bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Bayesian bias‐adjusted random‐effects model for synthesizing evidence from randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized studies of interventions
Authors: Yao Minghong , Mei Fan , Zou Kang , Li Ling , Sun Xin
Published: August 2024

Objective

An important consideration when combining RCTs and NRSIs is how to address their potential biases in the pooled estimates. This study aimed to propose a Bayesian bias‐adjusted random effects model for the synthesis of evidence from RCTs and NRSIs.

Methods

We present a Bayesian bias‐adjusted random effects model based on power prior method, which combines the likelihood contribution of the NRSIs, raised to the power parameter of alpha, with the likelihood of the RCT data, modeled with an additive bias. The method was illustrated using a meta‐analysis on the association between low‐dose methotrexate exposure and melanoma. We also combined RCTs and NRSIs using the naïve data synthesis.

Results

The results including only RCTs has a posterior median and 95% credible interval (CrI) of 1.18 (0.31–4.04), the posterior probability of any harm (> 1.0) and a meaningful association (> 1.15) were 0.61 and 0.52, respectively. The posterior median and 95% CrI based on the naïve data synthesis resulted in 1.17 (0.96–1.47), and the posterior probability of any harm and a meaningful association were 0.96 and 0.60, respectively. For the Bayesian bias‐adjusted analysis, the median OR was 1.16 (95% CrI: 0.83–1.71), and the posterior probabilities of any and a meaningful clinical association were 0.88 and 0.53, respectively.

Conclusions

The results indicated that integrating NRSIs into meta‐analysis could increase the certainty of the body of evidence. However, directly combining RCTs and NRSIs in the same meta‐analysis without distinction may lead to misleading conclusions.
Treasury auction method and underpricing: Evidence from Iceland
Authors: Noel Antoine , Wu Mark
Published: August 2024

The Central Bank of Iceland replaced the discriminatory method used for auctioning treasury securities with the uniform‐price method in 2009. We analyze underpricing before and after this institutional reform with a sample of 516 auctions organized from 2000 to 2018. After controlling for auction characteristics and financial market conditions, we find that underpricing is lower under the uniform‐price method. However, this underpricing decline does not translate into a reduction in sovereign issuance cost. The emergence of overpricing, observed in the late part of our sample, coincides with the growing importance of commissions paid to primary dealers. Our results provide practical implications for governments, regulators, and market participants.
The pineapple reference genome: Telomere‐to‐telomere assembly, manually curated annotation, and comparative analysis
Authors: Feng Junting , Zhang Wei , Chen Chengjie , Liang Yinlong , Li Tangxiu , Wu Ya , Liu Hui , Wu Jing , Lin Wenqiu , Li Jiawei , He Yehua , He Junhu , Luan Aiping
Published: August 2024

Pineapple is the third most crucial tropical fruit worldwide and available in five varieties. Genomes of different pineapple varieties have been released to date; however, none of them are complete, with all exhibiting substantial gaps and representing only two of the five pineapple varieties. This significantly hinders the advancement of pineapple breeding efforts. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of three varieties: a wild pineapple variety, a fiber pineapple variety, and a globally cultivated edible pineapple variety. We constructed the first gap‐free reference genome (Ref) for pineapple. By consolidating multiple sources of evidence and manually revising each gene structure annotation, we identified 26,656 protein‐coding genes. The BUSCO evaluation indicated a completeness of 99.2%, demonstrating the high quality of the gene structure annotations in this genome. Utilizing these resources, we identified 7,209 structural variations across the three varieties. Approximately 30.8% of pineapple genes were located within ±5 kb of structural variations, including 30 genes associated with anthocyanin synthesis. Further analysis and functional experiments demonstrated that the high expression of AcMYB528 aligns with the accumulation of anthocyanins in the leaves, both of which may be affected by a 1.9‐kb insertion fragment. In addition, we developed the Ananas Genome Database, which offers data browsing, retrieval, analysis, and download functions. The construction of this database addresses the lack of pineapple genome resource databases. In summary, we acquired a seamless pineapple reference genome with high‐quality gene structure annotations, providing a solid foundation for pineapple genomics and a valuable reference for pineapple breeding.
Proteomic dynamics revealed sex‐biased responses to combined heat‐drought stress in Marchantia
Authors: Guerrero Sara , Roces Víctor , García‐Campa Lara , Valledor Luis , Meijón Mónica
Published: August 2024

Recent studies have documented plant responses to climate change extensively, particularly to single‐stress exposures. However, critical factors for stress survival, such as sexual differentiation, are not often considered. The dioicous Marchantia polymorpha stands as an evolutionary milestone, potentially preserving ancestral traits from the early colonizers. In this study, we employed proteomic analyses complemented with physiological monitoring to investigate combined heat and drought responses in Tak‐1 (male) and Tak‐2 (female) accessions of this liverwort. Additionally, targeted transcriptomics was conducted using different natural populations from contrasting environments. Our findings revealed sex‐biased dynamics among natural accessions, particularly evident under control conditions and during early stress responses. Although Tak‐2 exhibited greater diversity than Tak‐1 under control conditions, male accession demonstrated distinct and more rapid stress sensing and signaling. These differences in stress response appeared to be strongly related to sex‐specific plasticity influenced by geoclimatic origin. Furthermore, we established distinct protein gene ages and genomic distribution trends, underscoring the importance of protein diversification over time. This study provides an evolutionary perspective on sexual divergence and stress emergence employing a systems biology approach, which allowed for the establishment of global and sex‐specific interaction networks in the stress response.
The combination of a microbial and a non‐microbial biostimulant increases yield in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under salt stress conditions by up‐regulating cytokinin biosynthesis
Authors: Benito Patricia , Celdrán Marina , Bellón Javier , Arbona Vicente , González‐Guzmán Miguel , Porcel Rosa , Yenush Lynne , Mulet José M.
Published: August 2024

Salinization poses a significant challenge in agriculture, exacerbated by anthropogenic global warming. Biostimulants, derived from living microorganisms or natural extracts, have emerged as valuable tools for conventional and organic agriculture. However, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of biostimulants is very limited, especially in crops under real cultivation conditions. In this study, we adopted an integrative approach to investigate the effectiveness of the combined application of plant growth‐promoting bacterium (Bacillus megaterium strain BM08) and a non‐microbial biostimulant under control conditions (normal watering) and salt stress. After confirming the yield increase under both conditions, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the observed effect by measuring a number of physiological parameters (i.e., lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, chlorophylls, total phenolics and phytohormone content), as well as RNA sequencing and primary metabolite analyses. Our findings reveal that the combined effect of the microbial and non‐microbial biostimulants led to a decrease in the antioxidant response and an up‐regulation of genes involved in cytokinin biosynthesis under salt stress conditions. This, in turn, resulted in a higher concentration of the bioactive cytokinin, isopentenyladenosine, in roots and leaves and an increase in γ‐aminobutyric acid, a non‐proteic amino acid related to abiotic stress responses. In addition, we observed a decrease in malic acid, along with an abscisic acid (ABA)‐independent up‐regulation of SR‐kinases, a family of protein kinases associated with abiotic stress responses. Furthermore, we observed that the single application of the non‐microbial biostimulant triggers an ABA‐dependent response under salt stress; however, when combined with the microbial biostimulant, it potentiated the mechanisms triggered by the BM08 bacterial strain. This comprehensive investigation shows that the combination of two biostimulants is able to elicit a cytokinin‐dependent response that may explain the observed yield increase under salt stress conditions.
Coordination of miR319–TaPCF8 with TaSPL14 orchestrates auxin signaling and biosynthesis to regulate plant height in common wheat
Authors: Hao Pingan , Jian Chao , Hao Chenyang , Liu Shujuan , Hou Jian , Liu Hongxia , Liu Haixia , Zhang Xueyong , Zhao Huixian , Li Tian
Published: August 2024

Wheat culms, comprising four to six internodes, are critically involved in determining plant height and lodging resistance, essential factors for field performance and regional adaptability. This study revealed the regulatory function of miR319 in common wheat plant height. Repression of tae‐miR319 through short tandem target mimics (STTM) caused an increased plant height, while overexpression (OE) of tae‐miR319 had the opposite effect. Overexpressing a miR319‐resistant target gene TaPCF8 (rTaPCF8), increased plant height. TaPCF8 acted as a transcription repressor of downstream genes TaIAAs, which interact physically with TaSPL14. The significant differences of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) contents indicate the involvement of auxin pathway in miR319‐mediated plant height regulation. Finally, we identified two TaPCF8 haplotypes in global wheat collections. TaPCF8‐5A‐Hap2, as per association and evolution examinations, was subjected to strong substantial selection throughout wheat breeding. This haplotype, associated with shorter plant height, aligns with global breeding requirements. Consequently, in high‐yield wheat breeding, we proposed a potential molecular marker for marker‐assisted selection (MAS). Our findings offer fresh perspectives into the molecular mechanisms that underlie the miR319–TaPCF8 module's regulation of plant height by orchestrating auxin signaling and biosynthesis in wheat.
A comprehensive investigation of biochemical status in patients with telogen effluvium: Analysis of Hb, ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D, thyroid function tests, zinc, copper, biotin, and selenium levels
Authors: Durusu Turkoglu Irem Nur , Turkoglu Aziz Kaan , Soylu Seçil , Gencer Gülcan , Duman Rümeysa
Published: August 2024

Aim

The etiology of telogen effluvium (TE) includes situations that may cause physiological stress, surgical trauma, inflammatory, infectious, iatrogenic causes, medications and nutritional deficiencies. TE has been associated with iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency and thyroid diseases. In recent years, the use of over‐the‐counter food supplements containing vitamins and minerals such as biotin, vitamin D, zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) has been increasing in TE patients. The aim of this study is to investigate whether there are differences in nutritional status, vitamin and mineral levels by comparing individuals with TE and a control group.

Materials and Methods

This case–control study included 90 female patients diagnosed with chronic telogen effluvium (CTE), and 90 female controls volunteered to participate in the study who consulted for reasons other than TE. Both groups aged 18 and over and applied to dermatology polyclinic between 01.09.2022 and 01.09.2023. A detailed anamnesis was taken from all patients, a hair pull test was performed, and TE was diagnosed after a dermoscopic examination was performed on all areas of the scalp. Then, serum vitamin D, Zn, Cu, Se levels and biotin levels in serum and urine were measured. Hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, vitamin B12 and thyroid function tests were retrospectively scanned from the hospital database.

Results

It was determined that Zn levels were significantly lower in CTE patients than in controls. Se levels were found to be significantly higher in patients than in controls. There was no difference in Hb, ferritin, vitamin B12, thyroid function tests, vitamin D, Cu levels, serum and urine biotin levels between the two groups. Zn, Cu/Zn and Se levels were found to have statistically significant diagnostic performance in predicting the diagnosis of CTE. Cu/Zn ratio and Se value were found to be significant predictors of CTE.

Conclusion

This study shows us that nutritional deficiencies are not as common as thought in patients diagnosed with TE. Other causes that may cause TE should be investigated by a detailed anamnesis and a good physical examination. After all, tests for suspected conditions should be performed and individualized treatment options should be created for each patient.
Clinical and demographic moderators of self‐care and hospitalizations in pre‐coronary artery bypass grafting patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Koson Naruebeth , Srisuk Nittaya , Juntratip Nipaporn , Borvornsudhasin Piyatida , Thompson David R. , Ski Chantal F.
Published: August 2024

Aim

To examine the influence of clinical and demographic factors on self‐care behaviour and hospitalization rates among patients with coronary heart disease awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting.

Background

Appropriate self‐care behaviour can improve the management of patients with coronary heart disease and reduce hospitalization rates among those awaiting coronary artery bypass graft surgery. However, little is known about the influence of clinical and demographic factors on self‐care or hospitalizations in this population.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

A convenience sample of 99 participants diagnosed with coronary heart disease awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting surgery were recruited from an outpatient clinic of a public tertiary hospital in southern Thailand. Data were collected on clinical (left ventricular ejection fraction, symptom severity and comorbid disease) and demographic (age, education level and marital status) factors, self‐care behaviour and hospitalization rates. Path analysis using LISREL was performed to examine the influence of self‐care on hospitalizations, with clinical and demographic factors as moderators.

Results

Path analysis showed that clinical and demographic factors accounted for nearly half of the variance (46%) in self‐care, and that self‐care accounted for nearly half of the variance (48%) in hospitalization rates.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that clinical and demographic factors play an important role in self‐care behaviour, and in turn hospitalization rates of pre‐coronary artery bypass graft surgery patients. It is suggested that the period pre‐surgery is an ideal time to introduce programmes designed to bolster self‐care and minimize uncertainty among this patient population and that nurses are well‐positioned to do so.

Reporting Method

Study methods and results reported in adherence to the STROBE checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients contributed their consent, time and data to the study.
Why a Little Diversity doesn't Go a Long Way: A Collective Moral Licensing Explanation for Homosocial Reproduction
Authors: Ellen B. Parker , Sexton Jennifer C. , Watkins Marla Baskerville
Published: August 2024

Despite significant knowledge on the demographic composition of workgroups, the literature lacks group‐level theory that addresses the tendency of work groups with token levels of diversity to maintain their demographic imbalance over time. We explain this phenomenon by extending moral licensing theory to the group level, arguing that a token level of racial or gender diversity leads to the development of a collective moral credential. This credential provides psychological permission for groups to relax their moral strivings, such that they are less likely to question the influence of bias in group member selection decisions, and thus more likely to make subsequent homogenous group member additions. Additionally, we argue that the diversity climates within which groups are embedded can either magnify (i.e., in fairness‐focused diversity climates) or mitigate (i.e., in synergy‐focused diversity climates) the development of a collective moral credential. Further, we suggest that the effect of token levels of diversity on the development of a collective moral credential can be affected by the prevailing social norms for diversity. Finally, we theorize that the effects of this process can be accentuated by group use of a majority decision rule and attenuated by group use of a unanimous decision rule.
Navigating challenges and shaping futures through mental health nursing in the United Kingdom
Authors: McShane Dean , Madden Amy , Kinsey Lucy , Bifarin Oladayo
Published: August 2024

Accessible Summary

What is known on the subject?

Mental health nurses in the UK play a critical role in providing care, advocating for patients and navigating the complexities associated with mental health challenges.

Acknowledging and supporting the efforts of mental health nurses is essential for advancing mental health care, promoting inclusivity and fostering community resilience amidst ongoing challenges within existing health care organisations.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

Highlights the integral role of mental health nurses in the UK's health system as both care providers and advocates, underpinning the importance of addressing the growing demand for mental health services

Introduces innovative digital tools like the ‘Hub of Hope’ and the potential of social prescribing as effective strategies for improving access to mental health care and support.

Emphasises the need for enhanced support and recognition of mental health nurses to ensure the sustainable advancement of mental health services and the well‐being of communities.

What are the implications for practice?

Mental health nurses should integrate innovative digital tools like the ‘Hub of Hope’ into their practice to improve signposting and access to mental health resources for individuals in need.

There is a critical need for ongoing education and support for mental health nurses within practice settings to maintain their well‐being and enhance their ability to provide holistic care despite increasing clinical demands.

Advocacy for increased investment in mental health resources and support for research activities lead by mental health nurses is essential to address current service gaps and promote the development of more effective interventions.
What is the Most Helpful Body‐Scan Posture for People with Attention‐Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Tendency?
Authors: Fukuichi Ayano , Wakita Takafumi , Sugamura Genji
Published: August 2024

We explored body‐scan postures suitable for people with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tendency by developing and validating the Mindfulness Encouraging/Discouraging Reactions Scales (MERS/MDRS), using university students. In Study 1, we conducted a survey to collect typical positive and negative reactions during mindfulness exercises from 21 participants and created the preliminary items. In Study 2, 192 participants completed existing state/trait mindfulness scales and the preliminary MERS and MDRS after mindful breathing. Based on an item response model, we developed and validated MERS and MDRS. In Study 3, 19 participants were categorized into one of four groups: (a) combined, (b) hyperactive/impulsive, (c) inattentive, and (d) without ADHD tendencies. They performed body‐scan meditations with each of the counterbalanced postures (upright, slumped, leaning‐back sitting, and supine), and completed the questionnaires. The analysis showed that those with hyperactivity/impulsivity tendency found the body‐scan meditation a challenge with the slumped posture and easier to perform in the supine posture; the upright posture provided high and low MERS to the hyperactivity/impulsivity tendency group and combined group, respectively; and sleepiness correlated with MERS in the supine posture (r = .49) and the upright posture (r = .51). We identified helpful body scan postures for people with ADHD tendency, using MERS and MDRS, but it was noted that these scales were created solely based on intuitive impressions for beginners, and it is not recommended that the items included in them be aimed for or avoided.
Persistent left cranial vena cava in a dog
Authors: Yilmaz Z. , Kocaturk M. , Koch J.
Published: August 2024

A 10‐year‐old golden retriever was presented for the evaluation of exercise intolerance. Physical examination and laboratory tests showed no abnormalities except for mild anaemia. Standard transthoracic echocardiography revealed dilated coronary sinus, raising suspicion of a persistent left cranial vena cava, and the persistency of this anomaly was confirmed by agitated‐saline study. Right ventricular echocardiographic parameters did not change significantly, while conventional parameters and global longitudinal strain analysis revealed left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Moreover, post‐systolic shortening and early systolic lengthening were detected by two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. This report shows that post‐systolic shortening and early systolic lengthening may be useful diagnostic markers indicating regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Further studies are needed to elucidate whether persistent left cranial vena cava contributes to left ventricular systolic dysfunction or is an accidental benign finding in dogs.
The pitfalls and perils of anonymous learner feedback
Authors: Wisener Katherine M.
Published: August 2024

Commenting on Jenq et al.'s demonstration that medical hierarchy makes it challenging for learners to offer constructive feedback to teachers in Asian cultures, @wisesnerd warns that shifting towards anonymous feedback mechanisms carries its own risks.
The Origin of the Dominant: Schoenberg's ‘Strong Progression’ and the Realisation of Implied Virtual Pitches
Authors: PARNCUTT RICHARD
Published: August 2024

In major‐minor tonality, V implies I, and rising fourths, falling thirds and rising seconds between successive chord roots are more common than falling fourths, rising thirds and falling seconds respectively. Possible explanations involve history (in two‐part medieval counterpoint, harmonic major sixths resolved to octaves – maintained in V–I); the rising leading note (V–I includes it, IV–I does not); acoustic speculation (in V–I, the third harmonic of resolves to the second); voice leading (in V7–I, a tritone resolves to a third by contrary step); melodic closure (a rising melodic leap implies subsequent falling steps, and melodies often end with –, harmonised V–I); root newness (chords ‘progress’ if the second chord's root is not part of the first); and tonal stability (V is less stable than IV, giving it a stronger ‘urge’ to resolve). An additional possibility combines the ‘virtual‐pitch’ theory of Ernst Terhardt with the ‘implication‐realisation’ theory of Leonard B. Meyer and Eugene Narmour. Major and minor triads imply subsidiary virtual pitches (missing fundamentals; see Rameau's ‘fundamental bass’) at third and fifth intervals below the root. These weakly perceived pitches are realised in the next chord if the root falls by a third or rises a fourth or major second, creating a feeling of forward progression – while also facilitating intonation for singers and melodic instrumentalists. The theory correctly predicts that successive harmonic complex (but not pure) tones an octave apart sound more similar if rising, and rising octaves are more common than falling in melody. It also explains why Classical modulations are asymmetrical in the opposite direction, major keys tending to modulate to V (not IV) and minor to III (not VI): accidental flats tend to be more perceptually salient or stable than sharps.
The Aspergillus galactomannan Ag VIRCLIA® Monotest and the sõna Aspergillus galactomannan lateral flow assay show comparable performance for the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis
Authors: Küpper Corinna , Erb Timothy Moritz , Träger Johannes , Meintker Lisa , Valenza Giuseppe , Bogdan Christian , Held Jürgen
Published: August 2024

Background

Rapid galactomannan tests, such as the sõna Aspergillus GM Lateral Flow Assay (GM‐LFA) and the Aspergillus Galactomannan Ag VIRCLIA® Monotest (GM‐Monotest), which are suitable for the analysis of single samples, have the potential to accelerate diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA).

Objectives

To compare the performance of the GM‐Monotest and the GM‐LFA for the diagnosis of IA.

Patients/Methods

Two patient cohorts were analysed: adults who had received an allogeneic haematopoietic stem‐cell transplant (alloHSCT‐cohort) and patients with proven/probable IA from a 5‐year period (cross‐sectional IA‐cohort). In the alloHSCT‐cohort, weekly serum samples were tested, whereas in the cross‐sectional IA‐cohort sera and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids were analysed. The diagnostic performance was calculated using two definitions for positivity: (1) a single positive GM result and (2) at least two positive GM results from consecutive samples. IA classification followed EORTC/MSG 2019.

Results

The alloHSCT‐cohort included 101 patients. Four had proven/probable IA, 26 possible IA and 71 no IA. The specificity for one positive serum and two consecutively positive sera was 88.7% and 100% (GM‐Monotest) and 85.9% and 98.6% (GM‐LFA). Comparison of ROC curves in the alloHSCT‐cohort showed no significant difference. The cross‐sectional IA‐cohort included 59 patients with proven/probable IA. The sensitivity for one positive sample and two consecutively positive samples was 83.1% and 55.1% (GM‐Monotest) and 86.4% and 71.4% (GM‐LFA).

Conclusions

Both assays showed comparable diagnostic performance with a higher sensitivity for the GM‐LFA if two consecutive positive samples were required for positivity. However, due to poor reproducibility, positive GM‐LFA results should always be confirmed.
Monetary Policy Effectiveness under the Ultra‐Low Interest Rate Environment: Evidence from Yield Curve Dynamics in Japan
Authors: Shiratsuka Shigenori
Published: August 2024

I examine the effectiveness of monetary policy under the ultra‐low interest rate environment in Japan through the lens of yield curve dynamics. To that end, I employ the dynamic Nelson–Siegel model with time‐varying parameters, thereby computing indicators for tracing monetary easing effects. I show that the estimation performance of the yield curve models is sufficiently improved even under the ultra‐low interest rate environment by extending the dynamic Nelson–Siegel model to allow a loading parameter to vary over time, in addition to three factors of yield curve dynamics: level, slope, and curvature. However, I also demonstrate that the identification of the level and loading parameters is critical in assessing monetary policy effects. I reveal that monetary easing effects under the Quantitative and Qualitative Monetary Easing (QQE) are produced by flattening the yield curve in the ultra‐long‐term maturity zone over 10 years, while monetary easing effects from maturities shorter than ten years remain almost unchanged. Monetary policy fails to produce sufficient monetary easing effects within the time frame of the standard macroeconomic stabilization policy, even with the full‐fledged implementation of unconventional monetary policy measures under the ultra‐low interest rate environment in Japan.
Does the Angulation of the Screws in the Zero‐P Implant Affect the Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Patients?
Authors: Huang Cheng‐yi , Sheng Xia‐qing , Wu Ting‐kui , Wang Bei‐yu , Wen Ding‐ke , He Li , Liu Hao
Published: August 2024

Objective

When implanting the Zero‐P device, the screws of Zero‐P form a bone wedge with a 40 ± 5° cranial and caudal angle (CCA). However, no study has been performed in the optimal CCA of the Zero‐P implant. To investigate whether the cranial/caudal angles (CCA) of the screws affect the clinical and radiological outcomes in patients undergoing ACDF with the Zero‐P implant.

Methods

From January 2016 to December 2023, we retrospectively analyzed 186 patients who underwent 1‐level ACDF with the Zero‐P device. The patients were divided into four groups: group A (cranial angle ≤40°, caudal angle ≤40°); group B (cranial angle ≤40°, caudal angle >40°); group C (cranial angle >40°, caudal angle ≤40°); and group D (cranial angle >40°, caudal angle >40°). The clinical outcomes, including Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA), neck disability index (NDI), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, the radiological parameters, including cervical lordosis (CL), cervical lordosis of operated segments (OPCL), intervertebral space height (ISH) and fusion rate (FR), and the complications, were evaluated and compared. Parametric tests, non‐parametric tests, and chi‐square tests were conducted to analyze the data.

Results

The OPCL of group A was significantly less than that of the other groups at the final follow‐up (p < 0.05). The ISH of group D was significantly less than that of group A at the final follow‐up (p < 0.05). The subsidence rate of group A was significantly less than that of group D at the final follow‐up (p < 0.05). At the final follow‐up, the upper adjacent‐level degeneration (ASD) of group D was significantly less severe than that of groups A and B (p < 0.05). The clinical outcomes do not differ among groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

A larger CCA of the screws (cranial angle >40°, caudal angle >40°) was better for maintaining OPCL and reducing the incidence of ASD. A smaller CCA of the screws (cranial angle ≤40°, caudal angle ≤40°) was better for maintaining ISH and reducing the rate of subsidence.
Mechanisms of Lanthanum‐mediated mitigation of salt stress in soybean (Glycine max L.)
Authors: Tong Kaiqing , Yan Lei , Riaz Muhammad , Gao Guang , Yu Hualong , Lu Mu , Niu Yusheng
Published: August 2024

Salinity is considered one of the abiotic stresses that have the greatest impact on soybean production worldwide. Lanthanum (La) is a rare earth element that can reduce adverse conditions on plant growth and productivity. However, the regulatory mechanism of La‐mediated plant response to salt stress has been poorly studied, particularly in soybeans. Therefore, our study investigated the mechanisms of La‐mediated salt stress alleviation from the perspectives of the antioxidant system, subcellular structure, and metabolomics responses. The results indicated that salt stress altered plant morphology and biomass, resulting in an increase in peroxidation, inhibition of photosynthesis, and damage to leaf structure. Exogenous La application effectively promoted the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD), as well as the soluble protein content, while decreasing the Na+ content and Na+/K+ ratio in roots and leaves, and reducing oxidative damage. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) demonstrated that La prevented the disintegration of chloroplasts. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis further confirmed that La addition mitigated the decline in protein, carbohydrates, and pectin levels in the leaves. Lanthanum decreased the leaf flavonoid content and synthesis by inhibiting the content of key substances in the phenylalanine metabolism pathway during NaCl exposure. Collectively, our research indicates that La reduces cell damage by regulating the antioxidant system and secondary metabolite synthesis, which are important mechanisms for the adaptive response of soybean leaves, thereby improving the salt tolerance of soybeans.
Melatonin mitigates drought stress by increasing sucrose synthesis and suppressing abscisic acid biosynthesis in tomato seedlings
Authors: Jahan Mohammad Shah , Yang Jia Yi , Althaqafi Mohammed M , Alharbi Basmah M. , Wu Hai Yan , Zhou Xun Bo
Published: August 2024

The increasing prevalence of drought events poses a major challenge for upcoming crop production. Melatonin is a tiny indolic tonic substance with fascinating regulatory functions in plants. While plants can respond in several ways to alleviate drought stress, the processes underpinning stress sensing and signaling are poorly understood. Hereafter, the objectives of this investigation were to explore the putative functions of melatonin in the regulation of sugar metabolism and abscisic acid biosynthesis in drought‐stressed tomato seedlings. Melatonin (100 μM) and/or water were foliar sprayed, followed by the plants being imposed to drought stress for 14 days. Drought stress significantly decreased biomass accumulation, inhibited photosynthetic activity, and stimulated senescence‐associated gene 12 (SAG12) expression. Melatonin treatment effectively reversed drought‐induced growth retardation as evidenced by increased leaf pigment and water balance and restricted abscisic acid (ABA) accumulation. Sugar accumulation, particularly sucrose content, was higher in drought‐imposed seedlings, possibly owing to higher transcription levels of sucrose non‐fermenting 1‐related protein kinase 2 (SnKR2.2) and ABA‐responsive element binding factors 2 (AREB2). Melatonin addition further uplifted the sucrose content, which coincided with increased activity of sucrose synthase (SS, 130%), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS, 137%), starch degradation encoding enzyme β‐amylase (BAM, 40%) and α‐amylase (AMY, 59%) activity and upregulated their encoding BAM1(10.3 folds) and AMY3 (8.1 folds) genes expression at day 14 relative to the control. Under water deficit conditions, melatonin supplementation decreased the ABA content (24%) and its biosynthesis gene expressions. Additionally, sugar transporter subfamily genes SUT1 and SUT4 expression were upregulated by the addition of melatonin. Collectively, our findings illustrate that melatonin enhances drought tolerance in tomato seedlings by stimulating sugar metabolism and negatively regulating ABA synthesis.
The effectiveness of encapsulated salicylic acid as a treatment to enhance abiotic stress tolerance stems from maintaining proper hormonal homeostasis
Authors: Sampedro‐Guerrero Jimmy , Avendaño Vanessa A. , Gómez‐Cadenas Aurelio , Clausell‐Terol Carolina
Published: August 2024

Climate change induces significant abiotic stresses that adversely affect crop yields. One promising solution to improve plant resilience under adverse conditions is the application of exogenous salicylic acid (SA). However, its negative effects on growth and development are a concern. Encapsulation with protective materials like amorphous silica and chitosan has demonstrated a controlled release of SA, minimizing the detrimental impacts. In this work, we elucidate the physiological mechanisms behind this protective mechanism. We employed in vitro cultivation of Arabidopsis, comparing plant responses to both free and encapsulated SA under conditions of salt or mannitol stress, combined or not with high temperature (30°C). Plants treated with encapsulated SA displayed an enhanced tolerance to these stresses that was due, at least in part, to the maintenance of physiological endogenous SA levels, which in turn regulate indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) homeostasis. The activity of the Arabidopsis “DR5::GFP” reporter line supported this finding. Unlike plants treated with free SA (with altered DR5 activity under stress), those treated with encapsulated SA maintained similar activity levels to control plants. Moreover, stressed plants treated with free SA overexpressed genes involved in the SA biosynthesis pathway, leading to increased SA accumulation in roots and rosettes. In contrast, plants treated with encapsulated SA under stress did not exhibit increased expression of EDS1, PAL1, and NPR1 in roots, or of PAL1, PBS3, and NPR1 in rosettes. This indicates that these plants likely experienced lower stress levels, possibly because the encapsulated SA provided sufficient defense activation without triggering pleiotropic effects.
Chemical gasification: An alternative approach to in vitro maturation of bovine oocytes
Authors: Gómez‐López David L. , Velasco‐Acosta Diego A. , Chávez‐Rodríguez Aldemar , Schneider Augusto , Rocha Juan F. , Dubeibe‐Marín Diego F.
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of chemical gasification and HEPES as alternative systems to pH control during in vitro maturation on bovine oocytes competence. Groups of 20 bovine cumulus oocytes complexes (COCs) were randomly distributed and cultured for 24 h in one of the following experimental groups: (i) chemical reaction (ChRG) system: CO2 generated from sodium bicarbonate and citric acid reaction (ii) culture media TCM‐HEPES (HEPES‐G); and (iii) control group (CNTG) in conventional incubator. After in vitro maturation (IVM), the COCs were in vitro fertilized (IVF), and in vitro cultivated (IVC) in a conventional incubator. We evaluated oocyte nuclear maturation, cleavage and blastocyst rates, in addition to the relative mRNA expression of BAX, BMP‐15, AREG and EREG genes in oocytes and cumulus cells. The proportion of oocytes in metaphase II was higher in CNTG and ChRG (77.57% and 77.06%) than in the HEPES‐G (65.32%; p = .0408 and .0492, respectively). The blastocyst production was similar between CNTG and ChRG (26.20% and 28.47%; p = .4232) and lower (p = .001) in the HEPES‐G (18.71%). The relative mRNA expression of BAX gene in cumulus cells was significantly higher (p = .0190) in the HEPES‐G compared to the CNTG. Additionally, the relative mRNA expression of BMP‐15 gene was lower (p = .03) in oocytes from HEPES‐G compared to the CNTG. In conclusion, inadequate atmosphere control has a detrimental effect on oocyte maturation. Yet, the use of chemical gasification can be an efficient alternative to bovine COCs cultivation.
Failure risk management: adaptive performance control and mission abort decisions
Authors: Qiu Qingan , Li Rong , Zhao Xian
Published: August 2024

The failure behavior of safety‐critical systems typically depends on the system performance level, which offers opportunities to control system failure risk through dynamic performance adjustment. Moreover, mission abort serves as an intuitive way to mitigate safety hazards during mission execution. Our study focuses on systems that execute successive missions with random durations. To balance mission completion probability and system failure risk, we examine two decision problems: when to abort missions and how to select the performance level prior to mission abort. Our objective is to maximize the expected revenue through dynamic performance control and mission abort (PCMA) decisions. We consider condition‐based PCMA decisions and formulate the joint optimization problem into a Markov decision process. We establish the monotonicity and concavity of the value function. Based on this insight, we show that optimizing the mission abort policy requires a series of control limits. In addition, we provide conditions under which the performance control policies are monotone. For comparative purposes, we analytically evaluate the performances of some heuristic policies. Finally, we present a case study involving unmanned aerial vehicles executing power line inspections. The results indicate the superiority of our proposed risk control policies in enhancing operational performance for safety‐critical systems. Dynamic performance adjustment and mission abort decisions provide opportunities to reduce the failure risk and increase operational rewards of safety‐critical systems.
The Importance of Qualitative Methods for Understanding Racialized Injustice and Health
Authors: Spencer Karen Lutfey , Nelson Hyeyoung Oh
Published: August 2024

US research agendas have often been oriented to demographic inquiries of race and health, treating race as a presumed characteristic of individuals and predictive of a range of health outcomes. Without consideration of racialization as a process, and structural racism as embedded in social structures beyond individuals, these approaches have been limited in their ability to examine context, lived experience, interactional processes, and unpacking apparent paradoxes in results. Studies of structural racism, as opposed to individual race, are on the rise but still comprise only a microcosm of all research being done on racialized injustice and health. Furthermore, studies using qualitative methods constitute only about 2% of the work being done on racialized injustice—even in a field such as sociology, which should be well‐positioned to understand how structural racism affects health. We illustrate how strengths of qualitative methods, focused on complexity, process, contextualization, and meaning‐making, are a necessary component of research on structural racism if that work is to be successful in understanding and dismantling racialized health injustice.
Clinical features, surgical management and outcome of squamous and basal cell carcinoma in squamates and chelonians
Authors: Solanes‐Vilanova Ferran , Chiers Koen , Gil‐Lianes Javier , Hellebuyck Tom
Published: August 2024

Background

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed neoplastic disorders in reptiles. Recently, however, it has been demonstrated that basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are frequently misclassified as SCCs. Several histological SCC and BCC variants have been characterised and their classification may allow the establishment of appropriate prognosis estimation and treatment approaches.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe the clinical features and surgical outcomes of SCCs and BCCs diagnosed between 2010 and 2022 in reptiles.

Animals

Thirty‐three captive reptiles (21 squamates and 12 chelonians).

Materials and Methods

Detailed clinical history, including staging and surgical outcomes, were performed. Statistical analysis assessed significant factors using Prism (v8.2.1).

Results

While SCC was predominantly diagnosed in lizards, BCC was most commonly diagnosed in chelonians, and both neoplasms mainly occurred in adult to aged, male individuals. Although the gross pathological findings were highly comparable between SCC and BCC, considerable variation could be seen according to the primary location (oral, cutaneous or epidermis of the shell). Humane euthanasia or noncurative intent surgeries were performed in a minority of the cases. Curative intent surgeries were successful in 19 of 27 cases during a 1‐ to 7‐year follow‐up period, yet recurrence was seen in 8 cases. The results of this study allowed the identification of significant high‐risk prognostic factors for SCC and BCC in reptiles.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study contributes to predicting the clinical behaviour and prognosis of distinct SCC and BCC histological variants, and selecting the most appropriate treatment protocol.
Field validation of 4,8‐dihydroxy‐1‐tetrahydronaphthone phytotoxicity on forestland weeds and physiological mechanism analysis on Lindernia procumbens
Authors: Yang Li , Wang Jia‐yan , Hu Qi‐yao , Liu Yan , Ruan Xiao , Qu Ai‐li , Wang Qiang
Published: August 2024

4,8‐Dihydroxy‐1‐tetrahydronaphthone (4,8‐DHT), an allelochemical, was isolated from the Carya cathayensis epicarp and was discovered to have phytotoxicity in laboratory tests. In this study, field experiments were designed to assess the phytotoxicity of 4,8‐DHT on weeds in Cerasus yedoensis and Lagerstroemia indica forestlands after pre‐ and post‐emergence application, in addition to physiological effect on Lindernia procumbens were also measured. The phytotoxic results of 4,8‐DHT demonstrated that the total inhibition rate of weeds was 81.3% and 68.2% in C. yedoensis forestland and L. indica forestland after pre‐emergence applied for 24 days in 2021, and enhanced by 9.9% and 27.8% compared with post‐emergence treatment. Especially, in C. yedoensis forestland, a high concentration of 4,8‐DHT sprayed at the pre‐emergence stage after 8 days had a significant inhibition rate on all weeds except Cyperus rotundus, and was still above 80.0% after 24 days of exposure. Comprehensive control efficacy of 4,8‐DHT indicates that pre‐emergence application is more favorable for weeds control. Physiological analysis showed that 4,8‐DHT stimulated the contents of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and proline and declined in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, meanwhile, accompanied by a decrease in the root vitality and chlorophyll content in L. procumbens. These results warrant further investigations of 4,8‐DHT applied in early pre‐emergence as a potential source of weed control agent.
Design and Control of a Novel Six Degrees-of-Freedom Desktop Upper Limb Rehabilitation Robot
Authors: Li Huaiyong , Ye Changlong , Yu Suyang , Peng Jingxin
Published: August 2024

This paper presents the design, analysis, and development of a novel six degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) desktop upper limb rehabilitation robot. The upper limb rehabilitation robot is mainly composed of the omnidirectional mobile platform, armrest, and 3DOF wrist rehabilitation mechanism. The forward and inverse kinematics and Jacobian matrix of the upper limb rehabilitation robot are derived based on the kinematics of a rigid body, and its working space is also analyzed based on arm kinematics. The forward and inverse kinematics of the arm are derived based on the D–H method. A new control strategy and algorithm were developed based on the robot system's hardware structure and arm model. These were employed in simulated rehabilitation experiments on both a single joint and multiple joint linkages. The experimental results indicate that the maximum error for single-joint rehabilitation is 6.123 deg, while for multiple joint linkages, it is 5.323 deg. Therefore, the control strategy and control algorithm can complete the corresponding rehabilitation training. This 6DOF desktop upper limb rehabilitation robot can provide passive rehabilitation training for patients in the early stages of paralysis.
A Novel Slurry for Atomic-Scale Polishing of Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate Crystals
Authors: Guo Jiang , Yang Zhe , Yu Xuewen , Zhang Pengfei , Wang Zhenzhong , Yu Nan , Tian Yebing
Published: August 2024

Atomic-scale surfaces and structures have been playing a significant role in the next generation of devices and products. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals are crucial in energy sectors but challenging for ultra-precision processing due to deliquescence, brittleness, and low hardness. This article introduces a novel chemo-mechanical slurry designed for achieving atomic-scale polishing of KDP crystals. The slurry employs a combination of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and anhydrous ethanol (AE) to counter deliquescence. In addition, graphite oxide (GO) with KOH is incorporated to prevent the embedding of SiO2 abrasives and the dissolution of KDP in de-ionized water (DW). The mechanism underlying the formation of an ultra-smooth surface is elucidated based on the analysis of the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) test. The response surface method (RSM) is used to optimize the slurry parameters and finally to obtain an atomic-scale surface with Sa 0.3 nm.