bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global research hotspots and trends in constraint-induced movement therapy in rehabilitation over the past 30 years: a bibliometric and visualization study
Authors: Xu Jie , Chen Meng , Wang Xin , Cai Zijuan , Wang Yanjie , Luo Xiaobing
Published: June 2024

Background

Stroke is a cerebrovascular disease with high prevalence and mortality, and upper limb hemiparesis is a major factor limiting functional recovery in stroke patients. Improvement of motor function in stroke patients through various forms of constraint-induced movement therapy (CITM) has been recognized as safe and effective in recent years. This research field lacks a comprehensive systematic and clear vein combing analysis, analyzing the literature research of CIMT in the field of rehabilitation in the past three decades, summarizing the research hotspots and cutting-edge trends in this field, in an effort to offer ideas and references for subsequent researchers.

Methods

Relevant literature on CIMT in rehabilitation was collected from 1996 to 2024 within the Web of Science database’s core dataset by using CiteSpace6.1, VOSviewer1.6.18, R-bibliometrix4.6.1, Pajek5.16, Scimago Graphica 1.0.26 software for visualization and analysis.

Results

There were 970 papers in all United States was ranked first with 401 papers. Alabama Univ was ranked first for institutions with 53 papers. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair was ranked first for journals with 78 papers, and Taub E was ranked first for author publications with 64 papers. Research keywords were CIMT, stroke rehabilitation, upper extremity function, lower extremity gait balance, randomized controlled trials, physical therapy techniques (transcranial magnetic stimulation and sensory amplitude electrical stimulation), primary motor cortex plasticity, lateral dominance (spatial behaviors), cerebral vascular accidents, activities of daily living, hand function, disability, functional restoration, bimanual training, aphasia, acquired invalidity, type A Botulinum toxin and joystick riding toys.

Conclusion

The current state of research shows that CIMT still has a vast potential for development in the field of rehabilitation research. The research hotspots are the clinical efficacy of CIMT combined with other therapies (botulinum toxin type A, transcranial direct current stimulation, virtual reality, mirror therapy, robotic-assisted) to enhance the functionality of upper limb hemiparesis in stroke patients, the mechanism of CIMT to improve the plasticity of the motor cortex through electrophysiological and imaging methods, and improvement of lower limb gait balance function in stroke patients and aphasia applications, the optimal intervention time and dose, and exploration of CIMT in new settings such as robot-assisted, telemedicine, and home rehabilitation.
Association of dietary saturated fatty acid intake with depression: mediating effects of the dietary inflammation index
Authors: Qi Caijuan , Gou Ruoyu
Published: June 2024

Background

Diet and dietary inflammation play an important role in depression. The aim of this study was to assess the association of SFAs with depression risk and the mediating role of DII.

Method

Among 22, 478 U.S. adults (≥ 20, years old) according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), univariate logistic regression, and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between dietary intake of SFAs and the risk of depression. Dietary inflammation levels were evaluated using the DII. Mediation analysis was used to investigate the risk of DII and depression. The nonlinear relationship between SFAs and depression was assessed using restricted cubic spline (RCS).

Results

There was a significant difference in SFA 6.0 dietary intake between depression and non-depression individuals. After adjusting for potential confounders, multifactorial logistic regression results showed that SFA 8.0 (Q3 1.58 (1.09, 2.30), p-value = 0.017; Q4 1.55 (1.00, 2.42), p-value = 0.050) may increase the prevalence factor for depression, SFA 14.0 (Q3 0.67 (0.47, 0.94), p-value = 0.020) may decrease the risk of depression. There were sex and age differences in the effects of different subtypes of SFAs on depression. Dietary intake of SFA 12.0 content showed a nonlinear relationship with the risk of depression (p-value = 0.005). Furthermore, DII was recognized as a mediator of the association between SFAs and the risk of depression.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that dietary intake of SFAs is associated with the risk of depression in relation to the chain length of SFAs, and this may be due to the mediating effect of DII.
Differential dietary intake and contribution of ultra-processed foods during pregnancy according to nutritional status
Authors: Granich-Armenta Adriana , Contreras-Manzano Alejandra , Cantoral Alejandra , Christensen Dirk L. , Marrón-Ponce Joaquín A. , Ávila-Jímenez Laura , Ramírez-Silva Ivonne , Rivera Dommarco Juan A. , Grunnet Louise G. , Bygbjerg Ib C. , Lamadrid-Figueroa Héctor
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Frequent consumption of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) during pregnancy is linked to excess intake of added sugar, fat, and sodium and inadequacy of several micronutrients. Diet quality during pregnancy should be maximized as inadequate levels of key nutrients and excessive intake of energy and added sugar might influence mother–child health. We aimed to estimate the contribution (% of total calories) of ultra-processed products to the total energy intake by pre-gestational body mass index (BMI) categories and Hb status during pregnancy in participants from the MAS-Lactancia Cohort.

Methods

Pre-gestational weight, hemoglobin levels, 24-h dietary intake recall interviews, and sociodemographic data were collected during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. Reported consumed foods were categorized using the NOVA classification, and the contribution of calories from each NOVA category was estimated using the Mexican Food Database. We estimated medians and interquartile ranges (p25 and p75) for dietary intake and energy contributions. The comparison of intake between the second and third trimesters was done using the Wilcoxon test. In addition, a quantile regression model with an interaction between pre-gestational BMI and Hb levels status in tertiles over the percentage of energy from UPFs was adjusted by age and socioeconomic status.

Results

The contribution to total energy intake from UPFs was 27.4% in the second trimester and 27% in the third trimester (with no statistical difference). The percentage of energy intake from UPFs was higher in women who started pregnancy with obesity and presented the lowest levels of Hb (1st tertile), 23.1, 35.8, and 44.7% for the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, respectively, compared to those with normal BMI and the highest tertile of Hb levels: 18, 29.0, and 38.6% for the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, respectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, UPF intake in pregnant women is similar to the general population and was higher for those with pre-gestational obesity and the lowest tertile of Hb levels. UPF contributes also to sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, which may adversely affect the health of mothers and their offspring.
Review of tracer kinetic models in evaluation of gliomas using dynamic contrast-enhanced imaging
Authors: Zhou Jianan , Hou Zujun , Tian Chuanshuai , Zhu Zhengyang , Ye Meiping , Chen Sixuan , Yang Huiquan , Zhang Xin , Zhang Bing
Published: June 2024

Glioma is the most common type of primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), and is characterized by high malignancy, high recurrence rate and poor survival. Conventional imaging techniques only provide information regarding the anatomical location, morphological characteristics, and enhancement patterns. In contrast, advanced imaging techniques such as dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI or DCE CT can reflect tissue microcirculation, including tumor vascular hyperplasia and vessel permeability. Although several studies have used DCE imaging to evaluate gliomas, the results of data analysis using conventional tracer kinetic models (TKMs) such as Tofts or extended-Tofts model (ETM) have been ambiguous. More advanced models such as Brix’s conventional two-compartment model (Brix), tissue homogeneity model (TH) and distributed parameter (DP) model have been developed, but their application in clinical trials has been limited. This review attempts to appraise issues on glioma studies using conventional TKMs, such as Tofts or ETM model, highlight advancement of DCE imaging techniques and provides insights on the clinical value of glioma management using more advanced TKMs.
The dual role of sirtuins in cancer: biological functions and implications
Authors: Yu Lu , Li Yanjiao , Song Siyuan , Zhang Yalin , Wang Yiping , Wang Hailian , Yang Zhengteng , Wang Yi
Published: June 2024

Sirtuins are pivotal in orchestrating numerous cellular pathways, critically influencing cell metabolism, DNA repair, aging processes, and oxidative stress. In recent years, the involvement of sirtuins in tumor biology has garnered substantial attention, with a growing body of evidence underscoring their regulatory roles in various aberrant cellular processes within tumor environments. This article delves into the sirtuin family and its biological functions, shedding light on their dual roles—either as promoters or inhibitors—in various cancers including oral, breast, hepatocellular, lung, and gastric cancers. It further explores potential anti-tumor agents targeting sirtuins, unraveling the complex interplay between sirtuins, miRNAs, and chemotherapeutic drugs. The dual roles of sirtuins in cancer biology reflect the complexity of targeting these enzymes but also highlight the immense therapeutic potential. These advancements hold significant promise for enhancing clinical outcomes, marking a pivotal step forward in the ongoing battle against cancer.
Case Report: Contiguous presentation of anti-MDA5 juvenile dermatomyositis and anti-AQP4 neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder in an adolescent patient
Authors: Wiersma Rebecca E. , Shaheen Zachary R. , Correll Colleen K. , Hobday Patricia M.
Published: June 2024

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) that is known to be associated with other neurologic and organ-specific autoimmune conditions. There has been increasing recognition of the association between NMOSD and systemic autoimmune disease, most commonly systemic lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's syndrome. We report a case of an adolescent presenting with anti-melanoma differentiation-associated protein 5 juvenile dermatomyositis (anti-MDA5 JDM) and NMOSD, exhibiting clinical features of myelitis, polyarthritis, myositis, and skin involvement. Currently, only two other published cases have described NMOSD associated with anti-MDA5 dermatomyositis, both in adults. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case in an adolescent patient.
Relationship of severity of hyponatremia and adverse outcomes in children visiting the emergency department
Authors: Ryoo Jisu , Choi Arum , Cho Hyunchul , Bae Woori
Published: June 2024

Mild hyponatremia is often found in patients visiting pediatric emergency departments (PEDs), but there are few large-scale studies on its association with adverse outcomes, including mortality. We conducted this study to identify the association of mild hyponatremia with adverse outcome. This retrospective observational study included children under 18 years of age visiting the PED at a tertiary hospital. We used electronic medical record data from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2020. Clinical outcomes, including ward admission, vasopressor administration, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission, and mortality, were assessed for the total of 44,147 patients. Among these, 1,639 (3.7%) were in the hyponatremia group, with 1,521 (3.4%) exhibiting mild hyponatremia. Mild hyponatremia was more prevalent in younger patients, particularly in the 1–3 years age group, and less common in females. Patients with mild hyponatremia had a significantly prolonged median length of stay in the PED compared to normonatremic patients (5.8 h vs. 4.4 h, p < 0.001). Moreover, they showed significantly higher rates of ward admission (51.1% vs. 35.6%, p < 0.001), vasopressor administration (1.1% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.014), PICU admission (2.4% vs. 1.0%, p < 0.001), and mortality (1.5% vs. 0.3%, p < 0.001). Compared with the normonatremia group, the odds ratios (95% CI) for ward admission, vasopressor administration, PICU admission, and mortality in the mild hyponatremia group were 1.90 (1.71–2.10), 1.91 (1.17–3.13), 2.62 (1.86–3.68), and 5.56 (3.51–8.80), respectively. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate a notable upward trend in adverse outcomes, including vasopressor administration, PICU admission, and mortality, from mild hyponatremia to severe hyponatremia. In conclusion, we found that adverse outcomes increase with the severity of hyponatremia in children presenting to the PED, highlighting the importance of immediate intervention alongside the identification of the underlying cause.
Pharmacovigilance of esketamine nasal spray: an analysis of the FDA adverse event reporting system database
Authors: Liu Ruixue , Liu Chunxiao , Feng Dianwei , Guo Tongxin , Wang Ying
Published: June 2024

Esketamine nasal spray (ESK-NS) is a new drug for treatment-resistant depression, and we aimed to detect and characterize the adverse events (AEs) of ESK-NS using the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database between 2019 Q1 and 2023 Q4. Reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) were performed to detect risk signals from the FAERS data to identify potential ESK-NS–AEs associations. A total of 14,606 reports on AEs with ESK-NS as the primary suspected drug were analyzed. A total of 518 preferred terms signals and 25 system organ classes mainly concentrated in psychiatric disorders (33.20%), nervous system disorders (16.67%), general disorders and administration site conditions (14.21%), and others were obtained. Notably, dissociation (n = 1,093, ROR 2,257.80, PRR 899.64, EBGM 876.86) exhibited highest occurrence rates and signal intensity. Moreover, uncommon but significantly strong AEs signals, such as hand–eye coordination impaired, feeling guilty, and feelings of worthlessness, were observed. Additionally, dissociative disorder (n = 57, ROR 510.92, PRR 506.70, EBGM 386.60) and sedation (n = 688, ROR 172.68, PRR 155.53, and EBGM 142.05) both presented strong AE signals, and the former is not recorded in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC). In clinical applications, close attention should be paid to the psychiatric disorders and nervous system disorders, especially dissociation. Meanwhile, clinical professionals should be alert for the occurrence of AEs signals not mentioned in the SmPC and take preventive measures to ensure the safety of clinical use.
Characterizing defective lipid metabolism in the lateral septum of mice treated with olanzapine: implications for its side effects
Authors: Huang Lixuan , Sun Ying , Luo Chao , Wang Wei , Shi Si , Sun Genmin , Ju Peijun , Chen Jianhua
Published: June 2024

Schizophrenia significantly impacts cognitive and behavioral functions and is primarily treated with second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) such as olanzapine. Despite their efficacy, these drugs are linked to serious metabolic side effects which can diminish patient compliance, worsen psychiatric symptoms and increase cardiovascular disease risk. This study explores the hypothesis that SGAs affect the molecular determinants of synaptic plasticity and brain activity, particularly focusing on the lateral septum (LS) and its interactions within hypothalamic circuits that regulate feeding and energy expenditure. Utilizing functional ultrasound imaging, RNA sequencing, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis, we identified significant alterations in the functional connection between the hypothalamus and LS, along with changes in gene expression in the LS of mice following prolonged olanzapine exposure. Our analysis revealed a module closely linked to increases in body weight and adiposity, featuring genes primarily involved in lipid metabolism pathways, notably Apoa1, Apoc3, and Apoh. These findings suggest that olanzapine may influence body weight and adiposity through its impact on lipid metabolism-related genes in the LS. Therefore, the neural circuits connecting the LS and LH, along with the accompanying alterations in lipid metabolism, are likely crucial factors contributing to the weight gain and metabolic side effects associated with olanzapine treatment.
Optimization and accuracy analysis in pose measurement of the subreflectors of large antennas based on stereo structured light
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Lin Shangmin , Wang Hu , Gao Ming , Jin Yu , Lai Yunqiang , Lv Hong
Published: June 2024

The accuracy of the pointing error in the subreflector is of great importance to the large steerable radio telescope, so the measurement of the six degree-of-freedom (DOF) poses of the subreflector is crucial, which are measured by the detector and the laser array. The errors in the pose measurement system of the subreflector contain random measure errors and fitting iteration errors; all of them will add up to the pose measurement, which affects the accuracy of the six DOF parameters. This paper proposed the accuracy analysis method in the pose measurement of the subreflector of large antennas, which includes the error in the variable model in laser three-dimensional point space linear fitting, iterative accuracy analysis of spatial equations in Newton’s downhill method, and the analysis of the adjustment theory of the Bursa model. The experimental results show that the measure time in six-DOF poses of the subreflector in a large-aperture antenna is at most 0.5 s, while the measurement accuracy error of translation is within 0.0131 mm and the error of rotation is within 0.2323°, which indicates that the pose measurement method of the subreflector in large antennas based on stereo structured light is efficient and applicable enough to analyze the measurement system accuracy.
Root exudation under maize/soybean intercropping system mediates the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi diversity and improves the plant growth
Authors: Zhang Shu , Li Shumin , Meng Lingbo , Liu Xiaodan , Zhang Yuhang , Zhao Shuchang , Zhao Haobing
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Maize/soybean intercropping is a common cropping practice in Chinese agriculture, known to boost crop yield and enhance soil fertility. However, the role of below-ground interactions, particularly root exudates, in maintaining intercropping advantages in soybean/maize intercropping systems remains unclear.

Methods

This study aimed to investigate the differences in root exudates between intercropping and monocropping systems through two pot experiments using metabolomics methods. Multiple omics analyses were conducted to explore correlations between differential metabolites and the community of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF), shedding light on the mechanisms underlying the dominance of intercropping from the perspective of root exudates-soil microorganism interactions.

Results and discussion

The study revealed that intercropping significantly increased the types and contents of root exudates, lowered soil pH, increased the availability of nutrients like available nitrogen (AN) and available phosphorus (AP), and enhanced AMF colonization, resulting in improving the community composition of AMF. Besides, root exudates in intercropping systems differed significantly from those in monocropping, with 41 and 39 differential metabolites identified in the root exudates of soybean/maize, predominantly amino acids and organic acids. The total amount of amino acids in the root exudates of soybean intercropping was 3.61 times higher than in monocropping. Additionally, the addition of root exudates significantly improved the growth of soybean/maize and AMF colonization, with the mycorrhizal colonization rate in intercropping increased by 105.99% and 111.18% compared to monocropping, respectively. The identified metabolic pathways associated with root exudates were closely linked to plant growth, soil fertility improvement, and the formation of AMF. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship (P < 0.05) between certain metabolites such as tartaric acid, oxalic acid, malic acid, aspartic acid, alanine, and the AMF community. Notably, the photosynthetic carbon fixation pathway involving aspartic acid showed a strong association with the function of Glomus_f_Glomerace, the dominant genus of AMF. A combined analysis of metabolomics and high throughput sequencing revealed that the root exudates of soybean/maize intercropping have direct or indirect connections with AMF and soil nutrients.

Conclusion

This suggests that the increased root exudates of the soybean/maize intercropping system mediate an improvement in AMF community composition, thereby influencing soil fertility and maintaining the advantage of intercropping.
An intelligent spraying system for weeds in wheat fields based on a dynamic model of droplets impacting wheat leaves
Authors: Xie Qi , Song Minghan , Wen Tong , Cao Weixing , Zhu Yan , Ni Jun
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Targeted herbicide application refers to precise application of herbicides in weed-infested areas according to the location and density of farmland weeds. At present, targeted herbicide application in wheat fields generally faces problems including the low herbicide adhesion rate, leading to omission and excessive loss of herbicides.

Methods

To solve these problems, changes in the impact force of herbicide and the weed leaves in the operation process of a spraying system were studied from the interaction between weeds and herbicides applied. A dynamic model of weed leaves was established. On this basis, the research indicated that the herbicide adhesion rate is highest under spraying pressure of 0.4 MPa and flow rate of 0.011 kg/s when the spray height is 300 mm. To study the dynamic deformation of weed leaves and the distribution of liquid herbicides in the external flow field under weed-herbicide interaction, a dynamic simulation model of herbicide application was built using the finite element method.

Results and Discussion

The results show that when the spray height is 300 mm, the maximum weed leaf deformation index (LDI) is 0.43 and the velocity in the external flow field is 0 m/s under spraying pressure of 0.4 MPa and flow rate of 0.011 kg/s. This finding indicates that the herbicide is not splashed elsewhere and the turbulence intensity in the weed area is 2%, implying steady flow of the herbicide, most of which can be retained on weed leaves. Field test results of application quality of the herbicide show that the maximum LDI is 0.41 and the coverage of the herbicide in the sheltered area below the leaves is 19.02% when the spraying pressure is 0.4 MPa, flow rate is 0.011 kg/s, and spray height is 300 mm. This solves the problem of a low rate of utilization of herbicides because the herbicide passes through weed plants, and achieves the precision herbicide application in wheat fields.
The impact of teaching presence on students’ online learning experience: evidence from 334 Chinese universities during the pandemic
Authors: Li Wen , Wang Weiping
Published: June 2024

Teaching presence is the core role of teachers in online education and is the most promising mechanism for developing online learning communities. Drawing on the theoretical framework of teaching presence, and based on data from an online survey of university students from 334 Chinese universities, this study constructs a framework for teaching presence and compares the differences in teaching presence among different student groups, and further explores the impact of teaching presence on students’ online learning experience and its heterogeneity in terms of gender and discipline. The study finds that teaching presence includes three dimensions: instructional design and organization, facilitating interaction, and direct instruction, and there are differences among different groups. Teaching presence has a significant impact on the online learning experience, among which facilitating interaction is the most important influencing factor. Heterogeneity examination reveals that the direct instruction dimension has a greater impact on the online learning experience of female students and students in science and engineering, while the facilitating interaction dimension has a greater impact on the experience of male students and students in science and engineering. For the development of online teaching, it is necessary to help online teachers comprehensively improve teaching presence, adopt different teaching strategies and improvement measures for different student groups, and pay attention to collecting and analyzing student behavioral data for teachers to reflect on and improve teaching.
Putting the usability of wearable technology in forensic psychiatry to the test: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: de Looff Peter C. , Noordzij Matthijs L. , Nijman Henk L. I. , Goedhard Laurette , Bogaerts Stefan , Didden Robert
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Forensic psychiatric patients receive treatment to address their violent and aggressive behavior with the aim of facilitating their safe reintegration into society. On average, these treatments are effective, but the magnitude of effect sizes tends to be small, even when considering more recent advancements in digital mental health innovations. Recent research indicates that wearable technology has positive effects on the physical and mental health of the general population, and may thus also be of use in forensic psychiatry, both for patients and staff members. Several applications and use cases of wearable technology hold promise, particularly for patients with mild intellectual disability or borderline intellectual functioning, as these devices are thought to be user-friendly and provide continuous daily feedback.

Method

In the current randomized crossover trial, we addressed several limitations from previous research and compared the (continuous) usability and acceptance of four selected wearable devices. Each device was worn for one week by staff members and patients, amounting to a total of four weeks. Two of the devices were general purpose fitness trackers, while the other two devices used custom made applications designed for bio-cueing and for providing insights into physiological reactivity to daily stressors and events.

Results

Our findings indicated significant differences in usability, acceptance and continuous use between devices. The highest usability scores were obtained for the two fitness trackers (Fitbit and Garmin) compared to the two devices employing custom made applications (Sense-IT and E4 dashboard). The results showed similar outcomes for patients and staff members.

Discussion

None of the devices obtained usability scores that would justify recommendation for future use considering international standards; a finding that raises concerns about the adaptation and uptake of wearable technology in the context of forensic psychiatry. We suggest that improvements in gamification and motivational aspects of wearable technology might be helpful to tackle several challenges related to wearable technology.
Older adults' attitudes toward using Euthanasia at the end-of life: cancer vs. Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lifshitz Rinat , Bachner Yaacov G. , Carmel Sara
Published: June 2024

Background

There is a paucity of studies that compare older adults' attitudes toward Euthanasia in two different terminal illnesses. Moreover, these studies did not relate to potentially influencing psycho-social factors. The current study aimed to examine the impact of a diverse range of variables on attitudes among older adults toward Euthanasia in two medical conditions: cancer and Parkinson's disease.

Methods

A total of 501 individuals aged 75 and above participated in the study. Attitudes toward Euthanasia were measured using vignettes which described two conditions: an 80-year-old man with metastatic cancer and another man in an advanced stage of Parkinson's disease. The questionnaire included measures of relevant experience (with a close family member or a friend dying from a terminal illness), self-efficacy, will to live, satisfaction with life, will to prolong life, fear of death and dying, social support, and psycho-social characteristics. The data were analyzed using hierarchical linear regression models.

Results

A more positive attitude toward Euthanasia was found in the case of cancer compared to Parkinson's disease. Being a woman, having more years of education, lower level of religiosity, greater fear of death and dying and higher self-efficacy contributes to more favorable attitudes toward Euthanasia in both end-of life conditions.

Conclusions

The finding that attitudes toward Euthanasia are statistically significantly more positive in the case of cancer compared to Parkinson's disease can be attributed to the greater prevalence of cancer in the population, and to the public's awareness of the suffering associated with each of these medical conditions. Beyond the important role of the socio-demographic characteristics of gender, education, and religiosity, it appears that fear of death and dying and self-efficacy are important psychological factors in explaining attitudes toward Euthanasia in both illnesses among older people. These findings shed light on older adults' attitudes toward Euthanasia in debilitating illnesses.
Investigation of pyrethroid resistance mutations in Linognathus stenopsis lice collected from goats in western and northwestern Iran
Authors: Seydi-Gazafi Khadijeh , Tavassoli Mousa , Mardani Karim
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Linognathus stenopsis lice are an extensive parasitic concern in goat populations worldwide, posing significant economic and health risks. This study examined the identification of alleles of resistance to pyrethroid and mutations in L. stenopsis samples obtained from goats in five provinces in western and northwestern Iran.

Methods

Morphological and molecular techniques were employed to identify the louse species. Molecular identification methods and gene sequencing were used to identify resistance-associated mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene.

Results and discussion

The results revealed that six amino acid substitutions, including threonine-to-isoleucine (T917I), leucine-to-phenylalanine (L920F), isoleucine-to-phenylalanine (I927F), phenylalanine-to-alanine (F928A), valine-to-arginine (V929R), and arginine-to-leucine (R930L) mutations, were present in the VGSC gene of L. stenopsis lice from various regions of Iran. These findings suggest the potential for pyrethroid resistance development in this louse species, highlighting the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. Such strategies, which combine selective insecticides, regular grooming, and environmental sanitation, are crucial for effectively managing L. stenopsis infestations and preserving the efficacy of pyrethroids for pest control. Moreover, the emergence of novel kdr mutations underscores the need for ongoing research into the molecular mechanisms underlying these mutations. This research is vital for developing strategies to combat pyrethroid resistance and maintaining the efficacy of insecticides in controlling lice.
Exploring Data Augmentation Algorithm to Improve Genomic Prediction of Top-Ranking Cultivars
Authors: Montesinos-López Osval A. , Sivakumar Arvinth , Huerta Prado Gloria Isabel , Salinas-Ruiz Josafhat , Agbona Afolabi , Ortiz Reyes Axel Efraín , Alnowibet Khalid , Ortiz Rodomiro , Montesinos-López Abelardo , Crossa José
Published: June 2024

Genomic selection (GS) is a groundbreaking statistical machine learning method for advancing plant and animal breeding. Nonetheless, its practical implementation remains challenging due to numerous factors affecting its predictive performance. This research explores the potential of data augmentation to enhance prediction accuracy across entire datasets and specifically within the top 20% of the testing set. Our findings indicate that, overall, the data augmentation method (method A), when compared to the conventional model (method C) and assessed using Mean Arctangent Absolute Prediction Error (MAAPE) and normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), did not improve the prediction accuracy for the unobserved cultivars. However, significant improvements in prediction accuracy (evidenced by reduced prediction error) were observed when data augmentation was applied exclusively to the top 20% of the testing set. Specifically, reductions in MAAPE_20 and NRMSE_20 by 52.86% and 41.05%, respectively, were noted across various datasets. Further investigation is needed to refine data augmentation techniques for effective use in genomic prediction.
Identification and Functional Prediction of Salt/Alkali-Responsive lncRNAs during Alfalfa Germination
Authors: Liu Yajiao , Xu Lei , Zhang Tiejun , Sod Bilig , Xu Yanchao , Li Mingna , Kang Junmei , Yang Qingchuan , Li Xiao , Long Ruicai
Published: June 2024

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are pivotal regulators of the abiotic stress responses in plants, yet their specific involvement in salt/alkali stress during alfalfa germination remains incompletely understood. Here, we subjected Zhongmu No.1 alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) seeds to salt stress (20 mM NaCl and 20 mM Na2SO4 solutions) or alkali stress (5 mM NaHCO3 and 5 mM Na2CO3 solutions) treatments for 3 days, followed by total RNA extraction and RNA-seq analysis to delineate stress-responsive alfalfa lncRNAs. We identified 17,473 novel alfalfa lncRNAs, among which 101 and 123 were differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs) under salt and alkali stress, respectively, compared to the control. Furthermore, we predicted 16 and 237 differentially expressed target genes regulated by DElncRNAs through cis/trans-regulatory mechanisms under salt or alkali stress, respectively. A functional enrichment analysis of DElncRNA target genes indicated that lncRNAs were implicated in the fatty acid metabolism pathway under salt stress, while they played a significant role in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathway under alkali stress. Notably, lncRNAs were found to participate in the plant hormone signal transduction pathway, a common regulatory mechanism in both salt and alkali stress responses. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying alfalfa’s response to salt and alkali stresses.
Crop Rotation Management in the Context of Sustainable Development of Agriculture in Ukraine
Authors: Moldavan Lubov , Pimenowa Olena , Wasilewski Mirosław , Wasilewska Natalia
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the implications of implementing simplified, highly specialized, non-rotational farming practices in Ukraine within the framework of sustainable development goals. The background highlights the need to address soil preservation and food security concerns in agricultural practices. The hypothesis suggests that such practices may lead to adverse environmental and socioeconomic consequences, including soil degradation and heightened reliance on imported agricultural products. The methods involve a comprehensive review of existing research, analyzing crop diversity, soil degradation, climate variability and agricultural employment dynamics using agroeconomic analytical methods. The results indicate adverse environmental ramifications associated with non-rotational practices, including soil degradation and heightened reliance on imported agricultural products. Conversely, transitioning towards crop rotation systems was found to potentially mitigate these outcomes by restoring soil fertility and enhancing food security. This study concludes that tailored crop rotation approaches are necessary to address soil health and food security concerns in Ukraine, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural development. Overall, the findings underscore the critical importance of implementing diversified crop rotation systems to achieve sustainable food production and environmental conservation goals in Ukraine and beyond.
Metabolism and Nutrition of L-Glutamate and L-Glutamine in Ruminants
Authors: Wu Guoyao , Bazer Fuller W. , Johnson Gregory A. , Satterfield M. Carey , Washburn Shannon E.
Published: June 2024

Although both L-glutamate (Glu) and L-glutamine (Gln) have long been considered nutritionally nonessential in ruminants, these two amino acids have enormous nutritional and physiological importance. Results of recent studies revealed that extracellular Gln is extensively degraded by ruminal microbes, but extracellular Glu undergoes little catabolism by these cells due to the near absence of its uptake. Ruminal bacteria hydrolyze Gln to Glu plus ammonia and, intracellularly, use both amino acids for protein synthesis. Microbial proteins and dietary Glu enter the small intestine in ruminants. Both Glu and Gln are the major metabolic fuels and building blocks of proteins, as well as substrates for the syntheses of glutathione and amino acids (alanine, ornithine, citrulline, arginine, proline, and aspartate) in the intestinal mucosa. In addition, Gln and aspartate are essential for purine and pyrimidine syntheses, whereas arginine and proline are necessary for the production of nitric oxide (a major vasodilator) and collagen (the most abundant protein in the body), respectively. Under normal feeding conditions, all diet- and rumen-derived Glu and Gln are extensively utilized by the small intestine and do not enter the portal circulation. Thus, de novo synthesis (e.g., from branched-chain amino acids and α-ketoglutarate) plays a crucial role in the homeostasis of Glu and Gln in the whole body but may be insufficient for maximal growth performance, production (e.g., lactation and pregnancy), and optimal health (particularly intestinal health) in ruminants. This applies to all types of feeding systems used around the world (e.g., rearing on a milk replacer before weaning, pasture-based production, and total mixed rations). Dietary supplementation with the appropriate doses of Glu or Gln [e.g., 0.5 or 1 g/kg body weight (BW)/day, respectively] can safely improve the digestive, endocrine, and reproduction functions of ruminants to enhance their productivity. Both Glu and Gln are truly functional amino acids in the nutrition of ruminants and hold great promise for improving their health and productivity.
The Effect of the Addition of Selected Juices on the Content of Aluminum in Tea Infusions and Health Risk Assessment in the Polish Population
Authors: Mazurek Artur , Włodarczyk-Stasiak Marzena
Published: June 2024

Tea is a plant rich in compounds that positively impact human health. Still, it also contains large amounts of aluminum, which is toxic to humans and passes into the infusion during brewing. The presented research aims to determine the effect of adding lemon, Japanese quince, and quince juice to infusions of various types of teas on their aluminum content. It should be emphasized that research on the impact of Japanese quince and quince juices has not yet been published. Exposure to exceeding the safe level of aluminum consumption from tea infusions was also assessed. It has been shown that adding juices that lower the pH of infusions increases the aluminum content by up to 150%. The main factor influencing the increase in the aluminum content in tea infusions with additives is the lowering of the pH value, and other ingredients present in the juices do not have a significant impact. The health risk assessment indicates the possibility of adverse health effects from aluminum consumption, especially from black and green tea infusions with the addition of Japanese quince and lemon juices. It has been shown that quince juice can be recommended as an addition to tea infusions because it causes the smallest increase in aluminum content in the infusion among the juices tested.
Research on the Strategy for the Flexible Configuration of Chaotic Signal Probability Distribution and Its Application
Authors: Yang Zaixue , Liu Bin , Chen Bing , Liang Qian , Zhang Yao , Chen Yanming
Published: June 2024

Given the constraints on the invariant distribution in chaotic systems, flexibly setting the probability distribution of chaotic signals poses a significant challenge. To tackle this issue, this paper proposes a strategy that transforms the task into solving and modifying the probability density function of the chaotic intrinsic signal. Initially, kernel density estimation algorithms are employed to address the issue of obtaining smooth probability density functions for high-dimensional chaotic signals. Any chaotic signal can serve as the intrinsic signal source, with its probability density function and distribution function being solvable using this algorithm. Subsequently, a graph-based transformation algorithm is introduced for the flexible adjustment of chaotic signal probability distribution. This algorithm can convert the intrinsic signal into a chaotic signal with the desired distribution type based on the characteristics of the target distribution, providing an analytical expression for the transformation relationship. Finally, the effectiveness of this strategy is validated by generating uniform distribution chaotic signals using a Chua chaotic signal as the intrinsic source. The outstanding performance of this signal in suppressing common-mode conducted electromagnetic interference in high-frequency converters is highlighted. The experimental results demonstrate this strategy’s ability to flexibly configure probability distribution types of chaotic signals. Additionally, chaotic signals with a uniform distribution can achieve uniform power spectrum shaping, with a suppression effect on maximum common-mode conducted electromagnetic interference reaching 16.56 dB.
CoreTemp: Coreset Sampled Templates for Multimodal Mobile Biometrics
Authors: Yoon Jaeho , Park Jaewoo , Kim Jungyun , Teoh Andrew Beng Jin
Published: June 2024

Smart devices have become the core ingredient in maintaining human society, where their applications span basic telecommunication, entertainment, education, and even critical security tasks. However, smartphone security measures have not kept pace with their ubiquitousness and convenience, exposing users to potential security breaches. Shading light on shortcomings of traditional security measures such as PINs gives rise to biometrics-based security measures. Open-set authentication with pretrained Transformers especially shows competitive performance in this context. Bringing this closer to practice, we propose CoreTemp, a greedy coreset sampled template, which offers substantially faster authentication speeds. In parallel with CoreTemp, we design a fast match algorithm where the combination shows robust performance in open-set mobile biometrics authentication. Designed to resemble the effects of ensembles with marginal increment in computation, we propose PIEformer+, where its application with CoreTemp has state-of-the-art performance. Benefiting from much more efficient authentication speeds to the best of our knowledge, we are the first to attempt identification in this context. Our proposed methodology achieves state-of-the-art results on HMOG and BBMAS datasets, particularly with much lower computational costs. In summary, this research introduces a novel integration of greedy coreset sampling with an advanced form of pretrained, implicitly ensembled Transformers (PIEformer+), greatly enhancing the speed and efficiency of mobile biometrics authentication, and also enabling identification, which sets a new benchmark in the relevant field.
Robust Fault-Tolerant Control of a Five-Phase Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor under an Open-Circuit Fault
Authors: Zeghlache Ayyoub , Mekki Hemza , Benkhoris Mohamed Fouad , Djerioui Ali , Ziane Djamel , Zeghlache Samir
Published: June 2024

This paper introduces a robust fault-tolerant control (FTC) for a five-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (FPPMSM) affected by the third harmonic under an open-circuit fault (OCF). Using field-oriented control, the proposed method demonstrates how to achieve optimal current references for torque decoupling under healthy and faulty conditions. The proposed speed and current loop controllers are based on sliding mode control (SMC), with a nonlinear extended state observer (NESO) that utilizes a hyperbolic tangent function (HTF) to provide feed-forward compensation to the controllers. The results analysis confirmed that the proposed control could enhance the tracking accuracy and robustness to disturbances under various conditions, substantially reducing torque ripples and speed fluctuations under a fault.
Form, Bioavailability, and Influencing Factors of Soil Selenium in Subtropical Karst Regions of Southwest China
Authors: Hu Zhongquan , Xiong Xing , Bu Jianwei , Xiao Chunshan , Zhang Jun
Published: June 2024

Karst regions are characterized by unique geological formations that pose challenges to soil fertility and plant nutrition. In this study, we investigated the distribution and interactions of selenium (Se) in soils of Zheng’an County, a representative karst region in subtropical China. The results showed that the Se enrichment in the soils of Zheng’an County was high, with total contents ranging from 0.49 to 3.87 mg/kg and an average of 1.22 mg/kg, making the area Se-rich. Despite the abundance of Se, the effective percentage of Se uptake by plants was relatively low due to the generally moderately acidic nature of the soils in the region (pH: 5.98–6.60), which encourages the conversion of the available Se into forms that are not readily accessible. In addition, the high organic matter (OM) content (21.92–127.66 g/kg) promoted Se retention by interacting with Ca2+ in carbonate rocks. In addition, the clay content (50.73% to 76.19%) enhanced Se adsorption and limited Se availability. In conclusion, this study provides a basis for soil management and ecological restoration strategies in karst landscapes, highlights new insights into the dynamics of Se, and calls for further research to elucidate the Se availability mechanism and improve the efficiency of Se uptake by plants. Meanwhile, this study provides the first systematic study of Se transport and transformation, as well as Se-enriched Gastrodia elata in karst regions, and provides a preliminary understanding of the geochemical behavior of Se in karst regions.
Designing and Conducting an Injury Study in Amateur Badminton Players
Authors: Jeon Jin-Wook , Lim Seung-Taek , Cho Ji-Hoon
Published: June 2024

This study aims to examine sports injuries among amateur badminton players engaged in recreational activities, establishing a foundation for developing effective injury prevention and training programs. We assessed 504 amateur badminton players (302 males, 202 females) competing in the 2023 National Badminton Tournament in South Korea. This study focused on players involved in doubles matches, omitting singles competitors. Participants were divided into categories based on competitive and training sessions to document the location and type of injuries sustained. During competitions, the most frequently injured body parts were the waist (11.92%), ankle (11.66%), and knees and shoulders (11.53% each). In training sessions, injuries primarily affected the back and knees (12.43%) and shoulders (12.21%). The most common types of injuries during competitions were to muscles (35.60%), ligaments (29.32%), and tendons (12.04%), and during training to muscles (39.91%), ligaments (26.68%), and tendons (13.23%). Injuries resulting from player-to-player contact represented 19.44% of cases, while those involving non-player elements such as facility equipment accounted for 16.47%. There is a critical need to develop targeted injury prevention programs for amateur badminton players to mitigate injuries and enhance performance, thereby helping prevent the progression to chronic injury stages.