bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alterations of gut microbiota in a mouse model with partial small intestinal obstruction
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhang Minzhong , Jiang Lu , Gong Yiming , Liu Keqiang , Zhang Tian 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionChanges in the gut microbiota of patients with partial small intestinal obstruction (PSIO) have not been widely clarified. We aimed to explore bacterial diversity in a PSIO mouse model.MethodsA PSIO mouse model was established using male C57BL/6 mice, and feces samples from the distal ileum and ileum epithelium tissues were collected. MiSeq sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene was conducted to characterize microbiota diversity and composition. RNA sequencing for differences in transcriptomic programming of the ileum tissue was performed between the PSIO and (Control) Ctrl groups.ResultsBacterial diversity in the PSIO group was significantly lower than that in the controls. Pseudomonadota was predominant in the feces of the PSIO group. Unclassified_Muribaculaceae (p = 0.008) and Akkermansia (p = 0.007) were more abundant in the Ctrl group than those in the PSIO group. Furthermore, Escherichia_Shigella (p = 0.008) was more predominant in the feces of the PSIO group. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways related to metabolism were depleted in the PSIO group. Pathways associated with intestinal fibrosis, including extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling pathway and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta signaling pathway, which were enriched in ileum epithelial tissue in the PSIO group.ConclusionPSIO can lead to changes in the predominant intestinal bacterial groups. Depleted functional profiles of the gut microbiota were identified in the PSIO group. Functional pathways associated with intestinal fibrosis were activated by PSIO. The potential regulation by the microbiota needs to be explored in the future.
Multi-dimensional fusion: transformer and GANs-based multimodal audiovisual perception robot for musical performance art
Authors: Lu Shiyi , Wang Panpan 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionIn the context of evolving societal preferences for deeper emotional connections in art, this paper explores the emergence of multimodal robot music performance art. It investigates the fusion of music and motion in robot performances to enhance expressiveness and emotional impact. The study employs Transformer models to combine audio and video signals, enabling robots to better understand music's rhythm, melody, and emotional content. Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are utilized to create lifelike visual performances synchronized with music, bridging auditory and visual perception. Multimodal reinforcement learning is employed to achieve harmonious alignment between sound and motion.MethodsThe study leverages Transformer models to process audio and video signals in robot performances. Generative Adversarial Networks are employed to generate visually appealing performances that align with the musical input. Multimodal reinforcement learning is used to synchronize robot actions with music. Diverse music styles and emotions are considered in the experiments. Performance evaluation metrics include accuracy, recall rate, and F1 score.ResultsThe proposed approach yields promising results across various music styles and emotional contexts. Performance smoothness scores exceed 94 points, demonstrating the fluidity of robot actions. An accuracy rate of 95% highlights the precision of the system in aligning robot actions with music. Notably, there is a substantial 33% enhancement in performance recall rate compared to baseline modules. The collective improvement in F1 score emphasizes the advantages of the proposed approach in the realm of robot music performance art.DiscussionThe study's findings demonstrate the potential of multimodal robot music performance art in achieving heightened emotional impact. By combining audio and visual cues, robots can better interpret and respond to music, resulting in smoother and more precise performances. The substantial improvement in recall rate suggests that the proposed approach enhances the robots' ability to accurately mirror the emotional nuances of the music. These results signify the potential of this approach to transform the landscape of artistic expression through robotics, opening new avenues for emotionally resonant performances.
Left atrial area index provides the best prediction of atrial fibrillation in ischemic stroke patients: results from the LAETITIA observational study
Authors: Alonso Angelika , Kraus Josephine , Ebert Anne , Nikolayenko Valeriya , Kruska Mathieu , Sandikci Vesile , Lesch Hendrik , Duerschmied Daniel , Platten Michael , Baumann Stefan , Szabo Kristina , Akin Ibrahim , Fastner Christian 
Published: September 2023

Background and aimsLeft atrial (LA) enlargement has been repeatedly shown to be associated with the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF). In clinical practice, several parameters are available to determine LA enlargement: LA diameter index (LADI), LA area index (LAAI), or LA volume index (LAVI). We investigated the predictive power of these individual LA parameters for AF in patients with acute ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).MethodsLAETITIA is a retrospective observational study that reflects the clinical reality of acute stroke care in Germany. Consecutive patient cases with acute ischemic cerebrovascular event (CVE) in 2019 and 2020 were identified from the Mannheim stroke database. Predictive power of each LA parameter was determined by the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic curves. A cutoff value was determined. A multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to confirm the strongest LA parameter as an independent predictor of AF in patients with acute ischemic CVE.ResultsA total of 1,910 patient cases were included. In all, 82.0% of patients had suffered a stroke and 18.0% had a TIA. Patients presented with a distinct cardiovascular risk profile (reflected by a CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥2 prior to hospital admission in 85.3% of patients) and were moderately affected on admission [median NIHSS score 3 (1; 8)]. In total, 19.5% of patients had pre-existing AF, and 8.0% were newly diagnosed with AF. LAAI had the greatest AUC of 0.748, LADI of 0.706, and LAVI of 0.719 (each p &lt; 0.001 vs. diagonal line; AUC-LAAI vs. AUC-LADI p = 0.030, AUC-LAAI vs. AUC-LAVI p = 0.004). LAAI, increasing NIHSS score on admission, and systolic heart failure were identified as independent predictors of AF in patients with acute ischemic CVE. To achieve a clinically relevant specificity of 70%, a cutoff value of ≥10.3 cm2/m2 was determined for LAAI (sensitivity of 69.8%).ConclusionLAAI revealed the best prediction of AF in patients with acute ischemic CVE and was confirmed as an independent risk factor. An LAAI cutoff value of 10.3 cm2/m2 could serve as an inclusion criterion for intensified AF screening in patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source in subsequent studies.
CRISPR deletion of a SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA_67) retrotransposon demonstrates its ability to differentially modulate gene expression at the MAPT locus
Authors: Fröhlich Alexander , Hughes Lauren S. , Middlehurst Ben , Pfaff Abigail L. , Bubb Vivien J. , Koks Sulev , Quinn John P. 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundSINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) retrotransposons are hominid-specific elements which have been shown to play important roles in processes such as chromatin structure remodelling and regulation of gene expression demonstrating that these repetitive elements exert regulatory functions. We have previously shown that the presence or absence of a specific SVA element, termed SVA_67, was associated with differential expression of several genes at the MAPT locus, a locus associated with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and frontotemporal dementia. However, we were not able to demonstrate that causation of differential gene expression was directed by the SVA due to lack of functional validation.MethodsWe performed CRISPR to delete SVA_67 in the HEK293 cell line. Quantification of target gene expression was performed using qPCR to assess the effects on expression in response to the deletion of SVA_67. Differences between CRISPR edit and control cell lines were analysed using two-tailed t-test with a minimum 95% confidence interval to determine statistical significance.ResultsIn this study, we provide data highlighting the SVA-specific effect on differential gene expression. We demonstrate that the hemizygous deletion of the endogenous SVA_67 in CRISPR edited cell lines was associated with differential expression of several genes at the MAPT locus associated with neurodegenerative diseases including KANSL1, MAPT and LRRC37A.DiscussionThis data is consistent with our previous bioinformatic work of differential gene expression analysis using transcriptomic data from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI) cohort. As SVAs have regulatory influences on gene expression, and insertion polymorphisms contribute to interpersonal differences in expression patterns, these results highlight the potential contribution of these elements to complex diseases with potentially many genetic components, such as PD.
Association between dietary consumption patterns and the development of adolescent overnutrition in eastern Ethiopia: new perspectives
Authors: Gedamu Fikerte , Dagne Imam , Oumer Abdu 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundOvernutrition among adolescents is becoming a major public health concern, with all the adverse consequences associated with unhealthy eating behaviors. Hence, clear evidence linking dietary consumption with the risk of overnutrition is crucial for targeted dietary recommendations using a robust statistical approach. This study assessed the link between dietary consumption patterns and the risks of overnutrition among adolescents in Ethiopia.MethodA community-based survey was conducted on a random sample of 510 adolescents selected using a stratified random sampling via proportional allocation. Dietary consumption was captured using a validated and contextualized 80-item food frequency questionnaire over the past month through a face-to-face interview. Weight and height were measured under a standard procedure. Body Mass Index for Age Z-score (BAZ) was calculated, and BAZ above +1 was considered overnutrition. The frequency measures were standardized into daily equivalents, and dietary patterns were derived using exploratory factor analysis after checking for assumptions. A bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression model was fitted with an odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals.ResultsA total of 510 participants were enrolled. Four major dietary patterns (“cereals, energy, and discretionary calory,” “fat, oil, and milk groups,” “proteins and vegetables,” and “fruits”), explaining 66.6% of the total variation, were identified. The overall prevalence of overnutrition was 29.0% (27–31%), where 22.5 and 6.5% were overweight and obese, respectively. Physical inactivity (AOR = 6.27; 95% CI: 2.75–14.3), maternal literacy (AOR = 111.3; 95% CI: 50.0–247.8), habit of snacking (AOR = 1.80; 95% CI: 0.69–4.67), skipping meals (AOR = 2.05; 955 CI: 0.84–5.04), cereals and discretionary food dietary pattern (AOR = 2.28; 95 CI: 0.94–5.55), and protein–rich and vegetable dietary pattern (AOR = 2.30; 95% CI: 0.97–5.46) were important factors associated with odds of overnutrition.ConclusionOvernutrition is a public health concern affecting one-third of adolescents, and it is closely linked with dietary consumption patterns, eating behaviors, wealth status, literacy, and level of physical activity. Therefore, public health interventions targeting unhealthy eating and lifestyles are urgently needed to curb the increasing burden of overnutrition among adolescents and its future complications.
Towards high-resolution quantitative assessment of vascular dysfunction
Authors: Guidi Maria , Giulietti Giovanni , Biondetti Emma , Wise Richard , Giove Federico 
Published: September 2023

Neurovascular alterations are increasingly recognized as a key feature of many brain diseases. They can manifest as a reduction in resting cerebral blood flow or cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) in the whole brain or in specific regions, depending on the underlying condition. Neurovascular impairment is observed in hypertension, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis and cerebral small vessel disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived CVR mapping is a reliable marker of vascular dysfunction and has been performed mainly at standard functional MRI (fMRI) resolutions of 2–3 mm using the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) contrast. However, vascular alterations may occur at a finer scale (i.e., in the capillary bed) which would be better characterized with smaller voxel sizes. Capillaries in gray matter deliver oxygen and glucose to neural tissue and are arranged in a mesh structure, with variable density across the cortical depth. Given that the human cortex is, on average, 2.5 mm thick, submillimetric voxel sizes are effective in increasing the spatial specificity of measurements of hemodynamic and metabolic changes. Novel MRI sequences offer the possibility to map physiological parameters at high resolution with relatively simple experimental setups. In particular, pairing the BOLD acquisition with a contrast sensitive to blood volume changes, while administering a mild hypercapnic challenge, allows for simultaneous mapping of CVR, cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption and other relevant parameters at a high resolution and can be performed at the clinical field strength of 3 T. We propose that this approach will help provide crucial insights into vascular impairment.
Modeling of the high-resolution optical-coherence diagnostics of bi-refringent biological tissues
Authors: Angelsky O. V. , Bekshaev A. Ya. , Zenkova C. Yu. , Ivanskyi D. I. , Zheng J. , Chumak M. M. 
Published: September 2023

We present a computer model of the polarization-sensitive interference diagnostics of the bi-refringent biological media, with a particular example of the lamella of eye cornea. The diagnostic procedure employs the modified Mach–Zehnder interferometer with controllable phase retardation of the reference wave, separate observation of the orthogonal linearly-polarized interference signals, and evaluation of the phases and amplitudes of their variable (AC) components. The data obtained permit to determine the mean refractive index as well as the difference between the extraordinary and ordinary refractive indices, which, in turn, indicates the optical axis and the collagen fibers’ orientation in the lamella. The modelled procedure enables the sample structure diagnostics with the longitudinal and lateral resolution ∼100 nm and ∼1.8 μm, correspondingly. In particular, it permits a reliable detection and quantitative characterization of a thin (&lt;100 nm) near-surface layer where the mean refractive index differs by less than 1% from that in the main volume (due to the different orientation of the collagen fibers). The diagnostic approach, developed in the paper, can be useful in various problems of structure characterization of optically-anisotropic biological tissues.
Authenticating the geographic origins of Atractylodes lancea rhizome chemotypes in China through metabolite marker identification
Authors: Zhang Chengcai , Wang Hongyang , Lyu Chaogeng , Wang Yiheng , Sun Jiahui , Zhang Yan , Xiang Zengxu , Guo Xiuzhi , Wang Yuefeng , Qin Ming , Wang Sheng , Guo Lanping 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionAtractylodes lancea is widely distributed in East Asia, ranging from Amur to south-central China. The rhizome of A. lancea is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, however, the quality of products varies across different regions with different geochemical characteristics.MethodThis study aimed to identify the chemotypes of A. lancea from different areas and screen for chemical markers by quantifying volatile organic compounds (VOCs) using a targeted metabolomics approach based on GC–MS/MS.ResultsThe A. lancea distributed in Hubei, Anhui, Shaanxi, and a region west of Henan province was classified as the Hubei Chemotype (HBA). HBA is characterized by high content of β-eudesmol and hinesol with lower levels of atractylodin and atractylon. In contrast, the Maoshan Chemotype (MA) from Jiangsu, Shandong, Shanxi, Hebei, Inner Mongolia, and other northern regions, exhibited high levels of atractylodin and atractylon. A total of 15 categories of VOCs metabolites were detected and identified, revealing significant differences in the profiles of terpenoid, heterocyclic compound, ester, and ketone among different areas. Multivariate statistics indicated that 6 compounds and 455 metabolites could serve as candidate markers for differentiating A. lancea obtained from the southern, northern, and Maoshan areas.DiscussionThis comprehensive analysis provides a chemical fingerprint of selected A. lancea. Our results highlight the potential of metabolite profiling combined with chemometrics for authenticating the geographical origin of A. lancea.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Trait Gratitude to Nature Scale
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Liang Hongyu , Jin Tonglin , Zhang Jing , A Yunna , Hu Mulan , Wang Yifan 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Trait Gratitude to Nature Scale (TGNS) for Chinese college students.MethodsThe original English version of the TGNS was translated into Chinese. Subsequently, two samples consisting of 1,131 Chinese university students from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region was recruited through online surveys to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the TGNS, including the discrimination, construct validity, criterion validity, reliability and gender invariance.ResultsThe Chinese version of the TGNS showed good psychometric properties. The item-total correlation coefficients of the scale ranged from 0.813 to 0.909. Exploratory factor analysis using data from Sample 1 (n = 617) demonstrated that the Chinese version of the TGNS has one factor. The confirmatory factor analysis using data from Sample 2 (n = 514) showed that the Chinese version of the TGNS has appropriate construct validity (χ2/df = 4.157, RMSEA = 0.078, TLI = 0.943 and CFI = 0.967). The significant correlation between the Chinese version of the TGNS and all the other criterion scale scores (p &lt; 0.001) indicated that the Chinese version of the TGNS displays good criterion validity. The test–retest reliability was 0.914, using the sub-sample of Sample 2 (n = 127). The results of gender invariance test indicated that the Chinese version of the TGNS has entire equivalence between the two genders.ConclusionThe Chinese version of the TGNS has satisfactory psychometric properties in the Chinese cultural context and can be used as s a reliable and valid instrument to assess trait gratitude to nature.
Mediating role of splitting in relation to attachment styles and shopping addiction
Authors: Allahvirdie Rezaieh Sarah , Ghorbani Nima , Farahani Hojjatollah 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionShopping can provide a sense of satisfaction and pleasure; however, if a person’s excessive involvement in this behavior starts to negatively impact other aspects of their life, similar to other addictive behaviors like excessive internet use, gaming, and gambling, it may be classified as pathological. Given the lack of agreement regarding the classification of excessive shopping tendencies as a separate mental health condition or addictive behavior, taking a socio-emotional approach to explore the psychological factors that precede this behavior, may offer a better comprehension of it.MethodsThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between attachment styles and excessive shopping behavior, as well as to investigate the potential mediating effect of defense mechanisms like splitting on this relationship. Using convenience sampling, a group of 457 stock market employees (116 female, 341 male) between the ages of 24 and 60 were recruited. The researchers utilized a set of validated psychological questionnaires to assess the employees attachment styles, shopping addiction, and splitting tendencies.ResultsThe results obtained from both the mediation model and path analysis suggest that attachment styles do not have a direct relationship with shopping addiction. Nonetheless, the study supports the impact of insecure anxious and avoidan attachment styles on splitting. Furthermore, the findings confirm that splitting has a mediating effect on the relationship between attachment styles and splitting.DiscussionThe present study enhanced our comprehension of the subconscious mechanisms underlying shopping tendencies. Specifically, the findings suggest that excessive tendencies towards shopping can be considered a maladaptive response resulting from insecure attachment styles and the unconscious utilization of the splitting defense mechanism.
Body-related concerns and participation in physical education among adolescent students: the mediating role of motivation
Authors: Haug Ellen , Castillo Isabel , Samdal Oddrun , Smith Otto Robert Frans 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundThere is a need to understand better factors influencing participation in physical education (PE) and the mechanisms involved. The adolescent years are characterised by increasing levels of body-related concerns. In PE, the body is judged for its physical abilities and subject to social comparisons and body judgements. Grounded in the Self-Determination Theory, this study aimed to explore whether body-related factors were associated with adolescents’ involvement in PE and whether types of motivation mediated this relationship.MethodsThe study involved 2,140 (54.5% girls) secondary students (15–16-year-olds) from Norway participating in the nationally representative “Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study: a WHO collaborative cross-national study.” Body-related factors included Body Mass Index (BMI), health complaints, body perception and dietary behaviours. Gender, age, and socioeconomic status (family affluence) were control variables. Motivation for PE was assessed with the Perceived Locus of Causality (PLOCQ) scale measuring three distinct factors: autonomous motivation, controlled motivation and amotivation. PE involvement was self-reported as weekly participation in PE classes and time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during PE.ResultsGender (girl), family affluence, health complaints, not being on a diet but wanting to lose weight, and body perception (too fat) were negatively associated with weekly PE participation when adjusting for other variables. This association was largely explained by students’ autonomous motivation in the case of health complaints and partly in the case of dietary behaviour and body perception. Similar results were observed for MVPA during PE lessons. Additionally, gender was associated with MVPA through amotivation.ConclusionThe study adds new knowledge to the understanding of the relationship between body-related factors and PE, supporting that autonomous motivation is a central mechanism and an avenue for further research. The results should be considered in planning high-quality PE classes and suggest that an autonomous supportive learning climate sensitive to body-related concerns should be a priority to increase adolescent involvement in PE.