bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enabling coastal blue carbon in Aotearoa New Zealand: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Stewart-Sinclair Phoebe J. , Bulmer Richard H. , Macpherson Elizabeth , Lundquist Carolyn J.
Published: February 2024

Blue carbon is the carbon sequestered by coastal and marine habitats such as mangroves, saltmarsh, and seagrasses. The carbon sequestration service provided by these habitats could help to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as well as providing other important ecosystem services. Restoration of coastal habitats for the purpose of sequestering blue carbon can generate carbon credits, potentially offsetting the costs of restoration and any lost revenue for landowners. Coastal blue carbon projects have been successfully implemented overseas, but a blue carbon market has not yet been established in Aotearoa New Zealand (ANZ). Here we identify key data gaps that will be necessary to fill to develop a blue carbon market in ANZ. Calculation of carbon abatement through development of a standardised method is the first step and will allow economic assessment of potential restoration sites. Economic assessment will determine if the carbon credits generated will cover restoration costs and lost revenue from restored lands. Once economically feasible potential restoration sites have been identified, prioritisation of sites could be determined by the value of co-benefits produced (i.e., biodiversity). There are also legal uncertainties in ANZ and ownership of the foreshore has been a contentious topic. Current legislation provides that neither the Crown nor any other person owns or can own the common marine and coastal area, although Māori may apply for recognition of customary rights, interests, and title in the area. The legal status of property rights will have significant implications for privately owned land, as it is unclear whether land will be considered foreshore when inundated in future with sea level rise. Here, we discuss further policy enablers including the role of government and the insurance industry that could encourage uptake of carbon projects by private landowners. Filling these gaps in market assessments and recognising the key role of Indigenous owners and customary rights holders to coastal land can facilitate operationalising of coastal blue carbon opportunities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Factors influencing the use of epidural labor analgesia: a cross-sectional survey analysis
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Na , Zhou Shuangqiong , Du Weijia , Xu Zhendong , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This study aimed to explore the personal and organizational factors influencing the lack of implementation of epidural labor analgesia (ELA).

Methods

This study was conducted at the Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China. A total of 451 women who underwent vaginal delivery without ELA between 8 October 2021 and 30 March 2022, were included. A questionnaire was used to collect the relevant data. We derived and validated the variable, without ELA, by using binary logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of the total 451 included, 355 (78.7%) initially preferred ELA, whereas 96 (21.3%) rejected it directly. Five variables were validated (p < 0.05): multiparas, ELA would lead to back pain, experienced ELA in previous delivery, the inner attitude toward labor pain, and blood routine and coagulation function not being tested within 14 days. The sensitivity and specificity of this model were 96.3 and 69.8%, respectively.

Conclusion

The corresponding training should be provided to the medical staff to identify women at high risk of rejecting ELA during the prenatal examination process using a questionnaire, then provide them with knowledge regarding ELA, so that ELA can benefit more mothers. Additionally, the existing organizational factor should be addressed in order to efficiently provide ELA services to mothers.

Clinical trial registration

This study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Chi CTR 2000034625) on July 12, 2020
Effects of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation on clinical symptoms and molecular biomarkers in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Mondal Banashree , Choudhury Supriyo , Banerjee Rebecca , Roy Akash , Chatterjee Koustav , Basu Purba , Singh Ravi , Halder Saptak , Shubham Shantanu , Baker Stuart N. , Baker Mark R. , Kumar Hrishikesh
Published: February 2024

Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) is an established neurostimulation therapy used in the treatment of epilepsy, migraine and cluster headache. In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial we explored the role of nVNS in the treatment of gait and other motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. In a subgroup of patients, we measured selected neurotrophins, inflammatory markers and markers of oxidative stress in serum. Thirty-three PD patients with freezing of gait (FOG) were randomized to either active nVNS or sham nVNS. After baseline assessments, patients were instructed to deliver six 2  min stimulations (12  min/day) of the active nVNS/sham nVNS device for 1  month at home. Patients were then re-assessed. After a one-month washout period, they were allocated to the alternate treatment arm and the same process was followed. Significant improvements in key gait parameters (speed, stance time and step length) were observed with active nVNS. While serum tumor necrosis factor- α decreased, glutathione and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) after active nVNS treatment. Here we present the first evidence of the efficacy and safety of nVNS in the treatment of gait in PD patients, and propose that nVNS can be used as an adjunctive therapy in the management of PD patients, especially those suffering from FOG.

Clinical trial registration: identifier ISRCTN14797144.
Assessment of acetylcholinesterase activity in CD9-positive exosomes from patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Jeong Sumin , Shim Kyu Hwan , Kim Danyeong , Bae Heewon , Jeong Da-Eun , Kang Min Ju , An Seong Soo A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by dopaminergic dysfunction and associated with abnormalities in the cholinergic system. However, the relationship between PD and cholinergic dysfunction, particularly in exosomes, is not fully understood.

Methods

We enrolled 37 patients with PD and 44 healthy controls (HC) to investigate acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in CD9-positive and L1CAM-positive exosomes. Exosomes were isolated from plasma using antibody-coupled magnetic beads, and their sizes and concentrations were assessed using transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blotting. Subsequently, the AChE activity in these exosomes was analyzed in relation to various clinical parameters.

Results

A significant decrease in AChE activity was observed in CD9-positive exosomes derived from patients with PD, whereas no significant differences were found in L1CAM-positive exosomes. Further analysis with a larger sample size confirmed a substantial reduction in AChE activity in CD9-positive exosomes from the PD plasma, with moderate diagnostic accuracy. The decrease in AChE activity of CD9-positive exosomes did not show an association with cognitive impairment but displayed a trend toward correlation with PD progression.

Discussion

The reduction in AChE activity in CD9-positive exosomes suggests potential peripheral cholinergic dysfunction in PD, independent of the central cholinergic system. The observed alterations in AChE activity provide valuable insights into the association between cholinergic dysfunction and the pathogenesis of PD.
Peripheral memory B cells in multiple sclerosis vs. double negative B cells in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: disease driving B cell subsets during CNS inflammation
Authors: Tieck M. P. , Vasilenko N. , Ruschil C. , Kowarik M. C.
Published: February 2024

B cells are fundamental players in the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). A deeper understanding of disease-specific B cell functions has led to the differentiation of both diseases and the development of different treatment strategies. While NMOSD is strongly associated with pathogenic anti-AQP4 IgG antibodies and proinflammatory cytokine pathways, no valid autoantibodies have been identified in MS yet, apart from certain antigen targets that require further evaluation. Although both diseases can be effectively treated with B cell depleting therapies, there are distinct differences in the peripheral B cell subsets that influence CNS inflammation. An increased peripheral blood double negative B cells (DN B cells) and plasmablast populations has been demonstrated in NMOSD, but not consistently in MS patients. Furthermore, DN B cells are also elevated in rheumatic diseases and other autoimmune entities such as myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barré syndrome, providing indirect evidence for a possible involvement of DN B cells in other autoantibody-mediated diseases. In MS, the peripheral memory B cell pool is affected by many treatments, providing indirect evidence for the involvement of memory B cells in MS pathophysiology. Moreover, it must be considered that an important effector function of B cells in MS may be the presentation of antigens to peripheral immune cells, including T cells, since B cells have been shown to be able to recirculate in the periphery after encountering CNS antigens. In conclusion, there are clear differences in the composition of B cell populations in MS and NMOSD and treatment strategies differ, with the exception of broad B cell depletion. This review provides a detailed overview of the role of different B cell subsets in MS and NMOSD and their implications for treatment options. Specifically targeting DN B cells and plasmablasts in NMOSD as opposed to memory B cells in MS may result in more precise B cell therapies for both diseases.
Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia mediated by afferent nerves in acupoint microenvironments
Authors: Fan Zezhi , Dou Baomin , Wang Jiangshan , Wu Yongjian , Du Simin , Li Jiashan , Yao Kaifang , Li Yanwei , Wang Shenjun , Gong Yinan , Guo Yi , Xu Zhifang
Published: February 2024

In the past few decades, the use of acupuncture analgesia in clinical practice has increased worldwide. This is due to its various benefits, including natural alleviation of pain without causing various adverse effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and opioids. The acupoint represents the initial site of acupuncture stimulation, where diverse types of nerve fibers located at the acupoint hold significant roles in the generation and transmission of acupuncture-related information. In this study, we analyzed the patterns and mechanisms of acupuncture analgesic mediated by acupoint afferent fibers, and found that acupuncture stimulates acupoints which rapidly and directly induces activation of high-density primary afferent fibers under the acupoints, including myelinated A fibers and unmyelinated C fibers. During acupuncture stimulation at the muscle layer, the analgesic effects can be induced by stimulation of A fiber threshold intensity. At the skin layer, the analgesic effects can only be produced by stimulation of C fiber threshold intensity. Electroacupuncture (EA) activates A fibers, while manual acupuncture (MA) activates both A and C fibers. Furthermore, acupuncture alters acupoint microenvironments, which positively modulates afferent fibers, enhancing the transmission of analgesic signals. In addition to local activation and conduction at acupoints, nerve fibers mediate the transmission of acupuncture information to pain centers. In the spinal cord, acupuncture activates neurons by inducing afferent fiber depolarization, modulating pain gating, inhibiting long-term potentiation (LTP) of the spinal dorsal horn and wide dynamic range (WDR) neuronal activities. At higher nerve centers, acupuncture inhibits neuronal activation in pain-related brain regions. In summary, acupuncture inhibits pain signal transmission at peripheral and central systems by activating different patterns of afferent fibers located on various layers of acupoints. This study provides ideas for enhancing the precise application and clinical translation of acupuncture.
Unveiling the potential of linseed mucilage, its health benefits, and applications in food packaging
Authors: Chand Monika , Chopra Rajni , Talwar Binanshu , Homroy Snigdha , Singh Priyanka Kumari , Dhiman Aishwarya , Payyunni Abdul Wahid
Published: February 2024

Industrial waste products derived from the oil industry often contain valuable substances and elements with great potential. These by-products can be used for various purposes, including as nutrients, bioactive compounds, fuels, and polymers. Linseed mucilage (LM) is one such example of a beneficial by-product obtained from linseed. It possesses favorable chemical and functional properties, depending on its method of extraction. Different pretreatments, such as enzymatic extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, pulse electric field, and ultrasound-assisted extraction, have been explored by various researchers to enhance both the yield and quality of mucilage. Furthermore, LM has exhibited therapeutic effects in the treatment of obesity, diabetes, constipation, hyperlipidemia, cancer, and other lifestyle diseases. Additionally, it demonstrates favorable functional characteristics that make it suitable to be used in bioplastic production. These properties preserve food quality, prolong shelf life, and confer antimicrobial activity. It also has the potential to be used as a packaging material, especially considering the increasing demand for sustainable and biodegradable alternatives to plastics because of their detrimental impact on environmental health. This review primarily focuses on different extraction techniques used for linseed mucilage, its mechanism of action in terms of health benefits, and potential applications in food packaging.
Case report: First evidence of impressive efficacy of modulated dose selpercatinib in a young Caucasian with ANK3-RET fusion-positive NSCLC
Authors: De Carlo Elisa , Bertoli Elisa , Schiappacassi Monica , Stanzione Brigida , Del Conte Alessandro , Doliana Roberto , Spina Michele , Bearz Alessandra
Published: February 2024

Over the past decade, molecular characterization has led to change the management of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring driver mutations. Rearranged during transfection (RET) gene fusions, occurring in 1% to 2% of NSCLC, have emerged as an oncogenic druggable target. Systemic targeted therapies with highly selective RET inhibitors (RETi), selpercatinib and pralsetinib, represent a recent clinical breakthrough. While the development of RETi has improved survival, with their increasing use, it is crucial to be aware of the risks of rare but serious adverse events (AEs). A particular challenge for clinicians in applying targeted therapies is not only diagnosing but also interpreting rare mutations. Herein, we report a case of a 43-year-old Caucasian advanced NSCLC patient diagnosed with a rare RET gene fusion, ANK3::RET, identified with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). Selpercatinib has been initiated at the recommended initial dose after one incomplete chemotherapy cycle due to a severe infusion reaction, but it subsequently required a dose adjustment following grade 3 (G3) AEs. During treatment, we used a particular selpercatinib dosage (160 mg in the morning and 80 mg in the evening) with good tolerance and without compromising effectiveness. Our finding broadens the range of RET fusion types in not-Asian NSCLC. To the best of our knowledge, our case demonstrates, for the first time, a clinical and radiological response to frontline highly selective RETi selpercatinib, expanding the spectrum of potential oncogenic RET fusion partners in newly diagnosed NSCLC patients. Furthermore, to our knowledge, this is the first case describing a RET fusion-positive (RET+) NSCLC patient treated with a modified selpercatinib dosage outside the drug data sheet and demonstrating a safe and effective use.
The prognostic value of lymph node ratio for thyroid cancer: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hu Yue , Wang Zhiyi , Dong Lishuo , Zhang Lu , Xiuyang Li
Published: February 2024

Background

The prognostic value of lymph node ratio (LNR) has been proved in several cancers. However, the potential of LNR to be a prognostic factor for thyroid cancer has not been validated so far. This article evaluated the prognostic value of LNR for thyroid cancer through a meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted for eligible publications that study the prognostic values of LNR for thyroid cancer in the databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science up until October 24, 2023. The quality of the eligible studies was evaluated by The Newcastle-Ottawa Assessment Scale of Cohort Study. The effect measure for meta-analysis was Hazard Ratio (HR). Random effect model was used to calculate the pooled HR and 95% confidence intervals. A sensitivity analysis was applied to assess the stability of the results. Subgroup analysis and a meta-regression were performed to explore the source of heterogeneity. And a funnel plot, Begg’s and Egger’s tests were used to evaluate publication bias.

Results

A total of 15,698 patients with thyroid cancer from 24 eligible studies whose quality were relatively high were included. The pooled HR was 4.74 (95% CI:3.67-6.11; P<0.05) and a moderate heterogeneity was shown (I2 = 40.8%). The results of meta-analysis were stable according to the sensitivity analysis. Similar outcome were shown in subgroup analysis that higher LNR was associated with poorer disease-free survival (DFS). Results from meta-regression indicated that a combination of 5 factors including country, treatment, type of thyroid cancer, year and whether studies control factors in design or analysis were the origin of heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Higher LNR was correlated to poorer disease free survival in thyroid cancer. LNR could be a potential prognostic indicator for thyroid cancer. More effort should be made to assess the potential of LNR to be included in the risk stratification systems for thyroid cancer.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=477135, identifier CRD42023477135.
Esketamine combined with sufentanil versus sufentanil in patient-controlled intravenous analgesia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yao Manman , Fang Baoxia , Yang Jinguo , Chen Peng , Chen Fuchao
Published: February 2024

Objective: Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) can alleviate pain to some extent, and several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the efficacy of esketamine-assisted sufentanil in postoperative PCIA. In this research, we conducted a meta-analysis of relevant RCTs to compare the effect and safety of esketamine-sufentanil versus sufentanil alone for postoperative PCIA.

Methods: We systematically searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, and other libraries up to December 2023 to screen out RCTs examining the use of esketamine combined with sufentanil for PCIA. We analysed analgesia scores, sedation scores, adverse drug reactions and postpartum depression scores as outcome indicators.

Results: This meta-analysis included 32 RCTs. The results of the meta-analysis were as follows. 1) Visual Analog Scale: The VAS scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h were lower in the esketamine-sufentanil group than in the sufentanil alone group, and significant differences were found at all time points (p < 0.05). 2) Ramsay Sedation Scale: The sedation score of the esketamine-sufentanil group at 48 h after surgery was higher than that of the sufentanil group alone [mean difference (MD) = −0.09 points, confidence interval (CI): (−0.26, −0.07), p = 0.27], but this difference was not significant (p > 0.05). 3) Safety: Compared with sufentanil alone, the incidence rates of postoperative nausea-vomiting, dizziness-headache, skin pruritus and respiratory depression were significantly lower in the esketamine-sufentanil group. 4) Postartum depression: The reduction in postpartum depression scores were significantly greater in the esketamine-sufentanil group than in the sufentanil alone group at 3 days [MD = −1.35 points, CI: (−1.89, −0.81), p < 0.00001] and 7 days [MD = −1.29 points, CI: (−2.42, −0.16), p = 0.03].

Conclusion: The meta-analysis showed that the use of esketamine combined with sufentanil for postoperative PCIA could improve postoperative analgesia, alleviate postpartum depression and reduce the rate of postoperative adverse reactions, but there was no significant difference in sedation.
Generative artificial intelligence in drug discovery: basic framework, recent advances, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Gangwal Amit , Ansari Azim , Ahmad Iqrar , Azad Abul Kalam , Kumarasamy Vinoth , Subramaniyan Vetriselvan , Wong Ling Shing
Published: February 2024

There are two main ways to discover or design small drug molecules. The first involves fine-tuning existing molecules or commercially successful drugs through quantitative structure-activity relationships and virtual screening. The second approach involves generating new molecules through de novo drug design or inverse quantitative structure-activity relationship. Both methods aim to get a drug molecule with the best pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. However, bringing a new drug to market is an expensive and time-consuming endeavor, with the average cost being estimated at around $2.5 billion. One of the biggest challenges is screening the vast number of potential drug candidates to find one that is both safe and effective. The development of artificial intelligence in recent years has been phenomenal, ushering in a revolution in many fields. The field of pharmaceutical sciences has also significantly benefited from multiple applications of artificial intelligence, especially drug discovery projects. Artificial intelligence models are finding use in molecular property prediction, molecule generation, virtual screening, synthesis planning, repurposing, among others. Lately, generative artificial intelligence has gained popularity across domains for its ability to generate entirely new data, such as images, sentences, audios, videos, novel chemical molecules, etc. Generative artificial intelligence has also delivered promising results in drug discovery and development. This review article delves into the fundamentals and framework of various generative artificial intelligence models in the context of drug discovery via de novo drug design approach. Various basic and advanced models have been discussed, along with their recent applications. The review also explores recent examples and advances in the generative artificial intelligence approach, as well as the challenges and ongoing efforts to fully harness the potential of generative artificial intelligence in generating novel drug molecules in a faster and more affordable manner. Some clinical-level assets generated form generative artificial intelligence have also been discussed in this review to show the ever-increasing application of artificial intelligence in drug discovery through commercial partnerships.
Magnetic resonance elastography resolving all gross anatomical segments of the kidney during controlled hydration
Authors: Wolf Marcos , Darwish Omar , Neji Radhouene , Eder Michael , Sunder-Plassmann Gere , Heinz Gertraud , Robinson Simon Daniel , Schmid Albrecht Ingo , Moser Ewald V. , Sinkus Ralph , Meyerspeer Martin
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a non-invasive method to quantify biomechanical properties of human tissues. It has potential in diagnosis and monitoring of kidney disease, if established in clinical practice. The interplay of flow and volume changes in renal vessels, tubule, urinary collection system and interstitium is complex, but physiological ranges of in vivo viscoelastic properties during fasting and hydration have never been investigated in all gross anatomical segments simultaneously.

Method: Ten healthy volunteers underwent two imaging sessions, one following a 12-hour fasting period and the second after a drinking challenge of >10 mL per kg body weight (60–75 min before the second examination). High-resolution renal MRE was performed using a novel driver with rotating eccentric mass placed at the posterior-lateral wall to couple waves (50 Hz) to the kidney. The biomechanical parameters, shear wave speed (cs in m/s), storage modulus (Gd in kPa), loss modulus (Gl in kPa), phase angle (Υ=2πatanGlGd) and attenuation (α in 1/mm) were derived. Accurate separation of gross anatomical segments was applied in post-processing (whole kidney, cortex, medulla, sinus, vessel).

Results: High-quality shear waves coupled into all gross anatomical segments of the kidney (mean shear wave displacement: 163 ± 47 μm, mean contamination of second upper harmonics <23%, curl/divergence: 4.3 ± 0.8). Regardless of the hydration state, median Gd of the cortex and medulla (0.68 ± 0.11 kPa) was significantly higher than that of the sinus and vessels (0.48 ± 0.06 kPa), and consistently, significant differences were found in cs, Υ, and Gl (all p < 0.001). The viscoelastic parameters of cortex and medulla were not significantly different. After hydration sinus exhibited a small but significant reduction in median Gd by −0.02 ± 0.04 kPa (p = 0.01), and, consequently, the cortico-sinusoidal-difference in Gd increased by 0.04 ± 0.07 kPa (p = 0.05). Only upon hydration, the attenuation in vessels became lower (0.084 ± 0.013 1/mm) and differed significantly from the whole kidney (0.095 ± 0.007 1/mm, p = 0.01).

Conclusion: High-resolution renal MRE with an innovative driver and well-defined 3D segmentation can resolve all renal segments, especially when including the sinus in the analysis. Even after a prolonged hydration period the approach is sensitive to small hydration-related changes in the sinus and in the cortico-sinusoidal-difference.
Polyphosphate kinase deletion increases laboratory productivity in cyanobacteria
Authors: Sebesta Jacob , Cantrell Michael , Schaedig Eric , Hou Harvey J. M. , Pastore Colleen , Chou Katherine J. , Xiong Wei , Guarnieri Michael T. , Yu Jianping
Published: February 2024

Identification and manipulation of cellular energy regulation mechanisms may be a strategy to increase productivity in photosynthetic organisms. This work tests the hypothesis that polyphosphate synthesis and degradation play a role in energy management by storing or dissipating energy in the form of ATP. A polyphosphate kinase (ppk) knock-out strain unable to synthesize polyphosphate was generated in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. This mutant strain demonstrated higher ATP levels and faster growth than the wildtype strain in high-carbon conditions and had a growth defect under multiple stress conditions. In a strain that combined ppk deletion with heterologous expression of ethylene-forming enzyme, higher ethylene productivity was observed than in the wildtype background. These results support the role of polyphosphate synthesis and degradation as an energy regulation mechanism and suggest that such mechanisms may be effective targets in biocontainment design.
A genome-wide association analysis for salt tolerance during the soybean germination stage and development of KASP markers
Authors: Wang Junyan , Zhou Miaomiao , Zhang Hongmei , Liu Xiaoqing , Zhang Wei , Wang Qiong , Jia Qianru , Xu Donghe , Chen Huatao , Su Chengfu
Published: February 2024

Salt stress poses a significant challenge to crop productivity, and understanding the genetic basis of salt tolerance is paramount for breeding resilient soybean varieties. In this study, a soybean natural population was evaluated for salt tolerance during the germination stage, focusing on key germination traits, including germination rate (GR), germination energy (GE), and germination index (GI). It was seen that under salt stress, obvious inhibitions were found on these traits, with GR, GE, and GI diminishing by 32% to 54% when compared to normal conditions. These traits displayed a coefficient of variation (31.81% to 50.6%) and a substantial generalized heritability (63.87% to 86.48%). Through GWAS, a total of 1841 significant single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified to be associated with these traits, distributed across chromosome 2, 5, 6, and 20. Leveraging these significant association loci, 12 candidate genes were identified to be associated with essential functions in coordinating cellular responses, regulating osmotic stress, mitigating oxidative stress, clearing reactive oxygen species (ROS), and facilitating heavy metal ion transport - all of which are pivotal for plant development and stress tolerance. To validate the candidate genes, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was conducted, revealing three highly expressed genes (Glyma.02G067700, Glyma.02G068900, and Glyma.02G070000) that play pivotal roles in plant growth, development, and osmoregulation. In addition, based on these SNPs related with salt tolerance, KASP (Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR)markers were successfully designed to genotype soybean accessions. These findings provide insight into the genetic base of soybean salt tolerance and candidate genes for enhancing soybean breeding programs in this study.
Investigating the employment motivation, job satisfaction, and dissatisfaction of international high school teachers in China: the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Mo Junhua , Morris Gareth
Published: February 2024

International education has become increasingly challenging to manage in an unpredictable world beset by pandemics, regional disputes, and evolving market practices. The last few decades have seen a huge demand for international education in China, and numerous acclaimed international brand names set up operations in China’s K12 schooling sector. However, the COVID-19 pandemic exerted a noticeably negative impact on international high schools and their staff in China, and exacerbated a difficult period of management for these institutions. Interestingly, but perhaps unsurprisingly, the actual operation of these educational workplaces remains under investigated in academic studies. This paper therefore attempts to examine international high schools in China by focusing on their teachers and their associated employment motivation, job satisfaction, and dissatisfaction which has been perceptibly influenced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through a qualitative, case-study approach which adopted semi-structured interviews, an acclaimed British high school, now closed, was investigated. The study found that international high school teachers were driven by diverse work motives such as the school’s reputation, values, salary, environment, and chances for career development. Their job satisfaction was also multi-faceted, and their dissatisfaction in certain areas concerning. That is, they derived an early satisfaction from a range of facets, such as the students, class sizes, initial workloads, autonomy and collegiality. However, these early feelings were replaced by a sense of dissatisfaction and noticeable unhappiness resulting from leadership changes and subsequent management practices, increased workload, unmet employment package expectations and obligations, as well as limited professional development opportunities. This study highlights the importance of recruiting well, generating the right starting and longer-term conditions, retaining key staff and managing astutely. The work will be of interest to policy makers, investors, leaders, managers and staff alike. It will also extend educational research in the areas of teacher motivation, satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and in particular in China in international K12 settings.
Students’ reading comprehension level and reading demands in teacher education programs: the elephant in the room?
Authors: Orellana Pelusa , Silva Mónica , Iglesias Vicente
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Reading comprehension is considered a key ability for students in teacher education programs.

Methods

Data from 72 students enrolled in a Chilean school of education was used to estimate the contribution of reading proficiency in first-semester academic performance using regression analysis.

Results

Reading comprehension made a significant, albeit modest contribution to predict students’ academic performance, after controlling for their scores in the standardized national admission tests and high-school grades. The students’ average reading level was below the level of text complexity required in their first term and, although by their senior year they had made significant progress in reading comprehension, their reading level continued to be lower than text demands.

Discussion

A qualitative exploration of students’ reading behaviors and attitudes revealed they devoted few hours per week to reading class material and even less time to reading for leisure. Faculty were cognizant of the reading deficits of their students but had few suggestions as to how to address. Future studies in higher education should confirm whether the misfit between reading proficiency and reading demands observed in this school of education is the exception or the rule.
Dynamic insights into research trends and trajectories in early reading: an analytical exploration via dynamic topic modeling
Authors: Wang Ting , Xu Hanqing , Li Chenyuan , Zhang Fan , Wang Jiaoping
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Early reading has gained significant attention in the academic community. With the increasing volume of literature on this subject, it has become crucial to assess the current research landscape and identify emerging trends.

Methods

This study utilized the dynamic topic model to analyze a corpus of 1,638 articles obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection to furnish a lucid understanding of the prevailing research and forecast possible future directions.

Results

Our in-depth assessment discerned 11 cardinal topics, among which notable ones were interventions' impacts on early reading competencies; foundational elements of early reading: phonological awareness, letters, and, spelling; and early literacy proficiencies in children with autism spectrum disorder. Although most topics have received consistent research attention, there has been a marked increase in some topics' popularity, such as foundational elements of early reading and early literary proficiencies in children with autism spectrum disorder. Conversely, other topics exhibited a downturn.

Discussion

This analytical endeavor has yielded indispensable insights for scholars, decision-makers, and field practitioners, steering them toward pivotal research interrogatives, focal interest zones, and prospective research avenues. As per our extensive survey, this paper is a pioneering holistic purview of the seminal areas of early reading that highlights expected scholarly directions.
Proposition of a transdiagnostic processual approach of emotion dysregulation based on core triggers and interpersonal styles
Authors: Blay Martin , Duarte Miguel , Dessouli Marie-Alix , Durpoix Amaury , Rüfenacht Eva , Weibel Sébastien , Speranza Mario , Perroud Nader
Published: February 2024

Emotion dysregulation (ED) has primarily been described in patients suffering from borderline personality disorder (BPD) and is an integral part of this diagnosis, but it is also a transdiagnostic construct that can be found in several other psychiatric disorders. The strong relationships between ED and BPD may lead clinicians to underestimate ED associated to other clinical contexts. This can lead to difficulties in diagnostic and treatment orientation, especially in the context of comorbidities. In this article, after reviewing the literature on the development and functioning of emotion dysregulation, and on the evidence for emotion dysregulation in eight disorders (borderline personality disorder, pathological narcissism with/without narcissistic personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, antisocial personality disorder, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder, and adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), we present a transdiagnostic processual model of emotion dysregulation based on core triggers and interpersonal styles to try to address this issue and to provide a simple but technical tool to help clinicians in their diagnostic assessment and treatment orientation. By focusing more on typical patterns and interpersonal dynamics than only on categories, we believe that this model may contribute to the actual need for improvement of our current psychiatric classifications, alongside other well-studied and under-used dimensional models of psychopathology (e.g., HiTOP, AMPD), and may be useful to build more specific treatment frameworks for patients suffering from ED.
Addressing psychosomatic symptom distress with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy in somatic symptom disorder: mediating effects of self-compassion and alexithymia
Authors: Xu Lianrong , Shi Jihong , Li Chengwen
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study explored the association between self-compassion, alexithymia, and psychosomatic symptom distress in a clinical sample of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) patients participating in a mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) program.

Methods

One hundred sixteen SSD patients who had participated in an MBCT program and completed ≥4 intervention sessions were included in a retrospective study (76.7% women, mean age = 40.0, SD = 9.5). Psychometric measures of psychosomatic symptom distress [Brief Symptom Inventory-18 Global Severity Index (BSI-GSI)], self-compassion [Self-Compassion Scale (SCS)], and alexithymia [Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS)] were collected upon admission to the MBCT program and at 6-month follow-up following treatment inclusion.

Results

Serial mediation analysis (MBCT→ΔSCS→ΔTAS→ΔBSI-GSI) suggested that changes in both self-compassion and alexithymia had significant indirect effects on improvement in psychosomatic distress [ΔSCS β = −1.810, 95% bootstrap CI (−2.488, −1.160); ΔTAS β = −1.615, bootstrap 95% CI (−2.413, −0.896); ΔSCS→ΔTAS β = −0.621, bootstrap CI (−1.032, −0.315)]. Furthermore, a post-hoc analysis with a reverse sequence (MBCT→ΔTAS→ΔSCS→ΔBSI-GSI) revealed that reduction in alexithymia improved psychosomatic distress and that an increase in self-compassion was a subsequent outcome of alleviation of alexithymia [ΔTAS β = −2.235, bootstrap 95% CI (−3.305, −1.270); ΔSCS β = 0.013, 95% bootstrap CI (−0.600, 0.682); ΔTAS→ΔSCS β = −1.823, bootstrap CI (−2.770, −1.047)].

Conclusion

Both alleviation of alexithymia and improvement in self-compassion play a mediating role in the reduction of psychosomatic distress in SSD patients following an MBCT program. Improvement in self-compassion might be a subsequent outcome of MBCT-related alleviation of alexithymia.
Occupational health literacy and work ability: a moderation analysis including interpersonal and organizational factors in healthy organizations
Authors: Friedrich Julian , Rupp Maylin , Feng You-Shan , Sudeck Gorden
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Healthy organizations approach to occupational safety and health should holistically include individual, interpersonal, and organizational levels. There is an empirical research gap in considering different levels in organizations for health promotion in the context of maximizing work ability. This study aims to investigate the association of (1) occupational health literacy (on an individual level), (2) health-oriented leadership (interpersonal level), (3) participation possibilities in health, and (4) values of health in companies (both organizational levels) on work ability. Additionally, we examined the potentially moderating role of health-oriented leadership, participation possibilities in health, and values of health between occupational health literacy and work ability.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were obtained from 828 employers and employees in small and medium-sized enterprises. Self-report measures included occupational health literacy, health-oriented leadership, work ability, participation possibilities in health at work, and values of health in the company. Occupational health literacy comprises two factors: a knowledge-/skill-based approach to occupational health and a willingness/responsibility for occupational health. Participation possibilities in health are measured regarding participatory opportunities and co-creation of health at work. Values of health in the company capture the importance of health in the workplace and the scope for improving employees’ health. Data were analyzed using latent regression and latent moderation analyses controlling for age, gender, and educational level.

Results

Occupational health literacy (knowledge-/skill-based), health-oriented leadership, participation possibilities in health, and values of health in companies showed positive associations with work ability. Health-oriented leadership on an interpersonal level was found to moderate the positive relationship between (knowledge-/skill-based) occupational health literacy and work ability. Participation possibilities in health on an organizational level acted as a moderator on the relationship between both occupational health literacy factors and work ability.

Discussion

Individual, interpersonal, and organizational factors play important roles in maintaining work ability in healthy organizations. This study highlights the importance of promoting occupational health literacy among employees and leaders, creating a healthy workplace through health-oriented leadership, and providing participatory opportunities for co-creation in health promotion at work. Future research should further explore these factors’ roles in different industries and contexts and how they may be addressed effectively in tailored workplace interventions.
Assessment of the quality of nursing work life and its related factors among critical care nurses
Authors: Alzoubi Majdi M. , Al-momani Shaimaa , Al-Mugheed Khalid , Owiedat Islam , Shosha Ghada Mohammad Abu , Alabdullah Amany Anwar Saeed , Alsenany Samira Ahmed , Abdelaliem Sally Mohammed Farghaly
Published: February 2024

Background

Quality of work life (QWL) refers to the degree to which employees contribute to the organization’s goals while also experiencing personal and professional satisfaction. This study conducted to evaluate the quality of nursing work life (QNWL) level and its associated factors among nurses working in critical care units.

Methods

A convenience sample technique among critical care nurses in Jordan by using a cross-sectional, descriptive design. A self-reported questionnaire was used. A Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Andersson and Lindgren questionnaires scale were used in data collection.

Results

The total mean scores of QNWL were M = 86.17 (SD = 35.12), which is slightly below the expected middle value (87.5). The nurses have a higher psychological relation, M = 18.28 (SD = 8.99), whereas they have the lowest competence development, M = 11.44 (SD = 5.56). There was statistical significance between workplace noise, and workplace sources of noise, quality of sleep and QNWL.

Conclusion

The outcomes also highlighted the significance of undertaking additional interventional research studies in the future in order to identify practical strategies to improve nurses QNWL. As a result, the nursing care given to the patients and their families may be improved.
Interaction between activities of daily living and cognitive function on risk of depression
Authors: Zhang Fenghao , Yang Wenyan
Published: February 2024

Objective

There is a lack of literature about the joint effects of activities of daily living (ADL) limitation and cognitive impairment on depression. This study aimed to estimate the association of ADL limitation and cognitive impairment with depression among Chinese older adults aged 65 and above and to test their interaction on both additive and multiplicative scales.

Methods

Data was drawn from the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS), including 11,025 eligible participants. Logistic regression models were fitted, and both multiplicative and additive interactions for ADL limitation and cognitive impairment were tested.

Results

A total of 3,019(27.4%) participants reported depressive symptoms. After controlling for potential confounding factors, ADL limitation and cognitive impairment were both positively associated with depression. The adjusted additive interaction of basic and instrumental activities of daily living limitation were 2.47 (95%CI:1.92–3.19) and 3.67 (95%CI:2.88–4.66), respectively, but the multiplicative interaction items were both insignificant.

Conclusion

ADL limitation and cognitive impairment were both risk factors for depression among Chinese older adults. Moreover, the significant interaction of ADL limitation and cognitive impairment was found in the additive model, suggesting that improving ADL may be helpful in reducing the risk of depression among older people with cognitive impairment.
A multi-center distributed learning approach for Parkinson's disease classification using the traveling model paradigm
Authors: Souza Raissa , Stanley Emma A. M. , Camacho Milton , Camicioli Richard , Monchi Oury , Ismail Zahinoor , Wilms Matthias , Forkert Nils D.
Published: February 2024

Distributed learning is a promising alternative to central learning for machine learning (ML) model training, overcoming data-sharing problems in healthcare. Previous studies exploring federated learning (FL) or the traveling model (TM) setup for medical image-based disease classification often relied on large databases with a limited number of centers or simulated artificial centers, raising doubts about real-world applicability. This study develops and evaluates a convolution neural network (CNN) for Parkinson's disease classification using data acquired by 83 diverse real centers around the world, mostly contributing small training samples. Our approach specifically makes use of the TM setup, which has proven effective in scenarios with limited data availability but has never been used for image-based disease classification. Our findings reveal that TM is effective for training CNN models, even in complex real-world scenarios with variable data distributions. After sufficient training cycles, the TM-trained CNN matches or slightly surpasses the performance of the centrally trained counterpart (AUROC of 83% vs. 80%). Our study highlights, for the first time, the effectiveness of TM in 3D medical image classification, especially in scenarios with limited training samples and heterogeneous distributed data. These insights are relevant for situations where ML models are supposed to be trained using data from small or remote medical centers, and rare diseases with sparse cases. The simplicity of this approach enables a broad application to many deep learning tasks, enhancing its clinical utility across various contexts and medical facilities.