bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered RSV Epidemiology and Genetic Diversity Following the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Hultquist Judd , Rios-Guzman Estefany , Simons Lacy , Dean Taylor , Agnes Francesca , Pawlowski Anna , Alisoltanidehkordi Arghavan , Nam Hannah , Ison Michael , Ozer Egon , Lorenzo-Redondo Ramon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory tract infection, with greatest impact on infants, immunocompromised individuals, and older adults. RSV prevalence decreased substantially following the implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic but later rebounded with initially abnormal seasonality. The biological and epidemiological factors underlying this altered behavior remain poorly defined. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined RSV epidemiology, clinical severity, and genetic diversity in the years surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We found that changes in RSV diagnostic platforms drove increased detections in outpatient settings after 2020 and that hospitalized adults with RSV-A were at higher risk of needing intensive care than those with RSV-B. While the population structure of RSV-A remained unchanged, the population structure of RSV-B shifted in geographically distinct clusters. Mutations in the antigenic regions of the fusion protein suggest convergent evolution with potential implications for vaccine and therapeutic development.
A new experimental device for germinating seeds under controlled soil water potentials, a step beyond PEG.
Authors: Moret-Fernández David , Tormo Jaume , López M. Victoria , Cirujeda Alicia , Bochet Esther 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims. Seed germination as a function of soil water potential (h) is modelled by polyethylene glycol (PEG) experiments. However, this methodology does not consider the soil properties. In this paper, we demonstrate the limitation of PEG experiments to model seed germination, while demonstrating the interaction between soil type, h and seed characteristics on seed imbibition. Methods. We present a new experimental device, the tension germinator (TG), which allows the monitoring of seed imbibition under controlled h. TG was tested on barley and vetch seeds placed on loam (TG-loam) and sand (TG-sand) with h values of 0, -0.002, -0.006 MPa. PEG experiments (0 to -2.5 MPa) were performed to detect the h critical, hPEG, from which the seed imbibition curve is affected. PEG curves for 0 > h > -0.01 MPa were compared with TG. Results. No differences between PEG and TG curves were observed at 0 MPa. hPEG for barley and vetch was within [0, -0.01] MPa. Comparison between TG and PEG within [0, -0.01] MPa showed that while similar curves were observed with PEG and TG-loam, TG-sand curves at -0.002 and − 0.006 MPa behaved differently to the equivalent PEG curves. Unlike with PEG, no imbibition was observed in barley and vetch in TG-sand at -0.006 MPa. The h in TG-loam had negligible influence on the imbibition curves. Conclusions. PEG is not adequate to describe seed germination in soil. We propose a new device that can improve seed germination modeling in relation to h.
Effect of El Niño on Summer Extreme Ocean Waves over East Asian Regions
Authors: Bayhaqi Ahmad , Yoo Jeseon 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Extreme wave events with devastating impacts on East Asian (EA) coastal regions have recently been more variable. However, despite being a prominent extreme spot due to the influence of anomalous seasonal atmospheric and remote climate variability, the investigation of EA extreme wave attributes, such as duration and intensity, and their relation to the climate events remains unclear. By applying the peaks-over-threshold (POT) method with a fixed threshold set at the 99th percentile, this study aimed to quantify the duration and intensity of EA extreme wave events in boreal summer from 1980–2021 and investigate the influence of El Niño and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) as the main climate mode in the Pacific Ocean. Spatially, the findings demonstrated that extreme waves have occurred with an intensity up to 1.5 m, persisting in a range from 8 to 35 hours over the study and revealing the prominent spot in the southern part of the study area, impacting the southern coast of Korea. Based on the area-averaged over the prominent spot, the appearance of El Niño induces longer (with an average of 85 h) and more intense summer extreme waves (with 2 m of max intensity). The results suggest that the eastward shifting of tropical storms (TS) due to the El Niño-induced anomalous westerlies at 5°N–10°N contributes to this condition. Furthermore, a positive PDO strengthens the El Niño effect, with the almost doubled in duration, through strong anomalous anticyclonic formation in the Philippine Sea. The study findings enhance our understanding of the link between ENSO and TS activity with respect to extreme wave duration and intensity; these factors can be relevant in formulating plans for mitigating the impact of extreme wave events on coastal environments.
Infective endocarditis with primary thrombocytopenia caused by Aggregatibacter aphrophilus: a case report
Authors: Lou Xingxing , Zhao Sheng , Jin Shanshan , Wang Sipei , Lv Shuangshuang , Pan Xinling 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) caused by Aggregatibacteraphrophilus, a member of the normal flora of the human oral cavity and upper respiratory tract, is relatively rare. Usually, patients with IE caused by this bacterium undergo surgical treatment; however, in this case, the patient underwent transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR), which differed from previous procedures.
Case Presentation: A 63-year-old male patient was hospitalized with a 7-day history of fever. His C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels were elevated. The blood culture specimens were positive and analyzed using mass spectrometry for the presence of A. aphrophilus. Further esophageal echocardiography confirmed that the patient had IE. The patient's fever resolved after ceftriaxone treatment; however, because of his abnormally low platelet count, he underwent TMVR at an outside hospital. He was followed up for 3 months postoperatively with no significant discomfort.
Conclusions: This case is instructive in the surgical management of IE caused by A. aphrophilus and provides a new therapeutic option for high-risk patients in the perioperative period.
“If I die for touching him, let me die”: A Rapid Ethnographic Assessment of Cultural practices and Ebola Transmission in High-risk Boarder Regions of Tanzania
Authors: Kusena Priscilla , Metta Emmy , Mohamed Hussein , Kakoko Deodatus , Nyamhanga Tumaini , Bahuguna Shalini , Sirili Nathanael , Kinanda Jonas , Araya Awet , Mwiru Alice , Magesa Stanley , Makene Lulu , Rwechungura Allan , Kirakoya Fatimata B , Rangi Jaliath , Kileo Neema , Mlembwa Jerry , Kazaura Method , Frumence Gasto , Mpelembe Chipole 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Ebola is a rare but fatal disease caused by Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Initial Ebola outbreaks were reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) before subsequent spread to Western and East African countries, including Uganda, which borders Tanzania. Proximity to EVD-infected countries raises the prospect of cross-border transmission, raising alarm in Tanzania. This study explored the cultural practices likely to prevent or escalate EVD transmission in the event of its outbreak in the country.
Methods
This rapid ethnographic assessment employed observation, interviews, and focus group discussions to collect data from people with diverse characteristics. The qualitative data was then subjected to thematic analysis.
Findings:
Cultural practices may escalate the transmission of EVD and hinder its prevention and control. These cultural practices include patients’ care practices, confirmation of the death, mourning, and body preparation for burial. Communal life, ceremonies, and social gatherings were other aspects observed to have the potential of compounding EVD transmission and hindering its containment in case of an outbreak.
Conclusion
Cultural practices may escalate EVD transmission as identified in the study settings. As such, Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) activities should be interventionist in transforming cultural practices that may escalate the spread of EVD as part of preparedness, prevention, and control efforts in the event of outbreak.
Intimate Partner Violence against Chinese Men: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wang Yun , Pan Xiaofu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Exploration of experiences related to Intimate Partner Violence(IPV)is crucial for policy-making, legal improvements, and enhancement of social services. While there have been numerous studies on IPV against women in China, research on IPV against men remains scarce. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the experiences of Chinese men who have experienced IPV.
Methods
Through qualitative thematic analysis of posts shared by 54 heterosexual Chinese men on public online forums, we examined the experiences of Chinese men who have encountered IPV.
Results
The results indicate that in addition to common forms of IPV such as physical violence, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, and economic exploitation, Chinese men also experience unique types of IPV, including infidelity of partners, cultural-specific cold violence, and conflicts with mothers-in-law.
Conclusions
Chinese men are deeply influenced by Confucian culture, and the types and manifestations of IPV they experience differ from existing forms of violence. This adds new research content to the study of IPV. The research findings are beneficial for the development and implementation of intervention measures in different cultural backgrounds.
Discovery and geological significance of the Neoproterozoic bimodal intrusive rocks in Dabie Orogen
Authors: Li Linjing , Hu Mingyi , Kong Lingyao , Guo Pan , Gong Zhiyu , Wang Lin , Lyu Qiqi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In Mingshan reservoir of Dabie Orogenic Belt, there is a collection of Neoproterozoic bimodal intrusive rock formations. This study focuses on the zircon U-Pb chronology, rock geochemistry, and Hf isotopes of these formations. The findings reveal that: (1) The bimodal intrusive rocks mainly consist of gneissic monzogranite and biotite-bearing plagioclase amphibolite, with zircon U-Pb ages of 785.0 ± 7.1Ma and 787.3 ± 6.1Ma, respectively. These ages indicate that they were formed during the late Qingbaikou to early Nanhua epoch of the Neoproterozoic era. (2) The monzonitic granite in the peraluminous series displays a strong right deviation of LREE (Light Rare Earth Elements) and relatively flat HREE (Heavy Rare Earth Elements), as well as a negative δEu anomaly. It is enriched in elements like Rb, Ba, and K, while slightly depleted in elements like Nb, Sr, P, and Ti, similar to Al-type granite. The plagioclase-hornblende rock belongs to the metaluminous peraluminous, shoshonitic, and calc-alkaline series. It has a Mg# (molar ratio of Mg to Mg + Fe) of 0.15 ~ 0.25 and is enriched in LIL (Large Ion Lithophile) elements such as Rb, Ba, and K, with a slight positive anomaly of Ba, and depleted in Nb and Sr. (3) The monzogranite exhibits values of εHf(t) (epsilon Hafnium) ranging from − 13.4 to -7.2 (all negative), and tDM2(Hf) (two-stage depleted mantle model age) ranging from 2099 to 2298Ma. The amphibolite shows εHf(t) values ranging from 2.9 to 5.7 (all positive), and tDM2(Hf) ranging from 1257 to 1410Ma. The geochemistry and Hf isotopes indicate that the gneissic monzogranite and biotite-bearing plagioclase amphibolite have different magmatic sources. The mafic rocks originated from a depleted mantle and underwent fractional crystallization and strong crustal contamination. On the other hand, the acidic rocks resulted from partial melting of shallow ancient felsic crust due to the heating or upwelling of the mafic rocks. Taking into account regional correlation, the Middle Neoproterozoic bimodal intrusive rocks were formed in the structural setting of an intraplate extensional zone (incipient rift).
Impact of a tailored exercise regimen on physical capacity, systemic oxidative stress and plasma proteomic profile in PCC patients
Authors: Chowdhury Mohammad Mobarak H , Fontaine Marie-Noelle , Lord Sarah-Eve , Quenum Akouavi Julite Irmine , Limoges Marc-André , Rioux-Perreault Christine , Lucier Jean-François , Cliché Dominic O , Levesque Dominique , Boisvert François-Michel , Cantin André M , Allard-Chamard Hugues , Menendez Alfredo , Ilangumaran Subburaj , Piché Alain , Dionne Isabelle J , Ramanathan Sheela 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background: Individuals affected by the post-covid condition (PCC) show an increased fatigue and the so-called post-exertion malaise (PEM) that led health professionals to advise against exercise although accumulating evidence indicates the contrary. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of a closely monitored 8-week mixed exercise program on physical capacity, symptoms, fatigue, systemic oxidative stress and plasma proteomic profiles of PCC cases.
Methods: Twenty-five women and men with PCC were assigned sequentially to exercise (n = 15) and non-exercise (n = 10) groups. Individuals with no PCC served as a control group. The exercise program included cardiovascular and resistance exercises. Physical capacity, physical activity level and the presence of common PCC symptoms were measured before and after the intervention. Fatigue was measured the day following each exercise session. Plasma and PBMC samples were collected at the beginning and end of the training program. Glutathione and deoxyguanosine levels in PBMC and plasma proteomic profiles were evaluated.
Results: Bicep Curl (p=0.040) and STS-30 (p=0.043) improved to a greater extent in the exercise group than in the non-exercise group. An interaction effect was also observed for the level of physical activity (p=0.007) with a positive effect of the program on their daily functioning and without any adverse effects on general or post-effort fatigue. After exercise, glutathione levels in PBMCs increased in women but remained unchanged in men. Discernable changes were observed in the plasma proteomics profile with certain proteins involved in inflammatory response (SA100A8) decreasing in the exercise group.
Conclusions: Supervised exercise adapted to the level of fatigue and ability is safe and effective in PCC patients in improving their general physical capacity and wellbeing. Systemic molecular markers that accompany physical improvement can be monitored by analyzing plasma proteomics and markers of oxidative stress. Large-scale studies will help identify promising molecular markers to objectively monitor patient improvement.
Ecological Implications of Water Quality and Hydrological Factors on Plant Diversity in the Aquatic-Land Interface Zone of Yuhangtang River
Authors: Zhang Ziyang , Huang Yan , Li Tianjie 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Certain urban river riparian exhibit complex and diverse geomorphology, where environmental and anthropogenic factors regularly impact plant diversity in the aquatic-land interface zones. This phenomenon has given rise to a distinctive ecosystem at the confluence of aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The study aims to explore the correlation between plant diversity in aquatic-land interface zones and environmental factors, encompassing water quality and hydrology. Data were collected from 8 sites with 48 samples in the Yuhangtang River Basin in Hangzhou, P. R. China, through in-situ field surveys. Ridge regression analysis was employed to examine the relationship between different factors. The findings suggest a strong positive correlation between water quality factors, particularly water conductivity, and plant diversity in these zones. Meanwhile, significant negative correlations were observed between nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations and Simpson's and Shannon's indices of plant diversity. Temperature had a significant effect on the plant diversity index of the aquatic-land interface zone. Additionally, plant diversity indices of samples located near the shore were generally higher than those located close to the water. This empirical study provides insights into the relationships between plant diversity and environmental factors in the interface zone between aquatic and terrestrial habitats. It highlights the importance of water quality and hydrological factors in the understanding of the aquatic ecosystems of urban rivers. Consequently, further in-depth investigations are necessary.
The role of NPC2 gene in glioma was investigated based on bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zheng Guangwei , Zeng Guangming , Wei De 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most malignant primary brain tumors in adults. The NPC2 gene (Niemann-Pick type C intracellular cholesterol transporter 2) is a protein-coding gene with a lipid recognition domain. The NPC2 gene was found to be significantly increased in gliomas (LGG and GBM), and it is now thought to be a risk factor. COX analysis demonstrated that NPC2 was a significant risk factor for glioma. Functional enrichment analysis of genes that were differentially expressed between high and low expression groups revealed that genes were primarily enriched in the regulation of trans-synaptic signaling, Retrograde endocannabinoid signaling and other pathways. According to the findings of the immunoinfiltration investigation, the NPC2 gene and macrophage, DC, etc. have a strong positive association. In addition, patients with high NPC2 expression had higher levels of immune cell expression. Medication sensitivity research revealed that NPC2's differential expression had some bearing on patients' medication sensitivity. There was a strong correlation between the prognosis of glioma patients and the gene sets NUDT19 and NUME. In brief, the NPC2 gene was identified to be a possible biomarker of glioma, and preliminary analysis was done on the role of the NPC2 gene in immunological microenvironment of glioma.
Potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19 complicated with pulmonary hypertension: a bioinformatics and early validation study
Authors: Hou Qingbin , Jiang Jinping , Na Kun , Zhang Xiaolin , Liu Dan , Jing Quanmin , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

coronavirus disease(COVID-19)and pulmonary hypertension(PH)are closely correlated. However, the mechanism is still poorly understood.In this article, we analyzed the molecular action network driving the emergence of this event.Two datasets (GSE113439 and GSE147507) from the GEO database were used for the identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs).Common DEGs were selected by VennDiagram and their enrichment in biological pathways was analyzed. Candidate gene biomarkers were selected using three different machine-learning algorithms (SVM-RFE, LASSO、RF).The diagnostic efficacy of these foundational genes was validated using independent datasets. Eventually, we validated molecular docking and medication prediction. We found 62 common DEGs, including several ones that could be enriched for Immune Response and Inflammation. Two DEGs (SELE and CCL20) could be identified by machine-learning algorithms. They performed well in diagnostic tests on independent datasets. In particular, we observed an upregulation of functions associated with the adaptive immune response, the leukocyte-lymphocyte-driven immunological response, and the proinflammatory response. Moreover, by ssGSEA, natural killer T cells, activated dendritic cells, activated CD4 T cells, neutrophils, and plasmacytoid dendritic cells were correlated with COVID-19 and PH, with SELE and CCL20 showing the strongest correlation with dendritic cells. Potential therapeutic compounds like FENRETI-NIDE were predicted.The findings indicated that ELE and CCL20 were identified as novel diagnostic biomarkers for COVID-19 complicated with PH, and the target of these two key genes, FENRETI-NIDE, was predicted to be a potential therapeutic target, thus providing new insights into the prediction and treatment of COVID-19 complicated with PH in clinical practice.
Forest fuel extraction does not affect macrolichens on deadwood substrates, but only if coarse woody debris is not collected
Authors: Purhonen Jenna , Nirhamo Aleksi , Jäntti Mari , Halme Panu 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The increasing use of forest fuels poses risks to biodiversity. Lichens that grow on deadwood may be vulnerable as fuel extraction removes their substrates. We surveyed deadwood and macrolichens on deadwood in two types of clearcut sites: sites in which forest fuels, stumps and slash, had been extracted, and standard clearcut sites, i.e. control sites with no fuel extraction. Extraction sites had 52% lower deadwood volume and 36% less deadwood surface area. However, the negative impact of fuel extraction on macrolichen species richness was low: 21.4 and 16.9 species on average in control and extraction sites, respectively. We found a clear positive relationship between macrolichen species richness and the surface area of logs, which are usually not targeted by forest fuel extraction. Species composition varied more among extraction sites than control sites and differed between all the studied deadwood types. Species of Cladonia were associated with stumps, while species in the family Parmeliceae were associated with logs. Slash was of negligible importance to macrolichens. Stumps may hold value, particularly if large-sized deadwood is otherwise not available. Thus, we conclude that the extraction of slash poses no threat to macrolichen diversity, whereas extensive extraction of stumps can cause losses in lichen diversity. The removal of large logs and snags during forest fuel extraction has significant negative effects on lichen diversity and should be avoided.
Integrating a Fast and Reliable Robotic Hooking System for Enhanced Stamping Press Processes in Smart Manufacturing
Authors: Chen Yan-Chun , Chen Shih-Yeh , Lai Chin-Feng 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Facing the diversity of the market, the industry has to move towards Industry 4.0, and smart manufacturing based on cyber-physical systems is the only way to move towards Industry 4.0. However, there are two key concepts in Industry 4.0: cyber-physical systems (CPS) and digital twins (DT). In the paper, we propose a smart manufacturing system suitable for Stamping Press Processes based on the CPS concept and use DT to establish a manufacturing-end robot guidance generation model. In the smart manufacturing system of Stamping Press Processes, fog nodes are used to connect three major architectures including device health diagnosis, manufacturing device and material traceability. In addition, a special hook end point is designed, and its lightweight visual guidance generation model is established to improve the production efficiency of the manufacturing end in product manufacturing.
Novel Machine Learning-Based Time Series forecasting Model By combining short-term and long-term time patterns
Authors: Gang Li 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Time series forecasting is widely applied in various domains. One of the disadvantages of long-term series is not using the characteristics of the frequency domain. These features generally exist in short-term patterns of time series and indicate rapid fluctuations in a short period of time. In this article, a new model of long-term forecasting of multi-dimensional time series is proposed, in which by using local and global neural network design, in addition to extracting long-term patterns, using Fourier transform and frequency domain characteristics of short-term patterns as well has been extracted. The proposed model obtains time and frequency range by combining long-term patterns with short-term time patterns and seasonal forecasting. The output of the forecasts is used to predict the trend and by combining it with the time domain and frequency, the final output of the time series is obtained. The simulation results show that the proposed model has better prediction accuracy than conventional models.