bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plio-Pleistocene climatic change drives allopatric speciation and population divergence within the Scrophularia incisa complex (Scrophulariaceae) of desert and steppe subshrubs in Northwest China
Authors: Wang Rui-Hong , Yang Zhao-Ping , Zhang Zhi-Cheng , Comes Hans Peter , Qi Zhe-Chen , Li Pan , Fu Cheng-Xin
Published: September 2022

Numerous temperate plants and animals on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) are hypothesized to have differentiated due to vicariant allopatric speciation associated with the geologic uplifts. However, this hypothesis has rarely been tested through a phylogeographic study of relative species in a broader geographic context, including the QTP, Tianshan Mountains, Mongolian Plateau, and surrounding regions. To understand the speciation and diversification process of plants across this wide area, phylogeographic analysis were examined from Scrophularia incisa and two other closely relative species comprising S. kiriloviana and S. dentata. Thirty-two populations of the three close relatives were genotyped using chloroplast DNA fragments and nuclear microsatellite loci to assess population structure and diversity, supplemented by phylogenetic dating, ancestral area reconstructions and species distribution modelings, as well as niche identity tests. Our chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) phylogeny showed that this monophyletic group of desert and steppe semi-shrub is derived from a Middle Pliocene ancestor of the Central Asia. Lineages in Central Asia vs. China diverged through climate/tectonic-induced vicariance during Middle Pliocene. Genetic and ENM data in conjunction with niche differentiation analyses support that the divergence of S. incisa, S. dentata and S. kiriloviana in China lineage proceeded through allopatric speciation, might triggered by early Pleistocene climate change of increase of aridification and enlargement of deserts, while subsequent climate-induced cycles of range contractions/expansions enhanced the geographical isolation and habit fragmentation of these taxa. These findings highlight the importance of the Plio-Pleistocene climate change in shaping genetic diversity and driving speciation in temperate steppes and deserts of Northwestern China.
Genome-wide association study and transcriptome analysis reveal key genes controlling fruit branch angle in cotton
Authors: Shao Panxia , Peng Yabin , Wu Yuanlong , Wang Jing , Pan Zhenyuan , Yang Yang , Aini Nurimanguli , Guo Chunping , Shui Guangling , Chao Lei , Tian Xiaomin , An Qiushuang , Yang Qingyong , You Chunyuan , Lu Lu , Zhang Xianlong , Wang Maojun , Nie Xinhui
Published: September 2022

Fruit branch angle (FBA), a pivotal component of cotton plant architecture, is vital for field and mechanical harvesting. However, the molecular mechanism of FBA formation is poorly understood in cotton. To uncover the genetic basis for FBA formation in cotton, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 163 cotton accessions with re-sequencing data. A total of 55 SNPs and 18 candidate genes were significantly associated with FBA trait. By combining GWAS and transcriptome analysis, four genes underlying FBA were identified. An FBA-associated candidate gene Ghi_A09G08736, which is homologous to SAUR46 in Arabidopsis thaliana, was detected in our study. In addition, transcriptomic evidence was provided to show that gravity and light were implicated in the FBA formation. This study provides new insights into the genetic architecture of FBA that informs architecture breeding in cotton.
NIPK, a protein pseudokinase that interacts with the C subunit of the transcription factor NF-Y, is involved in rhizobial infection and nodule organogenesis
Authors: Clúa Joaquín , Rípodas Carolina , Roda Carla , Battaglia Marina E. , Zanetti María Eugenia , Blanco Flavio Antonio
Published: September 2022

Heterotrimeric Nuclear Factor Y (NF-Y) transcription factors are key regulators of the symbiotic program that controls rhizobial infection and nodule organogenesis. Using a yeast two-hybrid screening, we identified a putative protein kinase of Phaseolus vulgaris that interacts with the C subunit of the NF-Y complex. Physical interaction between NF-YC1 Interacting Protein Kinase (NIPK) and NF-YC1 occurs in the cytoplasm and the plasma membrane. Only one of the three canonical amino acids predicted to be required for catalytic activity is conserved in NIPK and its putative homologs from lycophytes to angiosperms, indicating that NIPK is an evolutionary conserved pseudokinase. Post-transcriptional silencing on NIPK affected infection and nodule organogenesis, suggesting NIPK is a positive regulator of the NF-Y transcriptional complex. In addition, NIPK is required for activation of cell cycle genes and early symbiotic genes in response to rhizobia, including NF-YA1 and NF-YC1. However, strain preference in co-inoculation experiments was not affected by NIPK silencing, suggesting that some functions of the NF-Y complex are independent of NIPK. Our work adds a new component associated with the NF-Y transcriptional regulators in the context of nitrogen-fixing symbiosis.
Current perspectives of ubiquitination and SUMOylation in abiotic stress tolerance in plants
Authors: Singh Madhavi , Singh Ananya , Yadav Neelam , Yadav Dinesh Kumar
Published: September 2022

Post-translational modification (PTM) is a critical and rapid mechanism to regulate all the major cellular processes through the modification of diverse protein substrates. Substrate-specific covalent attachment of ubiquitin and Small Ubiquitin-Like Modifier (SUMO) with the target proteins, known as ubiquitination and SUMOylation, respectively, are crucial PTMs that regulate almost every process in the cell by modulating the stability and fidelity of the proteins. Ubiquitination and SUMOylation play a very significant role to provide tolerance to the plants in adverse environmental conditions by activating/deactivating the pre-existing proteins to a great extent. We reviewed the importance of ubiquitination and SUMOylation in plants, implicating its prospects in various abiotic stress regulations. An exhaustive study of molecular mechanisms of ubiquitination and SUMOylation of plant proteins and their role will contribute to the understanding of physiology underlying mitigation of the abiotic stresses and survival in plants. It will be helpful to strategize the improvement of crops for abiotic stress tolerance.
Co-operative learning, psychometric adaptation, and invariability of the academic satisfaction scale in Spanish university students
Authors: Robles-Bello María Auxiliadora , Sánchez-Teruel David , Gavin Chocano Óscar , González Luque Alfonso , Camacho Conde José Antonio
Published: September 2022

It is necessary to understand the measurement of academic satisfaction (AS) in a variety of cross-cultural contexts. The first aim was to evaluate the psychometric properties of AS scale, to explore its structural validity, to assess its differential item function, including gender and age invariance in university students. Study 2 aimed to assess whether AS improved after the application of a teaching instructional approach based on cooperative learning (CL), while a cross-sectional study was performed in several stages. Descriptive, confirmatory, and scale reliability analyses were carried out with indices for goodness-of-fit, such that a new scale was obtained with a single-factor structure. A reduction to 6-items in this sample exhibited better psychometric properties. Configural invariance by gender and age indicated that men and women had a similar understanding of the new scale. Given significant differences between groups, the CL group scored higher in AS.
The influence of academic pressure on adolescents’ problem behavior: Chain mediating effects of self-control, parent–child conflict, and subjective well-being
Authors: Jiang Mao-min , Gao Kai , Wu Zheng-yu , Guo Pei-pei
Published: September 2022

As a negative social issue, teenagers’ problem behavior not only affects individuals’ physical and mental health and social function development but is also not conducive to social harmony and stability. This study mainly discusses the influence of academic pressure on adolescents’ problem behavior, and the potential relationship between these and academic pressure, examining issues such as self-control, parent–child conflict, and subjective well-being. The data were collected from the fifth wave of the China Family Panel Studies (2017–2018). The data of 2,465 teenagers aged 10–15 were analyzed by LISREL8.8 software. The results show that academic pressure positively affects adolescents’ deviant behavior. The mediation model finds that parent–child conflict and self-control play a direct mediating role between academic pressure and adolescents’ behavioral problems. Parent–child conflict, self-control, and subjective well-being have important chain mediation effects between academic pressure and adolescents’ problem behavior. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk of such problems, it is necessary to further strengthen individuals’ ability to maintain self-control, promote or cultivate adolescents’ character strengths, create a harmonious family atmosphere, reduce the probability of parent–child conflict, and increase the subjective well-being of teenagers.
Deterrence or conformity?—An analysis of digital economy taxpayer compliance behavior based on prospect theory
Authors: Jin Peng , Li Guiping , Xiong Weiqing
Published: September 2022

Taking the tax evasion of live streamers as a reference case, this article aims to establish a tax compliance prospect theory model, in which the reference point is determined by the taxpayer's perceived compliance level. The taxpayer compliance behavior is analyzed from two dimensions of the tax authority's audit deterrence and the taxpayer's conformity mentality. We find that both deterrence effect and conformity effect are existing in the taxpayer compliance behavior, which is affected by the tax authority's enforcement effort. When the enforcement effort is low, the deterrence effect and the conformity effect do not exist, and the taxpayer does not comply at all. When the enforcement effort is moderate, the deterrence effect and the conformity effect coexist and the taxpayer complies partially. Besides, the taxpayer compliance level will not exceed the perceived compliance level, and an increase in the perceived compliance level will prompt the taxpayer to comply more. When the enforcement effort is high, there is only a strong deterrence effect, and the taxpayer completely complies. We use the theoretical analysis result to explain the tax compliance behavior of live streamers and find that it is consistent with the predictions of the model. Finally, we propose some policy recommendations on tax administration in digital economy.
Criminal recidivism in offenders with and without intellectual disability sentenced to forensic psychiatric care in Sweden—A 17-year follow-up study
Authors: Edberg Hanna , Chen Qi , Andiné Peter , Larsson Henrik , Hirvikoski Tatja
Published: September 2022

Background

Offenders with intellectual disability (ID) constitute a distinct subgroup of offenders with mental disorders. Regarding criminal recidivism, it is unclear whether or not offenders with ID in forensic psychiatric settings differ from offenders without ID. Factors associated with criminal recidivism among offenders with ID have been scarcely investigated.

Aim

To investigate the association between ID and criminal recidivism among offenders sentenced to forensic psychiatric care and to explore the impact of clinical, sociodemographic and offense variables.

Materials and methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on Swedish nationwide registers. A total of 3,365 individuals being sentenced to forensic psychiatric care in Sweden in 1997–2013 were followed from the forensic psychiatric assessment until first reconviction, death, emigration, or 31 December 2013, whichever occurred first. Cox regression models compared rates of recidivism in individuals with and without ID. Impact of clinical, sociodemographic, and offense variables on risk of criminal recidivism was presented as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Out of 3,365 offenders sentenced to forensic psychiatric care, 259 (7.7%) were diagnosed with ID. During follow-up (0–17 years, median 6 years), one third (n = 1,099) of the study population relapsed into criminality, giving a recidivism rate of 50.5 per 1,000 person-years. We observed an association between ID and a decreased risk of recidivism (HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.0, p = 0.063), although this reached statistical significance only for the subgroup of male offenders (HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.0, p = 0.040) and not females (HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.6–1.8). ID offenders with concurrent ADHD tended to have a higher rate of recidivism (73.9 per 1,000 person-years, HR 1.2, 95% CI 0.6–2.4) than ID offenders without ADHD (42.5 per 1,000 person-years, HR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.1). Amongst ID offenders, concurrent autism spectrum disorder, young age or male sex were not associated with recidivism, while previous criminal convictions were strongly associated with recidivism.

Conclusion

A diagnosis of ID was associated with a lower risk of criminal recidivism among male offenders sentenced to forensic psychiatric care. The association between ADHD and recidivism among ID offenders highlights eligible focus areas in the management of offenders with ID.
The mirror mechanism in schizophrenia: A systematic review and qualitative meta-analysis
Authors: Valizadeh Amir , Mbwogge Mathew , Rasouli Yazdi Anita , Hedayati Amlashi Nazanin , Haadi Ainaaz , Shayestefar Monir , Moassefi Mana
Published: September 2022

Background

Mirror neuron system (MNS) consists of visuomotor neurons that are responsible for the mirror neuron activity (MNA), meaning that each time an individual observes another individual performing an action, these neurons encode that action, and are activated in the observer's cortical motor system. Previous studies report its malfunction in autism, opening doors to investigate the underlying pathophysiology of the disorder in a more elaborate way and coming up with new rehabilitation methods. The study of MNA function in schizophrenia patients has not been as frequent and conclusive as in autism. In this research, we aimed to evaluate the functional integrity of MNA and the microstructural integrity of MNS in schizophrenia patients.

Methods

We included case-control studies that have evaluated MNA in schizophrenia patients compared to healthy controls using a variety of objective assessment tools. In August 2022, we searched Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science for eligible studies. We used an adapted version of the NIH Quality Assessment of Case-Control Studies tool to assess the quality of the included studies. Evidence was analyzed using vote counting methods of the direction of the effect and was tested statistically using the Sign test. Certainty of evidence was assessed using CERQual.

Results

We included 32 studies for the analysis. Statistical tests revealed decreased MNA (p = 0.002) in schizophrenia patients. The certainty of the evidence was judged to be moderate. Investigations of heterogeneity revealed a possible relationship between the age and the positive symptoms of participants in the included studies and the direction of the observed effect.

Discussion

This finding contributes to gaining a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of the disorder by revealing its possible relation to some of the symptoms in schizophrenia patients, while also highlighting a new commonality with autism.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO identifier: CRD42021236453.
Adverse childhood experiences growing up in East or West Germany or abroad
Authors: Schulz Ann-Christin , Kasinger Christoph , Beutel Manfred , Fegert Jörg M. , Clemens Vera , Brähler Elmar
Published: September 2022

Background

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur before the age of 18. The term encompasses various adverse childhood experiences, e.g., physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, physical and psychological neglect, and family dysfunction. Prevalence estimates for a broad spectrum of ACEs against the background of where childhood and adolescence were spent are scarcely available in Germany. This study examines the frequencies of adverse childhood experiences, considering growing up in East or West Germany or abroad and interacting with different age cohorts and gender.

Methods

A total of 5,018 individuals (51.4% female) aged 14 years and older were retrospectively assessed on adverse childhood experiences using questionnaires “adverse childhood experiences” (ACE). Logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between birth cohort, gender, and where a person grew up. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were used to calculate frequencies, proportions, and unadjusted associations for each variable.

Results

37.4% (N = 1,878) of respondents reported experiencing at least one form of ACE. Individuals who grew up abroad report significantly more adverse childhood experiences than individuals in East or West Germany. Men and women who grew up in East Germany reported a lower rate of ACEs. We found significant effects for all predictors: Where childhood and adolescence were predominantly spent, year of birth, and gender. Significant differences in the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences within the gender groups were only found for sexual and physical abuse and substance dependence in the household.

Conclusion

The results suggest that the socio-political context plays an essential role in the experience of adverse childhood experiences, both in frequency and risk. Thus, child abuse and neglect studies should increasingly focus on societal risk and protection mechanisms.
Mental distress, quality of life and physical symptoms in Chinese women with ovarian cancer receiving olaparib treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mao Wei , Li Fujuan , Li Bin , Li Yunxia , Zhang Xiaolan , Ou Zhengjie , Liu Shuai , Zhao Dan
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Women with ovarian cancer (OC) have experienced unprecedented challenges since the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in China. We aim to evaluate the experience of psychological status, physical symptoms and quality of life (QoL) and investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on OC patients receiving olaparib.

Methods

The survey was conducted online from April 22 to May 12 in 2020. Demographic and clinical questions were listed to collect general information. The degree of insomnia, depression, anxiety, stress symptoms and QoL were assessed by the Chinese versions of the Insomnia Severity Index, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, and the General Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyze the risk factors for mental distress and QoL.

Results

A total of 56 respondents coming from 15 various provinces in China participated in the survey. The prevalence of insomnia, depressive, anxiety, stress symptoms and reduced QoL were 37.5, 51.8, 37.5, 30.4, and 51.8%, respectively. Unfavorable disease status, shorter period of olaparib administration, adverse events of olaparib and delay in cancer care were correlated with mental health problems. Reduced QoL was also significantly associated with psychological distress.

Conclusions

This study emphasized that mental health problems and reduced QoL should gain more attention in women with OC who are receiving oral olaparib at home. Appropriate psychological healthcare strategies are necessary for OC patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Developing attention deficits/hyperactivity disorder-virtual reality diagnostic tool with machine learning for children and adolescents
Authors: Wiguna Tjhin , Bahana Raymond , Dirgantoro Bayu , Minayati Kusuma , Teh Sylvie Dominic , Ismail Raden Irawati , Kaligis Fransiska , Wigantara Ngurah Agung
Published: September 2022

The traditional diagnosis of Attention Deficits/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is through parent-child interviews and observations; therefore, innovative ADHD diagnostic tools that represent this digital era are needed. Virtual reality (VR) is a significant technology that can present a virtual immersive environment; it can provide an illusion of participation in an artificial milieu for children with ADHD. This study aimed to develop an ADHD-VR diagnostic tool construct (Research Domain Construct/RDC) based on the DSM5 ADHD diagnostic criteria, and using the RDC to develop a diagnostic tool with a machine learning (ML) application that can produce an intelligent model to receive some complex and multifaceted clinical data (ADHD clinical symptoms). We aimed to expand a model algorithm from the data, and finally make predictions by providing new data (output data) that have more accurate diagnostic value. This was an exploratory qualitative study and consisted of two stages. The first stage of the study applied the Delphi technique, and the goal was to translate ADHD symptoms based on DSM 5 diagnostic criteria into concrete behavior that can be observed among children in a classroom setting. This stage aimed to gather information, perceptions, consensus, and confirmation from experts. In this study, three rounds of Delphi were conducted. The second stage was to finalize the RDC of the ADHD-VR diagnostic tool with ML, based on the first-stage results. The results were transformed into concrete activities that could be applied in the programming of the ADHD-VR diagnostic tool, followed by starting to input data that were required to build the diagnostic tool. The second stage consisted of more than ten focus-group discussions (FGDs) before it could be transformed into the ADHD-VR diagnostic tool with the ML prototype. First-stage data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel for Mac. Qualitative data were analyzed using conceptual content analysis with a manifest/latent analysis approach. From the first stage of the study, there were 13 examples of student behaviors that received more than 75% totally agreed or agreed from the experts. The RDC of the ADHD-VR diagnostic tool with machine learning application consisted of three domains and was divided into six sub-domains: reward-related processing, emotional lability, inhibitory, sustained attention, specific timing of playing in order, and arousal. In conclusion, the results of this study can be used as a reference for future studies in a similar context and content, that is, the ADHD-VR diagnostic tool with machine learning based on the constructed RDC.
Autism and anorexia nervosa: Longitudinal prediction of eating disorder outcomes
Authors: Leppanen Jenni , Sedgewick Felicity , Halls Daniel , Tchanturia Kate
Published: September 2022

Background

Recently, elevated levels of autistic features and autism diagnoses have been reported among people with anorexia nervosa (AN). In clinical settings high levels of autistic features have been linked to more complex, highly comorbid illness presentation and poorer treatment outcome. This study aimed to examine whether autistic features predict AN symptom profile in long term.

Methods

Altogether 118 women with lived experience of AN completed two autism assessments at time 1, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the short version of the Autism Quotient (AQ10). Measures assessing AN symptom profile, including eating disorders symptoms, anxiety, depression, OCD symptoms, and Body Mass Index (BMI), were also recorded. The symptom profile measures were administered again 6 months and 2 years later. We conducted two analyses to examine the extent to which the ADOS and AQ10 scores predicted broad AN symptom profile at each three time points.

Results

Overall, high levels of autistic features were consistently associated with worse psychological symptoms, but not BMI, across all time points. Both the analysis using baseline ADOS scores and self-reported AQ10 scores showed similar pattern.

Conclusion

The present findings consolidate previously reported associations between autistic features and worse psychological outcome among people with AN. The findings also suggest that self-report measures may be sufficient for assessing the impact of autistic features on illness outcome among people with AN. Importantly, the study highlights the need for development and further investigation of neurodiversity accommodations in the treatment of AN.
Influence of carbon emission trading policy on residents' health in China
Authors: Guo Bingnan , Feng Yu , Wang Yu , Lin Ji , Zhang Jingyi , Wu Shan , Jia Ru , Zhang Xiaolei , Sun Han , Zhang Wei , Li Wei , Hu Hao , Jiang Liuyi
Published: September 2022

Residents' health is the basic condition for economic and social development. At present, China's environmental pollution problem is becoming increasingly serious, which not only hinders sustainable economic and social development, but also poses a major threat to public health. Therefore, based on the carbon emissions trading policy implemented in China, this paper explores this policy's impact on residents' health using the DID model and illustrates the moderating effect of environmental pollution. The results show that (1) carbon emissions trading policies can promote the improvement of residents' health; (2) the effect is stronger for western regions and provinces with smaller population sizes after taking control variables into consideration; and (3) environmental pollution has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between carbon emissions trading and residents' health. This research serves as an important reference for expanding the scope of the policy pilot, reducing pollutant emissions, and improving the health of the population.
Development and validation of chest CT-based imaging biomarkers for early stage COVID-19 screening
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ping , Yang Xu , Xiong Miao , Mao Xuanyu , Jin Xiaoqing , Li Zhiqiang , Zhou Shuang , Chang Hang
Published: September 2022

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently a global pandemic, and early screening is one of the key factors for COVID-19 control and treatment. Here, we developed and validated chest CT-based imaging biomarkers for COVID-19 patient screening from two independent hospitals with 419 patients. We identified the vasculature-like signals from CT images and found that, compared to healthy and community acquired pneumonia (CAP) patients, COVID-19 patients display a significantly higher abundance of these signals. Furthermore, unsupervised feature learning led to the discovery of clinical-relevant imaging biomarkers from the vasculature-like signals for accurate and sensitive COVID-19 screening that have been double-blindly validated in an independent hospital (sensitivity: 0.941, specificity: 0.920, AUC: 0.971, accuracy 0.931, F1 score: 0.929). Our findings could open a new avenue to assist screening of COVID-19 patients.
Automated assessment of balance: A neural network approach based on large-scale balance function data
Authors: Wu Jingsong , Li Yang , Yin Lianhua , He Youze , Wu Tiecheng , Ruan Chendong , Li Xidian , Wu Jianhuang , Tao Jing
Published: September 2022

Balance impairment (BI) is an important cause of falls in the elderly. However, the existing balance estimation system needs to measure a large number of items to obtain the balance score and balance level, which is less efficient and redundant. In this context, we aim at building a model to automatically predict the balance ability, so that the early screening of large-scale physical examination data can be carried out quickly and accurately. We collected and sorted out 17,541 samples, each with 61-dimensional features and two labels. Moreover, using this data a lightweight artificial neural network model was trained to accurately predict the balance score and balance level. On the premise of ensuring high prediction accuracy, we reduced the input feature dimension of the model from 61 to 13 dimensions through the recursive feature elimination (RFE) algorithm, which makes the evaluation process more streamlined with fewer measurement items. The proposed balance prediction method was evaluated on the test set, in which the determination coefficient (R2) of balance score reaches 92.2%. In the classification task of balance level, the metrics of accuracy, area under the curve (AUC), and F1 score reached 90.5, 97.0, and 90.6%, respectively. Compared with other competitive machine learning models, our method performed best in predicting balance capabilities, which is especially suitable for large-scale physical examination.
Do private health providers adhere to National Tuberculosis Guideline while assigning treatment outcome? Findings from a lower middle-income country
Authors: Adepoju Victor Abiola , Adejumo Olusola Adedeji , Adepoju Oluwatoyin Elizabeth , Adeniyi Marius Olusola , Etuk Victoria , Nzekwe Iheoma , Inegbeboh Jude O. , Adelekan Ademola , Oladimeji Olanrewaju
Published: September 2022

Background

Treatment success rate is an important indicator to measure the performance of the National Tuberculosis Program (NTP). There are concerns about the quality of outcome data from private facilities engaged by NTP. Adherence of private providers of tuberculosis care to NTP guideline while assigning treatment outcomes to patients is rarely investigated. We aimed to determine whether Lagos private for-profit (PFP) and private not-for-profit (PNFP) facilities adhere to domestic TB guideline while assigning treatment outcome and the availability of periodic sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) results.

Method

A retrospective review of facility treatment register and treatment cards of TB patients managed between January and December 2016 across 10 private directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) facilities involved in the public–private mix (PPM) in Lagos, Nigeria. The study took place between January and June 2019.

Results

Of the 1,566 patients, majority (60.7%) were male, >30 years (50.2%), HIV-negative (88.4%), and attended PNFP (78.5%). The reported treatment success rate (TSR) was 84.2% while the actual TSR was 53.8%. In total, 91.1, 77.6, and 70.3% of patients had sputum acid-fast bacilli (AFB) at 2/3, month 5, and month 6, respectively, while 68.6% had all the three sputum AFB in the register. Healthcare workers (HCWs) were adherent in assigning treatment outcome for 65.6% of TB patients while 34.4% of patients were assigned incorrect treatment outcomes. Most variations between reported and actual treatment outcomes were found with cured (17%) and completed (13.4%). Successful and unsuccessful outcomes were overreported by 30.4% and 4.1%, respectively. DOTS providers in private facilities with available TB guideline (OR 8.33, CI 3.56–19.49, p < 0.0001) and PNFP facility (OR 4.42, CI 1.91–10.3, p = 0.001) were more likely to adhere to National TB Guideline while assigning TB treatment outcome.

Conclusion

Frontline TB providers in Lagos private hospitals struggled with assigning correct treatment outcome for TB patients based on NTBLCP guideline. Increased access to all the periodic follow-up AFB tests for TB patients on treatment and availability of National TB Guideline for referencing could potentially improve the adherence of private TB service providers while assigning TB treatment outcomes.
A review of government-led health and productivity management and disclosure practice in Japan
Authors: Yao Jun , Johanson Ulf
Published: September 2022

The concept of occupational health and safety (OHS) is changing to include more job-related factors, resulting in an enlarged role for OHS management and a greater need for information disclosure in response to social expectations. It is vital for businesses to keep up with the new concept in health management and build a cohesive system if they are to achieve their sustainability goals. This paper examines current regulations and government initiatives to encourage health management and information sharing, as well as company practices in Japan, demonstrating that an increasing number of Japanese companies are adopting the new health management approach. We suggest a government-led H&PM model based on the model proposed by Johanson and Aboagye and best practices in Japan, demonstrating that legislation, policies, and implicit employee-centered stakeholder culture are important factors in the success of government-led projects. It also suggests that, to prevent window dressing and one-time booms, intrinsic motivation and psychological aspects should be researched and addressed more thoroughly.
Cost-efficient analysis of a portable low field magnetic resonance imaging system for prostate cancer diagnosis
Authors: Sze Christina , Cheema Zaid , Laviana Aaron , Margolis Daniel , Costa Daniel N. , Satya Poorvi , Nacev Aleksander , Kumar Dinesh , Venkataraman Srirama S. , Chughtai Bilal
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided procedures are typically performed under high magnetic field strengths (1.5-3 Tesla) and are expensive. Recently, technological progress has led to MRIs that are low-cost but similarly high performing despite lower field strengths (58-74mT). Our purpose was to evaluate the cost-efficiency of implementing a low-field MRI for targeted prostate cancer biopsy.

Materials and methods

We utilized time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) to establish the overall costs based on cost rates and total times for every step. Thorough literature searches and consultations with two board certified radiologists, the process maps were created, and the duration of each step was determined by experience and previously published data. A sensitivity cost analysis was also performed to create several cost scenarios for the low-field MRI system.

Results

Total procedure times, performed under moderate sedation, were 61 ± 14.5 mins and 57 ± 23 mins for transperineal targeted biopsy (TPB) with low-field MRI and in-bore MRI-guided transrectal biopsy (IB-TBx) with high-field MRI. In the low-field MRI pathway, 61% of intra-operative time was spent on patient preparation and performing the prebiopsy MRI, however, this step did not require a urologist or radiologist expertise, subsequently keeping costs lower. A sensitivity analysis of the low-field MRI cost at 5% to 50% (in 5% increments) of a high-field MRI produced a difference from $888.13 to $879.18 favoring the lower-field system, respectively.

Conclusions

A portable, low field, office-based MRI system offers a cost-efficient alternative to the high-field MRI. Further studies assessing cost effectiveness while taking into consideration sampling accuracy are needed.
Novel Algorithm for Multi-Time Data Implantation in a Special Cyber-Manufacturing Architecture
Authors: Nahar Mahbubun , Kamal A. H. M. , Hassan Md Rafiul , Moni Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2022

A physical cyber system connects all authenticated cyber devices in its network. Nowadays, many wearable devices function as cyber devices. In essence, people are using these devices more for their healthcare. These devices would be very popular if an easy-to-use manufacturing architecture could be created and, at the same time, the devices could protect the data stored on the device. In this article, we suggest a good manufacturing architecture for a healthcare device, in which our proposed data protection method works well. The architecture is very simple to implement and the data protection method hides information in a DNA sequence. The present DNA-based data hiding schemes implant secrets in converted binaries of nucleotides. The number of implanted bits is no more than the length of nucleotides, however, these schemes expand the stego DNA sequence noticeably. While implanting a large message, e.g., historical records of patients, it would be harder for these schemes to manage the implantation of the whole secret in a single DNA sequence. A large DNA sequence might be a solution in some contexts. Nevertheless, managing a large DNA sequence and its expanded part in a fixed memory space would be challenging as those are too large in size. To address this problem, we propose a multi-time data embedment method that could implant as much data in a DNA sequence as needed. Although it presents a greater embedding capacity, it does not increase the length of the modified DNA/RNA sequence. Thus, it optimizes the extra memory load in the chip. The proposed method implemented several features to improve the security of both implanted data and DNA sequence. The experimental results outperform all measurements over the competing schemes.
Design and Testing of a Hollow Continuum Magnetic Millirobot with Multimodal Motion
Authors: Chen Yuanhe , Xu Zichen , Xu Qingsong
Published: September 2022

Magnetic continuum millirobots have presented outstanding potential in ultrahigh-precision engineering including minimally invasive surgery, due to their flexible mechanical structures and dexterous manipulation. Traditional continuum millirobots exhibit limited cargo-loading capacity, which restricts their application. Herein, we propose a novel design scheme of a magnetically actuated untethered hollow continuum millirobot. The millirobot is composed of silicone as the mainframe structure and two tiny magnets for actuation. To improve the loading capacity, partial silicone is removed to create a flexible cavity, which enables cargo delivery and potential in vivo sampling functions under wireless magnetic actuation. Theoretical analysis and experimental testing are conducted to reveal the effectiveness of the proposed design. The soft structure brings a new strategy to achieve multimodal motion including rolling, tumbling, and swinging. Moreover, the magnet part can generate a powerful magnetic force output for dexterous manipulation. These functionalities lay a foundation for playing a greater role in next-generation biomedical applications.
Pre-Sowing Laser Light Stimulation Increases Yield and Protein and Crude Fat Contents in Soybean
Authors: Klimek-Kopyra Agnieszka , Neugschwandtner Reinhard W. , Ślizowska Anna , Kot Dominika , Dobrowolski Jan Wincenty , Pilch Zbigniew , Dacewicz Ewa
Published: September 2022

Pre-sowing laser light stimulation is a method commonly used to increase the productivity of legume species. However, it has not been proved that single-laser light stimulation is a more effective technique for enhancing plant productivity and seed yield quality than using different laser lights in sequence, by which means synergistic relations are produced. A two-year, single-factor field experiment was performed in order to test selected combinations of light stimulation of soybean seeds, the effectiveness of which would be expressed as increased plant yield and improved quality parameters. Pre-sowing light stimulation of soybean seeds was shown to significantly influence the morphological traits of the plants. It significantly increased pod number, pod weight, seed number, and seed weight compared to the control. Coherent laser light stimulation of soybean seeds with a helium–neon laser and with an argon laser increased soybean yields by 30% on average compared to the control. The ratio of the yield from the main shoot to the yield from the lateral branches in this treatment was 40:60, indicating that pre-sowing stimulation of seeds had a significant and positive effect by increasing the yield of the lateral branches relative to the control. Stimulation of seeds (3 × 3 s) with a helium–neon laser significantly increased protein content in soybean seeds, on average by 11% compared to the control. A longer duration of pre-sowing stimulation of seeds (3 × 9 s) resulted in a significant increase in crude fat content in the seeds by an average of 5% compared to the control. The use of physical light stimulation on soybean seeds is a promising solution for increasing soybean yields.
Effects of Organic Amendments on Phenol Oxidase, Peroxidase, Urease, and Nitrogen Mineralization: A Laboratory Incubation Study
Authors: Leaseburg Emma E. , Lei Lili , Fink Linda S.
Published: September 2022

Mitigating climate change and enhancing fertility in agricultural systems require the adoption of more sustainable fertilizer management practices. Applications of recycled organic materials, such as animal and green wastes, can promote soil carbon stabilization via changing extracellular enzyme activities while providing the necessary nitrogen (N) for plant growth. The goals of this study were to quantify the effects of compost type (cow manure, green manures, mixtures of green and cow manure at various proportions, and inorganic fertilizers) on (1) enzyme activity (phenol oxidase, peroxidase, and urease), and (2) mineralized N under laboratory incubation at 30 °C over an eight-week period. The lowest oxidative enzyme activities (phenol oxidase and peroxidase) were found in the soil treated with a mixture of 50% cow manure and 50% green manure (2.45 μmol h−1 g−1) and a mixture of 30% cow manure and 70% green manure (3.21 μmol h−1 g−1) compared to all other fertilizer treatments. The highest phenol oxidase activity was found in soils amended with green manures (3.52 μmol h−1 g−1), while the highest peroxidase activity was found in soils amended with a mixture of 70% cow manure and 30% green manure (5.68 μmol h−1 g−1). No significant differences were found in total net mineralized N content among all organic fertilizer treatments, but these were significantly lower than total net mineralized N in soil treated with inorganic fertilizers. These results indicate similar effects of organic amendments and mixtures in providing plant-available N, but different effects on lignin-degrading enzyme activities, which may lead to differences in soil organic carbon cycling and long-term C storage depending on which organic amendment is utilized.
Evaluation of One-Time Applications of Foliar Applied Auxin Co-Applied with Surfactant for Use in Commercial Cutting Propagation
Authors: Bowden Anthony T. , Knight Patricia R. , Ryals Jenny B. , Coker Christine E. H. , Langlois Scott A. , Broderick Shaun R. , Blythe Eugene K. , Sakhanokho Hamidou F. , Babiker Ebrahiem M.
Published: September 2022

Use of foliar auxin applications are increasing in the nursery and greenhouse industry. However, previous research has shown that insufficient auxin is absorbed or translocated to the site of action when foliar auxin applications are used. It is theorized that adding surfactants to foliar applications of auxin may help with the absorption and translocation of auxin to the site of action. Research was conducted to determine whether adding surfactants to one-time foliar applications of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) would be as effective as the current industry standard, the basal quick-dip. Terminal, semi-hardwood cuttings of Red Cascade™ miniature climbing rose (Rosa ‘MOORcap’), common camellia (Camellia japonica) and ‘Southern Charm’ magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘Southern Charm’) were sprayed to the drip point using Hortus IBA Water Soluble Salts™ at concentrations of 0 ppm, 50 ppm, 75 ppm, or 100 ppm for rose cuttings or 0 ppm, 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, or 1500 ppm IBA for camellia or magnolia. To serve as an industry control, the basal end of cuttings was immersed for 3-s in a solution of either 250 ppm, 4000 ppm or 2500 ppm for rose, camellia, or magnolia, respectively. A foliar application of 1500 ppm after sticking was as effective as the basal quick-dip for cuttings of ‘Southern Charm’, while other spray treatments were less effective. A basal quick-dip was more effective than a foliar spray for rooting cuttings of camellia. Auxin rate had no impact on rooting of Red Cascade™ miniature rose. The goal of commercial plant propagation is to produce high-quality rooted cuttings as quickly as possible. Plant propagation places a large demand on labor within the nursery industry, with one recent report being that labor accounts for >50% of a nursery’s budget. Our results from this trial affirm the results reported by similar trials into foliar applications of auxin suggests that the benefits of foliar applications are species dependent Further work is warranted on examining other auxin and surfactant formulations.
Alleviation of Drought Stress in Soybean by Applying a Biostimulant Based on Amino Acids and Macro- and Micronutrients
Authors: Repke Rodrigo Alberto , Silva Dayane Mércia Ribeiro , dos Santos Jania Claudia Camilo , de Almeida Silva Marcelo
Published: September 2022

Drought stress is one of the most predominant environmental factors hindering soybean productivity. Therefore, the study of stress-mitigating strategies, such as the use of biostimulants, is important in order to mitigate this problem. This study investigated the effects of an exogenous application of biostimulants based on amino acids and macro- and micronutrients in the physiological, biochemical and productive responses of soybean cultivated under drought stress. Treatments consisted of T1—dose 0.0 kg ha−1 (control); T2—dose 0.0 kg ha−1 (with water-deficit stress); T3—dose 0.25 kg ha−1; T4—dose 0.5 kg ha−1; T5—dose 0.75 kg ha−1; T6—dose 1.0 kg ha−1 of biostimulant. Application of T4 maintained photosynthetic metabolism, with main action on stomatal conductance, and increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase by 420%, catalase by 167% and ascorbate peroxidase by 695%. In addition, it increased the levels of proline by 106%, leaf area by 279% and the dry matter mass of the plants by 26%, which was reflected in a 22% increase in productivity. Therefore, application of the studied biostimulant at a dose of 0.5 kg ha−1 is recommended to effectively alleviate the adverse effects of drought stress on soybean.
Changes in the Expression of MIF and Other Key Enzymes of Energy Metabolism in the Myocardia of Broiler Chickens with Ascites Syndrome
Authors: Li Lifang , Jia Qiufeng , Chen Lingli , Wang Wenkui
Published: September 2022

Ascites syndrome (AS) is a metabolic disease observed mainly in fast-growing broilers. The heart is one of the most important target organs of the disease. The goal of this study was to evaluate the metabolic function of the right ventricles in clinical ascitic broilers. HE staining was performed to observe histopathological changes in the right ventricle of the heart, while Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), as well as other key enzymes of energy metabolic pathways (i.e., glycolytic pathway: HK2, PFK1, PFK2, and PKM2; the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) pathway: OGDH, IDH2, and CS; and the fatty acid oxidation pathway: CPT-1A and ACC) in myocardial tissue. The histopathological examination of the myocardia of ascitic broilers revealed disoriented myocardial cells in the myofibril structure and a large number of blood cells deposited in the intermyofibrillar vessels, suggesting right heart failure in ascitic broilers. The Western blotting analysis demonstrated significantly increased levels of MIF and p-AMPK in the myocardia of ascitic broilers compared to those of the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the protein expression of key enzymes was dramatically increased in the glycolytic and fatty acid oxidation pathways, while the protein expression of key enzymes in the TCA cycle pathway was decreased in the ascitic broiler group. These findings suggest enhanced glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation metabolism, and a diminished TCA cycle, in the myocardia of broiler chickens with ascites syndrome.