bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The signature of cuproptosis-related immune genes predicts the tumor microenvironment and prognosis of prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yao Kai , Zhang Rumeng , Li Liang , Liu Mingdong , Feng Shiyao , Yan Haixin , Zhang Zhihui , Xie Dongdong
Published: August 2023

Background

Cuproptosis plays a crucial role in cancer, and different subtypes of cuproptosis have different immune profiles in prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). This study aimed to investigate immune genes associated with cuproptosis and develop a risk model to predict prognostic characteristics and chemotherapy/immunotherapy responses of patients with PRAD.

Methods

The CIBERSORT algorithm was used to evaluate the immune and stromal scores of patients with PRAD in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. Validation of differentially expressed genes DLAT and DLD in benign and malignant tissues by immunohistochemistry, and the immune-related genes of DLAT and DLD were further screened. Univariable Cox regression were performed to select key genes. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)–Cox regression analyse was used to develop a risk model based on the selected genes. The model was validated in the TCGA, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets, as well as in this study unit cohort. The genes were examined via functional enrichment analysis, and the tumor immune features, tumor mutation features and copy number variations (CNVs) of patients with different risk scores were analysed. The response of patients to multiple chemotherapeutic/targeted drugs was assessed using the pRRophetic algorithm, and immunotherapy was inferred by the Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) and immunophenoscore (IPS).

Results

Cuproptosis-related immune risk scores (CRIRSs) were developed based on PRLR, DES and LECT2. High CRIRSs indicated poor overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) in the TCGA-PRAD, MSKCC and GEO datasets and higher T stage and Gleason scores in TCGA-PRAD. Similarly, in the sample collected by the study unit, patients with high CRIRS had higher T-stage and Gleason scores. Additionally, higher CRIRSs were negatively correlated with the abundance of activated B cells, activated CD8+ T cells and other stromal or immune cells. The expression of some immune checkpoints was negatively correlated with CRIRSs. Tumor mutational burden (TMB), mutant-allele tumor heterogeneity (MATH) and copy number variation (CNV) scores were all higher in the high-CRIRS group. Multiple chemotherapeutic/targeted drugs and immunotherapy had better responsiveness in the low-CRIRS group.

Conclusion

Overall, lower CRIRS indicated better response to treatment strategies and better prognostic outcomes.
Classifying flow cytometry data using Bayesian analysis helps to distinguish ALS patients from healthy controls
Authors: Räuber Saskia , Nelke Christopher , Schroeter Christina B. , Barman Sumanta , Pawlitzki Marc , Ingwersen Jens , Akgün Katja , Günther Rene , Garza Alejandra P. , Marggraf Michaela , Dunay Ildiko Rita , Schreiber Stefanie , Vielhaber Stefan , Ziemssen Tjalf , Melzer Nico , Ruck Tobias , Meuth Sven G. , Herty Michael
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Given its wide availability and cost-effectiveness, multidimensional flow cytometry (mFC) became a core method in the field of immunology allowing for the analysis of a broad range of individual cells providing insights into cell subset composition, cellular behavior, and cell-to-cell interactions. Formerly, the analysis of mFC data solely relied on manual gating strategies. With the advent of novel computational approaches, (semi-)automated gating strategies and analysis tools complemented manual approaches.

Methods

Using Bayesian network analysis, we developed a mathematical model for the dependencies of different obtained mFC markers. The algorithm creates a Bayesian network that is a HC tree when including raw, ungated mFC data of a randomly selected healthy control cohort (HC). The HC tree is used to classify whether the observed marker distribution (either patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or HC) is predicted. The relative number of cells where the probability q is equal to zero is calculated reflecting the similarity in the marker distribution between a randomly chosen mFC file (ALS or HC) and the HC tree.

Results

Including peripheral blood mFC data from 68 ALS and 35 HC, the algorithm could correctly identify 64/68 ALS cases. Tuning of parameters revealed that the combination of 7 markers, 200 bins, and 20 patients achieved the highest AUC on a significance level of p < 0.0001. The markers CD4 and CD38 showed the highest zero probability. We successfully validated our approach by including a second, independent ALS and HC cohort (55 ALS and 30 HC). In this case, all ALS were correctly identified and side scatter and CD20 yielded the highest zero probability. Finally, both datasets were analyzed by the commercially available algorithm ‘Citrus’, which indicated superior ability of Bayesian network analysis when including raw, ungated mFC data.

Discussion

Bayesian network analysis might present a novel approach for classifying mFC data, which does not rely on reduction techniques, thus, allowing to retain information on the entire dataset. Future studies will have to assess the performance when discriminating clinically relevant differential diagnoses to evaluate the complementary diagnostic benefit of Bayesian network analysis to the clinical routine workup.
Digital technologies and healthcare architects' wellbeing in the National Health Service Estate of England during the pandemic
Authors: Chrysikou Evangelia , Papadonikolaki Eleni , Savvopoulou Eleftheria , Tsiantou Eleni , Klinke Christian Alexander
Published: August 2023

Introduction

UK Built Environment is currently undergoing a digital transformation, as is happening in the National Health Service (NHS) of England. In this paper, the focus was on the intersection of the two sectors and specifically the potential digital transformation of the NHS Estate. The NHS has developed a strategy for its workforce, to improve staff health and wellbeing, and support equality, diversity, inclusion and the development of existing staff. Digital technologies (DTs) can relate to all Estates and Facilities Management priorities, as it cross-cuts all proposed actions. As opposed to most studies on the wellbeing of blue-collar workers, this article focuses on white-collar workers, specifically architects working in the NHS, especially since NHS at this stage is developing two important policies: the New Hospital Programme and the Workforce Action Plan. Therefore, it is important for the NHS to look at the digital transformation strategy in the prism of the other two. As architecture traditionally has low job satisfaction, it negatively impacts wellbeing. This study argues that this might have been accentuated during the pandemic for the architects working in the NHS and dealing with the added pressure from three new major tasks: adjusting the infrastructure capacity to fight Covid-19; and creating the infrastructure for the testing and vaccination programs. DTs in architecture potentially affect job satisfaction in terms of creativity, autonomy, time pressure, organisational commitment, and so on.

Methodology

The methodology comprises a literature review and a pilot of interviews with healthcare architects/designers working in the NHS or on NHS-related projects. The research context is informed by the COVID-19 crisis that brought healthcare architecture to the frontline of the pandemic, with NHS architects creating new wards and vaccination centers, while private healthcare architects designed new hospitals.

Results

In the niche area of healthcare architecture, architects were in their busiest year. Yet, the DTs available to them then could only support limited tasks and did not link well to operational data.

Discussion

To explore how DTs transform the wellbeing of healthcare architects, understanding wellbeing in healthcare architecture in light of digital transformation is crucial for creating the necessary leadership for the sector to grow.
Spatiotemporal dynamics of high and low nucleic acid-content bacterial communities in Chinese coastal seawater: assembly process, co-occurrence relationship and the ecological functions
Authors: Hu Wei , Zheng Ningning , Zhang Yadi , Bartlam Mark , Wang Yingying
Published: August 2023

Studies of high nucleic acid-content (HNA) and low nucleic acid-content (LNA) bacterial communities are updating our view of their distributions and taxonomic composition. However, there are still large gaps in our knowledge of the composition, assembly processes, co-occurrence relationships and ecological functions of HNA and LNA bacterial communities. Here, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, we investigated the spatiotemporal dynamics, assembly processes, co-occurrence relationships and ecological functions of HNA and LNA bacterial communities in the samples collected in summer and winter in Chinese coastal seas. The communities of HNA and LNA bacteria had clear spatiotemporal patterns and LNA bacteria was phylogenetically less diverse than HNA bacteria in both seasons. The distribution of HNA and LNA bacteria were significantly affected by the environmental factors and a significant seasonal-consistent distance-decay patterns were found in HNA and LNA bacteria. Furthermore, a quantitative assessment of ecological processes revealed that dispersal limitation, homogeneous selection exerted important roles in the community assembly of HNA and LNA bacteria. More importantly, we observed seasonality in the co-occurrence relationships: closer inter-taxa connections of HNA bacterial communities in winter than in summer and the opposite is true in the LNA bacterial communities. Some ecological functions, such as: phototrophy, photoautotrophy, oxygenic photoautotrophy, were different between HNA and LNA bacteria. These results provide a better understanding of spatiotemporal patterns, processes, and the ecological functions of HNA and LNA bacterial communities in Chinese coastal seawater.
Enhancement of cell migration and wound healing by nano-herb ointment formulated with biosurfactant, silver nanoparticles and Tridax procumbens
Authors: Muthukumar Balakrishnan , Nandini M. S. , Elumalai Punniyakotti , Balakrishnan Muthuraj , Satheeshkumar Azhargarsamy , AlSalhi Mohamad S. , Devanesan Sandhanasamy , Parthipan Punniyakotti , Rajasekar Aruliah , Malik Tabarak
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Ointments are generally used as a therapeutic agent for topical medication or transdermal drug delivery, such as wound healing and skin lesions.

Methods

In this study,Tridax procumbensplant extract (0.7 g/mL) was used to prepare herbal-infused oil as the oil phase and gelatin-stabilized silver nanoparticle (G-AgNPs) (0.3 g/mL) as the aqueous phase. To blend the oil and aqueous phases, rhamnolipid biosurfactant with a critical micelle concentration of 55 mg/L from strainPseudomonas aeruginosaPP4 has been used for herb ointment preparation. The average size of the synthesized G-AgNPs was observed between 10–30 nm and confirmed as spherical-shaped particles by TEM analysis. Subsequently, GC–MS and FTIR characterization are used to confirm herb ointment’s chemical and functional characteristics.

Results

Based on the antibacterial studies, the highest microbial growth inhibition was observed for herb ointment, about 19.5 mm for the pathogenStaphylococcus aureusat the concentration of 100 μg/mL, whereas 15.5 mm was obtained forEscherichia coli,respectively. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay showed negligible bacterial growth at 100 μg/mL forS. aureusandE. coli,respectively. Moreover, the cell viability assay for herb ointment exhibited low cytotoxic activity at higher concentrations (100 μg/mL) in Vero cell lines. In this study, wound scratch assay showed a significant cell migration rate (90 ± 2%) in 3 days of incubation than the control (62 ± 2%).

Discussion

As a result, the biosurfactant-based nano-topical herb ointment revealed a low cytotoxic and higher cell migration capacity. Altogether, these findings highlighted the utility of this herb ointment in therapeutic applications such as wound healing.
Bioenergetics of aerobic and anaerobic growth of Shewanella putrefaciens CN32
Authors: Wray Addien C. , Gorman-Lewis Drew
Published: August 2023

Shewanella putrefaciens is a model dissimilatory iron-reducing bacterium that can use Fe(III) and O2 as terminal electron acceptors. Consequently, it has the ability to influence both aerobic and anaerobic groundwater systems, making it an ideal microorganism for improving our understanding of facultative anaerobes with iron-based metabolism. In this work, we examine the bioenergetics of O2 and Fe(III) reduction coupled to lactate oxidation in Shewanella putrefaciens CN32. Bioenergetics were measured directly via isothermal calorimetry and by changes to the chemically defined growth medium. We performed these measurements from 25 to 36°C. Modeling metabolism with macrochemical equations allowed us to define a theoretical growth stoichiometry for the catabolic reaction of 1.00 O2:lactate and 1.33 Fe(III):lactate that was consistent with the observed ratios of O2:lactate (1.20 ± 0.23) and Fe(III):lactate (1.46 ± 0.15) consumption. Aerobic growth showed minimal variation with temperature and minimal variation in thermodynamic potentials of incubation. Fe(III)-based growth showed a strong temperature dependence. The Gibbs energy and enthalpy of incubation was minimized at ≥30°C. Energy partitioning modeling of Fe(III)-based calorimetric incubation data predicted that energy consumption for non-growth associate maintenance increases substantially above 30°C. This prediction agrees with the data at 33 and 35°C. These results suggest that the effects of temperature on Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 are metabolism dependent. Gibbs energy of incubation above 30°C was 3–5 times more exergonic with Fe(III)-based growth than with aerobic growth. We compared data gathered in this study with predictions of microbial growth based on standard-state conditions and based on the thermodynamic efficiency of microbial growth. Quantifying the growth requirements of Shewanella putrefaciens CN32 has advanced our understanding of the thermodynamic constraints of this dissimilatory iron-reducing bacterium.
Sustainable transformation agenda for enhanced global food and nutrition security: a narrative review
Authors: Oluwole Oluwatoyin , Ibidapo Olubunmi , Arowosola Temiloluwa , Raji Fatima , Zandonadi Renata Puppin , Alasqah Ibrahim , Lho Linda Heejung , Han Heesup , Raposo António
Published: August 2023

The world’s population is currently growing at an exponential rate, which is estimated to be over 8 billion inhabitants as reported by United Nations on November 15, 2022. According to FAO, 870 million people out of this population do not have enough food to eat, with the vast majority of hungry people (98%) living in developing countries, where almost 15% of the population is undernourished. Furthermore, the world’s population is estimated to come to 9 billion by 2050, which would incur severe food scarcity and would seriously hamper global food security. Food losses, especially post-harvest loss as a result of poor agricultural practices have also been reported to greatly impact the economy, the environment, and the livelihoods of low and medium countries and Sub-Saharan-African. Therefore, realistic options should be established for promoting sustainable agriculture systems, improving nutrition, and achieving food security to end hunger in our nations. This paper elucidates the drivers of food insecurity including food losses, escalating population growth, hunger, and food production, among others, and provided some transformation approaches such as value addition through appropriate and emerging food processing and preservation techniques, application of biotechnological options through genetically modified foods and functional foods consumption and integration of indigenous underutilized nutrient-dense food crops which could serve as all-inclusive and sustainable transformation options for enhanced food and nutrition security, especially in developing countries, which is where the hunger burden and the prevalence of malnutrition and non-communicable diseases are high.
Comparison of efficacy of single-port versus conventional laparoscopic treatment for uterine leiomyoma: a latest meta-analysis
Authors: Li Yanhui , Liu Rui , Li Xue
Published: August 2023

Objective

Single-port laparoscopy has been proposed as an ideal surgical method for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma. It can effectively remove the lesion, reduce the loss of hemoglobin, and has superior cosmetic effects. Therefore, we searched relevant studies and conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of single-port laparoscopy on myoma resection, hemoglobin loss, and scar beauty compared to conventional laparoscopy.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, scope, Cochrane, CNKI, and other databases to find randomized controlled studies on the efficacy of single-port laparoscopy and traditional laparoscopy for meta-analysis. The main outcomes of our study were the duration of surgery, the reduction of hemoglobin, and the cosmetic effect of the postoperative scar. The effect model was selected according to heterogeneity (random effect model or fixed effect model), and the relevant sensitivity analysis and publication bias test were performed.

Results

We searched a total of 501 related literature articles and finally included 19 studies involving 21 researchers. Comparison of single-port laparoscopic myomectomy with traditional surgery: Operation time had no significant difference (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD]: 0.13, 95% Confidence interval (CI), -0.04 to 0.30; I²=74%; P = 0.14); The reduction of hemoglobin is lower ([SMD]: -0.04; 95% CI, -0.23 to 0.14; I²=71%; P = 0.65), and the cosmetic effect of postoperative scar is more satisfactory ([SMD]: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.83; I²=72%, P= 0.04). There was no significant difference in conversion rate, postoperative pain, blood loss, postoperative gastrointestinal recovery time, or length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Compared with traditional laparoscopy, the operation time of the treatment of uterine leiomyoma by single-port laparoscopy is not extended, the reduction of hemoglobin is less, and the cosmetic effect of the scar is better. Therefore, single-port laparoscopy is superior to traditional surgery in the treatment of uterine leiomyoma.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2023-3-0071/, identifier INPLASY202330071.
Reducing CSF complications by a recycled Hadad’s flap combined with autologous mucosa in secondary endoscope transsphenoidal surgery
Authors: Wang Runfeng , Zhou Gaoyang , Wang Jin , Ma Bo , Wang Ping , Gao Guodong , Sun Shukai , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: August 2023

Background

Transsphenoidal secondary operations are a minority but not a rare occurrence. How to viably prevent cerebral fluid (CSF)-related complications and confine surgery-caused injury in secondary surgery as minimally as possible is a huge challenge. This article shares our solution of recycling a prior Hadad-Bassagasteguy flap (HBF) along with a using small piece of free autologous mucosa to reconstruct the skull base.

Methods

Of 69 patients, fitted criteria were assigned into 2 different groups: a recycled HBF incorporated with an autologous free mucosa and a recycled HBF incorporated with an artificial dura to rebuild the skull base in secondary transsphenoidal surgery. The postoperative morbidities of pseudomeningocele, CSF leakage and meningitis were recorded and analyzed.

Results

A recycled HBF incorporated with an autologous mucosa is capable of reducing CSF complications compared to that of the matched group, particularly decreasing the morbidity of meningitis in secondary transsphenoidal surgery. Diabetes mellitus, craniopharyngioma, chordoma and the utilization of artificial dura were independent risk factors for CSF complications in secondary transsphenoidal surgery through univariate and multivariate logistic regression. In addition, diabetes mellitus and artificial dura are more likely to induce CSF leakage and meningitis. Patients suffering from craniopharyngioma are more susceptible to meningitis. Chordoma indiscriminately increased the risk of each CSF complication.

Conclusion

A recycled HBF incorporated with an autologous mucosa is reliable for reconstructing the skull base in secondary transsphenoidal surgery, especially for patients simultaneously suffering from diabetes mellitus and central skull base tumors.
Paradoxical leadership: a meta-analytical review
Authors: Lee Allan , Lyubovnikova Joanne , Zheng Yaxin , Li Zexi Flavia
Published: August 2023

The past few decades have brought a rapid emergence of research related to paradoxical leadership behavior (PLB), yet extant research remains scattered, inconsistent and somewhat contradictory. This meta-analysis examines the association between PLB and follower/team outcomes, specifically exploring PLBs incremental validity over other established leadership styles, namely transactional, transformational and servant leadership, as well three competing mechanisms through which PLB elicits positive effects. Our findings demonstrate that PLB is consistently positively associated with follower in-role performance, organizational citizenship behavior, creativity, voice and innovation. However, while PLB showed consistent incremental effects over transactional leadership, its incremental validity in relation to transformational and servant leadership is less clear, with the exception of predicting innovation. Finally, we found evidence that PLB is related to follower behaviors via socio-cognitive (psychological safety), role-based (role clarity), and relational (LMX) mechanisms, with these effects varying as a function of the outcome. Based on our findings, we derive several important implications for PLB theory and key implications for future research.
A perspective on the role of language about pain
Authors: van Rysewyk Simon
Published: August 2023

This article contributes a perspective on pain motivated by the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein. According to Wittgenstein, the child learns from others that the occasions on which it manifests certain reactions—the reactions that human beings manifest when injured—make it appropriate to self-ascribe “pain”. When the child can signal correctly that she is in the requisite bodily state, then she has a conception of pain. Using the concept pain to symbolise an experience also makes it possible to tell other people what is going on and to solicit their help in managing the pain. In pain discourse, we can say “Sam can tell that Jason is with pain”, or “She could tell you that Jason is with pain if she wanted to”. These uses are linked to social milieu where rules are learnt for the application of concepts, such as the concept stoicism. In many rural communities, adults tell other adults about pain when it interrupts work or social activities. Otherwise, it is normative to “carry on”. The rural stoic who tells another about pain only if he wants to can complicate clinical pain management, which can undermine the patient's special authority. In contrast, convergence in pain definitions and judgements between the patient and health professional can protect the authority of the patient and improve the clinical interaction. Pain is not simply a quale that is privately perceived; it must be capable of being expressed. Thus, pain has a social role, which is learnt. The study of linguistic rules in pain discourse could help explain the learning and application of the concept pain.
Regulators of phagocytosis as pharmacologic targets for stroke treatment
Authors: Cheng Jian , Wang Wei , Xia Yiqing , Li Yi , Jia Jia , Xiao Guodong
Published: August 2023

Stroke, including ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, causes massive cell death in the brain, which is followed by secondary inflammatory injury initiated by disease-associated molecular patterns released from dead cells. Phagocytosis, a cellular process of engulfment and digestion of dead cells, promotes the resolution of inflammation and repair following stroke. However, professional or non-professional phagocytes also phagocytose stressed but viable cells in the brain or excessively phagocytose myelin sheaths or prune synapses, consequently exacerbating brain injury and impairing repair following stroke. Phagocytosis includes the smell, eating and digestion phases. Notably, efficient phagocytosis critically depends on phagocyte capacity to take up dead cells continually due to the limited number of phagocytes vs. dead cells after injury. Moreover, phenotypic polarization of phagocytes occurring after phagocytosis is also essential to the proresolving and prorepair properties of phagocytosis. Much has been learned about the molecular signals and regulatory mechanisms governing the sense and recognition of dead cells by phagocytes during the smell and eating phase following stroke. However, some key areas remain extremely understudied, including the mechanisms involved in digestion regulation, continual phagocytosis and phagocytosis-induced phenotypic switching following stroke. Here, we summarize new discoveries related to the molecular mechanisms and multifaceted effects of phagocytosis on brain injury and repair following stroke and highlight the knowledge gaps in poststroke phagocytosis. We suggest that advancing the understanding of poststroke phagocytosis will help identify more biological targets for stroke treatment.
Exploring the impact of vertically separated flows on wind loads of multi-level structures
Authors: Mohammadjani Chia , Zisis Ioannis
Published: August 2023

The complex dynamics of vertically separated flows pose a significant challenge when it comes to assessing the wind loads on multi-level structures, demanding a nuanced understanding of the intricate interplay between atmospheric conditions and architectural designs. Previous studies and wind loading standards provide insufficient guidance for designing wind pressures on multi-level buildings. The behavior of wind around perpendicularly attached surfaces is not quite similar to that of individual flat roofs or walls. When a body is composed of several surfaces with right or oblique angles, the separated flow from surfaces and their interactions will cause complex flow patterns around each surface. A wind tunnel experimental study was carried out on bluff bodies with attached flat plates and other adjacent bluff bodies with different heights to examine the wind-induced pressures on such complex shapes. Mean and peak pressure coefficients were measured to determine the flow interaction patterns and location of localized peak pressures. The results were compared to the Tokyo Polytechnic University Aerodynamic Database of isolated low-rise buildings without eaves. The research findings indicated that there was a noteworthy disparity between the minimum and maximum values and locations of peak pressures on both the wall and roof surfaces of the models used in this study, as compared to the results obtained by the Tokyo Polytechnic University. Moreover, the study conceivably pointed to the difference between the peak negative and positive pressure coefficient locations with the ASCE 7-22 wind loading zones. The peak suction zones were affected by the combined flows at perpendicular faces, and as a result, different wind load zones were obtained dissimilar to those introduced by ASCE 7-22. Wind loading standards may need to be modified to account for the wind pressures on complex building structures with an emphasis on the location of the peak negative pressure zones.
Optimising the zebrafish Cre/Lox toolbox. Codon improved iCre, new gateway tools, Cre protein and guidelines
Authors: Tromp Alisha , Wang Haitao , Hall Thomas E. , Mowry Bryan , Giacomotto Jean
Published: August 2023

We recently introduced the Cre/Lox technology in our laboratory for both transient (mRNA injections) and stable/transgenic experiments. We experienced significant issues such as silencing, mosaicism, and partial recombination using both approaches. Reviewing the literature gave us the impression that these issues are common among the zebrafish community using the Cre/Lox system. While some researchers took advantage of these problems for specific applications, such as cell and lineage tracing using the Zebrabow construct, we tried here to improve the efficiency and reliability of this system by constituting and testing a new set of tools for zebrafish genetics. First, we implemented a codon-improved Cre version (iCre) designed for rodent studies to counteract some of the aforementioned problems. This eukaryotic-like iCre version was engineered to i) reduce silencing, ii) increase mRNA stability, iii) enhance translational efficiency, and iv) improve nuclear translocation. Second, we established a new set of tol2-kit compatible vectors to facilitate the generation of either iCre-mRNA or iCre-transgenes for transient and transgenic experiments, respectively. We then validated the use of this material and are providing tips for users. Interestingly, during the validation steps, we found that maternal iCRE-mRNA and/or protein deposition from female transgenics systematically led to complete/homogeneous conversion of all tested Lox-responder-transgenes, as opposed to some residual imperfect conversion when using males-drivers or mRNA injections. Considering that we did not find any evidence of Cre-protein soaking and injections in the literature as it is usually conducted with cells, we tested these approaches. While soaking of cell-permeant CRE-protein did not lead to any detectable Lox-conversion, 1ng–10 ng protein injections led to robust and homogeneous Lox-recombination, suggesting that the use of protein could be a robust option for exogenous delivery. This approach may be particularly useful to manipulate housekeeping genes involved in development, sex determination and reproduction which are difficult to investigate with traditional knockout approaches. All in all, we are providing here a new set of tools that should be useful in the field.
Bio-functionalized nickel-silica nanoparticles suppress bacterial leaf blight disease in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Abdallah Yasmine , Nehela Yasser , Ogunyemi Solabomi Olaitan , Ijaz Munazza , Ahmed Temoor , Elashmony Ranya , Alkhalifah Dalal Hussien M. , Hozzein Wael N. , Xu Lihui , Yan Chengqi , Chen Jianping , Li Bin
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is one of the most devastative diseases that threatens rice plants worldwide. Biosynthesized nanoparticle (NP) composite compounds have attracted attention as environmentally safe materials that possess antibacterial activity that could be used in managing plant diseases.

Methods

During this study, a nanocomposite of two important elements, nickel and silicon, was biosynthesized using extraction of saffron stigmas (Crocus sativus L.). Characterization of obtained nickel-silicon dioxide (Ni-SiO2) nanocomposite was investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission/Scanning electron microscopy (TEM/SEM), and energy-dispersive spectrum (EDS). Antibacterial activities of the biosynthesized Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite against Xoo were tested by measuring bacterial growth, biofilm formation, and dead Xoo cells.

Results and discussions

The bacterial growth (OD600) and biofilm formation (OD570) of Xoo treated with distilled water (control) was found to be 1.21 and 1.11, respectively. Treatment with Ni-SiO2 NPs composite, respectively, reduced the growth and biofilm formation by 89.07% and 80.40% at 200 μg/ml. The impact of obtained Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite at a concentration of 200 μg/ml was assayed on infected rice plants. Treatment of rice seedlings with Ni-SiO2 NPs composite only had a plant height of 64.8 cm while seedlings treated with distilled water reached a height of 45.20 cm. Notably, Xoo-infected seedlings treated with Ni-SiO2 NPs composite had a plant height of 57.10 cm. Furthermore, Ni-SiO2 NPs composite sprayed on inoculated seedlings had a decrease in disease leaf area from 43.83% in non-treated infected seedlings to 13.06% in treated seedlings. The FTIR spectra of biosynthesized Ni-SiO2 nanocomposite using saffron stigma extract showed different bands at 3,406, 1,643, 1,103, 600, and 470 cm−1. No impurities were found in the synthesized composite. Spherically shaped NPs were observed by using TEM and SEM. EDS revealed that Ni-SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have 13.26% Ni, 29.62% Si, and 57.11% O. Xoo treated with 200 µg/ml of Ni-SiO2 NPs composite drastically increased the apoptosis of bacterial cells to 99.61% in comparison with 2.23% recorded for the control.

Conclusions

The application of Ni-SiO2 NPs significantly improved the vitality of rice plants and reduced the severity of BLB.
From child-peer similarity in imitative behavior to matched peer-mediated interventions in autism
Authors: Xavier Jean , Johnson Simona , Cohen David
Published: August 2023

Self-consciousness develops through a long process, from pre-reflexive consciousness relying on body perception, to “meta” self-awareness. It emerges from the imitative experience between children and their peers. This experience linked to the capacity to test structural similarities between oneself and others, is addressed according to the concept of interpersonal affordance. We hypothesize that the opportunity for co-actors to engage in a process of interpersonal coordination is underlined by their similarity in terms of morphological, behavioral and motor features. This experience can sustain the emergence of new affordances for objects for each co-actor, as well as new affordances in terms of joint actions. We apply this idea in the context of peer-mediated interventions (PMI) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We argue that, in PMI, an encounter between children with autism and similar peers would foster the opportunity to engage in a spontaneous process of interpersonal coordination. This process would enable the development of self-consciousness and the emergence of perception of interpersonal, self and other’s affordances for children with autism. We conclude that metrics to assess morphological, behavioral and motor similarity should then be defined and used in future studies to test our hypothesis in children with autism versus TD children or between children with autism.
Mastery of teletherapy is related to better therapeutic relationship and presence in teletherapy: the development of the teletherapy intervention scale
Authors: Békés Vera , Aafjes-van Doorn Katie , Luo Xiaochen , Balarajan Sanjeev , Hopwood Christopher J.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Providing teletherapy requires a unique therapeutic approach and mastery of the teletherapy context. We aimed to develop a self-report scale for therapeutic interventions pertinent to teletherapy, and to examine its relationship with teletherapy process variables, and therapists’ attitudes towards teletherapy technology.

Method

A total of 839 therapists participated in a survey study that included standardized measures of therapeutic process (real relationship, working alliance, therapeutic presence), attitudes towards and intention to use teletherapy in the future, and a list of 13 teletherapy intervention items that we hypothesized to be specific to the teletherapy format.

Results

Twelve of the 13 teletherapy intervention items loaded on one factor, with good reliability. The 12-item Teletherapy Intervention Scale was positively related to working alliance, the real relationship, therapeutic presence in teletherapy sessions, as well as to positive attitudes towards teletherapy and intention to use teletherapy in the future.

Discussion

Aspects specific to the practice of teletherapy may be successfully captured by a self-report scale, and adequately navigating the challenges and opportunities of teletherapy might enhance the therapeutic process. Further studies are needed to provide additional validation of the scale, and in how to best use this Teletherapy Intervention Scale in research and clinical training.
Exploring coping strategies of emergency medical technicians against COVID-19 stress: a qualitative study
Authors: Parvaresh-Masoud Mohammad , Abdollahyar Asma , Molavi-Taleghani Yasamin , Salahi Sahar , Farahmandnia Hojjat
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to cause enormous psychological burden among health care workers, including first responders. However, the psychological well-being of first responders, essential in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, has often been ignored. This qualitative study aimed to explore the coping strategies used by EMTs to manage stress during the pandemic.

Methods

The research was designed as a qualitative study, utilizing a thematic analysis framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 EMTs from a single geographic area between September 2022 and December 2022. The data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke analytic techniques, and this study used Lincoln and Guba’s to assess the reliability of the data.

Results

Four main coping strategies emerged from the data: seeking social support, practicing self-care, utilizing coping mechanisms, and finding meaning and purpose in work. EMTs sought support from both professional and personal sources, engaged in physical and emotional self-care, used humor and distraction as coping mechanisms, and found meaning and purpose in helping others and growing as professionals.

Conclusion

Based on the extracted results from the study on EMTs in Iran, it can be concluded that the importance of social support cannot be overstated, as it serves as a crucial buffer against the negative effects of stress and trauma. The findings suggest that addressing the social and emotional needs of EMTs is important for promoting their mental health and well-being during the pandemic.
Association between body mass index and treatment completion in extended-release naltrexone-treated patients with opioid dependence
Authors: Li Xinyi , Langleben Daniel D. , Lynch Kevin G. , Wang Gene-Jack , Elman Igor , Wiers Corinde E. , Shi Zhenhao
Published: August 2023

Background

Excessive consumption of opioids is associated with impaired metabolic function including increased body mass index (BMI). Opioid antagonist naltrexone (NTX) is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) that has the potential to mitigate such metabolic disturbances. Understanding the relationship between treatment adherence and BMI in NTX-treated OUD patients may provide valuable insights into optimizing clinical outcomes.

Methods

Patients with opioid dependence were offered up to three monthly injections of extended-release (XR) NTX. Treatment completers (n = 41) were defined as those who had received all three XR-NTX injections, and non-completers (n = 20) as those missing at least one injection. Logistic regression was performed to examine the association between pre-treatment BMI and treatment completion.

Results

BMI was positively associated with treatment completion. This association remained significant after adjusting for potentially confounding variables.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that baseline BMI may serve as a potential predictor of XR-NTX treatment adherence in patients with OUD and could help healthcare providers and policy makers alike in developing strategies to improve retention and tailor interventions for specific patient subgroups.
Validating the Malaysian modified checklist for autism in toddlers, revised with follow-up (M-CHAT-R/F): a cross-cultural adaptation
Authors: Han Yung Lin , Wan Sulaiman Wan Shahrazad , Ahmad Badayai Abdul Rahman , Abdullah @ Mohd. Nor Hilwa
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) is a two-stage parent-reported tool for screening autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Early detection of ASD is highly associated with improved social communication and reduced restricted and repetitive behaviors associated with ASD. However, there is limited availability of ASD screening tools in Malaysia and there are no relevant validation studies published. The process of modifying a screening instrument to align with the cultural and linguistic characteristics of the target population is a crucial component in establishing the instrument's validity.

Methods

Therefore, this study translates and culturally adapts the M-CHAT-R/F into Malay and verifies its psychometric properties among the Malaysian population. 500 Malaysian toddlers aged between 18 and 48 months were recruited from different settings. The parents of the toddlers were asked to complete the Malaysian M-CHAT-R/F. The reliability of the screening tool was verified using Cronbach's alpha.

Results

By comparing the screening outcomes of the Malaysian M-CHAT-R/F and clinical evaluation results, the prevalence of ASD was determined as 6.6% in the sample. High values of sensitivity (96.6%) and specificity (93.2%) and a satisfactory positive predictive value (47.5%) supported the validity of the Malaysian M-CHAT-R/F. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic analysis yielded three as the optimal cut-off score of the Malaysian M-CHAT-R/F.

Discussion

These results suggest that the Malaysian M-CHAT-R/F is an effective screening tool reliable for use in clinical practice. Further investigation using a representative sample of the whole country is recommended given the high prevalence rate obtained in the current sample.
Is scientific knowledge socially constructed? A Bayesian account of Laboratory Life
Authors: Small Henry
Published: August 2023

In the book Laboratory Life Latour and Woolgar present an account of how scientific “facts” are formed through a process of microsocial interactions among individuals and “inscription devices” in the lab initially described as social construction. The process moves through a series of steps during which the details and nature of the object become more and more certain until all qualifications are dropped, and the “fact” emerges as secure scientific knowledge. An alternative to this account is described based on a Bayesian probabilistic framework which arrives at the same end point. The motive force for the constructivist approach appears to involve social processes of convincing colleagues while the Bayesian approach relies on the consistency of theory and evidence as judged by the participants. The role of social processes is discussed in Bayesian terms, the acquisition and asymmetry of information, and its analogy to puzzle solving. Some parallels between the Bayesian and constructivist accounts are noted especially in relation to information theory.
Consumer complaints about food packaging
Authors: Bauer Anna-Sophia , Dörnyei Krisztina Rita , Krauter Victoria
Published: August 2023

Today, the public’s perception of food packaging is primarily negative, which is mostly triggered by factors such as the use of (fossil) resources, waste generation, and (marine) littering. Accordingly, the (re)design of packaging is focusing in particular on environmental sustainability (e.g., recyclability). However, it seems that in parallel, consumer experience and satisfaction continue to decline, which is reflected in numerous online complaints about packaging. Building on related European food and packaging legislation, dissatisfaction, and consumer complaint behavior (CCB) literature, this study aims to analyze online consumer complaints and identify underlying causes using the Netnography method. Over 250 complaints were collected, categorized, and evaluated based on images shared online, and as a result 12 design categories were identified that triggered significant dissatisfaction among consumers. These include food packaging that implies a higher quality or quantity of products through text-based information, design elements such as graphics, certain packaging sizes, windows, and sleeves as well as the seemingly excessive use of packaging material. The subsequent discussion shows that the consumer perspective and the legal framework have many points in common and that a different realization of the already existing requirements can avoid dissatisfaction in many cases. As a result, this study provides stakeholders from research, development, and politics with an important basis for significantly increasing consumer satisfaction along with the ecological (re)design of packaging.
Role of multilateral development organizations, public and private investments in aquaculture subsector in Kenya
Authors: Munguti Jonathan M. , Obiero Kevin O. , Iteba Jacob O. , Kirimi James G. , Kyule Domitila N. , Orina Paul S. , Githukia Cecilia M. , Outa Nicholas , Ogello Erick O. , Mboya Jimmy B. , Ouko Kevin O. , Liti David , Yossa Rodrigue , Tanga Chrysantus M.
Published: August 2023

Rapid population and economic growth, increased health benefits of aquatic food, and changes in lifestyles and preferences as a result of rapid urbanization and globalization are all contributing to the rapid growth of aquaculture production in Kenya. Despite significant investment efforts from the national and devolved governments as well as donors and international organizations, smallholder aquaculture production is yet to result in a significant increase in incomes and improved food and nutrition security. We conducted a scoping review to investigate the roles of multilateral development organizations, international financial institutions, and public and private investments in Kenya’s aquaculture subsector. We draw on lessons learned from previous projects implemented at the national, county, and farm levels to make recommendations for sustainable aquaculture intensification in Kenya. To unlock Kenya’s aquaculture potential and improve its food and nutrition status, deliberate efforts must be made to create a conducive environment for public and private investment in the industry. First, there is a need to coordinate and clearly articulate the roles and responsibilities among devolved and national governments, donors, and financial institutions through public-private partnerships to ensure optimal allocation of financial, human, and infrastructure resources. Second, more collaborative research should be devoted to the design and construction of climate smart culture systems, developing new species to guarantee supply of high-quality products; developing and scaling low-cost and highly nutritious fish feeds based on novel ingredients; and enhancing resilient livelihoods through innovative aquaculture practices and market linkages to create employment opportunities for youth and women. Finally, the national and devolved governments should create an enabling policy environment through tax incentives and regulatory reforms to combat climate change, protect nature and biodiversity, sustain livelihoods, and mainstream food and nutrition initiatives into the design and implementation of future aquaculture projects.