bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Survival and Reproduction Tests using Springtails Reveal Weathered Petroleum Hydrocarbon Soil Toxicity in Boreal Ecozone
Authors: Roy Prama , Rutter Allison , Gainer Amy , Haack Elizabeth , Zeeb Barbara 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Survival and reproduction tests were conducted using two native springtail (subclass: Collembola) species to determine the toxicity of a fine-grained (< 0.005–0.425 mm) soil from an industrial site located in the Canadian boreal ecozone. Accidental petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) release continuously occurred at this site until 1998, resulting in a total hydrocarbon concentration of 12,800 mg/kg. Subfractions of the PHC-contaminated soil were characterized using Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Fractions, which are based on effective carbon numbers (nC). Fraction 2 (> nC10 to nC16) was measured at 8,400 mg/kg and Fraction 3 (> nC16 to nC34) at 4,250 mg/kg in the contaminated soil. Age-synchronized colonies of Folsomia candida and Proisotoma minuta were subject to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% relative contamination mixtures of the PHC-contaminated and background site soil (< 100 mg/kg total PHCs) for 21 and 28 days, respectively. Survival and reproduction decreased significantly (Kruskal-Wallis Tests: p < 0.05, df = 4.0) in treatments of the contaminated site soil compared to the background soil. In both species, the most significant decline in survival and reproduction occurred between the 0% and 25% contaminated soil. Complete mortality was observed in the 100% contaminated site soil and no progenies were observed in the 75% contaminated soil, for both species. This study showed that 25 + years of soil weathering has not eliminated toxicity of fine-grained PHC-contaminated soil on two native terrestrial springtail species. Adverse effects to springtail health were attributed to exposure to soils dominated by PHC Fraction 2.
Boosting the cost competitiveness of low-carbon ammonia by expanding emission trading system coverage in China
Authors: Li Dan , Li Jiashuo , Sun Qianhui , Yang Fan , Wang Chen , Feng Kuishuang , Xin Yu , Wang Wenxin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Transitioning to low-carbon ammonia is vital for China’s carbon neutrality goal; however, the economic viability of large-scale deployment remains uncertain. Here, we combined a prospective life-cycle assessment with an integrated assessment model to evaluate the impact of emission trading system (ETS) on the levelized cost of ammonia (LCOA) for six production technologies across 30 provinces in China between 2018 and 2060. Our results indicate that in the absence of ETS or with ETS coverage limited to the electricity grid, photovoltaic hydrogen-derived ammonia emerges as the only cost-competitive low-carbon option, projected to achieve cost parity with conventional ammonia by 2050 in 25 provinces. Expanding ETS coverage to the life cycle of ammonia production would accelerate the timeline of cost parity by 8-37 years across all 30 provinces. Northwestern China, which benefits from the abundant renewable resources or favorable fossil energy costs, stands out as the most cost-effective region.
Combined extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and patent ductus arteriosus ligation following surgical correction for congenital diaphragmatic hernia, a case report and literature review
Authors: Hong Kun-Yao , Zheng Zhi , Zheng Yi-Rong , Liang Hong , Gao Liang , Lin Yu-Cong , Chen Qiang , Lin Xin-Zhu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Therapeutic measures regarding combined extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support and arterial ductus arteriosus ligation after surgical correction of congenital diaphragmatic hernia are rare in clinical practice.
Case presentation: In this case, the patient was diagnosed at 24 weeks with a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia. He was the firstborn, delivered at 37 weeks via cesarean section due to fetal distress. Due to severe hypoxemia and pulmonary hypertension, the patient underwent right-sided thoracic diaphragmatic hernia repair surgery at 22 hours post-birth. Perioperatively, the patient exhibited severe respiratory and circulatory failure. Consequently, ECMO support was initiated one hour after the surgery (24 hours post-birth). Due to the high left to right shunt, bedside patent arterial duct ligation was successfully performed under ECMO support four hours later (28 hours post-birth). During the second day on ECMO, the patient developed intracranial hemorrhage, leading to the performance of a lateral ventriculostomy. Fortunately, the patient was successfully weaned off ECMO.
Conclusions: Treatment strategies for CDH must be tailored to each patient’s unique clinical situation, encompassing aspects such as ventilation tactics, surgical timing, anesthesia choices, and surgical techniques. The detailed analysis of this case in this report illustrates the critical importance of tailoring CDH management to optimize patient prognosis.
Connecting plant, animal, and human health using untargeted metabolomics.
Authors: Fleming Anita , Provenza Fred D. , Leroy Frederic , Vliet Stephan van , Hamlin Michael , Elliot Catherine , Garrett Konagh , Marshall Cameron Joel , Gregorini Pablo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Consumers of meat and milk products are interested in the connection between agricultural practices and the wellbeing of livestock. Consumers are also concerned about the impact of livestock products on their own health and wellbeing, with some turning to alternative plant-based protein sources. The connection between agricultural practice and consumer metabolism has previously been tenuous, but the development of untargeted metabolomic processes offers the opportunity to reconcile and connect opposing spectrums of the food-chain. We performed a cattle grazing study which compared the performance and metabolomic profiles of beef finished on three forage mixtures of either perennial ryegrass x white clover (PRG), a complex multispecies mixture (n = 22 species) grasses, legumes, and forbs (CMS), and adjacent monocultures of perennial ryegrass, chicory, plantain, lucerne and red clover, which were sown longitudinally across the paddock and all available to cattle throughout the four-month finishing period. Cattle were then processed in a commercial abattoir and the tenderloin collected from each animal for metabolomic analyses. The remaining meat was minced (5mm plate), homogenised and processed into 250 g meat patties. A double-blind randomized cross-over clinical trial was then performed with 23 individuals that consumed a single meal of the meat. Metabolomic analyses were performed using a combination of GCMS/MS, lipidomics and LC-qToF-on plasma samples collected from all participants before meat consumption, 3-, and 5-h post prandial, in addition to meat and pasture samples. Metabolomic profiles of plant, meat and plasma were altered by the three forage mixtures. Metabolomic profiles of plant were different across all three sward mixtures, although CMS and AMS shared more similarities then PRG. However, metabolomic and lipidomic profiles of meat and plasma indicated the greatest differences were observed between AMS and CMS and PRG, which indicates grazing management may provide the greatest opportunity to manipulate metabolomics as opposed to maximising the plant species diversity of a pastoral diet. Gamma-tocopherol (Vitamin E) was elevated in plant material of the AMS diet and the plasma of those consuming AMS meat, compared with PRG or CMS. Fatty acid metabolism was also altered in meat and plasma of the AMS diet as eicosapentaenoic acid was elevated compared with PRG or CMS. Additional differences were also detected in untargeted analyses although features were unable to be matched to the in-house metabolite library. While many features were not able to be identified, these results are the first evidence that metabolomic profiles of the human consumer reflect not only the beef finished from different forages, but also meat and plasma reflect metabolomic profiles of the different sward mixes.
Enhancing Efficiency Assessment of Egyptian Pharmaceutical Companies through the Usage of Two-Stage Uncertainty Data Envelopment Analysis Algorithm
Authors: El-Demerdash Basma E. , Ming Ruixing , Abelrahman Osama Mohamad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Evaluating the performance of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies is crucial for their success and competitiveness in the rapidly evolving Egyptian market. However, traditional data envelopment analysis (DEA) approaches often overlook the inherent uncertainty in the data, which can significantly impact efficiency assessments. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel integrated DEA model to enhance the efficiency assessment of Egyptian pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. This two-stage framework effectively handles imprecise and ambiguous data, accommodating various forms of uncertainty, including fuzzy, stochastic, and neutrosophic data, alongside deterministic data. The results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms traditional DEA models in capturing data uncertainty and providing more accurate efficiency evaluations.
Improve zebra optimization algorithm with adaptive oscillation weight and golden sine operator
Authors: He Wenmin , Ma Songyang , Wang Cunsong , Zhang Quanling 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Zebra Optimization Algorithm (ZOA) is a newly proposed heuristic algorithm, which simulates the foraging behavior and defense strategy of zebras in nature. Like other optimization algorithms, ZOA also has some limitations. In this paper, an improved Zebra Optimization Algorithm (IZOA) was proposed. An adaptive oscillation weight is used to replace the random operator of ZOA , enabling the algorithm to adaptively adjust the search space and avoid falling into local optima. Additionally, this paper designs an improved golden sine operator added to ZOA. By using the search characteristics of the sine function and the golden ratio in GoldSA, the algorithm's convergence and optimization accuracy are further improved. The last replacement strategy was formulated to mimic the survival status of zebras in nature, improving the algorithm's search capabilities in complex scenarios. Finally, to assess the optimization performance of IZOA, this paper utilized the 30 benchmark functions in CEC-2017 and three common engineering problems for experiments, and the results clearly demonstrated the significant advantages of IZOA.
AIDElong - Acute Illness and Depression in Elderly: Sustained improvement after group psychotherapy in geriatric patients, a follow-up of longterm effects in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hummel Jana , Weisbrod Cecilia , Boesch Leila , Himpler Katharina , Dutzi Ilona , Baldauf Benito , Oster Peter , Kopf Daniel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives: Comorbid depression is highly prevalent in very old adults hospitalized for acute medical illness. It is associated with poorer physical and functional outcome. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in independent living older adults, but data on very old patients with acute illness and effects on functional status are missing.
Design: Randomized, controlled cross-over trial of group CBT
Setting and Participants: We recruited in-patients of a geriatric university department >65 years with depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale HADS >7). Intervention took place after hospital discharge in a day care setting.
Methods:
Patients were randomized to an immediate active intervention group (IG) or a waiting list control group (CG). IG patients were invited immediately after discharge to 10 to 15 weekly behavioral group therapy sessions. After 4 months (T1), CG patients switched to active intervention, while IG were followed under control conditions. Final evaluation took place after 12 months (T2).
Results: 56 patients (82.0±6.2 years, HADS 18.8+7.0) were randomized to IG, 99 patients (81.9+5.9 years, HADS 18.1+8.3) to CG. IG patients improved significantly at T1 (HADS 10.4+5.2). Improvement was sustained under control conditions at T2 (11.9+7.8). CG patients did not improve on waiting list (T1 22.9+8.3), but after initiation of active treatment (T2 16.0+8.5) (ANOVA: F=3.75, p=0.026). Concomitantly, functional parameters such as Barthel Index and Timed-Up-and-Go differed significantly between groups with better courses in IG patients. Among IG patients, 4 (7.1%) deceased and 2 (3.6%) were newly admitted to a nursing home, among CG, 15 (15.2%) and 10 (10.1%) respectively.
Conclusions and Implications: Cognitive behavioral group therapy yields sustained improvement of depressive symptoms in very old geriatric patients, if administered in a multimodal approach immediately following hospitalization for acute medical illness. Concomitant with improvement of depressive symptoms, patients benefit in terms of functional status and medical outcome.
Clinical Trial Registration: www.germanctr.de ; DRKS 00004728
Immune and Neural Response to Acute Social Stress in Adolescent Humans and Rodents
Authors: Gabbay Vilma , Ely Benjamin , Vileisis Julia , Petrovic Zorica , Cicvaric Ana , Asnis Gregory , Kim-Schulze Seunghee , Radulovic Jelena 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Studies in adults have linked stress-related activation of the immune system to the manifestation of psychiatric conditions. Using a translational design, this study aimed to examine the impact of social stress on immune activity in adolescents and on neuronal activity in a preclinical mouse model. Participants were 31 adolescents (ages 12–19), including 25 with mood and anxiety symptoms. Whole-blood samples were collected before and after the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), a stress-inducing public speaking task, then cultured for 6 hours in the presence and absence of the inflammatory endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Effects of TSST and LPS on 41 immune biomarkers were examined using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Separately, juvenile (8-week-old) male mice were non-stressed or exposed to reminder social defeat then intraperitoneally injected with saline or LPS (n = 6/group). Brains were perfused and collected for immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy at 0, 1, 6, and 24 hours post-injection. Activity was determined by the density of cFos-positive neurons in the paraventricular hypothalamus, paraventricular thalamus, and basolateral amygdala, regions known to show sustained activation to immunological challenge. Analyses in the adolescent study indicated a strong effect of LPS but no effects of TSST or TSST×LPS interaction on immune biomarkers. Similarly, reminder social defeat did not induce sustained neuronal activity changes comparable to LPS immunological challenge in juvenile mice. Our convergent findings across species suggest that the acute immune response to stress documented in adults is not present in youth. Thus, aging and chronicity effects may play an important role in the inflammatory response to acute psychosocial stress.
Stochastic optimal control analysis for HBV epidemic model with vaccination
Authors: Shah Sayed Murad Ali , Nie Yufeng , Din Anwarud , Alkhazzan Abdulwasea 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Several classes are discussed in this paper, including susceptibles, vaccinates, acutes, chronics, hospitalized, and recovered. In terms of dynamic behaviour, the model provides a substantial description of Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B transmission dynamics and infection risk can be predicted using the model. A vaccine strategy or intervention can also be identified using it. Given the initial positive data, the model possesses a bounded, unique, and positive solution. Furthermore, we have established the model's stability through the application of stochastic Lyapunov functional theory. The examination of an infection's stationary distribution and potential extinction is conducted under specific conditions. Both stochastic and deterministic control problems were scrutinized, with optimal control theory employed to manage the external control measures for the disease's containment. The analytical findings have been elucidated through graphical representations.
4AC-YOLOv5: An improved algorithm for small target face detection
Authors: Jiang Bin , Jiang Hongbin , Zhang Huanlong , Zhang Qiuwen , Li Zuhe , Huang Lixun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In real scenes, small target faces often encounter various conditions such as intricate background, occlusion and scale change, which leads to the problem of omission or misdetection of face detection results. To solve this puzzle, an improved algorithm of small target face detection 4AC-YOLOv5 is proposed. Firstly, the algorithm by introducing a new layer to detect faces at a much smaller size, through the fusion of more shallow information, enhance the network perception of small objects, the accuracy of small target detection is improved; The second, to improve the neck structure, to add the adaptive feature fusion network AFPN to replace FPN + PAN, to prevent the large information gap between non-adjacent Level to some extent, and to fully retain and integrate different scale characteristic information; At last, improve the C3 module and propose a new multiscale residual module C3_MultiRes. Improving the expressive power of the network by introducing a multibranched structure and gradually increasing resolution somewhat reduces the complexity of the model calculation. The experimental results show that the precision of the improved model reached 94.54%, 93.08% and 84.98% in Easy, Medium and Hard levels of WiderFace data set, respectively, and the results of detection are better than the original network. 4AC-YOLOv5 can meet the requirements of small target face detection in complex environment.
Strain engineering the spin-valley coupling of the R-stacking sliding ferroelectric bilayer H-VX2 (X = S, Se, Te)
Authors: Luo Xin , Ma Jiayu , Zheng Yue 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The emergence of magnetic transition metal dichalcogenides has significantly advanced the development of valleytronics due to the spontaneous broken of time reversal symmetry and space inversion symmetry. However, the lack of regulation method has preventing researchers from exploring their potential applications. Herein, we propose to use the strain engineering to control the spin-valley coupling in the sliding ferroelectric bilayer H phase VX2 (X = S, Se, Te). Four multiferroic states are constructed by combining the sliding ferroelectricity and antiferromagnetism in the R-stacking bilayer VX2, where the spin and valley polarizations are coupled together from the layer-dependent spin-polarized band structures. By applying a small external strain or pressure on the out-of-plane van der Waals direction, we predicted that there is an antiferromagnetic to magnetic transition in the bilayer VX2, leading to interesting spin-polarized chiral circularly polarized radiation at K+ and K− valley, similar to those found in the magnetic monolayer. To comprehend the coupling between various degrees of freedom in these multiferroic systems, we have developed an effective k·p model. This model unveils a linear relationship between the electric polarization generated by interlayer sliding and the valley energy difference at the valence band maximum. Thus, providing an alternate method to measure the electric polarization in the sliding ferroelectrics. Based on the strong coupling between the strain, spin-valley and electric polarization, it is likely to use the strain to control the interesting emerging properties of H phase VX2 such as the anomalous valley Hall effect.
Rapid and Sustained Antidepressant Effects of Intravenous Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder and Suicidal Ideation: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Zolghadriha Ahmad , Anjomshoaa Afagh , Jamshidi Mohammad Reza , Taherkhani Farnaz 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most disabling and burdensome mental disorder, negatively affecting an individual's quality of life and daily functioning. the current study was conducted with the aim of investigating the clinical effects of intravenous ketamine on symptoms of MDD and suicidal ideation
Methods
The current randomized clinical trial was carried out on 64 patients diagnosed with treatment-resistant major depressive disorder between April and August 2022. The participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group received a dose of 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine, while the control group received normal saline. The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale and Beck's Suicidal Ideation Scale were utilized to assess depression and suicidal ideation, respectively.
Results
One hour after the administration of ketamine treatment, there was a notable and significant improvement in both depression symptoms (35.16 ± 8.13 vs. 14.90 ± 10.09) and suicidal ideation (6.74 ± 6.67 vs. 0.42 ± 1.52). Moreover, there were statistically significant differences in depression scores between the two groups at one hour, four hours, one day, three days, one week, one month, and two months after the administration of ketamine (p-value < 0.001). However, ketamine recipients frequently experienced side effects such as increased heart rate, headache, dizziness, and dissociative syndrome symptoms.
Conclusion
The observed rapid onset of action and sustained effect demonstrate the potential of ketamine to provide relief from depressive symptoms in a shorter timeframe compared to traditional treatment approaches. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of ketamine as a valuable therapeutic option for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induces resistance to ferroptosis in gastric cancer by targeting GPX4 Author：
Authors: Shi Shiqi , Wang Hanyu , Li Huiyao , Liang Shuai , Hua Dong , Yu Xiaolu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Gastric cancer, a prevalent gastrointestinal tumor, experiences limited efficacy with conventional surgery and chemotherapy. Hence, the imperative to identify additional therapeutic targets is underscored. Numerous studies have reported heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) for its antioxidant and protective attributes on organs and tissues. In the present study, the role of HO-1 in stimulating the proliferation of gastric cancer cells was explored. The hypothesis posited that HO-1 facilitates gastric cancer progression by regulating GPX4 and ferroptosis. Analysis through bioassay and immunohistochemistry revealed a significant augmentation in HO-1 expression within gastric cancer tissues. Mechanistically, real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and protein immunoblotting confirmed that HO-1 modulates the protein expression of GPX4, a pivotal player in ferroptosis regulation. Through the upregulation of mRNA expression for GPX4, HO-1 inhibits ferroptosis, thereby fostering gastric cancer progression. This is achieved by elevating GPX4 protein levels and diminishing intracellular reactive oxygen species in gastric cancer cells. In summary, our results elucidate the protective role of high HO-1 expression against ferroptosis in gastric cancer cells, thereby promoting their malignant progression. The upsurge in HO-1 expression emerges as a potential tumor marker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer, offering a novel avenue for intervention.