bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interplay between Cultured Human Osteoblastic and Skeletal Muscle Cells: Effects of Conditioned Media on Glucose and Fatty Acid Metabolism
Authors: Lunde Ngoc Nguyen , Osoble Nimo Mukhtar Mohamud , Fernandez Andrea Dalmao , Antobreh Alfreda S. , Jafari Abbas , Singh Sachin , Nyman Tuula A. , Rustan Arild C. , Solberg Rigmor , Thoresen G. Hege
Published: October 2023

The interplay between skeletal muscle and bone is primarily mechanical; however, biochemical crosstalk by secreted mediators has recently gained increased attention. The aim of this study was to investigate metabolic effects of conditioned medium from osteoblasts (OB-CM) on myotubes and vice versa. Human skeletal muscle cells incubated with OB-CM showed increased glucose uptake and oxidation, and mRNA expression of the glucose transporter (GLUT) 1, while fatty acid uptake and oxidation, and mRNA expression of the fatty acid transporter CD36 were decreased. This was supported by proteomic analysis, where expression of proteins involved in glucose uptake, glycolytic pathways, and the TCA cycle were enhanced, and expression of several proteins involved in fatty acid metabolism were reduced. Similar effects on energy metabolism were observed in human bone marrow stromal cells differentiated to osteoblastic cells incubated with conditioned medium from myotubes (SKM-CM), with increased glucose uptake and reduced oleic acid uptake. Proteomic analyses of the two conditioned media revealed many common proteins. Thus, our data may indicate a shift in fuel preference from fatty acid to glucose metabolism in both cell types, induced by conditioned media from the opposite cell type, possibly indicating a more general pattern in communication between these tissues.
The Relationship between Physical Activity and Life Satisfaction among University Students in China: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy and Resilience
Authors: Deng Jiaxin , Liu Yongfeng , Chen Rui , Wang Yu
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Universities play a crucial role in nurturing healthy habits, and physical activity has emerged as a valuable tool for enhancing the life satisfaction, self-efficacy, and resilience of college students. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of physical activity in the relationship between life satisfaction and self-efficacy as well as resilience among Chinese university students. (2) Method: This study used the Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Self-Efficacy Scale (CGES), the Mental Toughness Scale (CD-RISC), and the Life Satisfaction Scale (CSLSS) to administer questionnaires to 353 university students from two universities in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. Using a random simple sampling method, the data were processed and analyzed using SPSS 22.0 and Excel software. (3) Results: (1) Physical activity exhibited a significant positive correlation with self-efficacy, resilience, and life satisfaction; self-efficacy was significantly and positively related to resilience and life satisfaction; and resilience was significantly and positively related to life satisfaction. (2) Physical activity had a positive predictive effect on life satisfaction (β = 0.2771; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.1905, 0.3637, 55.51%). (3) Self-efficacy (β = 0.0368; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.0087, 0.0692, 7.37%) and resilience (β = 0.137; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.0919, 0.1894, 27.44%) mediated the relationship between physical activity and life satisfaction. Also, the chain-mediating effect of self-efficacy and resilience between physical activity and life satisfaction reached significant levels (β = 0.0483; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.0279, 0.0745, 9.68%). (4) Conclusion: Active participation in physical activity not only enhanced the life satisfaction of college students but also indirectly impacted their life satisfaction by improving their self-efficacy and resilience. Consequently, this led to an overall improvement in the life satisfaction of college students.
Fabrication of a Three-Dimensional Spheroid Culture System for Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas Using a Microfabricated Device
Authors: Ikeda-Motonakano Reiko , Hirabayashi-Nishimuta Fumika , Yada Naomi , Yamasaki Ryota , Nagai-Yoshioka Yoshie , Usui Michihiko , Nakazawa Kohji , Yoshiga Daigo , Yoshioka Izumi , Ariyoshi Wataru
Published: October 2023

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are considered to be responsible for recurrence, metastasis, and resistance to treatment in many types of cancers; therefore, new treatment strategies targeting CSCs are attracting attention. In this study, we fabricated a polyethylene glycol-tagged microwell device that enabled spheroid formation from human oral squamous carcinoma cells. HSC-3 and Ca9-22 cells cultured in the microwell device aggregated and generated a single spheroid per well within 24–48 h. The circular shape and smooth surface of spheroids were maintained for up to five days, and most cells comprising the spheroids were Calcein AM-positive viable cells. Interestingly, the mRNA expression of CSC markers (Cd44, Oct4, Nanog, and Sox2) were significantly higher in the spheroids than in the monolayer cultures. CSC marker-positive cells were observed throughout the spheroids. Moreover, resistance to cisplatin was enhanced in spheroid-cultured cells compared to that in the monolayer-cultured cells. Furthermore, some CSC marker genes were upregulated in HSC-3 and Ca9-22 cells that were outgrown from spheroids. In xenograft model, the tumor growth in the spheroid implantation group was comparable to that in the monolayer culture group. These results suggest that our spheroid culture system may be a high-throughput tool for producing uniform CSCs in large numbers from oral cancer cells.
Uncertainty and the NICU Experience: A Qualitative Evaluation of Family and Provider Perspectives
Authors: Gorsky Katharine Griffin , Butala Saloni , House Madison , Moon Chelsea , Calvetti Sam , Khando Tenzin , Kipke Michele , Lakshmanan Ashwini
Published: October 2023

There is limited information regarding caregiver and provider perspectives on uncertainty across the continuum of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience. Open-ended semi-structured interviews were conducted with providers and English- and Spanish-speaking caregivers of infants with a history of admission to a quaternary safety-net NICU. Major themes were generated using inductive–deductive thematic analysis. Seventy-six individuals participated in the study: 47 caregivers and 29 providers. The median gestational age of the infants was 29 weeks and 85% were classified as having chronic complex disease per the Pediatric Medical Complexity Algorithm. Most providers were neonatologists (37%) and nurses (27%) and more than half had over ten years of experience. A conceptual model of caregiver uncertainty was developed and key domains included drivers of uncertainty and its impact, and factors influencing coping and adaptation. Our analysis found a positive association between caregiver information gathering, clinical continuity, support systems, maternal mental health supports, and witnessing a child’s progress and the development of adjustment to chronic uncertainty. These results suggest key areas for intervention that can promote parental adaptation to the uncertainty inherent in the NICU experience.
Multimodification of a 304 Stainless Steel Surface Based on DA/PEI/SiO2 for Improving Surface Antimicrobial Performance
Authors: Cao Zhimin , Zhu Mingyi , Dong Xuxu , Liu De , Cao Pan
Published: October 2023

An innovative antifouling composite coating comprising dopamine (DA), polyethyleneimine (PEI), and silica (SiO2) was developed through a straightforward and environmentally friendly approach. Initially, silica nanoparticles comodified with DA and PEI were meticulously deposited onto 304 stainless steel surfaces pretreated with dopamine to achieve a uniformly distributed nanocomposite surface. Comprehensive analytical techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurement (CA), and 3D optical profilometry, were employed to affirm the successful preparation of the silica nanocomposite coatings and the effective grafting of MAG II. The antibacterial and antibiofilm performance of the DA/PEI/SiO2-modified surface was rigorously assessed using Vibrio natriegens (V. natriegens), yielding compelling results indicating a substantial 51.4% reduction in biofilm formation on the SS-DA/PEI/SiO2 sample surfaces, coupled with an impressive 95.2% decrease in V. natriegens adhesion. This pioneering research introduces an innovative strategy for the development of antimicrobial surfaces with promising applications in medical devices, aquaculture, and related fields.
A CNN-GRU Approach to the Accurate Prediction of Batteries’ Remaining Useful Life from Charging Profiles
Authors: Jafari Sadiqa , Byun Yung-Cheol
Published: October 2023

Predicting the remaining useful life (RUL) is a pivotal step in ensuring the reliability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In order to enhance the precision and stability of battery RUL prediction, this study introduces an innovative hybrid deep learning model that seamlessly integrates convolutional neural network (CNN) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) architectures. Our primary goal is to significantly improve the accuracy of RUL predictions for LIBs. Our model excels in its predictive capabilities by skillfully extracting intricate features from a diverse array of data sources, including voltage (V), current (I), temperature (T), and capacity. Within this novel architectural design, parallel CNN layers are meticulously crafted to process each input feature individually. This approach enables the extraction of highly pertinent information from multi-channel charging profiles. We subjected our model to rigorous evaluations across three distinct scenarios to validate its effectiveness. When compared to LSTM, GRU, and CNN-LSTM models, our CNN-GRU model showcases a remarkable reduction in root mean square error, mean square error, mean absolute error, and mean absolute percentage error. These results affirm the superior predictive capabilities of our CNN-GRU model, which effectively harnesses the strengths of both CNNs and GRU networks to achieve superior prediction accuracy. This study draws upon NASA data to underscore the outstanding predictive performance of the CNN-GRU model in estimating the RUL of LIBs.
Effects of Structural Radiation Disorder in the Near-Surface Layer of Alloys Based on NbTiVZr Compounds Depending on the Variation of Alloy Components
Authors: Giniyatova Sholpan G. , Kadyrzhanov Kayrat K. , Shlimas Dmitriy I. , Borgekov Daryn B. , Uglov Vladimir V. , Kozlovskiy Artem L. , Zdorovets Maxim V.
Published: October 2023

This research investigated how changes in the composition of Nb–Ti–V–Zr-based alloys affect their resistance to radiation damage and the preservation of strength characteristics when exposed to the heavy ions Kr15+ and Xe23+. These heavy ions simulate the impact of nuclear fuel fission fragments on the material. The primary objective of this study was to explore how variations in alloy components influence radiation resistance and the retention of alloy strength properties. Accumulation of radiation defects can potentially lead to embrittlement and a decrease in resistance to external factors during operation. An analysis of the X-ray diffraction data obtained from the initial alloy samples, in relation to the variations in the number of components, revealed that an increase in the number of components leads to the formation of a denser crystal structure. Additionally, this resulted in the emergence of a dislocation strengthening factor associated with changes in crystallite size. Concurrently, when assessing changes in the strength characteristics of the irradiated alloys, it was observed that the NbTiV and NbTiVZr alloys demonstrated the highest resistance to strength property degradation, specifically a 2.5- to 5-fold increase in resistance against a significant decrease in hardness. It was confirmed that the significant factor contributing towards the enhancement and preservation of the structural and strength properties is the dislocation strengthening mechanism. An increase in dislocation strengthening effectively enhances resistance against destructive embrittlement, particularly when exposed to high-dose irradiation.
Distribution of Aquatic Macrophytes in the Littoral of Lake Bohinj (Slovenia)
Authors: Ojdanič Nik , Germ Mateja , Andlovic Maša , Černela Dorotej , Zelnik Igor
Published: October 2023

In alpine Lake Bohinj, which is an LTER site and a part of the national park, the occurrence and depth distribution of submerged and emerged aquatic macrophytes were analyzed. Nine submerged and one emergent macrophyte taxa were found in the lake: Myriophyllum spicatum, Chara virgata, Chara aspera, Potamogeton lucens, Potamogeton alpinus, Potamogeton crispus, Potamogeton perfoliatus, Potamogeton pusillus, Ranunculus circinatus with the synonym Batrachium foeniculaceum and the emergent species Phragmites australis. The depth of the vegetation zones was measured using a depth meter and their coordinates were recorded using a GNSS antenna with RTK receiver. These data were used along with a DEM of lake depths to accurately map the potential zone of macrophyte growth, which was based on the depths of macrophyte distribution. The potential zone of macrophyte growth consisted of 28 different transects and covered 240.14 ha of the lake. The macrophytes covered 5.55 ha. The most common and abundant species was M. spicatum. A significant difference in macrophyte cover was found between the south and north shores of the lake, with the south shore having more patches with a larger total area. A clear difference in macrophyte cover was also noted between the main inflow and outflow of the lake. The presence of macrophytes and their diversity varied in different parts of the lake due to differences in slope, depth and type of substrates.
Information Competences and Academic Achievement: A Dataset
Authors: Köhler Jacqueline , González-Ibáñez Roberto
Published: October 2023

Information literacy (IL) is becoming fundamental in the modern world. Although several IL standards and assessments have been developed for secondary and higher education, there is still no agreement about the possible associations between IL and both academic achievement and student dropout rates. In this article, we present a dataset including IL competences measurements, as well as academic achievement and socioeconomic indicators for 153 Chilean first- and second-year engineering students. The dataset is intended to allow researchers to use machine learning methods to study to what extent, if any, IL and academic achievement are related.
Deep Learning-Based Denoising of CEST MR Data: A Feasibility Study on Applying Synthetic Phantoms in Medical Imaging
Authors: Radke Karl Ludger , Kamp Benedikt , Adriaenssens Vibhu , Stabinska Julia , Gallinnis Patrik , Wittsack Hans-Jörg , Antoch Gerald , Müller-Lutz Anja
Published: October 2023

Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (CEST) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a novel method for analyzing biomolecule concentrations in tissues without exogenous contrast agents. Despite its potential, achieving a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is imperative for detecting small CEST effects. Traditional metrics such as Magnetization Transfer Ratio Asymmetry (MTRasym) and Lorentzian analyses are vulnerable to image noise, hampering their precision in quantitative concentration estimations. Recent noise-reduction algorithms like principal component analysis (PCA), nonlocal mean filtering (NLM), and block matching combined with 3D filtering (BM3D) have shown promise, as there is a burgeoning interest in the utilization of neural networks (NNs), particularly autoencoders, for imaging denoising. This study uses the Bloch–McConnell equations, which allow for the synthetic generation of CEST images and explores NNs efficacy in denoising these images. Using synthetically generated phantoms, autoencoders were created, and their performance was compared with traditional denoising methods using various datasets. The results underscored the superior performance of NNs, notably the ResUNet architectures, in noise identification and abatement compared to analytical approaches across a wide noise gamut. This superiority was particularly pronounced at elevated noise intensities in the in vitro data. Notably, the neural architectures significantly improved the PSNR values, achieving up to 35.0, while some traditional methods struggled, especially in low-noise reduction scenarios. However, the application to the in vivo data presented challenges due to varying noise profiles. This study accentuates the potential of NNs as robust denoising tools, but their translation to clinical settings warrants further investigation.
The Association between Non-Invasive Ventilation and the Rate of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Saunders Hollie , Khadka Subekshya , Shrestha Rabi , Balavenkataraman Arvind , Hochwald Alexander , Ball Colleen , Helgeson Scott A.
Published: October 2023

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has significant effects on patient outcomes, including prolonging the duration of both mechanical ventilation and stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to assess the association between non-invasive ventilation/oxygenation (NIVO) prior to intubation and the rate of subsequent VAP. This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of adult patients who were admitted to the medical ICU from three tertiary care academic centers in three distinct regions. NIVO was defined as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP), or high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) for any duration during the hospitalization prior to intubation. The primary outcome variable was VAP association with NIVO. A total of 17,302 patients were included. VAP developed in 2.6% of the patients (444/17,302), 2.3% (285/12,518) of patients among those who did not have NIVO, 1.6% (30/1879) of patients who had CPAP, 2.5% (17/690) of patients who had HFNC, 8.1% (16/197) of patients who had BiPAP, and 4.8% (96/2018) of patients who had a combination of NIVO types. Compared to those who did not have NIVO, VAP was more likely to develop among those who had BiPAP (adj OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.80–5.37, p < 0.001) or a combination of NIVO types (adj OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.49–2.44, p < 0.001) after adjusting for patient demographics and comorbidities. The use of BiPAP or a combination of NIVO types significantly increases the odds of developing VAP once receiving IMV.
Impact of the Tobacco Heating System and Cigarette Smoking on the Oral Cavity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sever Ella , Božac Elvis , Saltović Ema , Simonić-Kocijan Sunčana , Brumini Martina , Glažar Irena
Published: October 2023

Cigarette smoking and the harmful chemicals released during smoking have negative effects on oral health. As a measure of harm reduction, a new alternative tobacco heating system (THS) has been developed. The aim of the study was to analyze and compare the effects of conventional cigarettes and THS on the oral mucosa, the salivary flow rate (SFR), halitosis, and the load of Candida spp. The study included 20 tobacco heating smokers, 20 conventional cigarette smokers, and 20 nonsmokers. The subjects completed questionnaires on medical information, smoking habits, oral lesions, and symptoms. A clinical examination and SFR test were performed on each subject, followed by an organoleptic assessment of halitosis. Mucosal swabs were collected and cult ured to identify Candida spp. Significant differences were found between the smoking groups in relation to halitosis (p < 0.001; ε2 = 0.624), intraoral findings (p < 0.001; ε2 = 0.507), SFR (p < 0.001; ε2 = 0.0331) and dry mouth for subjective complaints (p = 0.021; ε2 = 0.363). The SFR was significantly lower; however, halitosis, the prevalence of intraoral findings, and dry mouth were significantly higher among smokers, but there were no significant differences between THS and conventional smokers. The present study suggests that THS smoking has similar effects on oral tissues, especially the SFR and halitosis, as conventional cigarette smoking.
Estimation of Lithium-Ion Battery State of Charge Based on Genetic Algorithm Support Vector Regression under Multiple Temperatures
Authors: Chen Chao , Li Zhenhua , Wei Jie
Published: October 2023

In the energy crisis and post-epidemic era, the new energy industry is thriving, encompassing new energy vehicles exclusively powered by lithium-ion batteries. Within the battery management system of these new energy vehicles, the state of charge (SOC) estimation plays a pivotal role. The SOC represents the current state of charge of the lithium-ion battery. This paper proposes a joint estimation algorithm based on genetic algorithm (GA) simulating biogenetic properties and support vector regression (SVR) to improve the prediction accuracy of lithium-ion battery SOC. Genetic algorithm support vector regression (GASVR) is proposed to address the limitations of traditional SVR, which lacks guidance on parameter selection. The model attains notable accuracy. GASVR constructs a set of solution spaces, generating initial populations that adhere to a normal distribution using a stochastic approach. A fitness function calculates the fitness value for each individual. Based on their fitness, the roulette wheel method is employed to generate the next-generation population through selection, crossover, and mutation. After several iterations, individuals with the highest fitness values are identified. These top individuals acquire parameter information, culminating in the training of the final SVR model. The model leverages advanced mathematical techniques to address SOC prediction challenges in the Hilbert space, providing theoretical justification for handling intricate nonlinear problems. Rigorous testing of the model at temperatures ranging from −20 ∘C to 25 ∘C under three different working conditions demonstrates its superior accuracy and robustness compared to extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest regression (RFR), linear kernel function SVR, and the original radial basis kernel function SVR. The model proposed in this paper lays the groundwork and offers a scheme for predicting the SOC within the battery management system of new energy vehicles.
A Systematic Literature Review on Authentication and Threat Challenges on RFID Based NFC Applications
Authors: El Gaabouri Ismail , Senhadji Mohamed , Belkasmi Mostafa , El Bhiri Brahim
Published: October 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) concept is tremendously applied in our current daily lives. The IoT involves Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) as a part of the infrastructure that helps with the data gathering from different types of sensors. In general, security worries have increased significantly as these types of technologies have become more common. For this reason, manifold realizations and studies have been carried out to address this matter. In this work, we tried to provide a thorough analysis of the cryptography-based solutions for RFID cards (MIFARE cards as a case study) by performing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to deliver the up-to-date trends and outlooks on this topic.
Numerical Simulation of Two-Dimensional Turbulent Dilatable Flows in a Fire
Authors: Muñoz-Blanc Carlos
Published: October 2023

Numerical simulations, based on the theories of computational fluid dynamics and combustion, are currently a powerful tool in the field of fire engineering. Field models allow us to analyze key aspects such as the integrity of buildings and safety. However, it is fundamental to define strategies that allow engineers to obtain a balance between the precision of the results and the computational cost. One of the most relevant sub-models is the turbulence model. This paper presents the research carried out in the field of two-dimensional computational simulations of turbulent dilatable flows to evaluate the behavior of diffusion flames, hot gases, and smoke produced in accidental fires. Several computational simulations have been performed using direct numerical simulations and large eddy simulation turbulence models in the two-dimensional field, analyzing the ability of the models to correctly characterize the transport of hot gases and the behavior of the thermal plumes if the grid resolution is adequate to the physics of the problem. Additionally, several three-dimensional models have been developed to contrast and validate the results obtained in the two-dimensional simulations. In order to validate the capacity to develop a qualitative analysis of two-dimensional models in fire engineering, an evaluation criterion is presented based on the frequency spectral analysis to study the capacity of each type of turbulence model to accurately capture the vorticity of these dilatable flows.
No Sex-Specific Effects of Artificial Selection for Relative Telencephalon Size during Detour Learning and Spatial Discrimination in Guppies (Poecilia reticulata)
Authors: Boussard Annika , Edlund Stephanie , Fong Stephanie , Wheatcroft David , Kolm Niclas
Published: October 2023

Over recent decades, substantial research has focused on fish cognitive evolution to increase our understanding of the evolution of the enormous diversity of cognitive abilities that exists in fishes. One important but understudied aspect of cognitive evolution is sexual dimorphism in cognitive abilities. Sex-specific variation in brain region morphology has been proposed to be an important mechanism in this context. However, it is also common to find sex-specific variation in behavior and cognition without associated differences in brain morphology among the sexes. The telencephalon is the major cognitive center in the vertebrate brain and variation in telencephalon size has been associated with variation in cognition. Here, we utilize recently developed guppy artificial selection lines with ca. 10% differences in relative telencephalon size to investigate whether similar responses to selection of the size of this region may affect cognitive abilities differently in males and females. To that end, we compared two ecologically relevant aspects of cognition, detour learning and binary spatial discrimination. We tested the significance of the interaction between telencephalon size and sex, and we found no sex-specific effects of evolutionary increases in telencephalon size in the cognitive abilities tested. This study indicates that no clear cognitive sex-specific effects occur in response to rapid selection of telencephalon size. We suggest that future research on sexual dimorphism in cognitive abilities in fish could use various cognitive tests and examine telencephalic sub-regions to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their evolution.
Reducing Aerodynamic Drag on Flatbed Trailers for Passenger Vehicles Using Novel Appendable Devices
Authors: Connolly Michael Gerard , O’Rourke Malachy J. , Ivankovic Alojz
Published: October 2023

This article presents a study on the aerodynamic drag of a generic dual-axle flatbed trailer and explores ways to reduce the drag using appendable drag-reducing devices. The primary sources of drag originated from the van and trailer’s rear, along with the trailer’s wheels. The most-effective initial device for reducing drag was a full trailer underside cover, which offered a 7% drag reduction. Additionally, ladder racks, dropsides, and rear gates were studied, and it was found that protruding ladder racks significantly increased drag. Rear gates added large amounts of drag and should be removed and stored when not needed. The study also explored novel mid-section devices that increased the van’s base pressure and reduced drag. An axle test revealed that drag for single-, dual-, and triple-axle trailers was very similar in direct flow, but different in yawed flow. A drawbar length test showed a near-linear relationship between drawbar length and drag, manifesting as a 1.7% change in drag per 250 mm change in drawbar length. Several novel modifications were made to the trailer, including fitting six unique appendable devices, which offered a total 7.3% drag reduction. A novel rear van device known as the multi-stage converging cavity was introduced, which reduced drag by nearly 18%. When all the devices were used together, a total 25% drag reduction was observed for the van–trailer combination.
Bongkrekic Acid and Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans: Formidable Foe and Ascending Threat to Food Safety
Authors: Han Dong , Chen Jian , Chen Wei , Wang Yanbo
Published: October 2023

Bongkrekic acid (BKA) poisoning, induced by the contamination of Burkholderia gladioli pathovar cocovenenans, has a long-standing history of causing severe outbreaks of foodborne illness. In recent years, it has emerged as a lethal food safety concern, presenting significant challenges to public health. This review article highlights the recent incidents of BKA poisoning and current research discoveries on the pathogenicity of B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans and underlying biochemical mechanisms for BKA synthesis. Moreover, the characterization of B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans and the identification of the bon gene cluster provide a crucial foundation for developing targeted interventions to prevent BKA accumulation in food matrices. The prevalence of the bon gene cluster, which is the determining factor distinguishing B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans from non-pathogenic B. gladioli strains, has been identified in 15% of documented B. gladioli genomes worldwide. This finding suggests that BKA poisoning has the potential to evolve into a more prevalent threat. Although limited, previous research has proved that B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans is capable of producing BKA in diverse environments, emphasizing the possible food safety hazards associated with BKA poisoning. Also, advancements in detection methods of both BKA and B. gladioli pv. cocovenenans hold great promise for mitigating the impact of this foodborne disease. Future studies focusing on reducing the threat raised by this vicious foe is of paramount importance to public health.
Complete Chloroplast Genomes of Saussurea katochaete, Saussurea superba, and Saussurea stella: Genome Structures and Comparative and Phylogenetic Analyses
Authors: He Hui , Wang Tao , Tang Chuyu , Cao Zhengfei , Pu Xiaojian , Li Yuling , Li Xiuzhang
Published: October 2023

Saussurea plants are widely distributed in Asia and Europe; however, their complex phylogenetic relationships have led to many difficulties in phylogenetic studies and interspecific identification. In this study, we assembled, annotated, and analyzed the chloroplast genomes of three Saussurea plants: Saussurea katochaete, Saussurea superba, and Saussurea stella. The results showed that the full-length sequences of the three Saussurea plants were 152,561 bp, 151,452 bp, and 152,293 bp, respectively, which represent the typical quadripartite structure, and the genomes were relatively conserved. The gene annotation results showed that the chloroplast genomes of S. katochaete, S. superba, and S. stella were annotated with 128, 124, and 127 unique genes, respectively, which included 83, 80, and 83 protein-coding genes (PCGs), respectively, 37, 36, and 36 tRNA genes, respectively, and 8 rRNA genes. Moreover, 46, 45, and 43 SSR loci, respectively, and nine highly variable regions (rpl32-trnL-UAG, rpl32, ndhF-rpl32, ycf1, trnC-GCA-petN, trnC-GCA, rpcL, psbE-petL, and rpl16-trnG-UUG) were identified and could be used as potential molecular markers for population identification and phylogenetic study of Saussurea plants. Phylogenetic analyses strongly support the sisterhood of S. katochaete with S. superba and S. stella, and are all clustered with S. depsagensis, S. inversa, S. medusa, and S. gossipihora, of which S. gossipiphora is most closely related. Additionally, the phylogenetic results indicate a high frequency of differentiation among different species of Saussurea plants, and many different species or genera are morphologically very different from each other, which may be related to certain genetic material in the chloroplasts. This study provides an important reference for the identification of Saussurea plants and studies their evolution and phylogenetics.
The Novel Link between Gene Expression Profiles of Adult T-Cell Leukemia/Lymphoma Patients’ Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes and Ferroptosis Susceptibility
Authors: Wang Yu , Iha Hidekatsu
Published: October 2023

Ferroptosis, a regulated cell death dependent on iron, has garnered attention as a potential broad-spectrum anticancer approach in leukemia research. However, there has been limited ferroptosis research on ATL, an aggressive T-cell malignancy caused by HTLV-1 infection. Our study employs bioinformatic analysis, utilizing dataset GSE33615, to identify 46 ferroptosis-related DEGs and 26 autophagy-related DEGs in ATL cells. These DEGs are associated with various cellular responses, chemical stress, and iron-related pathways. Autophagy-related DEGs are linked to autophagy, apoptosis, NOD-like receptor signaling, TNF signaling, and the insulin resistance pathway. PPI network analysis revealed 10 hub genes and related biomolecules. Moreover, we predicted crucial miRNAs, transcription factors, and potential pharmacological compounds. We also screened the top 20 medications based on upregulated DEGs. In summary, our study establishes an innovative link between ATL treatment and ferroptosis, offering promising avenues for novel therapeutic strategies in ATL.
Digital Phenotyping Reveals Phenotype Diversity and Epistasis among White Spotting Alleles in the American Paint Horse
Authors: Gossett Chelby Lynn , Guyer Danielle , Hein Jessica , Brooks Samantha A.
Published: October 2023

White spotting is an iconic feature of the American Paint Horse. The American Paint Horse Association (APHA) is dedicated to recording pedigree and performance of this stock-type breed, while preserving its distinctive coat color and conformation. Here, the depigmented proportion of the coat (% white coat) was measured using digital photograph analysis of 1195 registered American Paint Horses. Genotypes for nine white-spotting polymorphisms commonly found in Paint Horses, and two pigment-producing loci MCIR and ASIP genes, were also provided by the APHA. White-coat percent significantly increased in horses with more white-spotting alleles present, regardless of the number of loci bearing those alleles, likely due to a strong additive genetic effect at each white-spotting locus, as well as an additive epistatic effect among white spotting loci. Paint Horses with a chestnut base coat color (genotype e/e at MC1R) possessed a significantly higher white coat percentage, suggesting confirming an epistatic interaction between pigmentation signaling genes and loci for white spotting. The APHA registry categories of Regular versus Solid Paint-Bred also differed in their median white coat percentage (p < 0.0001), but not in the overall ranges of this phenotype, reenforcing the importance of the regional patterns of the depigmentation in the definition of the desired APHA phenotype. Multi-locus phenotype prediction models for white-coat percentage performed only moderately well, and improvements in the sample size and the number of loci genotyped will likely be needed before such an approach could be used practically by APHA breeders. In the future, models that enable phenotype prediction based on genotypes, and automated phenotype assessment could increase the production of valuable visual traits in the American Paint Horse population and improve the APHA member experience during the registration process.
Tongue Strength of Older Adults Requiring Long-Term Care Varies throughout the Day
Authors: Yoshinaka Shin , Yamaguchi Kohei , Yanagida Ryosuke , Ishii Miki , Nakagawa Kazuharu , Yoshimi Kanako , Nakane Ayako , Matsuyama Yusuke , Aida Jun , Tohara Haruka
Published: October 2023

Physical performance shows approximately 30% diurnal variation; however, diurnal variation in oral function remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the diurnal variation in oral and swallowing function in older adults requiring long-term care. The participants included 13 adults aged >60 years (3 men and 10 women, mean age: 77.2 ± 6.3 years, age range: 62–90 years) requiring long-term care. Tongue strength (TS) and oral mucosal moisture were measured as indices of oral and swallowing function, while hand grip strength was measured as an index of general muscle strength. The patients were asked to participate in a “test” after breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the same day. Multilevel linear regression analysis was used to examine diurnal differences in each item. Multilevel linear regression analysis with adjustment for age and sex revealed that TS was significantly higher at noon (p = 0.001) than in the morning. Therefore, caregivers who provide support during meals to older people requiring long-term care should consider the possibility of swallowing function differing according to the time of the day. In conclusion, it may be beneficial to establish a nutritional therapy that accounts for the diurnal variation in TS.
Zero Tolerance for Coercion? Historical, Cultural and Organisational Contexts for Effective Implementation of Coercion-Free Mental Health Services around the World
Authors: Whittington Richard , Aluh Deborah Oyine , Caldas-de-Almeida Jose-Miguel
Published: October 2023

Coercion of service users/patients when receiving care and treatment has been a serious dilemma for mental health services since at least the 18th century, and the debate about how best to minimise or even eradicate compulsion remains intense. Coercion is now, once again and rightly, at the top of the international policy agenda and the COST Action ‘FOSTREN’ is one example of a renewed commitment by service user advocates, practitioners and researchers to move forward in seriously addressing this problem. The focus of service improvement efforts has moved from pure innovation to practical implementation of effective interventions based on an understanding of the historical, cultural and political realities in which mental health services operate. These realities and their impact on the potential for change vary between countries across Europe and beyond. This article provides a novel overview by focusing on the historical, cultural and political contexts which relate to successful implementation primarily in Europe, North America and Australasia so that policy and practice in these and other regions can be adopted with an awareness of these potentially relevant factors. It also outlines some key aspects of current knowledge about the leading coercion-reduction interventions which might be considered when redesigning mental health services.
The Art of Childbirth of the Midwives of Al-Andalus: Social Assessment and Legal Implication of Health Assistance in the Cultural Diversity of the 10th–14th Centuries
Authors: Espina-Jerez Blanca , Aguiar-Frías Ana María , Siles-González José , Cunha-Oliveira Aliete , Gómez-Cantarino Sagrario
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: The role of Al-Andalus’s women were the result of Arabization and Islamization in Spain. The 10th to the 14th centuries were a time of significant cultural diversity in the region. Female physicians and midwives were important for providing care to women. Despite existing studies, there is still a lack of focused research on the professionalization of these trades, including their requirements, intervention areas, and treatments. (2) Methods: To address this gap, we conducted a scoping review using the dialectical structural model of care (DSMC). Primary medical and legislative sources were used. (3) Results: two kinds of midwife, or qābila, were discovered, along with a woman physician, or ṭabība, who also acted as a midwife. These professions underwent diverse training and fulfilled duties as obstetricians and pediatricians. Midwives were esteemed members of society and were the sole female professionals who needed qualified training. Their performance in the courts was exemplary. Tools for facilitating childbirth and interventions related to female health were discovered in the study. (4) Conclusions: The patriarchal societies suffer from significant inequality in terms of academic training, knowledge transmission, and healthcare provision. Midwives functioned in segregated domestic and legal spaces and were responsible for providing public care to communities from the 10th to 14th centuries.
Nature in the Office: A Systematic Review of Nature Elements and Their Effects on Worker Stress Response
Authors: Ríos-Rodríguez María Luisa , Testa Moreno Marina , Moreno-Jiménez Pilar
Published: October 2023

Work-related stress is a significant problem in many work environments and can have negative consequences for both employees and organisations. This review aimed to identify which elements of biophilic design in the workplace affect workers’ stress response. To enable this, a literature search was conducted using PsycINFO, Scopus, and Medline. The search was limited to articles published from 2012 to June 2023. This review only integrated quantitative data, incorporating twelve records for qualitative synthesis. The selected studies suggest that strategies such as access to outdoor environments or the creation of outdoor areas are effective in reducing stress in the workplace. If these are not feasible, the examined research advocates the use of virtual means to recreate such relaxation or break spaces. Furthermore, aspects of interest for future research were identified, such as multisensory stimulation, including the sense of smell, the exploration of views with natural elements, the creation of shelters, or the study of biomorphic forms.
CADFU for Dermatologists: A Novel Chronic Wounds & Ulcers Diagnosis System with DHuNeT (Dual-Phase Hyperactive UNet) and YOLOv8 Algorithm
Authors: Shah Syed Muhammad Ahmed Hassan , Rizwan Atif , Atteia Ghada , Alabdulhafith Maali
Published: October 2023

In recent times, there has been considerable focus on harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for medical image analysis and healthcare purposes. In this study, we introduce CADFU (Computer-Aided Diagnosis System for Foot Ulcers), a pioneering diabetic foot ulcer diagnosis system. The primary objective of CADFU is to detect and segment ulcers and similar chronic wounds in medical images. To achieve this, we employ two distinct algorithms. Firstly, DHuNeT, an innovative Dual-Phase Hyperactive UNet, is utilized for the segmentation task. Second, we used YOLOv8 for the task of detecting wounds. The DHuNeT autoencoder, employed for the wound segmentation task, is the paper’s primary and most significant contribution. DHuNeT is the combination of sequentially stacking two UNet autoencoders. The hyperactive information transmission from the first UNet to the second UNet is the key idea of DHuNeT. The first UNet feeds the second UNet the features it has learned, and the two UNets combine their learned features to create new, more accurate, and effective features. We achieve good performance measures, especially in terms of the Dice co-efficient and precision, with segmentation scores of 85% and 92.6%, respectively. We obtain a mean average precision (mAP) of 86% in the detection task. Future hospitals could quickly monitor patients’ health using the proposed CADFU system, which would be beneficial for both patients and doctors.
What Determinants Will Enhance or Constrain the Spatiality of Agricultural Products with Geographical Indications in Northeast China? An Interpretable Learning Approach
Authors: Luo Siqi , Ma Yanji , Wang Tianli
Published: October 2023

Geographical indication (GI) offers a unique protection scheme to preserve high-quality agricultural products and support rural sustainability at the territorial level. However, not all the areas with traditional agricultural products are acknowledged with a GI. Quantifying the contribution of each factor to geographical indication agricultural products (GIAPs) can facilitate the formulation of effective policies to improve rural livelihoods. In this study, the random forest (RF) model was applied to investigate the contribution of multi-perspective factors, including nature, society, agriculture and market, on the distribution of GIAPs, and examined the driving causes using interpretable approaches. The empirical findings demonstrate that the RF model is able to accurately capture most of the important factors characterizing GIAPs and to make out-of-sample predictions of the study units which obtain GIs. This study revealed that natural conditions and market demand were contributing aspects to the disparity of GIAPs in Northeast China. The order of determinants was the category of online GIAPs (CatOn) > the number of online GIAPs (NumOn) > the area of black soil (BlaSoil) > the distance to offline stores selling GIAPs (DisOff). Of these, GIAPs was lower than ybase in parts of districts of Jilin and Heilongjiang Provinces when the area of black soil (BlaSoil) gradually increased. When the category and number of online GIAPs (CatOn and NumOn) were less than 20 and 5, respectively, GIAPs were enhanced, especially for 40% of the districts in Liaoning Province. Deepening understanding of GIAPs helps to better target and tailor sustainable development policies.
Essential Role of BMP4 Signaling in the Avian Ceca in Colorectal Enteric Nervous System Development
Authors: Kovács Tamás , Halasy Viktória , Pethő Csongor , Szőcs Emőke , Soós Ádám , Dóra Dávid , de Santa Barbara Pascal , Faure Sandrine , Stavely Rhian , Goldstein Allan M. , Nagy Nándor
Published: October 2023

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is principally derived from vagal neural crest cells that migrate caudally along the entire length of the gastrointestinal tract, giving rise to neurons and glial cells in two ganglionated plexuses. Incomplete migration of enteric neural crest-derived cells (ENCDC) leads to Hirschsprung disease, a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of enteric ganglia along variable lengths of the colorectum. Our previous work strongly supported the essential role of the avian ceca, present at the junction of the midgut and hindgut, in hindgut ENS development, since ablation of the cecal buds led to incomplete ENCDC colonization of the hindgut. In situ hybridization shows bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) is highly expressed in the cecal mesenchyme, leading us to hypothesize that cecal BMP4 is required for hindgut ENS development. To test this, we modulated BMP4 activity using embryonic intestinal organ culture techniques and retroviral infection. We show that overexpression or inhibition of BMP4 in the ceca disrupts hindgut ENS development, with GDNF playing an important regulatory role. Our results suggest that these two important signaling pathways are required for normal ENCDC migration and enteric ganglion formation in the developing hindgut ENS.