bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Diagnostic Precision in EBV-Related HLH: A Multifaceted Approach Using 18F-FDG PET/CT and Nomogram Integration
Authors: Yang Xu , Lu Xia , Feng Lijuan , Wang Wei , Kan Ying , Zhang Shuxin , Li Xiang , Yang Jigang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The hyperinflammatory condition and lymphoproliferation due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) affect the detection of lymphomas by 18F-FDG PET/CT. We aimed to improve the diagnostic capabilities of 18F-FDG PET/CT by combining laboratory parameters.
Methods
This retrospective study involved 46 patients diagnosed with EBV-positive HLH, who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT before beginning chemotherapy within a 4-year timeframe. These patients were categorized into two groups: EBV-associated HLH (EBV-HLH) (n = 31) and EBV-positive lymphoma-associated HLH (EBV + LA-HLH) (n = 15). We employed multivariable logistic regression and regression tree analysis to develop diagnostic models and assessed their efficacy in diagnosis and prognosis.
Results
A nomogram combining the SUVmax ratio, copies of plasma EBV-DNA, and IFN-γ reached 100% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity, with an AUC of 0.926 (95%CI, 0.779–0.988). Importantly, this nomogram also demonstrated predictive power for mortality in EBV-HLH patients, with a hazard ratio of 4.2 (95%CI, 1.1–16.5). The high-risk EBV-HLH patients identified by the nomogram had a similarly unfavorable prognosis as patients with lymphoma.
Conclusions
The study found that while 18F-FDG PET/CT alone has limitations in differentiating between lymphoma and EBV-HLH in patients with active EBV infection, the integration of a nomogram significantly improves the diagnostic accuracy and also exhibits a strong association with prognostic outcomes.
Synergistic antimicrobial effect and mechanism of enterocin Gr17 and cinnamaldehyde against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans
Authors: Shen Kaisheng , Wang Zhao , Ma Wenyu , Liu Qi , Diao Xinjie , Liu Guorong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Bacteriocins and essential oils have potential synergistic antimicrobial effects to address food safety issues caused by spoilage microorganisms. Our previous study has illustrated the synergistic effects of Enterocin Gr17 (ENT) and cinnamaldehyde essential oil (CEO) against spoilage microorganisms, but the related synergistic mechanism is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the synergistic antimicrobial effect and mechanisms of ENT and CEO against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Canidia Albicans (C. albicans). Time-killing assay revealed that ENT and CEO synergistically inhibited the growth of E. coli and C. albicans in a time-dependent manner, reducing viable counts by 6.99 and 4.86 lg CFU/mL, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase and zeta potential analysis illustrated that ENT with CEO synergistically disrupted the integrity of E. coli and C. albicans cell wall. The leakage of K+ and ATP, nucleic acid, protein and LDH release assays demonstrated that ENT and CEO synergistically damaged the permeability and integrity of membranes. ENT combined with CEO caused damage to the morphology and intracellular organization of E. coli, while C. albicans intracellular organization was more susceptible to change than morphology. At the metabolic level, ENT and CEO synergistically inhibited the respiratory metabolism of E. coli and C. albicans by inhibiting hexose monophosphate and tricarboxylic acid cycle pathways, respectively. Overall, ENT mainly disrupted cell wall integrity, facilitates the action of CEO on the cell membrane, synergistically destroyed cell membrane integrity, impacted energy metabolism, leading to cell death. This study provides a reference for in-depth understanding the synergistic antimicrobial mechanisms of natural antimicrobials.
The prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms and functional constipation, and related risk factors among Chinese university students: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jiang Bochen , Zhang Jing , Yang Man , Zhang Xiaobin , Yang Haidong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background Depression and anxiety disorders are prevalent mental health problems worldwide, and their prevalence in university students is of particular concern. Meanwhile, functional constipation (FC), a chronic gastrointestinal dysfunction, has a high concomitant prevalence with several mental disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and FC among university students, and to explore possible risk factors. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted online and general demographic data were collected from 12,721 university students in Jiangsu and Shandong provinces. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, anxiety symptoms were measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder − 7 scale, and FC was assessed using the ROME IV. Results The prevalence of self-reported depressive, anxiety, and comorbid depressive and anxiety symptoms was 16.3%, 24.9%, and 13.3%, respectively, among participating students. Furthermore, the prevalence of FC was 22%, and the prevalence among students with depressive symptoms was 1.811 times higher than among students without depressive symptoms. Female gender, parental relationships, and lower household income were significant risk factors for depressive and anxiety symptoms among university students. Conclusions This study reveals a higher prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, and FC among the university student population. Given these findings, it is recommended that psychological health services and support systems be strengthened, especially interventions for those at high risk for depressive and anxiety symptoms and FC.
Wildlife conservation on private land: a social-ecological systems study
Authors: Taylor Matthew , Brook Barry , Johnson Christopher , de Little Siobhan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
As human activity accelerates the global crisis facing wildlife populations, private land conservation provides an example of wildlife management challenges in social-ecological systems. This study reports on the research phase of ‘WildTracker’ - a co-created citizen science project, involving 160 landholders across three Tasmanian regions. This was a transdisciplinary collaboration between an environmental organisation, university researchers, and local landholders. Focusing on mammal and bird species, the project integrated diverse data types and technologies: social surveys, quantitative ecology, motion sensor cameras, acoustic recorders, and advanced machine-learning analytics. An iterative analytical methodology encompassed Pearson and point-biserial correlation for interrelationships, Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) for clustering, and Random Forest machine learning for variable importance and prediction. Taken together, these analyses revealed complex relationships between wildlife populations and a suite of ecological, socio-economic, and land management variables. Both site-scale habitat characteristics and landscape-scale vegetation patterns were useful predictors of mammal and bird activity, but these relationships were different for mammals and birds. Four focal mammal species showed variation in their response to ecological and land management drivers. Unexpectedly, threatened species, such as the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverinus), favoured locations where habitat was substantially modified by human activities. The research provides actionable insights for landowners, and highlights the importance of ‘messy’, ecologically heterogeneous, mixed agricultural landscapes for wildlife conservation. The identification of thresholds in habitat fragmentation reinforced the importance of collaboration across private landscapes. Participatory research models such as WildTracker can complement efforts to address the wicked problem of wildlife conservation in the Anthropocene.
Tracking green space along streets of world cities
Authors: Falchetta Giacomo , Hammad Ahmed 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Street green space (SGS) - the presence of vegetation along streets of cities - is an increasingly relevant indicator for sustainable cities. SGS provides a set of local services such as mitigating the urban heat island effect and reducing the impact of extreme precipitation events, while it is also associated with increasing human well-being. Here we present a global analysis of recent trends in SGS based on modelling a street-based indicator of vegetation density (the Green View Index, GVI) with high-resolution multispectral satellite data and additional granular data. Estimating local to continental trends between 2016-2022 based on 190 large cities distributed across seven macroregions, we find that globally SGS has decreased by almost two percent. Statistically significant changes in city-level median SGS (p<0.01) are found in approximately one-quarter of the cities analysed. However, the direction and magnitude of trends both show a high level of heterogeneity between regions, which we explore by assessing SGS inequalities within each city. Our analysis provides an updated picture of SGS across world cities and an open-source, validated approach to assess its future changes in near real-time and support the design of policies for greener cities.
Towards a Natural Treatment for Mania: Red Onion Husk Extract Modulates Neuronal Resilience, Redox Signalling, and Glial Activation.
Authors: Ekeanyanwu Chukwuma Raphael , EKEANYANWU Chidinma Lynda , UGOCHUKWU Kingsley Nnaemeka 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Red onion husk, a readily available agricultural waste material, contains diverse bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. This study aimed to assess the safety and therapeutic potential of red onion husk extract in managing manic-like symptoms and associated neurochemical dysfunctions.
Methods
Acute and repeated oral dose studies were conducted in mice and rats to evaluate the safety profile of the extract. FT-IR analysis identified functional groups in the extract, while GC-MS analysis identified specific bioactive compounds in the flavonoid-rich fraction. A ketamine-induced manic behaviour model in Wistar rats was employed to assess the extract's efficacy in attenuating manic-like symptoms. Behavioural and neurochemical analyses were performed to further investigate the extract's effects.
Results
The extract demonstrated a favourable safety profile in both acute and repeated dose studies. FT-IR analysis revealed a complex mixture of organic compounds, including hydroxyl groups, alkynes/nitriles, aromatic and non-aromatic C = C bonds, amines, and polysaccharides. GC-MS analysis identified 17 bioactive compounds, including five-methyl-2-phenylindolizine, methadone N-oxide, and 3-phenylthiane, S-oxide. Ketamine administration significantly increased oxidative stress markers, TBARS, and suppressed antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx, CAT) in both the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, alongside elevated acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity, indicating enhanced neuronal excitability. Pre-treatment with FRF (25 mg/kg) effectively mitigated ketamine-induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by reduced TBARS levels and partially restored SOD and GPx activities. Interestingly, FRF significantly increased CAT activity (p < 0.001), potentially suggesting an additional compensatory mechanism. Notably, FRF pre-treatment also counteracted ketamine-upregulated AchE activity, offering neuroprotection against heightened neuronal excitability.
Conclusion
Red onion husk extract exhibits a favourable safety profile and exerts potent antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, possibly through modulating Nrf2 signalling pathways. Its ability to counteract ketamine-induced oxidative stress and neuronal hyperactivity highlights its potential as a complementary therapeutic strategy for managing manic episodes in bipolar disorder. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms underlying FRF's action and explore its clinical efficacy in human studies.
Basal metabolic rate and resting energy expenditure per body weight before and after kidney transplantation in pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke , Nakahara Yasuo , Mukai Wataru , Hitomi Kosuke , Takata Chika , Hamasaki Yuko 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Few studies on the basal metabolism of pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been published. We investigated whether basal metabolism changes in such patients before and after kidney transplantation, during the recovery of kidney function.
Methods
We prospectively enrolled 10 Japanese patients aged 15 years or younger, who underwent kidney transplantation for CKD at the Department of Nephrology, Toho University School of Medicine, for whom the basal metabolic rate (BMR) could be measured before and approximately 1 month after kidney transplantation. The resting energy expenditure per body weight (REE/Wt) before and after transplantation was compared with the age-matched BMR and weight-corrected reference BMR for Japanese individuals. In addition, the REE/Wt and respiratory quotient (RQ) before and after transplantation were compared.
Results
The post-transplant REE/Wt was higher than the age-matched BMR in 5 of the 10 patients studied, all of whom had a standard deviation score weight of − 2 or less. The change in the mean ± standard deviation REE/Wt before and after transplantation was not significant (from 42.6 ± 10.0 to 44.1 ± 11.2), whereas the change in the RQ (from 0.89 ± 0.05 to 1.01 ± 0.05) was.
Conclusions
In pediatric patients with CKD in this study, the similar REE/Wt and increased RQ before versus after transplantation suggest that REE/Wt is influenced by body size rather than kidney function.
Dialectal Detective: Leveraging Feature Selection Techniques to Unearth Moroccan Dialect Arabic
Authors: ABDELLAH AITELOULI , Ouahi Hassan , Cherrat El Mehdi , BEKKAR Abdellatif 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In the evolving context of automated language processing, unraveling the complex fabric of Moroccan Arabic (Darija) in a multilingual environment is a major challenge. This study embarks on the arduous task of detecting the nuances of Moroccan Arabic within a binary dataset that consists of both Standard Arabic and Darija expressions. Using a comprehensive methodology, we interweave a sophisticated set of feature selection techniques, including well-known extraction techniques in natural language processing (NLP) such as TF-idf, CBOW, and Word2Vec. By leveraging the capabilities of machine learning techniques via LASSO decision and regression trees, we navigate the labyrinth of linguistic diversity, relying on semantic methods that consist of using mostly advanced encoders to deepen our understanding of the distinctive linguistic fabric. We also look at static methods of feature selection, such as ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and mutual information, in order to add strata of analysis. Finally, by emphasizing the paramount importance of dimensionality reduction through principal component analysis (PCA) and singular value decomposition (SVD), our methodology not only preserves the essential structures in the high-dimensional linguistic space, but also strives to contribute significantly to the accurate detection of Moroccan Arabic dialects. The stability of our results is achieved with the XGBOOST algorithm using classical extraction methods and SVD, with a reasonable execution time. This research aspires not only to unveil the specific subtleties of Arabic dialects, but also to open up new horizons in the field of natural language processing within diverse and multilingual societies.
The Brønsted-Lewis acid sites in Metal-organic framework nanozymes for cooperatively enhancing the hydrolysis of lactose
Authors: Yi Chenshu , Xing Keyu , Xu Keyu , Yao Li , Jia Pei , Wu Hao , Wen Li , Cheng Yunhui , Xu Zhou 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In order to solve the problem of the low efficiency of lactose hydrolysis using traditional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) nanozymes, Brønsted acid active sites (-COOH) were introduced into Fe-MIL-101 nanozymes to enhance the lactose hydrolysis activity of MOFs bearing Lewis acid sites in this study. When compared to Fe-MIL-101, Fe-MIL-101-COOH exhibited improved catalytic performance, showing a lactose conversion rate of up to 78%. Our experiments suggested that this enhancement could be attributed to the synergistic effect between the Brønsted acidic COOH groups and Lewis acidic Fe clusters. Furthermore, Fe-MIL-101-COOH displayed good stability and reusability with no significant loss in catalytic activity observed after at least five consecutive cycles. Our results showed that the activity of Fe-MIL-101-COOH with Brønsted acid active sites was better than that of Fe-MIL-101. Fe-MIL-101-COOH could be applied to the hydrolysis of lactose in milk powder and the conversion rate of lactose was higher than 48%. This study provided theoretical support for the design of MOFs nanozymes.
Lateral carrier diffusion in ion-implanted ultra-small blue III-nitride microLEDs.
Authors: Slawinska Julia , Muziol Grzegorz , Kafar Anna , Skierbiszewski Czeslaw 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Ultra-small micro-light emitting diodes (µLEDs), sized below 10 µm, are indispensable to create next-generation augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) devices. Their high brightness and low power consumption could not only enhance the user experience by providing vivid and lifelike visuals but also extend device longevity. However, a notable challenge emerges: a decrease in efficiency with reduced size. This study casts light on this critical issue, investigating the lateral carrier diffusion in ion-implanted µLEDs. The implanted area restricts the carrier injection and defines the µLED size to diameters of 10, 5 and 2 µm without introduction of non-radiative recombination centres in the quantum well area. We observed a drop of efficiency for smaller devices, similarly as in the case of conventional µLEDs with etched sidewalls. Electroluminescence of µLEDs was studied using a Gaussian beam telescope to analyse light intensity profiles and hence the spatial carrier distribution within the active region of µLEDs. Lateral diffusion length was determined to be 11.2 µm at j=1 A/cm2 and decreased down to 2.4 µm for j=1000 A/cm2. We explain the underlying mechanism behind the size-dependent efficiency observed in µLEDs, attributing it to lateral carrier diffusion.
Advancing Skin Cancer Diagnosis through the Comparison of SHAP and Layer-wise Relevance Propagation (LRP)
Authors: ÖZKURT Cem 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Skin cancer detection stands at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and critical healthcare needs. In this study, we employ a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) on the HAM10000 dataset, showcasing commendable accuracy. However, the inherent opacity of deep learning models sparks a quest for interpretability. We introduce SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) and Layerwise analysis to unravel the decision-making intricacies. SHAP provides a global spotlight on feature importance, while Layerwise analysis offers a step-by-step exploration of the model's learning process. Beyond model performance, our goal is to inject transparency, trust, and innovation into skin cancer diagnosis, paving the way for a novel approach to humanizing artificial intelligence decisions in healthcare. Future work includes testing interpretation methods on diverse datasets and applying them to other healthcare domains for a transformative impact. This study not only contributes to understanding AI decisions in skin cancer diagnosis but also introduces methodologies that may revolutionize interpretability in healthcare AI applications.
Diferensial Ruang Personal di Café Haus pada Era New Normal
Authors: Kurnia Yosafat Yoakim , Nainggolan Freddy Marihot Rotua , Panjaitan Irwin 
Published: February 2024

Title: Differentiation of Personal Space in Cafe Haus in the New Normal Era
The cafe is a new place for visitors; it was initially only used to relax and drink coffee but has increased its function to become a place for other activities, such as studying or working. The period after the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Normal era, made these changes even stronger. Society, especially college students, are used to studying or doing something in a cafe. This indicates a personal space in each cafe that makes them interested and feel comfortable using it as their personal space for learning. Therefore, this study aims to understand the various kinds of personal space in Cafe Haus! The research method used is visual observation techniques and re-drawing of the cafe spaces. The results of these observations show that only two areas with personal space are from the three areas observed. The two areas are Areas 1 and 2 because the elements in those areas have sufficient boundaries to the areas outside them, while in Area 3, there are no similar elements. Boundary elements make an area private so that it is not easily disturbed by outside areas.
Risk factors for Cryptosporidium contamination in Minnesota public supply wells
Authors: Walsh James F. , Scher Deanna P. , de Lambert Jane R. , Anderson Anita C. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In a recent monitoring study of Minnesota's public supply wells, Cryptosporidium was commonly detected with 40% of the wells having at least one detection. Risk factors for Cryptosporidium occurrence in drinking water supply wells, beyond surface water influence, remain poorly understood. To address this gap, physical and chemical factors were assessed as potential predictors of Cryptosporidium occurrence in 135 public supply wells in Minnesota. Univariable analysis, regression techniques, and classification trees were used to analyze the data. Many variables were identified as significant risk factors in univariable analysis and several remained significant throughout the succeeding analysis techniques. These factors fell into general categories of well use and construction, aquifer characteristics, and connectedness to the land surface, well capture zones, and land use therein, existence of potential contaminant sources within 200-feet of the well, and variability in the chemical and isotopic parameters measured during the study. These risk categories, and the specific variables and threshold values we have identified, can help guide future research on factors influencing Cryptosporidium contamination of wells and can be used by environmental health programs to develop risk-based sampling plans and design interventions that reduce associated health risks.