bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 teleassistance and teleconsultation: a matched case-control study (MIRATO project, Lombardy, Italy)
Authors: Bernocchi Palmira , Crotti Giacomo , Beato Elvira , Bonometti Francesco , Giudici Vittorio , Bertolaia Patrizia , Perger Elisa , Remuzzi Andrea , Bachetti Tiziana , La Rovere Maria Teresa , Dalla Vecchia Laura Adelaide , Angeli Fabio , Parati Gianfranco , Borghi Gabriella , Vitacca Michele , Scalvini Simonetta
Published: August 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has been recognised as a powerful modality to shorten the length of hospital stay and to free up beds for the sicker patients. Lombardy, and in particular the areas of Bergamo, Brescia, and Milan, was one of the regions in Europe most hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary aim of the MIRATO project was to compare the incidence of severe events (hospital readmissions and mortality) in the first three months after discharge between COVID-19 patients followed by a Home-Based Teleassistance and Teleconsultation (HBTT group) program and those discharged home without Telemedicine support (non-HBTT group).

Methods

The study was designed as a matched case-control study. The non-HBTT patients were matched with the HBTT patients for sex, age, presence of COVID-19 pneumonia and number of comorbidities. After discharge, the HBTT group underwent a telecare nursing and specialist teleconsultation program at home for three months, including monitoring of vital signs and symptoms. Further, in this group we analysed clinical data, patients' satisfaction with the program, and quality of life.

Results

Four hundred twenty-two patients per group were identified for comparison. The median age in both groups was 70 ± 11 years (62% males). One or more comorbidities were present in 86% of the HBTT patients and 89% in the non-HBTT group (p = ns). The total number of severe events was 17 (14 hospitalizations and 3 deaths) in the HBTT group and 40 (26 hospitalizations and 16 deaths) in the non-HBTT group (p = 0.0007). The risk of hospital readmission or death after hospital discharge was significantly lower in HBTT patients (Log-rank Test p = 0.0002). In the HBTT group, during the 3-month follow-up, 5,355 teleassistance contacts (13 ± 4 per patient) were performed. The number of patients with one or more symptoms declined significantly: from 338 (78%) to 183 (45%) (p < 0.00001). Both the physical (ΔPCS12: 5.9 ± 11.4) component and the mental (ΔMCS12: 4.4 ± 12.7) component of SF-12 improved significantly (p < 0.0001). Patient satisfaction with the program was very high in all participants.

Conclusions

Compared to usual care, an HBTT program can reduce severe events (hospital admissions/mortality) at 3-months from discharge and improve symptoms and quality of life.

Clinical trial registration

www.ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04898179.
Incremental value of non-invasive myocardial work for the evaluation and prediction of coronary microvascular dysfunction in angina with no obstructive coronary artery disease
Authors: Li Ying , Sun Dandan , Zhao Hanzhang , Qin Zhiyan , Ji Wei , Zhang Huihui , Jiao Ni , Luan Bo , Ding Mingyan , Zhu Fang
Published: August 2023

Background

Evidence suggests that patients suffering from angina with no obstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA) experience coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD). We aimed to understand the diagnosis value of noninvasive myocardial work indices (MWIs) with left ventricular pressure-strain loop (LV PSL) by echocardiography in ANOCA patients with CMD.

Methods

97 patients with ANOCA were recruited. All subjects underwent standard echocardiography with traditional ultrasound parameters, two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography with global longitudinal strain (GLS), LV PSL with MWIs include global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global waste work (GWW) and global work efficiency (GWE). In addition, all enrolled cases underwent high-dose adenosine stress echocardiography (SE) with coronary flow velocity reserve (CFVR). CMD was defined as CFVR <2.0.

Results

Of the 97 patients with ANOCA, 52 were placed in the CMD group and 45 in the control group. GWI and GCW were decreased significantly in the CMD group compared with the control group (P < 0.001 for both). GWI and GCW were moderately correlated with CFVR (r = 0.430, P < 0.001 and r = 0.538, P < 0.001, respectively). In the multiple logistic regression analyses, GCW was identified as the only independent echocardiography parameter associated with CMD after adjusting for age and baseline APV [OR (95%CI) 1.009 (1.005–1.013); P < 0.001]. Moreover, the best predictor of CMD in patients with ANOCA using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was GWI and GCW, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.800 and 0.832, sensitivity of 67.3% and 78.8%, specificity of 80.0% and 75.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

MWIs with LV PSL is a new method to detect LV systolic function noninvasively in ANOCA patients with CMD.
Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia: strategies to improve outcomes
Authors: Subramanian Muthiah , Atreya Auras R. , Saggu Daljeet Kaur , Yalagudri Sachin , Calambur Narasimhan
Published: August 2023

Catheter ablation of ventricular arrhythmias has evolved considerably since it was first described more than 3 decades ago. Advancements in understanding the underlying substrate, utilizing pre-procedural imaging, and evolving ablation techniques have improved the outcomes of catheter ablation. Ensuring safety and efficacy during catheter ablation requires adequate planning, including analysis of the 12 lead ECG and appropriate pre-procedural imaging. Defining the underlying arrhythmogenic substrate and disease eitology allow for the developed of tailored ablation strategies, especially for patients with non-ischemic cardiomyopathies. During ablation, the type of anesthesia can affect VT induction, the quality of the electro-anatomic map, and the stability of the catheter during ablation. For high risk patients, appropriate selection of hemodynamic support can increase the success of VT ablation. For patients in whom VT is hemodynamically unstable or difficult to induce, substrate modification strategies can aid in safe and successful ablation. Recently, there has been an several advancements in substrate mapping strategies that can be used to identify and differentiate local late potentials. The incorporation of high-definition mapping and contact-sense technologies have both had incremental benefits on the success of ablation procedures. It is crucial to harness newer technology and ablation strategies with the highest level of peri-procedural safety to achieve optimal long-term outcomes in patients undergoing VT ablation.
Natural hydrogen seeps or salt lakes: how to make a difference? Grass Patch example, Western Australia
Authors: Aimar Léo , Frery Emanuelle , Strand Julian , Heath Charles , Khan Shahbaz , Moretti Isabelle , Ong Cindy
Published: August 2023

Natural hydrogen exploration is picking up around the world while the geogenic hydrogen system is still a Frontier science. Natural hydrogen seepage can occur in the form of a sub-circular surface feature named by some authors “fairy circles.” Numerous hydrogen seep-alike surface features are visible from the sky in Australia but can be difficult to distinguish from the many salt lakes. In this study, we combined literature review, remote sensing, field and lab measurements (soil gas sampling, X-Ray diffraction, salinity) to uncover a potential hydrogen system and its differences with the salt lakes in the Grass Patch area in Western Australia. The local geology shows a good potential to generate hydrogen. Study of the surface geology and Digital Elevation Model showed that salt lakes are static old features influenced by the soil composition and long-term climatic trend whereas potential hydrogen seeps have recently appeared. This study soil-gas sampling method includes a monitoring procedure compatible with time series measurements via a portable gas analyser, getting rid of artificially produced hydrogen. Low hydrogen values (<30 ppm) have been measured. Those measurements are lower than measurements published along potential hydrogen seeps in Australia. Vegetation indexes are also less constructed than explored fairy circles in Namibia. Salinity and mineralogical results did not indicate any trend with the hydrogen but are coherent with what is found in salt lakes. A microbial system could be the source of the hydrogen but would also be linked to the soil behaviour, climatic parameters, and agricultural practices. This study underlines the need to monitor surface features over few weeks to better understand the evolution of the gas mix seeping above a structure and determine if the periodicity and variability of the leakage can be correlated with bacterial activity or a geogenic hydrogen source.
Research progress on the role of lncRNA–miRNA networks in regulating adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in osteoporosis
Authors: An Fangyu , Wang Xiaxia , Wang Chunmei , Liu Ying , Sun Bai , Zhang Jie , Gao Peng , Yan Chunlu
Published: August 2023

Osteoporosis (OP) is characterized by a decrease in osteoblasts and an increase in adipocytes in the bone marrow compartment, alongside abnormal bone/fat differentiation, which ultimately results in imbalanced bone homeostasis. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes to maintain bone homeostasis. Several studies have shown that lncRNAs are competitive endogenous RNAs that form a lncRNA–miRNA network by targeting miRNA for the regulation of bone/fat differentiation in BMSCs; this mechanism is closely related to the corresponding treatment of OP and is important in the development of novel OP-targeted therapies. However, by reviewing the current literature, it became clear that there are limited summaries discussing the effects of the lncRNA–miRNA network on osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation in BMSCs. Therefore, this article provides a review of the current literature to explore the impact of the lncRNA–miRNA network on the osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs, with the aim of providing a new theoretical basis for the treatment of OP.
Mathematical modeling clarifies the paracrine roles of insulin and glucagon on the glucose-stimulated hormonal secretion of pancreatic alpha- and beta-cells
Authors: Brown Aedan , Tzanakakis Emmanuel S.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Blood sugar homeostasis relies largely on the action of pancreatic islet hormones, particularly insulin and glucagon. In a prototypical fashion, glucagon is released upon hypoglycemia to elevate glucose by acting on the liver while elevated glucose induces the secretion of insulin which leads to sugar uptake by peripheral tissues. This simplified view of glucagon and insulin does not consider the paracrine roles of the two hormones modulating the response to glucose of α- and β-cells. In particular, glucose-stimulated glucagon secretion by isolated α-cells exhibits a Hill-function pattern, while experiments with intact pancreatic islets suggest a ‘U’-shaped response.

Methods

To this end, a framework was developed based on first principles and coupled to experimental studies capturing the glucose-induced response of pancreatic α- and β-cells influenced by the two hormones. The model predicts both the transient and steady-state profiles of secreted insulin and glucagon, including the typical biphasic response of normal β-cells to hyperglycemia.

Results and discussion

The results underscore insulin activity as a differentiating factor of the glucagon secretion from whole islets vs. isolated α-cells, and highlight the importance of experimental conditions in interpreting the behavior of islet cells in vitro. The model also reproduces the hyperglucagonemia, which is experienced by diabetes patients, and it is linked to a failure of insulin to inhibit α-cell activity. The framework described here is amenable to the inclusion of additional islet cell types and extrapancreatic tissue cells simulating multi-organ systems. The study expands our understanding of the interplay of insulin and glucagon for pancreas function in normal and pathological conditions.
Clinical characteristics and acute complication of COVID-19 patients with diabetes: a multicenter, retrospective study in Southern China
Authors: Zhou Xiao-ying , Huang Shao-feng , Lin Jun-xu , Zhi Hai-ni , Xiao Lu , Wang Xiang-zhu , Guo Kai-heng , Zhou Lin , Long Tao , You Hui-min , Lin Ming-run , Luo Xiang-ya , Sun Wei-ping , Zeng Chun-ping
Published: August 2023

Aims

This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, laboratory data and complications of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) since epidemic prevention and control optimization was adjusted in December 2022 in China.

Methods

This retrospective multicenter study included 298 patients with confirmed type 2 diabetes mellitus with or without COVID-19. We collected data from the first wave of the pandemic in The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Loudi Central Hospital and The First People’s Hospital of Xiangtan from December 1, 2022 to February 1, 2023. We extracted baseline data, clinical symptoms, acute complications, laboratory findings, treatment and outcome data of each patient from electronic medical records.

Results

For among 298 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes, 136 (45.6%) were COVID-19 uninfected, and 162 (54.4%) were COVID-19 infected. We found that the incidence of cough, fatigue, fever, muscle soreness, sore throat, shortness of breath, hyposmia, hypogeusia and polyphagia (all p<0.01) were significantly higher in the exposure group. They showed higher levels of ketone (p=0.04), creatinine (p<0.01), blood potassium (p=0.01) and more diabetic ketoacidosis (p<0.01). Patients with COVID-19 less use of metformin (p<0.01), thiazolidinediones (p<0.01) and SGLT2 (p<0.01) compared with patients without COVID-19.

Conclusion

COVID-19 patients with diabetes showed more severe respiratory and constitutional symptoms and an increased proportion of hyposmia and hypogeusia. Moreover, COVID-19 patients with diabetes have a higher incidence of acute complications, are more prone to worsening renal function, and are more cautious about the use of antidiabetic drugs.
Research and evaluation of spatiotemporal dynamic of network green innovation efficiency in China—based on meta-Frontier theory
Authors: Han Yueming , Qu Shiyou , Han Fengjing
Published: August 2023

Green innovation has emerged as a crucial driver for advancing green and high-quality development. Exploring the evolutionary patterns of green innovation efficiency is crucial for achieving the “dual carbon” goals and realizing the benefits of both economic growth and environmental sustainability under the framework of new development concepts. This study employs the network SBM-DEA model under meta-Frontier and group-Frontier. Additionally, it considers the GML index and Moran’s I to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the evolving efficiency of green innovation in Chinese provinces from 2008 to 2020, then uses the Tobit regression model to verify the influencing indicators for green innovation efficiency. The examination covers various aspects, including the stage of green innovation, the diversity of technology accumulation, the comparability of pre- and post-development, the spillover effects in geographical space, and the diversity of influencing factors. The research findings indicate the following: 1) The group division exhibit a high level of geographical correlation, and the efficiency of green innovation in the two-stage and network displays heterogeneity across distinct frontiers. The efficiency loss in the Green Achievement Transformation stage is bigger than that in the Green Technology Research and Development stage. 2) There is an overall increase in green innovation efficiency of each type during most years, and the spatial correlation and stability of the two-stage and network green innovation efficiency have improved year by year. Provinces with higher Green Innovation Environment Composite Index have the highest concentration of “high-high” efficiency agglomeration. 3) Environmental regulation intensity, factor endowment, property rights structure, foreign direct investment and energy consumption have varying degrees of constraints on green innovation, and the regional economic development level can significantly improve the efficiency of various green innovations. Finally, this paper provides some suggestions, including stimulating innovation vitality, formulating differentiated policies, strengthening regional innovation collaboration, and mobilizing resources from various stakeholders. These recommendations aim to provide guidance and reference for promoting green innovation and achieving sustainable development in different regions.
A multi-proxy framework to detect insect defoliations in tree rings: a case study on pine processionary
Authors: Camarero J. Julio , Colangelo Michele , Rita Angelo , Hevia Andrea , Pizarro Manuel , Voltas Jordi
Published: August 2023

Assessing and reconstructing the impacts of defoliation caused by insect herbivores on tree growth, carbon budget and water use, and differentiating these impacts from other stresses and disturbances such as droughts requires multi-proxy approaches. Here we present a methodological framework to pinpoint the impacts of pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa), a major winter-feeding defoliator, on tree cover (remote-sensing indices), radial growth and wood features (anatomy, density, lignin/carbohydrate ratio of cell walls, δ13C and δ18O of wood cellulose) of drought-prone pine (Pinus nigra) forests in north-eastern Spain. We compared host defoliated (D) and coexisting non-defoliated (ND) pines along with non-host oaks (Quercus faginea) following a strong insect outbreak occurring in 2016 at two climatically contrasting sites (cool-wet Huesca and warm-dry Teruel). Changes in tree-ring width and wood density were analyzed and their responses to climate variables (including a drought index) were compared between D and ND trees. The Normalized Difference Infrared Index showed reductions due to the outbreak of –47.3% and –55.6% in Huesca and Teruel, respectively. The D pines showed: a strong drop in growth (–96.3% on average), a reduction in tracheid lumen diameter (–35.0%) and lower lignin/carbohydrate ratios of tracheid cell-walls. Both pines and oaks showed synchronous growth reductions during dry years. In the wet Huesca site, lower wood δ13C values and a stronger coupling between δ13C and δ18O were observed in D as compared with ND pines. In the dry Teruel site, the minimum wood density of ND pines responded more negatively to spring drought than that of D pines. We argue that multi-proxy assessments that combine several variables have the potential to improve our ability to pinpoint and reconstruct insect outbreaks using tree-ring data.
Quantifying automated vehicle benefits in reducing driving stress: a simulation experiment approach
Authors: Khattak Zulqarnain H. , Lin Zhenhong
Published: August 2023

Driving is a stressful activity because of the mental workload required to maneuver a vehicle in certain travel contexts, such as congested traffic, multi-modal networks requiring complex interaction with surrounding vehicles, and aggressive driving. Autonomous vehicles (AVs), on the other hand, can reduce the mental workload by performing most of the driving tasks and providing users with a comfortable ride. This study develops a pathway model to relate different health determinants, including travel reliability, safety, driving comfort, and value of time, to Autonomous vehicles driving and studies their impact on the value of driving stress. A case study example of Autonomous vehicles simulation is used to determine the impact of these health determinants. The value of driving stress in Autonomous vehicles is estimated as a function of the value of these individual health determinants. The results show that the perception of safe or unsafe driving in Autonomous vehicles is the most important factor in changing the perception of driving stress in Autonomous vehicles. Similarly, perceptions of comfortable driving in Autonomous vehicles and reduced workload with a higher value of time also reduce driving stress in Autonomous vehicles. These results allow Autonomous vehicles adoption models to explicitly consider driving stress reduction as a benefit and can improve understanding of Autonomous vehicles adoption, which may require quantitative analysis of underlying motivating benefits, including driving stress reduction.
Research progress of extracellular vesicles and exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of oxidative stress-related diseases
Authors: Zhang Wenwen , Wang Tingyu , Xue Yuanye , Zhan Bingbing , Lai Zengjie , Huang Wenjie , Peng Xinsheng , Zhou Yanfang
Published: August 2023

There is growing evidence that mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles and exosomes can significantly improve the curative effect of oxidative stress-related diseases. Mesenchymal stem cell extracellular vesicles and exosomes (MSC-EVs and MSC-Exos) are rich in bioactive molecules and have many biological regulatory functions. In this review, we describe how MSC-EVs and MSC-Exos reduce the related markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in various systemic diseases, and the molecular mechanism of MSC-EVs and MSC-Exos in treating apoptosis and vascular injury induced by oxidative stress. The results of a large number of experimental studies have shown that both local and systemic administration can effectively inhibit the oxidative stress response in diseases and promote the survival and regeneration of damaged parenchymal cells. The mRNA and miRNAs in MSC-EVs and MSC-Exos are the most important bioactive molecules in disease treatment, which can inhibit the apoptosis, necrosis and oxidative stress of lung, heart, kidney, liver, bone, skin and other cells, and promote their survive and regenerate.
Functional improvement of patients with Parkinson syndromes using a rehabilitation training software
Authors: Barth Marcus , Möbius Robert , Themann Peter , Güresir Erdem , Matzke Cornelia , Winkler Dirk , Grunert Ronny
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Individuals with Parkinsonian disorders often face limited access to specialized physiotherapy and movement training due to staff shortages and increasing disease incidence, resulting in a rapid decline in mobility and feelings of despair. Addressing these challenges requires allocating adequate resources and implementing specialized training programs to ensure comprehensive care and support. Regarding these problems, a computer software was invented that might serve as an additional home-based extension to conventional physiotherapy.

Methods

The trial took place in a rehabilitation center where every patient received equivalent treatment apart from the training program that was set up to be investigated over 3 weeks. Seventy four Patients were included and randomized between two intervention and one control group. Intervention group 1 (IG1) trained with the computer-based system two times a week while Intervention group 2 (IG2) received five training sessions a week. Using the markerless Microsoft Kinect® camera, participants controlled a digital avatar with their own body movements. UPDRS-III and Clinical measurements were performed before and after the three-week period.

Results

Patients in all groups improved in UPDRS-III pre and post intervention whereas reduction rates were higher for IG1 (−10.89%) and IG2 (−14.04%) than for CG (−7.74%). Differences between the groups were not significant (value of ps CG/IG1 0.225, CG/IG2 0.347). Growth rates for the arm abduction angle were significantly higher in IG1 (11.6%) and IG2 (9.97%) than in CG (1.87%) (value of ps CG/IG1 0.006 and CG/IG2 0.018), as was the 5-steps-distance (CG 10.86% vs. IG1 24.5% vs. UG2 26.22%, value of ps CG/IG1 0.011 and CG/IG2 0.031).

Discussion

The study shows the beneficial effects of computer-based training and substantiates the assumption of a similar impact in a home-based setting. The utilized software is feasible for such interventions and meets with the patient’s approval. Group dynamics seem to have an additional supporting effect for the aspired objective of improving mobility and should be seen as an essential aspect of video games in therapy.
Case report: Reversible encephalopathy caused by dyskinesia-hyperpyrexia syndrome
Authors: Luo Bohan , Zhang Hainan , Qin Lixia
Published: August 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder. Some patients with advanced-stage disease are accompanied by emergencies and critical issues such as dyskinesia-hyperpyrexia syndrome (DHS), parkinsonism-hyperpyrexia syndrome (PHS), and serotonin syndrome (SS). In this study, we report a patient with reversible encephalopathy caused by DHS who presented with an acute onset of fidgetiness, dyskinesia, and hyperpyrexia after antiparkinsonian drug abuse. In the present case, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed multiple abnormal signals in the cortex and subcortex of the bilateral parietal and occipital lobes that resolved within weeks, which coincided with the characteristic MRI findings in posterior reversible encephalopathy (PRES). Our report expands on the neuroimaging features of DHS and highlights the importance of early identification, diagnosis, and treatment to improve patient prognosis.
Comparison analysis of full-spectrum metabolomics revealed on the variation of potential metabolites of unscented, Chloranthus spicatus scented, and Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. scented Congou black teas
Authors: Tang Ping , Wang Jie-Qiong , Wang Yong-Feng , Jin Jian-Chang , Meng Xin , Zhu Yan , Gao Ying , Xu Yong-Quan
Published: August 2023

Introduction

In recent years, scented black tea has attracted much attention due to its pleasant floral aroma and mellow flavor, but little research has been carried out on its flavor metabolic profile.

Methods

In this study, the flavor metabolic profiles of unscented, Chloranthus spicatus scented, and Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. scented Congou black teas were investigated using full-spectrum metabolomics analysis method, the first time that the flavor profiles of scented black tea were characterized in detail.

Results and Discussion

The results revealed that a total of 3,128 metabolites were detected in the three teas. Based on the criteria of variable importance in the project >1 and fold change ≥2 or ≤  0.5, 761 non-volatile metabolites and 509 volatile metabolites were filtered as differential metabolites. Many differential non-volatile metabolites belonged to flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids. Floral, fruity and herbaceous volatile metabolites were significantly up-regulated in Chloranthus spicatus scented Congou black tea while sweet and fruity volatile metabolites were significantly down-regulated in Osmanthus fragrans (Thunb.) Lour. scented Congou black tea. The results contribute to a better understanding of the scenting techniques on the flavor quality of scented black teas and provide some information on the flavor chemistry theory of scented black teas.
Therapeutic strategies for BRAF mutation in non-small cell lung cancer: a review
Authors: Puri Megha , Gawri Kunal , Dawar Richa
Published: August 2023

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer related deaths. Among the two broad types of lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer accounts for 85% of the cases. The study of the genetic alteration has facilitated the development of targeted therapeutic interventions. Some of the molecular alterations which are important targets for drug therapy include Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS), Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), V-RAF murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (BRAF), anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene (ALK). In the setting of extensive on-going clinical trials, it is imperative to periodically review the advancements and the newer drug therapies being available. Among all mutations, BRAF mutation is common with incidence being 8% overall and 1.5 – 4% in NSCLC. Here, we have summarized the BRAF mutation types and reviewed the various drug therapy available - for both V600 and nonV600 group; the mechanism of resistance to BRAF inhibitors and strategies to overcome it; the significance of comprehensive profiling of concurrent mutations, and the role of immune checkpoint inhibitor in BRAF mutated NSCLC. We have also included the currently ongoing clinical trials and recent advancements including combination therapy that would play a role in improving the overall survival and outcome of NSCLC.
Phenomics as an approach to Comparative Developmental Physiology
Authors: McCoy Jamie C. S. , Spicer John I. , Ibbini Ziad , Tills Oliver
Published: August 2023

The dynamic nature of developing organisms and how they function presents both opportunity and challenge to researchers, with significant advances in understanding possible by adopting innovative approaches to their empirical study. The information content of the phenotype during organismal development is arguably greater than at any other life stage, incorporating change at a broad range of temporal, spatial and functional scales and is of broad relevance to a plethora of research questions. Yet, effectively measuring organismal development, and the ontogeny of physiological regulations and functions, and their responses to the environment, remains a significant challenge. “Phenomics”, a global approach to the acquisition of phenotypic data at the scale of the whole organism, is uniquely suited as an approach. In this perspective, we explore the synergies between phenomics and Comparative Developmental Physiology (CDP), a discipline of increasing relevance to understanding sensitivity to drivers of global change. We then identify how organismal development itself provides an excellent model for pushing the boundaries of phenomics, given its inherent complexity, comparably smaller size, relative to adult stages, and the applicability of embryonic development to a broad suite of research questions using a diversity of species. Collection, analysis and interpretation of whole organismal phenotypic data are the largest obstacle to capitalising on phenomics for advancing our understanding of biological systems. We suggest that phenomics within the context of developing organismal form and function could provide an effective scaffold for addressing grand challenges in CDP and phenomics.
Nuclear hormone receptor NHR-49 is an essential regulator of stress resilience and healthy aging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Doering Kelsie R. S. , Ermakova Glafira , Taubert Stefan
Published: August 2023

The genome of Caenorhabditis elegans encodes 284 nuclear hormone receptor, which perform diverse functions in development and physiology. One of the best characterized of these is NHR-49, related in sequence and function to mammalian hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α. Initially identified as regulator of lipid metabolism, including fatty acid catabolism and desaturation, additional important roles for NHR-49 have since emerged. It is an essential contributor to longevity in several genetic and environmental contexts, and also plays vital roles in the resistance to several stresses and innate immune response to infection with various bacterial pathogens. Here, we review how NHR-49 is integrated into pertinent signaling circuits and how it achieves its diverse functions. We also highlight areas for future investigation including identification of regulatory inputs that drive NHR-49 activity and identification of tissue-specific gene regulatory outputs. We anticipate that future work on this protein will provide information that could be useful for developing strategies to age-associated declines in health and age-related human diseases.
Petunia dihydroflavonol 4-reductase is only a few amino acids away from producing orange pelargonidin-based anthocyanins
Authors: Vainio Jere , Mattila Saku , Abdou Sara M. , Sipari Nina , Teeri Teemu H.
Published: August 2023

Anthocyanins are responsible for the color spectrum of both ornamental and natural flowers. However, not all plant species produce all colors. For example, roses are not blue because they do not naturally possess a hydroxylase that opens the pathway for delphinidin and its derivatives. It is more intriguing why some plants do not carry orange or scarlet red flowers with anthocyanins based on pelargonidin, because the precursor for these anthocyanins should be available if anthocyanins are made at all. The key to this is the substrate specificity of dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), an enzyme located at the branch point between flavonols and anthocyanins. The most common example is petunia, which does not bear orange flowers unless the enzyme is complemented by biotechnology. We changed a few amino acids in the active site of the enzyme and showed that the mutated petunia DFR started to favor dihydrokaempferol, the precursor to orange pelargonidin, in vitro. When transferred to petunia, it produced an orange hue and dramatically more pelargonidin-based anthocyanins in the flowers.
Facial affect recognition in context in adults with and without TBI
Authors: Turkstra Lyn S. , Hosseini-Moghaddam Sam , Wohltjen Sophie , Nurre Sara V. , Mutlu Bilge , Duff Melissa C.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Several studies have reported impaired emotion recognition in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI), but studies have two major design features that limit application of results to real-world contexts: (1) participants choose from among lists of basic emotions, rather than generating emotion labels, and (2) images are typically presented in isolation rather than in context. To address these limitations, we created an open-labeling task with faces shown alone or in real-life scenes, to more closely approximate how adults with TBI label facial emotions beyond the lab.

Methods

Participants were 55 adults (29 female) with moderate to severe TBI and 55 uninjured comparison peers, individually matched for race, sex, and age. Participants viewed 60 photographs of faces, either alone or in the pictured person’s real-life context, and were asked what that person was feeling. We calculated the percent of responses that were standard forced-choice-task options, and also used sentiment intensity analysis to compare verbal responses between the two groups. We tracked eye movements for a subset of participants, to explore whether gaze duration or number of fixations helped explain any group differences in labels.

Results

Over 50% of responses in both groups were words other than basic emotions on standard affect tasks, highlighting the importance of eliciting open-ended responses. Valence of labels by participants with TBI was attenuated relative to valence of Comparison group labels, i.e., TBI group responses were less positive to positive images and the same was true for negative images, although the TBI group responses had higher lexical diversity. There were no significant differences in gaze duration or number of fixations between groups.

Discussion

Results revealed qualitative differences in affect labels between adults with and without TBI that would not have emerged on standard forced-choice tasks. Verbal differences did not appear to be attributable to differences in gaze patterns, leaving open the question of mechanisms of atypical affect processing in adults with TBI.
The development and validation of a multidimensional organisational trust measure
Authors: Fischer Sarah , Walker Arlene , Hyder Shannon
Published: August 2023

Motivation for the study

Workplaces are changing with employees increasingly working remotely and flexibly, which has created larger physical distance between team members. This shift has consequences for trust research and implications for how trust is built and maintained between employees and leaders.

Research design

Three studies collectively aimed to demonstrate how employee trust in leaders has adapted to a hybrid work environment. A validation of a seminal multidimensional employee trust in leaders measure was conducted. Also, an alternative multidimensional measure was developed, piloted, and then validated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

Main findings

Findings showed the Affective and Cognitive Trust scale not to be sufficiently reliable or valid after testing with a sample working in a hybrid model of virtual and face to face work environments. However, the new measure demonstrated good reliability and validity.

Implication

Findings reinforced that there are behavioural and relational elements to organisational trust, and there are two discreet dimensions to trustworthy behaviour: communication and authenticity.
Why district assemblies disburse resources to district health systems for service delivery at district level in the context of decentralization: a comparative study of two districts in the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Ayim Andrews , Agyepong Irene Akua , Enyimayew Nana
Published: August 2023

Objectives

To explore why the District Assembly disburses financial and other resources to the District Health System.

Design

Multiple case study with a single unit of analysis (holistic) using quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection involving a desk review, analysis of routine health management information system data and key informant interviews.

Setting

Two districts in the Volta Region of Ghana.

Participants

Twelve key officials of each district assembly and the district health system (24 total) who had worked in the district at least a year or more.

Interventions

None.

Results

Both District Assemblies had moderate decision space which was influenced by their capacity, power and contextual factors like politics, economics, legal and situational factors. Disbursement of financial and other resources to the District Health Systems was influenced by financial capacity, use of power by stakeholders, context and the decision space of the District Assembly. Political actors appeared to have more power in resource disbursement decision making than community members and technocrats in a context of resource constraints and inadequate funding. The funding available was used predominantly for capital investments, mainly construction of Community Based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds.

Conclusion

It is important to make policies that will regulate the relative power among the political appointees like the District Chief Executives (DCEs), public and civil servants in decentralized departments and agencies and Community members to make resource disbursement more sensitive to communities and decentralized departments.
Study on Revealing Peanut-Related Disease Prevention Gene Clusters via Whole Transcriptome Sequencing
Authors: Du Hongbo , Lu Nan , Li Chuanrong
Published: August 2023

Root rot caused by Fusarium oxysporum is a serious root disease that affects the growth and yield of peanut crops worldwide. Identifying resistance genes is of great significance for both conventional and molecular breeding. At present, there are a few identified disease resistance genes, and the defense response mechanism against this pathogen remains unclear. Using transcriptome analysis techniques, 21 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in plants treated with Bacillus thuringiensis TG5 and carbendazim. Among these DEGs, the TIFY10A protein gene, pyruvate decarboxylase, and UDP glycosyltransferase 74B1 genes play an important role in early resistance to root rot in peanut plants, leading to regulatory factors that trigger immunity. Our study provides important information on the response mechanism of peanut plants to F. oxysporum-induced root rot and the protective benefits of colonization by the microbial pesticide, B. thuringiensis.
Sorghum Contribution to Increased Income and Welfare of Dryland Farmer Households in Wonogiri, Indonesia
Authors: Sahara Dewi , Triastono Joko , Praptana Raden Heru , Romdon Anggi Sahru , Arianti Forita Dyah , Widodo Sugeng , Pustika Arlyna Budi , Purwaningsih Heni , Fadwiwati Andi Yulyani , Sutardi  , Muslimin  , Supriyo Agus , Malik Afrizal , Suhendrata Tota , Setiani Cahyati , Prasetyo Teguh , Komalawati  , Wulanjari Munir Eti , Chanifah  , Nurwahyuni Endah
Published: August 2023

Sorghum is uniquely adapted to dryland and used by the Indonesian government to optimize the utilization of dryland and increase farmers’ incomes. The objective of this study was to analyze the contribution of sorghum to increasing income and the level of welfare of dryland farmer households in Wonogiri, Central Java, Indonesia. The study was conducted from October to December 2022 using a survey method through direct interviews with purposively selected sorghum-growing farmers. A set of questions included household income and expenditure. The average total income and expenditure indicators, poverty line figures, RMW, and ERFHI were used to measure the welfare level of farmer households. The study found that the income derived from sorghum contributes 22.87% to total household income and tends to increase household income by 29.65%. According to the average total income earned, farming households were in a prosperous condition. This can be seen from the total income, which is higher than the total expenditure, the average per capita income higher than the poverty line, the average total income higher than RMW, and the value of ERFHI at 1.25. Income derived from sorghum has increased by 21.43–56.00% from less prosperous households to prosperous ones. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the existing literature on sorghum development and farmers’ income and to be a reference for policy makers in formulating poverty alleviation programs and improving the welfare of farmer households, as well as expanding sorghum development by optimizing the utilization of agroecological, economic and social resources.
Long-Term Increases in Continuous Cotton Yield and Soil Fertility following the Application of Cotton Straw and Organic Manure
Authors: Chen Xiaojing , Xi Kaipeng , Yang Zhiping , Lu Jinjing , Zhang Qiang , Wang Bin , Wang Ke , Shi Jundong
Published: August 2023

Long-term continuous cotton cropping results in a significant decrease in soil quality and soil organic carbon, threatening cotton yield. The application of organic amendments is considered an effective management practice for the sustainability of soil productivity and often increases yield. However, the sustainable improvement in the cotton yield, stability, and soil fertility over time resulting from organic amendments with cotton straw and organic manure still need to be confirmed with research, especially under a continuous cotton cropping system. This study evaluated the effect of 12 years of consecutive application of cotton straw and organic manure on continuous cotton yield, soil quality, and soil organic carbon. Four treatments, i.e., chemical N and P fertilizers (NP, control), NP plus cotton straw (NPS), NP plus manure (NPM), and NP plus cotton straw and manure (NPSM), were carried out. The results indicated that the addition of cotton straw and organic manure improved the temporal stability and sustainability of cotton yield. The combination of cotton straw and organic manure resulted in the greatest improvement, increasing the average annual cotton yield by 32.28% compared with the control (NP). A correlation analysis revealed that cotton yield was closely related to soil quality and soil organic carbon. The application of cotton straw and organic manure increased cotton yield by enhancing soil fertility, especially the quantity and quality of soil organic carbon, which improved the supply and cycling of soil nutrients and benefited the stability and sustainability of the cotton yield. Reusing cotton straw and organic manure could improve the sustainable productivity of cotton soil and provide additional environmental value as well as having great potential for cleaner and sustainable cotton production.
The Diversification of Adaptive Strategies for Karst-Adaptable Plants and the Utilization of Plant Resources in Karst Ecosystems
Authors: Wu Yanyou , Wu Yansheng
Published: August 2023

Karst landforms, which account for approximately 15% of the world’s total land area, are mainly concentrated in low latitudes, including Southeast Asia, the European Mediterranean, the east coast of North America, the west coast of South America, and the marginal areas of Australia [...]
Contrafreeloading Indicating the Behavioural Need to Forage in Healthy and Feather Damaging Grey Parrots
Authors: van Zeeland Yvonne R. A. , Schoemaker Nico J. , Lumeij Johannes T.
Published: August 2023

Contrafreeloading (CFL) is a concept that describes the preference of an animal to work for food even when identical food is freely available, and reflects an intrinsic motivation to engage in foraging-related activities. However, altered brain neurochemistry, which can be induced by chronic exposure to a suboptimal living environment, may affect this intrinsic motivation in animals with abnormal repetitive behaviours (ARBs), including parrots with feather damaging behaviour. To determine whether this was the case, we evaluated CFL activity in healthy (n = 11) and feather damaging (n = 10) Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) by offering them a free choice to obtain identical food from a food bowl or from a foraging device. Differences in CFL activity were observed, with feather damaging Grey parrots displaying less CFL (as indicated by shorter foraging times and lower amounts of food consumed from the foraging devices) compared to healthy conspecifics, indicating altered ‘motivation’ and time allocation, for which the underlying mechanism needs to be clarified further. Nevertheless, despite the variable level, all birds displayed CFL, which, together with a seemingly positive correlation between CFL activity and the plumage condition of the birds, suggests that parrots are intrinsically motivated to forage and highlights the importance of providing foraging opportunities to captive parrots.