bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the gut microbiota and untargeted gut tissue metabolome of Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) with different shell colors
Authors: Zhu Xiaochen , Zhao Yingying , Sun Na , Li Changlei , Jiang Qing , Zhang Yazhao , Wei Hua , Li Yingdong , Hu Qingbiao , Li Xiaodong
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) is a highly valued freshwater crustacean in China. While the natural shell color of E. sinensis is greenish brown (GH), we found a variety with a brownish-orange shell color (RH). Although RH is more expensive, it exhibits a lower molting frequency and growth rate compared with GH, which significantly reduces its yield and hinders large-scale farming. The growth and development of animals are closely related to their gut microbiota and gut tissue metabolic profiles.

Methods

In this study, we compared the gut microbiome communities and metabolic profiles of juvenile RH and GH crabs using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), respectively.

Results

Our findings indicated that the intestinal microbial composition and metabolic characteristics of E. sinensis differed significantly between RH and GH. At the operational taxonomic unit (OTU) level, the α-diversity of the gut microbiota did not differ significantly between RH and GH, while the β-diversity of the RH gut microbiota was higher than that of the GH gut microbiota. At the species level, the richness of unclassified_c_Alphaproteobacteria was significantly higher in the GH group, while the RH group had a significantly higher richness of three low-abundance species, Flavobacteria bacterium BAL38, Paraburkholderia ferrariae, and uncultured_bacterium_g__Legionella. In the current study, 598 gut tissue metabolites were identified, and 159 metabolites were significantly different between GH and RH. The metabolite profile of RH was characteristic of a low level of most amino acids and lipid metabolites and a high level of several pigments compared with that of GH. These metabolites were enriched in 102 KEGG pathways. Four pathways, including (1) Central carbon metabolism in cancer, (2) protein digestion and absorption, (3) alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and (4) aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, were significantly enriched. The correlation analysis between metabolites and microbiotas indicated that most key differential metabolites were positively correlated with the abundance of Shewanella_sp_MR-7.

Discussion

This research provided a greater understanding of the physiological conditions of E. sinensis varieties with different shell colors by comparing the gut microbiota and gut tissue metabolome.
Correlation between neutrophil gelatinase phase lipocalin and cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Yang Ying-hao , Li Shan-shan , Wang Yun-chao , Yu Lu-lu , Zhu Hang-hang , Wu Jing-hao , Yu Wen-kai , An Lu , Yuan Wen-xin , Ji Yan , Xu Yu-ming , Gao Yuan , Li Yu-sheng
Published: July 2023

Background

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) is common in the elderly population. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is closely related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. NGAL causes pathological changes, such as damage to the vascular endothelium, by causing inflammation, which results in other related diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether serum NGAL levels could predict disease severity in patients with CSVD.

Methods

The patients with CSVD who visited the Department of Neurology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between January 2018 and June 2022 were prospectively included. The total CSVD burden score was calculated using whole-brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and the patients were divided into a mild group (total CSVD burden score < 2 points) and a severe group (total CSVD burden score ≥ 2 points). Age, sex, height, smoking and alcohol consumption history, medical history, and serological results of patients were collected to perform the univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors that affect CSVD severity. The multiple linear regression method was used to analyze which individual CSVD markers (periventricular white matter hyperintensities, deep white matter hyperintensities, lacune, and cerebral microbleed) play a role in the association between total CSVD burden score and NGAL.

Results

A total of 427 patients with CSVD (140 in the mild group and 287 in the severe group) were included in the study. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors were significantly associated with CSVD severity: male sex [odds ratio(OR), 1.912; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.150–3.179], age (OR, 1.046; 95% CI, 1.022–1.070), history of cerebrovascular disease (OR, 3.050; 95% CI, 1.764–5.274), serum NGAL level (OR, 1.005; 95% CI, 1.002–1.008), and diabetes (OR, 2.593; 95% CI, 1.424–4.722). A multivariate linear regression shows that periventricular white matter hyperintensities and cerebral microbleed are associated with serum NGAL concentrations (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Serum NGAL level is closely related to CSVD severity and is a risk factor for the burden of CSVD brain damage. Serum NGAL has high specificity in reflecting the severity of CSVD.
Association of lactate-to-albumin ratio with in-hospital and intensive care unit mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Wu Dongjie , Shen Siyuan , Luo Dongmei
Published: July 2023

Background

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe stroke subtype with a high mortality rate; the lactate-to-albumin ratio (LAR) is a new biomarker for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with ICH. However, the relationship between LAR and mortality in patients with ICH treated in the intensive care unit (ICU) remains controversial. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the association between LAR and in-hospital and ICU mortality in patients with ICH.

Methods

Patients with ICH were selected from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database; their clinical information, including baseline characteristics, vital signs, comorbidities, laboratory test results, and scoring systems, was extracted. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses were used to investigate the association of LAR with in-hospital and ICU mortality. The maximum selection statistical method and subgroup analysis were used to investigate these relationships further. Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis was used to draw survival curves.

Results

This study enrolled 237 patients with ICH whose lactate and albumin levels, with median values of 1.975 and 3.6 mg/dl, respectively, were measured within the first 24 h after ICU admission. LAR had an association with increased risk of in-hospital mortality [unadjusted hazards ratio (HR), 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.32–2.42; p < 0.001] and ICU mortality (unadjusted HR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.38–2.55; p < 0.001). A cut-off value of 0.963 mg/dl was used to classify patients into high LAR (≥0.963) and low LAR (<0.963) groups, and survival curves suggested that those two groups had significant survival differences (p = 0.0058 and 0.0048, respectively). Furthermore, the high LAR group with ICH had a significantly increased risk of in-hospital and ICU mortality compared to the low LAR group.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that a high LAR is associated with an increased risk of in-hospital and ICU mortality in patients with ICH. Thus, the LAR is a useful prognostic predictor of clinical outcomes in patients with ICH.
Neuropathology in COVID-19 autopsies is defined by microglial activation and lesions of the white matter with emphasis in cerebellar and brain stem areas
Authors: Stein Julian A. , Kaes Manuel , Smola Sigrun , Schulz-Schaeffer Walter J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate microglial and macrophage activation in 17 patients who died in the context of a COVID-19 infection in 2020 and 2021.

Methods

Through immunohistochemical analysis, the lysosomal marker CD68 was used to detect diffuse parenchymal microglial activity, pronounced perivascular macrophage activation and macrophage clusters. COVID-19 patients were compared to control patients and grouped regarding clinical aspects. Detection of viral proteins was attempted in different regions through multiple commercially available antibodies.

Results

Microglial and macrophage activation was most pronounced in the white matter with emphasis in brain stem and cerebellar areas. Analysis of lesion patterns yielded no correlation between disease severity and neuropathological changes. Occurrence of macrophage clusters could not be associated with a severe course of disease or preconditions but represent a more advanced stage of microglial and macrophage activation. Severe neuropathological changes in COVID-19 were comparable to severe Influenza. Hypoxic damage was not a confounder to the described neuropathology. The macrophage/microglia reaction was less pronounced in post COVID-19 patients, but detectable i.e. in the brain stem. Commercially available antibodies for detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus material in immunohistochemistry yielded no specific signal over controls.

Conclusion

The presented microglial and macrophage activation might be an explanation for the long COVID syndrome.
Static and dynamic resting-state brain activity patterns of table tennis players in 7-Tesla MRI
Authors: Li Yuyang , Zhao Mengqi , Cao Yuting , Gao Yanyan , Wang Yadan , Yun Bing , Luo Le , Liu Wenming , Zheng Chanying
Published: July 2023

Table tennis involves quick and accurate motor responses during training and competition. Multiple studies have reported considerably faster visuomotor responses and expertise-related intrinsic brain activity changes among table tennis players compared with matched controls. However, the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we performed static and dynamic resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) analyses of 20 table tennis players and 21 control subjects using 7T ultra-high field imaging. We calculated the static and dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF) of the two groups. The results revealed that table tennis players exhibited decreased static ALFF in the left inferior temporal gyrus (lITG) compared with the control group. Voxel-wised static functional connectivity (sFC) and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) analyses using lITG as the seed region afforded complementary and overlapping results. The table tennis players exhibited decreased sFC in the right middle temporal gyrus and left inferior parietal gyrus. Conversely, they displayed increased dFC from the lITG to prefrontal cortex, particularly the left middle frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus-medial, and left superior frontal gyrus-dorsolateral. These findings suggest that table tennis players demonstrate altered visuomotor transformation and executive function pathways. Both pathways involve the lITG, which is a vital node in the ventral visual stream. These static and dynamic analyses provide complementary and overlapping results, which may help us better understand the neural mechanisms underlying the changes in intrinsic brain activity and network organization induced by long-term table tennis skill training.
A novel multidimensional uncalibration method applied to six-axis manipulators
Authors: Qiu Haitao , Huang Dan , Zhang Bo , Wang Ming
Published: July 2023

This study proposes a multidimensional uncalibrated technique for tracking and grasping dynamic targets by a robotic arm in the eye-in-hand mode. This method avoids complex and cumbersome calibration processes, enabling machine vision tasks to be adaptively applied in a variety of complex environments, which solved the problem of traditional calibration methods being unstable in complex environments. The specific method used in this study is first, in the eye-in-hand mode, the robotic arm moves along the x, y, and z axes in sequence, and images are taken before and after each movement. Thereafter, the image Jacobian matrix is calculated from the three (or more) sets of images collected. Finally, the robotic arm converts the target coordinates in the real-time captured images by the camera into coordinates in the robotic arm coordinate system through the image Jacobian matrix and performs real-time tracking. This study tests the dynamic quasi-Newton method for estimating the Jacobian matrix and optimizes the initialization coupling problem using the orthogonal moving method. This optimization scheme significantly shortens the iteration process, making the uncalibrated technology more fully applied in the field of dynamic object tracking. In addition, this study proposes a servo control algorithm with predictive compensation to mitigate or even eliminate the systematic error caused by time delay in dynamic target tracking in robot visual servo systems.
Complexation of phycocyanin with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin and its application in blue beer containing quinoa saponins as foaming agents
Authors: Zhang Guangjie , Zhao Hongmei , Guan Tianzhu , Ma Zheng
Published: July 2023

Introduction

With the increasing importance attached to human health, the inclusion complex (IC) of phycocyanin (PC) into hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) have been devoted to developing the use of food preservation in this study.

Methods

In this experiment, the IC of PC into HP-β-CD was prepared by the freeze-drying method and characterized by OM, TEM, UV, FTIR and TG/DSC methods.

Results and discussion

The spectroscopic features were evaluated by Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirming that PC was located in the hydrophobic cavity of HP-β-CD. Consistent with the structural properties, optical microscopy (OM) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM) observed that the addition of PC subjected the IC to an aggregation state with irregular lamellar structures. Stability assessment showed that pH, heat and light tolerance of PC significantly regulated and improved due to the PC/HP-β-CD complexation. The formation of ICs was helpful to enhancing the antioxidant activity of PC. Molecular modeling suggested that the D-pyrrole ring and its associated C=C group of phycocyanin entered the HP-β-CD cavity from the wider edge. On this basis, the development of blue beer with quinoa saponins as foaming agent and ICs as colorant was explored. The addition of quinoa saponins made the foam richer and more delicate without destroying the overall taste coordination of beer. Moreover, the protective effect of HP-β-CD presents a positive impact on the stability of blue beer pigment. Hence, PC encapsulated into HP-β-CD will be an impressive approach in food-related application of PC.
Laparoscopic transduodenal ampullectomy: initial experience from a single center
Authors: Gao Pan , Cai He , Wu Zhong , Peng Bing , Cai Yunqiang
Published: July 2023

Background

Laparoscopic transduodenal ampullectomy (LTDA) is a function-preserving surgery for pre-malignant tumors of the ampulla of Vater (AoV). However, it is technically challenging, and only a few case reports of LTDA are available in the literature.

Methods

A total of 43 cases of pre-malignant tumors of AoV were operated in West China Hospital, Sichuan University between January 2017 and July 2022. Among these patients, 9 patients (group 1) underwent LTDA, 19 patients (group 2) underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD), and 15 patients (group 3) underwent open transduodenal ampullectomy (OTDA). Prospective collection and retrospective analysis of the demographic characteristics, intraoperative variables, and postoperative variables were carried out.

Results

The patients in the three groups were comparable in terms of sex, age, body mass index, tumor size, and preoperative blood tests. In comparison to the patients in group 2, the patients in group 1 were found to require less operative time (159.7 ± 47.5 min vs. 298.1 ± 62.6, p < 0.01) and suffered lower blood losses (23.3 ± 16.7 ml vs. 156.8 ± 112.1, p = 0.002) and complications. Moreover, the postoperative hospital stays (POHS) were significantly shorter for patients in group 1 (9.0 ± 5.3 days vs. 15.5 ± 7.3 days, p = 0.04). Compared to patients who underwent OTDA, the patients in LTDA suffered from less blood loss. The operative time and post-operative details were comparable.

Conclusion

Therefore, LTDA was found to be safe and feasible in the setting of pre-malignant tumors of AoV in well-selected patients. However, multidisciplinary preoperative planning is essential before the surgery.
Progress in the diagnosis of lymph node metastasis in rectal cancer: a review
Authors: Peng Wei , Qiao Huimin , Mo Linfeng , Guo You
Published: July 2023

Historically, the chief focus of lymph node metastasis research has been molecular and clinical studies of a few essential pathways and genes. Recent years have seen a rapid accumulation of massive omics and imaging data catalyzed by the rapid development of advanced technologies. This rapid increase in data has driven improvements in the accuracy of diagnosis of lymph node metastasis, and its analysis further demands new methods and the opportunity to provide novel insights for basic research. In fact, the combination of omics data, imaging data, clinical medicine, and diagnostic methods has led to notable advances in our basic understanding and transformation of lymph node metastases in rectal cancer. Higher levels of integration will require a concerted effort among data scientists and clinicians. Herein, we review the current state and future challenges to advance the diagnosis of lymph node metastases in rectal cancer.
The predictive role of soluble programmed death ligand 1 in digestive system cancers
Authors: Ruan Jian , Zhao Zhihong , Qian Yuting , Xu Ruilian , Liao Guixiang , Kong Feng-Ming (Spring)
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The prognostic role of soluble programmed death ligand 1 (sPD-L1) in digestive system cancers (DSCs) remains inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of sPD-L1 expression in DSCs.

Methods

Comprehensive searches were run on the electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library) to identify studies that assessed the prognostic role of sPD-L1 in DSCs. Review Manager software (version 5.3) was used for all analyses. Pooled data for survival outcomes were measured as hazard ratios (HRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and odds ratios and their 95% CIs.

Results

The search identified 18 studies involving 2,070 patients with DSCs. The meta-outcome revealed that a high level of sPD-L1 was related to poorer overall survival (HR, 3.06; 95% CI: 2.22–4.22, p<0.001) and disease-free survival (HR, 2.53; 95% CI: 1.67–3.83, p<0.001) in DSCs. Individually, the prognostic significance of high level of sPD-L1 expression was the highest in hepatic cell carcinoma (HR, 4.76; p<0.001) followed by gastric cancer (HR=3.55, p<0.001).

Conclusion

sPD-L1 may be a prognostic factor in DSCs for overall survival and disease-free survival. Inflammatory cytokines, treatment approaches, and other factors may affect the expression of sPD-L1. Therefore, the prognostic value of sPD-L1 for recurrence and metastasis should be further investigated. sPD-L1 may also predict response to treatment. Well-designed prospective studies with standard assessment methods should be conducted to determine the prognostic value of sPD-L1 in DSCs.
An explainable machine learning ensemble model to predict the risk of ovarian cancer in BRCA-mutated patients undergoing risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy
Authors: Comes Maria Colomba , Arezzo Francesca , Cormio Gennaro , Bove Samantha , Calabrese Angela , Fanizzi Annarita , Kardhashi Anila , La Forgia Daniele , Legge Francesco , Romagno Isabella , Loizzi Vera , Massafra Raffaella
Published: July 2023

Introduction

It has been estimated that 19,880 new cases of ovarian cancer had been diagnosed in 2022. Most epithelial ovarian cancer are sporadic, while in 15%–25% of cases, there is evidence of a familial or inherited component. Approximately 20%–25% of high-grade serous carcinoma cases are caused by germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. However, owing to a lack of effective early detection methods, women with BRCA mutations are recommended to undergo bilateral risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) after childbearing. Determining the right timing for this procedure is a difficult decision. It is crucial to find a clinical signature to identify high-risk BRCA-mutated patients and determine the appropriate timing for performing RRSO.

Methods

In this work, clinical data referred to a cohort of 184 patients, of whom 7.6% were affected by adnexal tumors including invasive carcinomas and intraepithelial lesions after RSSO has been analyzed. Thus, we proposed an explainable machine learning (ML) ensemble approach using clinical data commonly collected in clinical practice to early identify BRCA-mutated patients at high risk of ovarian cancer and consequentially establish the correct timing for RRSO.

Results

The ensemble model was able to handle imbalanced data achieving an accuracy value of 83.2%, a specificity value of 85.3%, a sensitivity value of 57.1%, a G-mean value of 69.8%, and an AUC value of 71.1%.

Discussion

In agreement with the promising results achieved, the application of suitable ML techniques could play a key role in the definition of a BRCA-mutated patient-centric clinical signature for ovarian cancer risk and consequently personalize the management of these patients. As far as we know, this is the first work addressing this task from an ML perspective.
Cuproptosis/ferroptosis-related gene signature is correlated with immune infiltration and predict the prognosis for patients with breast cancer
Authors: Li Jixian , Zhang Wentao , Ma Xiaoqing , Wei Yanjun , Zhou Fengge , Li Jianan , Zhang Chenggui , Yang Zhe
Published: July 2023

Background: Breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) is a malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality, and the prognosis is still unsatisfactory. Both ferroptosis and cuproptosis are apoptosis-independent cell deaths caused by the imbalance of corresponding metal components in cells and can affect the proliferation rate of cancer cells. The aim in this study was to develop a prognostic model of cuproptosis/ferroptosis-related genes (CFRGs) to predict survival in BRCA patients.

Methods: Transcriptomic and clinical data for breast cancer patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases. Cuproptosis and ferroptosis scores were determined for the BRCA samples from the TCGA cohort using Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), followed by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) to screen out the CFRGs. The intersection of the differentially expressed genes grouped by high and low was determined using X-tile. Univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used in the TGCA cohort to identify the CFRG-related signature. In addition, the relationship between risk scores and immune infiltration levels was investigated using various algorithms, and model genes were analyzed in terms of single-cell sequencing. Finally, the expression of the signature genes was validated with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT‒PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results: A total of 5 CFRGs (ANKRD52, HOXC10, KNOP1, SGPP1, TRIM45) were identified and were used to construct proportional hazards regression models. The high-risk groups in the training and validation sets had significantly worse survival rates. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) was positively correlated with the risk score. Conversely, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and tumor purity were inversely associated with risk scores. In addition, the infiltration degree of antitumor immune cells and the expression of immune checkpoints were lower in the high-risk group. In addition, risk scores and mTOR, Hif-1, ErbB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, TGF-β and other pathway signals were correlated with progression.

Conclusion: We can accurately predict the survival of patients through the constructed CFRG-related prognostic model. In addition, we can also predict patient immunotherapy and immune cell infiltration.
Deep learning for the rapid automatic segmentation of forearm muscle boundaries from ultrasound datasets
Authors: Xin Chen , Li Baoxu , Wang Dezheng , Chen Wei , Yue Shouwei , Meng Dong , Qiao Xu , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2023

Ultrasound (US) is widely used in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal diseases. However, the low efficiency and non-uniformity of artificial recognition hinder the application and popularization of US for this purpose. Herein, we developed an automatic muscle boundary segmentation tool for US image recognition and tested its accuracy and clinical applicability. Our dataset was constructed from a total of 465 US images of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) from 19 participants (10 men and 9 women, age 27.4 ± 6.3 years). We used the U-net model for US image segmentation. The U-net output often includes several disconnected regions. Anatomically, the target muscle usually only has one connected region. Based on this principle, we designed an algorithm written in C++ to eliminate redundantly connected regions of outputs. The muscle boundary images generated by the tool were compared with those obtained by professionals and junior physicians to analyze their accuracy and clinical applicability. The dataset was divided into five groups for experimentation, and the average Dice coefficient, recall, and accuracy, as well as the intersection over union (IoU) of the prediction set in each group were all about 90%. Furthermore, we propose a new standard to judge the segmentation results. Under this standard, 99% of the total 150 predicted images by U-net are excellent, which is very close to the segmentation result obtained by professional doctors. In this study, we developed an automatic muscle segmentation tool for US-guided muscle injections. The accuracy of the recognition of the muscle boundary was similar to that of manual labeling by a specialist sonographer, providing a reliable auxiliary tool for clinicians to shorten the US learning cycle, reduce the clinical workload, and improve injection safety.
Point clouds segmentation of rapeseed siliques based on sparse-dense point clouds mapping
Authors: Qiao Yuhui , Liao Qingxi , Zhang Moran , Han Binbin , Peng Chengli , Huang Zhenhao , Wang Shaodong , Zhou Guangsheng , Xu Shengyong
Published: July 2023

In this study, we propose a high-throughput and low-cost automatic detection method based on deep learning to replace the inefficient manual counting of rapeseed siliques. First, a video is captured with a smartphone around the rapeseed plants in the silique stage. Feature point detection and matching based on SIFT operators are applied to the extracted video frames, and sparse point clouds are recovered using epipolar geometry and triangulation principles. The depth map is obtained by calculating the disparity of the matched images, and the dense point cloud is fused. The plant model of the whole rapeseed plant in the silique stage is reconstructed based on the structure-from-motion (SfM) algorithm, and the background is removed by using the passthrough filter. The downsampled 3D point cloud data is processed by the DGCNN network, and the point cloud is divided into two categories: sparse rapeseed canopy siliques and rapeseed stems. The sparse canopy siliques are then segmented from the original whole rapeseed siliques point cloud using the sparse-dense point cloud mapping method, which can effectively save running time and improve efficiency. Finally, Euclidean clustering segmentation is performed on the rapeseed canopy siliques, and the RANSAC algorithm is used to perform line segmentation on the connected siliques after clustering, obtaining the three-dimensional spatial position of each silique and counting the number of siliques. The proposed method was applied to identify 1457 siliques from 12 rapeseed plants, and the experimental results showed a recognition accuracy greater than 97.80%. The proposed method achieved good results in rapeseed silique recognition and provided a useful example for the application of deep learning networks in dense 3D point cloud segmentation.
A comparison of the learning effects between TGfU-SE and TGfU on learning motivation, sport enjoyment, responsibility, and game performance in physical education
Authors: Pan Yi-Hsiang , Huang Chen-Hui , Hsu Wei-Ting
Published: July 2023

Background

Both the Sport Education (SE) model and Teaching Games for Understanding (TGfU) have been connected to the theory of situated learning, which is a game-centered curricular model. TGfU emphasizes tactical awareness, decision making, and skill execution. The SE model provides a complete season during physical education (PE) lessons. Therefore, it is worth exploring the integration of TGfU with SE (TGfU-SE) model in PE courses, and whether the hybrid TGfU-SE model can achieve better learning effects for students than the TGfU model alone.

Purpose

The purpose of the study was to compare the difference in learning effects between the TGfU-SE model and the TGfU model on students’ learning motivation, sport enjoyment, responsibility, and game performance.

Methods

This study used a quasi-experimental design to compare different learning effects between the experimental group (TGfU-SE) and the control group (TGfU). The participants lived in Taiwan, including two junior high school PE teachers and four PE classes with a total of 90 students (TGfU-SE group, n = 46; TGfU group, n = 44). Each teacher taught two PE classes, one with an experimental group and one with a control group. This study used four research instruments, including the Responsibility Scale in Physical Education (RSPE), Learning Motivation Scale in Physical Education (LMSPE), Sport Enjoyment Scale in Physical Education (SESPE), and Game Performance assessment instrument (GPAI). Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and the independent t-test were used to analyze the data.

Results

The results of this study showed that the TGfU-SE model had more positive learning effects on students’ learning motivation, sport enjoyment, responsibility, and game performance than the TGfU model.

Conclusion

we concluded that the TGfU-SE model had a more positive influence on students’ learning performance than the TGfU model. It is suggested that the hybrid TGfU-SE model could be implemented effectively in the PE curriculum.
University students' experiences of sexual harassment: the role of gender and psychological resilience
Authors: Athanasiades Christina , Stamovlasis Dimitrios , Touloupis Thanos , Charalambous Hara
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to investigate university students' experiences of different types of sexually harassing behaviors, within academia, as well as the role of gender and psychological resilience regarding their victimization and its consequences. Overall, 2,134 students (70.5% women), both undergraduates (81%) and postgraduates (19%), completed a self-reported online questionnaire regarding the variables involved (sexual harassment, consequences, and resilience). According to the results, the most prevailing types of sexually harassing behaviors, which were experienced mainly by women students, included offensive sexual comments/jokes/stories, inappropriate comments about one's body/appearance/sex life, as well as obscene ways of staring, obscene gestures, and/or exposure of body parts causing embarrassment. Accordingly, the perceived psycho-emotional and academic consequences of sexual harassment were more pronounced in the case of women. Furthermore, psychological resilience was negatively associated with gender, making women with low resilience more vulnerable to experiences of sexual harassment and more affected by its consequences. This study highlights important aspects of this gender-based aggressive behavior in academia and emphasizes the necessity for the implementation of appropriate policies and interventions in higher education institutions against sexual harassment.
The psychological impact of COVID-19 pandemic and associated factors among college and university students in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 2022
Authors: Anteneh Rahel Mulatie , Dessie Anteneh Mengist , Azanaw Melkalem Mamuye , Anley Denekew Tenaw , Melese Biruk Demissie , Feleke Sefineh Fenta , Abebe Tiruayehu Getinet , Muche Achenef Asmamaw
Published: July 2023

Background

The Corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic is a human tragedy that occurred in this era. It poses an unprecedented psychological, social, economic, and health crisis. The mental health and well-being of entire societies are suffering as a result of this crisis, but the suffering is greater in students at all levels of education and must be addressed immediately. Thus, this study was aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of the psychological impact of COVID-19 among higher education students.

Methods

The potential studies were searched via PubMed, HINARI, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Studies were appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute appraisal checklist. Micro Soft Excel was used to extract the data, which was then exported to Stata version 14 for analysis. Heterogeneity between studies was tested using Cochrane statistics and the I2 test, and small-study effects were checked using Egger’s statistical test. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of the psychological impact of COVID-19 and its associated factor.

Results

After reviewing 227 studies, eight fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of the psychological impact of Corona virus disease 19 among higher education students in Ethiopia, including depression, anxiety, and stress was 43.49% (95% CI: 29.59, 57.40%), 46.27% (95% CI: 32.77, 59.78%), and 31.43% (95% CI: 22.71, 40.15), respectively. Having a medical illness, being an urban resident, living with parents, having relative death due to pandemics, and having a non-health field of study were identified as significant associated factors for the impact of the pandemic in higher education students.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant psychological impact on college and university students. Depression, anxiety, and stress were the most commonly reported psychological impacts across studies among higher education students. Hence, applying tele-psychotherapy using, smartphones, and social media platforms has an effect on reducing the impact. Programs for preventing and controlling epidemics should be developed by the government and higher education institutions that incorporate mental health interventions and build resilience.
Reliability and sensitivity to change of post-match physical performance measures in elite youth soccer players
Authors: Franceschi Alberto , Robinson Mark A. , Owens Daniel , Brownlee Thomas , Ferrari Bravo Duccio , Enright Kevin
Published: July 2023

Introduction

To effectively monitor post-match changes in physical performance, valid, reliable and practical measures which are sensitive to change are required. This study aimed to quantify test-retest reliability and sensitivity to change of a range of physical performance measures recorded during an isometric posterior chain (IPC) lower-limb muscle test and a countermovement jump (CMJ) test.

Methods

Eighteen Italian Serie A academy soccer players performed three IPC repetitions per limb and five CMJ trials in 4 testing sessions. Test-retest reliability was evaluated between two testing sessions seven days apart using typical error of measurement, coefficient of variation and intraclass correlation coefficient. Sensitivity to change was assessed on two additional testing sessions performed before and immediately after a soccer match through Hedges' g effect size (g) and comparisons to typical error.

Results

Absolute reliability (coefficient of variations) ranged from 1.5 to 8.8%. IPC and CMJ measures demonstrated moderate to excellent relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.70 to 0.98). A wide range of physical performance measures showed significant alterations post-match (p < 0.05; g: small to moderate). IPC peak force and torque, CMJ reactive strength index modified, CMJ eccentric forces (mean breaking force, mean deceleration force, peak force, force at zero velocity) and CMJ mean power measures had post-match changes greater than their typical variation, demonstrating acceptable sensitivity in detecting performance changes at post-match.

Discussion

IPC peak force and torque, CMJ reactive strength index modified, CMJ eccentric phase forces and CMJ mean power were found to be both reliable and sensitive to change, and thus may be appropriate for monitoring post-match neuromuscular performance in youth soccer population.
Acceptable durability of split inner table graft for the reconstruction of a bone defect in pterional craniotomies: a case series
Authors: Kweon Gi-Young , Park Jaechan , Son Wonsoo
Published: July 2023

Objective

During a pterional craniotomy, the bone defect was reconstructed by a surgical technique using an autogenous bone graft instead of commercially available alloplastic materials. The technical feasibility, durability of the grafted bone, and cosmetic outcome were all evaluated.

Methods

After a pterional craniotomy was performed, the bone defect at the frontobasal burr hole and drilled sphenoid wing was reconstructed using an autogenous split inner table graft (1 cm × 2 cm) harvested from the craniotomy bone flap.

Results

The bone reconstruction technique was successfully performed on nine patients with intracranial aneurysms. After 12–19 months from the surgery, a volumetry study using three-dimensional skull images reconstructed from computed tomography angiography showed a minimal decrease in the area of the split inner table graft due to bone resorption in six patients, which ranged from 5.7% to 14.8%. In the other three patients, the bone resorption was more substantial, ranging from 21.2% to 27.5%. However, in the three latter cases, the resorption was mainly limited to the posterior part of the split inner table graft covered by the temporalis muscle and did not affect the cosmetic outcomes. The resultant cosmetic outcomes for the nine patients were all favorable, with only a slight or no anterior temporal hollow.

Conclusion

The proposed surgical technique using a split inner table graft harvested from the craniotomy bone flap seems viable for reconstructing the bone defect at the frontobasal burr hole and drilled sphenoid wing after a pterional craniotomy.
Creating Value via the Circular Economy: Practices in the Tourism Sector
Authors: Axhami Mirdaim , Ndou Valentina , Milo Veronica , Scorrano Paola
Published: July 2023

Among major international research and practice issues, the issue of the circular economy has emerged recently as “an alternative economic paradigm” to address the current needs of the present and to search for innovative solutions for the future. The objective of this paper is to explore the initiatives and practices of the circular economy that could be actuated by tourism firms with the aim of understanding the value that could be created and its contribution to sustainable development based on decarbonization, energy efficiency, and the use of renewable sources. To achieve this objective, an in-depth, qualitative case study of a tourism resort is presented and analyzed to identify the key CE practices activated, with the aim of creating greater value and contributing to sustainable production and consumption. The results show that the main CE practices implemented focus primarily on enhancing resource efficiency, reducing emissions, and minimizing environmental impacts. This research also emphasizes the benefits that the CE provides in terms of economic, environmental, and social efficiency. The study enriches the relevance of CE and the sustainability approach for the tourism sector by highlighting the main value opportunities that tourism firms could grasp from the application of CE. Also, the paper contributes to providing practical suggestions regarding possible initiatives and practices that tourism managers could adopt for deploying CE practices.
Sustainable Use of Pesticides
Authors: Ran Xiao , Hadiatullah Hadiatullah , Yuchi Zhiguang , Yang Xin , Zhu Xun
Published: July 2023

Pesticides serve as indispensable inputs to ensure the optimal provision of agricultural commodities, thus exerting a significant influence on the quality and yield of food [...]
Potential Preharvest Application of γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) on Improving Quality of ‘Verna’ Lemon at Harvest and during Storage
Authors: Badiche-El Hilali Fátima , Valverde Juan Miguel , Díaz-Mula Huertas , Serrano María , Valero Daniel , Castillo Salvador
Published: July 2023

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a naturally occurring plant compound that acts as a signalling agent during stress conditions, mainly due to unstable events, although sometimes the endogenous content does not reach sufficient levels. Thus, the main aim of this study was to apply GABA preharvest treatments in lemon and to study its effects on quality attributes at harvest and during postharvest storage. GABA was applied as foliar spray at 10, 50, and 100 mM, and quality traits during 28 days of storage at two temperatures (at 2 and 10 °C) were determined. Results show that all GABA treatments had a positive effect on reducing the weight losses and fruit softening. In addition, crop yield in terms of kg tree−1 and fruit number tree−1 was improved for the first and second harvest as well as the total phenolics content and total antioxidant activity (TAA). In conclusion, GABA at 50 mM concentration was the most effective preharvest treatment, enhancing shelf life being enhanced for 14 and 7 days at 2 and 10 °C, respectively, with respect to control lemons.
Assessment of the Rhizosphere Bacterial Community under Maize Growth Using Various Agricultural Technologies with Biomodified Mineral Fertilizers
Authors: Chebotar Vladimir K. , Chizhevskaya Elena P. , Andronov Evgeny E. , Vorobyov Nikolai I. , Keleinikova Oksana V. , Baganova Maria E. , Konovalov Sergey N. , Filippova Polina S. , Pishchik Veronika N.
Published: July 2023

Biomodified mineral fertilizers (BMFs) were produced by enriching the ammophos fertilizer with PGPR Bacillus velezensis BS89 with the use of two technologies: BMF 1, the ammophos fertilizer with the addition of spores of Bacillus velezensis BS89 on a dry carrier (diatomite); and BMF2, ammophos granules treated with spores of Bacillus velezensis BS89 in a cell suspension. The effects of BMFs on maize growth and productivity and the rhizosphere bacterial community were assessed. BMFs significantly increased maize growth, dry matter, minerals, starch and protein contents in maize grain. The application of biomodified mineral fertilizers resulted in the significant increase in the yield and some parameters of maize plants such as ear length and number of kernels in the row. The yield was increased by 7.5–7.6%, ear length by 9%, and number of kernels in the row by 6.7–7%, as compared with ammophos. However, we found no considerable differences in the composition of the bacterial community of the maize rhizosphere after the use of BMFs as compared with the use of ammophos at the level of the phyla, which was confirmed by the ecological indices of biodiversity: the Shannon index and the Simpson index. Comparison of the experimental variants with bulk soil showed differences in the microbiome composition of the dominant bacterial phyla. A greater abundance of Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes and a lower abundance of Chloroflexi was registered in bulk soil as compared with the other experimental variants where maize plants were present. The highest percentage (5.3%) of unidentified taxonomic phyla was also found in bulk soil. Our studies showed that maize is the main structuring factor during formation of the microbiome composition in the rhizosphere. The application of biomodified fertilizers BMF1 and BMF2 considerably increased the abundance of bacteria representing the minority of the community, namely, those from the phyla Verrucomicrobia, Chloroflexi, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Chlamydiae, as compared with the use of ammophos. Thus, the application of biomodified mineral fertilizers is a promising agronomic and ecological strategy for boosting maize yield and the quality of grain under field conditions.
Optimal Substrate Moisture Content for Kiwifruit (Actinidia valvata Dunn) Seedling Growth Based on Analyses of Biomass, Antioxidant Defense, and Photosynthetic Response
Authors: Peng Dan-Dan , Chen Da-Gang , Xu Kai-Wei , Penttinen Petri , You Hao-Yu , Liao Hui-Ping , Yang Ran , Chen Yuan-Xue
Published: July 2023

The fruits of kiwifruit are well known for their abundant nutritional value and health benefits, but kiwifruit vines are susceptible to environmental factors such as drought or waterlogging. Optimum substrate moisture content (SMC) can decrease cultivation costs and improve the quality of seedlings in soilless cultivation. To quantify the water requirements of kiwifruit seedlings, a greenhouse study was conducted to investigate the growth, antioxidant defense, and photosynthetic parameters of seedlings of Actinidia valvata Dunn at six levels of SMC (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, 100%, and 120%). Results showed that shoot and root dry matter accumulation increased gradually with the increase in SMC from 20% to 100% and was lower at 120% SMC than at 100% SMC. Electrolyte leakage and malondialdehyde content were the lowest at 80% and 100% SMC. Antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, chlorophyll content, net photosynthetic rate, maximal quantum yield of PSII photochemistry, photosynthetic electron transfer rate, and actual quantum yield were the highest at 80% and 100% SMC, but there was no significant difference in these parameters between the two treatments (80% and 100% SMC). However, the shoot and root dry weights of seedlings at 100% SMC were 13.20% and 33.02% higher than those at 80% SMC, respectively. In summary, 100% SMC provided optimal water supply for the photosynthetic efficiency and dry matter accumulation of shoots and roots. The results are expected to be useful for the mass production of high-quality kiwifruit seedlings in greenhouse or nursery containers, with the potential to save water.
Integrating Soil pH, Clay, and Neutralizing Value of Lime into a New Lime Requirement Model for Acidic Soils in China
Authors: Han Dandan , Zeng Saiqi , Zhang Xi , Li Jumei , Ma Yibing
Published: July 2023

Modelling the lime requirement (LR) is a fast and efficient way to determine the amount of lime required to obtain a pH that can overcome the adverse effects caused by soil acidification. This study aimed to model the LR based on the properties of soil and lime. A total of 17 acidic soils and 39 lime samples underwent soil–lime incubation in the laboratory. The predictive equations for the LR (t ha−1) were modelled using ∆pH (the difference between the target pH and initial pH), the neutralizing value (NV, mmol kg−1) of lime, soil pH, soil clay content (%), soil bulk density (BD, g cm−3), and the depth of soil (h, cm) as the factors in an exponential equation. The generic predictive equation, LR=∆pH×e−3.88−0.069×NV+0.51×pH+0.025×Clay×BD×h, was validated as the most reliable model under field conditions. Simplified predictive equations for different soil textures when limed with quicklime and limestone are also provided. Furthermore, the LR proportions provided by hydrated lime, quicklime, limestone, and dolomite in commercially available lime can be expressed as 0.58:0.64:0.97:1.00. This study provides a novel and robust model for predicting the amount of lime product containing components with different neutralizing abilities that are required to neutralize soils with a wide range of properties. It is of great significance to agronomic activities and soil remediation projects.