bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AMR mechanisms in L. interrogans serovars: a comprehensive study
Authors: Petakh Pavlo , Kamyshnyi Oleksandr
Published: April 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the global health challenges of the 21st century. Data regarding AMR mechanisms in Leptospira interrogans, the causative agents of leptospirosis, have been relatively limited. Therefore, our study aimed to identify resistance genes and explore potential resistance mechanisms specific to particular serovars. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of 98 Leptospira strains, representing 10 common serovars, using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) FASTA files. Employing the PATRIC tool from the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC), we scrutinized the genomes for AMR genes. Our investigation revealed 32 genes associated with AMR, with 20 key genes consistently prevalent across most strains. Notably, we identified unique efflux pump systems in serovar Pomona, indicating distinctive resistance mechanisms in this serovar. In summary, our findings shed light on the genetic landscape of AMR in Leptospira, uncovering both common and serovar-specific resistance elements. The presence of unique efflux pump systems in serovar Pomona introduces a novel dimension to our understanding of resistance mechanisms. These insights underscore the importance of tailored intervention strategies and collaborative efforts between human and veterinary healthcare professionals, as well as environmental scientists, to address the complex dynamics of leptospirosis and its implications for antibiotic resistance.
Electrocardiographic approach strategies in patients with Parkinson disease treated with deep brain stimulation
Authors: Sierra-Fernández Carlos Rafael , Garnica-Geronimo Luis Rodrigo , Huipe-Dimas Alejandra , Ortega-Hernandez Jorge A. , Ruiz-Mafud María Alejandra , Cervantes-Arriaga Amin , Hernández-Medrano Ana Jimena , Rodríguez-Violante Mayela
Published: April 2024

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an interdisciplinary and reversible therapy that uses high-frequency electrical stimulation to correct aberrant neural pathways in motor and cognitive neurological disorders. However, the high frequency of the waves used in DBS can interfere with electrical recording devices (e.g., electrocardiogram, electroencephalogram, cardiac monitor), creating artifacts that hinder their interpretation. The compatibility of DBS with these devices varies and depends on factors such as the underlying disease and the configuration of the neurostimulator. In emergencies where obtaining an electrocardiogram is crucial, the need for more consensus on reducing electrical artifacts in patients with DBS becomes a significant challenge. Various strategies have been proposed to attenuate the artifact generated by DBS, such as changing the DBS configuration from monopolar to bipolar, temporarily deactivating DBS during electrocardiographic recording, applying frequency filters both lower and higher than those used by DBS, and using non-standard leads. However, the inexperience of medical personnel, variability in DBS models, or the lack of a controller at the time of approach limit the application of these strategies. Current evidence on their reproducibility and efficacy is limited. Due to the growing elderly population and the rising utilization of DBS, it is imperative to create electrocardiographic methods that are easily accessible and reproducible for general physicians and emergency services.
Identifying early permanent teeth caries factors in children using random forest algorithm
Authors: Masaebi Fatemeh , Ghorbani Zahra , Azizmohammad Looha Mehdi , Deghatipour Marzie , Mohammadzadeh Morteza , Ahsaie Mitra Ghazizadeh , Asadi Fariba , Zayeri Farid
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Early permanent dental caries can pose a serious threat to oral health in the coming years. This study aimed to investigate the key factors influencing early dental caries in permanent teeth among first-grade Iranian children.

Methods

A cross-sectional study involving 778 randomly selected first-grade children from public schools in Tehran, Iran, was conducted between November 2017 and January 2018. The oral health of the children, evaluated by two trained dentists, was recorded based on the DMFT index. Information on maternal education, gender, dmft index, brushing frequency, dental visits, flossing, and sweet consumption was also collected. The Random Forest method was employed to identify factors associated with early permanent dental caries, and its performance was compared with logistic regression using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) index.

Results

Logistic regression, represented by odds ratios (OR), revealed a significant association between early permanent dental caries and dmft index [OR = 1.13, 95% CI (1.07, 1.20), p-value <0.001], maternal education [OR = 2.04, 95% CI (1.15, 3.62), p-value <0.05], and sweet consumption [OR = 0.59, 95% CI (0.36, 0.98), p-value <0.05]. Random Forest analysis indicated that male gender, higher maternal education, and lower sweet consumption were associated with increased likelihood of being caries-free. Notably, Random Forest demonstrated superior performance (AUC = 0.81) compared to logistic regression (AUC = 0.72).

Conclusion

Early permanent dental caries can be effectively managed by caring primary teeth and reducing consumption of sweets. Maternal education emerged as a pivotal factor in mitigating the risk of early permanent dental caries. Therefore, prioritizing these factors and preventing permanent teeth caries in childhood can be remarkably influential in reducing future caries. The usage of the Random Forest algorithm is highly recommended for identifying relevant risk factors associated with early permanent teeth.
CAR-based immunotherapy for breast cancer: peculiarities, ongoing investigations, and future strategies
Authors: Niu Zhipu , Wu Jingyuan , Zhao Qiancheng , Zhang Jinyu , Zhang Pengyu , Yang Yiming
Published: April 2024

Surgery, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy have improved the overall survival and postoperative recurrence rates of Luminal A, Luminal B, and HER2-positive breast cancers but treatment modalities for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with poor prognosis remain limited. The effective application of the rapidly developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in hematological tumors provides new ideas for the treatment of breast cancer. Choosing suitable and specific targets is crucial for applying CAR-T therapy for breast cancer treatment. In this paper, we summarize CAR-T therapy’s effective targets and potential targets in different subtypes based on the existing research progress, especially for TNBC. CAR-based immunotherapy has resulted in advancements in the treatment of breast cancer. CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be more effective and safer for treating solid tumors, such as breast cancer. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast tumors and the side effects of CAR-T therapy pose challenges to CAR-based immunotherapy. CAR-T cells and CAR-NK cells-derived exosomes are advantageous in tumor therapy. Exosomes carrying CAR for breast cancer immunotherapy are of immense research value and may provide a treatment modality with good treatment effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the development and challenges of CAR-based immunotherapy in treating different subtypes of breast cancer and discuss the progress of CAR-expressing exosomes for breast cancer treatment. We elaborate on the development of CAR-T cells in TNBC therapy and the prospects of using CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-MSCs for treating breast cancer.
Interface bonding properties of new and old concrete: A review
Authors: Liu He , Zou Haonan , Zhang Jingyi , Zhang Ji , Tang Yu , Zhang Jian , Guo Ying , Xiao Jingyu
Published: April 2024

The bonding performance between new and old concrete affects the reliability and service life of the repair structure. However, the bonding interface is complex and has many influencing factors, so selecting appropriate repair materials and evaluation methods for repair structures under different service environments is important. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of the factors that influence bonding properties. These include the choice of repair materials, the condition of the existing concrete, the type of interfacial agents used, the service environment, and the testing methods employed. The paper concludes by examining the challenges and opportunities in developing interface bonding properties to provide insights and research directions for future theoretical analysis and experimental research.
AF-React study: Prevalence of thrombotic events in patients with atrial fibrillation receiving NOACs – real-world data analysis from northern Portugal primary healthcare
Authors: Pinto Susana Silva , Teixeira Andreia , Henriques Teresa S. , Monteiro Hugo , Martins Carlos
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Anticoagulation is recommended for stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The guidelines suggest non-vitamin K antagonist anticoagulants (NOACs) as the primary therapy for anticoagulation in AF. Several patient-related factors increase the risk of thrombotic events: elderly individuals, a previous history of stroke, and chronic kidney disease. This study aims to determine the association between NOACs and other patient variables in AF and the occurrence of thrombotic events.

Methods

The database included all adults with the code K78 (ICPC-2 code for AF) who received clinical care in Northern Portugal’s Primary Health Care between January 2016 and December 2018 and were dispensed the same NOAC at the pharmacy.

Results

The results indicate that 10.2% of AF patients on NOAC anticoagulation experienced a stroke. Furthermore, patients treated with apixaban and dabigatran had higher odds of experiencing a stroke compared to those treated with rivaroxaban. Among patients with the same age, gender, and CHA2DS2Vasc Score, apixaban was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of thrombotic events than rivaroxaban.

Discussion

These results have not been previously reported in studies with real-world data; therefore, a more detailed analysis should be conducted to enhance the validity of these findings.
Effect of liposomal bupivacaine for preoperative erector spinae plane block on postoperative pain following video-assisted thoracoscopic lung surgery: a protocol for a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, clinical trial
Authors: Liao Dawei , Peng Ke , Zhang Yang , Liu Huayue , Xia Zhongyuan , Guo Jian , Wei Fujiang , Chen Chen , Lv Xin , Tong Jianhua , Li Xiaoshuang , Qu Xianfeng , Wang Xiaobin , Wang Yingbin , Ou Shanshan , Liu Hong , Shan Xisheng , Ji Fuhai
Published: April 2024

Background

There is still a controversy about the superiority of liposomal bupivacaine (LB) over traditional local anesthetics in postoperative analgesia after thoracic surgery. This study aims to determine the effect of LB versus bupivacaine hydrochloride (HCl) for preoperative ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) on postoperative acute and chronic pain in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lung surgery.

Methods

This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial will include 272 adult patients scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracoscopic lung surgery. Patients will be randomly assigned, 1:1 and stratified by site, to the liposomal bupivacaine (LB) group or the bupivacaine (BUPI) HCl group. All patients will receive ultrasound-guided ESPB with either LB or bupivacaine HCl before surgery and patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) as rescue analgesia after surgery. The numeric rating scale (NRS) score will be assessed after surgery. The primary outcome is the area under the curve of pain scores at rest for 0–72 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes include the total amount of opioid rescue analgesics through 0–72 h postoperatively, time to the first press on the PCIA device as rescue analgesia, the area under the curve of pain scores on activity for 0–72 h postoperatively, NRS scores at rest and on activity at different time points during the 0–72 h postoperative period, Quality of Recovery 15 scores at 72 h after surgery, and NRS scores on activity on postsurgical day 14 and postsurgical 3 months. Adverse events after the surgery are followed up to the postsurgical day 7, including postoperative nausea and vomiting, fever, constipation, dizziness, headache, insomnia, itching, prolonged chest tube leakage, new-onset atrial fibrillation, severe ventricular arrhythmia, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary atelectasis, cardiac arrest, ileus, urinary retention, chylothorax, pneumothorax, and organ failure. Analyzes will be performed first according to the intention to treat principle and second with the per-protocol analysis.

Discussion

We hypothesize that LB for preoperative ultrasound-guided ESPB would be more effective than bupivacaine HCl in reducing postoperative pain in video-assisted thoracoscopic lung surgery. Our results will contribute to the optimization of postoperative analgesia regimens for patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lung surgery.

Clinical trial registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier ChiCTR2300074852.
The role of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases: current understanding and future therapeutic targets
Authors: Adamu Alhamdu , Li Shuo , Gao Fankai , Xue Guofang
Published: April 2024

Neuroinflammation refers to a highly complicated reaction of the central nervous system (CNS) to certain stimuli such as trauma, infection, and neurodegenerative diseases. This is a cellular immune response whereby glial cells are activated, inflammatory mediators are liberated and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are synthesized. Neuroinflammation is a key process that helps protect the brain from pathogens, but inappropriate, or protracted inflammation yields pathological states such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and other neurodegenerative disorders that showcase various pathways of neurodegeneration distributed in various parts of the CNS. This review reveals the major neuroinflammatory signaling pathways associated with neurodegeneration. Additionally, it explores promising therapeutic avenues, such as stem cell therapy, genetic intervention, and nanoparticles, aiming to regulate neuroinflammation and potentially impede or decelerate the advancement of these conditions. A comprehensive understanding of the intricate connection between neuroinflammation and these diseases is pivotal for the development of future treatment strategies that can alleviate the burden imposed by these devastating disorders.
Investigating silent pauses in connected speech: integrating linguistic, neuropsychological, and neuroanatomical perspectives across narrative tasks in post-stroke aphasia
Authors: Angelopoulou G. , Kasselimis D. , Varkanitsa M. , Tsolakopoulos D. , Papageorgiou G. , Velonakis G. , Meier E. , Karavassilis E. , Pantoleon V. , Laskaris N. , Kelekis N. , Tountopoulou A. , Vassilopoulou S. , Goutsos D. , Kiran S. , Weiller C. , Rijntjes M. , Potagas C.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Silent pauses are regarded as integral components of the temporal organization of speech. However, it has also been hypothesized that they serve as markers for internal cognitive processes, including word access, monitoring, planning, and memory functions. Although existing evidence across various pathological populations underscores the importance of investigating silent pauses’ characteristics, particularly in terms of frequency and duration, there is a scarcity of data within the domain of post-stroke aphasia.

Methods

The primary objective of the present study is to scrutinize the frequency and duration of silent pauses in two distinct narrative tasks within a cohort of 32 patients with chronic post-stroke aphasia, in comparison with a control group of healthy speakers. Subsequently, we investigate potential correlation patterns between silent pause measures, i.e., frequency and duration, across the two narrative tasks within the patient group, their performance in neuropsychological assessments, and lesion data.

Results

Our findings showed that patients exhibited a higher frequency of longer-duration pauses in both narrative tasks compared to healthy speakers. Furthermore, within-group comparisons revealed that patients tended to pause more frequently and for longer durations in the picture description task, while healthy participants exhibited the opposite trend. With regard to our second research question, a marginally significant interaction emerged between performance in semantic verbal fluency and the narrative task, in relation to the location of silent pauses—whether between or within clauses—predicting the duration of silent pauses in the patient group. However, no significant results were observed for the frequency of silent pauses. Lastly, our study identified that the duration of silent pauses could be predicted by distinct Regions of Interest (ROIs) in spared tissue within the left hemisphere, as a function of the narrative task.

Discussion

Overall, this study follows an integrative approach of linguistic, neuropsychological and neuroanatomical data to define silent pauses in connected speech, and illustrates interrelations between cognitive components, temporal aspects of speech, and anatomical indices, while it further highlights the importance of studying connected speech indices using different narrative tasks.
The prognostic value of ASPECTS in specific regions following mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute ischemic stroke from large-vessel occlusion
Authors: Zou Yu , Tu Jianglong , Hu Pengxin , Zhao Xihai , Tang Xiaoping
Published: April 2024

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the volume of specific regional infarction and the prognosis of patients who undergo mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute large vessel occlusion.

Methods

In this study, we collected the clinical and imaging features of patients with unilateral acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke from January 2021 to June 2023 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University. All patients underwent CT perfusion and non-contrast CT scan before MT. The ASPECTS was assessed based on imaging data, and artificial intelligence was used to obtain the percentage of infarction in each of the 10 regions of ASPECTS. According to the modified Rankin Scale, the patients were divided into the good prognosis group and poor prognosis group at the 90-day follow-up. Various indicators in the two groups were compared. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the risk factors for poor prognosis. The relationship between core infarction volume and the probability of poor prognosis was plotted to analyze the trend of poor prognosis with changes in the proportion of infarction volume. Finally, a receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to analyze the predictive ability on poor prognosis.

Results

A total of 91 patients were included, with 58 patients having a good prognosis (mRS ≤ 2) and 33 patients having a poor prognosis (mRS ≥ 3). Multivariate analysis showed that NIHSS score and core infarction involving the internal capsule and M6 region were independent risk factors for poor prognosis. According to the linear correlation, a higher ratio of core infarction volume in the internal capsule or M6 region was linked to an increased risk of a poor prognosis. However, the non-linear analysis revealed that the prognostic impact of core infarction volume was significant when the ratio was greater than 69.7%. The ROC curve indicated that the combination of NIHSS score, infarct location, and the ratio of infarct volume has an AUC of 0.87, with a sensitivity of 84.8% and a specificity of 84.5%.

Conclusion

It is important to examine the location and volume of the infarct in the internal capsule and M6 when deciding whether to do a MT.
Nucleic acid-sensing-related gene signature in predicting prognosis and treatment efficiency of small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Liu Qianshi , Li Zhaoshen , Li Na , Liu Junjie , Wu Hong , Chen Jie
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Nucleic acid-sensing (NAS) pathways could induce innate and adaptive immune responses. However, rare evidence exhibited how the core genes of the NAS pathways affected the immune response and prognosis of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis based on the RNA profiles of 114 SCLC patients, including 79 from cBioPortal, 21 from GSE30219, and 14 from our sequencing data. The multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) was used to characterize the role of NAS related genes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of SCLC.

Results

A prognostic model (7NAS risk model) was constructed based on 7 NAS-related genes which was demonstrated as an independent prognostic index. The low-risk group was identified to have a better prognosis and an immune-activated microenvironment in both the public datasets and our dataset. Intriguingly, mIHC data showed that CD45+ immune cells, CD8+ T lymphocytes, and CD68+ macrophages were prevalently enriched in low-risk SCLC patients and positively correlated with IRF1 expression. Additionally, Patients in the low-risk group might have superior responses to chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Conclusively, this study created a new risk model based on genes associated with NAS pathways which could predict the prognosis and response of treatment in patients with SCLC.
Phytochemicals derived from Nicotiana tabacum L. plant contribute to pharmaceutical development
Authors: Zhang Wenji , Pan Xiaoying , Fu Jiaqi , Cheng Wenli , Lin Hui , Zhang Wenjuan , Huang Zhenrui
Published: April 2024

The Nicotiana tabacum L. plant, a medicinal resource, holds significant potential for benefiting human health, as evidenced by its use in Native American and ancient Chinese cultures. Modern medical and pharmaceutical studies have investigated that the abundant and distinctive function metabolites in tobacco including nicotine, solanesol, cembranoid diterpenes, essential oil, seed oil and other tobacco extracts, avoiding the toxic components of smoke, mainly have the anti-oxidation, anti-lipid production, pro-lipid oxidation, pro-insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis and antimicrobial activities. They showed potential pharmaceutical value mainly as supplements or substitutes for treating neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, inflammatory diseases including colitis, arthritis, sepsis, multiple sclerosis, and myocarditis, and metabolic syndrome including Obesity and fatty liver. This review comprehensively presents the research status and the molecular mechanisms of tobacco and its metabolites basing on almost all the English and Chinese literature in recent 20 years in the field of medicine and pharmacology. This review serves as a foundation for future research on the medicinal potential of tobacco plants.
Hydrogen-rich water supplementation promotes muscle recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial
Authors: Sládečková Barbora , Botek Michal , Krejčí Jakub , Valenta Michal , McKune Andrew , Neuls Filip , Klimešová Iva
Published: April 2024

Purpose: Molecular hydrogen has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ergogenic, and recovery-enhancing effects. This study aimed to assess the effect of molecular hydrogen administration on muscle performance, damage, and perception of soreness up to 24 h of recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers.

Methods: Eight females (mean ± SD; age 21.5 ± 5.0 years, maximal oxygen consumption 45.0 ± 2.5 mL.kg−1.min−1) and four males (age 18.9 ± 1.3 years, maximal oxygen consumption 52.2 ± 1.7 mL.kg−1.min−1) performed 12 × 50 m sprints in the morning session and a 400 m competitive performance in the afternoon session. Participants consumed hydrogen-rich water (HRW) or placebo 3 days before the sessions (1,260 mL/day) and 2,520 mL on the experimental day. Muscle performance (countermovement jump), muscle damage (creatine kinase), and muscle soreness (100 mm visual analogue scale) were measured during the experimental day and at 12 and 24 h after the afternoon session.

Results: HRW compared to placebo reduced blood activity of creatine kinase (156 ± 63 vs. 190 ± 64 U.L−1, p = 0.043), muscle soreness perception (34 ± 12 vs. 42 ± 12 mm, p = 0.045), and improved countermovement jump height (30.7 ± 5.5 cm vs. 29.8 ± 5.8 cm, p = 0.014) at 12 h after the afternoon session.

Conclusion: Four days of HRW supplementation is a promising hydration strategy for promoting muscle recovery after two strenuous training sessions performed on the same day in elite fin swimmers.

Clinical Trial Registration:clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05799911
Parental recovered acute kidney injury causes prenatal renal dysfunction and fetal growth restriction with sexually dimorphic implications for adult offspring
Authors: Hebert Jessica F. , Funahashi Yoshio , Emathinger Jacqueline M. , Nickerson Megan N. , Groat Tahnee , Andeen Nicole K. , Gurley Susan B. , Hutchens Michael P.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is rapidly increasing in global incidence and a healthcare burden. Prior maternal AKI diagnosis correlates with later pregnancy complications. As pregnancy influences developmental programming, we hypothesized that recovered parental AKI results in poor pregnancy outcomes, impaired fetal growth, and adult offspring disease.

Methods: Using a well-characterized model of rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury (RIAKI), a form of AKI commonly observed in young people, we confirmed functional renal recovery by assessing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) 2 weeks following RIAKI. We bred sham and recovered RIAKI sires and dams in timed, matched matings for gestational day (GD) 16.5 and offspring (birth–12 weeks, 6 months) study.

Results: Despite a normal GFR pre-pregnancy, recovered RIAKI dams at GD16.5 had impaired renal function, resulting in reduced fetoplacental ratios and offspring survival. Pregnant RIAKI dams also had albuminuria and less renal megalin in the proximal tubule brush border than shams, with renal subcapsular fibrosis and higher diastolic blood pressure. Growth-restricted offspring had a reduced GFR as older adults, with evidence of metabolic inefficiency in male offspring; this correlated with reduced renal AngII levels in female offspring from recovered RIAKI pairings. However, the blood pressures of 6-month-old offspring were unaffected by parental RIAKI.

Conclusions: Our mouse model demonstrated a causal relationship among RIAKI, gestational risk, and developmental programming of the adult-onset offspring GFR and metabolic dysregulation despite parental recovery.
Cognitive, emotional, and social factors promoting psychosocial adaptation: a study of latent profiles in people living in socially vulnerable contexts
Authors: Carriedo Nuria , Rodríguez-Villagra Odir A. , Moguilner Sebastián , Morales-Sepulveda Juan Pablo , Huepe-Artigas Daniela , Soto Vicente , Franco-O’Byrne Daniel , Ibáñez Agustín , Bekinschtein Tristan A. , Huepe David
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Social adaptation is a multifaceted process that encompasses cognitive, social, and affective factors. Previous research often focused on isolated variables, overlooking their interactions, especially in challenging environments. Our study addresses this by investigating how cognitive (working memory, verbal intelligence, self-regulation), social (affective empathy, family networks, loneliness), and psychological (locus of control, self-esteem, perceived stress) factors interact to influence social adaptation.

Methods

We analyzed data from 254 adults (55% female) aged 18 to 46 in economically vulnerable households in Santiago, Chile. We used Latent profile analysis (LPA) and machine learning to uncover distinct patters of socioadaptive features and identify the most discriminating features.

Results

LPA showed two distinct psychosocial adaptation profiles: one characterized by effective psychosocial adaptation and another by poor psychosocial adaptation. The adaptive profile featured individuals with strong emotional, cognitive, and behavioral self-regulation, an internal locus of control, high self-esteem, lower stress levels, reduced affective empathy, robust family support, and decreased loneliness. Conversely, the poorly adapted profile exhibited the opposite traits. Machine learning pinpointed six key differentiating factors in various adaptation pathways within the same vulnerable context: high self-esteem, cognitive and behavioral self-regulation, low stress levels, higher education, and increased social support.

Discussion

This research carries significant policy implications, highlighting the need to reinforce protective factors and psychological resources, such as self-esteem, self-regulation, and education, to foster effective adaptation in adversity. Additionally, we identified critical risk factors impacting social adaptation in vulnerable populations, advancing our understanding of this intricate phenomenon.
First validation of the technical and administrative staff quality of life at work tool (TASQ@work) in academia
Authors: Bruno Andreina , Buono Carmela , Falco Alessandra , Brondino Margherita , Capone Vincenza , Dell’Aversana Giuseppina , Giancaspro Maria Luisa , Gilardi Silvia , Girardi Damiano , Guglielmi Dina , Ingusci Emanuela , Miglioretti Massimo , Pace Francesco , Platania Silvia , Signore Fulvio , Spagnoli Paola
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Based on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, the present study aimed to validate “The Technical and Administrative Staff Quality of Life At Work” (TASQ@work), a new tool to assess the quality of life at work in academia focused on technical and administrative staff.

Methods

This tool was developed by the QoL@Work research team, a group of expert academics in the field of work and organizational psychology affiliated with the Italian Association of Psychologists. The TASQ@work was elaborated in different steps. The first phase was aimed at the identification of the dimensions of the tool. The second phase was aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the tool. The validation process involved confirmatory analysis and measurement invariance of the various constructs selected. The analyses were performed in a convenience sample of two Italian universities in different regions (one in the Northwest and the second in Central Italy).

Results

The sample was composed of 1820 Administrative Staff, comprising 69.4% from University 1 (N = 1,263) and 30.6% from University 2 (N = 557). The TASQ@work presented satisfactory psychometric properties (normality of the items, reliability and content, construct and nomological validity) and measurement invariance across gender, seniority, and Athenaeum.

Discussion

The results indicate that the tool can be considered a reliable and valid instrument to assess job demands, job resources, and outcomes in the working life of technical and administrative academic staff. In this perspective, the present study represents the first contribution to the debate on the psychosocial risks in academic contexts by presenting a new tool, the TASQ@work, aimed at contextualizing the JD-R model to understand the role played by psychosocial aspects in affecting the well-being of the academic employees.
Trans narratives on school experiences—This is how we feel
Authors: Etxebarria-Perez-de-Nanclares Olatz , Vizcarra Morales Maria Teresa , López-Vélez Ana Luisa , Gamito Gómez Rakel
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The school environment remains unsafe for many trans people, where they are victims of discrimination, aggression, and bullying, resulting in socioemotional and physical harm to trans individuals. Intersectionality and minority stress are contributing factors in this already challenging education environment. In many cases, the voices of trans people are not heard or listened to at school; therefore, this study aims to listen to their school experiences in order to identify key areas for improvement.

Method

This study implemented a narrative research approach where six in-depth interviews were completed with trans participants from the Basque Country, Europe, and the United States of America that focused on five dimensions: being a trans, the role of school, lack of teacher education and training, segregation by gender, and socioemotional wellbeing. The transcriptions of these interviews were coded using Nvivo software in categorical systems in a deductive and inductive way.

Results

The results clearly showed that the binary society has a negative impact on trans people. In addition, the educational environment is still hostile for most of them, in which the lack of teacher training and gender identity content in the curriculum has a negative impact on trans people and their experiences at school.

Discussion

The findings support the idea that socially ingrained binarism is detrimental to all those who step outside the norm. It can also be said that the earlier the transition is made, the better the effect (clinical as well as socioemotional) on their personal lives. For this early transition to occur, it is necessary to have access to information from an early age.
Spike-Weighted Spiking Neural Network with Spiking Long Short-Term Memory: A Biomimetic Approach to Decoding Brain Signals
Authors: McMillan Kyle , So Rosa Qiyue , Libedinsky Camilo , Ang Kai Keng , Premchand Brian
Published: April 2024

Background. Brain–machine interfaces (BMIs) offer users the ability to directly communicate with digital devices through neural signals decoded with machine learning (ML)-based algorithms. Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) are a type of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) that operate on neural spikes instead of continuous scalar outputs. Compared to traditional ANNs, SNNs perform fewer computations, use less memory, and mimic biological neurons better. However, SNNs only retain information for short durations, limiting their ability to capture long-term dependencies in time-variant data. Here, we propose a novel spike-weighted SNN with spiking long short-term memory (swSNN-SLSTM) for a regression problem. Spike-weighting captures neuronal firing rate instead of membrane potential, and the SLSTM layer captures long-term dependencies. Methods. We compared the performance of various ML algorithms during decoding directional movements, using a dataset of microelectrode recordings from a macaque during a directional joystick task, and also an open-source dataset. We thus quantified how swSNN-SLSTM performed compared to existing ML models: an unscented Kalman filter, LSTM-based ANN, and membrane-based SNN techniques. Result. The proposed swSNN-SLSTM outperforms both the unscented Kalman filter, the LSTM-based ANN, and the membrane based SNN technique. This shows that incorporating SLSTM can better capture long-term dependencies within neural data. Also, our proposed swSNN-SLSTM algorithm shows promise in reducing power consumption and lowering heat dissipation in implanted BMIs.
Comparison of Carbon Footprint Differences in Nitrogen Reduction and Density Increase in Double Cropping Rice under Two Evaluation Methods
Authors: Zhang Wei , Fu Zhiqiang , Zhao Xinhui , Guo Huijuan , Yan Lingling , Zhou Mengyao , Zhang Leyan , Ye Yumeng , Liu Wen , Xu Ying , Long Pan
Published: April 2024

Optimized fertilizer use improves crop yield and mitigates environmental pollution associated with crop production. Fertilizer and plant density are core strategies to ensure food security and cope with climate change. However, little is known about the long-term interactive effect of reduced nitrogen (N) and increased density on yield and C (Carbon) balance. In this study, field experiments were conducted in a double-cropping rice region to evaluate long-term effects on yield and carbon footprint (CF) by crop-based and soil-based methods. Treatments were set for 10% reduction in N coupling with conventional density (N1D1), 20% higher density (N1D2), 40% higher density (N1D3), and 20% reduction in N coupling with conventional density (N2D1), 20% higher density (N2D2), and 40% higher density (N2D3), with the prevailing practices as control, conventional plant density, and fertilizer dose. Results showed that the yield continued to increase with increasing density; under the same density, reducing N by 10% is more beneficial for yield improvement and for CH4 emission reduction. Compared with CK, reducing N application by 10% generally increased the annual yields by 7.34–23.25% on average, and reduced CH4 emissions by 16.19–22.11%, resulting in a reduced crop-based carbon footprint of 22.24–26.82%, and a reduced soil-based carbon footprint of 22.08–32.85%. While reducing N application by 20% increased the annual yields by 5.00–20.19% and reduced the CH4 emission by 1.66–4.93%, it reduced crop-based carbon footprints by 1.81–10.05% and reduced soil-based carbon footprints by 7.22–19.86%. As density increased, the crop-based CF decreased, whereas the soil-based CF increased. Overall, the highest yield and the lowest soil-based CF and unit yield CF (CFy) were observed in N1D3. Regarding sustainability, a 10% reduction in N, along with an increase in density to 40%, can be recommended for double-cropping rice production.
Influence of the Depth of Nitrogen-Phosphorus Fertilizer Placement in Soil on Maize Yielding and Carbon Footprint in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Huang Hua , Wu Qi , Liu Fu , Zhang Zihui , Liu Benzheng , Zhou Guoxia , Cao Bingbing , Bangura Kemoh , Cai Tie , Gao Zhiqiang , Zhang Peng , Jia Zhikuan , Wu Peng
Published: April 2024

Deep fertilization is a beneficial approach for reducing nitrogen losses. However, the effects of various fertilization depths on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity and environmental footprints have not been thoroughly understood. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different fertilization depths of 5 cm (D5), 15 cm (D15), 25 cm (D25), and 35 cm (D35) on maize productivity and environmental footprints. Reactive nitrogen (Nr) losses and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions were assessed using life cycle analysis. We hypothesized that deep fertilization can obtain lower carbon and nitrogen footprint. The results indicated that deep fertilization decreased the N2O and NH3 emissions while increasing the CH4 uptake. Compared with D5, D15 resulted in an increase in total GHG emissions and carbon footprint (CF), whereas D25 decreased by 13.0% and 23.6%, respectively. Compared with D5, the Nr losses under D15, D25, and D35 conditions was reduced by 11.3%, 17.3%, and 21.0%, respectively, and the nitrogen footprint (NF) was reduced by 16.0%, 27.4%, and 19.0%, respectively. The maize yield under D15 and D25 increased by 5.7% and 13.8%, respectively, compared with the D5 treatment, and the net economic benefits of the ecosystem increased by 7.1% and 17.1%, respectively. In summary, applying fertilizer at a depth of 25 cm can significantly reduce the environmental footprints and increase maize productivity, making it an effective fertilization strategy in the Loess Plateau region of China.
In Situ Nondestructive Detection of Nitrogen Content in Soybean Leaves Based on Hyperspectral Imaging Technology
Authors: Zhang Yakun , Guan Mengxin , Wang Libo , Cui Xiahua , Li Tingting , Zhang Fu
Published: April 2024

In this paper, hyperspectral imaging technology, combined with chemometrics methods, was used to detect the nitrogen content of soybean leaves, and to achieve the rapid, non-destructive and in situ detection of the nitrogen content in soybean leaves. Soybean leaves under different fertilization treatments were used as the research object, and the hyperspectral imaging data and the corresponding nitrogen content data of soybean leaves at different growth stages were obtained. Seven spectral preprocessing methods, such as Savitzky–Golay smoothing (SG), first derivative (1-Der), and direct orthogonal signal correction (DOSC), were used to establish the quantitative prediction models for soybean leaf nitrogen content, and the quantitative prediction models of different spectral preprocessing methods for soybean leaf nitrogen content were analyzed and compared. On this basis, successive projections algorithm (SPA), genetic algorithm (GA) and random frog (RF) were employed to select the characteristic wavelengths and compress the spectral data. The results showed the following: (1) The full-spectrum prediction model of soybean leaf nitrogen content based on DOSC pretreatment was the best. (2) The PLS model of soybean leaf nitrogen content based on the five characteristic wavelengths had the best prediction performance. (3) The spatial distribution map of soybean leaf nitrogen content was generated in a pixel manner using the extracted five characteristic wavelengths and the DOSC-RF-PLS model. The nitrogen content level of soybean leaves can be quantified in a simple way; this provides a foundation for rapid in situ non-destructive detection and the spatial distribution difference detection of soybean leaf nitrogen. (4) The overall results illustrated that hyperspectral imaging technology was a powerful tool for the spatial prediction of the nitrogen content in soybean leaves, which provided a new method for the spatial distribution of the soybean nutrient status and the dynamic monitoring of the growth status.
A Monitoring, Evaluation, and Prediction System for Slight Water Stress in Citrus Seedlings Based on an Improved Multilayer Perceptron Model
Authors: Dai Qiufang , Chen Ziwei , Li Zhen , Song Shuran , Xue Xiuyun , Lv Shilei , Wang Yuan , Guo Yuanhang
Published: April 2024

To address the lack of effective monitoring, evaluation, and prediction methods for water stress in citrus seedlings, we conducted 10 sets of water stress gradient experiments. Based on the experimental dataset, we constructed, trained, and improved an MLP classification model for citrus seedling water stress. In addition, we developed a monitoring, evaluation, and prediction system based on this model. The experiments demonstrated that 7 days of slight water stress can induce changes in overall root wilting and growth stagnation, and the chlorophyll content in the leaves can decrease by up to 11.78%. Furthermore, the optimal VWC for seedlings was [45%, 50%], the boundary of drought was [20%, 25%], and the boundary of waterlogging was [50%, 55%]. We validated the effectiveness of the system in assessing the growth status of seedlings over the past 7 days and predicting it after 7 days through testing sets and experiments on slight water stress. We found that the system achieved non-destructive remote monitoring, evaluation, and prediction of slight water stress in citrus seedlings, thus enhancing seedling quality. These research findings provide valuable insights into water stress management in citrus seedlings and other crops.
Effect of SNPs in the Promoter Region on the Expression of Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in Pig Liver
Authors: Archer Holly , Soares Riani A. N. , Jafarikia Mohsen , Lillie Brandon N. , Schenkel Flavio , Squires E. James
Published: April 2024

Boar taint, an unfavorable odor in the meat of intact male pigs, is caused primarily by the accumulation of two compounds: androstenone and skatole. This multifactorial trait is regulated by numerous dietary, management and genetic factors. At the mechanistic level, there are many genes known to be involved in boar taint metabolism. Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) impacts boar taint through the phase I metabolism of skatole. The aim of this study was to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the CYP2E1 gene promoter and explore their relationship with the expression of CYP2E1 mRNA and protein. Sequencing of the promoter region using pools of genomic DNA identified seven promoter region SNPs at −159, −586, −1693, −1806, −2322, −2369 and −2514 bp upstream of the ATG start site. Genomic DNA was obtained from 65 boars from the three major swine breeds: Duroc, Landrace and Yorkshire, and individual animals were genotyped for the identified SNPs. RNA was isolated from liver tissue and quantitative PCR was performed to measure CYP2E1 gene expression, while levels of CYP2E1 protein in liver were measured by Western blotting. Significant within-breed variation in CYP2E1 protein and mRNA expression was observed, indicating significant differences in gene expression among individuals. However, levels of CYP2E1 mRNA and protein were not significantly correlated. Two SNPs within the promoter were significantly associated with CYP2E1 mRNA expression, but not with protein expression. This study provides evidence of additional mutations affecting the gene expression of CYP2E1 and suggests that factors that affect the differences in translation of CYP2E1 mRNA may also be important in affecting skatole metabolism.
A Sustainable Diet for Tambaqui Farming in the Amazon: Growth Performance, Hematological Parameters, Whole-Body Composition and Fillet Color
Authors: de Matos Dantas Francisco , de Souza Yasmin Moreira , Santana Thiago Macedo , dos Santos Driely Kathriny Monteiro , da Fonseca Flávio Augusto Leão , Gonçalves Ligia Uribe
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to produce feed based on locally sourced ingredients for tambaqui farming in Amazon. Diets were formulated with increasing levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) of defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFL) as a replacement for fish meal (FM), and cassava by-products in the same proportion (tuber residues, peel and leaves). A conventional diet (CO) was used as the control. Juvenile tambaqui (24.61 ± 1.14 g) were housed in 24 tanks in a recirculation aquaculture system. Neither diet rejection nor mortality were observed. Fish fed cassava by-products showed similar feed conversion rates (FCR 1.76); however, these values were worse than those observed in fish fed the CO (FCR 1.33). No differences were observed in the whole-body composition of the fish. The fillets of fish fed cassava by-products had a yellow color due the carotenoids present in the leaves. Dietary BSFL and cassava by-products can contribute to the sustainability of Amazonian aquaculture. Further studies with a lower proportion of cassava leaves in the diet formulation are recommended so as to ensure enhanced diet digestibility and less impact on the color of the fillets.
Aqueous Theta-Phase Aluminum Oxide Nanofluid for Energy Applications: Experimental Study on Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Zacarías Alejandro , de Vega Mercedes , García-Hernando Néstor , Venegas María
Published: April 2024

The use of nanofluids in energy systems allows for increasing efficiency and developing more economic systems. Alumina-water is one of the most common nanofluids used but little information is available about the aqueous theta-phase aluminum oxide. Given the lack of thermal conductivity data for this nanofluid, in this research, this property is experimentally evaluated. Nanofluid is prepared using the two-step method, employing a magnetic stirrer and a sonication bath. A high-precision sensor is employed for measuring thermal conductivity, using the method of transient hot wire. The thermal conductivity measurements for the base fluid (water) are compared with data provided by NIST. Nanoparticle mass fraction in the nanofluid is increased from 1 to 10% and the temperature from 22.1 to 59.3 °C. Three sonication times (1.5, 4 and 16.5 h) are used. A strong dependence between the thermal conductivity and the temperature and nanoparticles concentration has been found, while the sonication time has a negligible influence on the thermal conductivity in the range of times tested. A correlation to obtain the thermal conductivity of the water-based nanofluid using theta-phase aluminum oxide has been developed, including nanoparticle volume concentration and temperature. An excellent agreement is obtained between predicted and experimental data.