bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Farming systems research in Nepal: Concepts, design, and methodology for enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability
Authors:   Organic Agriculture Program, Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, Chitlang, Thaha Municipality-9, Nepal, Shrestha Atmaz Kumar , Chaudhary Suraj ,   Organic Agriculture Program, Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, Chitlang, Thaha Municipality-9, Nepal, Subedi Sabnam ,   Organic Agriculture Program, Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, Chitlang, Thaha Municipality-9, Nepal, Rai Sushil ,   Organic Agriculture Program, Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, Chitlang, Thaha Municipality-9, Nepal, Acharya Dhana Krishna ,   Organic Agriculture Program, Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, Chitlang, Thaha Municipality-9, Nepal, Rai Rameshwar ,   Organic Agriculture Program, Madan Bhandari University of Science and Technology, Chitlang, Thaha Municipality-9, Nepal
Published: June 2024

Farming Systems Research (FSR) plays a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity, sustainability, and livelihoods in Nepal. This article provides a comprehensive review of FSR in Nepal, focusing on concepts, design, and methodology for optimizing farming systems. Integrated farming systems have emerged as a key strategy for small and marginal farmers to improve livelihood security and meet household needs for nutrition and income. By integrating various components such as crops, livestock, and agroforestry, farmers can enhance resource use efficiency, diversify income sources, and improve resilience to climate change impacts. FSR in Nepal combines scientific research, community engagement, and local knowledge to enhance agricultural sustainability and improve livelihoods for small-scale farmers. Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC) plays a crucial role in developing a national research agenda and allocating resources to address the diverse technological needs of farmers. By integrating diverse perspectives, utilizing innovative technologies, and engaging stakeholders, FSR addresses agricultural system complexities and contributes to food security, environmental sustainability, and rural development.
A rapid and ultra-sensitive dual readout platform for Klebsiella pneumoniae detection based on RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a
Authors: Tan Meiying , Liang Lina , Liao Chuan , Zhou Zihan , Long Shaoping , Yi Xueli , Wang Chunfang , Wei Caiheng , Cai Jinyuan , Li Xuebin , Wei Guijiang
Published: June 2024

The bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) was the primary pathogen of hospital-acquired infection, but the current detection method could not rapidly and conveniently identify Kp. Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) was a fast and convenient isothermal amplification technology, and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system could rapidly amplify the signal of RPA and improve its limit of detection (LOD). In this study, we designed three pairs of RPA primers for the rcsA gene of Kp, amplified the RPA signal through single-strand DNA reporter cleavage by CRISPR/Cas12a, and finally analyzed the cleavage signal using fluorescence detection (FD) and lateral flow test strips (LFTS). Our results indicated that the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a platform could specifically identify Kp from eleven common clinical pathogens. The LOD of FD and LFTS were 1 fg/μL and 10 fg/μL, respectively. In clinical sample testing, the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a platform was consistent with the culture method and qPCR method, and its sensitivity and specificity were 100% (16/16) and 100% (9/9), respectively. With the advantages of detection speed, simplicity, and accuracy, the RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a platform was expected to be a convenient tool for the early clinical detection of Kp.
Promoting content variety in MOOCs: increasing learning outcomes with podcasts
Authors: Köhler Daniel , Serth Sebastian , Meinel Christoph
Published: June 2024

Online education has become an integral part of everyday life. As one form of online education, traditional Massive Open Online Courses mostly rely on video-based learning materials. To enhance accessibility and provide more variety of the learning content, we studied how podcasts can be integrated into online courses. Throughout three studies, we investigated the acceptance and impact of podcasts made available to learners on the online education platform openHPI. Throughout the studies we applied different methodologies, such as a Posttest-Only Control Group study, and a Static-Group Comparison. In the initial two studies, we identified that podcasts can serve as reasonable addition to MOOCs, enabling additional learning just as well as videos, and investigated the optimal podcast design for our learners. In one of our six-week courses on cybersecurity with more than 1,500 learners, alongside the third study, we identified that consuming an additional podcast can increase learning outcomes by up to 7.9%. In this manuscript, we discuss the applied methodologies and provide reasoning behind design decisions concerning, e.g., the podcast structure or presentation to be taken as inspiration for other educators.
Empowering professional learning communities of secondary science teachers to uncover and address their students’ misconceptions via research-oriented practices
Authors: Potvin Patrice , Boissard Bénédicte , Durocher Éric , Hasni Abdelkrim , Riopel Martin
Published: June 2024

The Partnership for the Development and Success of Science Education in Secondary Schools project seeks to improve science education by fostering a dynamic environment for professional development and teacher-led inquiry within professional learning communities (PLCs). Addressing the long-standing problem of outdated pedagogical approaches, the initiative encourages secondary science teachers to actively engage in action research to identify and/or address student misconceptions of scientific concepts. Through collaboration with professional development leaders and university experts, teachers are empowered to implement and refine evidence-based instructional strategies and cultivate a culture of ongoing professional growth and reflective practice. The partnership emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between educational research and classroom practice to improve the quality and effectiveness of science education. The project aims to bring about a positive change in teachers’ instructional practices and reflections and an increased alignment with contemporary educational standards and evidence-based practices.
Association between genetically proxied glucosamine and risk of cancer and non-neoplastic disease: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wu Yingtong , Che Yinggang , Zhang Yong , Xiong Yanlu , Shu Chen , Jiang Jun , Li Gaozhi , Guo Lin , Qiao Tianyun , Li Shuwen , Li Ou , Chang Ning , Zhang Xinxin , Zhang Minzhe , Qiu Dan , Xi Hangtian , Li Jinggeng , Chen Xiangxiang , Ye Mingxiang , Zhang Jian
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Observational investigations have examined the impact of glucosamine use on the risk of cancer and non-neoplastic diseases. However, the findings from these studies face limitations arising from confounding variables, reverse causation, and conflicting reports. Consequently, the establishment of a causal relationship between habitual glucosamine consumption and the risk of cancer and non-neoplastic diseases necessitates further investigation.

Methods

For Mendelian randomization (MR) investigation, we opted to employ single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instruments that exhibit robust associations with habitual glucosamine consumption. We obtained the corresponding effect estimates of these SNPs on the risk of cancer and non-neoplastic diseases by extracting summary data for genetic instruments linked to 49 varied cancer types amounting to 378,284 cases and 533,969 controls, as well as 20 non-neoplastic diseases encompassing 292,270 cases and 842,829 controls. Apart from the primary analysis utilizing inverse-variance weighted MR, we conducted two supplementary approaches to account for potential pleiotropy (MR-Egger and weighted median) and assessed their respective MR estimates. Furthermore, the results of the leave-one-out analysis revealed that there were no outlying instruments.

Results

Our results suggest divergence from accepted biological understanding, suggesting that genetically predicted glucosamine utilization may be linked to an increased vulnerability to specific illnesses, as evidenced by increased odds ratios and confidence intervals (95% CI) for diseases, such as malignant neoplasm of the eye and adnexa (2.47 [1.34–4.55]), benign neoplasm of the liver/bile ducts (2.12 [1.32–3.43]), benign neoplasm of the larynx (2.01 [1.36–2.96]), melanoma (1.74 [1.17–2.59]), follicular lymphoma (1.50 [1.06–2.11]), autoimmune thyroiditis (2.47 [1.49–4.08]), and autoimmune hyperthyroidism (1.93 [1.17–3.18]). In contrast to prior observational research, our genetic investigations demonstrate a positive correlation between habitual glucosamine consumption and an elevated risk of sigmoid colon cancer, lung adenocarcinoma, and benign neoplasm of the thyroid gland.

Conclusion

Casting doubt on the purported purely beneficial association between glucosamine ingestion and prevention of neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases, habitual glucosamine ingestion exhibits dichotomous effects on disease outcomes. Endorsing the habitual consumption of glucosamine as a preventative measure against neoplastic and non-neoplastic diseases cannot be supported.
Charting a course for global progress in PIDs by 2030 — proceedings from the IPOPI global multi-stakeholders’ summit (September 2023)
Authors: Van Coillie Samya , Prévot Johan , Sánchez-Ramón Silvia , Lowe David M. , Borg Michael , Autran Brigitte , Segundo Gesmar , Pecoraro Antonio , Garcelon Nicolas , Boersma Cornelis , Silva Susana L. , Drabwell Jose , Quinti Isabella , Meyts Isabelle , Ali Adli , Burns Siobhan O. , van Hagen Martin , Pergent Martine , Mahlaoui Nizar
Published: June 2024

The International Patient Organisation for Primary Immunodeficiencies (IPOPI) held its second Global Multi-Stakeholders’ Summit, an annual stimulating and forward-thinking meeting uniting experts to anticipate pivotal upcoming challenges and opportunities in the field of primary immunodeficiency (PID). The 2023 summit focused on three key identified discussion points: (i) How can immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy meet future personalized patient needs? (ii) Pandemic preparedness: what’s next for public health and potential challenges for the PID community? (iii) Diagnosing PIDs in 2030: what needs to happen to diagnose better and to diagnose more? Clinician-Scientists, patient representatives and other stakeholders explored avenues to improve Ig therapy through mechanistic insights and tailored Ig preparations/products according to patient-specific needs and local exposure to infectious agents, amongst others. Urgency for pandemic preparedness was discussed, as was the threat of shortage of antibiotics and increasing antimicrobial resistance, emphasizing the need for representation of PID patients and other vulnerable populations throughout crisis and care management. Discussion also covered the complexities of PID diagnosis, addressing issues such as global diagnostic disparities, the integration of patient-reported outcome measures, and the potential of artificial intelligence to increase PID diagnosis rates and to enhance diagnostic precision. These proceedings outline the outcomes and recommendations arising from the 2023 IPOPI Global Multi-Stakeholders’ Summit, offering valuable insights to inform future strategies in PID management and care. Integral to this initiative is its role in fostering collaborative efforts among stakeholders to prepare for the multiple challenges facing the global PID community.
Unlocking the adenosine receptor mechanism of the tumour immune microenvironment
Authors: Han Yecheng , Dong Chenshuang , Hu Mingwang , Wang Xinmiao , Wang Guiling
Published: June 2024

The suppressive tumour microenvironment significantly hinders the efficacy of immunotherapy in treating solid tumors. In this context, stromal cells, such as tumour-associated fibroblasts, undergo changes that include an increase in the number and function of immunosuppressive cells. Adenosine, a factor that promotes tumour growth, is produced from ATP breakdown and is markedly elevated in the tumour microenvironment. It acts through specific binding to adenosine receptors, with A2A and A2B adenosine receptor being primary drivers of immunosuppression. This paper presents the roles of various adenosine receptors in different tumour microenvironments. This review focus on the function of adenosine receptors in the stromal cells and non-cellular components of the tumour microenvironment. Additionally, we summarize and discuss recent advances and potential trends in using adenosine receptor antagonists combined with immunotherapy.
Indigenous self-determination in fisheries governance: implications from New Zealand and Atlantic Canada
Authors: Bodwitch Hekia , Hamelin Kayla M. , Paul Kenneth , Reid John , Bailey Megan
Published: June 2024

The United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) recognized Indigenous rights to self-determination. How these rights can be realized in territories governed by settler-states remains unclear. For fisheries, the need to understand processes that support Indigenous self-determination has gained urgency due to government commitments and investor interest in developing ocean and coastal resources, or Blue Economies, amid rapid climatic changes. Here, we explored Indigenous groups’ fishery development experiences following two approaches to reconciling Indigenous fishing rights. In New Zealand, we examined Māori groups’ experiences following the 1992 Treaty of Waitangi (Fisheries Claims) Settlement Act. The Settlement granted Māori iwi (tribes) rights to self-govern non-commercial harvests, restrict fishing pressure in state-approved customary fishing areas, and participate in state-run systems for commercial fisheries management. In Canada, we investigated Indigenous fishery development initiatives following the Supreme Court of Canada’s 1999 rulingR. v. Marshall.Marshallreaffirmed Treaty-protected rights to harvest and trade fish, held by Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqey, and Peskotomuhkati Peoples, to support a “moderate livelihood.” We document how, in both cases, Indigenous groups’ self-determination remains constrained by actions from state regulatory and enforcement agencies that govern market access, other resource users’ activities, and processes for collecting and sharing information about fish populations. Indigenous groups’ experiences highlight that: 1) reallocations of harvest rights, on their own, are an insufficient means to redistribute access to benefits from fisheries; 2) the constraints Indigenous families have experienced in their attempts to develop small-scale fishing operations correspond to settler-state policies and cannot be addressed solely through changes to Indigenous leaders’ management decisions; and 3) polycentricity in governance regimes can pose problems for Indigenous self-determination, when citizens with political authority resist efforts to support Indigenous fisheries. To address these challenges, we call for legal reforms that require settler-state governments to support Indigenous self-determination, to overcome the political risks politicians face when advocating for a non-majority group’s interests.
Gut microbiota of captive common bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus gilli: influence of age, sex, birthplace, and contacts with dolphinarium visitors
Authors: Popov Igor V. , Suvorova Irina V. , Krikunova Anastasya A. , Chebotareva Iuliia P. , Tikhmeneva Iuliia A. , Venema Koen , Ermakov Alexey M.
Published: June 2024

Dolphins are aquatic mammals, whose role in microbial ecology is not fully understood. It is critical to study the microbiota of dolphins kept in captivity, as close contact with humans could unpredictably affect both human and animal health. In this study, we investigated the gut microbiota of 15 captive common bottlenose dolphins, and the relationship of microbial diversity and composition with animals’ age, sex, birthplace (dolphinarium or wildlife), and direct contacts with dolphinarium visitors using high-throughput V3-V4 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Based on acquired sequencing data we calculated and compared alpha and beta diversity indexes, as well as conducted differential abundance analysis of identified bacterial taxa to find multivariable associations with dolphins’ age period, sex, birthplace, and type of contact with humans with linear models. There was no association between gut microbiota composition and diversity and dolphins’ age period, sex, and birthplace. However, there were significant differences (q-value ≤ 0.00018) in the relative abundance of Edwardsiella genus in dolphins that were in contact only with dolphinarium staff in comparison to dolphins that apart from dolphinarium staff also had contact with dolphinarium visitors. These results show that dolphins born in wildlife and dolphinariums do not have significant differences in gut microbiota composition and the microbiota of captive dolphins can be affected by their contact with humans.
Advancing the ecological narrative: documentation of broadnose sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus) in South Puget Sound, Washington, USA
Authors: Schulte Jessica M. , Personius Ethan M. , Lowry Dayv , Hillier Lisa , McInturf Alexandra G. , Chapple Taylor K.
Published: June 2024

The broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) is a large, apex predator found in temperate waters around the world. Yet data on their distribution are limited, with reports of species occurrence typically restricted to specific bays or estuaries where they have been historically observed in high seasonal abundances. The Puget Sound is located in the southern portion of the Salish Sea, a large estuary spanning the border between northwestern Washington state, USA and southwestern British Columbia, Canada, and serves as an economic, cultural, and ecological hub. Until recently, there was only one verified record of broadnose sevengill sharks in the Salish Sea and none in the Puget Sound. However, our recent multi-agency collaborative effort revealed the presence of adult and sub-adult broadnose sevengill sharks in South Puget Sound, extending their previously known range hundreds of kilometers and into a new ecosystem. This work represents the first evidence of a significant presence of these apex sharks within the Salish Sea.
The application of the BOPPPS model in the ward rounds of nurses’ standardized training in Southwest China: a mixed methods study
Authors: Shen Ying
Published: June 2024

Background

Teaching ward rounds are the main teaching method used to develop clinical skills in standardized nursing training. However, the existing methods lack of cultivation of comprehensive ability and humanistic care for nurses, cannot meet the requirements of standardized training for nurses. BOPPPS (bridge-in, objective, pre-assessment, participatory Learning, post-assessment, and summary) is a student-centered teaching model that has been proven to enhance classroom teaching effectiveness. Therefore, the BOPPPS model was applied and its effectiveness in standardized nursing training was evaluated.

Methods

In total, 260 nursing students were randomly allocated to two groups: the experimental group used the BOPPPS model and the control group used the traditional teaching model. This study used a mixed quantitative and qualitative research method to evaluate the effectiveness of the BOPPPS model.

Results

The quantitative results were as follows: no significant difference in baseline scores was observed between the two groups before training. After training, the theory and practical scores in the experimental group were significantly higher than that of the control group. Similarly, students in the experimental group presented higher comprehensive ability scores than their counterparts. The students in the experimental group also exhibited higher satisfaction compared to the control group, while there was no difference in teacher satisfaction scores between the two groups (p = 0.323). Qualitative data showed that the vast majority of nurses and teachers agreed on the value of BOPPPS training.

Conclusion

Compared to traditional teaching methods, the BOPPPS model was more effective in standardized nursing training. We recommend applying the BOPPPS model to nursing training.
Calibration trial of an innovative medical device (NEVVA©) for the evaluation of pain in non-communicating patients in the intensive care unit
Authors: Bellal Mathieu , Lelandais Julien , Chabin Thomas , Heudron Aurélie , Gourmelon Thomas , Bauduin Pierrick , Cuchet Pierre , Daubin Cédric , De Carvalho Ribeiro Célia , Delcampe Augustin , Goursaud Suzanne , Joret Aurélie , Mombrun Martin , Valette Xavier , Cerasuolo Damiano , Morello Rémy , Mordel Patrick , Chaillot Fabien , Dutheil Jean Jacques , Vivien Denis , Du Cheyron Damien
Published: June 2024

Background

Pain management is an essential and complex issue for non-communicative patients undergoing sedation in the intensive care unit (ICU). The Behavioral Pain Scale (BPS), although not perfect for assessing behavioral pain, is the gold standard based partly on clinical facial expression. NEVVA©, an automatic pain assessment tool based on facial expressions in critically ill patients, is a much-needed innovative medical device.

Methods

In this prospective pilot study, we recorded the facial expressions of critically ill patients in the medical ICU of Caen University Hospital using the iPhone and Smart Motion Tracking System (SMTS) software with the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) to measure human facial expressions metrically during sedation weaning. Analyses were recorded continuously, and BPS scores were collected hourly over two 8 h periods per day for 3 consecutive days. For this first stage, calibration of the innovative NEVVA© medical device algorithm was obtained by comparison with the reference pain scale (BPS).

Results

Thirty participants were enrolled between March and July 2022. To assess the acute severity of illness, the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II) were recorded on ICU admission and were 9 and 47, respectively. All participants had deep sedation, assessed by a Richmond Agitation and Sedation scale (RASS) score of less than or equal to −4 at the time of inclusion. One thousand and six BPS recordings were obtained, and 130 recordings were retained for final calibration: 108 BPS recordings corresponding to the absence of pain and 22 BPS recordings corresponding to the presence of pain. Due to the small size of the dataset, a leave-one-subject-out cross-validation (LOSO-CV) strategy was performed, and the training results obtained the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.792. This model has a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 72.2%.

Conclusion

This pilot study calibrated the NEVVA© medical device and showed the feasibility of continuous facial expression analysis for pain monitoring in ICU patients. The next step will be to correlate this device with the BPS scale.
Comparative genome analyses of clinical and non-clinical Clostridioides difficile strains
Authors: Schüler Miriam A. , Riedel Thomas , Overmann Jörg , Daniel Rolf , Poehlein Anja
Published: June 2024

The pathogenic bacterium Clostridioides difficile is a worldwide health burden with increasing morbidity, mortality and antibiotic resistances. Therefore, extensive research efforts are made to unravel its virulence and dissemination. One crucial aspect for C. difficile is its mobilome, which for instance allows the spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARG) or influence strain virulence. As a nosocomial pathogen, the majority of strains analyzed originated from clinical environments and infected individuals. Nevertheless, C. difficile can also be present in human intestines without disease development or occur in diverse environmental habitats such as puddle water and soil, from which several strains could already be isolated. We therefore performed comprehensive genome comparisons of closely related clinical and non-clinical strains to identify the effects of the clinical background. Analyses included the prediction of virulence factors, ARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs), and detailed examinations of the pan genome. Clinical-related trends were thereby observed. While no significant differences were identified in fundamental C. difficile virulence factors, the clinical strains carried more ARGs and MGEs, and possessed a larger accessory genome. Detailed inspection of accessory genes revealed higher abundance of genes with unknown function, transcription-associated, or recombination-related activity. Accessory genes of these functions were already highlighted in other studies in association with higher strain virulence. This specific trend might allow the strains to react more efficiently on changing environmental conditions in the human host such as emerging stress factors, and potentially increase strain survival, colonization, and strain virulence. These findings indicated an adaptation of the strains to the clinical environment. Further, implementation of the analysis results in pairwise genome comparisons revealed that the majority of these accessory genes were encoded on predicted MGEs, shedding further light on the mobile genome of C. difficile. We therefore encourage the inclusion of non-clinical strains in comparative analyses.
Comparison of various doses of oral cannabidiol for treating refractory epilepsy indications: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhu Haiyan , Liu Tao , Guo Zhi , Zhao Chenyang , He Zhiyi , Zheng Wenxu
Published: June 2024

Aim

To evaluate the comparative efficacy and safety of various doses of oral cannabidiol (CBD) in treating refractory epilepsy indications, thus providing more informative evidence for clinical decision-making.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, and Web of Science (WoS) was performed to retrieve relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared different doses of oral CBD with placebo or each other in refractory epilepsy indications. The search was limited from the inception of each database to January 3, 2023. Relative risk [RR] with a 95% confidence interval [CI] was used to express results. STATA/SE 14 was employed for network meta-analysis.

Results

Six RCTs involving 972 patients were included in the final data analysis. Network meta-analysis showed that, CBD10 (10 mg/kg/day) (RR: 1.77, 95%CI: 1.28 to 2.44), CBD20 (20 mg/kg/day) (RR: 1.91, 95%CI: 1.49 to 2.46), CBD25 (25 mg/kg/day) (RR: 1.61, 95%CI: 0.96 to 2.70), and CBD50 (50 mg/kg/day) (RR: 1.78, 95%CI: 1.07 to 2.94) were associated with higher antiseizure efficacy although the pooled result for CBD25 was only close to significant. In addition, in terms of the risk of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), the difference between different doses is not significant. However, CBD20 ranked first in terms of antiseizure efficacy, followed by CBD50, CBD10, and CBD25. For TEAEs, CBD25 ranked first, followed by CBD10, CBD50, CBD5, and CBD20.

Conclusion

For refractory indications, CBD20 may be optimal option for antiseizure efficacy; however, CBD25 may be best for TEAEs. Therefore, an appropriate dose of oral CBD should be selected based on the actual situation. Due to the limitations of eligible studies and the limited sample size, more studies are needed in the future to validate our findings.
Investigating multilevel cognitive processing within error-free and error-prone feedback conditions in executed and observed car driving
Authors: Pulferer Hannah S. , Guan Cuntai , Müller-Putz Gernot R.
Published: June 2024

Accident analyses repeatedly reported the considerable contribution of run-off-road incidents to fatalities in road traffic, and despite considerable advances in assistive technologies to mitigate devastating consequences, little insight into the drivers’ brain response during such accident scenarios has been gained. While various literature documents neural correlates to steering motion, the driver’s mental state, and the impact of distraction and fatigue on driving performance, the cortical substrate of continuous deviations of a car from the road – i.e., how the brain represents a varying discrepancy between the intended and observed car position and subsequently assigns customized levels of corrective measures – remains unclear. Furthermore, the superposition of multiple subprocesses, such as visual and erroneous feedback processing, performance monitoring, or motor control, complicates a clear interpretation of engaged brain regions within car driving tasks. In the present study, we thus attempted to disentangle these subprocesses, employing passive and active steering conditions within both error-free and error-prone vehicle operation conditions. We recorded EEG signals of 26 participants in 13 sessions, simultaneously measuring pairs of Executors (actively steering) and Observers (strictly observing) during a car driving task. We observed common brain patterns in the Executors regardless of error-free or error-prone vehicle operation, albeit with a shift in spectral activity from motor beta to occipital alpha oscillations within erroneous conditions. Further, significant frontocentral differences between Observers and Executors, tracing back to the caudal anterior cingulate cortex, arose during active steering conditions, indicating increased levels of motor-behavioral cognitive control. Finally, we present regression results of both the steering signal and the car position, indicating that a regression of continuous deviations from the road utilizing the EEG might be feasible.
Early life malnutrition and risk of T2DM adulthood: evidence from the lower socioeconomic status of northwest Chinese population
Authors: Shi Hongjuan , Yang Danyu , Ma Ling , Cheng Yin , Liu Yining , Ma Jinyu , Tong Huitian , Shi Chao
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore whether famine exposure during early life are associated with a high risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in adulthood and the role of socioeconomic status (SES) on this effect.

Materials and methods

We conducted a secondary data analysis based on data from a cross-sectional survey, collected 3,355 participants born between January 1, 1941 and December 31, 1966. Participants were categorized into four groups based on their date of birth, unexposed (individuals born in 1963–1966), infant exposed (individuals born in 1959–1962), childhood exposed (individuals born in 1949–1958), and adolescent exposed (born in 1941–1948). The association of famine exposure with T2DM risk in adults and conducted separately in plain area and mountain area was assessed using logistics regression model.

Result

22.35% of participants were diagnosed with T2DM, of which 43.47% were from the childhood famine-exposed group, representing the highest proportion among all subgroups (p < 0.001). Participants exposed to famine during childhood and adolescence from the lower SES mountain areas showed a significantly higher prevalence of T2DM in adulthood than those from the plain areas (p < 0.001). The adolescence stage exposed famine will increase the risk of T2DM in the mountain area (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.61, 3.77).

Conclusion

No strong evidence demonstrates that exposure to famine during the early life stage increases the risk of developing T2DM in adulthood. However, populations with lower SES are likely to be exposed to more risk factors for T2DM.
Prolyl hydroxylase domain enzyme PHD2 inhibits proliferation and metabolism in non-small cell lung cancer cells in HIF-dependent and HIF-independent manners
Authors: Deng Hongyan , Wang Zixuan , Zhu Chunchun , Chen Zhu
Published: June 2024

Prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 (PHD2) is one of the intracellular oxygen sensors that mediates proteasomal degradation of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-α via hydroxylation under normoxic conditions. Because of its canonical function in the hypoxia signaling pathway, PHD2 is generally regarded as a tumor suppressor. However, the effects of PHD2 in tumorigenesis are not entirely dependent on HIF-α. Based on analysis of data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database, we observed that the expression of PHD2 is upregulated in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which accounts for approximately 80–85% of lung cancers. This suggests that PHD2 may play an important role in NSCLC. However, the function of PHD2 in NSCLC remains largely unknown. In this study, we established PHD2-deficient H1299 cells and PHD2-knockdown A549 cells to investigate the function of PHD2 in NSCLC and found that PHD2 suppresses cell proliferation and metabolism but induces ROS levels in human NSCLC cells. Further results indicated that the function of PHD2 in NSCLC is dependent on its enzymatic activity and partially independent of HIF. Moreover, we performed RNA-sequencing and transcriptomic analysis to explore the underlying mechanisms and identified some potential targets and pathways regulated by PHD2, apart from the canonical HIF-mediated hypoxia signaling pathway. These results provide some clues to uncover novel roles of PHD2 in lung cancer progression.
Advances in Physalis molecular research: applications in authentication, genetic diversity, phylogenetics, functional genes, and omics
Authors: Jiang Yan , Jin Yanyun , Shan Yiyi , Zhong Quanzhou , Wang Huizhong , Shen Chenjia , Feng Shangguo
Published: June 2024

The plants of the genus Physalis L. have been extensively utilized in traditional and indigenous Chinese medicinal practices for treating a variety of ailments, including dermatitis, malaria, asthma, hepatitis, and liver disorders. The present review aims to achieve a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation of the genus Physalis, a new model crop, to understand plant diversity and fruit development. Several chloroplast DNA-, nuclear ribosomal DNA-, and genomic DNA-based markers, such as psbA-trnH, internal-transcribed spacer (ITS), simple sequence repeat (SSR), random amplified microsatellites (RAMS), sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), were developed for molecular identification, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic studies of Physalis species. A large number of functional genes involved in inflated calyx syndrome development (AP2-L, MPF2, MPF3, and MAGO), organ growth (AG1, AG2, POS1, and CNR1), and active ingredient metabolism (24ISO, DHCRT, P450-CPL, SR, DUF538, TAS14, and 3β-HSB) were identified contributing to the breeding of novel Physalis varieties. Various omic studies revealed and functionally identified a series of reproductive organ development-related factors, environmental stress-responsive genes, and active component biosynthesis-related enzymes. The chromosome-level genomes of Physalis floridana Rydb., Physalis grisea (Waterf.) M. Martínez, and Physalis pruinosa L. have been recently published providing a valuable resource for genome editing in Physalis crops. Our review summarizes the recent progress in genetic diversity, molecular identification, phylogenetics, functional genes, and the application of omics in the genus Physalis and accelerates efficient utilization of this traditional herb.
Comparison of two suicide screening instruments for identifying high-risk individuals in prison
Authors: Hausam Joscha , Calvano Daniela , Opitz-Welke Annette
Published: June 2024

Increased suicide rates in prison are a serious concern. Early identification of inmates at risk is a component of effective suicide prevention. The present study examined two suicide screening instruments in a sample of men in the Berlin, Germany, prison system (n = 289). The Screening for Initial Risk Assessment (SIRAS) identified significantly more high-risk inmates than the Vienna Instrument for Suicidality in Correctional Institutions (VISCI) (66 vs. 24). The results further show that the agreement in the classification was evident only in inmates with suicidal ideation, but was otherwise quite low. This can be explained by the fact that the instruments differ in terms of the risk factors taken into account. Finally, it was found that inmates classified as high risk received more monitoring and psychiatric or psychological support, which supports the construct validity of the instruments. As there were no deaths by suicide in the sample, no statistical information on the predictive validity of the instruments could be provided. Although research in this area is challenging, methodologically sound studies are needed to inform practice.
Modeling hepatitis A epidemiological profiles and estimating the pediatric vaccination threshold in the Russian Federation
Authors: Taratorkin Fedor F. , Karlsen Anastasia A. , Kyuregyan Karen K. , Lopatukhina Maria A. , Khankishiyev Farhad , Manuylov Victor A. , Akimkin Vasiliy G. , Mikhailov Mikhail I.
Published: June 2024

Background

To combat the hesitancy towards implementing a hepatitis A universal mass vaccination (UMV) strategy and to provide healthcare authorities with a comprehensive analysis of the potential outcomes and benefits of the implementation of such a vaccination program, we projected HAV seroprevalence and incidence rates in the total population of the Russian Federation and estimated the pediatric vaccination threshold required to achieve an incidence level of less than 1 case per 100,000 using a new mathematical model.

Methods

A dynamic age-structured SEIRV (susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered-vaccinated) compartmental model was developed and calibrated using demographic, seroprevalence, vaccination, and epidemiological data from different regions of the Russian Federation. This model was used to project various epidemiological measures.

Results

The projected national average age at the midpoint of population immunity increases from 40 years old in 2020 to 50 years old in 2036 and is shifted even further to the age of 70 years in some regions of the country. An increase of varying magnitude in the incidence of symptomatic HAV infections is predicted for all study regions and for the Russian Federation as a whole between 2028 and 2032, if the HAV vaccination coverage level remains at the level of 2022. The national average vaccination coverage level required to achieve a symptomatic HAV incidence rate below 1 case per 100,000 by 2032 was calculated to be 69.8% if children aged 1–6 years are vaccinated following the implementation of a UMV program or 34.8% if immunization is expanded to children aged 1–17 years.

Conclusion

The developed model provides insights into a further decline of herd immunity to HAV against the background of ongoing viral transmission. The current favorable situation regarding hepatitis A morbidity is projected to be replaced by an increase in incidence rates if vaccination coverage remains at the current levels. The obtained results support the introduction of a hepatitis A UMV strategy in the Russian Federation.
Statistical machine learning models for prediction of China’s maritime emergency patients in dynamic: ARIMA model, SARIMA model, and dynamic Bayesian network model
Authors: Yang Pengyu , Cheng Pengfei , Zhang Na , Luo Ding , Xu Baichao , Zhang Hua
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Rescuing individuals at sea is a pressing global public health issue, garnering substantial attention from emergency medicine researchers with a focus on improving prevention and control strategies. This study aims to develop a Dynamic Bayesian Networks (DBN) model utilizing maritime emergency incident data and compare its forecasting accuracy to Auto-regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Seasonal Auto-regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) models.

Methods

In this research, we analyzed the count of cases managed by five hospitals in Hainan Province from January 2016 to December 2020 in the context of maritime emergency care. We employed diverse approaches to construct and calibrate ARIMA, SARIMA, and DBN models. These models were subsequently utilized to forecast the number of emergency responders from January 2021 to December 2021. The study indicated that the ARIMA, SARIMA, and DBN models effectively modeled and forecasted Maritime Emergency Medical Service (EMS) patient data, accounting for seasonal variations. The predictive accuracy was evaluated using Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Coefficient of Determination (R2) as performance metrics.

Results

In this study, the ARIMA, SARIMA, and DBN models reported RMSE of 5.75, 4.43, and 5.45; MAE of 4.13, 2.81, and 3.85; and R2 values of 0.21, 0.54, and 0.44, respectively. MAE and RMSE assess the level of difference between the actual and predicted values. A smaller value indicates a more accurate model prediction. R2 can compare the performance of models across different aspects, with a range of values from 0 to 1. A value closer to 1 signifies better model quality. As errors increase, R2 moves further from the maximum value. The SARIMA model outperformed the others, demonstrating the lowest RMSE and MAE, alongside the highest R2, during both modeling and forecasting. Analysis of predicted values and fitting plots reveals that, in most instances, SARIMA’s predictions closely align with the actual number of rescues. Thus, SARIMA is superior in both fitting and forecasting, followed by the DBN model, with ARIMA showing the least accurate predictions.

Discussion

While the DBN model adeptly captures variable correlations, the SARIMA model excels in forecasting maritime emergency cases. By comparing these models, we glean valuable insights into maritime emergency trends, facilitating the development of effective prevention and control strategies.
Family and job microsystems as mediators between social integration and depression among rural-to-urban migrant workers in China: does having sons make a difference?
Authors: Shen Guanghui , Tang Jiayi , Fang Juan , Huang Jiahui , Zheng Yawen , Wu Liujun , Yang Xudong , Chen Yu-Hsin , Chen Li
Published: June 2024

Background

Rural-to-urban migrant workers are a vulnerable group at risk of developing depression. Based on the social-ecological systems theory, this study investigates the impact of the lack of social integration on depression, considering the mediating roles of migrant workers’ microsystems (family happiness and job burnout). Additionally, the study explores whether having sons influences these associations.

Methods

The sample of 4,618 rural-to-urban migrant workers was obtained from the 2018 wave of the China Labor Force Dynamics Survey (CLDS). All the measures in the survey exhibited good reliability, including the Center for Epidemiological Research Depression Scale (CES-D), family happiness, job burnout, and social integration. The data were primarily analyzed using a structural equation model.

Results

Social integration had a direct impact on depression among migrant workers. Additionally, it indirectly affected depression through the mediating roles of family happiness not job burnout. The moderating effect of having sons mainly occurred on the path from social integration to family happiness.

Limitations

The cross-sectional design impeded the ability to draw causal inferences.

Conclusion

This finding highlights the potential benefits of social integration and family happiness in promoting early prevention of depression among migrant workers. It indicates that the inclination toward having sons among migrant workers continues to impact their mental health.
Self-reported musculoskeletal disorder symptoms and associated factors among water carrying women in Legambo district, Northeastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study design
Authors: Berihun Gete , Gasheya Kassahun Ayele , Abebaw Tadiwos , Abebe Masresha , Gizeyiatu Adinew , Berhanu Leykun , Dagne Mengesha , Desye Belay , Walle Zebader , Zewdu Leul , Wondim Mebrat Gedfie
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of illness, disability, and poor quality of life. Lack of access to potable water in the backyard forces women to take water from off-plot sources every day, which may expose them to various health risks. However, there has been little investigation on the musculoskeletal disorders’ health effects on water-carrying women.

Objective

This study aimed to assess musculoskeletal disorders symptoms and associated factors among water-carrying women in the Legambo district, Northeastern Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was done with 618 water-carrying women chosen using simple random and systematic random sampling techniques. The data were collected using face-to-face interviews with the standard Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. Data entry were carried out using Epi-data version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25.0 for analysis. A binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with self-reported musculoskeletal disorder symptoms at a 95% confidence interval (CI). In the multivariate model, variables with a p-value ≤0.05 and a 95% CI were declared as factors of self-reported musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. The model’s fitness was assessed using Hosmer and Lemeshow, and it was found to be fit.

Results

The prevalence of self-reported MSD symptoms was 72.5% during the previous 12 months. MSD symptoms were significantly elevated among women who carried water from a distance of 501–1,000 m [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5.39, 95% CI = 3.64–9.69] and >1,000 m (5.93, 2.84–12.40), carried a water load of >15 kg during pregnancy (8.29, 2.97–23.09), and carried a water load of >15 kg when not pregnant (1.59, 1.44–2.68).

Conclusion

Three-fourths of the participants had self-reported musculoskeletal disorder symptoms in the past 12 months. Distance of water sources from their house, carrying the same amount of water during pregnancy, and weight of the water load carrying were factors associated with the self-reported musculoskeletal disorder symptoms. Hence, health professionals should raise awareness of the association between carrying high water loads and the development of MSDs, especially during pregnancy. Improvement in water supply infrastructure and enhancing behavioral intervention should be done. Furthermore, Future researchers should assess MSDs using objective measurements and cohort studies should be implemented.