bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of postfire regeneration pattern on soil respiration in the boreal forest of China
Authors: Yang Lixue , Shan Chengfeng , Zhou Siyu , Yang Yuchun , Liu Huifeng , Shen Fangyuan
Published: October 2024

Background

As the second largest carbon flux between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems, soil respiration involves multiple components of ecosystem production. Revealing soil respiration in forests with different postfire regeneration patterns is critical for determining appropriate restoration strategies in response to increasing wildfire disturbances. Here, we examined the influence of five postfire regeneration patterns (L: Larix gmelinii monocultures, LB: L. gmelinii and Betula platyphylla mixed plantations, P: Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica monocultures, PB: P. sylvestris var. mongolica and B. platyphylla mixed plantations, N: naturally regenerated forests) on soil heterotrophic respiration (Rh) and total respiration (Rs).

Methods

Trenching was implemented to monitor soil heterotrophic respiration. We used partial least squares path modeling methods to estimate the different environmental factors regulating soil respiration across forest types.

Results

The results showed that forest type and season had significant effects on Rs and Rh. Rh was the dominant part of Rs for all forest types (68.84 ~ 90.20%). Compared to naturally regenerated forests, Rs and Rh under L, LB, and PB had higher rates (P < 0.05), while Rs and Rh under P had lower rates (P < 0.05). The temperature sensitivities of Rs under different forest types were 2.316 (L), 1.840 (LB), 1.716 (P), 1.665 (PB), and 2.096 (N).

Conclusions

Forests regenerated with artificial participation established their plant communities visibly faster than naturally regenerated forests. Mixed species plantation regeneration demonstrated an improvement in soil respiration compared to naturally regenerated forests but had a lower temperature sensitivity of soil respiration than their respective monocultures. Soil temperature and moisture dominated the influence factors on soil respiration throughout the broader seasonal shifts. However, for a single season, forest productivity and soil properties have a greater impact on soil respiration. This study extends our knowledge of the interaction mechanism between soil respiration and environmental variables in boreal forests and contributes to improving confidence in global carbon cycling model predictions.
Consumer skepticism towards organic beauty products Cross-country research
Authors: Kifaya Raja
Published: October 2024

Based on the attitude–behaviour–context (ABC) theory, the present study addressed consumer skepticism as one of the inhibitors of organic purchasing behaviour. More specifically, it investigated the role of environmental concern and environmental knowledge as a mediator, in the organic cosmetics background. Data gathered from consumers in Tunisia (N = 736), Italy (N = 720) and France (N = 715) and analysed using a structural equation modelling approach. The findings revealed that green skepticism is a strong inhibitor towards adoption of organic cosmetic products among consumers in the three countries. On the other hand, findings revealed that environmental knowledge and environmental concern fully mediate the relationship between green skepticism and organic purchasing behaviour. The ultimate goal is to provide valuable insights for business leaders, policymakers and marketers fully understand consumers’ resistance to organic cosmetic products. Further, it offers a comprehensive framework to support strategies to reduce consumers’ skepticism towards organic products, in different market segments.
Pathways regulating intestinal stem cells and potential therapeutic targets for radiation enteropathy
Authors: Chen Si-Min , Guo Bing-Jie , Feng An-Qiang , Wang Xue-Lian , Zhang Sai-Long , Miao Chao-Yu
Published: October 2024

Radiotherapy is a pivotal intervention for cancer patients, significantly impacting their treatment outcomes and survival prospects. Nevertheless, in the course of treating those with abdominal, pelvic, or retroperitoneal malignant tumors, the procedure inadvertently exposes adjacent intestinal tissues to radiation, posing risks of radiation-induced enteropathy upon reaching threshold doses. Stem cells within the intestinal crypts, through their controlled proliferation and differentiation, support the critical functions of the intestinal epithelium, ensuring efficient nutrient absorption while upholding its protective barrier properties. Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) regulation is intricately orchestrated by diverse signaling pathways, among which are the WNT, BMP, NOTCH, EGF, Hippo, Hedgehog and NF-κB, each contributing to the complex control of these cells' behavior. Complementing these pathways are additional regulators such as nutrient metabolic states, and the intestinal microbiota, all of which contribute to the fine-tuning of ISCs behavior in the intestinal crypts. It is the harmonious interplay among these signaling cascades and modulating elements that preserves the homeostasis of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), thereby ensuring the gut's overall health and function. This review delves into the molecular underpinnings of how stem cells respond in the context of radiation enteropathy, aiming to illuminate potential biological targets for therapeutic intervention. Furthermore, we have compiled a summary of several current treatment methodologies. By unraveling these mechanisms and treatment methods, we aspire to furnish a roadmap for the development of novel therapeutics, advancing our capabilities in mitigating radiation-induced intestinal damage.
Mental health apps in India: regulatory landscape and future directions
Authors: Singh Sethi M. I. , Kumar Rakesh C. , Manjunatha Narayana , Naveen Kumar Channaveerachari , Math Suresh Bada
Published: October 2024

Mental health apps (MHAs) are increasingly popular in India due to rising mental health awareness and app accessibility. Despite their benefits, like mood tracking, sleep tools and virtual therapy, MHAs lack regulatory oversight. India's framework, including the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and Medical Device Rules 2017, does not cover standalone health apps, raising concerns about data privacy and accuracy. Establishing a centralised regulatory body with guidelines for MHAs is essential for user safety and efficacy. This paper examines the current regulatory landscape, compares international approaches and proposes a tiered regulatory framework to foster responsible innovation while safeguarding user interests in digital mental health services.
Clinical and Genomic Characterization of
ERBB2
-Altered Gallbladder Cancer: Exploring Differences Between an American and a Chilean Cohort
Authors: Mondaca Sebastián , Walch Henry , Sepúlveda Santiago , Schultz Nikolaus , Muñoz Gonzalo , Yaqubie Amin , Macanas Patricia , Pareja Claudia , Garcia Patricia , Chatila Walid , Nervi Bruno , Li Bob , Harding James J. , Viviani Paola , Roa Juan Carlos , Abou-Alfa Ghassan K.
Published: October 2024

PURPOSE

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a biliary tract malignancy characterized by its high lethality. Although the incidence of GBC is low in most countries, specific areas such as Chile display a high incidence. Our collaborative study sought to compare clinical and molecular features of GBC cohorts from Chile and the United States with a focus on
ERBB2
alterations.

METHODS

Patients were accrued at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) or the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC). Clinical information was retrieved from medical records. Genomic analysis was performed by the next-generation sequencing platform MSK-Integrated Mutation Profiling of Actionable Cancer Targets.

RESULTS

A total of 260 patients with GBC were included, 237 from MSK and 23 from PUC. There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics between the patients identified at MSK and at PUC except in terms of lithiasis prevalence which was significantly higher in the PUC cohort (85%
v
44%;
P
= .0003). The prevalence of
ERBB2
alterations was comparable between the two cohorts (15%
v
9%;
P
= .42). Overall,
ERBB2
alterations were present in 14% of patients (8% with
ERBB2
amplification, 4%
ERBB2
mutation, 1.5% concurrent amplification and mutation, and 0.4%
ERBB2
fusion). Notably, patients with GBC that harbored
ERBB2
alterations had better overall survival (OS) versus their
ERBB2
-wild type counterparts (22.3 months
v
11.8 months;
P
= .024).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of lithiasis seems to be higher in Chilean versus US patients with GBC. A similar prevalence of
ERBB2
alterations of overall 14% and better OS suggests that a proportion of them could benefit from human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2–targeted therapies. The smaller cohort of Chile, where the disease prevalence is higher, is a reminder and invitation for the need of more robust next-generation sequencing analyses globally.
A clinical-genetic (CG) circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA)-based prognostic model for predicting overall survival (OS) in men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) treated with potent androgen receptor inhibition (Alliance).
Authors: Halabi Susan , Luo Bin , Guo Siyuan S , Knutson Todd , Lyman Jacqueline , Kobilka Anna , Beltran Himisha , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Rosenberg Jonathan E. , Galsky Matt D. , Ryan Charles J. , Kelly William Kevin , Small Eric J. , Morris Michael J. , Dehm Scott M. , Armstrong Andrew J.
Published: October 2024

5007

Background:
We have previously developed and validated a clinical prognostic model of OS in mCRPC men that included these variables: performance status, disease site, opioid analgesic use, lactate dehydrogenase, albumin, hemoglobin, prostate specific antigen, and alkaline phosphatase. The goal of this analysis is to improve upon the clinical model of OS by incorporating ctDNA pathogenic genetic alterations (PGAs).
Methods:
Data from the A031201 phase 3 trial of enzalutamide+/- abiraterone were used to develop and validate the CG model of OS. Cell-free DNA was isolated from plasma and analyzed using a 69-gene targeted DNA-sequencing assay for detection of ctDNA PGAs. Genetic features were identified based on feature importance using a random survival forest and the final CG model was trained including clinical and selected genetic factors. Model discrimination was assessed using time-dependent area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (tAUC).
Results:
Data were available on 776 patients. In addition to clinical variables, the model included in this order: gains in
AR
and the
AR
enhancer,
MYC
,
RSPO2
, and losses and/or PGAs of
ZBTB16
,
PTEN
,
MSH6
,
PPP2R2A
,
NKX3-1
,
TP53
,
FANCA
,
RB1
,
APC
,
CHD1
, and
BRCA2
, and ichorCNA tumor fraction. tAUCs in clinical and CG models were 0.72 (95% CI=0.72-0.73) and 0.77 (95% CI= 0.76-0.77). Median OS and the hazard ratios by the three- and four- prognostic risk groups are presented in the table.
Conclusions:
CG model identified novel ctDNA PGAs prognostic of OS and can be utilized to classify patients into risk groups useful in selecting patients in future trials of mCRPC.
Clinical trial information: NCT01949337
.

Median OS and hazard ratios by the three- and four-prognostic risk groups.

Prognostic Risk Groups*

Median Overall Survival (95% Confidence Interval (CI)), months

Hazard Ratio (95% CI)

3-Prognostic Risk Groups LowIntermediatePoor
58.9 (50.1- NR)35.5 (32.3- 40.2)19.3 (17.3- 21.5)
0.22 (0.17- 0.27)0.42 (0.35- 0.51)Reference

4-Prognostic Risk GroupsLowLow IntermediateIntermediate PoorPoor
64.2 (52.8- NR)43.6 (38.2- 48.9)31.1 (28.3- 33.6)17.0 (16.0- 18.9)
0.15 (0.11- 0.19)0.26 (0.20- 0.33)0.43 (0.34- 0.53)Reference

*Patients classified into prognostic risk groups based on the tertile or the quartile of the predicted risk.
Modulation of Inflammation in Heart Failure: The Role of Ziltivekimab and Canakinumab
Authors: Wołowiec Łukasz , Zukow Walery , Pęcherz Julia , Czaplińska Daria , Jaśniak Albert , Grześk Grzegorz
Published: October 2024

This article examines the role of inflammation in heart failure pathogenesis and explores novel therapeutic strategies targeting inflammatory pathways. The increasing prevalence of heart failure, particularly those with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), highlights the urgent demand for effective treatments. Canakinumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-1β, has shown promise in reducing cardiovascular events by modulating inflammation, while Ziltivekimab, a newer monoclonal antibody targeting interleukin-6, demonstrates potential in heart failure patients with elevated inflammatory markers. The article reviews clinical trials, including CANTOS and RESCUE, providing evidence of the efficacy of patient outcomes. The findings underscore the importance of personalized treatment strategies on heart failure, with a focus on inflammation-driven pathways, positioning anti-inflammatory therapies as a significant advancement in cardiovascular disease management. Future research will determine the broader clinical applicability of these therapies in managing heart failure, its complications, and fostering more favorable outcomes.
Dominación, resistencia y resiliencia en el trabajo doméstico en Colombia. Historia de vida de Omaira
Authors: Niño Romero Shara Blue
Published: October 2024

Este libro aborda el trabajo doméstico en Colombia desde la trayectoria de vida de Omaira desde una metodología de corte cualitativo que está conformada por genealogías familiares, historia de vida, etnografía familiar, entrevistas y revisión de archivos. La recolección de datos y análisis se da en tres etapas claves de la vida de Omaira. Su niñez, su adolescencia y su vida adulta. Desde la singularidad de esas etapas, es posible ver a profundidad cómo la división de roles de género configura una construcción de niña y mujer desde los espacios privados de los hogares y el trabajo doméstico directo e indirecto. A partir de esa construcción de mujer se muestran algunos patrones de emancipación femenina como el divorcio y ser madre soltera cabeza de hogar, situaciones que en la década de los años setenta y ochenta eran muy cuestionadas. Se exploran también las relaciones ambiguas y el vínculo entre la dominación (distancia) y afecto (cercanía) que surgen en el trabajo doméstico entre la empleada y la familia empleadora. Por último, se establece una reflexión acerca de la continuidad del trabajo doméstico en la vida de mujeres mayores que pertenecen a las clases populares y que toda su vida han estado al servicio de otros, este texto es una invitación a pensar los roles de cuidado, los derechos de las mujeres cuidadoras y, la necesidad de crear y fomentar políticas públicas que regulen y dignifiquen el trabajo doméstico.
A suprapubic refractory skin ulcer following keloid radiotherapy: from hyper-proliferation to hypo-proliferation
Authors: Zhou Renpeng , Hou Jialin , Fu Xiujun , Wang Chen , Liang Yimin , Wang Danru
Published: October 2024

Radiation-induced skin ulcer following cancer and/or tumour is well-documented in the literature. However, radiation-induced skin ulcer following the excision of keloid is yet to be reported. Here, we report the case of a 33-year-old female patient with a suprapubic skin ulcer of five months' duration following keloid treatment with electron beam therapy at recommended dosage. Various examinations, including a skin biopsy, metagenomic sequencing, magnetic resonance imaging and immunochemistry, indicated that the skin ulcer was induced by radiotherapy. While postoperative radiotherapy has been recommended immediately following keloid excision to reduce the risk of recurrence, the present case highlights the risk of skin refractory ulcer following keloid radiotherapy.
Percentage area reduction as surrogate for complete healing of hard-to-heal wounds: a review of clinical trials
Authors: Lammert Angela , Kiehlmeier Sandra , Dissemond Joachim , Münter Karl-Christian , Schnorpfeil Willi , Pohl Juliane
Published: October 2024

Objective:

Hard-to-heal (chronic) wounds are treated differently at varying healing stages and often require long periods of time to heal completely. Therefore, it is often very difficult to achieve this primary endpoint in clinical trials with wound products which are used temporarily. Thus, it seems reasonable to use valid wound healing parameters determined at an early stage, such as the percentage (wound) area reduction (PAR), as surrogates for predicting complete wound healing.

Method:

To identify studies on the association between potential surrogate endpoints and complete wound healing, a systematic literature search in MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library databases was performed. The findings of the studies were summarised qualitatively.

Results:

A total of 23 publications with a focus on hard-to-heal wounds (n=10 diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), n=10 venous leg ulcers (VLUs), n=3 other ulcers) and various wound care regimens were identified. All studies showed a high bias potential. The available clinical evidence confirmed that the PAR at week 4 showed a good discriminatory capacity to predict which wounds would eventually heal and which would not. The chance to achieve complete wound healing was significantly higher for wounds achieving a PAR of ≥40% (VLU) or ≥50% (DFU) at week 4.

Conclusion:

The PAR thresholds of 40% (VLU) and 50% (DFU) can be used to identify the proportion of the wounds that will heal, and those that will not heal, to compare the efficacy of different wound dressings as early as week 4 in the setting of clinical trials. The available evidence may be limited by a potential risk of bias.
Experiences of patients with hard-to-heal wounds: insights from a pilot survey
Authors: Wahab Naz , Forsyth R Allyn
Published: October 2024

Objective:

To learn about the experiences of people who seek treatment for hard-to-heal wounds, we distributed a nationwide pilot survey, asking questions about the nature of their wound, how it shaped their daily lives, pathways to receiving care and experiences with treatment. The long-term objective is to quantify the journey of patients with hard-to-heal wounds to identify ideal intervention points that will lead to the best outcomes. This article summarises the findings, implications, limitations and suggestions for future research.

Method:

Qualitative data were self-reported from patients with hard-to-heal wounds (open for ≥4 weeks) in a pilot chatbot survey, (Wound Expert Survey (WES)) provided online in the US on Meta platforms (Facebook and Instagram) between 2021 and 2022.

Results:

The US national pilot survey attracted responses from 780 patients, 27 of whom provided a video testimonial. Some 57% of patients delayed treatment because they believed their wound would heal on its own, and only 4% saw a wound care specialist. Respondents reported the cost of care as the most frequent reason for not following all of a doctor's treatment recommendations. Queries regarding quality of life (QoL) revealed that more than half (65%) said they have negative thoughts associated with their wound at least every few days. Some 19% of respondents said their wound had an odour and, of them, 34% said odour had a major or severe negative impact on their self-confidence. Economically, nearly one-quarter of respondents said having a wound led to a drop in their total household income and 17% said their wound led to a change in their employment status.

Conclusion:

A national pilot survey of patients with hard-to-heal wounds revealed that many delay seeking professional assistance and only a small minority see a wound care specialist. Experiencing an ulcer, even for a few months, can have significant negative effects on a patient's QoL. Patients frequently had negative thoughts associated with their wound, and odour compounded these negative effects, leading to major or severe negative impacts on self-confidence. Households experienced a decline in income, due to both the direct reduction or loss of patient employment and the additional time spent by family members assisting in patient recovery. Thus, a variety of factors contribute to poor outcomes for patients with hard-to-heal wounds. To validate and extend these preliminary results, future surveys of patients with hard-to-heal wounds should focus on additional reasons patients do not seek professional help sooner. To improve health outcomes and QoL, assessment of patient socioeconomic variables should occur whenever wound closure stalls.
Die griechischen Handschriften der Signaturengruppen Rep. I und Rep. II (Leihgabe Leipziger Stadtbibliothek)
Authors: Berger Friederike
Published: October 2024

Die 1543 im ehemaligen Leipziger Dominikanerkloster von Caspar Borner (1492–1547) gegründete Universitätsbibliothek besaß früh griechische Handschriften, unter denen Cod. gr. 16, der Codex Unicus für das Geschichtswerk des Genesios, und der Homer-Codex Cod. gr. 32 hervorzuheben sind. Unter Christian Friedrich Börner (1683–1753) kamen Handschriften aus dem Besitz von Andreas Erasmus Seidel (1650–1707)dazu, der als Dolmetscher der Venezianer das Osmanische Reich bereist hatte. Später erhielt die Bibliothek mit dem Nachlass von Gottlob Kühn (1754–1840) medizinische, mit dem Nachlass von Friedrich August Biener (1787–1861) juristische Handschriften und mit dem Nachlass von Konstantin von Tischendorf (1815–1874) Handschriften vom Katharinenkloster auf dem Sinai und aus weiteren Institutionen des Nahen Ostens, außerdem eigenhändige Kollationen und Material für den Paläographieunterricht. Mit Band V,2 des Katalogs der Handschriften der Universitätsbibliothek Leipzig werden erstmals die griechischen Handschriften der Signaturengruppen Rep. I und Rep. II (Leihgabe Leipziger Stadtbibliothek) in wissenschaftlicher Tieferschließung vorgestellt. Es handelt sich um 30 Manuskripte einer bibliophil-repräsentativen Bürgersammlung, der 1677 gegründeten Leipziger Ratsbibliothek, die durch Stiftungen von Ratsherren vermehrt wurde. 14 Handschriften stammen aus dem byzantinischen Osten oder Süditalien, darunter sechs Manuskripte aus der Bibliothek des Klosteres San Salvatore in Messina, die als Reparatur¬maku¬latur eine Reihe von alten Fragmenten enthalten. Neun Handschriften wurden zwischen 1470 und 1570 in Italien oder auf Kreta geschrieben. Eine Besonderheit des Bestandes bilden Handschriften aus dem Besitz des Bibliophilen Zacharias Conrad von Uffenbach (1683–1734), darunter mit Rep. I 17 das unikale Zeremonienbuch des byzantinischen Kaiserhofs aus dem letzten Drittel des 10. Jh. Zum Bestand gehören außerdem sieben Abschriften von westlichen Gelehrten des 17. und 18. Jahrhunderts.
Predictors of unmet needs among people with diabetes mellitus type 2 in Gampaha district of Sri Lanka
Authors: Widanapathirana Nimali , Wickremasinghe Rajitha , Perera Susie , McKee Martin , Palafox Benjamin , Balabanova Dina
Published: October 2024

Diabetes mellitus is a significant contributor to the disease burden in Sri Lanka. Despite government efforts to improve access to care for those with chronic illness, major gaps remain. We assessed the prevalence and correlates of unmet needs among persons with diabetes mellitus type 2 to inform policies on improving healthcare access in a predominantly tax-funded public healthcare system. A descriptive cross-sectional study identified 401 persons with diabetes mellitus type 2 using a multi-stage cluster sampling method from 1767 individuals aged 40–69 from the Gampaha district, just north of the capital Colombo. An interviewer-administered questionnaire gathered data on unmet needs for physician care, medicines, and investigations during the preceding year. Associated factors, identified from the health behaviour model, were examined using binomial logistic regression with significance set at p<0.05. One-fifth experienced an unmet need (95%CI:15.7–23.7), with 16% for physician care (95%CI:12.7–20.2), 4.2% for medicines (95%CI:2.5–6.7) and 6.0% for investigations (95%CI:3.9–8.8). People who frequently visited a private provider experienced less unmet needs overall. Being female (AOR 0.50; 95%CI:0.27–0.92) and having a higher income (AOR 0.37; 95%CI:0.16–0.83) reduced unmet need for physician care. Absence of other major chronic illnesses (AOR 0.31; 95%CI:0.12–0.80) and having a regular care provider in the public (AOR 0.24; 95%CI:0.07–0.89) or private sectors (AOR 0.18; 95%CI:0.05–0.68) reduced unmet need for investigations with the latter also reducing unmet need for medicines (AOR 0.11; 95%CI:0.02–0.77). Despite Sri Lanka having a predominantly publicly financed healthcare system, persons with diabetes mellitus experienced unmet healthcare needs, mainly for physician care which varied with socio-economic characteristics. It is important to ensure uninterrupted care, universally for all, through patient-centred models of care linked to a regular provider. Health planners should take account of unmet needs when expanding public sector coverage for chronic illness care.
Insights and inspirations: A qualitative exploration of community health workers’ motivations in Myanmar and Bangladesh
Authors: Yamonn Nyo , Lee Catherine , Traill Tom W. J. Y.
Published: October 2024

Community Health Workers (CHWs) play significant roles in various settings, with their motivations and retention strategies widely studied. Yet, literature is sparse on CHWs from Myanmar, who are key to primary health care in marginalized and conflict-affected areas. This study explores the unique challenges these CHWs face, using firsthand accounts. Life story interviews, enhanced with a lifeline tool, were conducted with 34 CHWs from conflict-affected regions in Myanmar and in Rohingya camps in Bangladesh. Additionally, eight key informant interviews were held with leaders from organizations that work with CHWs. Data analysis was facilitated by NVivo 14 software and four layers of influence adapted from Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory of human development. The findings reveal that, CHWs primarily joined organizations to acquire skills and knowledge. In Bangladesh, the focus was on job-related skills, whereas in Myanmar, healthcare skills were prioritized. Despite remuneration being inadequate, it remained crucial for retention, as did the sense of being valued by the community in Myanmar. Mental health support emerged as a potential need for CHWs. Funding deficits and fragmented support presented organizational challenges, thereby impacting both program implementation and retention of CHWs. To address these challenges, effective, sustainable CHW programs in conflict-affected regions require a shift towards long-term support for organizations and health systems. This includes focusing on CHWs’ mental health and stakeholder engagement. Short-term, fragmented solutions may revert to pre-existing situations once removed. Sustainability planning is key to break the CHW turnover cycle and maximize investments in these contexts.
Pollen trapping as Honeybees pollination management and identification of dominant pollinators of Guizotia abyssinica (L.f)
Authors: Jilo Kasim Roba , Yadeta Gemmechis Legesse , Gemmeda Tolera Kumsa
Published: October 2024

Pollination is one of the most fascinating aspects of insect-plant interactions. Pollen is the male reproductive element of flowering plants, gathered by foraging Honeybees from the male parts of flowering plants called the anther. Guizotia abyssinica (L.f) is an important oilseed crop cultivated in Ethiopia and India, which belongs to the family Asteraceae. Although self-incompatibility is found in Guizotia abyssinica, a higher seed set is experienced in places with an active Honeybees population. Agricultural practices usually focus on inputs such as fertilizer application to improve seed yield of Guizotia abyssinica. However, these practices have little effect on yield if the availability of insect pollination is too low. To fill this gap, an experiment was carried out at Dandi district, West Shao zone, Oromia, Ethiopia to see the effect of Honeybees pollination management as an agronomic input. Pollination management of Honeybees was tested under feeding and non-feeding of colonies management. Pollen was trapped with and without sugar syrup feeding. The results discovered that Honeybees fed sugar syrup collected much more pollen than colonies not fed sugar syrup. The proportion of Guizotia abyssinica pollen collected through sugar syrup feeding of the colony was greater (62.2%), compared to the proportion of Guizotia abyssinica pollen trapped without sugar syrup feeding (37.8%). This indicates that sugar syrup feeding enhances the collection of pollen and probably enhances the pollination efficiency of Honeybees since they visit frequently to fulfill their daily protein requirement of pollen. Therefore, Honeybees pollination services should be included as one of the agronomic inputs with sugar syrup feeding as pollination management that might increase the yield of Guizotia abyssinica since it increases visiting frequency.
Design and implementation of corrosion-resistant multitasking cell stainers
Authors: Liao Chengsheng , Gong Zhen , Fang Run , Li Leheng , Gao Zhifan , Mao Min , Zeng Libo
Published: October 2024

Compared with machine staining, traditional manual staining faces various problems, such as a low preparation success rate, low efficiency, and harm to the human body due to corrosive gases. Therefore, a stainer that is of low cost, has strong corrosion resistance, and is suitable for small-batch preparation should be developed. In this study, by choosing a rotary scheme as the structural basis, a reusable container cover and a master-slave manipulator cooperation scheme are developed, which greatly improve the space utilization rate. Through material selection and structural design, in the designed stainer, effective protection against strong acids with high volatility and permeability is realized, thereby eliminating the corrosion issue. Using the designed splitting-running algorithm for the dyeing procedure, simultaneous multistaining is realized, which significantly improves the staining efficiency. Compared with large-sized stainers, the cost of the proposed stainer is very low, which will help popularize early screening for cervical cancer in low- and middle-income countries.
Behavioral responses to artificial insemination and the effect of positive reinforcement training
Authors: Heinsius Jennifer L. , von Keyserlingk Marina A. G. , Weary Daniel M.
Published: October 2024

Dairy cattle experience a variety of stressors associated with routine farm practices, including injections, pen movements, regrouping, and artificial insemination. The primary objective of this study was to assess ear position (categorized according to 5 positions) and body movement responses of heifers during their first experience of artificial insemination, in comparison with responses during baseline observations before and after this procedure. A secondary objective was to test whether heifers exposed to positive reinforcement training (PRT) responded differently to this procedure. We tested 12 heifers (13 ± 0.7 mo. old); 7 were trained using PRT (as part of another study) and 5 had no experience with PRT. Ear axial and ear forward positions were more frequent during observations before and after artificial insemination relative to during artificial insemination (4.57 ± 0.82 vs. 0.31 ± 0.82 times/period, and 3.45 ± 0.51 vs. 0.50 ± 0.51 times/period, respectively). Backward pinned ear position was observed less frequently before and after versus during artificial insemination (0.12 ± 0.76 vs. 3.76 ± 0.76 times/period). We found no effect of period relative to artificial insemination on any of the 4 body movements assessed (leaning forward, backward, and steps taken with front legs and back legs).We found an effect of PRT on forward ear position (1.00 ± 0.51 times/PRT group vs. 2.95 ± 0.60 times/control group), and found that control heifers leaned forward and took more steps with their front legs than did PRT heifers (0.93 ± 0.57 times/PRT group vs. 3.55 ± 0.67 times/control group and 1.29 ± 0.68 times/PRT group vs. 3.85 ± 0.81 times/control group). We conclude that heifers experiencing artificial insemination for the first time express distinct ear positions that are consistent with responses to a negative emotional state. Further work is required to validate these responses and to determine the extent that they can be used to assess affective responses to this and other procedures.
InstructNet: A novel approach for multi-label instruction classification through advanced deep learning
Authors: Aurpa Tanjim Taharat , Ahmed Md. Shoaib , Rahman Md. Mahbubur , Moazzam Md. Golam
Published: October 2024

People use search engines for various topics and items, from daily essentials to more aspirational and specialized objects. Therefore, search engines have taken over as people’s preferred resource. The “How To” prefix has become familiar and widely used in various search styles to find solutions to particular problems. This search allows people to find sequential instructions by providing detailed guidelines to accomplish specific tasks. Categorizing instructional text is also essential for task-oriented learning and creating knowledge bases. This study uses the “How To” articles to determine the multi-label instruction category. We have brought this work with a dataset comprising 11,121 observations from wikiHow, where each record has multiple categories. To find out the multi-label category meticulously, we employ some transformer-based deep neural architectures, such as Generalized Autoregressive Pretraining for Language Understanding (XLNet), Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Transformers (BERT), etc. In our multi-label instruction classification process, we have reckoned our proposed architectures using accuracy and macro f1-score as the performance metrics. This thorough evaluation showed us much about our strategy’s strengths and drawbacks. Specifically, our implementation of the XLNet architecture has demonstrated unprecedented performance, achieving an accuracy of 97.30% and micro and macro average scores of 89.02% and 93%, a noteworthy accomplishment in multi-label classification. This high level of accuracy and macro average score is a testament to the effectiveness of the XLNet architecture in our proposed ‘InstructNet’ approach. By employing a multi-level strategy in our evaluation process, we have gained a more comprehensive knowledge of the effectiveness of our proposed architectures and identified areas for forthcoming improvement and refinement.
Tracking the emergence of a novel genotype of Decapod hepanhamaparvovirus in shrimp using laser microdissection and next generation sequencing
Authors: Cruz-Flores Roberto , Dhar Arun K.
Published: October 2024

The prevalence of hepatopancreatic diseases in cultured shrimp has increased in recent years. Decapod Hepanhamaparvovirus 1 (DHPV) infection was identified by histology in samples that could not be detected by PCR-based assay for this virus. Employing Laser Microdissection (LMD), we dissected cells containing intranuclear inclusion bodies pathognomonic for DHPV infection from histological sections. Whole Genome Amplification and NGS were used to generate five complete genomes of the novel DHPV isolate that showed identities ranging from 77% to 98% to previously reported isolates. Phylogenetic analyses revealed the DHPV isolate represents a novel genotype, Genotype V. We developed PCR and in situ hybridization methods tailored for the specific detection of this genotype. Our approach of combining LMD with NGS opens avenues for rapid identification of emerging viral pathogens and retrospective studies to understand origin and evolution of viruses showcasing the transformative potential of the innovative approach used in this study.
Prognostic value of stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with prediabetes and suspected coronary artery disease
Authors: Leungratanamart Norapat , Wanitchung Kasinee , Prechawuttidech Sumet , Karaketklang Khemajira , Kaolawanich Yodying
Published: October 2024

Background

Stress perfusion cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is an accurate and comprehensive modality for evaluating patients with suspected coronary artery disease (CAD), but its prognostic value in prediabetic patients is uncertain.

Methods

This retrospective study included 452 consecutive prediabetic patients without prior diagnoses of CAD who underwent adenosine stress perfusion CMR. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), hospitalization for heart failure, ischemic stroke, and late coronary revascularization (>90 days post-CMR). The secondary endpoint was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, and hospitalization for heart failure.

Results

The mean age was 68±11 years (49% male). Over a median follow-up time of 8.1 (IQR 5.7, 10.4) years, 55 patients experienced MACE, and 24 met the secondary endpoint. Patients with inducible ischemia had significantly greater annualized event rates for MACE (5.7% vs. 0.7%, p<0.001) and for the secondary endpoint (2.0% vs. 0.3%, p<0.001) than those without ischemia. Multivariable analysis revealed inducible ischemia as a consistent predictor for MACE (HR 3.36, 95%CI 1.90–5.94, p<0.001) and for the secondary endpoint (HR 2.89, 95%CI 1.22–6.80, p = 0.01). Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was an independent predictor of the secondary endpoint (HR 3.56, 95%CI 1.25–10.13; p = 0.02). Incorporating inducible ischemia and LGE data significantly improved the model’s ability to discriminate MACE risk (C-statistic increase from 0.77 to 0.83; net reclassification improvement 0.42; integrated discrimination improvement 0.05).

Conclusion

Stress perfusion CMR offers substantial independent prognostic value and effectively aids in reclassifying cardiovascular risk among prediabetic patients with suspected CAD.
The influence of health awareness on university students’ healthy lifestyles: The chain mediating role of self-esteem and social support
Authors: Zhang Zeqing , Abdullah Haslinda , Ghazali Akmar Hayati Ahmad , D’Silva Jeffrey Lawrence , Ismail Ismi Arif , Huang Zerui
Published: October 2024

As university students face increasing pressures in a highly competitive society, unhealthy lifestyles have become a common phenomenon. Health awareness is considered a critical factor in promoting healthy behaviors, yet its mechanism of action on university students’ healthy lifestyles, influenced by self-esteem and social support, remains unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between health awareness (HA) and healthy lifestyles (HL) and to examine the mediating roles of self-esteem (SE) and social support (SS) in this relationship. Based on social cognitive theory, this study initially constructs a theoretical model of the impact of health awareness on healthy lifestyles among university students, introducing self-esteem and social support as mediating variables to further build a chain mediation model. A total of 1,169 participants (554 males and 615 females) completed an online survey. Participants completed the Health Awareness Scale (HAS), the Diet and Healthy Lifestyle Scale (DEVS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3). The results show that high levels of health awareness positively influence self-esteem, which in turn positively influences social support, ultimately having a positive impact on healthy lifestyles. Specifically, self-esteem and social support play significant mediating roles in the relationship between health awareness and healthy lifestyles. The findings reveal the pathway by which health awareness influences healthy lifestyles through self-esteem and social support, enriching the theoretical explanation of health behaviors within the framework of social cognitive theory, particularly in the context of university students. Furthermore, the results provide practical guidance, suggesting that in designing interventions to promote healthy lifestyles, emphasis should be placed on enhancing university students’ health awareness, self-esteem, and social support systems. This could include mental health education, establishing supportive communities, and fostering activities that promote self-esteem.
Diretiva SEVESO III e a informação pública, um caso de estudo
Authors: Vicêncio Henrique
Published: October 2024

A Diretiva SEVESO III transposta para o direito nacional pelo Decreto-Lei n.º 150/2015, de 5 de agosto, atribui às câmaras municipais um papel importante na informação que deve ser transmitida às populações, nomeadamente sobre medidas de autoproteção para fazer face a acidentes industriais. Este artigo pretende analisar a informação pública prestada a uma população localizada numa área confinante a uma indústria abrangida pela Diretiva SEVESO III. Considerou-se para este estudo a ADP Fertilizantes, de elevado nível de perigosidade e localizada no concelho de Vila Franca de Xira. Uma percentagem significativa dos inquiridos (40,5 %), não foi informada de que vivia ou trabalhava numa zona de risco industrial. A quase totalidade dos inquiridos não tinha conhecimento da realização de exercícios de emergência face a um cenário de acidente industrial (91 %) e não conheciam o Plano Municipal de Emergência de Proteção Civil de Vila Franca de Xira (78 %). Os resultados deste estudo poderão sugerir que em Portugal a informação pública tem vindo a ser insuficiente para cumprir a Diretiva SEVESO III.
Restless leg syndrome after COVID-19 infection
Authors: Singh Maneesh
Published: October 2024

What makes this case noteworthy is the fact that the patient suffered restless leg syndrome during his COVID-19 infection.
Thomas Hobbes concept of sovereignty and it's implications for constitutional democracy in Nigeria
Authors: Enekwe Franklin Sochima
Published: October 2024

Thomas Hobbes' concept of sovereignty, as articulated in his seminal work "Leviathan," posits that a strong, centralized authority is essential for maintaining order and preventing societal chaos. Hobbes advocates for an absolute sovereign who wields unchallengeable power to ensure peace and security. Applying Hobbesian principles to Nigeria's constitutional democracy reveals significant tensions and potential insights. Nigeria's democratic framework, which emphasizes checks and balances, rule of law, and protection of individual rights, contrasts sharply with Hobbes' vision of undivided sovereignty. However, Hobbes' emphasis on the necessity of a powerful central authority can provide valuable perspectives on addressing Nigeria's challenges, such as corruption, political instability, and ethnic conflicts. By exploring the balance between authority and liberty, Hobbes' theory can inform discussions on how to strengthen Nigeria's democratic institutions while ensuring effective governance and social stability.
Combined Heart and Liver Transplantation in Delayed-Onset Propionic Acidemia
Authors: White Mattie K. , Sims Omar T. , Eng Jason , Modaresi Esfeh Jamak
Published: October 2024

Amish patients with propionic acidemia can have delayed presentations with rapid onset, severe cardiac decompensation despite metabolic control. Medical management is limited to strict low protein diet and correction of underlying catabolic triggers. Liver transplantation is indicated in pediatric patients with recurrent metabolic decompensation. There are limited reports of pediatric combined liver and heart transplantation. We present the first case of combined liver and heart transplantation in an Amish adult with newly diagnosed propionic acidemia and severe nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy on advanced cardiac life support. Special considerations were necessary for close metabolic status monitoring and prevention of catabolic states.
Methodological issues in technology-mediated qualitative data collection: a mapping of research undertaken in schools during the Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Thomas Dotta Leanete , Freitas André , Sousa Rita Tavares de
Published: October 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic strongly impacted most areas of human life, including research. Many of the studies in this period had to adapt to the limitations caused by the regulations and restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic. Qualitative research occupies a relevant position in the field of educational research. The common feature of this type of research is the close relationship between researchers and participants. This element was called into question, with digital tools having emerged as a promising solution for data collection. An intensification of the use of digital tools for data collection in qualitative research calls for a careful analysis and reflection concerning their strengths and weaknesses. The aim of this article is to analyse the methodological aspects of qualitative data collection through a systematic literature review, focusing on the use of digital tools in the context of educational studies during the pandemic. The main results highlight the increased significance of technology-mediated data collection in educational research post-Covid-19, with the USA leading in publications. Predominantly, current studies focus on teachers’ perceptions and practices, underscoring the multifaceted nature of teaching. Interviews, often conducted via video calls or videoconferencing, were the most common data collection method. The transition from face-to-face to technology-mediated data collection in these studies shows the limited discussion of implications or ethical issues. This article provides insights into the use of technology-mediated tools, contributing to the advancement of methodological knowledge in times of crisis when the traditional use of qualitative data collection methods is compromised.
O Papel dos Jogos de RPG na Formação de Competências Profissionais: Uma Perspectiva dos Estudantes de Administração.
Authors: Santana Dutra Michelle Regina , César Martins de Paiva Kely , Massaroli Belato Natália , Viana Amélie Gabrielly
Published: October 2024

Este estudo investigou o papel dos jogos de Role-Playing Games (RPG) na formação das competências profissionais de estudantes de Administração em uma universidade pública brasileira. Utilizando uma abordagem descritiva e qualitativa, por meio do método de estudo de caso, foram entrevistados cinco estudantes de Administração que também são jogadores de RPG na mesma instituição. Os resultados indicam que os entrevistados reconhecem a importância da relação entre os jogos e a sociedade para o desenvolvimento das competências profissionais. Eles destacaram que o RPG contribui para o aprimoramento de habilidades fundamentais na área de Administração, tais como visão estratégica, trabalho em equipe e tomada de decisão. Além disso, ressaltaram que a compreensão das estratégias presentes nos jogos pode beneficiar não apenas o ambiente acadêmico, mas também o mercado de trabalho e outras áreas de atuação, devido à dinâmica peculiar dos RPGs. Por fim, destaca-se que o RPG pode ser comparado a ferramentas semelhantes aos projetos interdisciplinares (ou seminários temáticos) adotados por algumas instituições de ensino, cujo propósito é a aplicação prática das teorias apresentadas em sala de aula, promovendo o desenvolvimento das competências profissionais dos estudantes.
O movimento lógico-histórico do conceito de pensamento computacional
Authors: Navarro Eloisa Rosotti Navarro , Sousa Maria do Carmo de , Rolkouski Emerson
Published: October 2024

Este trabalho apresenta o movimento lógico-histórico do conceito de pensamento computacional (PC) para a educação matemática. Abordar-se-á de forma cronológica (histórica) e lógica o uso do termo na educação matemática. A partir desse movimento, explicitar-se-á o desenvolvimento do conceito de pensamento computacional para a educação matemática, compreendendo que não se trata apenas de linguagem de programação ou uso do computador (máquina), mas que o desenvolvimento desse pensamento pode contribuir com o desenvolvimento de conceitos matemáticos relacionados ao pensamento algébrico e ao pensamento algorítmico.