bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of molecular diagnostic techniques on the acute respiratory infection sentinel surveillance program, Antioquia, Colombia, 2022
Authors: Maya María Angélica , Ortiz Celeny , Averhoff Francisco , Carabali Mabel , Pérez-Restrepo Laura S. , Ciuoderis-Aponte Karl , Davila Ana Isabel , Bastidas Diego , Buitrago Seti , Cloherty Gavin A. , Berg Michael G. , Landy Alan , Hernandez-Ortiz Juan P. , Rebolledo Paulina A. , Osorio Jorge E.
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Surveillance of acute respiratory infection (ARI) informs vaccination, preventive, and management decisions. In many countries, immunofluorescence is the cornerstone for ARI surveillance. We aimed to determine the effect of adding multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) to conventional surveillance in ARI.

Methods

Respiratory samples from patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) were tested by a conventional approach [direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and SARS-CoV-2 PCR, and a subset of samples underwent routine testing]. Negative specimens were tested by multiplex PCR (mPCR), and remain negative samples were sequenced. Descriptive, multivariable regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Between March and June 2022, 299 patients were enrolled. Pathogens were detected in 43.8% of samples (131/299) tested by the conventional approach. Of the 168 negatives after the conventional approach, 157 (93.4%) were positive by mPCR, increasing the detection rate to 96.3% (288/299). With the conventional approach, the most frequent pathogen was respiratory syncytial virus (50.3%, 66/131), whereas with mPCR it was Haemophilus influenzae (37.5%, 63/168). mPCR significantly improved pathogen detection in ARI surveillance (Adjusted Incidence Rate Ratios 4.22 95% IC 4.22–5.85).

Conclusion

Adding mPCR to respiratory surveillance conventionally based on DIF significantly enhanced virus and bacteria detection. mPCR should be considered for routine ARI surveillance.
Construction of an anaplastic thyroid cancer stratification signature to guide immune therapy selection and validation of the pivotal gene HLF through in vitro experiments
Authors: Pengping Li , Kexin Yin , Yuwei Xie , Ke Sun , Rongguo Li , Zhenyu Wang , Haigang Jin , Shaowen Wang , Yuqing Huang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

While most thyroid cancer patients have a favorable prognosis, anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) remains a particularly aggressive form with a median survival time of just five months. Conventional therapies offer limited benefits for this type of thyroid cancer. Our study aims to identify ATC patients who might bene t from immunotherapy.

Methods

Our study uses multiple algorithms by R4.2.0, and gene expression and clinical data are collected from TCGA, GEO and local cohort. In vitro experiments, such as western blot and immunofluorescence staining, are performed.

Results

Using a set of five genes uniquely expressed across various types of thyroid cancer, we developed a machine-learning model to distinguish each type within the GEO dataset of thyroid cancer patients (GSE60542, GSE76039, GSE33630, GSE53157, GSE65144, GSE29265, GSE82208, GSE27155, GSE58545, GSE54958, and GSE32662). These genes allowed us to stratify ATC into three distinct groups, each exhibiting significantly different responses to anti-PD1 therapy as determined by consensus clustering. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), we identified 12 differentially expressed genes closely associated with immunotherapy outcomes. This led to the creation of a refined signature for predicting ATC’s immune responsiveness to anti-PD1 therapy, which was further validated using thyroid cancer cohorts from TCGA and nine melanoma cohorts from clinical trials. Among the 12 genes, HLF stood out due to its strong association with various cancer hallmarks.

Discussion

Our study revealed that HLF impedes ATC progression by down-regulating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway, reducing T cell exhaustion, and increasing sensitivity to sorafenib, as demonstrated through our in-vitro experiments.
Loss of Parp7 increases type I interferon signalling and reduces pancreatic tumour growth by enhancing immune cell infiltration
Authors: Kannen Vinicius , Rasmussen Marit , Das Siddhartha , Giuliana Paolo , Izzati Fauzia N. , Choksi Hani , Erlingsson Linnea A. M. , Olafsen Ninni E. , Åhrling Samaneh S. , Cappello Paola , Teino Indrek , Maimets Toivo , Jaudzems Kristaps , Gulbinas Antanas , Dambrauskas Zilvinas , Edgar Landon J. , Grant Denis M. , Matthews Jason
Published: January 2025

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal forms of cancer, and despite low incidence rates, it remains the sixth leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. Immunotherapy, which aims to enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, has emerged as a promising approach in the battle against PDAC. PARP7, a mono-ADP-ribosyltransferase, is a negative regulator of the type I interferon (IFN-I) pathway and has been reported to reduce anti-tumour immunity.

Methods

We used murine pancreatic cancer cells, CR705, CRISPR/Cas9, in vivo tumour models and spectral flow cytometry to determine the role of PARP7 in pancreatic tumour growth.

Results

Loss of Parp7 elevated the levels of interferon stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) and its downstream target genes, even in the absence of STING. Cancer cells knocked out for Parp7 (CR705Parp7KO) produced smaller tumours than control cells (CR705Cas9) when injected into immunocompetent mice. Transcriptomic analyses revealed that CR705Parp7KO tumours had increased expression of genes involved in immunoregulatory interactions and interferon signalling pathways. Characterization of tumour infiltrating leukocyte (TIL) populations showed that CR705Parp7KO tumours had higher proportions of natural killer cells, CD8+ T cells and a lower proportion of anti-inflammatory macrophages (M2). The overall TIL profile of CR705Parp7KO tumours was suggestive of a less suppressive microenvironment.

Conclusions

Our data show that loss of Parp7 reduces PDAC tumour growth by increasing the infiltration of immune cells and enhancing anti-tumour immunity. These findings provide support to pursue PARP7 as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Case report: A successful case of targeted immunotherapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer under non-surgical conditions
Authors: Bi Yuanbo , Yv Haotian , Ma Xiaopeng , Chen Shengxiong
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) is a borderline unresectable malignancy that presents significant treatment challenges. The management of LAPC remains a complex issue, particularly in patients who are not eligible for surgical resection.

Case

Here, we report the case of a 60-year-old woman diagnosed with LAPC through pathological biopsy who subsequently underwent targeted immunotherapy following the failure of a gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, and S-1 (G&S) chemotherapy regimen.

Intervention

Based on next-generation sequencing (NGS), the patient’s treatment regimen was adjusted to include albumin-bound paclitaxel and capecitabine chemotherapy, along with the PD-1 inhibitor camrelizumab (200 mg/cycle) for six cycles. Throughout the treatment period, the patient consistently declined surgical intervention. Imaging studies, including an upper abdominal computed tomography (CT), revealed the formation of a calcified layer surrounding the cancerous tissue in the pancreatic head. Remarkably, the patient has shown stable disease and no evidence of metastasis since the initiation of targeted immunotherapy.

Conclusion

This case highlights the potential of targeted immunotherapy for the treatment of LAPC, particularly in non-surgical patients. A personalized approach guided by NGS, combined with immunotherapy, is an effective alternative to traditional treatment strategies for managing this challenging malignancy.
Optimizing bone-metal implant interfaces: the role of bio-ceramic coatings in improving stability and tissue metabolism
Authors: Balasubramani Geetha , J. Premkumar , J. Paul Pradeep
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Bone replacement is often necessary for patients experiencing pain or swelling in the knee or limb bone region due to osteoarthritis and other bone- related diseases. During surgery, a new bone implant made of metal-on-metal (titanium, cobalt-chromium) or polymer-on-metal (polyethylene on titanium) is used. A significant drawback of these implants is the accumulation of metal or polymer debris, leading to inflammation and infections. Infections or inflammation caused by bacterial adherence to the implant surface result in biofilm formation at the implantation site. Additionally, infections can arise from metal debris generated by the friction and movement of the knee joint, known as implant-associated infections.

Methods

This research aims to develop a bio-ceramic- based composite coating for metal implants. The composite comprises beta- tricalcium phosphate, pectin, gelatine, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) applied to a 12 mm cortical titanium screw. This coating is designed to enhance the biocompatibility, antibacterial properties, and anti-inflammatory activities of the bone screw, promoting cell growth around the implant and creating a viable environment at the implantation site.

Results and Discussion

Primary characterization of the composite coating materials was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). In-vitro antibacterial testing, anti-inflammatory testing, and degradation.
Effect of breathing exercises to prevent pulmonary complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a prospective randomized controlled trials study protocol
Authors: Li Chao , Zhang Ping , Zhang Zichang , Qi Delin , Li Hongli
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To study the effects of breathing exercises on preventing pulmonary complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

Methods

Observing whether preoperative breathing exercises can reduce the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery; observing whether these exercises can improve postoperative arterial oxygen pressure, oxygen saturation, and the distance walked in a six-minute walk test after surgery; as well as reduce hospital stay duration, lower treatment costs, and improve the quality of life as measured by the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36).

Design

The study population includes patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery under general anesthesia; the research center is Capital Medical University Xuanwu Hospital; the sample size is 120. Preoperative standardized breathing exercises are utilized, and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications, postoperative arterial blood gases, oxygen saturation, six-minute walk test distances, and comparisons of hospital stay durations and costs will be observed.
FusionU10: enhancing pedestrian detection in low-light complex tourist scenes through multimodal fusion
Authors: Zhou Xuefan , Li Jiapeng , Li Yingzheng
Published: January 2025

With the rapid development of tourism, the concentration of visitor flows poses significant challenges for public safety management, especially in low-light and highly occluded environments, where existing pedestrian detection technologies often struggle to achieve satisfactory accuracy. Although infrared images perform well under low-light conditions, they lack color and detail, making them susceptible to background noise interference, particularly in complex outdoor environments where the similarity between heat sources and pedestrian features further reduces detection accuracy. To address these issues, this paper proposes the FusionU10 model, which combines information from both infrared and visible light images. The model first incorporates an Attention Gate mechanism (AGUNet) into an improved UNet architecture to focus on key features and generate pseudo-color images, followed by pedestrian detection using YOLOv10. During the prediction phase, the model optimizes the loss function with Complete Intersection over Union (CIoU), objectness loss (obj loss), and classification loss (cls loss), thereby enhancing the performance of the detection network and improving the quality and feature extraction capabilities of the pseudo-color images through a feedback mechanism. Experimental results demonstrate that FusionU10 significantly improves detection accuracy and robustness in complex scenes on the FLIR, M3FD, and LLVIP datasets, showing great potential for application in challenging environments.
Study of dynamic brain function in irritable bowel syndrome via Hidden Markov Modeling
Authors: Jing Chuan , Liu Tianci , Li Qingzhou , Zhang Chuan , Sun Baijintao , Yang Xuezhao , You Yutao , Liu Jixin , Yang Hanfeng
Published: January 2025

Background and purpose

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common bowel-brain interaction disorder whose pathogenesis is unclear. Many studies have investigated abnormal changes in brain function in IBS patients. In this study, we analyzed the dynamic changes in brain function in IBS patients using a Hidden Markov Model (HMM).

Methods

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) data and the clinical characteristics of 35 patients with IBS and 31 healthy controls (HCs) were collected. The rs-fMRI data of all participants were analyzed using HMM to identify recurrent brain activity states that evolve over time during the resting state. Additionally, the temporal properties of these HMM states and their correlations with clinical scale scores were examined.

Result

This study utilized the Hidden Markov Model (HMM) method to identify six distinct HMM states. Significant differences in fractional occupancy (FO) and lifetime (LT) were observed in states 5 and 6 between the IBS and HCs. The state transition probabilities differed between IBS and HCs, with an increased probability of transitioning from state 2 to state 6 in IBS patients. The reconfiguration of HMM states over time scales in IBS patients was associated with abnormal activity in the default mode network (DMN), sensorimotor network (SMN), and cingulo-opercular network (CON).

Conclusion

This study offers novel insights into the dynamic reorganization of brain activity patterns in IBS and elucidates potential links between these patterns and IBS-related emotional regulation and symptom experience, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying IBS.
Partial directed coherence analysis of resting-state EEG signals for alcohol use disorder detection using machine learning
Authors: Mohd Nazri Ainul Khairiyah , Yahya Norashikin , Khan Danish M. , Mohd Radzi Noor'Izni Zafirah , Badruddin Nasreen , Abdul Latiff Abdul Halim , Abdulaal Mohammed J.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Excessive alcohol consumption negatively impacts physical and psychiatric health, lifestyle, and societal interactions. Chronic alcohol abuse alters brain structure, leading to alcohol use disorder (AUD), a condition requiring early diagnosis for effective management. Current diagnostic methods, primarily reliant on subjective questionnaires, could benefit from objective measures.

Method

The study proposes a novel EEG-based classification approach, focusing on effective connectivity (EC) derived from resting-state EEG signals in combination with support vector machine (SVM) algorithms. EC estimation is performed using the partial directed coherence (PDC) technique. The analysis is conducted on an EEG dataset comprising 35 individuals with AUD and 35 healthy controls (HCs). The methodology evaluates the efficacy of connectivity features in distinguishing between AUD and HC and subsequently develops and assesses an EEG classification technique using EC matrices and SVM.

Result

The proposed methodology demonstrated promising performance, achieving a peak accuracy of 94.5% and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.988, specifically using frequency bands 29, 36, 45, 46, and 52. Additionally, feature reduction techniques applied to the PDC adjacency matrices in the gamma band further improved classification outcomes. The SVM-based classification achieved an accuracy of 96.37 ± 0.45%, showcasing enhanced performance through the utilization of reduced PDC adjacency matrices.

Discussion

These results highlight the potential of the developed algorithm as a robust diagnostic tool for AUD detection, enhancing precision beyond subjective methods. Incorporating EC features derived from EEG signals can inform tailored treatment strategies, contributing to improved management of AUD.
Neurotherapeutic impact of vanillic acid and ibudilast on the cuprizone model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Alderbi Rasha M. , Alam Mohammad Z. , Alghamdi Badrah S. , Alsufiani Hadeil M. , Abd El-Aziz Gamal S. , Omar Ulfat M. , Al-Ghamdi Maryam A.
Published: January 2025

Multiple sclerosis (MS) affects 2.8 million people worldwide. Although the cause is unknown, various risk factors might be involved. MS involves the immune system attacking the central nervous system’s myelin sheath, leading to neuron damage. This study used a cuprizone (CPZ)-intoxicated mouse model to simulate MS’s demyelination/remyelination process. It evaluated the molecular, histological, and behavioral effects of vanillic acid (VA), a natural phenolic acid, alone and with Ibudilast (IBD), a clinically tested MS medication. Mice were divided into a control group (regular chow) and a CPZ group (0.3% cuprizone chow for 5 consecutive weeks). During remyelination, the CPZ group was split into four groups: no therapy, 10 mg/kg of IBD, 30 mg/kg of VA, and combined, each treated for 4 weeks. Behavioral, biochemical, molecular, and histopathological tests occurred in the 5th week (demyelination), 7th (early remyelination), and 9th (late remyelination). Cognitive assessments were at weeks 5 and 9. VA enhanced motor, coordination, and cognitive impairments in CPZ-intoxicated mice and improved histopathological, molecular, and biochemical features during early remyelination. IBD improved behavioral abnormalities across all tests, but combined therapy showed no significant difference from single therapies. Further investigations are necessary to understand VA’s mechanisms and potential as an MS treatment.
The association between dietary creatine intake and cancer in U.S. adults: insights from NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Jiang Junhui , Zhao Hu , Chen Jiong , Du Junhao , Ni Weixiang , Zheng Baohua , Wu Junhong , Xiao Chunhong
Published: January 2025

Background

Creatine has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects. However, its impact on tumors remains uncertain.

Methods

This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2018 to investigate the relationship between dietary creatine intake and cancer in American adults. A total of 25,879 participants aged 20 years and older were included, and their medical information, dietary creatine intake, and covariates were collected. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships between age, dietary creatine intake, and cancer risk. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) analysis explored the nonlinear relationships between dietary creatine intake, age, and cancer prevalence.

Results

RCS analysis revealed a linear, negative association between dietary creatine intake and cancer risk. For each standard deviation (SD) increase in dietary creatine intake, cancer risk decreased by 5% (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.99, p = 0.025). This negative association was strongest among males (adjusted OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88–0.99, p = 0.021) and overweight participants (adjusted OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84–0.99, p = 0.044). Interaction results indicated specific age group effects. Further analysis showed that higher dietary creatine intake was significantly inversely associated with cancer risk among older adults (adjusted OR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.77–0.97, p = 0.014). RCS analysis revealed a linear, positive correlation between age and cancer risk. For each SD increase in age, cancer risk increased by 3.27 times (adjusted OR = 3.27, 95% CI: 3.07–3.48, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that higher dietary creatine intake may reduce cancer risk in a nationally representative adult population. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify the relationship between dietary creatine intake and cancer risk.
The efficacy and safety of half-dose glucocorticoids combined with rituximab versus high-dose glucocorticoids for initial treatment of minimal change disease: a single-center experience
Authors: Li Xueting , Yan Peng , Zhang Lu , Qiao Wei , Xue Zhengbiao , Fang Xiangdong , Ke Ben , Zhu Shuying
Published: January 2025

Background

Minimal change disease (MCD) is a podocytopathy more commonly seen in children, but it also accounts for 10%–25% of adult nephrotic syndrome. High-dose oral glucocorticoids were recommended for initial treatment of MCD. However, long-term use of systemic corticosteroids is associated with significant adverse events, such as steroid-induced diabetes and infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of half-dose glucocorticoids combined with rituximab (RTX) for the initial treatment of MCD.

Methods

We recruited 74 patients with MCD confirmed by renal biopsy. Twenty patients were treated with RTX alone with 1000 mg at d1 and d15, 28 patients received half-dose prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg) per day combined with RTX with 1000 mg at d1, and 26 patients received high-dose prednisolone (1 mg/kg) per day. Treatment responses, including complete remission (CR) and partial remission (PR), and outcome adverse events such as steroid-induced diabetes and infections were compared among the three groups after 12 months of follow-up.

Results

At the 12-month follow-up, the CR rates were 50%, 96.4%, and 96.2% for the RTX group, half-dose prednisolone combined with RTX group, and high-dose prednisolone group, respectively. There was no statistical difference between the half-dose prednisolone combined with RTX group and high-dose prednisolone group on CR and PR and kidney function (P > 0.05). Compared with the high-dose prednisolone group, the half-dose prednisolone combined with RTX group had a reduced incidence of adverse events of steroid diabetes (P = 0.041), especially in patients older than 55 years of age.

Conclusion

The efficiency of half-dose prednisolone combined with RTX is not inferior to the recommended treatment regimen, and this regimen can effectively reduce the incidence of steroid-induced diabetes in patients with MCD. Moreover, we recommend a half-dose prednisolone combined with RTX treatment for elderly patients with MCD.
Ferroptosis in kidney disease: a bibliometric analysis from 2012 to 2024
Authors: Hu Yuxin , Tang Jingyi , Hong Hanzhang , Chen Yexin , Ye Beibei , Gao Ziheng , Zhu Gegongming , Wang Lin , Liu Weijing , Wang Yaoxian
Published: January 2025

Background and aims

Ferroptosis, a novel concept of programmed cell death proposed in 2012, in kidney disease, has garnered significant attention based on evidence of abnormal iron deposition and lipid peroxidation damage in the kidney. Our study aim to examine the trends and future research directions in the field of ferroptosis in kidney disease, so as to further explore the target or treatment strategy for clinical treatment of kidney disease.

Material and Methods

A thorough survey using the Web of Science Core Collection, focusing on literature published between 2012 and 2024 examining the interaction between kidney disease and ferroptosis was conducted. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Biblioshiny were used for in-depth scientometric and visualized analyses.

Results

From 2012 to 2024, a total of 2,244 articles met the inclusion criteria for final analysis. The number of annual publications in this area of study showed a steady pattern at the beginning of the decade. The top 3 journals with the highest publication output were Renal Failure, Oxidative Medicine And Cellular Longevity, and Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. China and the United States had the highest number of publications. Central South University and Guangzhou Medical University as the most active and influential institutions. Documents and citation analysis suggested that Andreas Linkermann, Jolanta Malyszko, and Alberto Ortiz are active researchers, and the research by Scott J. Dixon and Jose Pedro Friedmann Angeli, as the most cited article, are more important drivers in the development of the field. Keywords associated with glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and nitric oxide had high frequency in the early studies. In recent years, however, there has been a shift towards biomarkers, inflammation and necrosis, which indicate current and future research directions in this area.

Conclusion

The global landscape of the ferroptosis research in kidney disease from 2012 to 2024 was presented. Basic research and mechanism exploration for renal fibrosis and chronic kidney disease may be a hot spot in the future.
Resveratrol-driven macrophage polarization: unveiling mechanisms and therapeutic potential
Authors: Wang Panting , Li Zixi , Song Yixuan , Zhang Bowei , Fan Chaofeng
Published: January 2025

Resveratrol, a polyphenolic compound known for its diverse biological activities, has demonstrated multiple pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and cardiovascular protective properties. Recent studies suggest that these effects are partly mediated through the regulation of macrophage polarization, wherein macrophages differentiate into pro-inflammatory M1 or anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes. Our review highlights how resveratrol modulates macrophage polarization through various signaling pathways to achieve therapeutic effects. For example, resveratrol can activate the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) pathway and inhibit the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P)-YAP signaling axes, promoting M1 polarization or suppressing M2 polarization, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. Conversely, it can promote M2 polarization or suppress M1 polarization by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway or activating the PI3K/Akt and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways, thus alleviating inflammatory responses. Notably, the effect of resveratrol on macrophage polarization is concentration-dependent; moderate concentrations tend to promote M1 polarization, while higher concentrations may favor M2 polarization. This concentration dependence offers new perspectives for clinical treatment but also underscores the necessity for precise dosage control when using resveratrol. In summary, resveratrol exhibits significant potential in regulating macrophage polarization and treating related diseases.
Overexpression of Umellularia californica FatB thioesterase affects plant growth and lipid metabolome leading to improved drought tolerance in Arabidopsis and tomato
Authors: Wang Shuangshuang , Yang Biyun , Liang Yitao , Zou Xinrui , Xu Min , Zhao Chan , Wang Yiwen , Ni Bing , Zhu Pinkuan , Jiang Yina
Published: January 2025

Frequent and extreme drought exerts profound effects on vegetation growth and production worldwide. It is imperative to identify key genes that regulate plant drought resistance and to investigate their underlying mechanisms of action. Long-chain fatty acids and their derivatives have been demonstrated to participate in various stages of plant growth and stress resistance; however, the effects of medium-chain fatty acids on related functions have not been thoroughly studied. Here, we integrate lipidomic, transcriptomic, and genetic analyses to elucidate the roles of the medium-chain acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterase of Umellularia californica FatB (UcFatB) in drought tolerance and plant growth. Arabidopsis and tomato transgenic lines overexpressing UcFatB showed that the medium chain fatty acids mainly affect the male reproductive process of plant development. Transcriptomic and non-targeted lipid metabolomic combination analysis revealed significant changes in lauric acid-related metabolic pathways, as evidenced by increased phosphatidylcholine accumulation and upregulated stress-response gene expression. Consistent with the thicker waxy cutin layer and increased membrane integrity, UcFatB-overexpression enhanced drought tolerance in both Arabidopsis and tomato. Furthermore, methyl laurate and phosphatidylcholine application improved tomato drought resistance and fruit yield. These findings provide new insights into the potential genetic resources and cost-effective chemicals for enhancing drought resistance in crops.
Unlocking biochar impacts on abiotic stress dynamics: a systematic review of soil quality and crop improvement
Authors: Rathinapriya Periyasamy , Maharajan Theivanayagam , Jothi Ravi , Prabakaran Mayakrishnan , Lee In-Bog , Yi Pyoung-Ho , Jeong Seung Tak
Published: January 2025

Global agricultural challenges, especially soil degradation caused by abiotic stresses, significantly reduce crop productivity and require innovative solutions. Biochar (BC), a biodegradable product derived from agricultural and forestry residues, has been proven to significantly enhance soil quality. Although its benefits for improving soil properties are well-documented, the potential of BC to mitigate various abiotic stresses-such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal toxicity-and its effect on plant traits need further exploration. This review aims to elucidate BC production by highlighting primary feedstock’s and synthesis techniques, and examining its role in boosting soil decomposition efficiency and fertility, which are pivotal for sustainable crop growth. This review also discuss how BC can enhance the nutritional and chemical properties of soil under different abiotic stress conditions, emphasizing its capacity to foster crop growth and development in adverse environments. Furthermore, this article serves as a comprehensive resource for agricultural researchers in understanding the importance of BC in promoting sustainable agriculture, and addressing environmental challenges. Ultimately, this review highlights critical knowledge gaps and proposes future research avenues on the bio-protective properties of BC against various abiotic stresses, paving the way for the commercialization of BC applications on a large scale with cutting-edge technologies.
Atypical functional connectome is associated with low reflective functioning in incarcerated adolescents
Authors: Derome Mélodie , Morosan Larisa , Heller Patrick , Debbané Martin
Published: January 2025

Introduction

While functional neuroimaging studies have reported on the neural correlates of severe antisocial behaviors, such as delinquency, little is known about whole brain resting state functional connectivity (FC) of incarcerated adolescents (IA). The aim of the present study is to identify potential differences in resting state connectivity between a group of male IA, compared to community adolescents (CA). The second objective is to investigate the relations among FC and psychological factors associated with delinquent behaviors, namely psychopathic traits (callous unemotional traits, interpersonal problems, and impulsivity), socio-cognitive (empathy and reflective functioning RF) impairments and psychological problems (externalizing, internalizing, attention and thought problems).

Methods

31 male IA and 30 male CA participated in 8 minutes resting state functional MRI. Network Based Statistics (NBS) was used to compare FC among 142 brain regions between the two groups. Correlation and regressions analysis were performed to explore the associations between FC and the self-reported psychopathic traits, empathy, RF, and psychological problems.

Results

Compared to the CA, the IA group presented significantly increased resting state FC in a distributed subnetwork including medial prefrontal, posterior and dorsal cingulate, temporal, and occipital regions. Both within the IA group and across the whole sample, increased mean connectivity of the subnetwork correlated with lower RF (RF uncertainty). Across the whole sample, the mean connectivity was associated with higher scores of externalizing problems and impulsivity dimension of psychopathy.

Discussion

While extending the characterization of whole brain resting state FC in IA, our results also provide insights into the neurofunctional mechanisms linking low reflective functioning abilities to externalizing behavior during adolescence.
Non-suicidal self-injury in inpatient and outpatient adolescents: disentangling psychopathology and interactive family dynamics
Authors: Fasolato Rachele , Raffagnato Alessia , Miscioscia Marina , Gatta Michela
Published: January 2025

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as a transdiagnostic phenomenon that has well increased in the latest years, especially in the adolescent population. It has been associated with suicidality, alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, and psychosocial impairment, as well as family issues. The choice of level of care (i.e., hospitalization versus outpatient visit) depends on a number of factors that relate not only to suicidal risk but also to severity of individual’s psychosocial functioning, the ability of family environment to support treatment choices and to contain child, as well as the need for ongoing monitoring of the young patient. A scarcity of studies has compared outpatients with inpatients, both of them engaging in NSSI.

Methods

the current study aimed to further expand knowledge regarding features that characterize young self-harmers who receive different levels of care, with particular attention on psychopathological, family, and NSSI-related characteristics, as well as suicidality. The current research included 56 inpatients and 56 outpatients with NSSI, paired for gender, age, and psychiatric diagnosis. Instruments investigating psychopathology, emotion dysregulation, alexithymia, psychosocial functioning, and interactive family dynamics were administered. Descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric inferential statistics were applied.

Results

study findings highlighted that inpatients engaging in NSSI reported lifetime suicidality, clinical level of externalizing and internalizing problems, more severe alexithymia, emotion dysregulation, and impaired psychosocial functioning compared to outpatients engaging in self-harming. Furthermore, when compared to outpatients’ families, inpatients’ families were more capable of adhering to rules and time of the family play situation (the Lausanne Trilogue Play procedure) and fixing interactive mistakes through activities. On the contrary, in the inpatient group, global performance, role implication, parental scaffolding, child’s involvement and self regulation tend to decline, while parental conflicts tend to rise over the four part scenario of the family play.

Conclusion

these findings confirmed a more severe global picture of young inpatients engaging in self-harming, suggesting that NSSI may be the expression of this larger psychopathological picture. In addition, the study highlighted the need for a multi-informant and multimethod clinical assessment, which should include evaluation of family context and co-parenting system, especially for hospitalized young patients engaging in self-harm.
The influence of factors related to public health campaigns on vaccination behavior among population of Wuxi region, China
Authors: Ye Yang , Su Anselm Ting
Published: January 2025

Background

Public health campaigns are essential for promoting vaccination behavior, but factors such as socioeconomic status, geographical location, campaign quality, and service accessibility influence vaccine uptake. In the Wuxi region of China, disparities in vaccination behavior are seen between urban and rural populations and among different socioeconomic groups. This study aims to explore the factors related to public health campaigns that affect vaccination behavior in Wuxi, contributing to better public health strategies.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 750 participants in Wuxi, focusing on their perceptions of socioeconomic status, geographical location, health campaign quality, and vaccination convenience. The questionnaire was developed based on a literature review and expert input using the Delphi method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability and validity tests, correlation analysis, and regression analysis, employing both SPSS and R software.

Results

Socioeconomic status, geographic location, campaign quality, and accessibility all significantly influence vaccination behavior. Higher socioeconomic backgrounds, urban residency, better campaign quality, and greater accessibility to vaccination services are positively correlated with higher vaccination uptake. Regression analysis revealed that public health campaigns and accessibility are particularly influential in promoting vaccination behavior.

Conclusion

To improve vaccination rates, targeted strategies focusing on low socioeconomic groups, rural areas, and improving campaign quality and service accessibility are necessary. Public health campaigns should be clear, culturally relevant, and utilize multiple communication channels. Future research should address misinformation, explore behavioral economics, and integrate emerging technologies like AI to optimize vaccination efforts.
Effectiveness of pen aquaculture in enhancing small scale fisheries production and conservation in a wetland of India
Authors: Karnatak Gunjan , Das Basanta Kumar , Parida Pranaya , Roy Aparna , Das Archan Kanti , Lianthuamluaia Lianthuamluaia , Ekka Anjana , Chakraborty Sangeeta , Mondal Kausik , Debnath Sanjeet
Published: January 2025

The present study deals with stakeholder-driven implementation of pen culture for raising of fish seed for Culture-based fisheries (CBF) in Chamta, a floodplain wetland, in Gangetic plains through polyculture of Indian Major Carps (IMCs) Labeo catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala with Small Indigenous Fishes (SIFs) Labeo bata, Systomus sarana and grass carp, Ctenopharyngodon idella in co-management mode. In the first polyculture trial IMCs and minor carps were cultured in 4 High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE) pens (0.1 ha each) at a stocking density of 25 Nos. m−3 in equal numbers for 90 days. In the second polyculture trial IMCs were cultured with grass carp at a density of 25 Nos. m−3 in 4 HDPE pens in the ratio of 1:1:1:2 for 90 days. The same set of pens was utilized for both trials during different times of the year. Net yield of 682.3 ± 20.6 kg and 413.9 ± 21.7 kg per pen was achieved through polyculture of IMCs and SIFs and polyculture and for IMCs and grass carp, respectively. The survival percentage varied with species and culture period with overall survival of 77 (IMCs + minor carps) to 85% (IMCs + grass carp). Polyculture was economically feasible with a BC ratio of 2.01 for IMC and SIFs and 1.88 for IMC and grass carp. All the seeds produced in the pens were released to the wetland as input for CBF. The study indicated the potential of grass carp fishery in macrophyte-infested wetland. The species could attain 1.5–2 kg in 6 months and up to 3–3.5 kg weight within 1 year, utilizing macrophyte resources of the wetland. SIFs S. sarana and L. bata were observed to attain maturity in pens. The study indicated pen as an economically feasible technology to boost CBF in the wetland. The cultivation of SIFs through pen culture and CBF can enhance their production while alleviating pressure on their natural populations. Integrating pen culture using diversified species will promote sustainable fisheries management in these floodplain wetlands.
Can farmland ownership confirmation promote farmers’ adoption of conservation tillage techniques: empirical evidence from the Yellow River Basin in China
Authors: Liu Zongfei , Yan Qianqian
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Cultivated land is the basic resource for human survival, and the quality of arable land affects the level of food supply. Previous studies have shown that farmland ownership confirmation will promote farmers’ cultivated land quality protection behaviour, but it is unclear whether it will promote farmers’ choice of conservation tillage techniques.

Methods

This paper uses sample data of farmers in the Yellow River Basin in China’s key agricultural regions to analyse the impact of the new round of farmland tenure confirmation on farmers’ choice of conservation tillage techniques.

Results

The results show that farmland ownership confirmation can significantly promote the adoption of conservation tillage technology by farmers. Resource allocation plays a significant intermediary role in the impact of farmland ownership confirmation on farmers’ adoption of conservation tillage techniques. The study found that farmers with different family situations have different levels of adoption of conservation tillage technology after farmland ownership is confirmed. Farmers with higher education levels, smaller arable land areas, and less arable land are more likely to adopt those techniques. This study shows that the new round of farmland title confirmation has had a positive effect on the spread and application of agricultural technology in rural areas.

Discussion

Further improving the farmland ownership policy can not only improve the efficiency of agricultural production, but also promote the sustainable development of agriculture, which is of great research significance for guaranteeing national food security.
Klasa dopowiedzeń na tle tzw. parataktemów
Authors: Dobaczewski Adam
Published: January 2025

The starting point of the paper is a comparison of two classes of lexemes that are not entirely compatible, i.e., “reactives” (pol. “dopowiedzenia”, as defined by R. Laskowski) and “paratactemes” (as defined by J. Wajszczuk). The author attempts to sort out the internal diversity of the latter, which Wajszczuk saw primarily as encompassing two-position conjunctions and single-position particles. The specificity of “reactives”, consisting in their primary prosodic and syntactic independence, allows not only to distinguish them from other paratactemes, in particular particles that fit smoothly into the prosodic line of the utterance, but also draws attention to the handiness of the prosodic criterion in organising the internally diverse class of paratactemes. The article proposes preliminary criteria for such an ordering.
Design and Optimization of Support and Drive System for Magnetic Levitation Air Compressor for Fuel Cells
Authors: Xing Enhui , Gao Qi , Dong Yuanqi , Bai Wenxin
Published: January 2025

The 5-degree-of-freedom active magnetic bearings (5-DOF AMB) and high-speed permanent magnet synchronous motor (HPMSM) were combined and applied to energy-recovery-type air compressors for fuel cells, which gives full play to the advantages of both and meets the design requirements for air compressors in fuel cells. Based on the energy recovery air compressor for fuel cells with a power of 30 kW and a rated speed of 100,000 rpm, this paper combined 5-DOF AMB with HPMSM and used it as its support and drive system. Multi-physics field and multi-objective optimization were carried out by integrating the multi-physics field with the Multi-objective Grey Wolf Algorithm (MOGWO), and the feasibility of the design of the system and its reliability were verified using finite element software.
A Comparative Study on Drought Stress Response In Vitro and In Vivo Propagated Fragaria vesca Plants
Authors: Rokosa Marta , Mikiciuk Małgorzata , Kulpa Danuta , Ptak Piotr
Published: January 2025

The evaluation of plant responses to water deficit in the substrate, particularly in the context of intensifying climate change, represents a critical factor for ensuring stable agricultural production, economic resilience, and food security. The primary objective of this study was to compare the physiological and biochemical responses to water deficit in conventional cultivation of Fragaria vesca plants propagated both in vitro and in vivo. The research encompassed measurements of gas exchange parameters, chlorophyll “a” fluorescence, photosynthetic pigment and proline content in leaves, leaf relative water content index, total fruit yield, single fruit weight, fresh and dry mass of the root system, as well as the concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Na, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Mo. Additionally, the ratio of monovalent to divalent cations in leaves, roots, and crowns was analyzed. The results revealed significant differences between the experimental variants under optimal conditions and their respective responses to drought stress. Plants derived from in vitro cultures, despite exhibiting initially lower physiological trait values, demonstrated higher yield potential (no significant difference in the yield of fresh fruit mass compared to a 78% reduction). However, a long-term lack of water caused greater damage to their photosynthetic system—a reduction in physiological traits to 80% was observed, compared to a maximum decrease of 40% in plants derived from seedlings. The results highlight that environmental conditions and the acclimatization process of plants derived from in vitro cultures can significantly influence their adaptive potential and productivity.
Glasswort as a Strategic Crop in Coastal Wetlands: Intercropping Results with Swiss Chard
Authors: Cammerino Anna Rita Bernadette , Ingaramo Michela , Rizzi Vincenzo , Gioiosa Maurizio , Monteleone Massimo
Published: January 2025

The Mediterranean region is experiencing severe droughts and unprecedented high temperatures. In terms of salinity, about 18 million ha of land, or 25% of the total irrigated area in the Mediterranean, is salt affected. The use of halophytes as intercropping species to mitigate the effects of salt stress is attractive. Halophytes have a great capacity to maintain their productivity in this extreme environment, thus supporting climate-appropriate agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the productivity of Salicornia europaea L. subsp. ramosissima (glasswort) under field conditions and high soil salinity, grown as a sole crop (monocropping) and as a companion crop (intercropping) with Beta vulgaris L. subsp. cicla (Swiss chard) in a 1:1 cropping pattern. The field trials were conducted in the coastal wetland “King’s Lagoon”, a private nature reserve in the Apulia/Puglia region (southern Italy), during two consecutive spring–summer seasons in 2023 and 2024 and under different management conditions of irrigation and fertilization. These were performed to test for possible interaction effects. The results showed that both glasswort and chard can be grown sustainably under slightly saline conditions (ECe range 4–8 dS m−1). In contrast, strongly saline conditions (ECe > 16 dS m−1) were prohibitive for chard, both as a sole crop and as an intercrop, but were largely beneficial for glasswort. Swiss chard can benefit from intercropping with glasswort when soil salinity is still tolerable (6.9 dS m−1), showing an LER (Land Equivalent Ratio) ≥ 1.19. Meanwhile, glasswort did not significantly improve the growth of the companion crop (Swiss chard) when the soil was considerably saline (16.6 dS m−1). Higher LER values were observed when the contribution of chard to the intercrop performance was significantly greater than that of glasswort, i.e., under slightly saline conditions. This means that glasswort can have a significant positive effect on chard growth and productivity as long as soil is still moderately saline. Glasswort can therefore be considered a valuable model crop in extreme environments. The integration of glasswort (possibly together with other local halophytes) into diversified cropping systems on saline marginal soils is a promising sustainable agricultural practice in environmentally fragile areas such as wetlands, swamps, brackish areas, and marshes.