bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring unconventional targets in myofibroblast transdifferentiation outside classical TGF-β signaling in renal fibrosis
Authors: Lathan Rashida
Published: May 2024

We propose that the key initiators of renal fibrosis are myofibroblasts which originate from four predominant sources—fibroblasts, pericytes, endothelial cells and macrophages. Increased accumulation of renal interstitial myofibroblasts correlates with an increase in collagen, fibrillar proteins, and fibrosis severity. The canonical TGF-β pathway, signaling via Smad proteins, is the central molecular hub that initiates these cellular transformations. However, directly targeting these classical pathway molecules has proven challenging due their integral roles in metabolic process, and/or non-sustainable effects involving compensatory cross-talk with TGF-β. This review explores recently discovered alternative molecular targets that drive transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. Discovering targets outside of the classical TGF-β/Smad pathway is crucial for advancing antifibrotic therapies, and strategically targeting the development of myofibroblasts offers a promising approach to control excessive extracellular matrix deposition and impede fibrosis progression.
Physiological and transcriptomic analyses provide preliminary insights into the autotoxicity of Lilium brownii
Authors: Zhong Shumin , Guo Chuibao , Su Lu , Jiang Han , Wang Xue-er , Shi Li , Li Xiaogang , Liao Xiaolan , Xue Jin
Published: May 2024

Lilium brownii F. E. Brown ex Miellez var. viridulum Baker (Longya lily) is a variety of Lilium brownii F.E. Br. ex Miellez. We used HS-SPME and GC-MS to screened the tissues of L. brownii roots, stems, bulbs, and leaves and obtained 2,4-DTBP as an autotoxic substance for subsequent analysis. 2,4-DTBP was highly autotoxic in some treatment groups. Based on changes in physiological indicators, we carried out transcriptomic analysis to investigate the mechanisms of autotoxicity of substances on L. brownii and obtained 188,505 Unigenes. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses showed that L. brownii responded differently to different concentrations and treatment times of 2,4-DTBP. We observed significant changes in genes associated with ROS, phytohormones, and MAPK signaling cascades. 2,4-DTBP affects chloroplasts, the integrity of the respiratory electron transport chain, and ribosomes, causing L. brownii autotoxicity. Our findings provide a practical genomic resource for future research on L. brownii autotoxicity and evidence for the mechanism of action of autotoxic substances.
Review on blueberry drought tolerance from the perspective of cultivar improvement
Authors: Ru Sushan , Sanz-Saez Alvaro , Leisner Courtney P. , Rehman Tanzeel , Busby Savannah
Published: May 2024

Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) is an increasingly popular fruit around the world for their attractive taste, appearance, and most importantly their many health benefits. Global blueberry production was valued at $2.31 billion with the United States alone producing $1.02 billion of cultivated blueberries in 2021. The sustainability of blueberry production is increasingly threatened by more frequent and extreme drought events caused by climate change. Blueberry is especially prone to adverse effects from drought events due to their superficial root system and lack of root hairs, which limit blueberry’s ability to intake water and nutrients from the soil especially under drought stress conditions. The goal of this paper is to review previous studies on blueberry drought tolerance focusing on physiological, biochemical, and molecular drought tolerance mechanisms, as well as genetic variability present in cultivated blueberries. We also discuss limitations of previous studies and potential directions for future efforts to develop drought-tolerant blueberry cultivars. Our review showed that the following areas are lacking in blueberry drought tolerance research: studies of root and fruit traits related to drought tolerance, large-scale cultivar screening, efforts to understand the genetic architecture of drought tolerance, tools for molecular-assisted drought tolerance improvement, and high-throughput phenotyping capability for efficient cultivar screening. Future research should be devoted to following areas: (1) drought tolerance evaluation to include a broader range of traits, such as root architecture and fruit-related performance under drought stress, to establish stronger association between physiological and molecular signals with drought tolerance mechanisms; (2) large-scale drought tolerance screening across diverse blueberry germplasm to uncover various drought tolerance mechanisms and valuable genetic resources; (3) high-throughput phenotyping tools for drought-related traits to enhance the efficiency and affordability of drought phenotyping; (4) identification of genetic architecture of drought tolerance using various mapping technologies and transcriptome analysis; (5) tools for molecular-assisted breeding for drought tolerance, such as marker-assisted selection and genomic selection, and (6) investigation of the interactions between drought and other stresses such as heat to develop stress resilient genotypes.
Genome-wide association studies reveal novel QTLs for agronomic traits in soybean
Authors: Han Dongwei , Zhao Xi , Zhang Di , Wang Zhen , Zhu Zhijia , Sun Haoyue , Qu Zhongcheng , Wang Lianxia , Liu Zhangxiong , Zhu Xu , Yuan Ming
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Soybean, as a globally significant crop, has garnered substantial attention due to its agricultural importance. The utilization of molecular approaches to enhance grain yield in soybean has gained popularity.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using 156 Chinese soybean accessions over a two-year period. We employed the general linear model (GLM) and the mixed linear model (MLM) to analyze three agronomic traits: pod number, grain number, and grain weight.

Results

Our findings revealed significant associations between qgPNpP-98, qgGNpP-89 and qgHGW-85 QTLs and pod number, grain number, and grain weight, respectively. These QTLs were identified on chromosome 16, a region spanning 413171bp exhibited associations with all three traits.

Discussion

These QTL markers identified in this study hold potential for improving yield and agronomic traits through marker-assisted selection and genomic selection in breeding programs.
Deacclimation and reacclimation processes in winter wheat: novel perspectives from time-series transcriptome analysis
Authors: Vaitkevičiūtė Gabija , Aleliūnas Andrius , Brazauskas Gintaras , Armonienė Rita
Published: May 2024

Winter wheat achieves freezing tolerance (FT) through cold acclimation (CA) – a process which is induced by low positive temperatures in autumn. The increasing occurrences of temperature fluctuations in winter lead to deacclimation (DEA), causing premature loss of FT, and the cultivars capable of reacclimation (REA) are more likely to survive the subsequent cold spells. The genetic mechanisms of DEA and REA remain poorly understood, necessitating further research to bolster climate resilience in winter wheat. Here, we selected two winter wheat genotypes with contrasting levels of FT and conducted a ten-week-long experiment imitating low-temperature fluctuations after CA under controlled conditions. Crown and leaf tissue samples for RNA-sequencing were collected at CA, DEA, and REA time-points. It is the first transcriptomic study covering both short- and long-term responses to DEA and REA in winter wheat. The study provides novel knowledge regarding CA, DEA, and REA and discusses the gene expression patterns conferring FT under temperature fluctuations. The freezing-tolerant genotype “Lakaja DS” showed elevated photosynthetic activity in leaf tissue and upregulated cryoprotective protein-encoding genes in crowns after CA when compared to the freezing-susceptible “KWS Ferrum”. “Lakaja DS” also expressed cold acclimation-associated transcripts at a significantly higher level after 1 week of DEA. Following REA, “Lakaja DS” continued to upregulate dehydrin-related genes in crowns and exhibited significantly higher expression of chitinase transcripts in leaves, when compared to “KWS Ferrum”. The findings of this study shed light on the genetic mechanisms governing DEA and REA in winter wheat, thus addressing the gaps in knowledge regarding FT under low-temperature fluctuations. The identified genes should be further examined as potential molecular markers for breeding strategies focused on developing freezing-tolerant winter-type crops. Publicly available datasets generated in this study are valuable resources for further research into DEA and REA, contributing towards the enhancement of winter wheat under global climate change.
The influence of adverse childhood experiences and depression on addiction severity among methamphetamine users: exploring the role of perseveration
Authors: Ko Cheng-Hung , Lu Yung-Chin , Lee Chun-Hung , Liao Yu-Chi
Published: May 2024

Aims

This investigation aimed to clarify the intricate relationship among depression, cognitive function, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and their combined influence on methamphetamine use disorder (MUD).

Methods

Utilizing a battery of psychological tests, this study ascertained the impact of ACEs on the condition of 76 people with MUD who meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria, aged 42.17 on average. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), Conners’ Continuous Performance-II (CPT-II), the self-report Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS), and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were used for these evaluations. Individuals involved in the study were categorized into two discrete cohorts, mild (ME) and severe (SE), based on the extent of their ACEs exposure. This study employed the PROCESS regression, the independent t-test andχ2 tests for the analysis.

Results

The findings revealed notable discrepancies in the psychological consequences between the two groups with different degrees of ACEs; however, no substantial differences were observed in the demographic parameters. The SE group exhibited elevated BDI-II scores, more evident indications of MUD, and a higher degree of CPT-II cognitive perseveration. The PROCESS model revealed that cognitive perseveration moderated the impact of depression on ACEs and subjective MUD severity, explaining 20.2% of the variance. The ACEs and depression predicted 28.6% of the variance in MUD symptoms. However, no statistically significant differences were detected between the two groups regarding the parameters in the IGT-2 assessment.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the interaction between cognitive and depressive factors mediates the effect of ACEs on subjective MUD severity but not on MUD symptoms. The ACEs significant impact on mental health severity perception is explained by cognitive and depressive factors. This implies that MUD treatment and rehabilitation should address cognitive dysfunction and developmental trauma.
Mindfulness, social evaluation anxiety, and self-regulation: exploring their association on impulsive behavior among athletes
Authors: Zhong Zhangyi , Jiang Hongyu , Wang Huilin , Liu Yang
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Athletes, due to frequent physical interactions in competitive sports, are prone to impulsive behavior. Impulsive behavior is a prevalent psychological factor in sports, often leading to performance-affecting errors. This cross-sectional survey investigated the relationship between mindfulness and athletes’ impulsive behavior.

Methods

We sampled 403 athletes from youth training centers, universities, sports academies, and clubs in China using convenience and snowball sampling. Using AMOS v23, we analyzed the data with a structural equation model.

Results

Our structural equation model confirmed that mindfulness and self-regulation inversely correlate with impulsive behavior, while social evaluation anxiety positively correlates with impulsive behavior. Furthermore, self-regulation and social evaluation anxiety serve as intermediaries in the link between mindfulness and impulsive behavior.

Discussions

This research suggests introducing mindfulness meditation practices in competitive settings to improve athletes’ social evaluation anxiety and enhance their self-regulation abilities, thereby boosting their psychological health and curbing impulsive behavior.
Novel insight into the genetic signatures of altitude adaptation related body composition in Tibetans
Authors: Li Xuguang , Xu Shilin , Li Xuemei , Wang Yuhe , Sheng Yemeng , Zhang Hengxun , Yang Wei , Yuan Dongya , Jin Tianbo , He Xue
Published: May 2024

Background

The Tibetan population residing in high-altitude (HA) regions has adapted to extreme hypoxic environments. However, there is limited understanding of the genetic basis of body compositions in Tibetan population adapted to HA.

Methods

We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic variants associated with HA and HA-related body composition traits. A total of 755,731 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using the precision medicine diversity array from 996 Tibetan college students. T-tests and Pearson correlation analysis were used to estimate the association between body compositions and altitude. The mixed linear regression identified the SNPs significantly associated with HA and HA-related body compositions. LASSO regression was used to screen for important SNPs in HA and body compositions.

Results

Significant differences were observed in lean body mass (LBW), muscle mass (MM), total body water (TBW), standard weight (SBW), basal metabolic rate (BMR), total protein (TP), and total inorganic salt (Is) in different altitudes stratification. We identified three SNPs in EPAS1 (rs1562453, rs7589621 and rs7583392) that were significantly associated with HA (p < 5 × 10−7). GWAS analysis of 7 HA-related body composition traits, we identified 14 SNPs for LBM, 11 SNPs for TBW, 15 SNPs for MM, 16 SNPs for SBW, 9 SNPs for BMR, 12 SNPs for TP, and 26 SNPs for Is (p < 5.0 × 10−5).

Conclusion

These findings provide insight into the genetic basis of body composition in Tibetan college students adapted to HA, and lay the foundation for further investigation into the molecular mechanisms underlying HA adaptation.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders: prevalence, associated factors, and impact on quality of life among kitchen workers in hospitality industry, Bahir Dar City, Northwest Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Abebaw Tadiwos , Destaw Bikes , Yenealem Dawit Getachew , Tesfaye Amensisa Hailu , Melaku Christian , Mamaye Yimer , Bezie Anmut Endalkachew , Abere Giziew
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are considered major public health problems globally, deteriorating the quality of life of workers in various occupations. Kitchen work is reported as among the occupations most prone to these maladies. Nevertheless, prevalence of WMSDs, contributing factors, and impacts on the quality of life of hospitality industry kitchen workers are insufficiently documented in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of WMSDs, their associated factors, and impact on the quality of life of hospitality industry kitchen workers in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from 17 April to 17 May 2023. A total of 422 participants were included using a simple random sampling technique. WMSDs were evaluated using an interviewer-administered Nordic standardized questionnaire. The short form-36 questionnaire was used to assess quality of life. The data were collected using the Kobo tool box. SPSS version 26 software was used to perform both bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses. Independent t-tests were used to show the impact of WMSDs on quality of life scales across groups with and without WMSD symptoms.

Result

In this study, the response rate was 98.34% (n = 415). The 1-year prevalence of WMSDs among kitchen workers was 82.7% [95% CI: (79.1, 86.3)]. Age group between 30 and 39 years [AOR: 2.81; 95% CI: (1.46–5.41)], job dissatisfaction [AOR: 2.45; 95% CI: (1.34–4.45)], anxiety [AOR: 2.26; 95% CI: (1.12–4.52)], prolonged standing [AOR: 3.81; 95% CI: (1.58–9.17)], and arm overreaching [AOR: 2.43; 95% CI: (1.34–4.41)] were significantly associated factors with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders had a significant impact on all quality of life dimensions, in which the mean SF-36 scores of participants with WMSDs were lower than those of their non-WMSD counterparts.

Conclusion

This study revealed that the prevalence of WMSDs was relatively high. Age between 30 and 39 years, job dissatisfaction, anxiety, prolonged standing, and arm overreaching were identified as significant determinants of WMSDs among kitchen workers in hospitality industries. The presence of one or multiple WMSDs, in turn, is associated with worse quality of life dimensions of individuals.
The potential of virtual triage AI to improve early detection, care acuity alignment, and emergent care referral of life-threatening conditions
Authors: Gellert George A. , Kabat-Karabon Aleksandra , Gellert Gabriel L. , Rasławska-Socha Joanna , Gorski Stanislaw , Price Tim , Kuszczyński Kacper , Marcjasz Natalia , Palczewski Mateusz , Jaszczak Jakub , Loh Irving K. , Orzechowski Piotr M.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate the extent to which patient-users reporting symptoms of five severe/acute conditions requiring emergency care to an AI-based virtual triage (VT) engine had no intention to get such care, and whose acuity perception was misaligned or decoupled from actual risk of life-threatening symptoms.

Methods

A dataset of 3,022,882 VT interviews conducted over 16 months was evaluated to quantify and describe patient-users reporting symptoms of five potentially life-threatening conditions whose pre-triage healthcare intention was other than seeking urgent care, including myocardial infarction, stroke, asthma exacerbation, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism.

Results

Healthcare intent data was obtained for 12,101 VT patient-user interviews. Across all five conditions a weighted mean of 38.5% of individuals whose VT indicated a condition requiring emergency care had no pre-triage intent to consult a physician. Furthermore, 61.5% intending to possibly consult a physician had no intent to seek emergency medical care. After adjustment for 13% VT safety over-triage/referral to ED, a weighted mean of 33.5% of patient-users had no intent to seek professional care, and 53.5% had no intent to seek emergency care.

Conclusion

AI-based VT may offer a vehicle for early detection and care acuity alignment of severe evolving pathology by engaging patients who believe their symptoms are not serious, and for accelerating care referral and delivery for life-threatening conditions where patient misunderstanding of risk, or indecision, causes care delay. A next step will be clinical confirmation that when decoupling of patient care intent from emergent care need occurs, VT can influence patient behavior to accelerate care engagement and/or emergency care dispatch and treatment to improve clinical outcomes.
Prevalence and determinants of poor sleep quality among diabetic patients in Ethiopia: systematic review
Authors: Abate Hailemicahel Kindie , Azagew Abere Woretaw , Nega Gashaw Adane , Birru Samuel Mersha , Mekonnen Chilot Kassa
Published: May 2024

Background

Poor sleep quality can exacerbate many other physiological functions, such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. Although primary studies were conducted in Ethiopia, no studies concluded the pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the pooled prevalence and its determinants of sleep quality among diabetes in Ethiopia.

Objective

Assess the pooled prevalence and its determinants of sleep quality among diabetes in Ethiopia.

Methods

The studies were searched systematically using international databases from PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Embase, and CINAHL. The quality of the articles searched was assessed using the New Castle Ottawa scale for a cross-sectional study design. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA version 14 and a systematic review was performed using a random effect model method. The Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed for reporting results.

Results

From the total of 728 records screened, 8 studies with 2,471 participants who met the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review. The estimated pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality in Ethiopia was 48.54%.

Conclusion

Almost half of diabetes patients had poor sleep quality. The preparation of brochures on diabetic information and the organization of health education about the negative impact of poor sleep quality on patients are among the best modalities to improve the problem of poor sleep quality.
Mental health symptoms and associated factors among primary healthcare workers in China during the post-pandemic era
Authors: Liu Difei , Zhou Yuhe , Tao Xubowen , Cheng Yutong , Tao Rui
Published: May 2024

Background

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among healthcare workers has been widely reported during the initial and ongoing phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, little remains known about the mental health status of primary healthcare workers in China during the post-pandemic era.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 1, 2023, and May 31, 2023 in Anhui China. A total of 13,530 primary healthcare workers were recruited. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify potential factors associated with the incidence of depression and anxiety among primary healthcare workers.

Results

The prevalence of depression and anxiety among primary healthcare workers was 50.7 and 26.4%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression revealed that female gender (OR = 1.345, 95%CI = 1.222–1.479), being divorced or widowed (OR = 1.432, 95%CI = 1.128–1.817), being a nurse (OR = 1.250, 95%CI = 1.126–1.388), and working more than 8 h per day (OR = 1.710, 95%CI = 1.583–1.846) were significantly associated with depression. A higher risk of anxiety among primary healthcare workers was associated with female gender (OR = 1.338, 95%CI = 1.198–1.494), being divorced or widowed (OR = 1.373, 95%CI = 1.056–1.770), being a nurse (OR = 1.139, 95%CI = 1.013–1.282), and working more than 8 h per day (OR = 1.638, 95%CI = 1.497–1.794). Better monthly income, more than 21 years of working experience and without experience of workplace violence were protective factors against depression and anxiety during the post-pandemic era.

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms are more common among primary healthcare workers in China during the post-pandemic era. Female gender, being divorced or widowed, being a nurse, working years, working seniority, monthly income, and experience of workplace violence were identified as associated factors. Targeted intervention is needed when developing strategies to reduce depression and improve primary healthcare workers’ wellness and mental health.
Sharing lessons learned from COVID-19 vaccine introductions: a global community forum for countries
Authors: Walldorf Jenny Anne , Chiu De Vazquez Cindy , Barbosa De Lima Ana Carolina , Struminger Bruce , Groom Amy , Burke Lauren , Mayigane Landry Ndriko , Chang Blanc Diana , Vedrasco Liviu
Published: May 2024

To optimize the efficient introduction and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines across the globe during the COVID-19 pandemic, in April 2021 WHO launched a new process and tools for countries to rapidly review the early phase of countries’ COVID-19 vaccine introduction. This methodology is called the COVID-19 vaccination intra-action review, also known as mini COVID-19 vaccine post-introduction evaluation (mini-cPIE). As of November 2022, 46 mini-cPIEs had been conducted. In collaboration with Project ECHO, WHO convened and facilitated real-time experience sharing and peer-learning among countries following their mini-cPIEs through a virtual global real-time learning forum. This five-session clinic series was attended by 736 participants from 129 countries. Based on post-session feedback surveys, when asked about the utility of the sessions, half of the participants said that sessions led them to review national guidelines and protocols or make other changes to their health systems. The post-series survey sent following the end of the clinic series showed that at least eight countries subsequently conducted a mini-cPIE after participating in the clinics, and participants from at least nine countries indicated the experience shared by peer countries on the clinic largely benefited their COVID-19 vaccine introduction and deployment. In this article, we highlight the benefits and importance of creating a global experience-sharing forum for countries to connect and share pertinent learnings in real-time during an international public health emergency. Moving forward, it is critical to foster a culture of individual and collective learning within and between countries during public health emergencies, with WHO playing an important convening role.
Addressing the burden of cervical cancer for Indigenous women in Latin America and the Caribbean: a call for action
Authors: Muslin Claire
Published: May 2024

Cervical cancer, primarily caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, poses a significant global health challenge. Due to higher levels of poverty and health inequities, Indigenous women worldwide are more vulnerable to cervical cancer than their non-Indigenous counterparts. However, despite constituting nearly 10% of the population in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), the true extent of the burden of cervical cancer among Indigenous people in this region remains largely unknown. This article reviews the available information on cervical cancer incidence and mortality, as well as HPV infection prevalence, among Indigenous women in LAC. The limited existing data suggest that Indigenous women in this region face a heightened risk of cervical cancer incidence and mortality compared to non-Indigenous women. Nevertheless, a substantial knowledge gap persists that must be addressed to comprehensively assess the burden of cervical cancer among Indigenous populations, especially through enhancing cancer surveillance across LAC countries. Numerous structural, social and cultural barriers hindering Indigenous women’s access to HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening worldwide have been identified and are reviewed in this article. The discussion highlights the critical role of culturally sensitive education, community engagement, and empowerment strategies in overcoming those barriers. Drawing insights from the success of targeted strategies in certain high-income countries, the present article advocates for research, policies and healthcare interventions tailored to the unique context of LAC countries.
Effect of credit constraint on yield: the case of ginger producers in southern and central Ethiopia
Authors: Tilore Fetagn Gizachew , Shano Berhanu Kuma , Shirko Alula Tafesse , Hawitibo Alemu Lambamo
Published: May 2024

Introduction

This research investigates the impact of credit constraints on the yield of smallholder ginger farmers in southern and central Ethiopia. It addresses the importance of understanding the relationship between credit constraints and agricultural productivity in smallholder farming systems.

Methods

Employing a cross-sectional dataset from 343 randomly selected households, we utilized the endogenous switching regression model to address potential sample selection bias.

Results

The analysis in the first stage showed that livestock holding, marital status, farm size, distance to credit source, and information access are primary determinants influencing the credit constraint status of smallholder ginger farmers. In the second stage, the analysis revealed that family size, farm size, and cooperative membership significantly affected ginger yield. Moreover, the average treatment effect suggests a significant impact of credit constraints on ginger yield, with credit-constrained farmers experiencing a greater positive effect compared to credit-unconstrained farmers. These findings highlight the complex relationships between credit constraints, socioeconomic factors, and agricultural yield in the context of smallholder ginger farming.

Discussion

The implications of this research extend to informing policy decisions and intervention strategies aimed at alleviating credit constraints and enhancing the overall yield and livelihoods of smallholder ginger farmers in the studied regions. Policy recommendations include prioritizing interventions to enhance ginger yield by promoting cooperative membership, improving access to credit sources, fostering livestock ownership, and reducing the distance to credit sources. Additionally, enhancing access to information for effective mitigation of credit constraints is crucial for boosting productivity in smallholder ginger farming.
Microbiota characterization throughout the digestive tract of horses fed a high-fiber vs. a high-starch diet
Authors: Raspa Federica , Chessa Stefania , Bergero Domenico , Sacchi Paola , Ferrocino Ilario , Cocolin Luca , Corvaglia Maria Rita , Moretti Riccardo , Cavallini Damiano , Valle Emanuela
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Diet is one of the main factors influencing the intestinal microbiota in horses, yet a systematic characterization of the microbiota along the length of the digestive tract in clinically healthy horses, homogenous for age and breed and receiving a specific diet is lacking.

Methods

The study used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to characterize the microbiota of the intestinal tracts of 19 healthy Bardigiano horses of 14.3  ±  0.7  months of age fed one of two diets. Nine horses received a high-starch diet (HS), and ten horses received a high-fiber diet (HF). After 129  days, the horses were slaughtered, and samples were collected from the different intestinal tract compartments.

Results and discussion

The microbiota alpha diversity indices were lower in the caecum, pelvic flexure and right dorsal colon of the horses fed the HS diet (False Discovery Rate, FDR  <  0.05). The values of beta diversity indicated significant compositional differences between the studied intestinal tract compartments according to the diet received (FDR  <  0.05). At the lower taxonomic level (genus or family), the HS diet was associated with a higher relative frequency of Enterobacteriaceae within the small intestine (jejunum and duodenum) (FDR  <  0.05). Within the hindgut (caecum and sternal flexure), the HS diet was associated with lower relative frequencies (i.e., a smaller core community) of bacteria belonging to Fibrobacteraceae and Prevotellaceae (FDR  <  0.05). Moreover, horses fed the HS diet displayed a higher relative abundance of Streptococcus in the caecum (FDR  <  0.05) and Fusobacterium in the sternal flexure (FDR  <  0.05), both of which are pathogenic bacteria responsible for inflammation diseases. Samples collected from the pelvic flexure and rectum of horses fed the HS diet showed significantly higher relative frequencies of Succinivibrionaceae (FDR  <  0.05) – amylolytic bacteria associated with acidosis. The relative frequencies of the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae were lower in the feces collected from the rectum of horses receiving the HS diet vs. HF diet, indicating smaller core communities of these bacteria (FDR  <  0.05). Fibrous diets should be promoted to prevent dysbiosis of the microbiota associated with high-starch diet.
Advances in combined neuroendocrine carcinoma of lung cancer
Authors: Han Zesen , Yang Fujun , Wang Fang , Zheng Huayu , Chen Xiujian , Meng Hongyu , Li Fenglei
Published: May 2024

Lung cancer incidence and mortality rates are increasing worldwide, posing a significant public health challenge and an immense burden to affected families. Lung cancer encompasses distinct subtypes, namely, non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). In clinical investigations, researchers have observed that neuroendocrine tumors can be classified into four types: typical carcinoid, atypical carcinoid, small-cell carcinoma, and large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma based on their unique features. However, there exist combined forms of neuroendocrine cancer. This study focuses specifically on combined pulmonary carcinomas with a neuroendocrine component. In this comprehensive review article, the authors provide an overview of combined lung cancers and present two pathological images to visually depict these distinctive subtypes.
Solving Least-Squares Problems via a Double-Optimal Algorithm and a Variant of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker Equation for Over-Determined Systems
Authors: Liu Chein-Shan , Kuo Chung-Lun , Chang Chih-Wen
Published: May 2024

A double optimal solution (DOS) of a least-squares problem Ax=b,A∈Rq×n with q≠n is derived in an m+1-dimensional varying affine Krylov subspace (VAKS); two minimization techniques exactly determine the m+1 expansion coefficients of the solution x in the VAKS. The minimal-norm solution can be obtained automatically regardless of whether the linear system is consistent or inconsistent. A new double optimal algorithm (DOA) is created; it is sufficiently time saving by inverting an m×m positive definite matrix at each iteration step, where m≪min(n,q). The properties of the DOA are investigated and the estimation of residual error is provided. The residual norms are proven to be strictly decreasing in the iterations; hence, the DOA is absolutely convergent. Numerical tests reveal the efficiency of the DOA for solving least-squares problems. The DOA is applicable to least-squares problems regardless of whether qn. The Moore–Penrose inverse matrix is also addressed by adopting the DOA; the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed method are proven. The m+1-dimensional VAKS is different from the traditional m-dimensional affine Krylov subspace used in the conjugate gradient (CG)-type iterative algorithms CGNR (or CGLS) and CGRE (or Craig method) for solving least-squares problems with q>n. We propose a variant of the Karush–Kuhn–Tucker equation, and then we apply the partial pivoting Gaussian elimination method to solve the variant, which is better than the original Karush–Kuhn–Tucker equation, the CGNR and the CGNE for solving over-determined linear systems. Our main contribution is developing a double-optimization-based iterative algorithm in a varying affine Krylov subspace for effectively and accurately solving least-squares problems, even for a dense and ill-conditioned matrix A with q≪n or q≫n.
A Decadal Change in Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition at a Rural Site in Southern China
Authors: Ren Kaige , Zhou Yalan , Liu Jiarui , Yu Ziyin , Ma Xin , Si Ruotong , Wen Zhang , Xu Wen , Tang Aohan , Shen Jianlin , Goulding Keith , Liu Xuejun
Published: May 2024

Elevated atmospheric reactive nitrogen (Nr) emissions and the subsequent nitrogen (N) deposition have negatively impacted the global environment, particularly in China. In order to assess the long-term trends in atmospheric N deposition in the south of China, Taojiang County in Hunan Province was selected as a representative rural area for study. We analyzed interannual variation in atmospheric Nr, including gaseous ammonia (NH3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrate acid (HNO3) vapor, particulate ammonium (NH4+), and nitrate (NO3−) in air and NH4+-N and NO3−-N in precipitation from 2011 to 2020. The 10-year average atmospheric wet-plus-dry N deposition was 41.9 kg N ha−1 yr−1, which decreased by approximately 24% after 2012, indicating that NH3 and NOx emissions were effectively reduced by emission controls introduced in 2013. Wet deposition accounted for approximately 74% of the total N deposition and was significantly influenced by annual precipitation amount. Reduced N (NH3, pNH4+, and NH4+ in rainwater) was the dominant form, comprising approximately 58% of the total N deposition, while oxidized N (pNO3−, NO2, HNO3, and NO3− in rainwater) accounted for 42% of the total N deposition. Atmospheric HNO3, NO2, and NH3 concentrations and deposition declined by 30–80% over the decade, while particulate NH4+ and NO3− concentrations and deposition remained at relatively stable levels, which suggests that ongoing research and policy should focus on rural particulate pollution. Future strategies must concentrate on the integrated control of NH3 and NOx emissions to mitigate air pollution and protect human health, particularly in rural areas because current abatement efforts are primarily directed toward urban areas and the industrial sector, whereas non-point source NH3 pollution, influenced mainly by agricultural activities, dominates in rural regions.
Seasonal Variation in Short-Term Ambient Air Pollutants and ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Admissions: An Innovative Exploration of Air Pollution’s Health Consequences
Authors: Rus Andreea-Alexandra , Şoşdean Raluca , Lazăr Mihai-Andrei , Simonescu Marius , Luca Silvia-Ana , Dima Ciprian Nicuşor , Frişan Alexandra-Cătălina , Gaiţă Dan , Mornoş Cristian
Published: May 2024

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) persist as a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality despite advances in medical technology. Air pollution has emerged as a significant contemporary challenge due to increased energy consumption and rapid economic development. The study utilized multivariable Poisson regression and Distributed Lag Models (DLM) to assess the link between brief exposure to outdoor air pollutants (PM10—particulate matter with a diameter ≤ 10 μm, NO2—nitrogen dioxide, and O3—ozone) and the risk of acute myocardial infarction with ST-segment elevation (STEMI) hospitalization, stratified by season. The research was conducted from January 2019 to December 2021 at the University Hospital in Timisoara, Romania, and daily records were collected for STEMI admissions, atmospheric pollutant levels, and meteorological parameters. The most pronounced impacts were observed with each 10 μg/m3 increase at lag 07 for PM10 during summer, leading to a 2% increase in STEMI admissions, and for NO2 during spring at lag 07, resulting in a 0.9% rise in CVD incidence. Men, middle-aged adults, and older adults exhibited greater susceptibility to elevated NO2 and PM10 concentrations than women and younger individuals. Brief exposure to diverse air pollutants heightens the likelihood of hospitalization due to STEMI, particularly among men and adults over 45. Effective measures must be implemented to mitigate these impacts, especially for vulnerable populations.
Spatiotemporal Patterns of White Matter Maturation after Pre-Adolescence: A Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging Study
Authors: Farrher Ezequiel , Grinberg Farida , Khechiashvili Tamara , Neuner Irene , Konrad Kerstin , Shah N. Jon
Published: May 2024

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) enables the assessment of changes in brain tissue microstructure during maturation and ageing. In general, patterns of cerebral maturation and decline render non-monotonic lifespan trajectories of DTI metrics with age, and, importantly, the rate of microstructural changes is heterochronous for various white matter fibres. Recent studies have demonstrated that diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) metrics are more sensitive to microstructural changes during ageing compared to those of DTI. In a previous work, we demonstrated that the Cohen’s d of mean diffusional kurtosis (dMK) represents a useful biomarker for quantifying maturation heterochronicity. However, some inferences on the maturation grades of different fibre types, such as association, projection, and commissural, were of a preliminary nature due to the insufficient number of fibres considered. Hence, the purpose of this follow-up work was to further explore the heterochronicity of microstructural maturation between pre-adolescence and middle adulthood based on DTI and DKI metrics. Using the effect size of the between-group parametric changes and Cohen’s d, we observed that all commissural fibres achieved the highest level of maturity, followed by the majority of projection fibres, while the majority of association fibres were the least matured. We also demonstrated that dMK strongly correlates with the maxima or minima of the lifespan curves of DTI metrics. Furthermore, our results provide substantial evidence for the existence of spatial gradients in the timing of white matter maturation. In conclusion, our data suggest that DKI provides useful biomarkers for the investigation of maturation spatial heterogeneity and heterochronicity.
Exploring Heritage: An In-Depth Performance Evaluation of Kenadsa’s Office Building through User Perceptions and Behaviors
Authors: Hamlili Fatima Zohra , Dakhia Azzedine , Biara Ratiba Wided
Published: May 2024

This research focuses on the evaluation of a heritage office building in the town of Kenadsa in the Southwest of Algeria (a famous oasis in the arid regions of the country). Emphasizing user’s perception as a metric key for performance assessment, this study aims to investigate the users’ perception and behaviors of a heritage office building on an oasis settlement. The research was conducted in 2023, and employing a multidimensional approach, both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, along with agent-based modeling, were integrated. One qualitative methodology is based on a series of field surveys and the other quantitative methodology relies on in situ measurements of the physical dimensions of the environment. The quantitative aspect involves an agent-based modeling framework, simulating user interactions by incorporating physical dimensions, spatial layout, historical context, and user behavior. The main findings of this study, examining perceptions and behaviors under varying luminous and thermal environments, show that this integrated approach provides insights into user satisfaction, spatial utilization, and the identification of user behaviors and productivity in each office.
The Impact of Work Desk Shapes on the Utilisation of an Activity-Based-Working Environment
Authors: Stojanovic Djordje , Vujovic Milica , Gocer Ozgur , Marzban Samin , Candido Christhina
Published: May 2024

The design of Activity-Based Working (ABW) environments embraces workers’ continuous mobility enabled by technology and the mindset of seeking work zones that best support the task at hand. This paper focuses on aspects of workspace selection within a facility designed to support ABW, focusing on the overall occupancy dynamics, temporal context, and information capturing less-explored details of the physical environment. This study analyses the active use of a workspace in relation to work desk shapes, rectangular and trapezial. Drawing from a longitudinal dataset spanning 12 months from an ABW facility, capturing the active workstation usage of 964 occupants through individual computer logins, this study employs descriptive statistics to analyse the active use of workspace relative to total work hours over the year. Inferential statistical techniques are utilised to compare active use measurements between and within specific workspace areas, revealing significant differences and highlighting the importance of temporal and spatial contexts in workspace utilisation patterns. The presented results demonstrate both tendencies and statistically significant differences, confirming the relevance of the studied variables in examining workspace utilisation. The results show significant usage variations throughout the day across different zones of the observed workspace, with peak activity between 11:00 and 13:00 h for both work desk shapes. This study’s insights are relevant to improving the utilisation of facilities designed for ABW and contribute to a longstanding interest in designing and arranging workplaces to better fit the people who use them.
Design and Validation of a Stratified Shear Model Box for Seismic Response of a Sand-Blowing Reclamation Site
Authors: Li Jiaguang , Wei Yi , Liang Tenglong , Yan Yuanfang , Gao Ying , Lu Xiaoyan
Published: May 2024

The global increase in building collapses and damage on soft-soil sites due to distant significant earthquakes poses similar challenges for sand-blowing reclamation (SBR) sites on soft-soil layers. This study was initiated to capture the vibration characteristics of the SBR sites and to provide fresh insights into their seismic responses. Initially, considering the heterogeneity and layered structure of soil at SBR sites, we developed a novel stratified shearing model box. This model box enables the simulation of the complex characteristics of soil layers at SBR sites under laboratory conditions, representing a significant innovation in this field. Subsequently, an innovative jack loading system was developed to apply active vertical pressure on the soil layer model, accelerating soil consolidation. Furthermore, a new data collection and analysis system was devised to monitor and record acceleration, pore water pressure, and displacement in real time during the experiments. To verify the model box’s accuracy and innovation, and to examine the seismic response of SBR sites under varying consolidation pressures, four vibration tests were conducted across different pressure gradients to analyze the model’s predominant period evolution due to consolidation pressures. The experimental results demonstrate that the model box accurately simulates the propagation of one-dimensional shear waves in soil layers under various consolidation pressures, with notable repeatability and reliability. Our experiments demonstrated that increasing consolidation pressure results in higher shear wave speeds in both sand and soft-soil layers, and shifts the site’s predominant period towards shorter durations. Concurrently, we established the relationship between the site’s predominant period and the input waves. This study opens new paths for further research into the dynamic response properties of SBR sites under diverse conditions through shaking-table tests.