bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gallium-68 fibroblast activation protein inhibitor positron emission tomography in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Mpanya Dineo , Sathekge Mike , Klug Eric , Damelin Jenna , More Stuart , Hadebe Bawinile , Vorster Mariza , Tsabedze Nqoba
Published: July 2023

Gallium-68 fibroblast activation protein inhibitor [(68Ga)Ga-FAPI] is a new radiopharmaceutical positioning itself as the preferred agent in patients with malignant tumours, competing with 2-Deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-d-glucose [2-(18F)FDG] using positron emission tomography (PET). While imaging oncology patients with [68Ga]Ga-FAPI PET, incidental uptake of [68Ga]Ga-FAPI has been detected in the myocardium. This review summarises original research studies associating the visualisation of FAPI-based tracers in the myocardium with underlying active cardiovascular disease.
A bibliometric analysis of complement in IgA nephropathy from 1991 to 2022
Authors: Guo Yun , Zhang Haiqiang , Yu Xueqing
Published: July 2023

Introduction: IgA nephropathy is a common glomerular disease on a global scale, which has resulted in significant economic burdens. The complement system plays a vital role in enhancing the efficacy of antibodies and phagocytic cells in eliminating microbes and damaged cells, and promoting inflammation. Complement activation has been found to contribute to the progression of various renal diseases, including IgA nephropathy.

Methods: In this study, a thorough analysis was conducted on publications related to complement in IgAN from 1991 to 2022, retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and Scopus database. The analysis focused on various aspects such as annual publications, country, institution, author, journal, keywords, and co-cited references, utilizing Citespace and Vosviewer.

Results: A total of 819 publications were obtained, and while there were slight fluctuations in annual publications, an overall upward trend was observed. China, Japan and the United States were the leading countries in terms of publications, with China having the highest number of publications (201). Collaborative network analysis revealed that England, University of Alabama Birmingham, and Robert J Wyatt were the most influential country, institution, and author, respectively, in this field of research. Furthermore, the analysis of references and keywords indicated that complement activation contributes to IgAN, and immunosuppression in IgAN are a hot topic of research.

Discussion: This study identifies current research hotspots and advanced tendencies in the study of complement in IgAN, providing scholars with crucial directions in this research area.
Information geometry of Markov Kernels: a survey
Authors: Wolfer Geoffrey , Watanabe Shun
Published: July 2023

Information geometry and Markov chains are two powerful tools used in modern fields such as finance, physics, computer science, and epidemiology. In this survey, we explore their intersection, focusing on the theoretical framework. We attempt to provide a self-contained treatment of the foundations without requiring a solid background in differential geometry. We present the core concepts of information geometry of Markov chains, including information projections and the pivotal information geometric construction of Nagaoka. We then delve into recent advances in the field, such as geometric structures arising from time reversibility, lumpability of Markov chains, or tree models. Finally, we highlight practical applications of this framework, such as parameter estimation, hypothesis testing, large deviation theory, and the maximum entropy principle.
An observational study on the effect of seasonal variation on peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Yu Zanzhe , Ding Li , He Yanna , Huang Jiaying , Fang Wei , Gu Leyi , Ni Zhaohui , Wang Qin
Published: July 2023

Background: Seasonal variation has an impact on plants, wild animals, and also human beings. Data have shown seasonal variation has a significant impact on patients’ fluid status, biochemistry results, and outcomes in hemodialysis populations. The relevant data on peritoneal dialysis is scant.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study. All patients followed up in our center had a peritoneal equilibration test and PD adequacy test every 6 months. All the peritoneal equilibration test and PD adequacy test data were collected during December 2019 to November 2020. The monthly delivery information of the whole center was collected from 2015 to 2019.

Results: There were 366 patients and 604 sets of peritoneal equilibration test and PD adequacy test results in the study. Plasma albumin and phosphate levels were higher in summer. The monthly average outdoor temperature was positively correlated with plasma albumin. There was no seasonal difference in peritoneal dialysis ultrafiltration or urine volume. The percentage of low glucose concentration (1.5%) usage was higher in summer and lower in winter.

Conclusion: Plasma albumin and phosphate levels were higher in summer in PD patients. Weaker glucose peritoneal dialysis dialysate was more widely used in summer. Understanding the seasonal variation of peritoneal dialysis is helpful in individualized treatment.
Recent findings on organizational unlearning and intentional forgetting research (2019–2022)
Authors: Kluge Annette
Published: July 2023

This mini review aims at summarizing the current state-of-the-art of empirical unlearning and intentional forgetting (U/IF) research at the individual, team, and organizational level. It adds to an earlier review and incorporates 31 recent studies from 2019 to 2022. The review reveals that predictors based on the organization’s adaptation context (e.g., competitive intensity), organization level (e.g., leadership exploration activities), individual task-related (e.g., features of the routines changed), and person-related level (e.g., cognitive control strategies) variables relate to process variables, such as the type of U/IF, the U/IF content (e.g., success beliefs or failure beliefs), and information processing variables (e.g., team information processing). The outcome variables are at the organizational level (e.g., cross-boundary innovation), team level performance level, the individual task performance level (e.g., errors), and person-related level (e.g., self-esteem). The analyzed studies at the team and organizational levels preferred cross-sectional study designs or in-depth qualitative methods, which severely limits the possibility of making causal statements. In contrast, at the individual-level studies use longitudinal designs as well to make temporal aspects of U/IF visible. But these individual level results are limited in terms of their generalizability to other levels. Even though all studies make valuable contribution to the understanding of antecedents and outcomes of U/IF, the temporal and process-related aspects of how U/IF unfolds at the different levels and subsequent options for its deliberate facilitation remain empirically little elaborated. It is proposed that in addition to studying the antecedents and consequences of U/IF in cross sectional designs, the topic needs more longitudinal designs to capture the nature of the U/IF processes in organizations.
Fear of cancer recurrence in South Korean survivors of breast cancer who have received adjuvant endocrine therapy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Park Seul Ki , Min Yul Ha
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is one of the most-prevalent psychological problems among cancer survivors, and younger females who have received endocrine therapy are particularly at risk of high FCR. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between high FCR and factors related to it in South Korean patients with breast cancer who receive adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET).

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 326 patients with breast cancer who had received AET. All participants were asked to complete a personal information sheet, the short form of the Fear of Progression Questionnaire, and the Menopause Rating Scale. The factors associated with high FCR were analyzed using association-rule analysis.

Results

The mean FCR score was 32.24 (SD = 10.22), and 137 of the 326 (42.0%) patients had high scores (≥34). Hot flushes and sweating (moderate to extremely severe), depressed mood (moderate to extremely severe), irritability (moderate to extremely severe), invasive stage, taking tamoxifen, and being married were associated with high FCR.

Conclusion

Since FCR was common in patients with breast cancer who received AET, patients at a greater risk of experiencing FCR must be screened and supported.
Factors associated with implemented teacher-led movement and physical activity in early childhood education and care
Authors: Sollerhed Ann-Christin
Published: July 2023

Movement and physical activity (MoPA) is critical for children’s development and health. This study aimed to explore early childhood education and care (ECEC) educators’ reported frequency of implemented gross motor and physical activities (MoPA) among children in ECEC, as well as the educators’ reported personal physical activity (PA) levels in leisure time. A cross-sectional survey was performed in 68 preschools in southern Sweden. Data were obtained from questionnaires completed by 359 ECEC educators. The participation rate was 61%. About two thirds offered MoPA once a week or more seldom, while one quarter offered MoPA at least every other day. Educators who reported personal PA three times or more per week, offered MoPA for the children at least every other day to a higher extent (37%) compared to colleagues who reported personal PA once or twice a week (26%) or colleagues who reported that they were never or seldom active (18%) (p = 0.034). The results from multiple logistic regression analysis showed that reported implemented MoPA among children in ECEC was significantly associated with the educators’ perceptions that free play improved children’s gross motor skills (OR 2.7), the educators’ perceptions of needed curricular guidelines for MoPA (OR 2.1), the educators’ own leisure PA level (OR 2.0) and the educators’ perceptions that adequate gross motor skills were not learned at home (OR 0.4). Teacher-led MoPA occurs sparingly during the preschool day and the teachers believe that the children get sufficient MoPA in free play. The children are expected to develop their motor skills to a sufficient extent during the short moments of offered outdoor play. Teachers who are physically active in their leisure-time seem to offer gross motor training for the children to a higher extent than less active or inactive colleagues.
Improving validity of the trail making test with alphabet support
Authors: Waggestad Therese Händel , Kirsebom Bjørn Eivind , Strobel Carsten , Wallin Anders , Eckerström Marie , Fladby Tormod , Egeland Jens
Published: July 2023

Objective

The Trail Making Test (TMT) is commonly used worldwide to evaluate cognitive decline and car driving ability. However, it has received critique for its dependence on the Latin alphabet and thus, the risk of misclassifying some participants. Alphabet support potentially increases test validity by avoiding misclassification of executive dysfunction in participants with dyslexia and those with insufficient automatization of the Latin alphabet. However, Alphabet support might render the test less sensitive to set-shifting, thus compromising the validity of the test. This study compares two versions of the TMT: with and without alphabet support.

Methods

We compared the TMT-A, TMT-B, and TMT-B:A ratios in two independent normative samples with (n = 220) and without (n = 64) alphabet support using multiple regression analysis adjusted for age and education. The sample comprised Scandinavians aged 70–84 years. Alphabet support was included by adding the Latin alphabet A–L on top of the page on the TMT-B. We hypothesized that alphabet support would not change the TMT-B:A ratio.

Results

After adjusting for age and years of education, there were no significant differences between the two samples in the TMT-A, TMT-B, or the ratio score (TMT-B:A).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the inclusion of alphabet support does not alter TMT’s ability to measure set-shifting in a sample of older Scandinavian adults.
Retrospective analysis of clinical characteristics and treatment of children and adolescents with depression
Authors: Jiang Xiaolu , Zheng Hongyu , Yang Rong , Wang Shuo , Zhong Hui
Published: July 2023

Objective

To analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics and treatment among children and adolescents with depression in different age groups of onset.

Methods

635 children and adolescents with depression in a hospital from January 2014 to December 2021 were collected by e-case, and grouped according to age of onset, including 115 cases in childhood 8-12, 359 cases in early adolescence 13-1 and 161 cases in late adolescence 16-18, and the general conditions, clinical characteristics, and treatment were compared between the three groups.

Results

Females had more onset and were more likely to have psychotic symptoms in childhood, short duration and hospitalization in early adolescence increased year by year, and males had more onset and less hospitalization in late adolescence. There were no statistical differences in medication regimen, suicide, length of hospitalization, or family history between the three groups.

Conclusion

Children and adolescents with depression have their unique clinical characteristics at different age of onset and need to enhance prevention and individualized treatment.
Work engagement and associated factors among healthcare professionals in the post-pandemic era: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wang Yiya , Tang Li , Li Lezhi
Published: July 2023

Background

With the shift of strategy in fighting COVID-19, the post-pandemic era is approaching. However, the “hard times” for healthcare systems worldwide are not yet ending. Healthcare professionals suffer negative impacts caused by the epidemic, which may seriously threaten their work motivation, concentration, and patient safety.

Objective

Investigating the status and factors associated with Chinese healthcare professionals’ work engagement in the post-pandemic era.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate healthcare professionals from 10 hospitals in Hunan Province. Data were collected using demographic characteristics, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-2, Patient Heath Qstionaire-2, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Work-Related Basic Need Satisfaction Scale, National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index, and self-compassion scale. Descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses explored the factors associated with work engagement.

Results

A total of 1,037 eligible healthcare professionals participated in this study, including 46.4% of physicians, 47.8% of nurses, and 5.8% of others. The total mean score of work engagement was 3.36 ± 1.14. The main predictor variables of work engagement were gender (p = 0.007), years of work experience (p < 0.001), whether currently suffering challenges in the care of patients with COVID-19 (p = 0.003), depression (p < 0.001), work-related basic need satisfaction (p < 0.001), and mindfulness (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals have a medium level of work engagement. Managers need to pay attention to the physical and psychological health of healthcare professionals, provide adequate support, help them overcome challenges, and acknowledge their contribution and value to improve their work engagement, enhance the quality of care and ensure patient safety.
Influencing factors of hospital-acquired COVID-19 prevention and control status among emergency support frontline healthcare workers under closed-loop management: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Luo Man , Xia Guoqin , Gan Tieer , Zhao Zhifang , Wu Jiannong , Hu Ting , Wang Lucong , Zhang Yiyin
Published: July 2023

Background

This study aimed to understand the hospital-acquired COVID-19 infection rate and infection prevention and control status of emergency support frontline healthcare workers (ESFHCWs) under closed-loop management, and to explore the related factors affecting hospital-acquired COVID-19 prevention and control status.

Methods

The study site was a provincial-level tertiary hospital in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region specializing in treating COVID-19 patients. ESFHCWs were assigned from different hospitals in Zhejiang Province to provide emergency medical support in this specialized hospital. All ESFHCWs were managed using a closed loop. A self-designed questionnaire was used to estimate basic information, work experience, and the status of infection prevention and control (SIPC). A total of 269 ESFHCWs responded to the questionnaire. A generalized linear regression model was used to estimate the factors influencing SIPC.

Results

There were six hospital-acquired COVID-19 cases, with an infection rate of 2.23%. The independent risk factors influencing COVID-19 prevention and control status were work seniority, anxiety disorder, and consumption of gastrointestinal, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic, and hypnotic sedative drugs. Compared with ESFHCWs with more than 10 years of work seniority, ESFHCWs with less than 5 years of work seniority and 5–10 years of work seniority had lower COVID-19 SIPC scores. Among ESFHCWs with anxiety disorder, the SIPC score was significantly lower than that of ESFHCWs without anxiety disorder. The SIPC scores of ESFHCWs taking other medications (gastrointestinal, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic, and hypnotic sedative drugs) were lower than those of ESFHCWs who did not.

Conclusion

The closed-loop management method may be effective in reducing the infection rate of hospital-acquired COVID-19 among ESFHCWs. HCWs with less than 10 years of work seniority, anxiety disorder, and other medications (gastrointestinal, anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic, and hypnotic sedative drugs) were probably not suitable for participating in emergency assistant actions because of their poor SIPC scores. Further studies are needed to develop the selection criteria for ESFHCWs.
Temporal trends in mortality of tuberculosis attributable to high fasting plasma glucose in China from 1990 to 2019: a joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort analysis
Authors: Wang Chao , Yang Xueli , Zhang Honglu , Zhang Yanzhuo , Tao Jianfeng , Jiang Xu , Wu Chengai
Published: July 2023

Background

Nowadays, high fasting plasma glucose (HFPG) has been identified as the important risk factor contributing to the increased burden of diseases. But there remains a lack of research on tuberculosis (TB) mortality specifically attributable to HFPG. Thus, this study aims to explore the long-term trends in HFPG-related TB mortality in China from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

Data on HFPG-related TB mortality were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2019. Analyzing the data using joinpoint regression and age-period-cohort methods adjusting for age, period, and cohort allowed us to assess the trends in TB mortality due to HFPG.

Results

The age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) of TB attributable to HFPG exhibited a downward trend in China from 1990 to 2019, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of −7.0 (95% CI, −7.5 to −6.6). Similar trends were found for male (AAPC of −6.5 [95% CI, −7.0 to −6.0]) and female (AAPC of −8.2 [95% CI, −8.5 to −7.9]), respectively. Local drifts curve with a U-shaped pattern reflected the AAPC of TB mortality due to HFPG across age groups. The greatest decline was observed in the age group of 60–64 years. The mortality rates related to HFPG first increased and then decreased with increasing age, peaking in the 55–59 age group. Our analysis of the period and cohort effects found that the rate ratios of TB mortality due to HFPG have decreased over the past three decades, more prominently in women. It is noteworthy that while both genders have seen a decline in HFPG-attributable TB mortality and risk, men have a higher risk and slightly less significant decline than women.

Conclusion

The present study shows that HFPG–related ASMRs and risk of TB in China decreased over the last 30 years, with similar trends observed in both men and women. In order to attain the recommended level set by the WHO, the effective strategies for glycemic control and management still needed to be implemented strictly to further decrease the burden of TB.
Hoosier Sport: a research protocol for a multilevel physical activity-based intervention in rural Indiana
Authors: Greeven Sarah J. , Fernández Solá Paola A. , (Martinez) Kercher Vanessa M. , Coble Cassandra J. , Pope Katherine J. , Erinosho Temitope O. , Grube Aidrik , Evanovich Justin M. , Werner Nicole E. , Kercher Kyle A.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Currently, only 1 in 4 children in the U.S. engage in the recommended amount of physical activity (PA) and disparities in PA participation increase as income inequities increase. Moreover, leading health organizations have identified rural health as a critical area of need for programming, research, and policy. Thus, there is a critical need for the development and testing of evidence-based PA interventions that have the potential to be scalable to improve health disparities in children from under-resourced rural backgrounds. As such, the present study utilizes human-centered design, a technique that puts community stakeholders at the center of the intervention development process, to increase our specific understanding about how the PA-based needs of children from rural communities manifest themselves in context, at the level of detail needed to make intervention design decisions. The present study connects the first two stages of the NIH Stage Model for Behavioral Intervention Development with a promising conceptual foundation and potentially sustainable college student mentor implementation strategy.

Methods

We will conduct a three-phase study utilizing human-centered community-based participatory research (CBPR) in three aims: (Aim 1) conduct a CBPR needs assessment with middle school students, parents, and teachers/administrators to identify perceptions, attributes, barriers, and facilitators of PA that are responsive to the community context and preferences; (Aim 2) co-design with children and adults to develop a prototype multi-level PA intervention protocol called Hoosier Sport; (Aim 3) assess Hoosier Sport’s trial- and intervention-related feasibility indicators. The conceptual foundation of this study is built on three complementary theoretical elements: (1) Basic Psychological Needs mini-theory within Self-Determination Theory; (2) the Biopsychosocial Model; and (3) the multilevel Research Framework from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

Discussion

Our CBPR protocol takes a human-centered approach to integrating the first two stages of the NIH Stage Model with a potentially sustainable college student mentor implementation strategy. This multidisciplinary approach can be used by researchers pursuing multilevel PA-based intervention development for children.
Recurrence quantification analysis of postural sway in patients with persistent postural perceptual dizziness
Authors: Kobel Megan J. , Wagner Andrew R. , Merfeld Daniel M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common cause of chronic dizziness and imbalance. Emerging evidence suggests that changes in quantitative measures of postural control may help identify individuals with PPPD, however, traditional linear metrics of sway have yielded inconsistent results. Methodologies to examine the temporal structure of sway, including recurrent quantification analysis (RQA), have identified unique changes in dynamic structure of postural control in other patient populations. This study aimed to determine if adults with PPPD exhibit changes in the dynamic structure of sway and whether this change is modulated on the basis of available sensory cues.

Methods

Twelve adults diagnosed with PPPD and twelve age-matched controls, completed a standard battery of quiet stance balance tasks that involved the manipulation of visual and/or proprioceptive feedback. For each group, the regularity and complexity of the CoP signal was assessed using RQA and the magnitude and variability of the CoP signal was quantified using traditional linear measures.

Results

An overall effect of participant group (i.e., healthy controls vs. PPPD) was seen for non-linear measures of temporal complexity quantified using RQA. Changes in determinism (i.e., regularity) were also modulated on the basis of availability of sensory cues in patients with PPPD. No between-group difference was identified for linear measures assessing amount and variability of sway.

Conclusions

Participants with PPPD on average exhibited sway that was similar in magnitude to, but significantly more repeatable and less complex than, healthy controls. These data show that non-linear measures provide unique information regarding the effect of PPPD on postural control, and as a result, may serve as potential rehabilitation outcome measures.
Beyond the usual suspects: emerging uropathogens in the microbiome age
Authors: Moreland Robert B. , Choi Brian I. , Geaman Wilson , Gonzalez Caroline , Hochstedler-Kramer Baylie R. , John Jerrin , Kaindl Jacob , Kesav Nikita , Lamichhane Jyoti , Lucio Luke , Saxena Malika , Sharma Aditi , Tinawi Lana , Vanek Michael E. , Putonti Catherine , Brubaker Linda , Wolfe Alan J.
Published: July 2023

The advent of sensitive enhanced culture (metaculturomic) and culture-independent DNA-based (metagenomic) methods has revealed a rich collection of microbial species that inhabit the human urinary tract. Known as the urinary microbiome, this community of microbes consists of hundreds of distinct species that range across the entire phylogenetic spectrum. This new knowledge clashes with standard clinical microbiology laboratory methods, established more than 60 years ago, that focus attention on a relatively small subset of universally acknowledged uropathogens. Increasing reports support the hypothesis that this focus is too narrow. Single uropathogen reports are common in women with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI), although wider disruption of their urinary microbiome is likely. Typical “UTI” symptoms occur in patients with “no growth” reported from standard culture and sometimes antibiotics improve these symptoms. Metaculturomic and metagenomic methods have repeatedly detected fastidious, slow growing, and/or anaerobic microbes that are not detected by the standard test in urine samples of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms. Many of these microbes are also detected in serious non-urinary tract infections, providing evidence that they can be opportunistic pathogens. In this review, we present a set of poorly understood, emerging, and suspected uropathogens. The goal is to stimulate research into the biology of these microbes with a focus on their life as commensals and their transition into pathogens
How Seeds Shape Our World
Authors: Sondervan Veronica M. , Zumajo-Cardona Cecilia , Ambrose Barbara
Published: July 2023

Have you eaten bread or rice recently? Or maybe something with oil in it? If you said yes, then you were likely eating foods made from seeds. Seeds are an important food source for humans and animals, and they make up our grains, lentils, nuts, and cooking oils. But seeds are also important for the plant itself, as they can be planted in the ground to grow new plants. In some plants, the seeds are covered with fruit. For example, the tomato fruit is full of seeds, and the avocado has a large seed inside. Other plants like pine trees have so-called naked seeds, with no fruit covering them. What exactly are seeds, and how do they make new plants? Why do seeds grow when you plant them and not in seed packets in the store? Keep reading and you will find these answers, and learn how fascinating, complex, and extraordinarily diverse seeds can be.
Inter-embodied parental vigilance; the case of child food allergy
Authors: Stjerna Marie-Louise , Brady Geraldine
Published: July 2023

There is developing interest in issues of embodiment in studies of children, health and illness. We take our point of departure in the parent-child-health/illness triad to explore the embodied aspects of parental vigilance in parenting children who have a food allergy, utilizing the concept of inter-embodiment. Drawing on a focus group study with parents in Sweden the analysis reveals that this vigilance can be seen as the embodied manifestation of concern for children's bodies in perpetual liminality, when constantly exposed to allergens and the risk of becoming ill. We argue that the lens of inter-embodiment, with a focus on bodies in relation, captures how parents lived experience of managing food allergy intertwines with that of their children in the parent-child-health/illness triad. The analysis uncovers a form of embodied knowledge that is often not verbalized, offering potential for new understandings of parent-child relations that center on chronic child health conditions.
Quadrotor Robust Fractional-Order Sliding Mode Control in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Eliminating External Disturbances
Authors: Al-Dhaifallah Mujahed , Al-Qahtani Fahad M. , Elferik Sami , Saif Abdul-Wahid A.
Published: July 2023

Quadrotors, commonly known as drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), play an important role in load transportation. The complex vehicles used for transporting loads and surveillance purposes can be replaced through the ease of use and mechanical simplicity of the quadrotors. This study aims to introduce a new way of controlling the slung load system of the quadrotor after applying the fractional-order sliding mode control (FOSMC) method for performance enhancement. This method in the presence of external disturbances is likely to help stabilize and track the quadrotor with minimized swinging of the attached load. The results of this study prove the robustness of FOSMC through analysis, outcomes, and graphical representations that show the effect with various angles for a clear and conceptual understanding. The present study contributes to the literature by designing a robust FOSMC for a quadrotor with the help of external disturbances. The results of this study could be applied to the development of the design of upcoming drones which can increase the efficiency as well as the accuracy of load transportation. Further applications in the fields of rescue, agriculture, construction, research, and advancement of the fraction calculus-based control method are recommended using the FOSMC method.
Study of Circumferential Grooved Casing Treatment on Cascade Aerodynamic Performance
Authors: Tan Jingbo , Zhang Chun , Zhu Huiling , Zhou Ling , Ji Lucheng
Published: July 2023

To explore the influence of circumferential grooved casing treatment on subsonic cascade performance, a numerical simulation of subsonic cascade was conducted. In contrast to traditional research on variable single parameters for casing treatment, this paper used the Latin hypercube sampling method to randomly sample multiple geometric parameters of casing treatment and compared many sample data with the total pressure loss of the cascade as a measurement standard. After selecting several typical cases of high and low total pressure loss cases for in-depth flow field analysis, it was found that casing treatment affects the strength and structure of the leakage vortex, thereby reducing the blockage of fluid in the passage of the cascade. Changes in the total pressure loss and in the margin of the cascade meant that casing treatment affected cascade performance. This prompted analysis of the correlation between the casing treatment parameters and total pressure loss of the cascade. The clearance height and groove depth had the greatest influence on the total pressure loss of the cascade.
Effect of Potassium Application Rates on Sugarcane Yield in Soils with Different Non-Exchangeable Potassium Reserves and Fixation Capacity
Authors: Elephant Dimpho Elvis , Miles Neil , Muchaonyerwa Pardon
Published: July 2023

Reliable fertilizer recommendations should account for factors influencing nutrient supply, including non-exchangeable potassium (K) reserves and fixation capacity, to ensure optimum crop yields. The combined effects of non-exchangeable K reserves and fixation capacity of soils on crop response to K application has not been evaluated. This study evaluated the response of sugarcane yields to K application on two soils with contrasting combinations of non-exchangeable K reserves and fixation capacity. Potassium was applied at 0, 120, and 240 kg K ha−1 at the commencement of the field trials and after each harvest on an umbric Acrisol, which had low non-exchangeable K reserves and medium K fixation capacity, and a cutanic Acrisol, which had ‘very high’ non-exchangeable K reserves and fixation capacity. Sugarcane stalk and sucrose yield, leaf, and exchangeable K were measured for each season. In the umbric Acrisol, a lower sucrose yield was measured in the 240 kg K ha−1 treatment compared to the control for the plant crop, but this application rate had higher yields for the second ratoon. In contrast, there was no yield response to K application in cutanic Acrisol. This study indicated the importance of non-exchangeable K reserves and fixation capacity when calculating K requirements and conducting field calibration studies.
Natural-Enemy-Based Biocontrol of Tobacco Arthropod Pests in China
Authors: Xue Wenxin , Xu Pengjun , Wang Xiufang , Ren Guangwei , Wang Xinwei
Published: July 2023

The devastating impact of chemical pesticides has prompted a shift towards sustainable agricultural pest management, such as biological control with natural enemies. In recent years, commercialization advancements have enabled the suppression of pest populations through augmentative releases of biological control agents, with natural enemies being a major tactic. China has successfully implemented natural-enemy-based biocontrol strategies, particularly for controlling aphids and lepidopterans. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art natural-enemy-based biocontrol against arthropod pests in tobacco in China, including practical achievements in mass-rearing methods, augmentative release strategies, and the wide-scale use of natural enemies. Current and potential future challenges for natural-enemy-based biocontrol in China are also discussed.
Optimum Basic Seedling Density and Yield and Quality Characteristics of Unmanned Aerial Seeding Rice
Authors: Zhu Haibin , Lu Xizhan , Zhang Kaiwei , Xing Zhipeng , Wei Haiyan , Hu Qun , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: July 2023

Unmanned aerial seeding (UAS) is an efficient unmanned rice planting method with broad application prospects. But its optimum basic seedling number and yield and quality characteristics remain unclear. Field experiments were conducted to compare UAS, unmanned dry direct seeding (UDDS), and unmanned carpet transplanting (UCT) methods using inbred japonica rice variety Nanjing 5718. The UAS method was subdivided into four planting density treatments (UAS105, UAS150, UAS195, and UAS240 = 105, 150, 195, and 240 seedlings/m2, respectively). The results showed that increasing the basic seedling density first increased the yield but then it decreased, and UAS195 produced a significantly higher yield. On the other hand, the grain processing, appearance, and taste quality deteriorated with improved nutritional quality. Among the three planting methods, UAS (UAS195) yielded less than UCT due to there being fewer spikelets per panicle, a lower grain-filling rate, and less photosynthetic activity after heading. However, UAS (UAS195) produced more yields than UDDS by having more panicles, more spikelets per panicle, and more biomass accumulation. Both UAS195 and UDDS had poorer grain processing, appearance, and nutritional quality than UCT, but increased amylose content and taste values. Therefore, UAS195 could be an alternative planting method for inbred japonica rice with coordinated yield, quality, and production efficiency.
Analysis of Physio-Biochemical Responses and Expressional Profiling Antioxidant-Related Genes in Some Neglected Aegilops Species under Salinity Stress
Authors: Jamshidi Bita , Pour-Aboughadareh Alireza , Bocianowski Jan , Shooshtari Lia , Bujak Henryk , Türkoğlu Aras , Nowosad Kamila
Published: July 2023

Wild common wheat species represent a significant pool of resistance genes to various environmental stresses. In this study, we examined several physiological traits and the activity of three antioxidant enzymes—namely, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX)—as well as the expression patterns of their encoding genes in three neglected Aegilops species with alien genomes (including Ae. triuncialis (UUCC-genome), Ae. neglecta (UUMM-genome) and Ae. umbellulata (UU-genome)) under two control (0 mM NaCl) and salinity (250 mM NaCl) conditions. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed highly significant effects of salinity stress, accessions, and their interaction on most physio-biochemical traits, root and shoot dry biomasses, and antioxidant-related gene expression level. As a result of comparison between Aegilops species and a bread wheat cultivar (cv. Narin as a salt-tolerant reference variety), Ae. triuncialis responded well to salinity stress, maintaining both ionic homeostasis capability and biochemical ability. Moreover, transcriptional data revealed the prominence of Ae. triuncialis over other Aegilops species and salt-tolerant bread wheat [cv. Narin] in terms of the level of expression of antioxidant genes (APX, SOD, and CAT). This result was further supported by a biplot rendered based on principal component analysis (PCA), where this wild relative showed a positive association with most measured traits under salinity stress. Moreover, we speculate that this accession can be subjected to physiological and molecular studies, and that it can provide new insights into the use of the alien genomes in future wheat breeding programs.
From General Circulation to Global Change: The Evolution, Achievements, and Influences of Duzheng Ye’s Scientific Research
Authors: Lu Jianhua
Published: July 2023

Duzheng Ye (Tu-cheng Yeh) was an active member of Rossby’s Chicago School, one of the founders of modern meteorology in China since the 1950s, and a pioneer of global change science in China and over the world. His achievements have been central to the development of atmospheric and climate dynamics and global change studies in China, and many of them remain to be fundamental in the context of global climate change. In this review, his lifelong research career is divided into five periods: (1) the preparatory period (1935–1944); (2) the Chicago period (1945–1950); (3) the period of breaking ground (1950–1966); (4) the period of transition (1972–1983); and (5) the period of global change (1984–2013). The evolution of Yeh’s main achievements is described in the context of the historical background of both China and the world. These well-known achievements included the theory of energy dispersion in the atmosphere, the general circulation of the atmosphere (GCA) over East Asia and the globe, Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau meteorology, the scale-dependence theory of geostrophic adaptation (adjustment), and his pioneering ideas on global change. Special emphases are put on some of Yeh’s investigations that were well ahead of his time, such as his investigations on trade inversion, the GCA as an internally consistent whole, abrupt seasonal changes in the GCA, the physical mechanism of atmospheric blocking, and orderly human activities.
The Electrochemical Detection of Ochratoxin A in Apple Juice via MnCO3 Nanostructures Incorporated into Carbon Fibers Containing a Molecularly Imprinting Polymer
Authors: Mavioğlu Kaya Müge , Deveci Haci Ahmet , Kaya İnan , Atar Necip , Yola Mehmet Lütfi
Published: July 2023

A novel electrochemical sensor based on MnCO3 nanostructures incorporated into carbon fibers (MnCO3NS/CF), including a molecularly imprinting polymer (MIP), was developed for the determination of Ochratoxin A (OTA). In this study, a sensitive and selective sensor design for OTA detection was successfully performed by utilizing the selectivity and catalysis properties of MIP and the synthesized MnCO3NS/CF material at the same time. MnCO3 nanostructures incorporated into carbon fibers were first characterized by using various analytical techniques. The sensor revealed a linearity towards OTA in the range of 1.0 × 10−11–1.0 × 10−9 mol L−1 with a detection limit (LOD) of 2.0 × 10−12 mol L−1. The improved electrochemical signal strategy was achieved by high electrical conductivity on the electrode surface, providing fast electron transportation. In particular, the analysis process could be finished in less than 5.0 min without complex and expensive equipment. Lastly, the molecular imprinted electrochemical sensor also revealed superior stability, repeatability and reproducibility.
A Self-Assembled G-Quadruplex/Hemin DNAzyme-Driven DNA Walker Strategy for Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Lead Ions Based on Rolling Circle Amplification
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Xiao Jiaxuan , Lin Xiaona , Waheed Amira , Ravikumar Ayyanu , Zhang Zhen , Zou Yanmin , Chen Chengshui
Published: July 2023

Herein, a sensitive biosensor is constructed based on a novel rolling circle amplification (RCA) for colorimetric quantification of lead ion (Pb2+). At the detection system, GR5 DNAzymes are modified on the surface of an immunomagnetic bead, and Pb2+ is captured by the aptamer, inducing the disintegration of the GR5 DNAzyme and the release of the DNA walker. After the introduction of the template DNA, T4 DNA ligase, and phi29 DNA polymerase, an RCA is initiated for the sensitivity improvement of this method. Moreover, a G4-hemin DNAzyme is formed as a colorimetric signal, owing to its peroxide-like activity to catalyze the TMB-H2O2 substrate. Under the optimized conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) of this fabricated biosensor could reach 3.3 pM for Pb2+ with a concentration in the range of 0.01–1000 nM. Furthermore, the results of real samples analysis demonstrate its satisfactory accuracy, implying its great potential in the rapid detection of heavy metals in the environment.
Systemic Therapy for Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer: Current Treatments and Future Directions
Authors: Morrison Laura , Okines Alicia
Published: July 2023

Until recently, despite its heterogenous biology, metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) was treated as a single entity, with successive lines of palliative chemotherapy being the only systemic option. Significant gene expression studies have demonstrated the diversity of TNBC, but effective differential targeting of the four main (Basal-like 1 and 2, mesenchymal and luminal androgen receptor) molecular sub-types has largely eluded researchers. The introduction of immunotherapy, currently useful only for patients with PD-L1 positive cancers, led to the stratification of first-line therapy using this immunohistochemical biomarker. Germline BRCA gene mutations can also be targeted with PARP inhibitors in both the adjuvant and metastatic settings. In contrast, the benefit of the anti-Trop-2 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) Sacituzumab govitecan (SG) does not appear confined to patients with tumours expressing high levels of Trop-2, leading to its potential utility for any patient with an estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (ABC). Most recently, low levels of HER2 expression, detected in up to 60% of TNBC, predicts benefit from the potent HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugate trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd), defining an additional treatment option for this sub-group. Regrettably, despite recent advances, the median survival of TNBC continues to lag far behind the approximately 5 years now expected for patients with ER-positive or HER2-positive breast cancers. We review the data supporting immunotherapy, ADCs, and targeted agents in subgroups of patients with TNBC, and current clinical trials that may pave the way to further advances in this challenging disease.
Cells Special Issue: “The Molecular and Cellular Basis of Retinal Diseases”
Authors: Pittler Steven J. , Fliesler Steven J.
Published: July 2023

The recent success in the treatment of hereditary retinal disease caused by defects in the RPE65 gene and the FDA approval of this treatment has established the importance of the study of animal models and the translational impact of these research findings [...]
Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation Alleviates Atherosclerotic Plaque by Inhibiting Ox-LDL Uptake, Inflammatory Reaction and Endothelial Damage in Rabbits
Authors: Li Yanhong , Shi Guiying , Liang Wei , Shang Haiquan , Li Huiwu , Han Yunlin , Zhao Wenjie , Bai Lin , Qin Chuan
Published: July 2023

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of arteries fueled by lipids. It is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Mesenchymal stem cells have been used for the treatment of atherosclerotic lesions. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been shown to regulate the activation state of macrophages and exhibit anti-inflammatory capabilities. However, the effect of allogeneic ADSCs in the treatment of AS have not been investigated. In this study, the early treatment effect and preliminary mechanism analysis of allogeneic rabbit ADSCs intravenous transplantation were investigated in a high-fat diet rabbit model. The polarization mechanism of rabbit ADSCs on the macrophage was further analyzed in vitro. Compared with the model group, blood lipid levels declined, the plaque area, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) uptake, scavenger receptor A1 and cluster of differentiation (CD) 36 levels were all significantly reduced, and the accumulation of inflammatory M1 macrophages, apoptosis, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α expression were decreased. The endothelial cells (CD31), M2 macrophages, IL-10 and the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β levels increased. In vitro, ADSCs can promote the M1 macrophage phenotypic switch toward the M2 macrophage through their secreted exosomes, and the main mechanism includes increasing arginase 1 expression and IL-10 secretion, declining inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and TNF-α secretion, and activating the STAT6 pathway. Therefore, allogeneic rabbit ADSC transplantation can transmigrate to the aortic atherosclerotic plaques and show a good effect in lowering blood lipids and alleviating atherosclerotic plaque in the early stage of AS by inhibiting ox-LDL uptake, inflammatory response, and endothelial damage.