bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Nursing Assessment for Early Identification of Post Operative Gastrointestinal Dysfunction (POGD) in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery
Authors: Siby Tessy , Shajimon Alice , Mullen Daniel , Gillani Shahnaz , Ong Jeffrey R. , Dinkins Nikki E. , Kruse Brittany , Patel Carla , Messick Craig , Gourmelon Nicole , Butler Mary R. , Gottumukkala Vijaya
Published: July 2024

Background: Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD) remains a common morbidity after gastrointestinal surgery. POGD is associated with delayed hospital recovery, increased length of stay, poor patient satisfaction and experience, and increased economic hardship. The I-FEED scoring system was created by a group of experts to address the lack of a consistent objective definition of POGD. However, the I-FEED tool needs clinical validation before it can be adopted into clinical practice. The scope of this phase 1 Quality Improvement initiative involves the feasibility of implementing percussion into the nursing workflow without additional burden. Methods: All gastrointestinal/colorectal surgical unit registered nurses underwent comprehensive training in abdominal percussion. This involved understanding the technique, its application in postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction assessment, and its integration into the existing nursing documentation in the Electronic Health Record (EHR). After six months of education and practice, a six-question survey was sent to all inpatient GI surgical unit nurses about incorporating the percussion assessment into their routine workflow and documentation. Results: Responses were received from 91% of day-shift nurses and 76% of night-shift registered nurses. Overall, 95% of the nurses were confident in completing the abdominal percussion during their daily assessment. Conclusion: Nurses’ effective use of the I-FEED tool may help improve patient outcomes after surgery. The tool could also be an effective instrument for the early identification of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD) in surgical patients.
Prediction of the Cause of Glaucoma Disease Identified by Glaucoma Optical Coherence Tomography Test in Relation to Diabetes and Hypertension at a National Hospital in Seoul: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lee Sun Jung , Jeon Jae-Sik , Kang Ji-Hyuk , Kim Jae Kyung
Published: July 2024

Glaucoma remains the primary cause of long-term blindness. While diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension (HTN) are known to influence glaucoma, other factors such as age and sex may be involved. In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the associations between age, sex, DM, HTN, and glaucoma risk. We employed optical coherence tomography (OCT) conducted using a 200 × 200-pixel optic cube (Cirrus HD OCT 6000, version 10.0; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA). Effects obscured by low-test signals were disregarded. Data were amassed from 1337 patients. Among them, 218 and 402 patients had DM and HTN, respectively, with 133 (10%) exhibiting both. A sex-based comparison revealed slightly greater retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) thickness in females. Patients without DM and HTN were predominantly in their 50 s and 60 s, whereas DM and HTN were most prevalent in those in their 60 s and 70 s. Both RNFL and GCIPL thicknesses decreased with advancing age in most patients. The study revealed that older individuals were more prone to glaucoma than younger individuals, with a higher incidence among patients with DM and HTN and reduced RNFL and GCIPL thicknesses. Furthermore, early detection before advancing age could furnish valuable preventive insights.
Bidirectional Copy–Paste Mamba for Enhanced Semi-Supervised Segmentation of Transvaginal Uterine Ultrasound Images
Authors: Peng Boyuan , Liu Yiyang , Wang Wenwen , Zhou Qin , Fang Li , Zhu Xin
Published: July 2024

Automated perimetrium segmentation of transvaginal ultrasound images is an important process for computer-aided diagnosis of uterine diseases. However, ultrasound images often contain various structures and textures, and these structures have different shapes, sizes, and contrasts; therefore, accurately segmenting the parametrium region of the uterus in transvaginal uterine ultrasound images is a challenge. Recently, many fully supervised deep learning-based methods have been proposed for the segmentation of transvaginal ultrasound images. Nevertheless, these methods require extensive pixel-level annotation by experienced sonographers. This procedure is expensive and time-consuming. In this paper, we present a bidirectional copy–paste Mamba (BCP-Mamba) semi-supervised model for segmenting the parametrium. The proposed model is based on a bidirectional copy–paste method and incorporates a U-shaped structure model with a visual state space (VSS) module instead of the traditional sampling method. A dataset comprising 1940 transvaginal ultrasound images from Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology is utilized for training and evaluation. The proposed BCP-Mamba model undergoes comparative analysis with two widely recognized semi-supervised models, BCP-Net and U-Net, across various evaluation metrics including Dice, Jaccard, average surface distance (ASD), and Hausdorff_95. The results indicate the superior performance of the BCP-Mamba semi-supervised model, achieving a Dice coefficient of 86.55%, surpassing both U-Net (80.72%) and BCP-Net (84.63%) models. The Hausdorff_95 of the proposed method is 14.56. In comparison, the counterparts of U-Net and BCP-Net are 23.10 and 21.34, respectively. The experimental findings affirm the efficacy of the proposed semi-supervised learning approach in segmenting transvaginal uterine ultrasound images. The implementation of this model may alleviate the expert workload and facilitate more precise prediction and diagnosis of uterine-related conditions.
Effect of a Two-Week Diet without Meat and Poultry on Serum Coenzyme Q10 Levels
Authors: Suzuki Toshikazu
Published: July 2024

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential compound for energy production in the mitochondria and the antioxidation of lipid-soluble substances in cells. As it can be biosynthesized in cells, CoQ10 is not an essential nutrient. However, its intake through meals contributes to the maintenance of CoQ10 levels in the body. Therefore, understanding the effects of daily diet on serum CoQ10 levels is crucial. This study investigated the effect of a two-week diet without meat or poultry, which are rich in CoQ10 content, on serum CoQ10 levels of 22 young women aged 20–21 years. Upon restricting the intake of meat and poultry, the participants’ average daily intake of CoQ10 from meals decreased from 2.1 ± 0.6 to 1.1 ± 0.5 mg/day. Simultaneously, the average serum reduced, oxidized, and total CoQ10 levels decreased by 14%, 31%, and 16%, respectively, after the two-week dietary intervention, whereas the reduced serum CoQ10 ratio increased significantly. These results suggest that meat and poultry are significant sources of CoQ10 in the diet. Dietary habits affect serum CoQ10 levels; however, further research is required to determine whether people who follow long-term diets with lower serum CoQ10 levels, such as a healthy reference diet proposed by the EAT-Lancet Commission in addition to vegetarian and vegan diets, need CoQ10 supplementation to maintain health and achieve healthy longevity.
Phase and Amplitude Modes in the Anisotropic Dicke Model with Matter Interactions
Authors: Herrera Romero Ricardo , Bastarrachea-Magnani Miguel Angel
Published: July 2024

Phase and amplitude modes, also called polariton modes, are emergent phenomena that manifest across diverse physical systems, from condensed matter and particle physics to quantum optics. We study their behavior in an anisotropic Dicke model that includes collective matter interactions. We study the low-lying spectrum in the thermodynamic limit via the Holstein–Primakoff transformation and contrast the results with the semi-classical energy surface obtained via coherent states. We also explore the geometric phase for both boson and spin contours in the parameter space as a function of the phases in the system. We unveil novel phenomena due to the unique critical features provided by the interplay between the anisotropy and matter interactions. We expect our results to serve the observation of phase and amplitude modes in current quantum information platforms.
Reading, Viewing, Writing, Creating and Talking about Persuasive Multimodal Texts in the Elementary Years
Authors: Exley Beryl , Hoyte Frances
Published: July 2024

In this article, we overview the research literature exploring the teaching of evaluative language in written and/or visual texts in the elementary years of schooling. We then review the recently redrafted Australian Curriculum: English to identify the emphasis given to the teaching of evaluative language and the grammar of visual design across the elementary years of schooling in Australia. Also featured is the importance of the persuasive genre, and multimodal texts. The focus of our research work is on one Year 4 elementary years school teacher who scaffolds her students to bring all of this knowledge together to read/view and write/create in ways that take seriously the powerful written and visual language use of persuasive multimodal texts. The students are undertaking an inquiry topic “Sharks: Dangerous or Misunderstood?”. As part of the unit, students are exploring the written and visual grammar of danger signs. The students explore these texts by making a danger sign they would expect to see at the beach, as well as a danger sign for something that is not typically dangerous such as a ladybug. We examine the students’ use of the grammar of appraisal and the grammar of visual design, and their capacity to discuss the knowledge/power relationship of their own persuasive multimodal texts during an interview with their teacher.
Digitized Evaluation of Academic Opportunities to Learn (OTLs) Concerning Linguistically Responsive Teaching (LRT): Descriptive Results from Nine Universities
Authors: Lemmrich Svenja , Spiekermeier Gimenes Sina , Ehmke Timo
Published: July 2024

Teachers in Germany are not adequately prepared to teach in a linguistically responsive way. To change that, multiple development and research projects in this area have been established over the past decade. Recent studies show that pre-service teachers still have few opportunities to learn (OTLs) in the field of linguistically responsive teaching (LRT). This study aimed to transfer the theoretical model and the DaZKom test into pre-service teacher training and evaluate LRT-relevant OTLs at nine different universities across Germany with 1649 pre-service teachers. We focused on how LRT-relevant OTLs were perceived by pre-service teachers, how LRT-related OTLs and pre-service teachers’ academic backgrounds (course of studies and experience) were related, and how OTLs impacted LRT competence. This study was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the teacher training and evaluations were conducted digitally. We found that pre-service teachers report a relatively low number of LRT-relevant OTLs in their studies. In particular, LRT-relevant activities have so far been taught very rarely at universities. Also, different emphases still prevail at universities regarding the qualitative and quantitative offer of LRT-relevant OTLs, because of differences among the nine participating universities. Based on these findings, we recommend that universities offer LRT-relevant learning opportunities in the curriculum.
Matrix Separation and Poisson Multi-Bernoulli Mixture Filtering for Extended Multi-Target Tracking with Infrared Images
Authors: Su Jian , Zhou Haiyin , Yu Qi , Zhu Jubo , Liu Jiying
Published: July 2024

Multi-target tracking using infrared images is receiving more and more attention. There are many state-of-the-art methods, and the deep learning network and low-rank and sparse matrix separation are two kinds of methods with high accuracy. However, the former suffers from heavy training samples, and the latter requires high-dimensional processing, meaning its computing cost is huge. In this work, a united detection and tracking method with matrix separation and PMBM filtering is proposed. In the detection process, a low-rank and sparse matrix separation algorithm with a differentiable form based on a single image is constructed. In the filtering process, the multi-target state is modeled as a PMBM distribution, which is conjugate in the Bayesian framework. The two processes interact mutually in that the detection provides measurements, and the filtering offers prior information for the next detection to improve accuracy. The computational complexity is given by a theoretical analysis, which shows a significant reduction. The numerical analysis, carried out on a practical dataset, verifies an enhancement in the BSF and SCRG metrics and ROC curves.
Inertia–Active Power Filter Design Based on Repetitive Control
Authors: Zhou Jinghua , Fan Di , Sun Yifei
Published: July 2024

The advent of distributed generation has brought with it a plethora of challenges for the nascent power systems that are being deployed on a large scale. Firstly, the majority of power electronic converters connected to the grid are in current source mode, which results in a lack of inertia and an inability to provide effective inertia or achieve damping support during fluctuations in grid frequency. Secondly, the issue of power quality, caused by the presence of harmonics, is becoming increasingly severe. This is particularly problematic in microgrids or systems with high line impedance, where harmonics can be amplified, thereby further compromising the stability of the power system. To address the deficiency in system inertia, numerous scholars are currently utilizing grid-forming (GFM) technology to achieve virtual inertia. In order to address the issue of system harmonics, it is possible to install active power filter (APF) devices at the point of common coupling (PCC), which serve to mitigate the effects of harmonics. This paper puts forth a proposal for the implementation of an APF with virtual inertia, based on PR + RC composite control. This composite control mechanism serves to enhance the harmonic suppression capabilities of the APF. The introduction of a frequency droop enables the capacitor voltage amplitude to be adjusted during fluctuations in system frequency, thereby achieving virtual inertia and providing active support for system frequency. The experimental results demonstrate that this strategy not only reduces the total harmonic distortion (THD) by 13% in comparison to PI control, indicating excellent harmonic suppression performance, but also allows the system to be inert, achieving positive results in suppressing frequency fluctuations during transients.
From Lab to Nursery: Novel Approaches of Seed Disinfection for Managing Pine Pitch Canker Propagation
Authors: Fernandes Luís , Paiva Diana S. , Silva Ana C. , Fernandes Cláudia , Fernandes Ana Rita , Ribeiro Dina , Martins Luís , Bragança Helena , Portugal António
Published: July 2024

Fusarium circinatum, the causative agent of pine pitch canker disease, is a pathogenic fungus that poses a significant threat to pine forests globally. It infects various Pinus species, causing resinous cankers, needle discoloration, and tree death. The disease severely impacts forest ecosystems, necessitating cost-effective and environmentally friendly management strategies. Contaminated pine seeds and seedlings are the main pathways for introducing this fungus to disease-free areas. To mitigate this disease and prevent its spread, it is crucial to implement new processes in forest plant production systems that align with the existing conditions of forest nurseries, ensuring effective and sustainable management. With this in mind, a national collaborative study involving 14 Portuguese partners was initiated to develop new prevention and mitigation strategies. In this work, four different treatments—MennoFlorades, Captan, ethanol, and hot water—were tested for their ability to eliminate F. circinatum from contaminated Pinus seeds in vitro. The most effective treatments were selected for further in vitro assays and real-context nursery germination trials to assess their impacts on seed germination, plant production, and certification. MennoFlorades, Captan, and hot water were tested in the nursery, with hot water showing the most promising results due to its negligible impact on seedlings, eco-friendly nature, ease of implementation, and cost-effectiveness. These findings offer promising prospects for preventing pine pitch canker outbreaks in nurseries and, consequently, in forests.
The Application of Percolation Theory in Modeling the Vertical Distribution of Soil Organic Carbon in the Changbai Mountains
Authors: Yu Fang , Fan Chunnan
Published: July 2024

A power-law formulation rooted in percolation theory has proven effective in depicting the vertical distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) in temperate forest subsoils. While the model suggests the solute as the primary factor distributing SOC, this may not hold true in the surface soil in which roots contribute significantly to the SOC. This study in the Changbai Mountains Mixed Forests ecoregion (CMMF) evaluates the SOC profiles in three forests to assess the model’s efficacy throughout the soil column. Prediction of the SOC profile based on the regional average values was also assessed using field data. The observed scaling aligned well with predictions in mixed broadleaved and broadleaved Korean pine mixed forests, but disparities emerged in birch forest, possibly due to waterlogging. The predicted SOC levels correlate strongly with the field data and align well with the normalized average SOC levels. The findings suggest that the model remains applicable in the CMMF when considering root-derived carbon. However, the hindrance of solute transport may have a greater impact than roots do. The spatial heterogeneity of the SOC means that a single predicted SOC value at a specific depth may not fit all sites, but the overall agreement highlights the potential of the model for predicting the average or representative SOC profiles, which could further aid in regional-scale carbon stock estimation.
Functional Characterization of Abdominal-A in the Pine Caterpillar Moth, Dendrolimus punctatus
Authors: Liu Huihui , Chen Lin , Ma Qinghua , Wang Xinghong , Zhang Sufang , Zhou Xuguo
Published: July 2024

Hox genes, specifically the bithorax complex (ubx, abdominal-a, and abdominal-b), play a crucial role in specifying posterior abdominal development and serve as key regulators of germline gene development in insects. However, the function of the bithorax complex in the pine caterpillar moth, Dendrolimus punctatus, a major pine tree defoliator in China, remains largely unknown. Specifically, Abdominal-A (Abd-a) controls regional variation in abdominal segmentation in model insects such as Drosophila and Tribolium; however, its role in D. Punctatus remains unexplored. In this study, CRISPR/Cas9 was used to functionally characterize Abd-a in D. punctatus. Two target sites were selected, and the genotypes and phenotypes of the G0 and G1 generations were evaluated. Our findings indicate that knocking out Abd-a led to an abnormality in the posterior segments A2–A7, as well as the loss of appendages, mainly prolegs, and affected the thoracic T3 segmentation as well as wing development. Moreover, mutation in Abd-a also impacted anal and reproductive development. Taken together, these results demonstrate that DpAbd-a is essential for embryonic and reproductive development in D. punctatus and could be a promising target for genetic control of this devastating conifer defoliator.
Sap Flow Density of the Prevailing Tree Species in a Hemiboreal Forest under Contrasting Meteorological and Growing Conditions
Authors: Augustaitis Algirdas , Pivoras Ainis
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to assess the adaptive capacity of the dominant tree species in Lithuania, namely Scots pine, Norway spruce, and silver birch, to current climate conditions based on their changes in transpiration expressed through the tree sap flow intensity. The species-specific responses were investigated at two typical edaphically different forest sites with water-limited and water-saturated soils. Contrasting events like overflow in 2017 and drought in 2019 provided an opportunity to detect the adaptative capacity of the monitored tree species to these meteorological extremes. Norway spruce trees, due to having both the most intense sap flow at the beginning of the growing season and the longest period of active transpiration, demonstrated the highest annual transpiration rate, regardless of the hydrological regime of the site. Their decreased resilience to subsequent biogenic damage caused by pests due to a significant decrease in sap flow density during intense and prolonged droughts may reduce their importance in Lithuanian forestry. Silver birch trees, which demonstrated a reduction in sap flow after a drought following the untimely drop of their leaves and the end of active vegetation, even at the end of a prolonged warm period, can be seen to not have appropriate adaptations to current climate conditions. Scots pine trees are the best adapted to mitigating the recent threats of climate change.
Software-Bus-Toolchain (SBT): Introducing a Versatile Method for Quickly Implementing (I)IoT-Scenarios
Authors: Anton Simon D. Duque
Published: July 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) has become ubiquitous. IoT devices are applied in a multitude of applications, e.g., in smart home scenarios, building automation, smart energy and smart cities, healthcare, and industrial environments. Fast and efficient implementation and roll-out of IoT devices is a critical factor for successs and acceptance of IoT devices. At the same time, the variety of hardware platforms that can be used for IoT applications, as well as the number of IoT orchestration platforms is increasing. Finding the right combination of tooling and hardware is not trivial, but essential for building applications that provide value. In this work, a Software-Bus-Toolchain (SBT) is introduced that encapsulates firmware design, data point definition, and communication protocol usage. Furthermore, an IoT control platform is provided to control and evaluate the IoT modules. Thus, using the SBT, solely the business logic has to be designed, while the hardware-design is automated to a high degree. Usage of the Zephyr framework allows the interchange of hardware modules, while interfaces provide easy adaption of data points and communication capabilities. The implementation of interfaces to the IoT-platform as well as to the communication layer provides a universal usage of logic and data elements. The SBT is evaluated in two application scenarios, where its flexible nature is shown.
Anisotropy and Fiber Orientation: A Key Player in the Lateral Imbibition of Cellulose Paper
Authors: Bloch Pierre-Yves , Bloch Jean-Francis , Olejnik Konrad , Brissaud Daniel
Published: July 2024

In this article, we delve into the influence of fiber orientation (structural anisotropy) on paper imbibition, with a particular focus on in-plane imbibition. Utilizing the XLPA experimental method, we analyze several papers with different anisotropies, employing a constant volume of ethanol as the imbibing fluid. Our findings contribute novel insights into the anisotropic behavior of imbibition, a topic not extensively covered in the literature. We analyze how the orientation of fibers significantly influences lateral imbibition, providing a deeper understanding of the microfluidic properties of paper. The anisotropies found for imbibition fit perfectly with the existing data found in the literature, indicating the influence of fiber orientation. Furthermore, the kinetics are shown to be linked directly with the porosity.
Knowledge Mapping of the Development Trend of Smart Fisheries in China: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Qin Qiu-Yuan , Liu Jia-Ying , Chen Yong-He , Wang Xin-Ruo , Chu Ta-Jen
Published: July 2024

In recent years, smart fisheries, as an emerging model for fishery development, have become a research hotspot in the fishery and aquaculture industries of many countries. Smart fisheries can be thought of as a system that combines techniques for raising, catching, or selling aquatic products to improve production and sustainable development. Smart fisheries are crucial to improving fishery and aquaculture management. In this study, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using bibliometric analysis, the results of which are presented through visual mapping and data charts. This study collected data from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database and compared it with the WoS database. A total of 949 articles were retrieved on topics related to smart fisheries, including 579 articles from WoS and 370 articles from CNKI. The results present the visualization and analysis of annual publications, author collaboration maps, research collaboration institutions, keywords, etc. The development of smart fisheries in China is obviously different from that in foreign countries. China attaches great importance to technology and production, while foreign countries focus on environmental issues. Therefore, this study helps us to understand the current research status, research hotspots, and future development directions of smart fisheries, providing certain references for future management.
Recent Advances and Perspectives on Food-Grade Immobilisation Systems for Enzymes
Authors: Chalella Mazzocato Marcella , Jacquier Jean-Christophe
Published: July 2024

The use of enzyme immobilisation is becoming increasingly popular in beverage processing, as this method offers significant advantages, such as enhanced enzyme performance and expanded applications, while allowing for easy process termination via simple filtration. This literature review analysed approximately 120 articles, published on the Web of Science between 2000 and 2023, focused on enzyme immobilisation systems for beverage processing applications. The impact of immobilisation on enzymatic activity, including the effects on the chemical and kinetic properties, recyclability, and feasibility in continuous processes, was evaluated. Applications of these systems to beverage production, such as wine, beer, fruit juices, milk, and plant-based beverages, were examined. The immobilisation process effectively enhanced the pH and thermal stability but caused negative impacts on the kinetic properties by reducing the maximum velocity and Michaelis–Menten constant. However, it allowed for multiple reuses and facilitated continuous flow processes. The encapsulation also allowed for easy process control by simplifying the removal of the enzymes from the beverages via simple filtration, negating the need for expensive heat treatments, which could result in product quality losses.
Promiscuous Possibilities: Regenerating a Decolonial Genealogy of Samoan Reproduction
Authors: Lopesi Lana , Keil Moeata
Published: July 2024

Most of the common ways of thinking about genealogical reproduction are influenced by colonialism and capitalism, which emphasize the importance of the nuclear family, heterosexuality and reproducing future citizens. Under colonialism and capitalism, Samoan women are disciplined into good reproductive laborers who reproduce the moral family and also wider society. This paper looks to Indigenous feminist discourse of regeneration to place Samoan reproductive labor outside of capitalism and within Indigenous feminist genealogies of world-building, asking what other promiscuous possibilities there are for Samoan regeneration. Here, we present a theoretical exploration: thinking with Indigenous feminism offers a decolonial intervention into Samoan reproduction, placing Samoan women’s labor into an alternative genealogy of Indigenous feminist world-building and outside of colonially imposed genealogies.
Variation of the 3’RR1 HS1.2 Enhancer and Its Genomic Context
Authors: Jodice Carla , Malaspina Patrizia , Ciminelli Bianca Maria , Martinez-Labarga Cristina , Biancolella Michela , Novelli Giuseppe , Novelletto Andrea
Published: July 2024

In humans, the HS1.2 enhancer in the Ig heavy-chain locus is modular, with length polymorphism. Previous studies have shown the following features for this variation: (i) strong population structuring; (ii) association with autoimmune diseases; and (iii) association with developmental changes in Ig expression. The HS1.2 region could then be considered as a contributor to inter-individual diversity in humoral response in adaptive immunity. We experimentally determined the HS1.2-length class genotype in 72 of the 1000 Genomes CEU cell lines and assigned the HS1.2 alleles to haplotypes defined by 18 landmark SNPs. We also sequenced the variable portion and ~200 bp of the flanking DNA of 34 HS1.2 alleles. Furthermore, we computationally explored the ability of different allelic arrangements to bind transcription factors. Non-random association between HS1.2 and Gm allotypes in the European population clearly emerged. We show a wealth of variation in the modular composition of HS1.2, with five SNPs further contributing to diversity. Longer alleles offer more potential sites for binding but, for same-length alleles, SNP variation creates/destroys potential binding sites. Altogether, the arrangements of modules and SNP alleles both inside and outside HS1.2 denote an organization of diversity far from randomness. In the context of the strong divergence of human populations for this genomic region and the reported disease associations, our results suggest that selective forces shaped the pattern of its diversity.
Integrated Approaches and Practical Recommendations in Patient Care Identified with 5q Spinal Muscular Atrophy through Newborn Screening
Authors: Romanelli Tavares Vanessa L. , Mendonça Rodrigo Holanda , Toledo Maytê S. , Hadachi Sônia M. , Grindler Carmela M. , Zanoteli Edmar , Marques Wilson , Oliveira Acary S. B. , Breinis Paulo , Morita Maria da P. A. , França Marcondes C.
Published: July 2024

In recent years, significant progress has been made in 5q Spinal Muscular Atrophy therapeutics, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for better clinical outcomes. Characterized by spinal cord motor neuron degeneration, 5q-SMA leads to muscle weakness, swallowing difficulties, respiratory insufficiency, and skeletal deformities. Recognizing the pre-symptomatic phases supported by screening and confirmatory genetic tests is crucial for early diagnosis. This work addresses key considerations in implementing 5q-SMA screening within the Brazilian National Newborn Screening Program and explores Brazil’s unique challenges and opportunities, including genetic tests, time-to-patient referral to specialized centers, program follow-up, and treatment algorithms. We aim to guide healthcare professionals and policymakers, facilitating global discussions, including Latin American countries, and knowledge-sharing on this critical subject to improve the care for newborns identified with 5q SMA.
Gene Expression Profiling and Qualitative Characteristics in Delaying Flesh Softening of Avocado Fruits
Authors: Anagnostopoulou Ourania , Tsaniklidis Georgios , Paschalidis Konstantinos , Ververidis Filippos
Published: July 2024

In this research, qualitative characteristics were studied under different post-harvest treatments in Hass and Fuerte cultivars of avocado (Persea americana) fruits. The post-harvest treatments performed in fruits of these cultivars comprised Ethrel application and plastic film (membrane) covering. The measurements of qualitative characteristics were related to color; flesh consistency; measurements of titratable acidity, total soluble solids, percentage of total phenolic contents, and ascorbic peroxidase activity; and the real-time (quantitative) polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of gene expression and enzyme activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and beta-galactosidase (β-gal). The experiments found that the application of plastic film has excellent results in retaining qualitative characteristics and enzyme activities via maintaining firmness in higher levels. The plastic film covering appeared to delay ripening without the use of chemicals and, therefore, it has the potential to extend the duration of the post-harvest life of the avocado fruit. Variations between the two cultivars were found in the measurements of total soluble solids (Fuerte cultivar showed an increase of 22%, whereas Hass cultivar showed an increase of 120% in Brix values) and total phenolic contents (Fuerte cultivar showed a decrease of 16% and Hass cultivar showed an increase of 29%). It is worth noting that PAL’s activity increased significantly (over 44%), as compared to other treatments, and β-galactosidase’s activity decreased, as compared to other treatments. In conclusion, plastic film covering results in a decrease in the activity of β-galactosidase, as shown by the reaction of hydrolysis (enzyme activity) but also from the expression of the related genes.
A-to-I Editing Is Subtype-Specific in Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas
Authors: Chen Cai , Bundschuh Ralf
Published: July 2024

Cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease, in which a number of genetic and epigenetic changes occur in tumor onset and progression. Recent studies indicate that changes at the RNA level are also involved in tumorigenesis, such as adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing. Here, we systematically investigate transcriptome-wide A-to-I editing events in a large number of samples from Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs). Using a computational pipeline that determines significant differences in editing level between NHL and normal samples at known A-to-I editing sites, we identify a number of differentially edited editing sites between NHL subtypes and normal samples. Most of the differentially edited sites are located in non-coding regions, and many such sites show a strong correlation between gene expression level and editing efficiency, indicating that RNA editing might have direct consequences for the cancer cell’s aberrant gene regulation status in these cases. Moreover, we establish a strong link between RNA editing and NHL by demonstrating that NHL and normal samples and even NHL subtypes can be distinguished based on genome-wide RNA editing profiles alone. Our study establishes a strong link between RNA editing, cancer and aberrant gene regulation in NHL.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis Identified Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) Underlying Drought-Related Traits in Cultivated Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Dang Phat , Patel Jinesh , Sorensen Ron , Lamb Marshall , Chen Charles Y.
Published: July 2024

Drought is a destructive abiotic stress that affects all critical stages of peanut growth such as emergence, flowering, pegging, and pod filling. The development of a drought-tolerant variety is a sustainable strategy for long-term peanut production. The U.S. mini-core peanut germplasm collection was evaluated for drought tolerance to the middle-season drought treatment phenotyping for pod weight, pod count, relative water content (RWC), specific leaf area (SLA), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), and drought rating. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to identify minor and major QTLs. A total of 144 QTLs were identified, including 18 significant QTLs in proximity to 317 candidate genes. Ten significant QTLs on linkage groups (LGs) A03, A05, A06, A07, A08, B04, B05, B06, B09, and B10 were associated with pod weight and pod count. RWC stages 1 and 2 were correlated with pod weight, pod count, and drought rating. Six significant QTLs on LGs A04, A07, B03, and B04 were associated with RWC stages 1 and 2. Drought rating was negatively correlated with pod yield and pod count and was associated with a significant QTL on LG A06. Many QTLs identified in this research are novel for the evaluated traits, with verification that the pod weight shared a significant QTL on chromosome B06 identified in other research. Identified SNP markers and the associated candidate genes provide a resource for molecular marker development. Verification of candidate genes surrounding significant QTLs will facilitate the application of marker-assisted peanut breeding for drought tolerance.
Congenital Heart Disease and Genetic Changes in Folate/Methionine Cycles
Authors: Karas Kuželički Nataša , Doljak Bojan
Published: July 2024

Congenital heart disease is one of the most common congenital malformations and thus represents a considerable public health burden. Hence, the identification of individuals and families with an increased genetic predisposition to congenital heart disease (CHD) and its possible prevention is important. Even though CHD is associated with the lack of folate during early pregnancy, the genetic background of folate and methionine metabolism perturbations and their influence on CHD risk is not clear. While some genes, such as those coding for cytosolic enzymes of folate/methionine cycles, have been extensively studied, genetic studies of folate transporters (de)glutamation enzymes and mitochondrial enzymes of the folate cycle are lacking. Among genes coding for cytoplasmic enzymes of the folate cycle, MTHFR, MTHFD1, MTR, and MTRR have the strongest association with CHD, while among genes for enzymes of the methionine cycle BHMT and BHMT2 are the most prominent. Among mitochondrial folate cycle enzymes, MTHFD2 plays the most important role in CHD formation, while FPGS was identified as important in the group of (de)glutamation enzymes. Among transporters, the strongest association with CHD was demonstrated for SLC19A1.
SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Epidemiology Dashboards: A Review of Functionality and Technological Frameworks for the Public Health Response
Authors: Sitharam Nikita , Tegally Houriiyah , Silva Danilo de Castro , Baxter Cheryl , de Oliveira Tulio , Xavier Joicymara S.
Published: July 2024

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the number and types of dashboards produced increased to convey complex information using digestible visualizations. The pandemic saw a notable increase in genomic surveillance data, which genomic epidemiology dashboards presented in an easily interpretable manner. These dashboards have the potential to increase the transparency between the scientists producing pathogen genomic data and policymakers, public health stakeholders, and the public. This scoping review discusses the data presented, functional and visual features, and the computational architecture of six publicly available SARS-CoV-2 genomic epidemiology dashboards. We found three main types of genomic epidemiology dashboards: phylogenetic, genomic surveillance, and mutational. We found that data were sourced from different databases, such as GISAID, GenBank, and specific country databases, and these dashboards were produced for specific geographic locations. The key performance indicators and visualization used were specific to the type of genomic epidemiology dashboard. The computational architecture of the dashboards was created according to the needs of the end user. The genomic surveillance of pathogens is set to become a more common tool used to track ongoing and future outbreaks, and genomic epidemiology dashboards are powerful and adaptable resources that can be used in the public health response.
A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of an App-Based Rehabilitation Counselling Program after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Han Sang-Ho , Kong Se-Hee
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a novel app-based rehabilitation counselling program in patients recovering from total knee arthroplasty. In the app-based rehabilitation counselling program, a counselor provides one-on-one rehabilitation exercises and management-focused psychological counselling after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study included 42 patients, who were divided into three groups of 14 patients each: Group A, whose rehabilitation training was based on a guideline leaflet; Group B, whose rehabilitation was based on the app-based rehabilitation counselling program; and Group C, whose rehabilitation training was based on continuous passive motion combined with the app-based rehabilitation counselling program. To determine the effects of rehabilitation, the isokinetic knee muscle strength and knee joint range of motion were measured in addition to knee function tests such as the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain at two and three months after rehabilitation. The comparison of the means of the three groups was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Group C showing significant variance in isokinetic knee muscle strength (p < 0.05), passive ROM (p < 0.01), and WOMAC (p < 0.05) after three months. As a result, this study confirmed the positive potential of the app-based rehabilitation counselling program.
Saps1–3 Antigens in Candida albicans: Differential Modulation Following Exposure to Soluble Proteins, Mammalian Cells, and Infection in Mice
Authors: Barbosa Pedro F. , Gonçalves Diego S. , Ramos Lívia S. , Mello Thaís P. , Braga-Silva Lys A. , Pinto Marcia R. , Taborda Carlos P. , Branquinha Marta H. , Santos André L. S.
Published: July 2024

The secreted aspartic peptidases (Saps) of Candida albicans play crucial roles in various steps of fungal–host interactions. Using a flow cytometry approach, this study investigated the expression of Saps1–3 antigens after (i) incubation with soluble proteins, (ii) interaction with mammalian cells, and (iii) infection in immunosuppressed BALB/c mice. Supplementation strategies involving increasing concentrations of bovine serum albumin (BSA) added to yeast carbon base (YCB) medium as the sole nitrogenous source revealed a positive and significant correlation between BSA concentration and both the growth rate and the percentage of fluorescent cells (%FC) labeled with anti-Saps1–3 antibodies. Supplementing the YCB medium with various soluble proteins significantly modulated the expression of Saps1–3 antigens in C. albicans. Specifically, immunoglobulin G, gelatin, and total bovine/human sera significantly reduced the %FC, while laminin, human serum albumin, fibrinogen, hemoglobin, and mucin considerably increased the %FC compared to BSA. Furthermore, co-cultivating C. albicans yeasts with either live epithelial or macrophage cells induced the expression of Saps1–3 antigens in 78% (mean fluorescence intensity [MFI] = 152.1) and 82.7% (MFI = 178.2) of the yeast cells, respectively, compared to BSA, which resulted in 29.3% fluorescent cells (MFI = 50.9). Lastly, the yeasts recovered from the kidneys of infected immunosuppressed mice demonstrated a 4.8-fold increase in the production of Saps1–3 antigens (MFI = 246.6) compared to BSA, with 95.5% of yeasts labeled with anti-Saps1–3 antibodies. Altogether, these results demonstrated the positive modulation of Saps’ expression in C. albicans by various key host proteinaceous components, as well as by in vitro and in vivo host challenges.
Clinical Features and Characteristics of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease Caused by Recent Coxsackievirus A6: Five Cases in Japan from 2019 to 2022
Authors: Naomiya Kyohei , Ito Takashi , Saito Ayumi , Igarashi Tsukasa , Nakayama Tetsuo , Katayama Kazuhiko , Ishikura Kenji
Published: July 2024

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease caused by enteroviruses. Coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6)-associated HFMD has recently emerged as a predominant disease worldwide. Here, we describe five HFMD cases caused by CV-A6 in Japan from 2019 to 2022. All clinical courses were not severe and were self-limited, and the skin exanthema with vesicles differed from that in classical HFMD. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the major epidemic strain cluster of CV-A6 was formed independently in 2011, and our latest CV-A6 strains in Japan were detected within this cluster. The five cases described in this report indicate the recent shift in the predominant and continuous disease manifestation of CV-A6-associated HFMD.
Hair Dye and Relaxer Use among Cisgender Women in Embu and Nakuru Counties, Kenya: Associations with Perceived Risk of Breast Cancer and Other Health Effects
Authors: Llanos Adana A. M. , Ashrafi Adiba , Olisa Teresa , Rockson Amber , Schaefer Alexis , McDonald Jasmine A. , Terry Mary Beth , Teteh-Brooks Dede K. , Duncan Dustin T. , Irungu Beatrice , Kimani Cecilia , Matu Esther
Published: July 2024

Despite widespread use of hair products globally, little is known about the prevalence and patterns of use in populations outside the United States. As some hair products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and EDCs have been linked to breast cancer, which is increasing globally, in this study, we addressed key knowledge gaps about hair product use and practices, and perceptions of use among women in two counties in Kenya. Using community-engaged approaches in Embu and Nakuru, Kenya, we recruited women aged 15–50 years to complete a questionnaire that ascertained hair product use in the last 7–14 days, ever using hair dyes and chemical relaxers, and participants’ perceptions or harm around hair product use. In multivariable-adjusted regression models, we evaluated associations between participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions of hair product use in relation to if they have ever used hair dyes and relaxers. In our sample of 746 women (mean age, 30.4 ± 8.1 years), approximately one-third of participants reported ever using permanent and/or semi-permanent hair dyes, with approximately one-fifth reporting current use. Almost 60% reported ever using chemical relaxers, with a little over one-third reporting current use. Increasing age and having an occupation in the sales and service industry were statistically significant predictors of hair dye use (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.02–1.06 and OR 2.05, 95% CI: 1.38–3.03, respectively) and relaxer use (OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.06 and OR 1.93, 95% CI: 1.30–2.87). On average, participants reported moderate-to-high levels of concern about exposures and general health effects from using hair products, and relatively high levels of perceived risk of breast cancer related to hair product use. However, in contrast to our hypotheses, we observed mixed evidence regarding whether higher levels of perceived risk were associated with lower odds of ever using hair dyes and relaxers. These findings add new knowledge to the extant literature on hair product use among women in Kenya, where breast cancer incidence rates are increasing. Improving the understanding of patterns of use of specific products and their chemical ingredients—which may be hormone disruptors or carcinogens—and exploring the role of environmental health literacy are critical for developing interventions to reduce potentially harmful exposures found in these products.