bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between deep neural network-derived electrocardiographic-age and incident stroke
Authors: Leung Robert , Wang Biqi , Gottbrecht Matthew , Doerr Adam , Marya Neil , Soni Apurv , McManus David D. , Lin Honghuang
Published: June 2024

Background

Stroke continues to be a leading cause of death and disability worldwide despite improvements in prevention and treatment. Traditional stroke risk calculators are biased and imprecise. Novel stroke predictors need to be identified. Recently, deep neural networks (DNNs) have been used to determine age from ECGs, otherwise known as the electrocardiographic-age (ECG-age), which predicts clinical outcomes. However, the relationship between ECG-age and stroke has not been well studied. We hypothesized that ECG-age is associated with incident stroke.

Methods

In this study, UK Biobank participants with available ECGs (from 2014 or later). ECG-age was estimated using a deep neural network (DNN) applied to raw ECG waveforms. We calculated the Δage (ECG-age minus chronological age) and classified individuals as having normal, accelerated, or decelerated aging if Δage was within, higher, or lower than the mean absolute error of the model, respectively. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for age, sex, and clinical factors were used to assess the association between Δage and incident stroke.

Results

The study population included 67,757 UK Biobank participants (mean age 65 ± 8 years; 48.3% male). Every 10-year increase in Δage was associated with a 22% increase in incident stroke [HR, 1.22 (95% CI, 1.00–1.49)] in the multivariable-adjusted model. Accelerated aging was associated with a 42% increase in incident stroke [HR, 1.42 (95% CI, 1.12–1.80)] compared to normal aging. In addition, Δage was associated with prevalent stroke [OR, 1.28 (95% CI, 1.11–1.49)].

Conclusions

DNN-estimated ECG-age was associated with incident and prevalent stroke in the UK Biobank. Further investigation is required to determine if ECG-age can be used as a reliable biomarker of stroke risk.
Microbiological profile of diabetic foot infections in China and worldwide: a 20-year systematic review
Authors: Qu Yu-dun , Ou Shuan-ji , Zhang Wei , Li Jia-xuan , Xia Chang-liang , Yang Yang , Liu Jia-bao , Ma Yun-fei , Jiang Nan , Wang Ye-yang , Chen Bo , Yu Bin , Qi Yong , Xu Chang-peng
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Pathogens causing diabetic foot infections (DFIs) vary by region globally; however, knowledge of the causative organism is essential for effective empirical treatment. We aimed to determine the incidence and antibiotic susceptibility of DFI pathogens worldwide, focusing on Asia and China.

Methods

Through a comprehensive literature search, we identified published studies on organisms isolated from DFI wounds from January 2000 to December 2020.

Results

Based on our inclusion criteria, we analyzed 245 studies that cumulatively reported 38,744 patients and 41,427 isolated microorganisms. DFI pathogens varied according to time and region. Over time, the incidence of Gram-positive and Gram-negative aerobic bacteria have decreased and increased, respectively. America and Asia have the highest (62.74%) and lowest (44.82%) incidence of Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. Africa has the highest incidence (26.90%) of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Asia has the highest incidence (49.36%) of Gram-negative aerobic bacteria with species infection rates as follows: Escherichia coli, 10.77%; Enterobacter spp., 3.95%; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 11.08%, with higher local rates in China and Southeast Asia. Linezolid, vancomycin, and teicoplanin were the most active agents against Gram-positive aerobes, while imipenem and cefoperazone-sulbactam were the most active agents against Gram-negative aerobes.

Discussion

This systematic review showed that over 20 years, the pathogens causing DFIs varied considerably over time and region. This data may inform local clinical guidelines on empirical antibiotic therapy for DFI in China and globally. Regular large-scale epidemiological studies are necessary to identify trends in DFI pathogenic bacteria.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023447645.
Maternal vitamin A and D status in second and third trimester of pregnancy and bone mineral content in offspring at nine years of age
Authors: Stunes Astrid Kamilla , Mosti Mats Peder , Gustafsson Miriam Katarina , Børsting Torunn , Thorsby Per Medbøe , Stafne Signe Nilssen , Syversen Unni
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Maternal nutritional and vitamin status during pregnancy may have long-term effects on offspring health and disease. The aim of this study was to examine the associations between maternal vitamin A and D status in pregnancy and offspring bone mineral content (BMC) at nine years of age.

Methods

This is a post-hoc study of a randomized control trial including 855 pregnant women from two Norwegian cities; Trondheim and Stavanger. The women were randomized into an exercise intervention or standard antenatal care. Mother and child pairs for the present study were recruited from those still living in Trondheim after 8–10 years. Serum vitamin A (retinol) and vitamin D (25(OH)D) were measured in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy, and active vitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) in serum was measured in a subgroup. Spine BMC and trabecular bone score were measured in the children at nine years of age. Associations were analyzed with linear regression models.

Results

A total of 119 mother and child pairs were included in the analyses. Vitamin A insufficiency (retinol< 1.05 µmol/L) and vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D< 50 mmol/L) increased from ~7% to ~43% and from ~28% to ~33%, respectively, from the 2nd to the 3rd trimester. An increase in serum 1,25(OH)2D from the 2nd to the 3rd trimester was observed in the subgroup. There was a negative association between serum retinol in the 2nd trimester and spine BMC in the boys, but not in the girls, when adjusted for maternal and child confounders. No other associations between maternal serum vitamin A or D and BMC in the children were found.

Conclusion

We observed a high prevalence of vitamin A insufficiency and vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy. A negative association between mid-pregnancy vitamin A status and spine BMC was observed in boys, but not girls, while no associations were found between maternal vitamin D status and child BMC. The implications of optimal vitamin A and D status in pregnancy for offspring bone health, remains a subject for further investigations.
Imaging phenotypic differences in multiple sclerosis: at the crossroads of aging, sex, race, and ethnicity
Authors: Nathoo Nabeela , Neyal Nur , Kantarci Orhun H. , Zeydan Burcu
Published: June 2024

Clear sex differences are observed in clinical and imaging phenotypes of multiple sclerosis (MS), which evolve significantly over the age spectrum, and more specifically, during reproductive milestones such as pregnancy and menopause. With neuroimaging being an outcome measure and also a key subclinical biomarker of subsequent clinical phenotype in MS, this comprehensive review aims to provide an overview of sex and hormone differences in structural and functional imaging biomarkers of MS, including lesion burden and location, atrophy, white matter integrity, functional connectivity, and iron distribution. Furthermore, how therapies aimed at altering sex hormones can impact imaging of women and men with MS over the lifespan is discussed. This review also explores the key intersection between age, sex, and race/ethnicity in MS, and how this intersection may affect imaging biomarkers of MS.
Essential role of pre-existing humoral immunity in TLR9-mediated type I IFN response to recombinant AAV vectors in human whole blood
Authors: Alakhras Nada S. , Moreland Christopher A. , Wong Li Chin , Raut Priyam , Kamalakaran Sid , Wen Yi , Siegel Robert W. , Malherbe Laurent P.
Published: June 2024

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors have emerged as the preferred platform for gene therapy of rare human diseases. Despite the clinical promise, host immune responses to AAV vectors and transgene remain a major barrier to the development of successful AAV-based human gene therapies. Here, we assessed the human innate immune response to AAV9, the preferred serotype for AAV-mediated gene therapy of the CNS. We showed that AAV9 induced type I interferon (IFN) and IL-6 responses in human blood from healthy donors. This innate response was replicated with AAV6, required full viral particles, but was not observed in every donor. Depleting CpG motifs from the AAV transgene or inhibiting TLR9 signaling reduced type I IFN response to AAV9 in responding donors, highlighting the importance of TLR9-mediated DNA sensing for the innate response to AAV9. Remarkably, we further demonstrated that only seropositive donors with preexisting antibodies to AAV9 capsid mounted an innate immune response to AAV9 in human whole blood and that anti-AAV9 antibodies were necessary and sufficient to promote type I IFN release and plasmacytoid dendritic (pDC) cell activation in response to AAV9. Thus, our study reveals a previously unidentified requirement for AAV preexisting antibodies for TLR9-mediated type I IFN response to AAV9 in human blood.
Impact and potential value of immunosenescence on solid gastrointestinal tumors
Authors: Zhang Tianshuai , Wen Rongbo , Fan Hao , Yu Yue , Jia Hang , Peng Zhiying , Zhou Leqi , Yu Guanyu , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2024

Solid gastrointestinal tumors often respond poorly to immunotherapy for the complex tumor microenvironment (TME), which is exacerbated by immune system alterations. Immunosenescence is the process of increased diversification of immune genes due to aging and other factors, leading to a decrease in the recognition function of the immune system. This process involves immune organs, immune cells, and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). The most fundamental change is DNA damage, resulting in TME remodeling. The main manifestations are worsening inflammation, increased immunosuppressive SASP production, decreased immune cell antitumor activity, and the accumulation of tumor-associated fibroblasts and myeloid-derived suppressor cells, making antitumor therapy less effective. Senotherapy strategies to remove senescent cells and block key senescence processes can have synergistic effects with other treatments. This review focuses on immunoenescence and its impact on the solid TME. We characterize the immunosenescent TME and discuss future directions for antitumor therapies targeting senescence.
Training immunophenotyping deep learning models with the same-section ground truth cell label derivation method improves virtual staining accuracy
Authors: Azam Abu Bakr , Wee Felicia , Väyrynen Juha P. , Yim Willa Wen-You , Xue Yue Zhen , Chua Bok Leong , Lim Jeffrey Chun Tatt , Somasundaram Aditya Chidambaram , Tan Daniel Shao Weng , Takano Angela , Chow Chun Yuen , Khor Li Yan , Lim Tony Kiat Hon , Yeong Joe , Lau Mai Chan , Cai Yiyu
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Deep learning (DL) models predicting biomarker expression in images of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained tissues can improve access to multi-marker immunophenotyping, crucial for therapeutic monitoring, biomarker discovery, and personalized treatment development. Conventionally, these models are trained on ground truth cell labels derived from IHC-stained tissue sections adjacent to H&E-stained ones, which might be less accurate than labels from the same section. Although many such DL models have been developed, the impact of ground truth cell label derivation methods on their performance has not been studied.

Methodology

In this study, we assess the impact of cell label derivation on H&E model performance, with CD3+ T-cells in lung cancer tissues as a proof-of-concept. We compare two Pix2Pix generative adversarial network (P2P-GAN)-based virtual staining models: one trained with cell labels obtained from the same tissue section as the H&E-stained section (the ‘same-section’ model) and one trained on cell labels from an adjacent tissue section (the ‘serial-section’ model).

Results

We show that the same-section model exhibited significantly improved prediction performance compared to the ‘serial-section’ model. Furthermore, the same-section model outperformed the serial-section model in stratifying lung cancer patients within a public lung cancer cohort based on survival outcomes, demonstrating its potential clinical utility.

Discussion

Collectively, our findings suggest that employing ground truth cell labels obtained through the same-section approach boosts immunophenotyping DL solutions.
Case report and brief literature review: possible association of secukinumab with Guillain–Barré syndrome in psoriasis
Authors: Liang Gang , Han Yongmei , He Haiyan , Lu Ci , Zhu Chen
Published: June 2024

The etiology of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) may be autoimmune. About two-thirds of patients typically experience their first symptoms within 5 days to 3 weeks after common infectious diseases, surgery, or vaccination. Infection is a triggering factor for over 50% of patients. In recent years, a growing number of studies have indicated that some immune checkpoint inhibitors and COVID-19 may also contribute to the occurrence of GBS. However, drugs are considered a rare cause of GBS. The patient in our case was a 70-year-old man who developed GBS after initiating secukinumab for psoriasis. Upon diagnosis suggesting a potential association between secukinumab and the development of GBS, as per the Naranjo adverse drug reaction (ADR) probability scale, we decided to discontinue the drug. Following this intervention, along with the administration of immunoglobulin, the patient exhibited a significant improvement in extremity weakness. The association of GBS with secukinumab treatment, as observed in this case, appears to be uncommon. The underlying mechanisms that may link secukinumab to the development of GBS are not yet fully understood and warrant further scientific inquiry and rigorous investigation. However, we hope that this report can raise greater awareness and vigilance among medical professionals to enhance the safety of patients’ medication.
Bacterial composition and physicochemical characteristics of sorghum based on environmental factors in different regions of China
Authors: Xie Peiyun , Shao Mingbo , Deng Xiaofeng , Ren Yan , Chen Manjing , Jiang Yuwen , Shen Jiaqi
Published: June 2024

The fermentation process for Jiang-flavored baijiu using sorghum as the raw material involves a variety of microorganisms. However, the specific physicochemical characteristics of sorghum and microbial composition on its surface have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to perform a comprehensive comparative analysis of the variations in physicochemical properties and surface microflora in waxy sorghum samples from three prominent production regions in China (Renhuai, Jinsha, and Duyun). Multivariate statistical assessments were conducted that incorporated local soil and climate variables. The results showed that Cyanobacteria, unclassified bacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota were the dominant bacteria in these regions. These bacteria were associated with ethyl acetate, ethyl caprylate, ethyl lactate, and butyl groups, which synergistically produce flavorful compounds. The surface bacterial communities were affected by soil total phosphorus, altitude, diurnal temperature range, monthly mean temperature, precipitation, and effective accumulated temperature. The findings of this study provide a new perspective on microorganisms related to Jiang-flavored baijiu and can help establish a reference for the stability of liquor quality.
A case report of small intestinal volvulus caused by lipomatosis of the small intestine successfully treated with enterectomy
Authors: Qin Hao , Zhao Yu Wei , Wang Xiao Zhou , Jiang Lei , Liu Qiang , Li Zhan Wu , Zhao Guang Sheng
Published: June 2024

Small intestinal lipomatosis is a rare condition that presents a diagnostic challenge due to the absence of identifiable clinical symptoms and limitations of small intestine examination methods. Consequently, preoperative diagnosis is difficult and only a limited number of cases have been documented in the scientific literature. Here, we report a rare case of volvulus caused by small intestinal lipomatosis. A 58-year-old female patient was tentatively diagnosed with acute ileus. The whirl sign was detected using abdominal three-dimensional enhanced computed tomography, along with marked local intestinal dilation and multiple irregular fat-like containing lesions. During surgery, abnormal dilation of the small intestine between 80 and 220 cm from the ileocecal valve was detected and the affected intestine displayed a folded and twisted configuration. Examination of the resected intestine showed that the inner wall of the diseased intestinal lumen was covered with more than 100 lipomas of different sizes, the largest of which measured ~8.0 cm in diameter. Based on clinical symptoms alone, it was difficult to identify the cause of intestinal volvulus before surgery. Complete resection of the affected small intestine and subsequent pathological analysis yielded a definitive diagnosis of small intestinal lipomatosis. While small intestinal lipomatosis is a rare condition, prognosis is favorable if diagnosed early and treated appropriately. The application of three-dimensional enhanced computed tomography imaging can aid in accurate diagnosis, while complete resection of the affected small intestine is crucial to improve patient prognosis.
Compliance with the breakthrough cancer pain European guidelines and impact on patients' quality of life: an observational prospective study
Authors: Bossi Paolo , Pietrzyńska Tatiana , Margarit Ferri César , Mansilla Irene , Tellone Valeria , Fioravanti Sara , Di Loreto Giorgio , Comandini Alessandro
Published: June 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to assess the percentage of patients treated according to the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2018 guidelines for breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) and the impact of guidelines adherence on patients' quality of life (QoL).

Methods

Adult opioid-tolerant patients diagnosed with BTcP and locally advanced or recurrent metastatic cancer with a life expectancy of >3 months prospectively were included. Patients were followed up for 28 days.

Results

Of 127 patients included, 37 were excluded due to the impossibility to establish adherence to the ESMO guidelines. Among the evaluable patients [51.1% female; with mean (SD) age of 66.4 (11.8) years], all were adherent. BTcP was diagnosed by the Association for Palliative Medicine algorithm in 47.8% of patients and by clinical experience in 52.2% of patients. The mean number of daily BTcP episodes ranged between 1 and 8, with a mean (95% CI) severity of 7.3 (7.0; 7.6) at week 0 and 6.2 (5.8; 6.6) at week 4. Time to maximum pain intensity was 3–15 min in 52.2% of patients, and BTcP lasted 30–60 min in 14.4% of patients at week 0 and 4.4% of patients at week 4. Mean (95% CI) treatment effectiveness was 6.6 (6.1; 7.1) at week 0 and 7.4 (7.0; 7.8) at week 4. Median (Q1–Q3) patients' global impression of clinical condition was 4.0 (4.0–4.0) at week 0 and 3.0 (2.0–3.0) at week 4.

Conclusion

A clear BTcP assessment and strict follow-up could be crucial to guidelines adherence and for patient's QoL.
Sugemalimab combined with chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Cai Hongfu , Fang Ling , Zheng Zhiwei
Published: June 2024

Background

This study aims to systematically analyze the cost-effectiveness of the combination therapy comprising sugemalimab and chemotherapy in the management of advanced ESCC from the Chinese healthcare system perspective.

Methods

An advanced ESCC patient simulation partitioned survival approach model was developed to mimic the disease progression of patients undergoing treatment with sugemalimab in combination with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone. To ensure accuracy and precision, clinical data, treatment costs, and utility values were collected from comprehensive clinical trials and reliable economic databases. The cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted by assessing the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio in relation to the established willingness-to-pay threshold. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of the model.

Results

The cumulative expenditure for the group of patients administered with sugemalimab amounted to US$ 41734.87, whereas the placebo group was associated with a total cost of US$ 22926.25. By evaluating the ICER, which quantifies the additional cost incurred per QALY gained, a value of US$ 61066.96 per QALY was determined. It is imperative to note that this ICER value surpasses the predetermined threshold for WTP in China, set at US$ 39,855.79 per QALY. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that the results were sensitive to the cost of sugemalimab, progression-free survival, and utility values. These fluctuations did not result in a reversal of the study findings.

Conclusion

The combination of sugemalimab with chemotherapy for the treatment of ESCC in China is currently not considered a cost-effective therapeutic approach. However, it is suggested that additional reductions in price may facilitate the potential for achieving cost-effectiveness.
B4 suppresses lymphoma progression by inhibiting fibroblast growth factor binding protein 1 through intrinsic apoptosis
Authors: Varier Krishnapriya M. , Dan Gou , Li Xiaolong , Liu Wuling , Jiang Fei , Linghu Ke-Gang , Li Yanmei , Ben-David Yaacov , Zhang Nenling , Xiao Chaoda , Gajendran Babu , Shen Xiangchun
Published: June 2024

Lymphoma positions as the fifth most common cancer, in the world, reporting remarkable deaths every year. Several promising strategies to counter this disease recently include utilizing small molecules that specifically target the lymphoma cellular proteins to overwhelm its progression. FGFBP1 is a soluble intracellular protein that progresses cancer cell proliferation and is upregulated in several cancers. Therefore, inhibiting FGFBP1 could significantly slow down lymphoma progression through triggering apoptosis. Thus, in this study, a flavonoid B4, isolated from Cajanus cajan, has been investigated for its effects of B4 on lymphoma, specifically as an FGFBP1 inhibitor. B4 could selectively hinder the growth of lymphoma cells by inducing caspase-dependent intrinsic apoptosis through G1/S transition phase cell cycle arrest. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that B4 regulates the genes involved in B-cell proliferation and DNA replication by inhibiting FGFBP1 in vitro. B4 increases the survival rate of lymphoma mice. B4 also represses the growth of patient-derived primary lymphoma cells through FGFBP1 inhibition. Drug affinity responsive target stability experimentations authorize that B4 powerfully binds to FGFBP1. The overexpression of FGFBP1 raises the pharmacological sensitivity of B4, supplementing its specific action on lymphoma cells. This study pioneers the estimation of B4 as a possible anticancer agent for lymphoma treatment. These outcomes highlight its selective inhibitory effects on lymphoma cell growth by downregulating FGFBP1 expression through intrinsic apoptosis, causing mitochondrial and DNA damage, ultimately leading to the inhibition of lymphoma progression. These suggest B4 may be a novel FGFBP1 inhibitor for the lymphoma treatment.
How to discriminate wood of CITES-listed tree species from their look-alikes: using an attention mechanism with the ResNet model on an enhanced macroscopic image dataset
Authors: Liu Shoujia , Zheng Chang , Wang Jiajun , Lu Yang , Yao Jie , Zou Zhiyuan , Yin Yafang , He Tuo
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Global illegal trade in timbers is a major cause of the loss of tree species diversity. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has been developed to combat the illegal international timber trade. Its implementation relies on accurate wood identification techniques for field screening. However, meeting the demand for timber field screening at the species level using the traditional wood identification method depending on wood anatomy is complicated, time-consuming, and challenging for enforcement officials who did not major in wood science.

Methods

This study constructed a CITES-28 macroscopic image dataset, including 9,437 original images of 279 xylarium wood specimens from 14 CITES-listed commonly traded tree species and 14 look-alike species. We evaluated a suitable wood image preprocessing method and developed a highly effective computer vision classification model, SE-ResNet, on the enhanced image dataset. The model incorporated attention mechanism modules [squeeze-and-excitation networks (SENet)] into a convolutional neural network (ResNet) to identify 28 wood species.

Results

The results showed that the SE-ResNet model achieved a remarkable 99.65% accuracy. Additionally, image cropping and rotation were proven effective image preprocessing methods for data enhancement. This study also conducted real-world identification using images of new specimens from the timber market to test the model and achieved 82.3% accuracy.

Conclusion

This study presents a convolutional neural network model coupled with the SENet module to discriminate CITES-listed species with their look-alikes and investigates a standard guideline for enhancing wood transverse image data, providing a practical computer vision method tool to protect endangered tree species and highlighting its substantial potential for CITES implementation.
How the root bacterial community of Ficus tikoua responds to nematode infection: enrichments of nitrogen-fixing and nematode-antagonistic bacteria in the parasitized organs
Authors: Meng Xiang-Rui , Gan Yu , Liao Li-Jun , Li Chao-Nan , Wang Rong , Liu Mei , Deng Jun-Yin , Chen Yan
Published: June 2024

Plant-parasitic nematodes (PPNs) are among the most damaging pathogens to host plants. Plants can modulate their associated bacteria to cope with nematode infections. The tritrophic plant–nematode–microbe interactions are highly taxa-dependent, resulting in the effectiveness of nematode agents being variable among different host plants. Ficus tikoua is a versatile plant with high application potential for fruits or medicines. In recent years, a few farmers have attempted to cultivate this species in Sichuan, China, where parasitic nematodes are present. We used 16S rRNA genes to explore the effects of nematode parasitism on root-associated bacteria in this species. Our results revealed that nematode infection had effects on both endophytic bacterial communities and rhizosphere communities in F. tikoua roots, but on different levels. The species richness increased in the rhizosphere bacterial communities of infected individuals, but the community composition remained similar as compared with that of healthy individuals. Nematode infection induces a deterministic assembly process in the endophytic bacterial communities of parasitized organs. Significant taxonomic and functional changes were observed in the endophytic communities of root knots. These changes were characterized by the enrichment of nitrogen-fixing bacteria, including Bradyrhizobium, Allorhizobium–Neorhizobium–Pararhizobium–Rhizobium, and nematode-antagonistic bacteria, such as Pseudonocardia, Pseudomonas, Steroidobacter, Rhizobacter, and Ferrovibrio. Our results would help the understanding of the tritrophic plant–nematode–bacterium interactions in host plants other than dominant crops and vegetables and would provide essential information for successful nematode management when F. tikoua were cultivated on large scales.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Pontederia crassipes: using HiFi reads to investigate genome recombination and gene transfer from chloroplast genome
Authors: Hao Zhigang , Jiang Xiaoqi , Pan Lei , Guo Jingyuan , Chen Yi , Li Jianqiang , Liu Biao , Guo Anping , Luo Laixin , Jia Ruizong
Published: June 2024

Water hyacinth (Pontederia crassipes Mart.) is a monocotyledonous aquatic plant renowned for its rapid growth, extensive proliferation, biological invasiveness, and ecological resilience to variations in pH, nutrients, and temperature. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed P. crassipes among the top 100 invasive species. However, comprehensive genomic information, particularly concerning its mitochondrial genome (mitogenome), remains surprisingly limited. In this study, the complete mitogenome of P. crassipes was analyzed using bioinformatics approaches. The mitogenome is 399,263 bp long and contains 38 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 24 tRNA genes, and 3 rRNA genes. Sequence analysis revealed that the complete mitogenome of the species contains 3,289 dispersed repeats, and 765 RNA editing sites in protein-coding genes. The P. crassipes mitogenome possessed un-conserved structures, including extensive sequence transfer between its chloroplasts and mitochondria. Our study on the mitogenome of P. crassipes offers critical insights into its evolutionary patterns and phylogenetic relationships with related taxa. This research enhances our understanding of this invasive species, known for its significant biomass and rapid overgrowth in aquatic environments.
Group based metacognitive therapy for alcohol use disorder: a pilot study
Authors: Kroener Julia , Eickholt Maja Lara , Sosic-Vasic Zrinka
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a severe clinical disorder, which has been associated with 5.3% of death worldwide. Although several treatments have been developed to improve AUD symptomatology, treatment effects were moderate, with a certain amount of patients displaying symptom deterioration after treatment termination. Moreover, outpatient treatment placements become increasingly scarce, thus necessitating more efficient treatment options. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of a newly invented, short, group based metacognitive therapy (MCT) for patients diagnosed with AUD.

Method

Seven patients were treated with eight sessions of group based MCT using a single case series design with an A-B replication across patients. Patients were assessed one month and one week before treatment, as well as one week and three months after treatment termination.

Results

Patients improved significantly and with large effect sizes regarding dysfunctional metacognitive beliefs, desire thinking/craving and depressive symptoms up to three months after treatment termination. AUD symptomatology as well as positive and negative metacognitive beliefs improved at post-treatment, but improvements could not be maintained at follow-up. All included patients completed the treatment and were highly satisfied.

Conclusion

The presented findings show preliminary evidence for the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of the implemented group based MCT treatment. Large scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are needed to confirm the effectiveness of the developed program for patients diagnosed with AUD.
Cure for tantrums? Longitudinal associations between parental digital emotion regulation and children's self-regulatory skills
Authors: Konok V. , Binet M.-A. , Korom Á. , Pogány Á. , Miklósi Á. , Fitzpatrick C.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Parents often use digital devices to regulate their children's negative emotions, e.g., to stop tantrums. However, this could hinder child development of self-regulatory skills. The objective of the study was to observe bidirectional longitudinal associations between parents' reliance on digital devices to regulate their child's emotions and self-regulatory tendencies (anger/frustration management, effortful control, impulsivity).

Methods

Parents (N = 265) filled out the Child Behavior Questionnaire—Short Form and the Media Assessment Questionnaire twice: the initial assessment (T1) took place in 2020 (mean child age = 3.5 years old), and follow-up (T2) occurred a year later in 2021 (mean child age = 4.5 years old).

Results

Higher occurrence of parental digital emotion regulation (PDER) in T1 predicts higher anger and lower effortful control in T2, but not impulsivity. Higher anger in T1, but not impulsivity and effortful control, predicts higher PDER in T2.

Discussion

Our results suggest that parents of children with greater temperament-based anger use digital devices to regulate the child's emotions (e.g., anger). However, this strategy hinders development of self-regulatory skills, leading to poorer effortful control and anger management in the child.
Reducing maternal and child oral health disparities in Sub-Saharan Africa through a community-based strategy
Authors: Adeniyi Abiola , Akama Gladys , Lukandu Ochiba , Ikemeri Justus E. , Jumah Anjellah , Chelagat Sheilah , Kasuya Anusu , Ruhl Laura , Songok Julia , Christoffersen-Deb Astrid
Published: June 2024

Oral conditions disproportionately affect mothers and children in Sub-Saharan Africa, due to biological vulnerabilities, a scarcity of oral health workers, deficient preventive strategies, and gender-based barriers to care. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends integrating oral health into broader health delivery models, to reduce these disparities. We propose integrating preventive oral healthcare into community-based programs to bridge these gaps. We examine integrating preventive oral healthcare into Western Kenya's Chamas for Change (Chamas) community-based program which aims to reduce maternal and child health disparities. Chamas incorporates women's health and microfinance programs best practices to produce a low-cost, community-driven, sustainable, and culturally acceptable health delivery platform. Our strategy is based on the Maternal and Child Oral Health Framework and uses the WHO Basic Package of Oral Care principles. This framework prioritizes community involvement, cultural sensitivity, regular screenings, and seamless integration into general health sessions. We discuss the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to enriching Chamas with oral health promotion activities. It is crucial to assess the effectiveness, sustainability, and acceptability of the proposed strategy through implementation and evaluation. Future studies should investigate the long-term impact of integrated oral health models on community health and oral health disparity reduction in Africa.
The potential of incorporating norm-critical design objects as a pedagogical tool in sociology courses
Authors: Isaksson Anna
Published: June 2024

Previous research has raised challenges in teaching gender theory in sociology courses. While many students appreciate such theories, some students resist sociological approaches to gender, sexualities, and social inequalities. There is a growing body of research that has recognized and explored pedagogical tools aiming to help students engage with sociological insights and concepts related to gender. However, more studies and pedagogical frameworks are needed to guide higher education teachers. Consequently, this perspective article aims to introduce and present how norm-critical design objects can be used as a pedagogical tool to enhance student learning and engagement. The article demonstrates how such objects have been incorporated into sociology courses and provides a springboard for reflective, thorough, and problematizing approaches to gender issues in sociology. Further, the article encourages a broader sociological discussion about the potential of using norm-critical design objects in sociology courses.
Multiplex influences on vigilance and biochemical variables induced by sleep deprivation
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Ma Xiaohong , Chen Ying , Zhao Yuanyuan , Luo Rujia , Wu Zhouying , Li Yicheng , Qian Yongyu , Wang Wenwen , Dong Shuohan , Zhou Zengxuan , Li Silin , Xiao Yi , Zhu Xinhai , Tian Yu , Guo Jinhu
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Sleep loss and sleep deprivation (SD) cause deleterious influences on health, cognition, mood and behaviour. Nevertheless, insufficient sleep and SD are prevalent across many industries and occur in various emergencies. The deleterious consequences of SD have yet to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to assess the extensive influences of SD on physiology, vigilance, and plasma biochemical variables.

Methods

Seventeen volunteers were recruited to participate in a 32.5-h SD experiment. Multiple physiological and cognitive variables, including tympanic temperature, blood oxygen saturation (SaO2), and vigilance were recorded. Urinal/salivary samples were collected and subjected to cortisol or cortisone analysis, and plasma samples were subjected to transcriptomic analysis of circular RNA (circRNA) expression using microarray. Plasma neurotransmitters were measured by targeted metabolic analysis, and the levels of inflammatory factors were assessed by antibody microarray.

Results

The volunteers showed significantly increased sleepiness and decreased vigilance during SD, and the changes in circadian rhythm and plasma biochemistry were observed. The plasma calcium (p = 0.0007) was induced by SD, while ischaemia-modified albumin (IMA, p = 0.0030) and total bile acid (TBA, p = 0.0157) decreased. Differentially expressed circRNAs in plasma were identified, which are involved in multiple signaling pathways including neuronal regulation and immunity. Accordingly, SD induced a decrease in 3-hydroxybutyric acid (3OBH, p = 0.0002) and an increase in thyroxine (T4, p < 0.0001) in plasma. The plasma anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was downregulated while other ten inflammatory factors were upregulated.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that SD influences biochemical, physiological, cognitive variables, and the significantly changed variables may serve as candidates of SD markers. These findings may further our understanding of the detrimental consequence of sleep disturbance at multiple levels.
Sustainability Indicators – the Boundaries and Alternatives of GDP
Authors: Kandrács Csaba , Ritter Renato
Published: June 2024

To quantify economic performance, ‘gross domestic product’ – a measure created in the 1930s – is used worldwide. The indicator is suitable for measuring the performance of an economy and the welfare of individuals at a given point in time, but its capabilities are limited. The well-being of people, the impact of the environmental damage caused by production and the sustainability of economic performance are all issues that fall outside the scope of the metric. Since the 1970s, there has been a debate about the shortcomings of this indicator and its possible alternatives. Joining the dialogue, our goal was to present the principles of sustainability, to give an overview of the alternative indicators considered to be more relevant in Hungary and abroad, and to present the new sustainability indicator of the Hungarian central bank.
The Recent History of Hungarian Monetary Policy and Future Challenges for Central Banks
Authors: Balogh András , Kuti Zsolt , Sipos-Madarász Annamária
Published: June 2024

The role of central banks in shaping economic processes has been a key issue since their existence. This has typically always been related to the challenges faced by monetary policy decision makers at the time, and from the 2000s onwards even more so in the decade in question. In our essay, we focus primarily on the challenges facing Hungarian monetary policy, briefly outlining the developments in the past decades and elaborating on the challenges ahead. In the longer term, as a small, open economy, Hungary must respond to the prevailing and often interconnected international megatrends of the decade, assessing which of these developments represent challenges and which of these provide opportunities for the Magyar Nemzeti Bank to solve the challenges. In an era of geopolitical change, the green transition, demographic change, high debt levels and digitalisation, one thing is certain: central banks cannot lose sight of their primary objective of ensuring price stability.
Identification of Traffic Flow Spatio-Temporal Patterns and Their Associated Weather Factors: A Case Study in the Terminal Airspace of Hong Kong
Authors: Zhang Weining , Pan Weijun , Zhu Xinping , Yang Changqi , Du Jinghan , Yin Jianan
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a data-driven framework aimed at investigating how weather factors affect the spatio-temporal patterns of air traffic flow in the terminal maneuvering area (TMA) is presented. The framework mainly consists of three core modules, namely, trajectory structure characterization, flow pattern recognition, and association rule mining. To fully characterize trajectory structure, abnormal trajectories and typical operations are sequentially extracted based on a deep autoencoder network with two specially designed loss functions. Then, using these extracted elements as basic components to further construct and cluster per-hour-level descriptions of airspace structure, the spatio-temporal patterns of air traffic flow can be recognized. Finally, the association rule mining technique is applied to find sets of weather factors that often appear together with each flow pattern. Experimental analysis is demonstrated on two months of arrival flight trajectories at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA). The results clearly show that the proposed framework effectively captures spatial anomalies, fine-grained trajectory structures, and representative flow patterns. More importantly, it also reveals that those flow patterns with non-conforming behaviors result from complex interactions of various weather factors. The findings provide valuable insights into the causal relationships between weather factors and changes in flow patterns, greatly enhancing the situational awareness of TMA.
Correction: Ahmed et al. Heterosis Studies for Root-Yield-Attributing Characters and Total Alkaloid Content over Different Environments in Withania somnifera L. Agriculture 2023, 13, 1025
Authors: Ahmed Iqbal , Dubey Rajendra Babu , Jain Devendra , El-Sheikh Mohamed A. , Kaushik Prashant
Published: June 2024

The Agriculture Editorial Office wishes to make the following changes to the author’s paper [...]
Characterization and Mapping of the Potential Area of Oil Palm Using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis in a Geographic Information Systems Environment
Authors: Manorama Kamireddy , Reddy G. P. Obi , Suresh K. , Ray S. S. , Behera S. K. , Kumar Nirmal , Mathur R. K.
Published: June 2024

This study presents a GIS-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) spatial model to assess land suitability for oil palm (OP) cultivation in rainfed conditions. Initially, twelve parameters, viz., rainfall, number of rainy days, mean temperature, RH, ground water level, soil pH, salinity, soil depth, surface texture, stoniness, slope, and drainage, were selected for assessing OP suitability in one of the states (Kerala). However, subsequent ground verification revealed significant discrepancies, which prompted refining the model by focusing on key parameters with greater accuracy and relevance. Accordingly, only five the most critical parameters affecting OP cultivation under rainfed conditions were selected through the rank sum method, and weights were assigned ac-cording to their significance. This study was aimed at creating a comprehensive tool for informed decision making in agricultural planning. District-level spatial data from reliable sources were utilized for Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. Thematic rasters, representing key factors influencing land suitability, were created in a GIS. Utilizing MCDA techniques, a digital suitability map was generated in ArcGIS 10.3, delineating three distinct classes over an extensive area of 10.5 million hectares. Further, with an aim to focus on actual locations that can be readily planted with oil palm, the suitable locations identified were restricted to eight selected land use/land cover (LULC) classes. This strategic limitation aimed to facilitate the expansion of OP cultivation exclusively to areas deemed most suitable based on the identified criteria. The validation of this developed model involved comparing the suitability map generated with the performance of existing oil palm plantations across diverse locations. The reasonable similarity between the model’s predictions and real-world plantation outcomes validated the effectiveness of this MCDA spatial model. This model not only helps identify suitable locations for rainfed oil palm cultivation but also serves as a valuable tool for strategic decision making in agricultural land use planning.
Novel Molecular Techniques for Identifying Agricultural Microorganisms
Authors: Jan-Roblero Janet , Cruz-Maya Juan A. , Cancino-Diaz Juan C.
Published: June 2024

Agriculture involves activities aimed at improving soil quality for food production. In this environment, microorganisms play a vital role, positively and/or negatively affecting plant growth. Given this impact, knowing the microbiota associated with agricultural systems and phytopathogens is crucial. The microbial culture method has proven ineffective in identifying microorganisms in agricultural systems, and more effective methods with greater scope for their identification currently exist. This review compiles updated information on new methods for studying microorganisms in the agricultural system, such as metagenomics, and new proposals for microorganism identification methods, such as Raman spectrometry, nanotechnology, and phytopathogen biosensors. In addition, it discusses the strengths and limitations of the new methods for microorganism identification.
The Effects of Intercropping Narrowleaf Lupine with Cereals under Variable Mineral Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Górski Rafał , Płaza Anna
Published: June 2024

Intercropping of legumes and cereals can bring many benefits to agriculture, including an increase in yield and the quality of the crops obtained. In addition, it is possible to reduce mineral fertilization, which can have a positive impact on the environment. The aim of the field research conducted in 2021–2023 in central Poland was to evaluate the yields obtained, the content and yield of total protein and the value of land equivalent ratio in the intercropping of narrowleaf lupine with cereals at different seeding levels of components and variable mineral nitrogen fertilization. The following factors were tested: 1—share of components in the sowing: narrowleaf lupine (NL) 120 seeds m−2; spring barley (SB) 300 seeds m−2; M1—NL 30 + SB 225 seeds m−2; M2—NL 60 + SB 150 seeds m−2; M3—NL 90 + SB 75 seeds m−2; spring triticale (ST) 450 seeds m−2; M4—NL 30 + ST 340 seeds m−2; M5—NL 60 + ST 225 seeds m−2; M6—NL 90 + ST 115 seeds m−2; 2—mineral fertilization with nitrogen 0, 20, 40, 60 kg N ha−1. The most favorable results were obtained with mixtures containing 60 + 150 seeds m2 of narrowleaf lupine + spring barley and 90 + 115 seeds m−2 of narrowleaf lupine + spring triticale. In addition, the favorable results and the lack of significant differences at fertilization of 40 and 60 kg N ha−1 show the possibility of a limited dose of mineral nitrogen fertilization. Sowing narrowleaf lupine with spring barley at a ratio of 60 + 150 seeds m2 or with spring triticale at a ratio of 90 + 115 seeds m−2 and fertilizing with 40 kg N ha−1 can be recommended for agricultural practice. The proposed management technique ensures high yields of good quality and thus can be an interesting solution for sustainable cultivation and be successfully implemented on farms.