bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hebrew-L2 speakers process auditory templatic words through their L1 processing mechanism with awareness of L2
Authors: Laure Yael , Armon-Lotem Sharon
Published: June 2023

Bilingualism involves cross-linguistic influence (CLI) prompted by communicative function, which impacts the activation of the bilingual's L1/L2 language processing mechanisms. The current study examines the extent of CLI when semantic information is reduced. Semitic languages are known for their templatic words composed of intertwined sub-lexical root and template morphemes, entailing non-linear morphological processing. As the roots constitute the semantic core, comprehension was found to impact morphological processing among Hebrew-L2 readers. Herein, we assessed the processing mechanism activated among adult Hebrew-L2 bilinguals in an auditory rhyme judgment task that requires linear processing. The task was provided with Hebrew templatic word pairs comprising accentuated (meta)linguistic information irrespective of semantics: phonological co-occurrence restrictions (root), grammatical information of vocalic melodies (template), and contrastive stress. We hypothesized that CLI in Hebrew-L2 speakers would be reflected in low accuracy rates in rhyming pairs when linguistic information is accentuated, indicating distraction from the linear processing due to activation levels of the L2 processing mechanism caused by competing linguistic cues drawn on transferred linguistic information. We compared the performance of 58 adult Hebrew native speakers with 54 Hebrew-L2 speakers with Semitic and non-Semitic-L1. The findings demonstrate that Hebrew-L2 speakers performed the task using their L1 processing mechanism with varying activation levels of L2, showing awareness of the morphological processing due to the vocalic melody for non-Semitic-L1 and awareness of contrastive stress for Semitic-L1. The results confirm CLI also when semantics is reduced, elucidating how much CLI modulates the bilingual's language processing mechanism.
Korean adolescent suicide and search volume for “self-injury” on internet search engines
Authors: Son Jin Yeong , Han Jun Hee , Kim Seung Chan , Choi Won-Seok , Hong Hyun Ju
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Many adolescents with suicidal ideation receive support through the Internet. However, they also find ways to attempt suicide or strengthen their suicidal ideation through this medium. This study analyzed the association between the search volume of suicide-related terms and the number of suicides among Korean adolescents. We also analyzed the correlations between the search volumes of suicide-related terms.

Methods

We selected seven words (suicide, self-injury, depression, academic score, school violence, outcasts, and family trouble) related to adolescent suicide. A dataset was constructed by combining data from the most commonly used search engine in Korea (Naver Datalab) and the daily number of adolescent suicides in school settings (n = 347) from January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2018, collected from the Ministry of Education. Poisson regression and Pearson correlation analyses were performed.

Results

Significant associations were found between suicide attempts and search term volumes, which differed according to sex and time interval. Among the search terms, “self-injury” was most strongly associated with suicide, and this association was significant at all time intervals (daily, weekly, and monthly) in female adolescents and in the total population. Further, the association was strongest in the daily suicide data. More search term volumes were related to suicide in the daily and weekly data than in the monthly data. There were positive correlations between “suicide,” “self-injury,” and “depression” search volumes.

Conclusion

Further studies with larger sample sizes, more search terms, and analysis of time intervals between suicide-related term search and suicide death are required. These studies can contribute to the establishment of an online suicide prevention system to detect suicide risk in adolescents and provide interventions.
A COVID-19 isolation facility for people experiencing homelessness in Berlin, Germany: a retrospective patient record study
Authors: Hörig Merle , Klaes Sarah M. , Krasovski-Nikiforovs Svetlana , van Loon Welmoed , Murajda Lukas , Rodriguez Rosa C. O. , Schade Christine , Specht Anabell , Equihua Martinez Gabriela , Zimmermann Ruth , Mockenhaupt Frank P. , Seybold Joachim , Lindner Andreas K. , Sarma Navina
Published: June 2023

Introduction

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For many PEH it is impossible to isolate due to the lack of permanent housing. Therefore, an isolation facility for SARS-CoV-2 positive PEH was opened in Berlin, Germany, in May 2020, offering medical care, opioid and alcohol substitution therapy and social services. This study aimed to assess the needs of the admitted patients and requirements of the facility.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective patient record study carried out in the isolation facility for PEH in Berlin, from December 2020 to June 2021. We extracted demographic and clinical data including observed psychological distress from records of all PEH tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. Data on duration and completion of isolation and the use of the facilities’ services were analyzed. The association of patients’ characteristics with the completion of isolation was assessed by Student’s t-test or Fisher’s exact test.

Results

A total of 139 patients were included in the study (89% male, mean age 45 years, 41% with comorbidities, 41% non-German speakers). 81% of patients were symptomatic (median duration 5 days, range 1–26). The median length of stay at the facility was 14 days (range 2–41). Among the patients, 80% had non-COVID-19 related medical conditions, 46% required alcohol substitution and 17% opioid substitution therapy. Three patients were hospitalized due to low oxygen saturation. No deaths occurred. Psychological distress was observed in 20%, and social support services were used by 65% of PEH. The majority (82%) completed the required isolation period according to the health authority’s order. We did not observe a statistically significant association between completion of the isolation period and sociodemographic characteristics.

Conclusion

The specialized facility allowed PEH a high compliance with completion of the isolation period. Medical care, opioid and alcohol substitution, psychological care, language mediation and social support are essential components to address the specific needs of PEH. Besides contributing to infection prevention and control, isolation facilities may allow better access to medical care for SARS-CoV-2 infected PEH with possibly positive effects on the disease course.
The effect of progressive and individualised sport-specific training on the prevalence of injury in football and handball student athletes: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nyhus Hagum Cathrine , Tønnessen Espen , Hisdal Jonny , Shalfawi Shaher A. I.
Published: June 2023

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of communication and coordination combined with designing a progressive and individualised sport-specific training program for reducing injury prevalence in youth female and male football and handball players transitioning to a sports academy high school. An additional aim was to investigate the characteristics of the reported injuries.

Methods

Forty-two Norwegian athletes were randomised into an intervention or control group. Mean age, height, weight and BMI was 15.5 ± 0.5 years, 178.6 cm ± 6.3 cm, 71.3 ± 9.8 kg, 22.3 ± 2.7 BMI for the intervention group (IG) (n = 23), and 15.4 ± 0.5 years, 175.6 cm ± 6.6 cm, 67.1 ± 9.8 kg, 21.7 ± 2.4 BMI for the control group (CG) (n = 19). During the summer holiday, the intervention group received weekly progressive, individualised sport-specific training programs and weekly follow-up telephone calls from the researchers. All athletes completed a baseline questionnaire and a physical test battery. Training data and injuries were recorded prospectively for 22 weeks using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC-H2). A two-way chi-square (χ2) test of independence was conducted to examine the relationship between groups and injury.

Results

Average weekly prevalence of all injuries was 11% (95% CI: 8%–14%) in IG and 19% (95% CI: 13%–26%) in CG. Average weekly prevalence of substantial injuries was 7% (95% CI: 3%–10%) in IG and 10% (95% CI: 6%–13%) in CG. The between-group difference in injuries was significant: χ2 (1, N = 375) = 4.865, p = .031, φ = .114, with 1.8 times higher injury risk in CG vs. IG during the first 12 weeks after enrolment.

Conclusions

For student athletes transitioning to a sports academy high school, progressive individualised, sport-specific training programs reduced the prevalence of all-complaint injuries following enrolment. Clubs and schools should prioritise time and resources to implement similar interventions in periods where student athletes have less supervision, such as the summer holidays, to facilitate an optimal transition to a sports academy high school.
A high level estimation of the net economic benefits to small-scale livestock producers arising from animal health product distribution initiatives
Authors: Bessell Paul R. , Salmon Gareth , Schnier Christian , Tjasink Katharine , Al-Riyami Lamyaa , Peters Andrew
Published: June 2023

Introduction

A fundamental challenge for charities that facilitate distribution of animal health products to small-scale livestock producers (SSPs) in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is identifying the products and market mechanisms that provide the greatest positive impact for SSPs and estimating their associated impact. This paper describes a pragmatic approach to modeling the impact of market-led product distribution initiatives based on estimating the net economic benefit of administration of animal health products.

Methods

The model estimates the economic impact of diseases at the individual animal level for poultry, small ruminants, and cattle. The economic impact of mortality and growth inhibition associated with disease are then estimated in conjunction with the losses averted or recovered by preventing or treating the disease. Economic benefit is estimated in 2014–2017 values and also adjusted to 2023 values. The flexible model structure allows for addition of new geographies, new products, and increased granularity of modeled production systems.

Results

Applied to the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) product distribution initiatives conducted in Africa and South Asia (SA) between 2014 and 2017, the model estimates an adjusted total net economic benefit of 139.9 million USD from sales of vaccines and poultry anthelminthics in these initiatives. Within SSA, the greatest net economic benefit was realized from East Coast fever and Newcastle disease vaccines, while in SA, peste des petits ruminants and Newcastle disease vaccines had the greatest net economic benefits. This translated to an adjusted $37.97 of net economic benefit on average per SSP customer, many of whom were small poultry producers.

Discussion

While the model currently estimates impacts from mortality and growth inhibition in livestock, there is the potential to extend it to cover impacts of further initiatives, including interventions targeted at diseases that impact production of milk, eggs, and reproduction.
Clinical and serological characteristics of symptomatic infection with seasonal human coronaviruses OC43, HKU1, NL63, and 229E in community-dwelling older adults
Authors: Verheul Marije K. , Hendriks Marion , de Melo Caroline Vilas Boas , van Tol Sophie , Godeke Gert-Jan , van Binnendijk Rob , Luytjes Willem , Reusken Chantal , van Beek Josine
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Respiratory infections are a common cause of illness in older adults, potentially resulting in severe morbidity or mortality. While up to 10% of respiratory infections in this population are caused by one of the four human coronaviruses (hCoVs), OC43, HKU1, NL63, and 229E, data on hCoV epidemiological and immunological responses are limited in communitydwelling older adults. In addition, it is often difficult to distinguish and identify distinct hCoV infections. Therefore, both clinical characteristics and the possibility of using serology to identify recent infections were investigated.

Methods

Clinical characteristics and humoral immune responses were studied in community-dwelling older adults who presented with hCoV-related symptomatic influenza-like illness (ILI). Serum antibodies specific for each hCoV were identified by protein microarray using recombinant spike proteins.

Result

The symptoms of participants with molecular confirmation of hCoV infection were difficult to distinguish from symptoms of other viral pathogens causing ILI. Overall, severity based on a cumulative symptom score was less for hCoV than the other ILI-causing infections present in the study. Furthermore, symptom score did not correlate with changes in antibody levels. Using single serum samples to identify recent infections resulted in limited distinction among infections with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) values between 0.5 and 0.7, depending on the hCoV. However, paired serology samples collected at acute and recovery timepoints with an 8-week interval show an increase in type-specific antibodies with ROC AUC values between 0.78 and 0.96, depending on the hCoV.

Discussion

Although clinical characteristics are comparable between hCoVs, the analysis of antibody kinetics may provide an alternative method for identifying recent hCoV infections.
Are mild cleansers appropriate for hand hygiene in the COVID era? An in vitro investigation of the antiviral efficacy of different hand hygiene products
Authors: Winder Natalie , Ashraf Zahra , Gohar Sara , Baalbaki Nada , Cork Micheal , Danby Simon , Muthana Munitta
Published: June 2023

Background

Washing hands with soap and lukewarm water for 20 s is a fundamental measure advocated especially within the UK to help control the spread of viral disease. However, these practices can induce irritant contact dermatitis, particularly in healthcare professionals (HCPs). HCPs typically manage their condition by replacing soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers with cleansers containing mild surfactants and/or emollient ingredients [skin-friendly cleansers (SFCs)] to mitigate skin damage and/or using topical emollients after washing for repair. Despite this widespread practice, there is very limited evidence supporting the efficacy of these interventions in the prevention of viral propagation.

Methodology

Within this study a range of viruses comprising human coronavirus (HCoV), herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1, influenza (IVA), adenovirus (Ad), and murine norovirus (MNV) were tested against multiple hand wash products, including SFCs. In vitro analysis using plaque assays and tissue culture infectious dose 50 (TCID50) were used to assess virus infectability after incubation with the test products (soaps and SFCs) over a range of concentrations and time points. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine virus architecture and size, while viral replication genes were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Results/conclusions

Enveloped viruses demonstrated greater susceptibility over a range of test products, suggesting some SFCs are a suitable alternative to soap (depending on the presence of a viral envelope). However, no virucidal activity was observed for non-enveloped viruses. Water type (i.e., soft/hard) and pre-exposed hand hygiene conditions (i.e., clean/dirty) made little difference to the effectiveness of both soaps and SFCs. Therefore, new hand hygiene regimens should be implemented based on trying to encompass all viruses with varying structures, with specific emphasis on the absence of a viral envelope.
Nanofertilizers: The Next Generation of Agrochemicals for Long-Term Impact on Sustainability in Farming Systems
Authors: Gade Aniket , Ingle Pramod , Nimbalkar Utkarsha , Rai Mahendra , Raut Rajesh , Vedpathak Mahesh , Jagtap Pratik , Abd-Elsalam Kamel A.
Published: June 2023

The microflora of the soil is adversely affected by chemical fertilizers. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers has increased crop yield dramatically at the cost of soil vigor. The pH of the soil is temporarily changed by chemical fertilizers, which kill the beneficial soil microflora and can cause absorption stress on crop plants. This leads to higher dosages during the application, causing groundwater leaching and environmental toxicity. Nanofertilizers (NFs) reduce the quantity of fertilizer needed in agriculture, enhance nutrient uptake efficiency, and decrease fertilizer loss due to runoff and leaching. Moreover, NFs can be used for soil or foliar applications and have shown promising results in a variety of plant species. The main constituents of nanomaterials are micro- and macronutrient precursors and their properties at the nanoscale. Innovative approaches to their application as a growth promoter for crops, their modes of application, and the mechanism of absorption in plant tissues are reviewed in this article. In addition, the review analyzes potential shortcomings and future considerations for the commercial agricultural application of NFs.
Integrated Nutrient Management Enhances Yield, Improves Soil Quality, and Conserves Energy under the Lowland Rice–Rice Cropping System
Authors: Paramesh Venkatesh , Kumar Parveen , Bhagat Tejasvi , Nath Arun Jyoti , Manohara Kallakeri Kannappa , Das Bappa , Desai Brijesh Fal , Jha Prakash Kumar , Prasad P. V. Vara
Published: June 2023

Identifying sustainable crop production systems that improve yield from existing farmland while improving resource use efficiency is critical to meet the growing demands of the increasing human population and diminishing natural resources. Considering the increasing cost associated with inorganic fertilizer, integrated nutrient management using both organic and inorganic sources is important. Therefore, optimizing nutrient management practices that increase yield, improve soil quality, build up soil organic carbon storage, and maintain energy balance can help achieve sustainability in farming systems. In this regard, different nutrient management practices under the rice–rice (Oryza sativa L.) cropping system were evaluated using five different criterions, namely, (i) crop yield response, (ii) soil quality, (iii) soil carbon stock, (iv) energy efficiency, and (v) profitability under lowland situations in the Goa state situated in the western coast of India. We tested six nutrient management treatments, namely, inorganic fertilizers, organic (farmyard manure), rice straw, and their combinations over three years from 2016 to 2019. The results revealed that integrated nutrient management improved soil carbon stock, microbial biomass carbon, and soil fertility more than the other treatments. The integrated use of farmyard manure and chemical fertilizer showed significantly higher crop yield (9.86 v/s 9.41 Mg ha−1), microbial biomass carbon (354 v/s 233.7 mg kg−1 soil), soil carbon stock (36.65 v/s 25.5 Mg C ha−1), energy efficiency (23.8 v/s 22.3), and net return (1776 v/s 1508 USD) than those associated with chemical fertilizer alone. We conclude that the application of chemical fertilizers/organic sources alone may not be sustainable for the rice–rice cropping system in the Goa state of India; the focus should be on integrated nutrient management systems.
Anthelmintic Treatment and the Stability of Parasite Distribution in Ruminants
Authors: Morgan Eric R. , Segonds-Pichon Anne , Ferté Hubert , Duncan Patrick , Cabaret Jacques
Published: June 2023

Parasites are generally overdispersed among their hosts, with far-reaching implications for their population dynamics and control. The factors determining parasite overdispersion have long been debated. In particular, stochastic parasite acquisition and individual host variation in density-dependent regulation through acquired host immunity have been identified as key factors, but their relative roles and possible interactions have seen little empirical exploration in parasite populations. Here, Taylor’s power law is applied to test the hypothesis that periodic parasite removal destabilises the host-parasite relationship and increases variance in parasite burden around the mean. The slope of the power relationship was compared by analysis of covariance among 325 nematode populations in wild and domestic ruminants, exploiting that domestic ruminants are often routinely treated against parasite infections. In Haemonchus spp. and Trichostrongylus axei in domestic livestock, the slope increased with the frequency of anthelmintic treatment, supporting this hypothesis. In Nematodirus spp., against which acquired immunity is known to be strong, the slope was significantly greater in post-mortem worm burden data than in faecal egg counts, while this relationship did not hold for the less immunogenic genus Marshallagia. Considered together, these findings suggest that immunity acting through an exposure-dependent reduction in parasite fecundity stabilises variance in faecal egg counts, reducing overdispersion, and that periodic anthelmintic treatment interferes with this process and increases overdispersion. The results have implications for the diagnosis and control of parasitic infections in domestic animals, which are complicated by overdispersion, and for our understanding of parasite distribution in free-living wildlife. Parasite-host systems, in which treatment and immunity effectively mimic metapopulation processes of patch extinction and density dependence, could also yield general insights into the spatio-temporal stability of animal distributions.
High-Impact Risk Factors for Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis in Dairy Herds in Germany
Authors: Krieger Mette , Eisenberg Susanne , Donat Karsten , Campe Amely
Published: June 2023

In a cross-sectional study, it was identified that three regions in Germany differed with respect to their herd-level prevalence for paratuberculosis in dairy cattle. In the study presented here, the same farms were analyzed to identify those components of biosecurity and farm management with the highest impact on Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) introduction and establishment in a farm. Hence, the data analyzes included 183, 170 and 104 herds from the study regions north, east and south, respectively. A herd was considered MAP-positive if at least one fecal environmental sample was positive. Twenty-six different possible risk factors from five different components of biosecurity and farm management were analyzed. We show that the average management of calf feeding increased the odds for a MAP-positive farm by 5.22 times (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.25–21.83). With every 100-cow increase in farm size, the risk for a farm to test MAP-positive increased by 1.94 times (CI = 1.15–3.27), 1.14 times (CI = 1.02–1.27) and 5.53 times (CI = 0.44–68.97) in the north, east and south study regions, respectively. Furthermore, the purchase of cattle with an unknown MAP status increased the risk for a farm testing MAP-positive by 2.86-fold (CI = 1.45–5.67). Our results demonstrate that herd size, unknown MAP status of the purchased cattle and different aspects of calf feeding play an important role in the MAP status of a farm and should be in focus in regions with different MAP between-herd prevalence. Additionally, farm individual risk patterns should be identified during (veterinary) biosecurity consultancy.
An IoT-Based Automatic and Continuous Urine Measurement System
Authors: Lee Alexander , Lee Melissa , Yeh Hsi-Jen James
Published: June 2023

Urine output is an important indicator of renal function. In hospitals, urine is collected using a catheter connected to a urine collection bag that has volume gradation markings. This type of visual measurement has low levels of accuracy and is labor-intensive. This paper developed an Internet-of-Things enabled system that continuously monitors the urine volume collected via the urine collection system. The device is built utilizing a strain gauge load cell, an integrated circuit that contains an amplifier, analog-to-digital converter, and a WiFi-enabled microcontroller. The data is sent via wireless networking to a data collection and analysis server, which provides accurate analyses of urine output. A mobile application utilizing the Blynk.io system is used to display the data. This device and mobile application were built at a minimal cost of 26 USD. The device has been tested multiple times and reported urine output accurately, with minimal difference between actual versus measured volumes. In the future, further development of this device can provide hospitals and physicians worldwide with easy access to affordable, accurate, and real-time urine measurement, which would translate into better, life-saving medical care.
Predicting Histopathological Grading of Adult Gliomas Based On Preoperative Conventional Multimodal MRI Radiomics: A Machine Learning Model
Authors: Du Peng , Liu Xiao , Wu Xuefan , Chen Jiawei , Cao Aihong , Geng Daoying
Published: June 2023

Purpose: The accurate preoperative histopathological grade diagnosis of adult gliomas is of great significance for the formulation of a surgical plan and the implementation of a subsequent treatment. The aim of this study is to establish a predictive model for classifying adult gliomas into grades 2–4 based on preoperative conventional multimodal MRI radiomics. Patients and Methods: Patients with pathologically confirmed gliomas at Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, between February 2017 and July 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Two regions of interest (ROIs), called the maximum anomaly region (ROI1) and the tumor region (ROI2), were delineated on the patients’ preoperative MRIs utilizing the tool ITK-SNAP, and Pyradiomics 3.0 was applied to execute feature extraction. Feature selection was performed utilizing a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) filter. Six classifiers, including Gaussian naive Bayes (GNB), random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM) with a linear kernel, adaptive boosting (AB), and multilayer perceptron (MLP) were used to establish predictive models, and the predictive performance of the six classifiers was evaluated through five-fold cross-validation. The performance of the predictive models was evaluated using the AUC and other metrics. After that, the model with the best predictive performance was tested using the external data from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). Results: According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 240 patients with gliomas were identified for inclusion in the study, including 106 grade 2, 68 grade 3, and 66 grade 4 gliomas. A total of 150 features was selected, and the MLP classifier had the best predictive performance among the six classifiers based on T2-FLAIR (mean AUC of 0.80 ± 0.07). The SVM classifier had the best predictive performance among the six classifiers based on DWI (mean AUC of 0.84 ± 0.05); the SVM classifier had the best predictive performance among the six classifiers based on CE-T1WI (mean AUC of 0.85 ± 0.06). Among the six classifiers, based on ROI1, the MLP classifier had the best prediction performance (mean AUC of 0.78 ± 0.07); among the six classifiers, based on ROI2, the SVM classifier had the best prediction performance (mean AUC of 0.82 ± 0.07). Among the six classifiers, based on the multimodal MRI of all the ROIs, the SVM classifier had the best prediction performance (average AUC of 0.85 ± 0.04). The SVM classifier, based on the multimodal MRI of all the ROIs, achieved an AUC of 0.81 using the external data from TCIA. Conclusions: The prediction model, based on preoperative conventional multimodal MRI radiomics, established in this study can conveniently, accurately, and noninvasively classify adult gliomas into grades 2–4, providing certain assistance for the precise diagnosis and treatment of patients and optimizing their clinical management.
Parkinson’s Disease: A Narrative Review on Potential Molecular Mechanisms of Sleep Disturbances, REM Behavior Disorder, and Melatonin
Authors: Samizadeh Mohammad-Ali , Fallah Hamed , Toomarisahzabi Mohadeseh , Rezaei Fereshteh , Rahimi-Danesh Mehrsa , Akhondzadeh Shahin , Vaseghi Salar
Published: June 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. There is a wide range of sleep disturbances in patients with PD, such as insomnia and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (or REM behavior disorder (RBD)). RBD is a sleep disorder in which a patient acts out his/her dreams and includes abnormal behaviors during the REM phase of sleep. On the other hand, melatonin is the principal hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland and significantly modulates the circadian clock and mood state. Furthermore, melatonin has a wide range of regulatory effects and is a safe treatment for sleep disturbances such as RBD in PD. However, the molecular mechanisms of melatonin involved in the treatment or control of RBD are unknown. In this study, we reviewed the pathophysiology of PD and sleep disturbances, including RBD. We also discussed the potential molecular mechanisms of melatonin involved in its therapeutic effect. It was concluded that disruption of crucial neurotransmitter systems that mediate sleep, including norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, and important neurotransmitter systems that mediate the REM phase, including acetylcholine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, are significantly involved in the induction of sleep disturbances, including RBD in PD. It was also concluded that accumulation of α-synuclein in sleep-related brain regions can disrupt sleep processes and the circadian rhythm. We suggested that new treatment strategies for sleep disturbances in PD may focus on the modulation of α-synuclein aggregation or expression.
Staged Strategies to Deal with Complex, Giant, Multi-Fossa Skull Base Tumors
Authors: Edelbach Brandon , Lopez-Gonzalez Miguel Angel
Published: June 2023

Given the complex and multifaceted nature of resecting giant tumors in the anterior, middle, and, to a lesser extent, the posterior fossa, we present two example strategies for navigating the intricacies of such tumors. The foundational premise of these two approaches is based on a two-stage method that aims to improve the visualization and excision of the tumor. In the first case, we utilized a combined endoscopic endonasal approach and a staged modified pterional, pretemporal, with extradural clinoidectomy, and transcavernous approach to successfully remove a giant pituitary adenoma. In the second case, we performed a modified right-sided pterional approach with pretemporal access and extradural clinoidectomy. This was followed by a transcortical, transventricular approach to excise a giant anterior clinoid meningioma. These cases demonstrate the importance of performing staged operations to address the challenges posed by these giant tumors.
Systematic Approaches to Study Eclipsed Targeting of Proteins Uncover a New Family of Mitochondrial Proteins
Authors: Mark Maayan , Klein Ofir , Zhang Yu , Das Koyeli , Elbaz Adi , Hazan Reut Noa , Lichtenstein Michal , Lehming Norbert , Schuldiner Maya , Pines Ophry
Published: June 2023

Dual localization or dual targeting refers to the phenomenon by which identical, or almost identical, proteins are localized to two (or more) separate compartments of the cell. From previous work in the field, we had estimated that a third of the mitochondrial proteome is dual-targeted to extra-mitochondrial locations and suggested that this abundant dual targeting presents an evolutionary advantage. Here, we set out to study how many additional proteins whose main activity is outside mitochondria are also localized, albeit at low levels, to mitochondria (eclipsed). To do this, we employed two complementary approaches utilizing the α-complementation assay in yeast to uncover the extent of such an eclipsed distribution: one systematic and unbiased and the other based on mitochondrial targeting signal (MTS) predictions. Using these approaches, we suggest 280 new eclipsed distributed protein candidates. Interestingly, these proteins are enriched for distinctive properties compared to their exclusively mitochondrial-targeted counterparts. We focus on one unexpected eclipsed protein family of the Triose-phosphate DeHydrogenases (TDH) and prove that, indeed, their eclipsed distribution in mitochondria is important for mitochondrial activity. Our work provides a paradigm of deliberate eclipsed mitochondrial localization, targeting and function, and should expand our understanding of mitochondrial function in health and disease.
Tumor Microenvironment Role in Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Galindo-Vega Aaron , Maldonado-Lagunas Vilma , Mitre-Aguilar Irma B. , Melendez-Zajgla Jorge
Published: June 2023

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly lethal malignancy with a majority of patients presenting with unresectable or metastatic disease, resulting in a poor 5-year survival rate. This, in turn, is due to a highly complex tumor microenvironment and the presence of cancer stem cells, both of which induce therapy resistance and tumor relapse. Therefore, understanding and targeting the tumor microenvironment and cancer stem cells may be key strategies for designing effective PDAC therapies. In the present review, we summarized recent advances in the role of tumor microenvironment in pancreatic neoplastic progression.
Synergistic Chemopreventive Effects of a Novel Combined Plant Extract Comprising Gallic Acid and Hesperidin on Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Chen Szu-Jung , Lu Jui-Hua , Lin Chih-Cheng , Zeng Shao-Wei , Chang Jia-Feng , Chung Yuan-Chiang , Chang Hsiang , Hsu Chih-Ping
Published: June 2023

Background/Aim: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer with a high mortality rate worldwide. Although gallic acid and hesperidin exert anticancer activity, synergistic effects of gallic acid and hesperidin against CRC remain elusive. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of a novel combination of gallic acid and hesperidin against CRC cell growth, including cell viability, cell-cycle-associated proteins, spheroid formation, and stemness. Methods: Gallic acid and hesperidin derived from Hakka pomelo tea (HPT) were detected by colorimetric methods and high-performance liquid chromatography using ethyl acetate as an extraction medium. CRC cell lines (HT-29 and HCT-116) treated with the combined extract were investigated in our study for cell viability (trypan blue or soft agar colony formation assay), cell cycle (propidium iodide staining), cell-cycle-associated proteins (immunoblotting), and stem cell markers (immunohistochemistry staining). Results: Compared with other extraction methods, HPT extraction using an ethyl acetate medium exerts the most potent effect on inhibiting HT-29 cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the treatment with combined extract had a higher inhibitory effect on CRC cell viability than gallic acid or hesperidin alone. The underlying mechanism was involved in G1-phase arrest and Cip1/p21 upregulation that could attenuate HCT-116 cell proliferation (Ki-67), stemness (CD-133), and spheroid growth in a 3D formation assay mimicking in vivo tumorigenesis. Conclusion: Gallic acid and hesperidin exert synergistic effects on cell growth, spheroids, and stemness of CRC and may serve as a potential chemopreventive agent. Further testing for the safety and effectiveness of the combined extract in large-scale randomized trials is required.
Nonuniform Distribution of Crystalline Phases and Grain Sizes in the Surface Layers of WC Ceramics Produced by Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Smetanina Ksenia E. , Andreev Pavel V. , Lantsev Evgeny A. , Nokhrin Aleksey V. , Murashov Artem A. , Isaeva Natalia V. , Blagoveshchensky Yury V. , Boldin Maksim S. , Chuvil’deev Vladimir N.
Published: June 2023

The research results conducted on binderless tungsten carbide (WC) ceramics obtained by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of WC powders with different average particle sizes (95, 800, 3000 nm) are presented. Nonuniform distribution of crystalline phases and microstructure of the WC ceramics was studied using layer-by-layer X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Surface layers of the WC-based ceramics are characterized by nonuniform distribution of W2C crystalline phase and grain sizes, including the appearance of abnormally large grains. Thickness of the nonuniform layer was at least 50 μm. The effect under study is associated with an intense carbon diffusion from graphite foil. On the one hand, this contributed to a decrease in the intensity of W2C phase particle formation, which is transformed into α-WC phase due to the carbon. On the other hand, it caused abnormal grain growth in the layer where the carbon diffused. The obtained value of the carbon diffusion depth (50 μm) exceeds the values known from the literature (up to 1 μm in the case of volume diffusion even at temperature of 2370 °C and exposure time of ~60 h). The use of boron nitride (BN) as a protective coating on graphite mold parts did not prevent the formation of nonuniform layer on the ceramic surface.
Emotion-Recognition Algorithm Based on Weight-Adaptive Thought of Audio and Video
Authors: Cheng Yongjian , Zhou Dongmei , Wang Siqi , Wen Luhan
Published: June 2023

Emotion recognition commonly relies on single-modal recognition methods, such as voice and video signals, which demonstrate a good practicability and universality in some scenarios. Nevertheless, as emotion-recognition application scenarios continue to expand and the data volume surges, single-modal emotion recognition proves insufficient to meet people’s needs for accuracy and comprehensiveness when the amount of data reaches a certain scale. Thus, this paper proposes the application of multimodal thought to enhance emotion-recognition accuracy and conducts corresponding data preprocessing on the selected dataset. Appropriate models are constructed for both audio and video modalities: for the audio-modality emotion-recognition task, this paper adopts the “time-distributed CNNs + LSTMs” model construction scheme; for the video-modality emotion-recognition task, the “DeepID V3 + Xception architecture” model construction scheme is selected. Furthermore, each model construction scheme undergoes experimental verification and comparison with existing emotion-recognition algorithms. Finally, this paper attempts late fusion and proposes and implements a late-fusion method based on the idea of weight adaptation. The experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the multimodal fusion algorithm proposed in this paper. When compared to the single-modal emotion-recognition algorithm, the accuracy of recognition is increased by almost 4%, reaching 84.33%.
Combined Effects of the Thermal-Acoustic Environment on Subjective Evaluations in Urban Park Based on Sensory-Walking
Authors: Chen Ye , Liu Fan , Lin Xinya , Liu Jing , Chen Ziyi , Shi Kailong , Li Junyi , Dong Jianwen
Published: June 2023

Studying the impact of various factors on environmental perception is crucial because humans live in an environment where these factors interact and blend. The thermal-acoustic environment is the major factor that affects the overall perception of urban parks. This study focuses on urban parks in the subtropical region, with Xihu Park in Fuzhou, China, as the research area. Through measurements and questionnaires, this study explores the effects of the thermal-acoustic environment in urban parks on subjective evaluation (thermal assessment, acoustic assessment, and overall environmental assessment). The results reveal that: (1) a higher temperature significantly increases the sensation of heat and lowers thermal comfort, heat acceptance, and overall thermal environment evaluation scores. The type of sound source has a significant positive impact on thermal assessment, and the higher the ranking of the sound source type, the greater its positive impact on thermal assessment. (2) Regarding acoustic evaluation, higher sound pressure level is associated with more negative subjective ratings of loudness, harshness, intensity, and excitement. In contrast, positive sound sources can enhance comfort, preference, disorder, coordination, and overall soundscape evaluation. Additionally, temperature increases tend to result in more negative harshness, intensity, and coordination ratings. The interaction between temperature and sound pressure level also significantly affects subjective loudness, harshness, and intensity. (3) Overall environmental evaluation is also affected by temperature, with increasing temperatures leading to decreased comfort and satisfaction while increasing irritation. High sound pressure environments result in worse overall irritation ratings, while positive sound sources can significantly enhance overall comfort, irritation, and satisfaction ratings. Furthermore, the interaction between temperature and sound pressure level significantly impacts overall irritation and satisfaction ratings. These findings are significant for managing and improving the park’s thermal environment and soundscape, providing a practical framework for landscape architects.
The Root Collar Diameter Growth Reveals a Strong Relationship with the Height Growth of Juvenile Scots Pine Trees from Seeds Differentiated by Spectrometric Feature
Authors: Novikova Tatyana P. , Tylek Paweł , Mastrangelo Clíssia Barboza , Drapalyuk Michael V. , Kharin Sergei V. , Novikov Arthur I.
Published: June 2023

This study is intended for forest owners considering options to increase the efficiency of the production of forest seedlings in automated nurseries. In the short rotation technology of the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), the production of seedlings was integrated in the process of grading seeds by spectrometric features, followed by the fall outplanting of containerized seedlings to a restorable post-pyrogenic site. There are studies of the spectrometric effect grading viable seeds, but a negligible amount of testing has been conducted on the seedling’s field performance from these seeds. It was very important for us to evaluate the morphogenesis of juvenile Scots pine trees in relation to the change in morphological features—increase in root collar diameter (RCD-increment) and increase in stem height (SH-increment)—in the second and third growing season from the field outplanting. To determine the nature of the interaction between independent (RCD increase), dependent (SH-increment), and categorical (seed spectrometric categories and timespans) variables, a regression analysis was performed using the R statistical software. All coefficients of the linear models are statistically significant at the 1% significance level, and all are positively associated with an increase in seedling height. On average, a RCD increment by 0.1 cm causes a SH-increment by 0.72 ± 0.16 cm (p = 9.779 × 10−6). In addition, in 2020, compared to 2019, the SH-increment was 5.46 ± 0.37 cm (p < 0.001). The seeds’ differentiation into spectrometric categories is strongly correlated with the stem height increment (p < 0.001). Thus, in order to improve the plant propagation protocol, it seems advisable to first condition the seeds in accordance with the spectrometric feature, and to then apply a coating (by pelleting or encapsulating) in order to improve the storage and seeding conditions. For a medium-term assessment of the short rotation technology with an integrated seed spectrometric grading in the future, the morphogenesis of Scots pine trees at 5, 7 and 10 growing seasons from the seedlings field outplanting is controlled.
Acacia Density, Edaphic, and Climatic Factors Shape Plant Assemblages in Regrowth Montane Forests in Southeastern Australia
Authors: Singh Anu , Kasel Sabine , Hui Francis K. C. , Trouvé Raphaël , Baker Patrick J. , Nitschke Craig R.
Published: June 2023

A fundamental requirement of sustainable forest management is that stands are adequately regenerated after harvesting. To date, most research has focused on the regeneration of the dominant timber species and to a lesser degree on plant communities. Few studies have explored the impact of the regeneration success of dominant tree species on plant community composition and diversity. In this study, we quantified the influence of variability in tree density and climatic and edaphic factors on plant species diversity in montane regrowth forests dominated by Eucalyptus regnans in the Central Highlands of Victoria in southeastern Australia. We found that Acacia density shaped plant biodiversity more than Eucalyptus density. Edaphic factors, particularly soil nutrition and moisture availability, played a significant role in shaping species turnover and occurrence. Our findings suggest that the density of Acacia is a key biotic filter that influences the occurrence of many understorey plant species and shapes plant community turnover. This should be considered when assessing the impacts of both natural and anthropogenic disturbances on plant biodiversity in the montane forests of southeastern Australia.
Identifying Plant Physiological and Climatic Drivers in the Woody Shrub Prosopis strombulifera: Effects of Spring Traits on Flower Sprouting and Fruit Production
Authors: Carevic Felipe S. , Contreras Roberto , Carmona Erico , Barrientos Ermindo
Published: June 2023

Prosopis strombulifera is a widely distributed woody species distributed along arid ecosystems in America. The interannual evolution of ecophysiological parameters and their effects on fruit production and flower sprouting in Prosopis strombulifera were studied for three years in a natural population distributed in the Atacama Desert. Xylem water column tension, pressure–volume curves, specific leaf area (SLA), and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were assessed. Flower sprouting was assessed in different weeks using tagged flowers. To assess fruit production, four small containers were placed under twenty-five individuals, allowing the estimation of total annual production and individual production. We found considerable variability between years and between individuals. Positive relationships were found between plant water parameters, SLA, and chlorophyll variables measured in spring at flower sprouting and during fruit production. A negative correlation was found between the mean of the minimum temperatures in spring and flower sprouting. These results suggest that spring ecophysiological parameters strongly affect the reproductive status of P. strombulifera. The results also reflect the potential of this species to adapt to a hyperarid climate by preserving a high relative water content before flower sprouting.