bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal age extremes and adverse pregnancy outcomes in low-resourced settings
Authors: Nyongesa Paul , Ekhaguere Osayame A. , Marete Irene , Tenge Constance , Kemoi Milsort , Bann Carla M. , Bucher Sherri L. , Patel Archana B. , Hibberd Patricia L. , Naqvi Farnaz , Saleem Sarah , Goldenberg Robert L. , Goudar Shivaprasad S. , Derman Richard J. , Krebs Nancy F. , Garces Ana , Chomba Elwyn , Carlo Waldemar A. , Mwenechanya Musaku , Lokangaka Adrien , Tshefu Antoinette K. , Bauserman Melissa , Koso-Thomas Marion , Moore Janet L. , McClure Elizabeth M. , Liechty Edward A. , Esamai Fabian
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Adolescent (<20 years) and advanced maternal age (>35 years) pregnancies carry adverse risks and warrant a critical review in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of adverse pregnancy outcomes is highest.

Objective

To describe the prevalence and adverse pregnancy (maternal, perinatal, and neonatal) outcomes associated with extremes of maternal age across six countries.

Patients and methods

We performed a historical cohort analysis on prospectively collected data from a population-based cohort study conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Pakistan, and Zambia between 2010 and 2020. We included pregnant women and their neonates. We describe the prevalence and adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with pregnancies in these maternal age groups (<20, 20–24, 25–29, 30–35, and >35 years). Relative risks and 95% confidence intervals of each adverse pregnancy outcome comparing each maternal age group to the reference group of 20–24 years were obtained by fitting a Poisson model adjusting for site, maternal age, parity, multiple gestations, maternal education, antenatal care, and delivery location. Analysis by region was also performed.

Results

We analyzed 602,884 deliveries; 13% (78,584) were adolescents, and 5% (28,677) were advanced maternal age (AMA). The overall maternal mortality ratio (MMR) was 147 deaths per 100,000 live births and increased with advancing maternal age: 83 in the adolescent and 298 in the AMA group. The AMA groups had the highest MMR in all regions. Adolescent pregnancy was associated with an adjusted relative risk (aRR) of 1.07 (1.02–1.11) for perinatal mortality and 1.13 (1.06–1.19) for neonatal mortality. In contrast, AMA was associated with an aRR of 2.55 (1.81 to 3.59) for maternal mortality, 1.58 (1.49–1.67) for perinatal mortality, and 1.30 (1.20–1.41) for neonatal mortality, compared to pregnancy in women 20–24 years. This pattern was overall similar in all regions, even in the <18 and 18–19 age groups.

Conclusion

The maternal mortality ratio in the LMICs assessed is high and increased with advancing maternal age groups. While less prevalent, AMA was associated with a higher risk of adverse maternal mortality and, like adolescence, was associated with adverse perinatal mortality with little regional variation.
Magnetic properties of Ce-containing Pr/Nd-Fe-B sintered magnets by diffusing Nd-Dy-Al alloy
Authors: Liang Liwei , Wang Ruixiang , Chen Dehai , Liu Renhui , Ma Pengfei , Wu Tong , Wang Haifeng
Published: November 2023

In this study, 5% wt Ce-containing sintered Pr/Nd-Ce-Fe-B magnets were processed by grain boundary diffusion (GBD) with NdxDy90-xAl10 alloy (x = 0, 10, and 20 correspond to N0, N10, and N20, respectively). After the GBD process, the coercivity of magnets increased from 1,124.7 to 1,656.4, 1,673.9, and 1,584.8 kA/m, for N0, N10, and N20, respectively. Microstructure analysis revealed continuous RE-rich intergranular phases around matrix grains, which by weakening the magnetic coupling effect between ferromagnetic matrix grains, thus, leads to coercivity improvement. N10 had the same coercivity enhancement as N0, while the Dy utilization for N10 is lower than that for N0. The SEM results showed that the inclusion of Nd leads to the formation of a network of low-melting grain boundary phases, providing channels for subsequent Dy diffusion. A CeFe2 phase was found in the 5% wt Ce-containing magnet, which hindered diffusion due to its high melting point; in order to inhibit the negative impact of CeFe2 and reveal the diffusion mechanism in the Ce-containing magnet, DyH3, as a diffusion source, was applied to 5% wt-Ce-containing magnets simultaneously; after the GBD process, Nd10Dy90Al10 alloy, as a diffusion source, has better coercivity enhancement than DyH3, due to the deeper diffusion of the Dy element in the Nd10Dy90Al10 diffusion.
Secondary metabolite induced tolerance to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense TR4 in banana cv. Grand Naine through in vitro bio-immunization: a prospective research translation from induction to field tolerance
Authors: Damodaran T , Mishra Maneesh , Muthukumar M , Rajan Shailendra , Yadav Kavita , Kumar Alok , Debnath Prasenjit , Kumari Sangeeta , Bora Popy , Gopal Ram , Kumar Sandeep
Published: November 2023

An innovative tissue culture mediated incorporation of metabolite-based biomolecule (Bio-immune) at in vitro stage itself in banana cv. Grand Naine was developed and validated for the production of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense TR4 tolerant plantlets. The novel bio-immune formulation developed by us, exhibited a significant antifungal potency against Foc TR4 with a high percent inhibition (100%) at a 2.5% concentration of bio-immune on the 5th, 7th, and 9th DAI. Bio-immune integrated during in vitro shoot proliferation stage in banana cv. Grand Naine recorded significant enhancement in the growth of roots and shoots. Bio-immune (0.5%) fortified media produced 12.67 shoots per clump whereas control registered only 9.67 shoots per clump. Similarly, maximum root numbers (7.67) were observed in bio-immune plants which were significantly higher over control (5.0). The bio-immunized banana transplants recorded a higher survival rate (97.57%) during acclimatization as compared to the control (94.53%). Furthermore, evaluation of the bio-immunized plants in pot experiments revealed that unimmunized plants treated with FocTR4 (TF) exhibited mortality between 60 and 90 days. On the 90th day after planting, a high mean disease severity index (DSI) of 3.45 was observed with unimmunized plantlets while the bio-immunized plants (TFBI) and ICAR-FUSICONT treated plants (TFTR) showed substantially reduced DSI (0.20 and 1.00) compared to FocTR4 treated control (TF). Significant increases in polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), β-1,3-glucanase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chitinase activities, and enhanced phenol contents were recorded in bio-immunized plants compared to unimmunized plants. Field experiments at two different locations in Bihar, India revealed that bunch weight, no. of hands/bunch, and no. of fingers/hand of bio-immune treated plants were significantly higher compared to the control.
Bacterial dynamic of flue-cured tobacco leaf surface caused by change of environmental conditions
Authors: Ding Jie , Wei Kesu , Shang Xianchao , Sha Yuxue , Qin Liting , Li Haozhen , Wang Di , Zhang Xiaohua , Wu Shengjiang , Li Delun , Wang Feng , Yang Long
Published: November 2023

Microorganisms present on the surface of tobacco leaves play a significant role in shaping the composition of the tobacco microbial ecosystem, which undergoes continuous changes throughout the curing process. In the present study, a total of four distinct tobacco curing periods were selected for sampling, namely the fresh, yellowing, leaf-drying, and stem-drying stages. The bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences of the collected samples were subsequently analyzed to identify operational taxonomic units (OTUs). The findings indicated that the complete dataset of leaf microbial samples was clustered, resulting in the identification of 1,783 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Furthermore, the analysis of diversity revealed a pattern of initially increasing and subsequently decreasing community diversity. Redundancy Analysis (RDA) and weighted gene correlation networks for analysis (WGCNA) were employed in conjunction with environmental factors to assign OTUs to 22 modules for functional analysis. Additionally, a classification model utilizing the random forest algorithm was utilized to identify seven marker microorganisms (Escherichia coli, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Faecalibacterium, Escherichia-Shigella, Peptostreptococcaceae, Peptostreptococcales-Tissierellales, and Proteobacteria) that exhibited discriminative characteristics across different time periods. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic changes in the bacterial community throughout the curing process and their impact on the community’s function. Additionally, certain bacteria were identified as potential markers for detecting changes in the curing stage. These findings offer a novel opportunity to accurately regulate the curing environment, thereby enhancing the overall quality of tobacco leaf curing.
Inflammatory cytokines and stroke and its subtypes: a genetic correlation and two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Guo Yu , Sun Huaiyu , Hou Shuai , Zhang Wuqiong , Liu Huiqing , Zhu Lixia , Meng Hongmei
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The causal relationship between inflammatory factors and stroke subtypes remains unclear. This study aimed to analyze the causal relationship between 41 inflammatory factors and these two factors using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

We performed a two-sample MR analysis to assess the causal effects of 41 inflammatory cytokines on stroke and its subtypes and conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was adopted as the main MR method, and we performed a series of two-sample Mendelian randomizations and related sensitivity analyses.

Results

The study indicated some suggestive evidences: using the IVW approach, we found that lower possible levels of IL-4 were positively associated with the occurrence of stroke (odds ratio [OR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–0.99, p = 0.014), higher interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-12p70 levels may be positively correlated with the occurrence of stroke (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.01–1.18, p = 0.027; OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.02–1.15, p = 0.015). For IS, results showed that lower levels of IL-4, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand were positively associated with the occurrence of possible ischemic stroke (IS) (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87–0.98, p = 0.006; OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–1.00, p = 0.031), higher levels of IL-1β, IL-12p70 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) may be positively correlated with the occurrence of IS (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.00–1.19, p = 0.042; OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01–1.15, p = 0.035; OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.00–1.12, p = 0.034). Our findings suggest that decreased IL-17 levels could potentially be linked to a higher likelihood of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) (OR = 0.51, 95% CI: 0.28–0.93, p = 0.028). For subtypes of stroke, IS and ICH, higher levels of growth regulated oncogene-α, beta nerve growth factor, IL-18, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and induced protein 10 upregulated the risk factors while lower levels of IL-2ra and IL-17 upregulated the risk factors.

Conclusion

In summary, our research validated that inflammatory markers have a pivotal impact on the development of stroke and could potentially offer a fresh approach to treating this condition.
Pointing in cervical dystonia patients
Authors: Tramonti Fantozzi Maria Paola , Benedetti Roberta , Crecchi Alessandra , Briscese Lucia , Andre Paolo , Arrighi Pieranna , Bonfiglio Luca , Carboncini Maria Chiara , Bruschini Luca , Bongioanni Paolo , Faraguna Ugo , Manzoni Diego
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The normal hemispheric balance can be altered by the asymmetric sensorimotor signal elicited by Cervical Dystonia (CD), leading to motor and cognitive deficits.

Methods

Directional errors, peak velocities, movement and reaction times of pointing towards out-of-reach targets in the horizontal plane were analysed in 18 CD patients and in 11 aged-matched healthy controls.

Results

CD patients displayed a larger scatter of individual trials around the average pointing direction (variable error) than normal subjects, whatever the arm used, and the target pointed. When pointing in the left hemispace, all subjects showed a left deviation (constant error) with respect to the target position, which was significantly larger in CD patients than controls, whatever the direction of the abnormal neck torsion could be. Reaction times were larger and peak velocities lower in CD patients than controls.

Discussion

Deficits in the pointing precision of CD patients may arise from a disruption of motor commands related to the sensorimotor imbalance, from a subtle increase in shoulder rigidity or from a reduced agonists activation. Their larger left bias in pointing to left targets could be due to an increased right parietal dominance, independently upon the direction of head roll/jaw rotation which expands the left space representation and/or increases left spatial attention. These deficits may potentially extend to tracking and gazing objects in the left hemispace, leading to reduced skills in spatial-dependent motor and cognitive performance.
Definition of bulky disease in early stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in computed tomography on coronal and transverse planes
Authors: Ma’koseh Mohammad , Farfoura Heba , Khatib Yumna , Omari Zaid , Ababneh Hazim , Fayoumi Baha A. , Taqash Ayat , Al-Rwashdeh Mohammad , Abufara Alaa , Shahin Omar , Halahleh Khalid , Al-Rabi Kamal
Published: November 2023

Background

In early stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (ESDLBL), tumor bulkiness is an important determinant of treatment and prognosis. Tumor bulk is usually measured on transverse computed tomography (CT) plane and variably defined from 5 to 10 cm.

Objectives

Our study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of bulky disease measured on CT coronal and transverse planes and to evaluate the outcome of patients with bulky disease.

Methods

Patients with ESDLBL and treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisolone (RCHOP) with or without radiotherapy were included. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify the optimal tumor dimension that correlated with progression, relapse, or death. Correlation between different variables and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using log-rank (Mantel–Cox) test and Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

A total of 127 patients with a median age of 47 (range: 18–90) years were included. Eighty-two (64.6%) patients treated with combined modality treatment (CMT) [RCHOP + radiotherapy]. After a median follow-up of 40 (range: 2–114) months, 3-year PFS and OS were 83.9% (95% CI: 76.759%–89.981%), and 80.6% (95% CI: 72.499%–87.531%), respectively. Tumor dimension of >7.5 cm measured on either CT plane was the optimal cutoff point to define bulky disease. Three-year PFS and OS were inferior in the group of patients with no bulky disease on transvers plane (n = 84) but had bulky disease on coronal plane (n = 9,10.7%); (94.2% vs. 75%, p = 0.017 and 90.5% vs. 56.3%, p = 0.002), as well as in patients with no bulky disease on coronal plane (n = 89), but had bulky disease on transverse plane (n = 14, 15.7%); (94.1% vs. 62.3%, p < 0.001, and 90.4% vs. 63.5%, p = 0.002). Compared to RCHOP alone, 3-year PFS and OS were better in patients with bulky disease treated with CMT (78% vs. 52.5%, p = 0.018 and 81.8% vs. 38.7%, p = 0.003) but not in patients with non-bulky disease (96.2% vs. 93%, p = 0.691 and 87.6% vs. 91.5%, p = 0.477).

Conclusion

In ESDLBL, measurement of tumor mass on transverse and coronal CT planes may help in better identification of patients with bulky disease. The use of CMT was associated with better survival outcomes in patients with bulky disease.
A deep learning model to generate synthetic CT for prostate MR-only radiotherapy dose planning: a multicenter study
Authors: Tahri Safaa , Texier Blanche , Nunes Jean-Claude , Hemon Cédric , Lekieffre Pauline , Collot Emma , Chourak Hilda , Le Guevelou Jennifer , Greer Peter , Dowling Jason , Acosta Oscar , Bessieres Igor , Marage Louis , Boue-Rafle Adrien , De Crevoisier Renaud , Lafond Caroline , Barateau Anaïs
Published: November 2023

Introduction

For radiotherapy based solely on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), generating synthetic computed tomography scans (sCT) from MRI is essential for dose calculation. The use of deep learning (DL) methods to generate sCT from MRI has shown encouraging results if the MRI images used for training the deep learning network and the MRI images for sCT generation come from the same MRI device. The objective of this study was to create and evaluate a generic DL model capable of generating sCTs from various MRI devices for prostate radiotherapy

Materials and methods

In total, 90 patients from three centers (30 CT-MR prostate pairs/center) underwent treatment using volumetric modulated arc therapy for prostate cancer (PCa) (60 Gy in 20 fractions). T2 MRI images were acquired in addition to computed tomography (CT) images for treatment planning. The DL model was a 2D supervised conditional generative adversarial network (Pix2Pix). Patient images underwent preprocessing steps, including nonrigid registration. Seven different supervised models were trained, incorporating patients from one, two, or three centers. Each model was trained on 24 CT-MR prostate pairs. A generic model was trained using patients from all three centers. To compare sCT and CT, the mean absolute error in Hounsfield units was calculated for the entire pelvis, prostate, bladder, rectum, and bones. For dose analysis, mean dose differences of D99% for CTV, V95% for PTV, Dmax for rectum and bladder, and 3D gamma analysis (local, 1%/1 mm) were calculated from CT and sCT. Furthermore, Wilcoxon tests were performed to compare the image and dose results obtained with the generic model to those with the other trained models.

Results

Considering the image results for the entire pelvis, when the data used for the test comes from the same center as the data used for training, the results were not significantly different from the generic model. Absolute dose differences were less than 1 Gy for the CTV D99% for every trained model and center. The gamma analysis results showed nonsignificant differences between the generic and monocentric models.

Conclusion

The accuracy of sCT, in terms of image and dose, is equivalent to whether MRI images are generated using the generic model or the monocentric model. The generic model, using only eight MRI-CT pairs per center, offers robust sCT generation, facilitating PCa MRI-only radiotherapy for routine clinical use.
Expression of FIBCD1 by intestinal epithelial cells alleviates inflammation-driven tumorigenesis in a mouse model of colorectal cancer
Authors: Shahgoli Vahid Khaze , Dubik Magdalena , Pilecki Bartosz , Skallerup Sofie , Schmidt Sandra Gaedt , Detlefsen Sönke , Sorensen Grith L. , Holmskov Uffe , Baradaran Behzad , Moeller Jesper B.
Published: November 2023

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks as the third most prevalent cancer globally, highlighting the pressing need to address its development. Inflammation plays a crucial role in augmenting the risk of CRC and actively contributes to all stages of tumorigenesis. Consequently, targeting early inflammatory responses in the intestinal tract to restore homeostasis holds significant potential for preventing and treating CRC. Fibrinogen C domain-containing 1 (FIBCD1), a chitin-binding transmembrane protein predominantly found on human intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), has garnered attention in previous research for its ability to effectively suppress inflammatory responses and promote tissue homeostasis at mucosal barriers.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the role of FIBCD1 in CRC development using transgenic mice that mimic human expression of FIBCD1 at the intestinal mucosal barrier. To model aspects of CRC, we employed the azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate (AOM/DSS) mouse model. Additionally, we examined the expression pattern of FIBCD1 in surgical specimens obtained from human CRC patients by immunohistochemical methods. By accessing public data repositories, we further evaluated FIBCD1 expression in colon adenocarcinoma and explored survival outcomes associated with FIBCD1 expression.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that FIBCD1 substantially impacts CRC development by significantly reducing intestinal inflammation and suppressing colorectal tumorigenesis in mice. Furthermore, we identify a soluble variant of FIBCD1 that is significantly increased in feces during acute inflammation. Finally, we demonstrate increased expression of FIBCD1 by immunohistochemistry in human CRC specimens at more developed tumor stages. These results are further supported by bioinformatic analyses of publicly available repositories, indicating increased FIBCD1 expression in tumor tissues, where higher expression is associated with unfavorable prognosis.

Conclusion

Collectively, these findings suggest that FIBCD1 influences early inflammatory responses in the AOM/DSS model, leading to a reduction in tumor size and burden. The increased expression of FIBCD1 in human CRC samples raises intriguing questions regarding its role in CRC, positioning it as a compelling candidate and novel molecular target for future research.
Neuroprotective effects of Neurotrophin-3 in MPTP-induced zebrafish Parkinson’s disease model
Authors: Omar Noor Azzizah , Kumar Jaya , Teoh Seong Lin
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Neurotrophin-3 (NT3) is a neuroprotective growth factor that induces the development, maintenance and survival of neurons. This study aims to localize NT3-expressing cells in the adult zebrafish brain and examine the role of NT3 in a zebrafish Parkinson’s disease (PD) model.

Methods: Cellular localization of NT3 in adult zebrafish brains was conducted using in situ hybridization. Subsequently, adult zebrafish were injected intraperitoneally with 100 μg/g of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and treated with 400 ng/g body weight of recombinant NT3 (rNT3) via intracranial injection 24 h following MPTP injection. The fish were assessed for neurobehavioral, gene expression, immunohistology, and protein analysis on days 3, 5 and 10 post-MPTP injection.

Results: Our findings showed that NT3 was extensively expressed throughout the adult zebrafish brain in neurons. Administration of rNT3 has significantly improved locomotor activity, with upregulation of th1, dat, ntf3 and bdnf gene expressions compared to MPTP-induced zebrafish. Dopaminergic neurons were also significantly increased in the zebrafish brain following rNT3 treatment. ELISA analysis reported raised GST and decreased caspase-3 levels on day 3 of assessment. The trophic changes of rNT3, however, decline as the assessment day progresses.

Conclusion: This study is the first to examine the role of NT3 in the adult zebrafish PD model. NT3 has remarkable trophic effects in the zebrafish PD model. However, further study is needed to examine the dosage requirements and long-term effects of NT3 in PD.
The impact of metabolic overweight/obesity phenotypes on unplanned readmission risk in patients with COPD: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tian Yang , Liu Luna , Li Yuchen , Fan Xiude , Wu Wanhong , Shi Yingzhou , Jiang Jie , Yuan Zinuo , Dong Hang , Li Huijie , Xuan Qiuhui , Xu Chao
Published: November 2023

Background: There is an inconsistent association between overweight/obesity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Considering that different metabolic characteristics exist among individuals in the same body mass index (BMI) category, the classification of overweight/obesity based on metabolic status may facilitate the risk assessment of COPD. Our study aimed to explore the relationship between metabolic overweight/obesity phenotypes and unplanned readmission in patients with COPD.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD). According to metabolic overweight/obesity phenotypes, patients were classified into four groups: metabolically healthy non-overweight/obesity (MHNO), metabolically unhealthy non-overweight/obesity (MUNO), metabolically healthy with overweight/obesity (MHO), and metabolically unhealthy with overweight/obesity (MUO). The primary outcome was unplanned readmission to hospital within 30 days of discharge from index hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS) and total charges of readmission within 30 days.

Results: Among 1,445,890 patients admitted with COPD, 167,156 individuals were unplanned readmitted within 30 days. Patients with the phenotype MUNO [hazard ratio (HR), 1.049; 95%CI, 1.038–1.061; p < 0.001] and MUO (HR, 1.061; 95%CI, 1.045–1.077; p < 0.001) had a higher readmission risk compared with patients with MHNO. But in elders (≥65yr), MHO also had a higher readmission risk (HR, 1.032; 95%CI, 1.002–1.063; p = 0.039). Besides, the readmission risk of COPD patients with hyperglycemia or hypertension regardless of overweight/obesity increased (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: In patients with COPD, overweight/obesity alone had little effect on unplanned readmission, whereas metabolic abnormalities regardless of overweight/obesity were associated with an increased risk of unplanned readmission. Among the metabolic abnormalities, particular attention should be paid to hyperglycemia and hypertension. But in elders (≥65yr) overweight/obesity and metabolic abnormalities independently exacerbated the adverse outcomes.
Predicting tomato water consumption in a hydroponic greenhouse: contribution of light interception models
Authors: Florakis Konstantinos , Trevezas Samis , Letort Véronique
Published: November 2023

In recent years, hydroponic greenhouse cultivation has gained increasing popularity: the combination of hydroponics’ highly efficient use of resources with a controlled environment and an extended growing season provided by greenhouses allows for optimized, year-round plant growth. In this direction, precise and effective irrigation management is critical for achieving optimal crop yield while ensuring an economical use of water resources. This study explores techniques for explaining and predicting daily water consumption by utilizing only easily readily available meteorological data and the progressively growing records of the water consumption dataset. In situations where the dataset is limited in size, the conventional purely data-based approaches that rely on statistically benchmarking time series models tend to be too uncertain. Therefore, the objective of this study is to explore the potential contribution of crop models’ main concepts in constructing more robust models, even when plant measurements are not available. Two strategies were developed for this purpose. The first strategy utilized the Greenlab model, employing reference parameter values from previously published papers and re-estimating, for identifiability reasons, only a limited number of parameters. The second strategy adopted key principles from crop growth models to propose a novel modeling approach, which involved deriving a Stochastic Segmentation of input Energy (SSiE) potentially absorbed by the elementary photosynthetically active parts of the plant. Several model versions were proposed and adjusted using the maximum likelihood method. We present a proof-of-concept of our methodology applied to the ekstasis Tomato, with one recorded time series of daily water uptake. This method provides an estimate of the plant’s dynamic pattern of light interception, which can then be applied for the prediction of water consumption. The results indicate that the SSiE models could become valuable tools for extracting crop information efficiently from routine greenhouse measurements with further development and testing. This, in turn, could aid in achieving more precise irrigation management.
The coat protein of citrus yellow vein clearing virus directly targets the ascorbate peroxidase 1 in lemon (ClAPX1) to facilitate virus accumulation
Authors: Wang Chunqing , Zhang Qi , Li Jiaxin , Wang Xinliang , Li Chuxin , Bin Yu , Song Zhen
Published: November 2023

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are closely related to the antiviral immune response of plants, while virus can regulate ROS through various pathways to facilitate their own infection or replication. Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) is one of the most devastating viruses affecting lemon (Citrus limon) industry worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of CYVCV remains poorly understood. In this study, direct interaction between the coat protein (CP) of CYVCV and the ascorbate peroxidase 1 of lemon (ClAPX1) was confirmed for the first time by yeast two-hybrid, Bimolecular Fluorescence Complementation, and Co-immunoprecipitation assays. Transient expression of CP in lemon and Nicotiana benthamiana significantly enhanced the enzyme activity of the ClAPX1, and then inhibited the accumulation of H2O2. In addition, overexpression of ClAPX1 in lemon by transgene significantly promoted CYVCV accumulation and depressed the expression of most genes involved in jasmonic acid (JA) signaling pathway. Correspondingly, ClAPX1 silencing by RNA interference inhibited CYVCV accumulation and increased the expression of most genes involved in JA signaling pathway. To our knowledge, this is the first report that viruses regulate ROS by targeting APX directly, thereby suppressing host immune response and promoting viral accumulation, which may be mediated by JA signaling pathway.
The tobacco GNTI stem region harbors a strong motif for homomeric protein complex formation
Authors: Schoberer Jennifer , Izadi Shiva , Kierein Carolina , Vavra Ulrike , König-Beihammer Julia , Ruocco Valentina , Grünwald-Gruber Clemens , Castilho Alexandra , Strasser Richard
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The Golgi apparatus of plants is the central cellular organelle for glycan processing and polysaccharide biosynthesis. These essential processes are catalyzed by a large number of Golgi-resident glycosyltransferases and glycosidases whose organization within the Golgi is still poorly understood.

Methods

Here, we examined the role of the stem region of the cis/medial Golgi enzyme N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GNTI) in homomeric complex formation in the Golgi of Nicotiana benthamiana using biochemical approaches and confocal microscopy.

Results

Transient expression of the N-terminal cytoplasmic, transmembrane, and stem (CTS) regions of GNTI leads to a block in N-glycan processing on a co-expressed recombinant glycoprotein. Overexpression of the CTS region from Golgi α-mannosidase I, which can form in planta complexes with GNTI, results in a similar block in N-glycan processing, while GNTI with altered subcellular localization or N-glycan processing enzymes located further downstream in the Golgi did not affect complex N-glycan processing. The GNTI-CTS-dependent alteration in N-glycan processing is caused by a specific nine-amino acid sequence motif in the stem that is required for efficient GNTI-GNTI interaction.

Discussion

Taken together, we have identified a conserved motif in the stem region of the key N-glycan processing enzyme GNTI. We propose that the identified sequence motif in the GNTI stem region acts as a dominant negative motif that can be used in transient glycoengineering approaches to produce recombinant glycoproteins with predominantly mannosidic N-glycans.
The effects of binge drinking on attention in young adults
Authors: Monds Lauren A. , Singleton Matthew R. , Russell Alex M. T.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Alcohol binge drinking is highly prevalent among young adults. While research has established the neurotoxic effects of general alcohol consumption, binge drinking presents unique deleterious effects on the brain through the acute intoxication and withdrawal cycle. The detrimental impacts of binge drinking have been reported across a broad range of cognitive abilities in young adults, however, the research regarding its relationship to attention is mixed. This study investigates the relationship between binge drinking and attention performance in young adults. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that males and females are uniquely impacted by the neurotoxic effects of binge drinking, so the present study tests the moderating role of sex, as well as the influence of earlier age of binge drinking onset.

Methods

One-hundred and five university students were recruited for the study. After collecting socio-demographic, and alcohol use information, participants completed four cognitive tasks designed to measure the three attention networks according to the Attention Network Theory; alerting, orienting, and executive control. Linear hierarchical regressions were used to predict performance with binge drinking score, sex and age of first binge drinking session as predictors.

Results

Binge drinking, sex, and age of first binge drinking session did not predict attention impairment, nor did sex moderate the relationship, at least in the selected cognitive tasks. The tasks used to measure attention did not relate in the expected manner.

Discussion

While there were no differences in attention performance between those who binge drink and controls in this study, the relationship between binge drinking and attention impairments in young adults may be more nuanced and future research directions are suggested. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Why do female audiences subscribe to these types of streamers? An empirical study on the motivations of Chinese Huya users
Authors: Wang Sijun
Published: November 2023

The Chinese live-streaming economy is growing at an accelerated pace among young audiences, but the motivations underlying female users lack academic research. Adopting a mixed approach, this study applies the Uses and Gratification Theory to explain the subscription behavior based on the Chinese live-streaming platform Huya. Through research data collected from online communities (n = 202), female audiences’ preferences for streamers has been revealed. Findings show that speech style, humor, and streaming quality are the most prominent attributes, while some results such as excellent mastery of skills, physical appearance, and voice are contrary to previous studies with predominantly male participation. The theoretical and methodological implications of these findings and this approach are discussed. Accordingly, the research gives recommendations to streamers and live-streaming platforms for user growth and maintenance.
Focusing on the value of cooperative learning in physical education: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Zhou Tong , Wang Huayi , Li Dong
Published: November 2023

The shift toward cooperative learning has highlighted the growing advantages of individual learning modes during the transition. Nevertheless, a systematic compilation of the precise classification and developmental dynamics of cooperative learning in PE has been absent. This study aimed to organize the existing progress and significance of collaborative learning. The study entailed a meticulous systematic review process, examining 169 articles in this domain with the aid of visualization software. The results of the study indicate that the overall use of cooperative learning in physical education is on the rise and will reach its highest level in 2021; Second, the keywords, major core scholars, journals, countries, and major research topics; the visual knowledge map reveals the major research topics of intrinsic motivation, cooperative learning, motor skills, self-learning, written expression, and pedagogical models. The research primarily centers on primary and secondary education, followed by teacher training and higher education. At the primary and secondary school levels, there is a specific focus on aspects such as motivation, teacher-student relationships, and the group atmosphere. This research also explores sustainable development and training for PE teachers, model integration, and its influence on students’ intrinsic motivation; and finally, the future directions of cooperative learning in PEare summarized. This study provides meaningful and valuable information on how cooperative learning models can be used and developed in various teaching and learning environments, physical education teacher education, and overall student development.
“Without it, I am not sure I would still be here”: a mixed methods service evaluation for online EMDR trauma therapy in a primary care network in England
Authors: Kaptan Safa Kemal , Dernedde Carsten , Dowden Tilda , Akan Ayşe
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Psychological services are typically offered via specialized mental health services, which are often overwhelmed with long waitlists. To address this need and provide patients with a service characterized by shorter waiting times and increased accessibility, online Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was established in the North Norfolk 4 Primary Care Network.

Methods

This article presents this service’s collaborative funding, development and outcomes within local GP surgeries. It constitutes a mixed-method service evaluation encompassing the future of EMDR in primary care services. Additionally, it includes the assessment of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms as well as work and social adjustment in a cohort of 83 patients alongside a Thematic Analysis involving eighteen patients and six GPs.

Results

The evaluation showed high completion and attendance among service users. Quantitative scores combined with qualitative feedback from patients and practitioners highlight the potential impact of EMDR therapy on General Practice and its broader provision of trauma-focused therapies. The most significant improvements were observed in anxiety and depression scores. Thematic Analysis indicated that the patients found the service helpful, labeling it as a “life-saver.” They also discussed why they found the service effective; some also wished the service had been available earlier.

Discussion

Findings underscore the potential of EMDR and online EMDR as an accessible and effective approach within primary care settings. The assessments showed an elevated level of access and attendance among service users. Therefore, it is recommended that timely EMDR services be extended through primary care networks.
Mediating effects of depression on sleep disturbance and frailty in older adult type 2 diabetes patients in the community
Authors: Chen Xushu , Liu Mengdan , Ma Qin , Liu Xin , Peng Xueping , He Changjiu
Published: November 2023

Introduction

With the progressive aging of the population, frailty is now a significant challenge in geriatrics research. A growing amount of evidence suggests that sleep disturbance and depression have independent effects on frailty, although the underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of depression in the relationship between sleep disturbance and frailty in older adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in the community.

Method

Purposive sampling was used to collect face-to-face data from 342 community-dwelling T2DM patients in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, between February and May 2023. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale was used to evaluate sleep quality, the Simple Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was used to evaluate depressive symptoms, and the FRAIL Scale (FRAIL) was used to evaluate frailty. Linear regression equation and bootstrap self-sampling were used to verify the mediating role of depressive symptoms in sleep disturbance and frailty.

Result

The study found that sleep disturbance had a direct positive effect with frailty [β = 0.040, 95% CI: (0.013, 0.069)]. Additionally, depression had a direct positive effect on frailty [β = 0.130, 95% CI: (0.087, 0.173)], and depression was found to partially mediate the relationship between sleep disturbance and frailty.

Conclusion

Poor sleep quality and frailty are common in patients with T2DM. To reduce the frailty of older adult T2DM patients, all levels of society (government, medical institutions, and communities) must pay more attention to mental health. A variety of interventions should be considered to improve sleep quality and depression, which in turn may prevent or control frailty.
Collectively achieving primary health care and educational goals through school-based platforms: financing solutions for intersectoral collaboration
Authors: Schiff Mackenzie , Jha Ayan , Walker Dawne , Gonzalez-Pier Eduardo
Published: November 2023

Despite abundant evidence demonstrating that improvements to health and education are positively correlated, and the importance of school-based platforms to achieve shared impacts, collaboration between ministries of health and education remains limited across low- and middle-income countries. Enhancing this collaboration is essential to realize mutually beneficial results, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted health and education outcomes globally and highlighted the importance of resilient, domestically funded systems for delivering key social services including primary health care and education. We argue that the lack of an effective joint financing mechanism has hindered adoption of collaborative multisectoral approaches such as the WHO/UNESCO’s Health Promoting Schools (HPS) model. HPS is well-positioned to organize, finance, and deliver primary health care and education services through a school-based platform and strategy. Case studies from several low- and middle-income countries highlight the need to expand limited inter-ministerial collaborations to achieve cross-sectoral benefits and ensure sustainability of HPS beyond the lifecycle of external partners’ support. It is important to identify ways to widen the resource envelope for sector-specific activities and create efficiencies through mutually beneficial outcomes. This paper offers two pragmatic solutions: an inter-ministerial joint financing mechanism that starts with alignment of budgets but matures into a formal system for pooling funds, or a fixed-term co-financing mechanism that uses donor contributions to catalyze inter-ministerial collaborations. Achieving sustainability in these initiatives would require engaging the ministries of health, education, and finance; developing a common administrative, financial, and monitoring mechanism; and securing long-term commitment from all concerned stakeholders.
Health-related quality of life of Korean older adults according to age, sex, and living arrangements: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hwang Horim A. , Jeong Hyunsuk , Yim Hyeon Woo
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The number and proportion of older adults living alone is a significant issue. While the number of the oldest old people is also expected to increase, their health characteristics are poorly understood. This study aims to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of the oldest old people according to age, sex, and living arrangements.

Methods

This study is based on the Korea Community Health Survey 2021. Among the survey's 229,242 observations, 73,617 observations aged 65 or higher were used for the analysis. The study participants were divided into 5-year age intervals (from 65–69 to 90+), sex, and living arrangements. The outcome variables are the EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) index score and the problem reporting rates of the five dimensions of EQ-5D.

Results

The mean EQ-5D index scores were 0.896 at 65–69 and 0.741 at 90+. The mean EQ-5D index score decreased more rapidly as age increased. Women showed consistently lower mean EQ-5D index scores than men in all age intervals. The proportion of older adults living alone increased from 18.1% at 65–69 to 43.6% at 90+. The odds of reporting problems with anxiety/depression among older men living alone were estimated to be significantly higher than older men living with someone (aOR 1.22 95% CI 1.05–1.43). The odds of reporting problems in self-care and usual activity among older women living alone were estimated to be significantly lower than older women living with someone (aOR 0.88 95% CI 0.70–0.83 and aOR 0.88 95% CI 0.82–0.94)

Conclusion

This study showed that older adults' HRQoL deteriorates as their age increases. Moreover, living alone may lead to different effects on older adults' HRQoL according to sex. More comprehensive studies and collaborative attention are needed to identify and provide customized care for older adults.
Profiling oral health status, values, and related quality of life in patients with oral cancer: a pilot study
Authors: Rodrigues Inês , Botelho João , Machado Vanessa , Proença Luís , Mendes José João , Zagalo Carlos
Published: November 2023

Patients diagnosed with oral cancer frequently exhibit an increased likelihood of experiencing common dental conditions, lower dental health literacy, and a decline in their overall quality of life. However, there is limited understanding on the impact of oral health values on these patients. This study aims to explore the oral health status and their oral health determinants and reported outcomes in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) at the Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil. This cross-sectional study included patients who were diagnosed with OSCC for the first time. These individuals were administered a questionnaire that collected sociodemographic data, as well as their scores on the oral health value scale (OHVS) and the short-form oral health impact profile. In addition, participants self-reported their experiences with periodontitis and caries using the decayed, missing, filled index. The final sample consisted of 46 OSCC patients, consisting of 34 males and 12 females. The average age of the participants was 70.0 years (±13.2), with most of them being retired (65.2%). There were no differences found between sex regarding age (p = 0.531), employment status (p = 0.114), presence of systemic conditions, smoking habits (p = 0.423), or alcohol consumption (p = 0.404). In the OHVS, there was a statistically significant difference between men and women regarding the retention of natural teeth (p = 0.021). Patients with self-perceived periodontitis exhibited worse functional limitation (p = 0.039) and physical pain (p = 0.049). Regarding dental caries experience, it was observed that a majority of patients had a higher incidence of missing posterior teeth (59.2%). This sample presented a significant decline in oral health, in addition to the diagnosed OSCC. The oral health value and quality of life were severely declined. There is a concerning lack of oral care and health that, consequently, impacts the quality of life of these patients.
Newly Discovered Bacteria Help Keep Ecosystems in Balance
Authors: Laurita Nicole , Bergenthal Kyle , Andaloori Lalitya , Reth Channy , Kesler Justin , Boddicker Andrew M. , Mosier Annika C.
Published: November 2023

Nitrogen is essential to all life on Earth. Tiny organisms, called microbes, help to make nitrogen available to all other living things. One group of microbes, called nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), help to remove excess nitrogen from the environment that can be dangerous to plants and animals. However, there is still a lot to learn about the distribution and function of NOB in nature. In the lab, we grew new types of NOB from rivers. By studying their DNA, we found that these NOB can gain energy in many ways and survive the stress of pollution. Similar NOB seem to be present all over Earth. Studying NOB can help us to understand how changes to the environment might affect microbes and their habitats.