bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The evolution of the subjective well-being of the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic period: the case of Belgium
Authors: Claes Sara , Vandepitte Sophie , Annemans Lieven 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic period on a nation’s well-being remain inadequately understood, especially over time. Therefore, this research aims to map the changes in the subjective well-being (SWB) of the general Belgian adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses of variances (ANOVA) were performed to evaluate the changes in SWB during the pandemic at five different time points during the period from February 2020 until December 2022 using repeated cross-sectional representative samples of the Belgian population. The differences over time in subjective well-being were investigated in terms of life evaluation, positive affect, and negative affect. The changes in autonomy, competence, relatedness, loneliness and peace of mind were also explored as explanatory variables. Moderation analyses were performed to investigate the differential changes in well-being for different age groups. Our results show the subjective well-being of the Belgian population decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, notably during the second lockdown and the fifth wave. Furthermore, younger individuals are significantly more susceptible to negative changes in well-being during the pandemic period. Finally, our results show that peace of mind is an important predictor of all SWB components during the pandemic. Based on these results several policy recommendations are formulated.
Design and validation of a multiplex PCR method for the simultaneous quantification of Clostridium acetobutylicum, Clostridium carboxidivorans and Clostridium cellulovorans
Authors: Feliu-Paradeda Laura , Puig Sebastià , Bañeras Lluis 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCo-cultures of clostridia with distinct physiological properties have emerged as an alternative to increase the production of butanol and other added-value compounds from biomass. The optimal performance of mixed tandem cultures may depend on the stability and fitness of each species in the consortium, making the development of specific quantification methods to separate their members crucial. In this study, we developed and tested a multiplex qPCR method targeting the 16S rRNA gene for the simultaneous quantification of Clostridium acetobutylicum, Clostridium carboxidivorans and Clostridium cellulovorans in co-cultures. Designed primer pairs and probes could specifically quantify the three Clostridium species with no cross-reactions thus allowing significant changes in their growth kinetics in the consortia to be detected and correlated with productivity. The method was used to test a suitable medium composition for simultaneous growth of the three species. We show that higher alcohol productions were obtained when combining C. carboxidivorans and C. acetobutylicum compared to individual cultures, and further improved (> 90%) in the triplet consortium. Altogether, the methodology could be applied to fermentation processes targeting butanol productions from lignocellulosic feedstocks with a higher substrate conversion efficiency.
Molecular and cellular characterization of four putative nucleotide transporters from the shrimp microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP)
Authors: Thepmanee Orawan , Munkongwongsiri Natthinee , Prachumwat Anuphap , Saksmerprome Vanvimon , Jitrakorn Sarocha , Sritunyalucksana Kallaya , Vanichviriyakit Rapeepun , Chanarat Sittinan , Jaroenlak Pattana , Itsathitphaisarn Ornchuma 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMicrosporidia are obligate intracellular parasites that lost several enzymes required in energy production. The expansion of transporter families in these organisms enables them to hijack ATP from hosts. In this study, nucleotide transporters of the microsporidian Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP), which causes slow growth in economically valuable Penaeus shrimp, were characterized. Analysis of the EHP genome suggested the presence of four putative nucleotide transporter genes, namely EhNTT1, EhNTT2, EhNTT3, and EhNTT4. Sequence alignment revealed four charged amino acids that are conserved in previously characterized nucleotide transporters. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that EhNTT1, 3, and 4 were derived from one horizontal gene transfer event, which was independent from that of EhNTT2. Localization of EhNTT1 and EhNTT2 using immunofluorescence analysis revealed positive signals within the envelope of developing plasmodia and on mature spores. Knockdown of EhNTT2 by double administration of sequence specific double-stranded RNA resulted in a significant reduction in EHP copy numbers, suggesting that EhNTT2 is crucial for EHP replication in shrimp. Taken together, the insight into the roles of NTTs in microsporidian proliferation can provide the biological basis for the development of alternative control strategies for microsporidian infection in shrimp.
Anomalous behavior recognition of underwater creatures using lite 3D full-convolution network
Authors: Wang Jung-Hua , Hsu Te-Hua , Lai Yi-Chung , Peng Yan-Tsung , Chen Zhen-Yao , Lin Ying-Ren , Huang Chang-Wen , Chiang Chung-Ping 
Published: November 2023

AbstractGlobal warming and pollution could lead to the destruction of marine habitats and loss of species. The anomalous behavior of underwater creatures can be used as a biometer for assessing the health status of our ocean. Advances in behavior recognition have been driven by the active application of deep learning methods, yet many of them render superior accuracy at the cost of high computational complexity and slow inference. This paper presents a real-time anomalous behavior recognition approach that incorporates a lightweight deep learning model (Lite3D), object detection, and multitarget tracking. Lite3D is characterized in threefold: (1) image frames contain only regions of interest (ROI) generated by an object detector; (2) no fully connected layers are needed, the prediction head itself is a flatten layer of 1 × $${\mathcal{l}}$$
l
@ 1× 1, $${\mathcal{l}}$$
l
= number of categories; (3) all the convolution kernels are 3D, except the first layer degenerated to 2D. Through the tracking, a sequence of ROI-only frames is subjected to 3D convolutions for stacked feature extraction. Compared to other 3D models, Lite3D is 50 times smaller in size and 57 times lighter in terms of trainable parameters and can achieve 99% of F1-score. Lite3D is ideal for mounting on ROV or AUV to perform real-time edge computing.
Tripartite motif 31 drives gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion through activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by regulating Axin1 protein stability
Authors: Feng Qi , Nie Fengting , Gan Lihong , Wei Xianpin , Liu Peng , Liu Hui , Zhang Kaige , Fang Ziling , Wang Heng , Fang Nian 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMounting evidence has proposed the importance of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and tripartite motif 31 (TRIM31) in certain malignancies. Our research aimed to clarify the correlation between aberrant TRIM31 expression and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway during gastric cancer (GC) oncogenesis and development. TRIM31 was drastically elevated in GC tissues and was closely associated with aggressive clinical outcomes and poor prognosis. Moreover, TRIM31 downregulation attenuated GC cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Mechanistically, TRIM31 could bind and ubiquitinate Axin1 protein, thereby facilitating the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Additionally, Axin1 knockdown partially abrogated the inhibitory effects on the proliferative, invasive and migratory abilities of GC cells induced by TRIM31 silencing. Furthermore, TRIM31 was negatively correlated with Axin1 protein expression in GC tissues. In summary, we revealed a new TRIM31-Axin1-Wnt/β-catenin axis that contributed greatly to the progression of GC, and targeting this regulatory axis may represent an effective treatment for GC patients.
Differential spatial distribution of HNF4α isoforms during dysplastic progression of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms of the pancreas
Authors: Wong Jahg , Trinh Vincent Q. , Jyotsana Nidhi , Baig Jumanah F. , Revetta Frank , Shi Chanjuan , Means Anna L. , DelGiorno Kathleen E. , Tan Marcus 
Published: November 2023

AbstractHepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4-alpha (HNF4α) comprises a nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-dependent transcription factors that yields twelve isoforms in humans, classified into promoters P1 or P2-associated groups with specific functions. Alterations in HNF4α isoforms have been associated with tumorigenesis. However, the distribution of its isoforms during progression from dysplasia to malignancy has not been studied, nor has it yet been studied in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms, where both malignant and pre-malignant forms are routinely clinically identified. We examined the expression patterns of pan-promoter, P1-specific, and P2-specific isoform groups in normal pancreatic components and IPMNs. Pan-promoter, P1 and P2 nuclear expression were weakly positive in normal pancreatic components. Nuclear expression for all isoform groups was increased in low-grade IPMN, high-grade IPMN, and well-differentiated invasive adenocarcinoma. Poorly differentiated invasive components in IPMNs showed loss of all forms of HNF4α. Pan-promoter, and P1-specific HNF4α expression showed shifts in subnuclear and sub-anatomical distribution in IPMN, whereas P2 expression was consistently nuclear. Tumor cells with high-grade dysplasia at the basal interface with the stroma showed reduced expression of P1, while P2 was equally expressed in both components. Additional functional studies are warranted to further explore the mechanisms underlying the spatial and differential distribution of HNF4α isoforms in IPMNs.
Genetic polymorphism and natural selection of the erythrocyte binding antigen 175 region II in Plasmodium falciparum populations from Myanmar and Vietnam
Authors: Võ Tuấn Cường , Lê Hương Giang , Kang Jung-Mi , Naw Haung , Yoo Won Gi , Myint Moe Kyaw , Quang Huynh Hong , Na Byoung-Kuk 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPlasmodium falciparum erythrocyte binding antigen 175 (PfEBA-175) plays essential role in erythrocyte invasion by the parasite and is a leading vaccine candidate. However, its genetic diversity in global isolates is a concern in developing an universal vaccine incorporating this protein. This study aimed to investigate genetic polymorphisms and natural selection of pfeba-175 region II (RII) in Myanmar and Vietnam P. falciparum isolates. Vietnam pfeba-175 RII displayed a low genetic polymorphism, while Myanmar pfeba-175 RII showed high levels of genetic diversity across the region. Point mutations, deletion, and recombinations were main factors contributing to genetic diversities in P. falciparum populations. Global pfeba-175 RII revealed similar, but not identical, genetic polymorphisms and natural selection profiles. Despite profiles of amino acid substitutions differed among populations, five major amino acid changes (K279E, E403K, K481I, Q584K, and R664) were commonly detected in global pfeba-175 RII populations. Haplotype network and genetic differentiation analyses of global pfeba-175 RII populations demonstrated no geographical relationships. Non-neglectable level of genetic diversity was observed in global pfeba-175 RII populations, emphasizing the need to consider this when designing an effective vaccine based on this protein. This study underscores the importance of the continuous monitoring of genetic diversity of pfeba-175 RII in the global P. falciparum populations.
Spatial-temporal simulation for hospital infection spread and outbreaks of Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Kim Denisse , Canovas-Segura Bernardo , Jimeno-Almazán Amaya , Campos Manuel , Juarez Jose M. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractValidated and curated datasets are essential for studying the spread and control of infectious diseases in hospital settings, requiring clinical information on patients’ evolution and their location. The literature shows that approaches based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the development of clinical-support systems have benefits that are increasingly recognized. However, there is a lack of available high-volume data, necessary for trusting such AI models. One effective method in this situation involves the simulation of realistic data. Existing simulators primarily focus on implementing compartmental epidemiological models and contact networks to validate epidemiological hypotheses. Nevertheless, other practical aspects such as the hospital building distribution, shifts or safety policies on infections has received minimal attention. In this paper, we propose a novel approach for a simulator of nosocomial infection spread, combining agent-based patient description, spatial-temporal constraints of the hospital settings, and microorganism behavior driven by epidemiological models. The predictive validity of the model was analyzed considering micro and macro-face validation, parameter calibration based on literature review, model alignment, and sensitive analysis with an expert. This simulation model is useful in monitoring infections and in the decision-making process in a hospital, by helping to detect spatial-temporal patterns and predict statistical data about the disease.
An industrial procedure for the intestinal permeability enhancement of acyclovir: in-vitro and histological evidence
Authors: Mady Omar Y. , Thabit Sara Mohsen , Abo Elnasr Suzan E. , Hedaya Asmaa A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAcyclovir, an antiviral drug, has low bioavailability due to its low permeability. Consequently, high drug doses and frequent administration are required. This study investigates the use of span 60, at different concentrations, as a granulating agent to enhance drug permeability using an industrial procedure on a pilot scale. The micromeritics, drug content, drug crystallinity, drug partition coefficient, and drug release of the produced formulations were examined. The findings revealed an enhanced drug partition coefficient, suggesting drug entrapment in the polar portion of span 60. The drug release profiles exhibited rapid and complete drug release. The improvement of the drug permeability was evaluated using a modified non-everted sac technique. Notably, drug permeability through the rabbit intestine significantly improved, as evidenced by various calculated permeation parameters, providing insights into the drug absorption mechanism. The widening of the paracellular pathway was observed through histological examination of the rabbit intestinal segment, which aligns with the drug absorption mechanism. The utilization of a paracellular pathway enhancer as a granulating agent holds promise as a strategy to enhance the oral bioavailability of class III drugs. Overall, this study presents a novel drug delivery approach to enhance drug permeation and bioavailability, with potential implications for other medications.
The impact of primary percutaneous coronary intervention strategies during ST-elevation myocardial infarction on the prevalence of coronary microvascular dysfunction
Authors: Aldujeli Ali , Haq Ayman , Tsai Tsung-Ying , Grabauskyte Ingrida , Tatarunas Vacis , Briedis Kasparas , Rana Sumit , Unikas Ramunas , Hamadeh Anas , Serruys Patrick W. , Brilakis Emmanouil S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCoronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) is a common complication of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and can lead to adverse cardiovascular events. This is a non-randomized, observational, prospective study of STEMI patients with multivessel disease who underwent primary PCI, grouped based on whether they underwent balloon pre-dilatation stenting or direct stenting of the culprit lesion. Coronary physiology measurements were performed 3 months post-PCI including coronary flow reserve (CFR) and index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) measurements at the culprit vessel. The primary endpoint was the prevalence of CMD at 3 months, defined as IMR ≥ 25 or CFR < 2.0 with a normal fractional flow reserve. Secondary endpoints included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) at 12 months. Two hundred ten patients were enrolled; most were men, 125 (59.5%), with a median age of 65 years. One hundred twelve (53.2%) underwent balloon pre-dilatation before stenting, and 98 (46.7%) underwent direct stenting. The prevalence of CMD at 3 months was lower in the direct stenting group than in the balloon pre-dilatation stenting group (12.24% vs. 40.18%; p < 0.001). Aspiration thrombectomy and administration of intracoronary glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were associated with lower odds of CMD (OR = 0.175, p = 0.001 and OR = 0.113, p = 0.001, respectively). Notably, MACE in patients who underwent direct stenting was lower than in those who underwent balloon pre-dilatation before stenting (14.29% vs. 26.79%; p = 0.040). In STEMI patients with multivessel disease, direct stenting of the culprit lesion, aspiration thrombectomy and administration of intracoronary glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors were associated with a lower prevalence of CMD at 3 months and lower incidence of MACE at 12 months compared with balloon pre-dilatation stenting.This trial is registered at https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT05406297.
Sympathetic nervous system responses during complex walking tasks and community ambulation post-stroke
Authors: Bansal Kanika , Clark David J. , Fox Emily J. , Rose Dorian K. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractStroke survivors frequently report increased perceived challenge of walking (PCW) in complex environments, restricting their daily ambulation. PCW is conventionally measured through subjective questionnaires or, more recently, through objective quantification of sympathetic nervous system activity during walking tasks. However, how these measurements of PCW reflect daily walking activity post-stroke is unknown. We aimed to compare the subjective and objective assessments of PCW in predicting home and community ambulation. In 29 participants post-stroke, we measured PCW subjectively with the Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale and objectively through electrodermal activity, quantified by change in skin conductance levels (SCL) and skin conductance responses (SCR) between outdoor-complex and indoor-steady-state walking. High-PCW participants were categorized into high-change SCL (ΔSCL ≥ 1.7 μs), high-change SCR (ΔSCR ≥ 0.2 μs) and low ABC (ABC < 72%) groups, while low-PCW participants were categorized into low-change SCL (ΔSCL < 1.7 μs), low-change SCR (ΔSCR < 0.2 μs) and high-ABC (ABC ≥ 72%) groups. Number and location of daily steps were quantified with accelerometry and Global Positioning System devices. Compared to low-change SCL group, the high-change SCL group took fewer steps in home and community (p = 0.04). Neither ABC nor SCR groups differed in home or community steps/day. Objective measurement of PCW via electrodermal sensing more accurately represents home and community ambulation compared to the subjective questionnaire.
Pre-earthquake anomaly extraction from borehole strain data based on machine learning
Authors: Chi Chengquan , Li Chenyang , Han Ying , Yu Zining , Li Xiang , Zhang Dewang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBorehole strain monitoring plays a critical role in earthquake precursor research. With the accumulation of observation data, traditional data processing methods struggle to handle the challenges of big data. This study proposes a segmented variational mode decomposition method and a GRU-LUBE deep learning network based on machine learning theory. The algorithm enhances data correlation during decomposition and effectively predicts borehole strain data changes. We extract pre-earthquake anomalies from four-component borehole strain data of the Guza station for two major earthquakes in Sichuan (Wenchuan and Lushan earthquakes), obtaining more comprehensive anomalies than previous studies. Statistical analysis reveals similar abnormal phenomena in the Guza station’s borehole strain data before both earthquakes, suggesting shared crustal stress accumulation and release patterns. These findings highlight the need for further research to improve earthquake prediction and preparedness through understanding underlying mechanisms.
The efficacy and safety of multi-loop traction device for gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection: a single center prospective pilot study
Authors: Kitahara Gen , Kaneko Toru , Ishido Kenji , Furue Yasuaki , Wada Takuya , Watanabe Akinori , Tanabe Satoshi , Kusano Chika 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAlthough gastric endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely used, the degree of difficulty varies greatly depending on the lesion. Since the multi-loop traction device (MLTD) has been suggested to shorten the procedure time in colorectal ESD, we examined the efficacy and safety of using the MLTD in gastric ESD. Thirty patients with gastric neoplasms were prospectively enrolled from February 2022 to December 2022, and the outcomes of ESD with the MLTD were evaluated. The primary outcomes were procedure time and dissection speed. The secondary outcomes were en bloc and R0 resection rates, MLTD attachment time, and complications of ESD with the MLTD. After excluding 1 patient, 29 patients (29 lesions) were treated by ESD with the MLTD. The median procedure time was 26 min (range, 9–210 min), and the median submucosal dissection speed was 39.9 mm2/min (12.4–102.7 mm2/min). The rate of en bloc resection was 100%, the median MLTD attachment time was 3 min (1–7 min), and none of the patients showed intraoperative or postoperative perforations. Thus, gastric ESD with the MLTD showed a favorable procedure time and dissection speed and an acceptable complication rate. Hence, the MLTD may be effective for gastric ESD.
Differences in the early stages of motor learning between visual-motor illusion and action observation
Authors: Sakai Katsuya , Kawasaki Tsubasa , Ikeda Yumi , Tanabe Junpei , Matsumoto Akari , Amimoto Kazu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe visual-motor illusion (VMI) induces a kinesthetic illusion by watching one’s physically-moving video while the body is at rest. It remains unclear whether the early stages (immediately to one hour later) of motor learning are promoted by VMI. This study investigated whether VMI changes the early stages of motor learning in healthy individuals. Thirty-six participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the VMI or action observation condition. Each condition was performed with the left hand for 20 min. The VMI condition induced a kinesthetic illusion by watching one’s ball-rotation task video. The action observation condition involved watching the same video as the VMI condition but did not induce a kinesthetic illusion. The ball-rotation task and brain activity during the task were measured pre, post1 (immediately), and post2 (after 1 h) in both conditions, and brain activity was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The rate of the ball-rotation task improved significantly at post1 and post2 in the VMI condition than in the action observation condition. VMI condition lowers left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and right premotor area activity from post1 to pre compared to the action observation condition. In conclusion, VMI effectively aids early stages of motor learning in healthy individuals.