovascular disease, smoking, and anti-diabetic drugs. Totally 1914 diabetic patients were included, with 1281 (66.93%) in the periodontitis group. After adjusting for age, gender, race, education, smoking, dental implants, hepatitis, and the number of missing teeth, α-carotene intake ≥55.82 mcg was associated with lower odds of periodontitis than α-carotene intake <55.82 mcg [OR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.53–0.91, P = 0.010]; lutein and zeaxanthin intake ≥795.95 mcg was associated with decreased odds of periodontitis than lutein and zeaxanthin intake <795.95 mcg (OR = 0.75, 95%CI: 0.57–0.98, P = 0.039). The association between carotenoid intake and periodontitis varied across different subpopulations. In diabetes, dietary intake of α-carotene and lutein and zeaxanthin was inversely associated with the odds of periodontitis, which may facilitate clinical periodontitis management.
The third age interrupted: experiences of living in a retirement village during the first year of COVID-19 in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Gilbert Andrew Simon , Garratt Stephanie M. , Ostaszkiewicz Joan , Batchelor Frances , Brijnath Bianca , Dang Christa , Dow Briony , Goh Anita M. Y. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic in Australia has profoundly affected older adults, particularly in the state of Victoria, which experienced strict lockdown restrictions six times since the pandemic began in 2020; totalling 245 days over three years. This study explored the experiences of older adults living in retirement villages during the first three lockdowns in Victoria from March 2020 to February 2021. We draw on the concept of the ‘third age’ to explore how residents’ post-retirement social and lifestyle aspirations were disrupted by the pandemic and associated lockdowns. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 14 residents during January and February 2021. All data were analysed using thematic mapping. Five key themes were identified: (1) benefits and frustrations of retirement village living during a pandemic; (2) the loss of amenities and activities; (3) heightened loneliness and social isolation; (4) reaching out to others; and (5) variable experiences of operators’ response. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted short-term and long-term issues around social isolation and the management of retirement villages, it has also demonstrated the resilience of residents and the strength of community ties and relationships. Retirement villages are promoted as age-friendly environments that enable an active and healthy post-retirement lifestyle. Yet our findings reveal heterogeneity within village populations. When services closed during lockdowns, this revealed a tension between the policy assumption that retirement villages are a housing consumption choice, and the unmet needs of those residents who depend on village services for day-to-day functioning.
Quadratic associations between cardiovascular stress reactivity and development of cool and hot executive functions in adolescents
Authors: Lü Wei , Huang Yefei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Stress affects executive functions and exploring the association between stress-induced physiological reactivity and executive functions could highlight the potential mechanism of the stress-cognitive function link. Our study examined the linear and nonlinear associations between cardiovascular stress reactivity and cool and hot executive functions among adolescents. In November 2021 (T1), 273 Chinese adolescents between 11 and 14 (Mage = 12.93, SDage = 0.79) underwent a speech task during which their cardiovascular data were recorded, and they completed a Flanker task and an Emotional Stroop task. In May 2023 (T2), 253 adolescents again completed the Flanker and Emotional Stroop tasks. Cool and hot executive functions were assessed using the intra-individual reaction time variability of the Flanker task and Emotional Stroop task, respectively. Results showed that cardiovascular stress reactivity was positively linearly associated with cool executive functions at T1 and quadratically (inverted U-shaped) associated with cool executive functions at T1 and hot executive functions at T1 and T2. These findings suggest that compared to very high and very low cardiovascular reactivity, moderate to high cardiovascular reactivity to a structured social challenge is associated with better cool and hot executive functions.
The effectiveness of immersive learning technologies in K–12 English as second language learning: A systematic review
Authors: Weng Yueqi , Schmidt Matthew , Huang Wanju , Hao Yuanyue 
Published: March 2024

AbstractImmersive learning technologies offer K–12 English learners simulated contexts for language acquisition through virtual interactions, influencing learner attitudes and enhancing cross-curricular skills. While past literature reviews have explored learners’ English skills and emotions, few have delved into the learning effectiveness of immersive technologies for K–12 students. This systematic review analyzed 33 studies from 2012 to 2021, focusing on research designs, the role of immersive technologies in English learning, and the theoretical underpinnings of these studies. Results highlight the methods used to gauge learning effectiveness, the ways immersive technologies bolster learners’ attitudes and skills, and a noticeable gap in theoretical grounding. Recommendations for future research are provided.
Influence of Lee Wave Breaking on Far‐Field Mixing in the Deep Ocean
Authors: Zheng Kaiwen , Zhang Zhiwei , Yang Zhibin , Sun Hui , Guan Shoude , Huang Xiaodong , Zhou Chun , Zhao Wei , Tian Jiwei 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBreaking of internal lee waves generated by flow‐topography interaction is an important driving mechanism for abyssal mixing. By assuming that lee‐wave‐driven mixing is a local process, direct measurements in the past mainly focused on the water column over rough topography. In this study, a non‐local role of lee waves on remote mixing is investigated by using mooring observations in the northwestern Philippine Basin and a series of 2‐dimensional high‐resolution numerical simulations. We find that the breaking of lee waves can generate near‐inertial waves (NIWs) which can propagate away from their generation sites. The NIWs have strong vertical shear which can significantly elevate turbulent dissipation and mixing over remote uneven seafloor. Based on the topography perturbations numerical experiments, we find that for the remote gentle topography with inverse Froude number (Fr−1) between 0 and 0.5, the arrival of upstream NIWs can elevate the near‐bottom layer (0–1,000 m above bottom) dissipation rate and vertical diffusivity by 9.2 and 10.4 times, respectively at 30–50 km away from the NIWs source. For the remote rough topography with Fr−1 between 0 and 4, the corresponding increases are 3.5 and 4.4 times, respectively. The mechanism of upstream NIWs to elevate the downstream dissipation and mixing is through strengthening the shear instability over the far‐field topography, which is associated with NIWs' interactions with the topography and the generated lee waves therein. The results of this study will provide a foundation for improving the mixing parameterizations associated with current‐topography interactions.
Formation and Variability of Barrier Layer in the South Pacific
Authors: Jiang Jindong , Shi Jiuxin , Zhu Yaohua , Wei Zexun 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe oceanic barrier layer (BL), dominated by salinity stratification, plays an important role in regulating heat exchange between the mixed layer and the interior ocean. However, the salinity contribution is ignored or underestimated when analyses relying only on temperature threshold methods. Here we introduce the Turner Angle method to quantify the salinity contribution and to obtain relatively accurate BL thickness (BLT), and further to investigate the spatial‐temporal distribution, thickness variation and formation mechanism of the BL in the South Pacific using the updated Argo data during 2005–2021. With the successful usage of this method, we eliminate 41% of the invalid BLs and therefore improve the assessment of the BLs in the South Pacific. Formation of the thick BLs in the South Pacific is attributed to the faster deepening rate of the isothermal layer than the mixed layer. The deepening rate of the isothermal layer is facilitated by subsurface subantarctic mode water while that of the mixed layer is constrained by the subsurface salinity maximum in the South Pacific. On the interannual scale, the BLT in the South Pacific manifests a quasi‐biennial variability, which is closely connected with the variability in the isothermal layer depth and is primarily caused by the anomalous winds driven by the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). The SAM‐related anomalous winds regulate the isothermal layer and further the BL by exerting influences air‐sea heat fluxes and the Ekman layer advection.
Flash Drought in the South of Yangtze River and the Potential Impact of North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature
Authors: Ma Feng , Yuan Xing , Li Hua , Wang Yumiao 
Published: March 2024

AbstractFlash droughts (FDs), a type of drought with rapid onset, occurred in growing season have damaging impacts on crops, ecosystem and hence livelihoods. However, the associated physical mechanism were not well understood, which prohibits a skillful early warning. Based on the reanalysis data for 1961–2022, we diagnosed the characteristics, antecedent meteorological conditions and large‐scale atmospheric circulation of FDs over the region south of Yangtze River (SYR), a hotspot region of FDs. The FDs tend to occur during the periods before (i.e., from April to mid‐June) and after (i.e., early July–September) Meiyu season (B‐Meiyu and A‐Meiyu periods). Large precipitation deficits and rapid elevated temperature caused by anomalous subsidence and moisture divergence are responsible for the onset of FDs during the two periods. The North Atlantic tripole‐like sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) modes have potential impact on the anomalous circulations via modulating Rossby wave trains, but with different locations among the two periods. During B‐Meiyu period, the SSTA mode is characterized by positive SSTA over subtropical North Atlantic and negative SSTAs over the tropical and mid‐latitude ocean, triggering a “+ − + − + −” circulation pattern over North Atlantic–Eurasia, which reinforces the East Asian trough (EAT). Anomalous northeasterly winds dominate the SYR suppressing moisture transport from the tropics. The SSTA mode locates farther to the north during A‐Meiyu period, inducing a “+ − + − +” wave train over mid‐latitude North Atlantic‐Eurasia, leading to the strengthening of the western Pacific subtropical high. The high‐pressure anomalies control the SYR, resulting in anomalous subsidence and hence negative precipitation anomalies.
Prediction of Tropical Cyclogenesis Based on Machine Learning Methods and Its SHAP Interpretation
Authors: Loi Chi Lok , Wu Chun‐Chieh , Liang Yu‐Chiao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study trains three machine learning models with varying complexity—Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Neural Network—to predict cyclogenesis at a forecast lead time of 24 hr for given tropical disturbances identified by an optimized Kalman Filter algorithm. The overall performance is competent in terms of f1‐scores (∼0.8) compared to previous research of the same kind. An assessment by SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values reveals that mid‐level (500 hPa) vorticity is the most influential factor in deciding if a tropical disturbance is developing or non‐developing for all three models. Wind shear and tilting are found to hold a certain level of importance as well. These results encourage further experiments that use physical models to explore the dynamical, mid‐level pathway to tropical cyclogenesis. Another usage of SHAP values in this work is to explain how a machine learning model decides if an individual tropical disturbance case will develop, by listing the contribution of each feature to the output genesis probability, illustrated by a case study of Typhoon Halong. This increases the reliability of the machine learning models, and forecasters can take advantage of such information to issue tropical cyclone formation warnings more accurately. Several caveats of the current machine learning application in the studies of tropical cyclogenesis are discussed and can be considered for future research. These can benefit the interpretation and emphasis of certain output fields in the operational dynamical prediction system, which can contribute to more timely cyclogenesis forecasts.
Transparent vertical nanotube electrode arrays on graphene for cellular recording and optical imaging
Authors: Lee Jamin , Lee Keundong , Kang Kyumeen , Ali Asad , Kim Dong Wook , Ahn Hyerim , Ko Gwanho , Choi Myunghwan , Tchoe Youngbin , Park Hye Yoon , Yi Gyu-Chul 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Here, we report the fabrication of transparent multichannel vertical nanotube electrode arrays for detecting cellular activity and optically imaging neuronal networks. To fabricate these transparent electrode arrays, position- and morphology-controlled ZnO nanotube arrays consisting of ultrathin nanowalls were grown on transparent graphene layers and coated with Ti/Au metal layers. Using these multichannel arrays, electrophysiological signals were individually recorded from primary mouse hippocampal neurons and recorded distinctive intracellular potential-like signals. Moreover, the transparent electrode array enabled fluorescence imaging of neuron cell bodies and neurite connections. This transparent graphene- and nanotube-based recording device is proposed to greatly increase the versatility of capabilities for investigating neuronal activity through simultaneous recording and imaging of neuron cultures.
A genomic toolkit for winged bean Psophocarpus tetragonolobus
Authors: Ho Wai Kuan , Tanzi Alberto Stefano , Sang Fei , Tsoutsoura Niki , Shah Niraj , Moore Christopher , Bhosale Rahul , Wright Victoria , Massawe Festo , Mayes Sean 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA sustainable supply of plant protein is critical for future generations and needs to be achieved while reducing green house gas emissions from agriculture and increasing agricultural resilience in the face of climate volatility. Agricultural diversification with more nutrient-rich and stress tolerant crops could provide the solution. However, this is often hampered by the limited availability of genomic resources and the lack of understanding of the genetic structure of breeding germplasm and the inheritance of important traits. One such crop with potential is winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus), a high seed protein tropical legume which has been termed ‘the soybean for the tropics’. Here, we present a chromosome level winged bean genome assembly, an investigation of the genetic diversity of 130 worldwide accessions, together with two linked genetic maps and a trait QTL analysis (and expression studies) for regions of the genome with desirable ideotype traits for breeding, namely architecture, protein content and phytonutrients.