bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity and Sleep in Adults and Older Adults in Southern Brazil
Authors: Monteiro Luciana Zaranza , de Farias Joni Marcio , de Lima Tiago Rodrigues , Schäfer Antônio Augusto , Meller Fernanda Oliveira , Silva Diego Augusto Santos
Published: January 2023

Good sleep quality is a well-known indicator of physical and mental health, well-being, and overall vitality. This study aimed to verify the association between the practice of physical activity and sleep duration and quality in adults and older adults in southern Brazil. A cross-sectional population-based study was carried out with 820 individuals of both sexes aged 18 years or more, where sociodemographic variables were collected and also health-related variables. This study included 523 (63.8%) women and 297 (36.2%) men, and the prevalence of adequate sleep hours was 41.5% (95%CI: 39.1; 44.9). People who performed leisure walking were 34% more likely to present adequate sleep duration (PR: 1.34; 95%CI: 1.10; 1.64) compared to those who did not perform leisure walking. Individuals who met the recommendations for moderate or vigorous physical activity were more likely to have good sleep quality (PR: 1.16; 95%CI: 1.01; 1.34). Future health behavior modification strategies to improve sleep quality at the population level should consider encouraging lifestyle improvements, thus increasing the practice of physical activities.
Human Gut Microbiota Plasticity throughout the Life Course
Authors: Thriene Kerstin , Michels Karin B.
Published: January 2023

The role of the gut microbiota in human health and disease has garnered heightened attention over the past decade. A thorough understanding of microbial variation over the life course and possible ways to influence and optimize the microbial pattern is essential to capitalize on the microbiota’s potential to influence human health. Here, we review our current understanding of the concept of plasticity of the human gut microbiota throughout the life course. Characterization of the plasticity of the microbiota has emerged through recent research and suggests that the plasticity in the microbiota signature is largest at birth when the microbial colonization of the gut is initiated and mode of birth imprints its mark, then decreases postnatally continuously and becomes less malleable and largely stabilized with advancing age. This continuing loss of plasticity has important implication for the impact of the exposome on the microbiota and health throughout the life course and the identification of susceptible ‘windows of opportunity’ and methods for interventions.
Mechanism Models of the Conventional and Advanced Methods of Construction Safety Training. Is the Traditional Method of Safety Training Sufficient?
Authors: Rafindadi Aminu Darda’u , Shafiq Nasir , Othman Idris , Mikić Miljan
Published: January 2023

Cognitive failures at the information acquiring (safety training), comprehension, or application stages led to near-miss or accidents on-site. The previous studies rarely considered the cognitive processes of two different kinds of construction safety training. Cognitive processes are a series of chemical and electrical brain impulses that allow you to perceive your surroundings and acquire knowledge. Additionally, their attention was more inclined toward the worker’s behavior during hazard identification on-site while on duty. A study is proposed to fill the knowledge gap by developing the mechanism models of the two safety training approaches. The mechanism models were developed based on cognitive psychology and Bloom’s taxonomy and six steps of cognitive learning theory. A worker’s safety training is vital in acquiring, storing, retrieving, and utilizing the appropriate information for hazard identification on-site. It is assumed that those trained by advanced techniques may quickly identify and avoid hazards on construction sites because of the fundamental nature of the training, and when they come across threats, they may promptly use their working memory and prevent them, especially for more complex projects. The main benefit of making such a model, from a cognitive point of view, is that it can help us learn more about the mental processes of two different types of construction safety training, and it can also help us come up with specific management suggestions to make up for the approaches’ flaws. Future research will concentrate on the organizational aspects and other cognitive failures that could lead to accidents.
Long-Term Effects of Mountain Hiking vs. Forest Therapy on Physical and Mental Health of Couples: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Huber Daniela , Freidl Johanna , Pichler Christina , Bischof Michael , Kiem Martin , Weisböck-Erdheim Renate , Squarra Gabriella , De Nigris Vincenzo , Resnyak Stefan , Neberich Marcel , Bordin Susanna , Zechner René , Hartl Arnulf
Published: January 2023

Background: Lifelong physical activity is related to longer health span, which is reflected at an individual level, and is of substantial socioeconomic relevance. Sedentary lifestyles, on the other hand, pose an increasingly major public health problem. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on activity levels and well-being. Previous research indicates that contact with nature might improve exercise levels as well as well-being. Methods: This randomized, controlled clinical trial (ANKER-study) investigated the effects of two types of nature-based therapies (forest therapy and mountain hiking) in couples (FTG: n = 23; HG: n = 22;) with a sedentary or inactive lifestyle on health-related quality of life, relationship quality and other psychological and physiological parameters. Results: The results of this study displayed that healthy and highly functioning women and men with sedentary lifestyles mentally benefit from contact with nature (quality of life, satisfaction with life, mood, internal and external health-related control beliefs). The gender-specific effect on women is most visible in the physiological outcomes (hemopoietic system, aerobic capacity, skeletal muscle mass and hydration) of mountain hiking. Men and women showed small improvements in blood pressure as a result of the interventions. Conclusions: The ANKER-study provides a method for valid comparison of forest therapy interventions for the first time. Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the nature-based intervention presented could offer a multimodal contribution to maintaining a more active lifestyle, further contact with nature that affects peoples physical as well as mental health, and an improvement in social interaction.
Exploration of the Dynamic Evolution of Online Public Opinion towards Waste Classification in Shanghai
Authors: Xue Yingxia , Liu Honglei
Published: January 2023

Shanghai is one of the fastest-growing metropolises and the first city in China to implement mandatory waste classification. Waste classification policy of Shanghai has attracted widespread attention since its implementation in July 2019. However, previous papers have not focused on online public attitudes surrounding the implementation of a waste classification policy in Shanghai. In order to fill this gap, this paper explored the dynamic evolution of online public attitudes towards waste classification in Shanghai by using sentiment analysis technology and topic modeling technology. It was found that the proportion of negative posts each month was about 20%; therefore, online public sentiment towards waste classification in Shanghai was generally positive. Compared with the first three months of policy implementation, the public sentiment towards Shanghai’s waste classification became more positive, with the exception of two special periods. Negative posts in July 2019 mainly discussed waste’s environmental hazards and policy provisions. New topics in negative posts in later months focused on some specific problems, including the process of throwing away wet waste, the allocated throwing times, the number of waste cans, takeaway meal disposal, and gathering activities. Improving the factors causing the negative sentiments in the posts will help the government better implement the policy. The paper will help the government to receive higher public support for the waste classification policy in Shanghai. The present findings also have great reference significance for other cities.
Balance between Smog Control and Economic Growth in China: Mechanism Analysis Based on the Effect of Green Technology Innovation
Authors: Yuan Kai , Qin Yabing , Wang Chenlu , Li Zihao , Bai Tingting
Published: January 2023

The balance between smog pollution (SP) control and economic growth (EG) is currently a major problem facing China’s development. Green technology innovation (GTI) is an effective way to promote ecological civilization and realize green development. Thus, whether GTI can facilitate a win–win situation of SP control and stable EG is an important issue of academic concerns. In this paper, the mechanisms of the role of GTI, SP and EG were systematically demonstrated. The corresponding research hypotheses were proposed. Based on the data book of 278 Chinese cities from 2008 to 2020, the effects of GTI on SP and EG were systematically investigated using the econometric estimation method of dynamic spatial panel simultaneous equations. The results show that GTI can reduce SP directly, or indirectly by promoting EG. Although GTI can promote EG, EG may be inhibited due to GTI-induced SP reduction. Inter-regional SP showed significant spatial agglomeration characteristics. EG had significant spatial correlation effects. GTI in neighboring regions can also facilitate local SP control. Further analysis shows that compared with green utility model innovation (GUMI), green invention and innovation (GII) had a more significant effect on reducing SP and promoting EG. In addition, the analysis of the comprehensive effect of GTI on SP and EG shows that GTI can achieve the overall balanced development of SP prevention and EG regardless of GTI types.
Self-Compassion and Physical Activity: The Underpinning Role of Psychological Distress and Barrier Self-Efficacy
Authors: Zhang Shuge , Roscoe Clare , Pringle Andy
Published: January 2023

Unlike other personality traits or dispositions, self-compassion can be nurtured and is likely a driving source for physical activity. Emerging research has started to examine self-compassion in physical activity contexts; however, most existing studies were underpowered and overlooked the psycho-behavioural factors underlying the link between self-compassion and physical activity. In a sample of 569 UK adults (mean age = 41.92 years, SD = 13.70; 47.8% female), we examined the hypothesis that self-compassion’s positive influence on physical activity operates through reduced psychological distress and subsequently increased barrier self-efficacy. Results supported the prediction, with the positive influences of self-compassion being more prominent in more vigorous physical activity. The findings suggest that self-compassion is a good source of emotional resources (i.e., attenuated psychological distress) and confidence to overcome challenges and obstacles (i.e., increased barrier self-efficacy) in the context of physical activity. Future interventions and programs could consider incorporating self-compassion for physical activity adoption and maintenance.
Particulate Air Pollution Exposure and Stroke among Adults in Israel
Authors: Gaines Britney , Kloog Itai , Zucker Inbar , Ifergane Gal , Novack Victor , Libruder Carmit , Hershkovitz Yael , Sheffield Perry E. , Yitshak-Sade Maayan
Published: January 2023

Stroke is the second most common cause of death and disability in the world. Many studies have found fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure to be associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, mostly focusing on ischemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction. In a national analysis conducted in Israel—an area with unique climate conditions and high air pollution levels, we estimated the association between short-term PM2.5 exposure and ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), or transient ischemic attacks (TIA). Using the Israeli National Stroke Registry, we obtained information on all stroke cases across Israel in 2014–2018. We obtained daily PM2.5 exposures from spatiotemporally resolved exposure models. We restricted the analytical data to days in which PM2.5 levels did not exceed the Israeli 24 h standard (37.5 µg/m3). We repeated the analysis with a stratification by sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities. For all outcomes, the exposure–response curves were nonlinear. PM2.5 exposure was associated with a higher ischemic stroke risk, with larger effect estimates at higher exposure levels. Although nonsignificant, the exposure–response curve for TIA was similar. The associations with ICH were nonsignificant throughout the PM2.5 exposure distribution. The associations with ischemic stroke/TIA were larger among women, non-Jewish individuals, older adults, and individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and ischemic heart disease. In conclusion, short-term PM2.5 exposure is associated with a higher risk for ischemic stroke and possibly TIA, even when PM2.5 concentrations do not exceed the Israeli air quality guideline threshold. Vulnerability to the air pollution effects differed by age, sex, ethnicity, and comorbidities.
Deciding Alone or with Others: Employment Anxiety and Social Distance Predict Intuitiveness in Career Decision Making
Authors: Shu Xiaoli , Peng Jun , Wang Guilin
Published: January 2023

Intuitive career decisions can influence people’s career choices and subsequent job competencies, which are related to their development and happiness. There is evidence that both anxiety and social distance influence intuitive career decisions individually, but it is unclear how employment anxiety and social distance influence intuitive career decisions individually and how they interact to influence intuitive career decisions. Drawing on the cognitive–emotional dual-system model, in this study, 298 college students and 386 senior job-seeking students were tested through behavioral experiments and questionnaires, respectively. The results showed that employment anxious individuals have a higher intuitive level in career decision making, and they also have a higher intuitive level when making career decisions for others at a far social distance. In addition, employment anxiety and social distance interact to influence the intuitiveness of career decision making. When making career decisions for themselves and those who are close to them, the increase in employment anxiety will increase the intuitive level. Therefore, in a non-anxious situation, you can make career decisions on your own or get help from someone close to you, but in anxious situations, you can turn to others who are at a far social distance to help make decisions.
Teleworking Is Significantly Associated with Anxiety Symptoms and Sleep Disturbances among Paid Workers in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Kim Minji , Park Inho , An Hyojin , Yun Byungyoon , Yoon Jin-Ha
Published: January 2023

Due to social distancing during COVID-19, teleworking has spread in Korea. Accordingly, the effects of teleworking on physical and mental health have emerged. We aim to determine the association between teleworking and mental health, including anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbance, in paid workers. The data of paid workers from the Sixth Korean Working Conditions Survey, collected between October 2020 and April 2021, were analyzed. Gender stratification analysis and propensity score matching were performed for variables relevant to sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each sex were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. Among 28,633 participants, analyses were performed for anxiety symptoms (teleworkers vs. non-teleworkers; men: 12.1% vs. 4.9%; women: 13.5% vs. 5.3%) and sleep disturbance (men: 33.6% vs. 21.3%; women: 39.7% vs. 25.3%). In male teleworkers, the AORs for anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbance were 1.86 (95% CI: 1.14–3.04) and 1.52 (95% CI: 1.10–2.11), respectively. In female teleworkers, the AORs for anxiety symptoms and sleep disturbance were 1.66 (95% CI: 1.13–2.43) and 1.65 (95% CI: 1.28–2.14), respectively. Our results emphasize the importance of mental health and the need for continuous education and care for teleworkers, given the rapid increase in teleworking.
Associations between the Timing and Nutritional Characteristics of Bedtime Meals and Sleep Quality for Nurses after a Rotating Night Shift: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Park Jung Hoon , Park Hyuntae , Bae Seongryu , Kang Jiyeon
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the associations of the timing and nutritional characteristics of bedtime meals with sleep quality in nurses after rotating night shifts. In total, 128 nurses from a university hospital in South Korea participated in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected on the first night of two or three consecutive routine night shifts. Participants recorded all food eaten before going to bed after work. An accelerometer was used to objectively measure sleep quality, and subjective sleep quality was assessed by self-report using the Korean version of the Verran and Snyder-Halpern Sleep Scale. The associations of timing and nutritional characteristics of bedtime meals with sleep quality after night shifts were analyzed using multivariate linear regression. A short time interval between meals and sleep was associated with longer objectively measured total sleep time (β = −0.37, p = 0.002), and the proportion of protein in meals was associated with better objectively measured sleep efficiency (β = 0.31, p = 0.007). The shorter the time interval, the better the subjective sleep quality (β = −0.23, p = 0.048), and high-calorie meals were positively associated with subjective sleep quality (β = 0.23, p = 0.043). Based on our findings, we encourage nurses to have protein-rich meals after night shifts and reduce the delay between meals and sleep. Although high-calorie meals were shown to have a positive effect on subjective sleep quality, it is necessary to confirm this effect through additional research.
Cannot Target What Cannot Be Seen: Molecular Imaging of Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Marcu Loredana G. , Moghaddasi Leyla , Bezak Eva
Published: January 2023

Cancer stem cells are known to play a key role in tumour development, proliferation, and metastases. Their unique properties confer resistance to therapy, often leading to treatment failure. It is believed that research into the identification, targeting, and eradication of these cells can revolutionise oncological treatment. Based on the principle that what cannot be seen, cannot be targeted, a primary step in cancer management is the identification of these cells. The current review aims to encompass the state-of-the-art functional imaging techniques that enable the identification of cancer stem cells via various pathways and mechanisms. The paper presents in vivo molecular techniques that are currently available or await clinical implementation. Challenges and future prospects are highlighted to open new research avenues in cancer stem cell imaging.
The Effect of Scale Insects on Growth Parameters of cv. Chardonnay and cv. Sauvignon Blanc Grapevines Grown in a Greenhouse
Authors: Cooper Paul D. , Truong Thy T. , Keszei Andras , Neeman Teresa , Webster Kenneth W.
Published: January 2023

Plants can respond to insects that feed with stylet mouthparts using various processes that are initiated via the salicylic acid metabolic pathway. In Australia, scale insects of the genus Parthenolecanium can cause economic damage to grapevines as they feed on the vines and produce honeydew as a waste by-product, which supports the growth of black sooty mould on fruit and leaves, potentially affecting the plant growth and yield. Using rootlings of Sauvignon Blanc (SB, resistant) and Chardonnay (Char, susceptible), the growth and production of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) following exposure to scale insect infestations were measured under controlled greenhouse conditions. At harvest, the numbers of scale insects per five leaves were higher on plants infested at the start of the study compared with the control plants. Infested SB had increased dry root and shoot mass compared with the SB control, which was also the case with Char (control and infested). Leaf volatiles differed between cultivars in response to scale infestation. Benzyl alcohol decreased among infested SB plants compared with the other treatments. A change in the salicylic acid pathway as indicated by the change in benzyl alcohol may cause the increased growth in SB associated with the increased scale insect infestation.
Post-Transcriptional Modification by Alternative Splicing and Pathogenic Splicing Variants in Cardiovascular Development and Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Mehta Zubin , Touma Marlin
Published: January 2023

Advancements in genomics, bioinformatics, and genome editing have uncovered new dimensions in gene regulation. Post-transcriptional modifications by the alternative splicing of mRNA transcripts are critical regulatory mechanisms of mammalian gene expression. In the heart, there is an expanding interest in elucidating the role of alternative splicing in transcriptome regulation. Substantial efforts were directed toward investigating this process in heart development and failure. However, few studies shed light on alternative splicing products and their dysregulation in congenital heart defects (CHDs). While elegant reports showed the crucial roles of RNA binding proteins (RBPs) in orchestrating splicing transitions during heart development and failure, the impact of RBPs dysregulation or genetic variation on CHDs has not been fully addressed. Herein, we review the current understanding of alternative splicing and RBPs’ roles in heart development and CHDs. Wediscuss the impact of perinatal splicing transition and its dysregulation in CHDs. We further summarize the discoveries made of causal splicing variants in key transcription factors that are implicated in CHDs. An improved understanding of the roles of alternative splicing in heart development and CHDs may potentially inform novel preventive and therapeutic advancements for newborn infants with CHDs.
Prophage-Derived Regions in Curtobacterium Genomes: Good Things, Small Packages
Authors: Evseev Peter , Lukianova Anna , Tarakanov Rashit , Tokmakova Anna , Popova Anastasia , Kulikov Eugene , Shneider Mikhail , Ignatov Alexander , Miroshnikov Konstantin
Published: January 2023

Curtobacterium is a genus of Gram-positive bacteria within the order Actinomycetales. Some Curtobacterium species (C. flaccumfaciens, C. plantarum) are harmful pathogens of agricultural crops such as soybean, dry beans, peas, sugar beet and beetroot, which occur throughout the world. Bacteriophages (bacterial viruses) are considered to be potential curative agents to control the spread of harmful bacteria. Temperate bacteriophages integrate their genomes into bacterial chromosomes (prophages), sometimes substantially influencing bacterial lifestyle and pathogenicity. About 200 publicly available genomes of Curtobacterium species, including environmental metagenomic sequences, were inspected for the presence of sequences of possible prophage origin using bioinformatic methods. The comparison of the search results with several ubiquitous bacterial groups showed the relatively low level of the presence of prophage traces in Curtobacterium genomes. Genomic and phylogenetic analyses were undertaken for the evaluation of the evolutionary and taxonomic positioning of predicted prophages. The analyses indicated the relatedness of Curtobacterium prophage-derived sequences with temperate actinophages of siphoviral morphology. In most cases, the predicted prophages can represent novel phage taxa not described previously. One of the predicted temperate phages was induced from the Curtobacterium genome. Bioinformatic analysis of the modelled proteins encoded in prophage-derived regions led to the discovery of some 100 putative glycopolymer-degrading enzymes that contained enzymatic domains with predicted cell-wall- and cell-envelope-degrading activity; these included glycosidases and peptidases. These proteins can be considered for the experimental design of new antibacterials against Curtobacterium phytopathogens.
Leigh Syndrome: Spectrum of Molecular Defects and Clinical Features in Russia
Authors: Kistol Denis , Tsygankova Polina , Krylova Tatiana , Bychkov Igor , Itkis Yulia , Nikolaeva Ekaterina , Mikhailova Svetlana , Sumina Maria , Pechatnikova Natalia , Kurbatov Sergey , Bostanova Fatima , Migiaev Ochir , Zakharova Ekaterina
Published: January 2023

Leigh syndrome (LS), also known as infantile subacute necrotizing encephalopathy, is the most frequent mitochondrial disorder in children. Recently, more than 80 genes have been associated with LS, which greatly complicates the diagnosis. In this article, we present clinical and molecular findings of 219 patients with LS and give the detailed description of three cases with rare findings in nuclear genes MORC2, NARS2 and VPS13D, demonstrating wide genetic heterogeneity of this mitochondrial disease. The most common cause of LS in Russian patients are pathogenic variants in the SURF1 gene (44.3% of patients). The most frequent pathogenic variant is c.845_846delCT (66.0% of mutant alleles; 128/192), which is also widespread in Eastern Europe. Five main LS genes, SURF1, SCO2, MT-ATP6, MT-ND5 and PDHA1, account for 70% of all LS cases in the Russian Federation. Using next generation sequencing (NGS) technique, we were able to detect pathogenic variants in other nuclear genes: NDUFV1, NDUFS2, NDUFS8, NDUFAF5, NDUFAF6, NDUFA10, SUCLG1, GFM2, COX10, PMPCB, NARS2, PDHB and SLC19A3, including two genes previously associated with Leigh-like phenotypes—MORC2 and VPS13D. We found 49 previously undescribed nucleotide variants, including two deep intronic variants which affect splicing.
Phenotype Switching and the Melanoma Microenvironment; Impact on Immunotherapy and Drug Resistance
Authors: Hossain Sultana Mehbuba , Eccles Michael R.
Published: January 2023

Melanoma, a highly heterogeneous tumor, is comprised of a functionally diverse spectrum of cell phenotypes and subpopulations, including stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Melanoma has been shown to dynamically shift between different transcriptional states or phenotypes. This is referred to as phenotype switching in melanoma, and it involves switching between quiescent and proliferative cell cycle states, and dramatic shifts in invasiveness, as well as changes in signaling pathways in the melanoma cells, and immune cell composition in the TME. Melanoma cell plasticity is associated with altered gene expression in immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as changes in extracellular matrix, which drive the metastatic cascade and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, resistance to therapy in melanoma is not only dependent on genetic evolution, but it has also been suggested to be driven by gene expression changes and adaptive phenotypic cell plasticity. This review discusses recent findings in melanoma phenotype switching, immunotherapy resistance, and the balancing of the homeostatic TME between the different melanoma cell subpopulations. We also discuss future perspectives of the biology of neural crest-like state(s) in melanoma.
Genome-Wide Identification, Expression Analysis, and Potential Roles under Abiotic Stress of the YUCCA Gene Family in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Wu Ranran , Chen Jingbin , Lin Yun , Jia Qiyuan , Guo Yingjian , Liu Jinyang , Yan Qiang , Xue Chenchen , Chen Xin , Yuan Xingxing
Published: January 2023

YUCCA, belonging to the class B flavin-dependent monooxygenases, catalyzes the rate-limiting step for endogenous auxin synthesis and is implicated in plant-growth regulation and stress response. Systematic analysis of the YUCCA gene family and its stress response benefits the dissection of regulation mechanisms and breeding applications. In this study, 12 YUCCA genes were identified from the mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) genome and were named based on their similarity to AtYUCCAs. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the 12 VrYUCCAs could be divided into 4 subfamilies. The evidence from enzymatic assays in vitro and transgenetic Arabidopsis in vivo indicated that all the isolated VrYUCCAs had biological activity in response to IAA synthesis. Expression pattern analysis showed that functional redundancy and divergence existed in the VrYUCCA gene family. Four VrYUCCAs were expressed in most tissues, and five VrYUCCAs were specifically highly expressed in the floral organs. The response toward five stresses, namely, auxin (indole-3-acetic acid, IAA), salinity, drought, high temperatures, and cold, was also investigated here. Five VrYUCCAs responded to IAA in the root, while only VrYUCCA8a was induced in the leaf. VrYUCCA2a, VrYUCCA6a, VrYUCCA8a, VrYUCCA8b, and VrYUCCA10 seemed to dominate under abiotic stresses, due to their sensitivity to the other four treatments. However, the response modes of the VrYUCCAs varied, indicating that they may regulate different stresses in distinct ways to finely adjust IAA content. The comprehensive analysis of the VrYUCCAs in this study lays a solid foundation for further investigation of VrYUCCA genes’ mechanisms and applications in breeding.
IKAR: An Interdisciplinary Knowledge-Based Automatic Retrieval Method from Chinese Electronic Medical Record
Authors: Zhao Yueming , Hu Liang , Chi Ling
Published: January 2023

To date, information retrieval methods in the medical field have mainly focused on English medical reports, but little work has studied Chinese electronic medical reports, especially in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. In this paper, a dataset of 180,000 complete Chinese ultrasound reports in obstetrics and gynecology was established and made publicly available. Based on the ultrasound reports in the dataset, a new information retrieval method (IKAR) is proposed to extract key information from the ultrasound reports and automatically generate the corresponding ultrasound diagnostic results. The model can both extract what is already in the report and analyze what is not in the report by inference. After applying the IKAR method to the dataset, it is proved that the method could achieve 89.38% accuracy, 91.09% recall, and 90.23% F-score. Moreover, the method achieves an F-score of over 90% on 50% of the 10 components of the report. This study provides a quality dataset for the field of electronic medical records and offers a reference for information retrieval methods in the field of obstetrics and gynecology or in other fields.
Influence of Temperature, Photoperiod, and Supplementary Nutrition on the Development and Reproduction of Scutellista caerulea Fonscolombe (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae)
Authors: Li Xian , Ye Zhengpei , Chen Junyu , Zhu Junhong , Han Dongyin , Wang Jianyun , Li Lei , Fu Yueguan , Zhang Fangping
Published: January 2023

Scutellista ciruela Fonscolombe has a significant controlling effect on the rubber tree pest, Parasaissetia nigra Nietner. To identify the optimal conditions for the population growth of S. caerulea, we assessed how temperature, photoperiod, and supplementary nutrition affected its development and reproduction. The results demonstrated that the number of eggs laid and parasitism rates of S. caerulea were the highest at 33 °C. The developmental rate of S. caerulea was the fastest and the number of emerged adults the highest. The number of eggs laid and the parasitism rates increased when the light duration increased within a day. Females did not lay any eggs when the whole day was dark. At a photoperiod of 14:10 (L:D), the developmental duration was the shortest and the number of emerged adults was the highest. Adult life span was the longest under a 12:12 (L:D) photoperiod. During the adult stage, supplementary nutrition, such as sucrose, fructose, honey, and glucose, increased the life span of S. caerulea. The life span of S. caerulea was longer when provided with a supplementary diet of sucrose or honey, compared to other tested diets. The results suggested that the most suitable conditions for S. caerulea’s population growth were the following: 30 to 33 °C, with 12 to 14 h of daylight, and the provision of sucrose or honey as supplemental diet for the adults.
Orthopteran Diversity in Steep Slope Vineyards: The Role of Vineyard Type and Vegetation Management
Authors: Wersebeckmann Vera , Biegerl Carolin , Leyer Ilona , Mody Karsten
Published: January 2023

The abandonment of traditional agricultural practices and subsequent succession are major threats to many open-adapted species and species-rich ecosystems. Viticulture on steep slopes has recently suffered from strong declines due to insufficient profitability, thus increasing the area of fallow land considerably. Changing cultivation systems from vertically oriented to modern vineyard terraces offers an opportunity to maintain management economically viable and thus reduces further abandonment. Hillside parallel terraces favor mechanization, and their embankments offer large undisturbed areas that could provide valuable habitats. We investigated the effects of vineyard abandonment, different vineyard management types (vertically oriented vs. terraced), and local parameters on Orthoptera diversity in 45 study sites along the Upper Middle Rhine Valley in Germany. Our results show that woody structures and vineyard abandonment reduced Orthoptera diversity at the local and landscape scale due to decreased habitat quality, especially for open-adapted species. In contrast, open inter-rows of actively managed vineyard types supported heat-adapted Caelifera species. On terrace embankments, extensive management and taller vegetation benefited Ensifera species, while short and mulched vegetation in vertically oriented vineyards favored the dominance of one single Caelifera species. Our results highlight the significance of maintaining viticultural management on steep slopes for the preservation of both open-adapted Orthoptera species and the cultural landscape.
Comparisons of Drug-Eluting Balloon versus Drug-Eluting Stent in the Treatment of Young Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Yang Yi-Xing , He Kui-Zheng , Li Jiang-Yuan , Fu Yuan , Li Chuang , Liu Xin-Ming , Wang Hong-Jiang , Chen Mu-Lei , Su Pi-Xiong , Xu Li , Wang Le-Feng
Published: January 2023

Background: The incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in the younger population has been increasing gradually in recent years. The objective of the present study is to investigate the safety and effectiveness of drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) in young patients with AMI. Methods: All consecutive patients with AMI aged ≤ 45 years were retrospectively enrolled. The primary endpoint was a device-oriented composite endpoint (DOCE) of cardiac death, target vessel myocardial infarction (MI), or target lesion revascularization (TLR). The secondary study endpoints included heart failure and major bleeding events. Results: A total of 276 young patients presenting with AMI were finally included. The median follow-up period was 1155 days. Patients treated with DEBs had a trend toward a lower incidence of DOCEs (3.0% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.12) mainly driven by the need for TLR (3.0% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.19) than those treated with DESs. No significant differences between the two groups were detected in the occurrence of cardiac death (0.0% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.69), MI (0.0% vs. 1.4%, p = 0.40), heart failure (0.0% vs. 1.9%, p = 0.39), or major bleeding events (1.5% vs 4.8%, p = 0.30). Multivariate regression analysis showed that DEBs were associated with a trend toward a lower risk of DOCEs (HR 0.13, 95% CI [0.02, 1.05], p = 0.06). Conclusions: The findings of the present study suggested that DEBs might be a potential treatment option in young patients with AMI. A larger scale, randomized, multicenter study is required to investigate the safety and effectiveness of DEBs in this setting.
Reverse Remodeling and Functional Improvement of Left Ventricle in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure Treated with Sacubitril/Valsartan: Comparison between Non-Ischemic and Ischemic Etiology
Authors: Cemin Roberto , Casablanca Simona , Foco Luisa , Schoepf Elisabeth , Erlicher Andrea , Di Gaetano Renato , Ermacora Davide
Published: January 2023

Sacubitril/valsartan (SV) has been demonstrated to reduce cardiovascular mortality, hospitalization for heart failure and to induce reverse ventricular remodeling. The present study was designed to confirm the effects of SV in a selected population of patients with HFrEF and to evaluate the different responses between patients with an ischemic or a non-ischemic etiology. A total of 79 patients with indication of SV were recruited prospectively during a timelapse of 4 years. SV was overall associated to a reduction of end-diastolic and end-systolic volume, of NT-proBNP levels, furosemide dosage and NYHA functional class, together with an increase in EF. These changes were more evident in patients with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, who showed a significant improvement in ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, TAPSE and blood levels of NT-proBNP. Kaplan–Meier curves confirmed a greater benefit in terms of ejection-fraction improvement in non-ischemic patients compared to the ischemic group. The results of the present study confirm the positive effect of SV on NYHA functional class, NT- proBNP, left ventricular volumes and EF in HFrEF patients, showing evidence of association of SV with ventricular remodeling in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy of non-ischemic etiology compared to the ischemic group.
The Somatic Mutational Landscape of Mismatch Repair Deficient Prostate Cancer
Authors: Fang Bangwei , Wei Yu , Pan Jian , Zhang Tingwei , Ye Dingwei , Zhu Yao
Published: January 2023

Prostate cancers with mismatch repair deficiency (MMR-d) have aggressive clinical and histological features, and they are potentially responsive to immunotherapy. However, its rarity prevents the analysis of the underlying biology. Here, we collected the genomic data of 2664 primary prostate tumors and 1409 metastatic prostate tumors from the GENIE and TCGA databases. A total of 69 (2.59%) primary and 60 (4.26%) metastatic MMR-d tumors were identified among these tumors. Single nucleotide variant (SNV) frequencies of 34 candidate genes (including KMT2D (46.4%), ZFHX3 (33.3%), JAK1 (31.9%), and RNF43 (27.5%)) and 16 candidate genes (including KMT2D (33.3%) and JAK1 (28.3%)) were higher in MMR-d primary tumors and MMR-d metastatic tumors, respectively. The tumor mutation burden (TMB) was higher in primary MMR-d tumors. Homozygous deletions of EPCAM and EPAS1 were enriched in MMR-d primary tumors, while EPCAM deletions were enriched in metastatic MMR-d tumors. For genomic rearrangement events, TMPRSS2-ETS fusions were less frequent in primary MMR-d tumors. Our study indicates MMR-d prostate cancers have unique genomic features. These may play an important role in providing therapeutic targets for the treatment of this subset of prostate cancer patients.
The Greifswald Post COVID Rehabilitation Study and Research (PoCoRe)–Study Design, Characteristics and Evaluation Tools
Authors: Steinmetz Anke , Bahlmann Susanne , Bergelt Corinna , Bröker Barbara M. , Ewert Ralf , Felix Stephan B. , Flöel Agnes , Fleischmann Robert , Hoffmann Wolfgang , Holtfreter Silva , Nauck Matthias , Riemann Katja , Scheer Christian , Stahl Dana , Vogelgesang Antje , Völker Uwe , Wiesmann Ulrich , Klinger-König Johanna , Walk René , Grabe Hans J. , Gross Stefan , Lehnert Kristin , Fielitz Jens , Dörr Marcus
Published: January 2023

(1) Background: COVID-19 is often associated with significant long-term symptoms and disability, i.e., the long/post-COVID syndrome (PCS). Even after presumably mild COVID-19 infections, an increasing number of patients seek medical help for these long-term sequelae, which can affect various organ systems. The pathogenesis of PCS is not yet understood. Therapy has so far been limited to symptomatic treatment. The Greifswald Post COVID Rehabilitation Study (PoCoRe) aims to follow and deeply phenotype outpatients with PCS in the long term, taking a holistic and comprehensive approach to the analysis of their symptoms, signs and biomarkers. (2) Methods: Post-COVID outpatients are screened for symptoms in different organ systems with a standardized medical history, clinical examination, various questionnaires as well as physical and cardiopulmonary function tests. In addition, biomaterials are collected for the analysis of immunomodulators, cytokines, chemokines, proteome patterns as well as specific (auto)antibodies. Patients are treated according to their individual needs, adhering to the current standard of care. PoCoRe’s overall aim is to optimize diagnostics and therapy in PCS patients.
Clinical Characteristics of Autoimmune Hepatitis in a Middle Eastern Population: A Tertiary Care Center Experience
Authors: Tamimi Tarek A. , Sallam Malik , Rayyan Deema , Farah Randa , Alkhulaifat Dana , Al-Ani Abdallah , Elmusa Reem , Sharawi Said , Tanash Omar , Rayyan Yaser
Published: January 2023

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated inflammatory liver disease of uncertain cause, and its manifestations appear to vary by race and ethnicity. The literature on AIH in the Middle East, including Jordan, is scarce; therefore, this study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics of AIH in an understudied population. This retrospective chart review study was conducted on AIH patients who presented to Jordan University Hospital over a seven-year period (2014–2020). Retrieved data included sociodemographics, liver function tests, autoimmune serologic markers, viral hepatitis serology, findings on liver biopsies, treatment regimens, post-therapy outcomes and treatment-related complications. The total number of AIH patients included in the study was 30, divided as follows: type 1 AIH (n = 17, 56.7%), type 2 AIH (n = 2, 6.7%), seronegative AIH (n = 9, 30.0%), and two patients who had AIH-primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome (6.7%). The mean age at diagnosis was 44 years (standard deviation: 17 years), with a female predominance (n = 25, 83.3%). Acute presentation was seen among 18 patients (60.0%). Mild to moderate fibrosis (F1 and F2 on METAVIR scoring system) without cirrhosis was observed among patients who underwent liver biopsies (10/19, 52.6%). The majority of patients (73.3%) were initially treated with prednisone, with azathioprine combination in 16.7% of the patients. At 6 months post initial treatment, twenty patients (66.7%) achieved biochemical remission, four patients had incomplete response, two patients failed to improve (one died during the induction of remission period due to AIH-related complications), and four patients were lost to follow-up. This study provided an updated overview of AIH in Jordan. The results showed typical female predominance, and interestingly high rates of acute presentation and seronegative disease. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to address the nature and long-term prognosis of AIH in Jordan.
Long Term Outcomes of No-Touch Isolation Principles Applied in Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Treatment of Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Multicenter Retrospective Study with Propensity Score Matching
Authors: Mou Yu , Song Yi , Liu Jinheng , Song Haiyu , Liu Xubao , Li Jiang , Ke Nengwen
Published: January 2023

Background: The recurrence and liver metastasis rates are still high in pancreatic head cancer with curative surgical resection. A no-touch isolation principle in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) may improve this situation, however, the exact advantages and efficacy of these principles have not been confirmed. Materials and methods: Among 370 patients who underwent PD, three centers were selected and classified into two groups: the no-touch PD group (n = 70) and the conventional PD group (n = 300). Propensity score matching was used to control for selection bias at a ratio of 1:1. The confounding variables were age, sex, body mass index, adjuvant chemotherapy, carbohydrate antigen 19-9, tumor size and tumor differentiation. Results: Patients in the no-touch PD group had better overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) than those in the conventional PD group (OS: 17 vs. 13 months, p = 0.0035, DFS: 15 vs. 12 months, p = 0.087), with lower 1- and 2-year disease-related mortality rates (1-year: 32.9% vs. 47%, p = 0.032; 2-year: 42.5% vs. 82% p = 0.000) and recurrence and liver metastasis rates (1-year: 30.0% vs. 43.3%, p = 0.041; 2-year: 34.3% vs. 48.7%, p = 0.030). Compared with the matched conventional PD group, the no-touch PD group also had a better OS (17 vs. 12 months, p = 0.032). Conclusions: Our study showed the no-touch isolation principle may be a better choice to improve long-term survival for pancreatic cancer patients.
Assessment of Corneal Angiography Filling Patterns in Corneal Neovascularization
Authors: Pagano Luca , Shah Haider , Gadhvi Kunal , Ahmad Mohammad , Menassa Nardine , Coco Giulia , Kaye Stephen , Romano Vito
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the paper is to describe vascular filling patterns in corneal neovascularization (CoNV) and evaluate the effect of corneal lesion location, CoNV surface area and multi-quadrant CoNV involvement on the filling pattern. It is a retrospective study of patients who were investigated for CoNV using fluorescein angiography (FA) or indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) between January 2010 and July 2020. Angiography images were graded and analyzed multiple independent corneal specialists. The corneal surface was divided into four quadrants and patient information was obtained through electronic records. A total of 133 eyes were analyzed. Corneal lesions were located on the peripheral (72%) or central (28%) cornea. Central lesions were associated with multi-quadrant CoNV more frequently than peripheral lesions (p = 0.15). CoNV located within the same quadrant of the corneal lesion was often first to fill (88.4%). In multi-quadrant CoNV, the physiological inferior–superior–nasal–temporal order of filling was usually respected (61.7%). Central lesions resulted in larger CoNV surface area than peripheral lesions (p = 0.09). In multi-quadrant CoNV, the largest area of neovascularization was also the first to fill in (peripheral lesion 74%, central lesion 65%). Fillings patterns in healthy corneas have previously been reported. Despite CoNV development, these patterns are usually respected. Several factors that may influence filling patterns have been identified, including corneal lesion location, CoNV surface area and aetiology of CoNV. Understanding filling patterns of neovascularization allows for the identification of areas at higher risk of developing CoNV, aiding in earlier detection and intervention of CoNV.