bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing well-being of university students and evaluation of its determinants
Authors: Szepe Orsolya , Meszaros Agnes 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background:Well-being as well as stress and anxiety get more attention today especially in case of university students; the beginning of university life is an important period of transition from adolescence to young adulthood, which brings many challenges and difficulties for the student due to the general stressors. The aim of our study was to examine the well-being of students studying at the three (non-medical) faculties of Semmelweis University Budapest and to analyse the relationships between well-being, stress, emotional support, sleep patterns, sport and further variables like smoking, consumption of sleeping pills, sedatives, energy drinks and exam anxiety.
Methods: Our survey was a non-interventional, cross-sectional study. In our questionnaire we asked questions about academic performance in the form of average grade of the previous term, physical activity/ sports, sleep patterns, medication use, alcohol and energy drink consumption habits. Our questionnaire asked students also about the level of anxiety they experience during exams, two internationally recognised instruments were applied, the WHO-5 Well-Being Index and the Perceived Stress Scale.
Results:the mean WHO-5 well-being index was 42.62+20.51 on a scale ranging from 0 to 100. We saw an inverse correlation between student well-being, years of study. The average anxiety level regarding oral exam, assessments was 7.63+SD=2.04, while the mean level was lower concerning written exams and assessments 5.74+SD=2.09. The result of a linear regression model indicates that the best level of explaining power by the regression model was with following variables combination: grade average + anxiety before written exam + academic year + stress.
Conclusion: Our data indicate that some students have poor or very poor well-being, which fluctuates over the study period. The worst state was found in the first and final academic year. The students’ well-being level is positively correlated with emotional support, physical activity and quality of sleep and correlates negatively with anxiety before exams. Our results suggest that the well-being could be improved when universities play an active role, supporting influential activities and offering help regarding coping with stress, like stress management, as well as by providing information on learning methods and techniques.
Analysis of the diagnostic flow of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the state of Minas Gerais-Brazil
Authors: Medeiros Fernanda Alvarenga Cardoso , Filho Job Alves Souza , Reis Ilka Afonso , Menezes-Souza Daniel , Silva Aline Fagundes da , Marcelino Andreza Pain 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Objective
To assess the performance of the proposed new diagnostic pathway in patients with suggestive clinical symptoms of CL within MG's public laboratory network.
Methods
This is a descriptive study where the results of CL tests were analyzed in patients with clinical suspicion of the disease who had their tests conducted within MG's public laboratory network and the results were registered in the Laboratory Management System of the Ezequiel Dias Foundation, during the period from 2017 to 2020.
Results
Out of a total of 1,369 individuals analyzed, the diagnosis of CL was confirmed in 704 (51.4%), with 610 (86.7%) through DPE and 94 (13.4%) through PCR. Additionally, 53 (25.3%) patients with negative DPE results showed positive PCR results.
Conclusion
The proposed CL diagnostic pathway in MG proved to be effective as it ensures that the initial test is conducted on-site, allowing for greater access and efficiency in the treatment of confirmed cases. PCR demonstrated to be an effective confirmatory test.
Guiding antibiotics towards their target using bacteriophage proteins
Authors: Zhao Xinghong , Zhong Xinyi , Yang Shinong , Deng Jiarong , Deng Kai , Huang Zhengqun , Li Yuanfeng , Yin Zhongqiong , Liu Yong , Viel Jakob , Wan Hongping 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Novel therapeutic strategies against difficult-to-treat bacterial infections are desperately needed, and the faster and cheaper way to get them might be by repurposing existing antibiotics. Nanodelivery systems enhance the efficacy of antibiotics by guiding them to their targets, increasing the local concentration at the site of infection. While recently described nanodelivery systems are promising, they are generally not easy to adapt to different targets, and lack biocompatibility or specificity. Here, nanodelivery systems are created that source their targeting proteins from bacteriophages. Bacteriophage receptor-binding proteins and cell-wall binding domains were conjugated to nanoparticles, for the targeted delivery of rifampicin against bacterial pathogens. They showed excellent specificity against their targets, and accumulated at the site of infection to deliver their antibiotic payload. Moreover, the nanodelivery systems suppressed pathogen infections more effectively than higher doses of free antibiotic. This study demonstrates that bacteriophage sourced targeting proteins are promising candidates to guide nanodelivery systems. Their specificity, availability, and biocompatibility make them great options to guide the antibiotic nanodelivery systems that are desperately needed to combat difficult-to-treat infections.
Real-time monitoring of mitochondrial oxygenation during machine perfusion using resonance Raman spectroscopy predicts organ function
Authors: Jain Rohil , Ajenu Emmanuella O. , Hafiz Ehab O.A. , Romfh Padraic , Tessier Shannon N. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Organ transplantation is a life-saving procedure affecting over 100,000 people on the transplant waitlist. Ischemia reperfusion injury is a major challenge in the field as it can cause post-transplantation complications and limits the use of organs from extended criteria donors. Machine perfusion technology is used to repair organs before transplant, however, currently fails to achieve its full potential due to a lack of highly sensitive and specific assays to predict organ quality during perfusion. We developed a real-time and non-invasive method of assessing organ function and injury based on mitochondrial oxygenation using resonance Raman spectroscopy. It uses a 441 nm laser and a high-resolution spectrometer to predict the oxidation state of mitochondrial cytochromes during perfusion, which vary due to differences in storage compositions and perfusate compositions. This index of mitochondrial oxidation, or 3RMR, was found to predict organ health based on clinically utilized markers of perfusion quality, tissue metabolism, and organ injury. It also revealed differences in oxygenation with perfusates that may or may not be supplemented with packed red blood cells as oxygen carriers. This study emphasizes the need for further refinement of a reoxygenation strategy during machine perfusion that is based on a gradual recovery from storage. Thus, we present a novel platform that provides a real-time and quantitative assessment of mitochondrial health during machine perfusion of livers, which is easy to translate to the clinic.
Identification of Biomarker Genes in the Early Immune State of Bladder Epithelial Cancer
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zhang Lingyun , Qiu Zeliang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background:This study aims to comprehensively understand the complex immune response imbalance in bladder epithelial cancer through the identification of highly immune-correlated hub genes and the development of a clinical diagnostic model.
Methods: The bladder epithelial cancer-related dataset was retrieved from the TCGA database. The Xiantao tool was utilized to obtain immune infiltration data for constructing the WGCNA module. Data processing involved the application of the RAA and SVA algorithms. The MCODE plug-in was utilized for target screening, immune data collection, and unsupervised clustering analysis. Multiple models were constructed to identify hub genes, and gene expression consistency was validated through animal experiments, data analysis with the assistance of Xiantao tools.
Results: Our integrated computational biology and experimental approach revealed six key genes closely related to bladder epithelial cancer and immunity: MMP8, MMP15, MMP2, MMP11, CXCL2, CXCL5,MMP15, and IL-7 .These genes facilitated the classification of patients into three subtypes, with the C2 subtype exhibiting significantly distinct levels of immune infiltration, indicating partial activation of the immune system.This finding presents a novel approach for early identification of bladder epithelial cancer.We identified CXCL2, and MMP15 as hub genes using four algorithms and developed a clinical prediction model that incorporates these features.The model demonstrated strong bladder epithelial cancer identification capabilities and exhibited a correlation with immune cell infiltration in bladder epithelial cancer patients.These genes are believed to play crucial roles in early bladder epithelial cancer detection and the regulation of the immune process.
Conclusion: Expression levels of CXCL2, and MMP15 serve as crucial indicators for identification of immune suppression in bladder epithelial cancer patients.
A stochastic encoder using point defect in two-dimensional materials
Authors: Das Saptarshi , Ravichandran Harikrishnan , Knobloch Theresia , Radhakrishnan Shiva Subbulakshmi , Stepanoff Sergei , Stampfer Bernhard , Ghosh Subir , Oberoi Aaryan , Waldhoer Dominic , Chen Chen , Redwing Joan , Wolfe Douglas , Grasser Tibor 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Defects pose a significant challenge to the reliability of electronic devices, particularly when dealing with scaled dimensions in the silicon microelectronic industry. Consequently, extensive efforts have been made to eliminate these defects from devices through the optimization of growth and fabrication processes. However, in the realm of emerging nanomaterials, such as two-dimensional semiconductors, a different scenario unfolds, where defects are prevalent. It is crucial to comprehend how these defects can impact device reliability. In this study, we employ a multifaceted approach, encompassing atomistic imaging, density functional theory calculations, device modeling, and low-temperature transport experiments, to unveil the implications of defects on device reliability. Specifically, we investigate their influence on random telegraph signals. On a parallel track, it is worth noting that defects have proven to be beneficial in numerous quantum and energy-harvesting applications. Surprisingly, their potential for computational purposes remains largely untapped. In our study, we harness defects in aggressively scaled 2D transistors to accelerate an inference engine based on a stochastic spiking neural network, offering remarkable noise resilience. In conclusion, our investigation underscores the critical importance of comprehending and leveraging intrinsic point defects in 2D materials, both as challenges to reliability and as opportunities for neuromorphic computing.
Evaluation of naturally acquired immune responses against novel pre-erythrocytic P. vivax proteins in a low endemic malaria population located in the Peruvian Amazon Basin
Authors: Ventocilla Julio A. , Tapia L. Lorena , Ponce Reynaldo , Franco Adriano , Leelawong Mindy , Aguiar Joao C. , Baldeviano G. Christian , Wilder Brandon K. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Plasmodium vivax (Pv) represents the most geographically widespread human malaria parasite affecting civilian and military populations in endemic areas. Targeting the pre-erythrocytic (PE) stage of the parasite life cycle is especially appealing for developing Pv vaccines as it would prevent disease and transmission. Here, we explore naturally acquired immunity to a panel of Pv PE antigens which may facilitate vaccine development and lead to a better understanding of naturally acquired PE immunity.
Methods
Twelve Pv PE antigens orthologous to a panel of P. falciparum antigens previously identified as highly immunogenic in protected subjects after immunization with radiation attenuated sporozoites (RAS) were used for evaluation of humoral and cellular immunity by ELISA and ELISpot. We used samples from Pv infected individuals (n = 76) from a low endemic malaria region in the Peruvian Amazon Basin.
Results
In our clinical samples, all PE antigens evaluated showed positive IgG antibody reactivity with a variable prevalence of 58–99% in recently P. vivax diagnosed patients. The magnitude of the IgG antibody response against PE antigens was lower compared with blood stage antigens MSP1 and DBP-II, although titers persisted better for PE antigens (average decrease of 6% for PE antigens and 43% for MSP1, p < 0.05). A significant correlation between IgG antibodies and the number of previous malaria episodes was observed only for blood stage antigens (p < 0.001). High IgG responders across PE and blood stage antigens showed significantly lower parasitemia compared to low IgG responders (median 1,921 vs 4,663 par/µl, p < 0.05). We observed a positive T cell response in 35% vs 9–35% of total volunteers against blood stage MSP1 and PE antigens, respectively, but no correlation with IgG responses.
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate clear humoral and T cell responses against Pv PE antigens in individuals naturally infected with P. vivax. These data identify novel attractive PE antigens suitable for use in the potential development and selection of new malaria vaccine candidates which can be used as a part of malaria prevention strategies in civilian and military populations living in Pv endemic areas.
Palynotaxonomy of Wissadula Medik. (Malvaceae: Malvoideae) in Brazil
Authors: Alves Gabriela Conde de Mello , Bovini Massimo G. , Mendonça Cláudia Barbieri Ferreira , Gonçalves-Esteves Vânia 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Malvaceae is divided into nine subfamilies, one of which is Malvoideae. WissadulaMedik., a genus within the Malvoideae, is divided into two sections according to mericarp morphology and the number of ovules per locule. Species belonging to the section Euwissadula have 3 or rarely 2 ovules, whereas species belonging to the section Wissada have a single ovule. In Brazil, 19 species are recorded under the two sections, including a single species (Wissadula stipulata Bovini) in section Euwissadula and 18 species in section Wissada. This study analyzed pollen grains from both sections of Wissadula with the aim of confirming or not the existence of these sections based on pollen morphology. All 19 taxa occurring in Brazil were analyzed. The botanical material was collected from exsiccatae deposited in national herbaria and subjected to the acetolysis method. Subsequently, slides were prepared, examined under light microscopy, and photomicrographed. Pollen grains are shed as monads, isopolar, large, suboblate, and triporate. The polar area is small in most species and large in a few others. The exine is thick, with echinate ornamentation, granules, and perforations. It was possible to distinguish the analyzed species on the basis of pollen diameters and spine characteristics (dimensions and distance). The findings showed that the pollen grains of species belonging to the two sections of Wissadulaare very similar in size, shape, aperture type, aperture number, and sexine ornamentation.
The alteration of interspecific interaction responsed to various relative sowing time in wheat/maize intercropping
Authors: Sun Jun-Wei , Zhu Ying-An , Pang Yu , Liu Chen-Xi , Sun Jian-Hao , Zhang Wei-Ping , Li Long , Liu Yixiang 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose An interspecific interaction is an important reason for the yield advantage of interspecific cropping compared with sole cropping, and the relative sowing time of species is an important factor affecting interspecific competitiveness. Our purpose was to explore the effects of different relativesowing timeson the interspecific competition-recovery phenomenon in wheat and maize intercroppingsystems.
Methods Three planting methods (wheat/maize intercropping, wheat and maize sole cropping) and different relative sowing timesof wheat were used to carry out field experiments over two years. Sequential harvest of subplots was performed between 3 and 6 times, and the biomass data werefitted to logistic growth model.
Results Delaying the sowing time of wheat reduced the wheat yield, biomass and nutrient acquisition and increased those of maize, but wheat still had an intercropping advantage during the cogrowthperiod. At the same time, the nutrient acquisition of maize was still inhibited, but its recovery growth advanced.
Changing the relative sowing time of wheat significantly changed the maximum instantaneous growth rates of wheat and maize. Delaying the relative sowing time of wheat significantly decreased the maximum instantaneous growth rate of wheat and promoted that of maize to achieve a symmetric mutual benefit.
Conclusions Delaying the sowing time of wheat to the same sowing time as maize will change wheat/maize intercropping from asymmetrical interspecific facilitation to symmetrical interspecific facilitation. However, in this case, intercropped wheat still had an interspecific competitive advantage in the cogrowth stage, and intercropped maize still underwent a competition-recovery process.
Regularization by Deep Learning in Signal Processing
Authors: Villamarin Carlos Ramirez , Suazo Erwin , Oraby Tamer 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we explore a new idea of using deep learning representations as a principle for regularization in Inverse Problems for Digital Signal Processing. Specifically, we consider the standard variational formulation, where a composite function encodes a fidelity term that quantifies the proximity of the candidate solution to the observations (under a physical process), and a second regularization term that constrains the space of solutions according to some prior knowledge. In this work, we investigate deep learning representations as a means of fulfilling the role of this second (regularization) term. Several numerical examples are presented for signal restoration under different degradation processes, showing successful recovery under the proposed methodology. Moreover, one of these examples uses real data on energy usage by households in London from 2012 to 2014.
Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Parapharyngeal Space: Report of 2 cases and a Literature Review
Authors: Laxague Francisco , Duncan Nicholas S. Murdoch , Jurado María Gracia Álvarez , Bilbao Érica Rojas , Mezzadri Norberto A. , Vila Juan M. Fernández 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Purpose The solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is usually described as a lesion arising from the pleura. Rarely, it has been described in the parapharyngeal space (PS). This study aims to report two cases of SFT in the PS and to perform a literature review on this topic.Methods Two patients undergoing surgical resection of a SFT in the PS were reported. A literature review on SFT of the PS was performed in order to develop a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm.Results Two patients were analyzed. Both patients underwent surgical resection, followed by adjuvant radiotherapy, for SFT arising from the PS. The surgeries were uneventful and both patients recovered well after the procedure. No recurrences were diagnosed during the follow-up.Conclusion SFT of the PS is an infrequent entity. Surgical resection is the gold standard treatment, and adjuvant radiation should be considered in patients with risk factors for recurrence or distant metastases.
Seasonality but Not Tree Age Determines Secondary Plant Metabolite Composition in Scots Pine Needles
Authors: Gąsecka Monika , Ilek Anna , Magdziak Zuzanna , Saitanis Costas , Siegert Courtney 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background and Aims:
Secondary plant metabolites, including organic acids and phenolic compounds, play key roles in plant physiology and response to environmental stressors. How the production of these compounds varies across tree age and seasonality are of considerable interest to understanding plant stress response.
Methods
Monthly, we collected fallen needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) across stands of five different age classes (20, 40, 60, 80, 100 years) for one year and measured organic acids and phenolic compounds.
Results
Seven low molecular weight organic acids and thirteen phenolic compounds were detected. No differences were observed across stand age. Significant seasonal differences were detected. Most compounds peaked during the growing season. Succinic acid was the most prevalent organic acid, comprising 78% of total organic acids (351.27 ± 34.27 ug g− 1), and was 1.5 to 11.0 times greater in the summer than all other seasons. Sinapic acid was the most prevalent phenolic compound (42.15 µg g− 1) representing 11% of total phenolic compounds and was 39.8 times greater in spring and summer compared to autumn and winter. Growing season peaks in needle concentrations were observed for all thirteen phenolic compounds and two organic acids (lactic, succinic). Citric acid exhibited a definitive peak in late winter into early spring.
Conclusion
Our results highlight the change in secondary metabolite production in response to seasonality, likely in response to UV-B radiation and the onset of the growing season. These compounds protect against environmental stressors through metabolic reactions within needles as trees acclimate to seasonal conditions.
ARTS: Augmented Reality Tactical Sandbox for improved situational awareness in a multi-user scenario
Authors: Korkiakoski Mikko , Chakal Khalil , Fernando Roshan , Kostakos Panos 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The Augmented Reality Tactical Sandbox (ARTS) is an augmented reality (AR)application that provides real-time immersive analytics of mission-critical information over a virtual map using a head-mounted display (HMD). Prior studies into AR concentrate on single-user experiences rather than having multiple users interacting with each other in the same AR realm. The research is especially lacking when considering situational awareness (SA) and in the case of more users: distributed SA (DSA). Unlike these previous studies, we focus on both the single-user experience and the multi-user experience and the differences between the two. Our application implements a service to enhance teamwork, remote collaboration, and SA. The multi-user environment is created using a client-server protocol over a RESTful HTTP service, allowing local and remote users to collaborate in real-time to accomplish objectives involving metaverse assets displayed on the map. We conducted a user experiment with 28 participants divided into two groups comparing the performance and SA of a single user and a team in a drone (co)piloting task using an AR map. We observed a carryover effect when going from a single user to a team and vice versa. There was no significant difference in SA between the tasks but overall single-user SA was better than multi-user. We also found that men performed significantly faster than women in the single-user task. The application illustrates how the concept of SA can be extended to the command and control domain.