bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Hanseniaspora opuntiae in anovaginal samples of pregnant women in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil—a case report
Authors: Pinto Tatiane Nobre , Oliveira Laura M. A. , da Costa Gisela L. , Costa Natália Silva , Francisco Elaine Cristina , Pinto Tatiana C. A. , Oliveira Manoel M. E.
Published: May 2024

In this study, we report the first isolation of Hanseniaspora opuntiae obtained from four pregnant women in Brazil. Clinical isolates were obtained from four samples taken between 35 and 37 gestational weeks, as part of the routine antenatal care for maternal colonization screening for Streptococcus agalactiae group B. The patients were immunocompetent, with two of them diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus. Species identification was performed by MALDI-TOF MS and rDNA sequencing. While Hanseniaspora species have not traditionally been considered a typical opportunist pathogen, our findings emphasize the importance of investigating and screening for Hanseniaspora in pregnant populations, highlighting H. opuntiae as a potential agent of human infections.
Conceptualizing adolescents’ everyday stressors to underscore areas for support
Authors: Hellström Lisa , Sjöman Madeleine , Enskär Karin
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Identifying stressors in adolescents’ everyday life may prevent future mental health problems and could be used to promote wellbeing in school. To be able to identify possible coping tools in a school setting, the aim of this study is to conceptualize adolescents’ experiences of everyday stressors.

Method

Data was collected among 45 girls and 20 boys (aged 13–15) representing seven schools in Sweden. Participants were told to discuss everyday stressors in smaller groups and document important words/concepts. The documented notes were analyzed using a manifest linking process connected to domains and codes found in the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework, following established linking rules.

Results

A total of 549 documented words/concepts connected to adolescents’ experiences of daily stressors were collected and revealed stressor related to the ICF domains activities and participation (42.8%), body functions (30.1%) and environmental factors (27%). Regarding activities and participation, adolescents in the study perceived demands relating to school and social life as most stressful. The demands were put on them by themselves, parents, school, and society and were combined with a lack of time to handle the demands. Further, stressors related to how they are perceived by others and comparisons with peers were stressors connected to body functions. Stressors relating to environmental factors included derogatory attitudes and a lack of support, from parents and school as well as from peers.

Discussion

The results are discussed in terms of take-aways for school’s health promotive work and potential coping tools for students.
Organizational communication competence of public secondary school principals through utilizing WhatsApp
Authors: Neiroukh Nader , Ansari Abdel Afu , Dalu Rida Abu , Khlaif Enas , Barahmaeh Dua’a , Zubeidi Jamal , Shtayeh Bilal , Daher Wajeeh
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Effective communication is the heart of any organization. It is associated with employees’ job satisfaction and productivity and therefore, is responsible for the institution’s continuity and prosperity. In educational institutions, communication has been undergoing swift and significant changes that affected not only instructional strategies, but also administrative dimensions. The need for instant and precise information made digital mediums indispensable for school administration that helps in planning, following up, executing, and evaluating short-term and long-term goals. Since the start of the 21st century, a multitude of smartphone applications have surfaced, all designed to enhance communication. WhatsApp is one of the applications that stands as the most popular medium, which is widely spread and used on personal as well as professional basis. The question at hand is whether employing WhatsApp as a communication tool within educational institutions can effectively contribute to the development of communication competence, encompassing aspects such as communication motivation, communication knowledge, and communication skills.

Methods

Based on the indicators used to measure communication competence in institutions, this qualitative study elicited relevant information through semi-structured interviews from 14 different government secondary school principals in Jerusalem and the West Bank about the approach principals employ WhatsApp to achieve competence.

Results

The results of the study show that indicators of communication competence are achieved through the use of WhatsApp.
The adenosine A2A receptor in human sperm: its role in sperm motility and association with in vitro fertilization outcomes
Authors: Chen Houyang , Xing Genbao , Xu Wenqing , Chen Ying , Xia Leizhen , Huang Hua , Huang Jialv , Hong Qing , Luo Tao , Wang Hao , Wu Qiongfang
Published: May 2024

Background

The involvement of ATP and cAMP in sperm function has been extensively documented, but the understanding of the role of adenosine and adenosine receptors remains incomplete. This study aimed to examine the presence of adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) and study the functional role of A2AR in human sperm.

Methods

The presence and localization of A2AR in human sperm were examined by western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. The functional role of A2AR in sperm was assessed by incubating human sperm with an A2AR agonist (regadenoson) and an A2AR antagonist (SCH58261). The sperm level of A2AR was examined by western blotting in normozoospermic and asthenozoospermic men to evaluate the association of A2AR with sperm motility and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes.

Results

A2AR with a molecular weight of 43 kDa was detected in the tail of human sperm. SCH58261 decreased the motility, penetration ability, intracellular Ca2+ concentration, and CatSper current of human sperm. Although regadenoson did not affect these sperm parameters, it alleviated the adverse effects of SCH58261 on these parameters. In addition, the mean level of A2AR in sperm from asthenozoospermic men was lower than that in sperm from normozoospermic men. The sperm level of A2AR was positively correlated with progressive motility. Furthermore, the fertilization rate during IVF was lower in men with decreased sperm level of A2AR than in men with normal sperm level of A2AR.

Conclusions

These results indicate that A2AR is important for human sperm motility and is associated with IVF outcome.
Data-driven active corrective control in power systems: an interpretable deep reinforcement learning approach
Authors: Li Beibei , Liu Qian , Hong Yue , He Yuxiong , Zhang Lihong , He Zhihong , Feng Xiaoze , Gao Tianlu , Yang Li
Published: May 2024

With the successful application of artificial intelligence technology in various fields, deep reinforcement learning (DRL) algorithms have applied in active corrective control in the power system to improve accuracy and efficiency. However, the “black-box” nature of deep reinforcement learning models reduces their reliability in practical applications, making it difficult for operators to comprehend the decision-making mechanism. process of these models, thus undermining their credibility. In this paper, a DRL model is constructed based on the Markov decision process (MDP) to effectively address active corrective control issues in a 36-bus system. Furthermore, a feature importance explainability method is proposed, validating that the proposed feature importance-based explainability method enhances the transparency and reliability of the DRL model for active corrective control.
Digital transformation and green innovation: firm-level evidence from China
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Zhong Xiangfei
Published: May 2024

The technological source of green innovation has been a persistent theme in environmental economics. In more recent years, digital technology has triggered a new round of social changes and is viewed as the emerging growth engine, leading to significant improvements in productivity and innovation. However, whether digital technology can promote green innovation remains an unknown issue. This study elucidates the causal relationship between digital transformation and green enterprise innovation for Chinese companies during 2009–2019. The findings indicate that digital transformation positively affects the quantity and quality of green innovation performance. Each standard deviation increase in the degree of digital transformation increases the quantity and quality of green enterprise innovation by 2.924% and 2.124%, respectively. Additionally, digital transformation drives green innovation by alleviating financing constraints and information asymmetries and improving human capital. This effect is more pronounced among enterprises in regions with high levels of environmental investment, clean industries, and stringent environmental regulations. By highlighting the linkage between firm-level digital transformation and green innovation, this study contributes to our understanding of the positive environmental externality associated with the diffusion of digital technology and offers valuable insights for the sustainable development of emerging economies.
Whole-genome resequencing reveals genetic diversity, differentiation, and selection signatures of yak breeds/populations in southwestern China
Authors: Zhang Shilin , Li Jing , Zhao Yanhua , Tang Yujun , Li Hao , Song Tianzeng , An Tianwu , Guan Jiuqiang , Li Xiaowei , Zhang Ming
Published: May 2024

The Sichuan-Yunnan region is the main production area of yaks in southwestern China, with rich genetic resources of Yaks. Nevertheless, there have been limited study on the genetic characteristics of the entire yak populations in Tibet and southwestern China. In this study, we performed whole-genome resequencing to identify genetic variation information in a total of 198 individuals from six yak breeds (populations) in Sichuan (Muli yak, Jinchuan yak, Changtai yak, Maiwa yak), Yunnan (Zhongdian yak), and Tibet (Tibetan yak). The aim was to investigate the whole-genome genetic diversity, population genetic structure, and genome selection signatures. We observed that all six populations exhibit abundant genetic diversity. Except for Tibetan yaks, which showed low nucleotide diversity (0.00104), the remaining yak populations generally displayed high nucleotide diversity (0.00129–0.00153). Population genetic structure analysis revealed that, among the six yak populations, Muli yak exhibited greater differentiation from other yak populations and formed a distinct cluster independently. The Maiwa yak population displayed a complex genetic structure and exhibited gene exchange with Jinchuan and Changtai yaks. Positive selection signals were detected in candidate genes associated with growth (GNB4, HMGA2, TRPS1, and LTBP1), reproduction (PI4KB, DYNC1I1, and GRIP1), immunity (CD200 and IL1RAP), lactation (SNX13 and CPM), hypoxia adaptation (NDUFB6, PRKN, and MRPS9), hair (KRT24, KRT25, and KRT26), meat quality (SUCLG2), digestion and absorption (CLDN1), and pigment deposition (OCA2) using the integrated Pi and FST methods. This study provides significant insights into understanding the whole-genome genetic characteristics of yak populations in Tibet and southwestern China.
A war on many fronts: cross disciplinary approaches for novel cancer treatment strategies
Authors: Del Pino Herrera Adriana , Ferrall-Fairbanks Meghan C.
Published: May 2024

Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cellular growth where cancer cells take advantage of surrounding cellular populations to obtain resources and promote invasion. Carcinomas are the most common type of cancer accounting for almost 90% of cancer cases. One of the major subtypes of carcinomas are adenocarcinomas, which originate from glandular cells that line certain internal organs. Cancers such as breast, prostate, lung, pancreas, colon, esophageal, kidney are often adenocarcinomas. Current treatment strategies include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and more recently immunotherapy. However, patients with adenocarcinomas often develop resistance or recur after the first line of treatment. Understanding how networks of tumor cells interact with each other and the tumor microenvironment is crucial to avoid recurrence, resistance, and high-dose therapy toxicities. In this review, we explore how mathematical modeling tools from different disciplines can aid in the development of effective and personalized cancer treatment strategies. Here, we describe how concepts from the disciplines of ecology and evolution, economics, and control engineering have been applied to mathematically model cancer dynamics and enhance treatment strategies.
The formation and evolution of flower coloration in Brassica crops
Authors: Li Xuewei , Zheng Mingmin , Gan Qingqin , Long Jiang , Fan Haiyan , Wang Xiaoqing , Guan Zhilin
Published: May 2024

The flower coloration of Brassica crops possesses significant application and economic value, making it a research hotspot in the field of genetics and breeding. In recent years, great progress has been made in the research on color variation and creation of Brassica crops. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms and evolutional processes of flower colors are poorly understood. In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of the mechanism of flower color formation in plants, emphasizing the molecular basis and regulation mechanism of flavonoids and carotenoids. By summarizing the recent advances on the genetic mechanism of flower color formation and regulation in Brassica crops, it is clearly found that carotenoids and anthocyanins are major pigments for flower color diversity of Brassica crops. Meantime, we also explore the relationship between the emergence of white flowers and the genetic evolution of Brassica chromosomes, and analyze the innovation and multiple utilization of Brassica crops with colorful flowers. This review aims to provide theoretical support for genetic improvements in flower color, enhancing the economic value and aesthetic appeal of Brassica crops.
High-density genetic map and quantitative trait loci map of skin color in hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida bge. Var. major N.E.Br.)
Authors: Wang Dongsheng , Cheng Beibei , Zhang Jijun
Published: May 2024

Fruit skin color is an important trait of the hawthorn tree, which has an important influence on fruit quality. Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. Major N.E.Br. Is one of the most widely cultivated varieties in China and has a long history of medicinal use. In recent years, it has attracted the attention of the world due to its nutritional and medicinal values. Skin color is the focus of breeders and food processors. At present, skin color-related genes have still not been mapped. In this study, “Shandong Da Mianqiu” (♀, red skin color), “Da Huang Mianzha” (♂, yellow skin color) and 131 F1 hybrids were used to construct genetic map of hawthorn by RAD-seq, and QTL mapping was performed by combining these features with the hue angle and the observed color. In this study, 13,260 SNP was assigned to 17 linkage groups, with an integrated map covering 2,297.75 cM was constructed. A total of 5 QTLs related to hawthorn skin color were detected on LG1, LG3 and LG15. Whether hue angle or pericarp color acts as phenotype for QTL mapping, the candidate genes include bHLH086, WD repeat regions and Myb-like. bHLH, WD and Myb play an important role in the color regulation of Hawthorn skin color. These results lay a solid foundation for QTL mapping and molecular marker-assisted breeding of hawthorn.
Manipulating regulatory T cells: is it the key to unlocking effective immunotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma?
Authors: Smith Henry , Arbe-Barnes Edward , Shah Enas Abu , Sivakumar Shivan
Published: May 2024

The five-year survival rates for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) have scarcely improved over the last half-century. It is inherently resistant to FDA-approved immunotherapies, which have transformed the outlook for patients with other advanced solid tumours. Accumulating evidence relates this resistance to its hallmark immunosuppressive milieu, which instils progressive dysfunction among tumour-infiltrating effector T cells. This milieu is established at the inception of neoplasia by immunosuppressive cellular populations, including regulatory T cells (Tregs), which accumulate in parallel with the progression to malignant PDAC. Thus, the therapeutic manipulation of Tregs has captured significant scientific and commercial attention, bolstered by the discovery that an abundance of tumour-infiltrating Tregs correlates with a poor prognosis in PDAC patients. Herein, we propose a mechanism for the resistance of PDAC to anti-PD-1 and CTLA-4 immunotherapies and re-assess the rationale for pursuing Treg-targeted therapies in light of recent studies that profiled the immune landscape of patient-derived tumour samples. We evaluate strategies that are emerging to limit Treg-mediated immunosuppression for the treatment of PDAC, and signpost early-stage trials that provide preliminary evidence of clinical activity. In this context, we find a compelling argument for investment in the ongoing development of Treg-targeted immunotherapies for PDAC.
E-learning readiness among dental students and faculty: a comparative study before and after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zahid Talal M. , Agou Shoroog
Published: May 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the global adoption of e-learning, even in institutions that had previous reservations. Nevertheless, the impact of this transformation on dental education remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the e-learning readiness of dental students and faculty before and after COVID-19. It also explored their post-pandemic e-learning preferences for dental education.

Methods

Cross-sectional surveys were conducted at King Abdulaziz University’s Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia both before and after COVID-19. Faculty and students from two distinct cohorts were recruited at two time points. Participants completed a detailed questionnaire on e-learning readiness across multiple domains. Statistical analysis was performed using R v 3.6.3. Descriptive and group comparisons were conducted using chi-squared test, unpaired t-test, and Spearman’s correlation.

Results

1,057 responses (response rate = 99.8%) were analyzed: 2015 (n = 400) and 2021 (n = 657). Both faculty and students demonstrated significant improvements in e-learning readiness across all domains from 2015 to 2021. In 2021, faculty members scored significantly higher than students in almost all readiness domains, except for e-learning experience (p < 0.001 for all domains). After the pandemic, both groups preferred a blended learning model: 75% traditional and 25% online education. A significant increase in typing and editing training requests by faculty and students was observed in 2021. Students showed a decline in training needs for web and online tool usage.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed the rapid adoption of e-learning in dental education. In this study, faculty showed greater e-learning readiness, but students voiced concerns about missed in-person interactions, social isolation, and screen fatigue. Further multi-institutional studies are required for more comprehensive insights.
Feasibility of calculating rocuronium dosage by skeletal muscle weight in patients with obesity
Authors: Hu Zhenhua , Li Benmu , Li Zhanwen , Liu Zhe , Liu Shengqun
Published: May 2024

This study aimed to investigate the dose–response relationship of rocuronium administered based on skeletal muscle weight and to assess the feasibility of calculating rocuronium dosage by skeletal muscle weight in short surgeries for patients with obesity. This single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial included 71 patients with obesity aged 28–70 years, with body fat percentages (PBF) >20% in men and > 28% in women, ASA status I-III, scheduled for tracheoscopy. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: skeletal muscle group (SM group) received rocuronium based on the skeletal muscle content (1.0 mg/kg, n = 31), and the conventional administration group (conventional group) received rocuronium based on total body weight (0.45 mg/kg, n = 30). General anesthesia was administered using the same protocol. Parameters recorded included patients’ general condition, muscle relaxant usage, onset time of muscle relaxants, non-response time, clinical effect time, 75% recovery time, and recovery index. Additionally, occurrences of body movement, choking, and incomplete muscle relaxation during surgery were recorded. Compared to the conventional group, the SM group required significantly less rocuronium dosage, resulting in significantly lower non-response time, clinical effect time, 75% recovery time, and recovery index (p < 0.05), and the onset time is slightly longer. Neither group experienced body movement, choking, or incomplete muscle relaxation (p > 0.05). Utilizing skeletal muscle weight to calculate rocuronium dosage in short surgeries for patients with obesity can reduce dosage, shorten recovery time, and prevent residual muscle relaxation while achieving satisfactory muscle relaxation to meet surgical requirements.
Nitrogen-cycling microbial communities respond differently to nitrogen addition under two contrasting grassland soil types
Authors: Ren Baihui , Ma Xinwei , Li Daiyan , Bai Long , Li Jiahuan , Yu Jianxin , Meng Meng , Li Haoyan
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The impact of nitrogen (N) deposition on the soil N-transforming process in grasslands necessitates further investigation into how N input influences the structural composition and diversity of soil N-cycling microbial communities across different grassland types.

Methods

In this study, we selected two types of grassland soils in northwest Liaoning, temperate steppe and warm-temperate shrub, and conducted short-term N addition experiments using organic N, ammonium N, and nitrate N as sources with three concentration gradients to simulate N deposition. Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology was employed to sequence genes associated with N-cycling microbes including N-fixing, ammonia-oxidizing and denitrifying bacteria, and ammonia-oxidizing archaea.

Results and discussion

The results revealed significant alterations in the structural composition and diversity of the N-cycling microbial community due to N addition, but the response of soil microorganisms varied inconsistent among different grassland types. Ammonium transformation rates had a greater impact on soils from temperate steppes while nitrification rates were more influential for soils from warm-temperate shrubs. Furthermore, the influence of the type of N source on soil N-cycling microorganisms outweighed that of its quantity applied. The ammonium type of nitrogen source is considered the most influential driving factor affecting changes in the structure of the microbial community involved in nitrogen transformation, while the amount of low nitrogen applied primarily determines the composition of soil bacterial communities engaged in nitrogen fixation and nitrification. Different groups of N-cycling microorganisms exhibited distinct responses to varying levels of nitrogen addition with a positive correlation observed between their composition, diversity, and environmental factors examined. Overall findings suggest that short-term nitrogen deposition may sustain dominant processes such as soil-N fixation within grasslands over an extended period without causing significant negative effects on northwestern Liaoning’s grassland ecosystems within the next decade.
The combination of allicin with domiphen is effective against microbial biofilm formation
Authors: Li Shang , Wang Yutong , Xu Geweirong , Xu Yuqing , Fu Cuiyan , Zhao Quanlin , Xu Linjie , Jia Xinzhou , Zhang Yumeng , Liu Yi , Qiao Jiaju
Published: May 2024

Background

Microorganisms in biofilms are particularly difficult to control because of their increased survival and antibiotic resistance. Allicin and domiphen were employed to inhibit the microbial growth and biofilm formation of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans strains.

Methods

Broth microdilution method and checkerboard assay were conducted to determine the efficacy of allicin combined with domiphen against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Microbial biofilm formation was measured using the crystal violet staining method and fluorescence microscopy. And the total viable count of the biofilm cells on material surface after the treatment with antimicrobial reagents was calculated with the plate count technique.

Results

The two drugs showed synergistic effects against the pathogens with a fractional bactericidal concentration of less than 0.38. The combination of 64 μg/mL allicin with 1 μg/mL domiphen dispersed over 50% of the biofilm mass of S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. In addition, the drug combination reduced the total viable counts of E. coli and C. albicans biofilm cells on stainless steel and polyethylene surfaces by more than 102 CFU/mL.

Conclusion

The combination of allicin and domiphen is an effective strategy for efficiently decreasing biofilms formation on various industrial materials surfaces.
Age-related compositional and functional changes in the adult and breastfed buffalo rumen microbiome
Authors: Xu Yixue , Feng Tong , Ding Zixu , Li Ling , Li Zhipeng , Cui Kuiqing , Chen Weihua , Pan Hongping , Zhu Peng , Liu Qingyou
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The buffalo is an important domestic animal globally, providing milk, meat, and labor to more than 2 billion people in 67 countries. The rumen microorganisms of buffaloes play an indispensable role in enabling the healthy functionality and digestive function of buffalo organisms. Currently, there is a lack of clarity regarding the differences in the composition and function of rumen microorganisms among buffaloes at different growth stages.

Methods

In this study, metagenomics sequencing technology was applied to examine the compositional and functional differences of rumen microorganisms in adult and breastfed buffaloes.

Results

The results revealed that the rumen of adult buffaloes had significantly higher levels of the following dominant genera: Prevotella, UBA1711, RF16, Saccharofermentans, F23-D06, UBA1777, RUG472, and Methanobrevibacter_A. Interestingly, the dominant genera specific to the rumen of adult buffaloes showed a significant positive correlation (correlation>0.5, p-value<0.05) with both lignocellulose degradation-related carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and immune signaling pathways activated by antigenic stimulation. The rumen of breastfed buffaloes had significantly higher levels of the following dominant genera: UBA629, CAG- 791, Selenomonas_C, Treponema_D, Succinivibrio, and RC9. Simultaneously, the rumen-dominant genera specific to breastfed buffaloes were significantly positively correlated (correlation>0.5, p-value<0.05) with CAZymes associated with lactose degradation, amino acid synthesis pathways, and antibiotic-producing pathways.

Discussion

This indicates that rumen microorganisms in adult buffaloes are more engaged in lignocellulose degradation, whereas rumen microorganisms in breastfed buffaloes are more involved in lactose and amino acid degradation, as well as antibiotic production. In conclusion, these findings suggest a close relationship between differences in rumen microbes and the survival needs of buffaloes at different growth stages.
Comparative analysis of the microbiomes of strawberry wild species Fragaria nilgerrensis and cultivated variety Akihime using amplicon-based next-generation sequencing
Authors: Wang Zongneng , Dai Qingzhong , Su Daifa , Zhang Zhenrong , Tian Yunxia , Tong Jiangyun , Chen Shanyan , Yan Congwen , Yang Junyu , Cui Xiaolong
Published: May 2024

Fragaria nilgerrensis is a wild strawberry species widely distributed in southwest China and has strong ecological adaptability. Akihime (F. × ananassa Duch. cv. Akihime) is one of the main cultivated strawberry varieties in China and is prone to infection with a variety of diseases. In this study, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze and compare the soil and root microbiomes of F. nilgerrensis and Akihime. Results indicate that the wild species F. nilgerrensis showed higher microbial diversity in nonrhizosphere soil and rhizosphere soil and possessed a more complex microbial network structure compared with the cultivated variety Akihime. Genera such as Bradyrhizobium and Anaeromyxobacter, which are associated with nitrogen fixation and ammonification, and Conexibacter, which is associated with ecological toxicity resistance, exhibited higher relative abundances in the rhizosphere and nonrhizosphere soil samples of F. nilgerrensis compared with those of Akihime. Meanwhile, the ammonia-oxidizing archaea Candidatus Nitrososphaera and Candidatus Nitrocosmicus showed the opposite tendencies. We also found that the relative abundances of potential pathogenic genera and biocontrol bacteria in the Akihime samples were higher than those in the F. nilgerrensis samples. The relative abundances of Blastococcus, Nocardioides, Solirubrobacter, and Gemmatimonas, which are related to pesticide degradation, and genus Variovorax, which is associated with root growth regulation, were also significantly higher in the Akihime samples than in the F. nilgerrensis samples. Moreover, the root endophytic microbiomes of both strawberry species, especially the wild F. nilgerrensis, were mainly composed of potential biocontrol and beneficial bacteria, making them important sources for the isolation of these bacteria. This study is the first to compare the differences in nonrhizosphere and rhizosphere soils and root endogenous microorganisms between wild and cultivated strawberries. The findings have great value for the research of microbiomes, disease control, and germplasm innovation of strawberry.
Development of a colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic assay for rapid detection of nasal mucosal secretory IgA against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Sun Baoqing , Chen Zhilong , Feng Bo , Chen Si , Feng Shilin , Wang Qian , Niu Xuefeng , Zhang Zhengyuan , Zheng Peiyan , Lin Ming , Luo Jia , Pan Yingxian , Guan Suhua , Zhong Nanshan , Chen Ling
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 begins in the upper respiratory tract and can trigger the production of mucosal spike-specific secretory IgA (sIgA), which provides protection against reinfection. It has been recognized that individuals with high level of nasal spike-specific IgA have a lower risk of reinfection. However, mucosal spike-specific sIgA wanes over time, and different individuals may have various level of spike-specific sIgA and descending kinetics, leading to individual differences in susceptibility to reinfection. A method for detecting spike-specific sIgA in the nasal passage would be valuable for predicting the risk of reinfection so that people at risk can have better preparedness.

Methods

In this study, we describe the development of a colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic (ICT) strip for detecting SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike-specific sIgA in nasal mucosal lining fluids (NMLFs).

Results

The ICT strip was designed to detect 0.125 μg or more spike-specific sIgA in 80 μL of NMLFs collected using a nasal swab. Purified nasal sIgA samples from individuals who recently recovered from an Omicron BA.5 infection were used to demonstrate that this ICT strip can specifically detect spike-specific sIgA. The signal levels positively correlated with neutralizing activities against XBB. Subsequent analysis revealed that people with low or undetectable levels of spike-specific sIgA in the nasal passage were more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 reinfection.

Conclusions

This nasal spike-specific sIgA ICT strip provides a non-invasive, rapid, and convenient method to assess the risk of reinfection for achieving precision preparedness.
Genomic characterisation of Escherichia coli isolated from poultry at retail through Sink Surveillance in Dhaka, Bangladesh reveals high levels of multi-drug resistance
Authors: Davies Alistair R. , Chisnall Thomas , Akter Shamima , Afrad Md. Mohibul Hassan , Sadekuzzaman Mohammad , Badhy Shukes Chandra , Hasan Md. Zakiul , Rahman Md. Taifur , Smith Richard P. , Card Roderick M. , Brum Eric , Chowdhury Md. Golam Azam
Published: May 2024

The surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in commensal Escherichia coli from livestock at slaughter is widely employed to assess the potential for risk to humans. There is currently a limited understanding of AMR in Bangladesh poultry at retail in live bird markets, with studies focussing solely on phenotypic characterisation of resistance. To address this evidence gap we performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing and whole genome sequencing on E. coli obtained from chickens from live bird markets in Dhaka in 2018 (n = 38) and 2020 (n = 45). E. coli were isolated from caeca samples following ISO guidelines and sequenced using short and long read methods. Multidrug resistance was extremely common (n = 77) and there was excellent concordance between AMR phenotype and the presence of corresponding AMR genes or mutations. There was considerable genomic diversity, with 43 different sequence types detected. Public health considerations included the high occurrence of resistance to ciprofloxacin (n = 75) associated with plasmid-residing qnrS or mutations in the gyrA and parC chromosomal genes; and the detection of a tigecycline resistant isolate harbouring tet(X4) on an IncHI1A/B-IncFIA mosaic plasmid. Thirty-nine isolates were resistant to azithromycin and harboured mphA, with a significant increase in the incidence of resistance between 2018 and 2020. Although azithromycin is banned for veterinary use in Bangladesh it remains an important treatment option for humans. Interestingly, mphA confers high-level resistance to azithromycin and erythromycin, and the latter is commonly used on poultry farms in Bangladesh. Seven isolates were colistin resistant and carried mcr1. For two isolates hybrid assemblies revealed that mcr1 resided on a highly conserved IncHI2 plasmid that had 93% nucleotide identity to a plasmid from the published genome of an E. coli isolate of Bangladeshi human origin. Six isolates had resistance to third generation cephalosporins, associated with plasmid-residing blaCTX-M-55, blaCTX-M-65, or blaDHA-1. By employing phenotypic and genomic approaches for AMR surveillance we have provided new insights into the potential for One Health AMR linkages in Bangladesh. Employing similar approaches in human and environmental sectors will help inform the One Health approach to addressing AMR, and generate evidence to support mitigation measures such as improved antimicrobial stewardship.
DT-SCNN: dual-threshold spiking convolutional neural network with fewer operations and memory access for edge applications
Authors: Lei Fuming , Yang Xu , Liu Jian , Dou Runjiang , Wu Nanjian
Published: May 2024

The spiking convolutional neural network (SCNN) is a kind of spiking neural network (SNN) with high accuracy for visual tasks and power efficiency on neuromorphic hardware, which is attractive for edge applications. However, it is challenging to implement SCNNs on resource-constrained edge devices because of the large number of convolutional operations and membrane potential (Vm) storage needed. Previous works have focused on timestep reduction, network pruning, and network quantization to realize SCNN implementation on edge devices. However, they overlooked similarities between spiking feature maps (SFmaps), which contain significant redundancy and cause unnecessary computation and storage. This work proposes a dual-threshold spiking convolutional neural network (DT-SCNN) to decrease the number of operations and memory access by utilizing similarities between SFmaps. The DT-SCNN employs dual firing thresholds to derive two similar SFmaps from one Vm map, reducing the number of convolutional operations and decreasing the volume of Vms and convolutional weights by half. We propose a variant spatio-temporal back propagation (STBP) training method with a two-stage strategy to train DT-SCNNs to decrease the inference timestep to 1. The experimental results show that the dual-thresholds mechanism achieves a 50% reduction in operations and data storage for the convolutional layers compared to conventional SCNNs while achieving not more than a 0.4% accuracy loss on the CIFAR10, MNIST, and Fashion MNIST datasets. Due to the lightweight network and single timestep inference, the DT-SCNN has the least number of operations compared to previous works, paving the way for low-latency and power-efficient edge applications.
Technique notes on the management of superior sagittal or transverse sinus during the falcotentorial meningioma surgery: a case report
Authors: Liu Jun , Fan Di , Chen Ligang , Zou Zheng , Li Xinning , Zhou Minghao , Wen Zhongcheng , Gong Shun , Liang Guobiao
Published: May 2024

Background

Falcotentorial meningiomas (FM) are surgical challenges for protecting sinus, and the technique notes on the management of superior sagittal or transverse sinus are required for good results.

Methods

We improved the technique notes on the management of superior sagittal or transverse sinus in three FM patients with signs of increased intracranial pressure or chronic headache.

Results

All patients underwent surgeries in the prone position, and occipital/sup-occipital/sub-occipital craniotomy was performed. In one patient, the skull was removed traditionally with exposure of the confluence of sinuses, superior sagittal, and transverse sinus, while the longitudinal skull bridge was left to suspend the dura for protecting the superior sagittal sinus in one patient, and the transverse skull bridge was left to suspend the dura for protecting the transverse sinus in one patient. The dura was opened infratentorially or supratentorially to spare the sinus and then the “skull bridge” was suspended. The tumor was then removed completely without brain swelling or significant venous bleeding. Complete tumor resection was confirmed by early postoperative imaging, and all patients recovered well without postoperative morbidity.

Conclusion

The authors recommend the “skull bridge” to suspend the dura for optimal control of the venous sinuses during FM surgery (less venous bleeding).
Substance P – a regulatory peptide with defense and repair functions. Results and perspectives for the fight against COVID-19
Authors: Mehboob Riffat , Oehme Peter , Anwar Tehreem , von Kries Jens Peter
Published: May 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS CoV-2) is the cause of Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which turned into a pandemic in late 2019 and early 2020. SARS CoV-2 causes endothelial cell destruction and swelling, microthrombosis, constriction of capillaries, and malfunction of pericytes, all of which are detrimental to capillary integrity, angiogenesis, and healing processes. Cytokine storming has been connected to COVID-19 disease. Hypoxemia and tissue hypoxia may arise from impaired oxygen diffusion exchange in the lungs due to capillary damage and congestion. This personal view will look at how inflammation and capillary damage affect blood and tissue oxygenation, cognitive function, and the duration and intensity of COVID-19 disease. The general effects of microvascular injury, hypoxia, and capillary damage caused by COVID-19 in key organs are also covered in this point of view. Once initiated, this vicious cycle leads to diminished capillary function, which exacerbates inflammation and tissue damage, and increased inflammation due to hypoxia. Brain damage may result from low oxygen levels and high cytokines in brain tissue. In this paper we give a summary in this direction with focus on the role of the neuropeptide Substance P. On the basis of this, we discuss selected approaches to the question: “How Substance P is involved in the etiology of the COVID-19 and how results of our research could improve the prevention or therapy of corona? Thereby pointing out the role of Substance P in the post-corona syndrome and providing novel concepts for therapy and prevention.
Reliability and stability of tactile perception in the whisker somatosensory system
Authors: Sharma Hariom , Azouz Rony
Published: May 2024

Rodents rely on their whiskers as vital sensory tools for tactile perception, enabling them to distinguish textures and shapes. Ensuring the reliability and constancy of tactile perception under varying stimulus conditions remains a fascinating and fundamental inquiry. This study explores the impact of stimulus configurations, including whisker movement velocity and object spatial proximity, on texture discrimination and stability in rats. To address this issue, we employed three distinct approaches for our investigation. Stimulus configurations notably affected tactile inputs, altering whisker vibration’s kinetic and kinematic aspects with consistent effects across various textures. Through a texture discrimination task, rats exhibited consistent discrimination performance irrespective of changes in stimulus configuration. However, alterations in stimulus configuration significantly affected the rats’ ability to maintain stability in texture perception. Additionally, we investigated the influence of stimulus configurations on cortical neuronal responses by manipulating them experimentally. Notably, cortical neurons demonstrated substantial and intricate changes in firing rates without compromising the ability to discriminate between textures. Nevertheless, these changes resulted in a reduction in texture neuronal response stability. Stimulating multiple whiskers led to improved neuronal texture discrimination and maintained coding stability. These findings emphasize the importance of considering numerous factors and their interactions when studying the impact of stimulus configuration on neuronal responses and behavior.
Longitudinal changes in sarcopenia was associated with survival among cirrhotic patients
Authors: Jiang Minjie , Hua Xin , Wu Muchen , Wu Jing , Xu Xiaotong , Li Juan , Meng Qinghua
Published: May 2024

Background

Sarcopenia is common in patients with liver cirrhosis and is an independent predictor of multiple clinical outcomes. Most studies to date have used a static assessment of sarcopenia. However, there is very limited data evaluating the temporal course of muscle area in cirrhosis. To bridge this gap in clinical studies, we performed a longitudinal analysis to evaluate the impact of changes in sarcopenia for cirrhotic patients.

Methods

Adult patients with clinically diagnosed liver cirrhosis who underwent at least 2 abdominal computed tomography (CT) scans in the hospital were enrolled. The interval between the two abdominal scans was 6 ± 1 months. Patients were categorized into persistent non-sarcopenia, new-onset sarcopenia, sarcopenia to non-sarcopenia, and persistent sarcopenia based on changes in sarcopenia. Kaplan–Meier method and Log-rank tests were used to separately compare unadjusted survival curves by different statuses of sarcopenia. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the associations between different states of sarcopenia and overall mortality. The association between persistent non-sarcopenia and new-onset sarcopenia was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 307 patients were included for analysis. At the second assessment, 10.10% (31/307) patients were new-onset sarcopenia, 27.69% (85/307) with persistent sarcopenia status, while 13.03% (40/307) patients with sarcopenia developed non-sarcopenia and 49.19% (151/307) with persistent non-sarcopenia status. The overall survival rate was significantly lower in the persistent sarcopenia and new-onset sarcopenia than in the non-sarcopenia group and sarcopenia to non-sarcopenia group (p < 0.001). Persistent sarcopenia (HR 5.799, 95%CI 1.563–21.521, p = 0.009) and new onset sarcopenia (HR 5.205, 95%CI 1.482–18.282, p = 0.010) were identified as poor prognostic factors for cirrhotic patients. The etiology of cirrhosis and the initial skeletal muscle mass were independent risk factors for new-onset sarcopenia.

Conclusion

Sarcopenia is a dynamically changing process in patients with cirrhosis. Persistent and new-onset sarcopenia were independently and robustly associated with overall survival.
Identification of cachexia in lung cancer patients with an ensemble learning approach
Authors: Jia Pingping , Zhao Qianqian , Wu Xiaoxiao , Shen Fangqi , Sun Kai , Wang Xiaolin
Published: May 2024

Objective

Nutritional intervention prior to the occurrence of cachexia will significantly improve the survival rate of lung cancer patients. This study aimed to establish an ensemble learning model based on anthropometry and blood indicators without information on body weight loss to identify the risk factors of cachexia for early administration of nutritional support and for preventing the occurrence of cachexia in lung cancer patients.

Methods

This multicenter study included 4,712 lung cancer patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method was used to obtain the key indexes. The characteristics excluded weight loss information, and the study data were randomly divided into a training set (70%) and a test set (30%). The training set was used to select the optimal model among 18 models and verify the model performance. A total of 18 machine learning models were evaluated to predict the occurrence of cachexia, and their performance was determined using area under the curve (AUC), accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC).

Results

Among 4,712 patients, 1,392 (29.5%) patients were diagnosed with cachexia based on the framework of Fearon et al. A 17-variable gradient boosting classifier (GBC) model including body mass index (BMI), feeding situation, tumor stage, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and some gastrointestinal symptoms was selected among the 18 machine learning models. The GBC model showed good performance in predicting cachexia in the training set (AUC = 0.854, accuracy = 0.819, precision = 0.771, recall = 0.574, F1 score = 0.658, MCC = 0.549, and kappa = 0.538). The abovementioned indicator values were also confirmed in the test set (AUC = 0.859, accuracy = 0.818, precision = 0.801, recall = 0.550, F1 score = 0.652, and MCC = 0.552, and kappa = 0.535). The learning curve, decision boundary, precision recall (PR) curve, the receiver operating curve (ROC), the classification report, and the confusion matrix in the test sets demonstrated good performance. The feature importance diagram showed the contribution of each feature to the model.

Conclusions

The GBC model established in this study could facilitate the identification of cancer cachexia in lung cancer patients without weight loss information, which would guide early implementation of nutritional interventions to decrease the occurrence of cachexia and improve the overall survival (OS).