bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring molecular mechanisms of exercise on metabolic syndrome: a bibliometric and visualization study using CiteSpace
Authors: Wan Kang , Jin Yue , Fan Ruobing , Xu Qizi , Li Xiaoshi , Yan Hongmei , Wang Ru
Published: September 2024

Objective

To investigate the molecular mechanisms through which exercise influences metabolic syndrome (MS) and identify key research trends and collaborative networks using bibliometric and visualization techniques.

Methods

We conducted a systematic literature search using the Web of Science Core Collection for articles published from 2014 to 2023. Using CiteSpace, we performed a bibliometric analysis of 562 eligible papers, generating visual knowledge maps to identify prevailing patterns, popular subjects, and emerging trends in the literature.

Results

The study reveals that exercise mitigates MS by reversing high-fat diet-induced abdominal obesity, reducing lipid accumulation and inflammation, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and improving cardiovascular function. Key molecular pathways include PPAR-γ/CPT-1/MCAD signaling, AMPK activation, and nitric oxide production. The USA leads in research output, with significant contributions from American institutions. Collaboration among researchers is limited, highlighting the need for more extensive and high-quality research initiatives.

Conclusions

Regular, moderate-to-high-intensity exercise is crucial for managing MS. Exercise activates beneficial molecular pathways, improving metabolic health and cardiovascular function. Future research should focus on expanding collaborations and exploring novel molecular targets to enhance the therapeutic potential of exercise in metabolic syndrome management.
Experimental study on hydraulic fracture propagation behavior in heterogeneous shale formations
Authors: Bin Wang , Tao Jia , Binggui Xu , Kun Ning , Peng Tan , Yi Zhou
Published: September 2024

The study of fracture propagation in heterogeneous shale is a crucial prerequisite for the investigation of heterogeneous cluster and perforation parameters optimization. In this paper, we conduct a physical simulation fracturing experiment on heterogeneous shale to investigate the effects of various influencing factors, such as shale bedding, near-wellbore fractures, lithological changes, and the presence of fractures surrounding the perforation hole, on fracture propagation law and morphology. Our research demonstrates that during shale fracturing, shear dislocation typically occurs between layers, resulting in the separation of different layer planes. The main fracture primarily propagates through layers in a stepped manner. The presence of sandstone in heterogeneous shale significantly impedes fracturing fractures, causing significant distortion and deviation. As the scale of natural fractures increases, it tends to cause the fracturing fracture to twist and change direction. The natural fractures network can also lead to the distortion of fracturing fractures, albeit to a lesser extent than large-scale natural fractures. The presence of micro fractures parallel to the perforation axis surrounding the perforation hole enhances the ability of the main fracturing fractures to pass through natural fractures.
An review of research on liquid hydrogen leakage: regarding China’s hydrogen refueling stations
Authors: Rong Yangyiming , Yuan Wenhao , Peng Jianbin , Hou Jiaxin , Gao Jun , Zhang Xiang , Chen Jianye , Chen Shunyi
Published: September 2024

Hydrogen is regarded as the premier energy source for future sustainability and renewability. However, its distinct physicochemical properties render it prone to explosions in the event of a leak. Therefore, there is a need for more comprehensive research dealing with hydrogen leakage, explosion scenarios, and risk assessment. This paper provides an overview of the current hydrogen policies adopted in China. It reviews the processes of hydrogen refueling station construction and the thermophysical mechanisms of liquid hydrogen leakage. In this regard, the effects of various factors, including leakage rate, leakage time, leakage hole size, wind direction and speed, and building location, on the hydrogen leakage rate are analyzed and evaluated. Additionally, the impacts of different factors on hydrogen explosion overpressure are reported, including hydrogen concentration, wind speed, obstacles, and ignition position, in addition to the current applications of quantitative risk assessment methods in hydrogen refueling stations. Finally, the limitations of current research on liquid hydrogen leakage and explosion accidents are highlighted, along with the shortcomings of current risk assessment methods for liquid hydrogen refueling stations.
A comprehensive review of artificial intelligence for pharmacology research
Authors: Li Bing , Tan Kan , Lao Angelyn R. , Wang Haiying , Zheng Huiru , Zhang Le
Published: September 2024

With the innovation and advancement of artificial intelligence, more and more artificial intelligence techniques are employed in drug research, biomedical frontier research, and clinical medicine practice, especially, in the field of pharmacology research. Thus, this review focuses on the applications of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, compound pharmacokinetic prediction, and clinical pharmacology. We briefly introduced the basic knowledge and development of artificial intelligence, presented a comprehensive review, and then summarized the latest studies and discussed the strengths and limitations of artificial intelligence models. Additionally, we highlighted several important studies and pointed out possible research directions.
Subpopulation dynamics of T and B lymphocytes in Sjögren’s syndrome: implications for disease activity and treatment
Authors: Meng Qingliang , Ma Junfu , Cui Jiakang , Gu Yangyi , Shan Yu
Published: September 2024

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder primarily affecting the body’s exocrine glands, particularly the salivary and lacrimal glands, which lead to severe symptoms of dry eyes and mouth. The pathogenesis of SS involves the production of autoantibodies by activated immune cells, and secretion of multiple cytokines, which collectively lead to tissue damage and functional impairment. In SS, the Immune interaction among T and B cells is particularly significant. Lymphocytic infiltration in the salivary glands is predominantly composed of CD4+ T cells, whose activation cause the death of glandular epithelial cells and subsequent tissue destruction. The excessive activity of T cells contributes significantly to the disease mechanism, with helper T cells (CD4+) differentiating into various subgroups including Th1/Th2, Th17, as well as Treg, each contributing to the pathological process through distinct cytokine secretion. In patients with SS, B cells are excessively activated, leading to substantial production of autoantibodies. These antibodies can attack self-tissues, especially the lacrimal and salivary glands, causing inflammation and tissue damage. Changes in B cell subpopulations in SS patients, such as increases in plasmablasts and plasma cells, correlate positively with serum autoantibody levels and disease progression. Therapies targeting T cells and B cells are extensively researched with the aim of alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients. Understanding how these cells promote disease development through various mechanisms, and further identifying novel T and B cell subgroups with functional characterization, will facilitate the development of more effective strategies to treat SS.
Environmental drivers affecting the status of top commercial fish stocks in the Baltic Sea: review
Authors: Rosciszewski-Dodgson Michael J. , Cirella Giuseppe T.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Like in many parts of the world, the Baltic Sea experiences a multitude of processes and stressors that influence fish stock dynamics. This paper compartmentalizes 250 publications that examine the cumulative effects and trade-offs of some of the most significant environmental drivers (temperature change, hypoxia, nutrient enrichment, acidification, low salinity, and food-web dynamics) on the ecology of top commercial fish species in the Baltic Sea (cod, sprat, whiting, herring, flounder, and plaice).

Methods

A systematic review method was applied to ensure rigorous coverage of existing literature and to provide a comprehensive synthesis of the current knowledge on the subject.

Results

The results illustrate the extent of scientific research applicable to commercial fisheries knowledge in the Baltic Sea and identify which pressures have the greatest negative impacts on which stocks. Additionally, the findings demonstrate how well top commercial fish species have adapted to the changing environmental conditions of the Baltic Sea. In doing so, the review illustrates the upcoming challenges and underscores which stocks are likely to dominate in the future and which will face difficulties.

Discussion

By considering ecosystem-based fisheries management, this paper emphasizes the need to account for complex ecosystem interactions beyond single-stock monitoring. With increased natural hazards, top commercial fish species have reacted differently, depending on the region and their adaptive capabilities. In most cases, Clupeidae species have adapted the best to their new surroundings, Pleuronectidae resilience is varied, while Gadidae species are finding the Baltic Sea increasingly challenging.
Effects of Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide on growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, and intestinal microflora of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Wen Xingxing , Ge Lingrui , Liu Kejun , Tan Shengguo , Hu Yi
Published: September 2024

Introduction

As the aquaculture industry intensifies to enhance production efficiency and capacity, the risk of disease outbreaks in high-density systems, such as those for largemouth bass, has escalated. This necessitates the exploration of novel strategies for disease prevention and control. Studies have shown that Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide (AMP) possesses the functions of promoting growth and enhancing immune capacity, making it a potential feed additive in animal production.

Methods

This study aimed to assess the impact of AMP on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, and intestinal flora structure of largemouth bass. A total of 360 healthy largemouth bass (mean weight: 15.25 ± 1.29 g) were randomly assigned to four groups, each with three replicates. The groups were fed diets supplemented with 0% (Group D, control group), 0.4% (Group A), 0.8% (Group B), or 1.2% (Group C) AMP for 42 days.

Results

The results showed that the addition of an appropriate amount of AMP in the feed significantly improved the weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) of largemouth bass, reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and enhanced growth performance. AMP reduced the levels of AST and ALT, indicating a hepatoprotective effect on largemouth bass, with significant differences from the control group (P < 0.05). AMP also improved the intestinal microbiota composition of largemouth bass, positively affecting intestinal health. The analysis of intestinal microbiota revealed 1,288 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in the intestine of largemouth bass in Group B, dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidota. In contrast, Group C (1.2%) had 920 ASVs, with Fusobacteriota and Firmicutes as the major components, while the relative abundance of Firmicutes was lower, showing significant differences from the control Group D. The functional analysis of intestinal microbiota based on KEGG showed significant differences (P < 0.05) among the four groups in Carbon metabolism, Biosynthesis of amino acids, and Metabolic pathways.

Discussion

The study concludes that the inclusion of AMP at 0.8% – 1.2% in the feed can enhance the growth performance and intestinal health of largemouth bass, offering a promising strategy for disease prevention and control in intensive aquaculture settings.
A new species of Pentaceration (Paramunnidae, Isopoda, Crustacea) from the Otago region of Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Peart Rachael A. , Schnabel Kareen E.
Published: September 2024

A new paramunnid species, Pentaceration forkandbrewer sp. nov., is described from Otago, Aotearoa New Zealand (Otago region). The majority of specimens examined were collected during a “Ports of Otago” survey carried out by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research Ltd., Christchurch. Pentaceration forkandbrewer sp. nov. can be identified by the following characters: by the lack of dorsal protuberances, the reduced mid-head spine and the flattened, and calcified pereon with serrated margins. All the pereonites end in a point and are reasonably broad. Pentaceration forkandbrewer sp. nov. is most similar to the Australian species P. serrata and the Argentinian species P. pleonarietis. The new species is described, and an adapted key to the Pentaceration species of Aotearoa New Zealand is provided.

LSIDurn

lsid:zoobank.org:pub:138FAF76-3721-408F-AE39-C3F88F295E38.
Acupuncture-assisted therapy for prolonged disorders of consciousness: study protocol for a randomized, conventional-controlled, assessor-and-statistician-blinded trial
Authors: Zhi Na , Sun Ning , Huang Pan , Yang Li-yuan , Guo Cai-xia , Xiong Jing , Liu Yi-wei , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2024

Background

Acupuncture is a promising non-pharmaceutical complementary therapy in treating prolonged Disorders of consciousness (pDOC), but solid evidence to support its effectiveness and safety is still lacking. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture-assisted therapy for pDOC patients.

Methods

A single-center, prospective, randomized, conventional-controlled, assessor-and-statistician-blinded trial has been designed and is being conducted at West China Hospital of Sichuan University. A total of 110 participants will be randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group in a 1:1 allocation ratio and evaluated using Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R) at 8 a.m., 12 p.m., and 4 p.m. on 2 consecutive days before enrollment to determine the consciousness level. The experimental group will receive acupuncture combined with conventional treatment, while the control group will receive only conventional treatment during the trial observation period. The treatment duration of both groups will be 20 days. Among them, the frequency of acupuncture-assisted therapy is once a day, with 10 consecutive sessions followed by a day’s rest for a total of 24 days. Data will be collected separately during baseline and after the final treatment. For data analysis, both Full Analysis Set (FAS) and Per Protocol Set (PPS) principles will be performed together by applying SPSS 27.0 software. The primary outcome measures are the changes of CRS-R before and after treatment, while the secondary outcome measures are the changes of Full Outline of Unresponsiveness Scale (FOUR), the changes of Nociception Coma Scale-Revised (NCS-R), the changes of Disability Rating Scale (DRS), the changes of Mismatch Negativity (MMN) and P300 before and after treatment, respectively.

Discussion

This trial aims to rationally assess the consciousness level from multiple 2 perspectives through subjective evaluation and objective detection by selecting several standardized clinical scales combined with Event-Related Potential (ERP) detection technology. In this way, we will be able to reduce the subjectivity of consciousness assessment and objectively evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture-assisted therapy for pDOC. The study, if proven to be effective and safe enough, will provide a favorable evidence to guide medical decision-making choices and future researches.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2300076180.
Exploring cognitive impairments and the efficacy of phosphatidylcholine and computer-assisted cognitive training in post-acute COVID-19 and post-acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome
Authors: Hotz Julian Frederic , Kellerberger Sophie , Elea Jöchlinger Sara , Danielova Iren , Temizsoy Hanife , Ötsch Sandra , Goller Jürgen , Yacob Muhammad , Zifko Udo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to millions of confirmed cases worldwide, resulting in numerous deaths and hospitalizations. Long-term symptoms after infection or vaccination, known as Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) or Post-acute COVID-19 Vaccination Syndrome (PACVS), present a challenge for the healthcare system. Among the various neurological symptoms, cognitive impairments are frequently observed in PACS/PACVS patients. This study aimed to understand cognitive deficits in PACS/PACVS patients and evaluated potential treatment options, including phosphatidylcholine and computer-assisted cognitive training (CCT).

Methods

The Neuro-COVID Outpatient Clinic at Evangelic Hospital Vienna evaluated n = 29 PACS/PACVS patients from May 2023 to October 2023. Enrolled patients were divided into three therapy schemes: Group A received phosphatidylcholine, B received phosphatidylcholine plus access to a computer-assisted cognitive training program, and C (divided into two subgroups) served as a control group. Cognitive impairments were evaluated in multiple assessments (initial and during therapy) using the COGBAT test. Simultaneously, an assessment of the quality of life was conducted using the WHOQOL-BREF.

Results

Primary cognitive impairments, especially attentional deficits were notably evident compared to the general population. While all treatment groups showed cognitive improvement (significant or with a positive trend, but without reaching the level of statistical significance) after therapy, no significant interaction was found between assessment time points and treatment schemes for overall cognitive performance, attention, memory, and executive functions, suggesting consistency across the groups. The WHOQOL-BREF primarily demonstrated deficits in the domains of physical health and psychological well-being.

Conclusion

This study examined the impact of PACS/PACVS on cognitive performance and evaluated phosphatidylcholine and CCT as potential treatment options. Patients with PACS/PACVS showed notable cognitive deficits, especially in the domain attention. While the effectiveness of phosphatidylcholine and CCT in treating cognitive deficits was inconclusive, the study indicated the possibility of spontaneous remission of cognitive deficits in PACS/PACVS.
Inappropriate trusting behaviour in dementia
Authors: Chokesuwattanaskul Anthipa , Penn Dexter , Albero Claudia , Johnson Jeremy C. S. , Benhamou Elia , Russell Lucy L. , Hardy Chris J. D. , Marshall Charles R. , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Warren Jason D.
Published: September 2024

Background

Inappropriate trusting behaviour may have significant social, financial and other consequences for people living with dementia. However, its clinical associations and predictors have not been clarified. Here we addressed this issue in canonical syndromes of frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

In 34 patients with AD and 73 with FTD (27 behavioural variant (bv)FTD, 22 semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA), 24 nonfluent/agrammatic variant (nfv)PPA) we recorded inappropriate trusting and other abnormal socio-emotional behaviours using a semi-structured caregiver survey. Patients were comprehensively characterised using a general cognitive assessment and the Revised Self-Monitoring Scale (RSMS; an informant index of socioemotional awareness).

Results

Inappropriate trusting was more frequent in svPPA (55%) and bvFTD (44%) than nfvPPA (17%) or AD (24%). After adjusting for age, sex, education and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score, inappropriate trusting was significantly more likely in svPPA (odds ratio 3.61; 95% confidence interval 1.41–8.75) and bvFTD (3.01, 1.23–6.65) than AD. Significant predictors of inappropriate trusting comprised apathy in svPPA, disinhibition and altered pain responsiveness in bvFTD, and lower MMSE and RSMS (self-presentation) scores in AD.

Conclusion

Dementia syndromes vary in prevalence and predictors of abnormal trusting behaviour, with implications for clinical counselling and safeguarding.
Brain morphological analysis in mice with hyperactivation of the hedgehog signaling pathway
Authors: Shiohama Tadashi , Uchikawa Hideki , Nitta Nobuhiro , Takatani Tomozumi , Matsuda Shingo , Ortug Alpen , Takahashi Emi , Sawada Daisuke , Shimizu Eiji , Fujii Katsunori , Aoki Ichio , Hamada Hiromichi
Published: September 2024

Hedgehog signaling is a highly conserved pathway that plays pivotal roles in morphogenesis, tumorigenesis, osteogenesis, and wound healing. Previous investigations in patients with Gorlin syndrome found low harm avoidance traits, and increased volumes in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and cerebral ventricles, suggesting the association between brain morphology and the constitutive hyperactivation of hedgehog signaling, while the changes of regional brain volumes in upregulated hedgehog signaling pathway remains unclear so far. Herein, we investigated comprehensive brain regional volumes using quantitative structural brain MRI, and identified increased volumes of amygdala, striatum, and pallidum on the global segmentation, and increased volumes of the lateral and medial parts of the central nucleus of the amygdala on the detail segmentation in Ptch heterozygous deletion mice. Our data may enhance comprehension of the association between brain morphogenic changes and hyperactivity in hedgehog signaling.
Epigenetics in the formation of pathological aggregates in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Noches Veronica , Campos-Melo Danae , Droppelmann Cristian A. , Strong Michael J.
Published: September 2024

The progressive degeneration of motor neurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is accompanied by the formation of a broad array of cytoplasmic and nuclear neuronal inclusions (protein aggregates) largely containing RNA-binding proteins such as TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) or fused in sarcoma/translocated in liposarcoma (FUS/TLS). This process is driven by a liquid-to-solid phase separation generally from proteins in membrane-less organelles giving rise to pathological biomolecular condensates. The formation of these protein aggregates suggests a fundamental alteration in the mRNA expression or the levels of the proteins involved. Considering the role of the epigenome in gene expression, alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, non-coding RNAs, and RNA modifications become highly relevant to understanding how this pathological process takes effect. In this review, we explore the evidence that links epigenetic mechanisms with the formation of protein aggregates in ALS. We propose that a greater understanding of the role of the epigenome and how this inter-relates with the formation of pathological LLPS in ALS will provide an attractive therapeutic target.
Reward system neurodynamics during menstrual pain modulated by COMT Val158Met polymorphisms
Authors: Hsu Pei-Shan , Liu Ching-Hsiung , Yang Ching-Ju , Lee Lin-Chien , Li Wei-Chi , Chao Hsiang-Tai , Lin Ming-Wei , Chen Li-Fen , Hsieh Jen-Chuen
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Primary dysmenorrhea (PDM), characterized by cyclic pain, may involve pain modulation within the reward system (RS). The Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism, which significantly influences dopamine activity, is linked to the regulation of both acute and chronic pain. This study examines the differential neurodynamic modulation in the RS associated with COMT Val158Met polymorphisms during menstrual pain among PDM subjects.

Method

Ninety-one PDM subjects underwent resting-state fMRI during menstruation and were genotyped for COMT Val158Met polymorphisms. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and functional connectivity (FC) analyses were used to assess the RS response. Psychological evaluations included the McGill Pain Questionnaire, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory.

Result

Val/Val homozygotes (n = 50) and Met carriers (n = 41) showed no significant differences in McGill Pain Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. However, Met carriers exhibited lower scores on the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. Distinct FC patterns was observed between Val/Val homozygotes and Met carriers, specifically between the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and prefrontal cortex, NAc and inferior parietal lobe, ventral tegmental area (VTA) and prefrontal cortex, VTA and precentral gyrus, and VTA and superior parietal lobe. Only Met carriers showed significant correlations between ALFF and FC values of the NAc and VTA with pain-related metrics (McGill Pain Questionnaire and Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores). NAc ALFF and NAc-prefrontal cortex FC values positively correlated with pain-related metrics, while VTA ALFF and VTA-prefrontal cortex and VTA-superior parietal lobe FC values negatively correlated with pain-related metrics.

Discussion

This study reveals that the COMT Val158Met polymorphism results in genotype-specific functional changes in the brain’s RS during menstrual pain. In Met carriers, engagement of these regions is potentially linked to motivational reward-seeking and top-down modulation. This polymorphism likely influences the RS’s responses, significantly contributing to individual differences in pain regulation.
Causality of blood metabolites and metabolic pathways on peripheral arteriosclerosis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Ye Qian , Zhou Yilin , Xu Kai , Jiang Zhili
Published: September 2024

Background

Peripheral arteriosclerosis is caused by any atherosclerosis outside the heart and brain. However, the underlying biological mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aims to explore the causal relationship between blood metabolites and peripheral arteriosclerosis.

Methods

A Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was implemented to estimate the causality of blood metabolites on peripheral arteriosclerosis. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of 1,400 metabolites was used as the exposure, whereas two different GWAS datasets of peripheral arteriosclerosis were the outcomes. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was the main analysis of causal analysis. MR-Egger, the simple mode, weighted median and weighted mode were used to increase the stability and robustness of the results. Cochran Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, the funnel plot, and MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier were used for sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, metabolic pathway enrichment analysis was performed using MetaboAnalyst5.0.

Results

In this MR study, eight blood metabolites have a strong causal relationship with peripheral arteriosclerosis, including 1-myristoyl-2-arachidonoyl-GPC (14:0/20:4), 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl-gpc (16:0/20:4n6), 1-(1-enyl-stearoyl)-2-arachidonoyl-GPE, 1-palmitoyl-2-dihomo-linolenoyl-GPC, Gamma-glutamylleucine, Deoxycholic acid glucuronide and two named X- (X-24546, X-26111). In addition, five important metabolic pathways in peripheral arteriosclerosis were identified through metabolic pathway analysis.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for the causal relationship between blood metabolites and peripheral arteriosclerosis, and these eight blood metabolites provide new perspectives for screening and prevention of peripheral arteriosclerosis in the future.
Evolution and significance of amino acid scores for protein quality
Authors: Gaudichon Claire
Published: September 2024

Amino acid scores have become very popular protein quality scores since their definition and recommendation by FAO expert groups. The chemical score is the central pillar of this method, and has been refined with digestibility correction factors, such as protein digestibility for the PD-CAAS and amino acid digestibility for the DIAAS. Several elements need to be taken into account to properly determine these scores, not only from a methodological point of view but also in order to reconcile regulation, pragmatism, accuracy and also biological significance. This review offers a reminder of the main points raised in the FAO reports on protein and AA requirements in 1995 and 2007, and on protein quality in 1991 and 2013. It also highlights the factors that most impact score metrics, and in particular the choice of reference pattern and protein determination in the food. Lastly, the scores are compared, and versus another quality score based on the physiological response, the protein efficiency ratio.
Genome-wide analysis of the WOX gene family and function exploration of RhWOX331 in rose (R. ‘The Fairy’)
Authors: Duan Lian , Hou Zhihui , Zhang Wuhua , Liang Shuang , Huangfu Minge , Zhang Jinzhu , Yang Tao , Dong Jie , Che Daidi
Published: September 2024

WOXs are a class of plant-specific transcription factors that play key roles in plant growth and stress responses. However, the mechanism by which WOXs influence adventitious root development in Rosa hybrida remains unclear. In this study, RcWOX gene family in rose was identified and phylogenetically analyzed using bioinformatics analysis. A total of 381 RcWOX gene members were localized on seven chromosomes except of nine members. The main cis-acting elements involved in hormonal, light, developmental, and abiotic stress responses were identified in the promoters of RcWOX genes, suggesting their regulation by these signals. Nine RhWOX genes had significant different expression during rooting process of rose. RhWOX331, RhWOX308, RhWOX318 were positive with the formation of rose roots. RhWOX331 was positively involved in the formation of adventitious root primordia, which gene coding a transcription factor localized in the nucleus. The HOX conserved domain in the protein contributed to the self-activating activity of RhWOX331. We obtained genetically modified Arabidopsis to validate the function of RhWOX331. Overexpression of RhWOX331 gene alleviated the inhibition of root length of A. thaliana primary roots by high concentration of IBA and NPA, and significantly increased the number of lateral roots on the primary roots, as well as the height of A. thaliana plants. Additionally, RhWOX331 promoted adventitious root formation in A. thaliana and mitigated hormonal inhibition by exogenous 6-BA, NPA, and GA3. The RhWOX331 promoter contained cis-acting elements such as ABRE, Box 4 and CGTCA-motif et.al. GUS activity analysis showed that the gene acted at the cotyledon attachment site. Taken together, these studies identified a significant expansion of the RcWOX gene family, inferred roles of certain branch members in adventitious root formation, elucidated the function of RhWOX331 in adventitious root initiation, and laid the foundation for further research on the function of WOX gene family in roses.
Configurations of democracy—empirical and methodological insights from a comparison of Singapore, Ghana, and Ireland
Authors: Osterberg-Kaufmann Norma , Stark Toralf , Mohamad-Klotzbach Christoph
Published: September 2024

This article presents and proofs an alternative concept of democracy that seeks to overcome the limitations of rigid universalist, liberal-proceduralist conceptions by emphasizing the fundamental principles of democracy rather than combining them with culturally individualistic features. The approach presented here focuses on the fundamental principles of democracy. Democratic configurations assume that citizens’ political self-efficacy of the people is a potential basic principle behind any institutionalization of democratic order. Therefore, this article refers on a discussion of the theoretical implementation of self-efficacy in the three models of democracy: liberalism, republicanism and communitarianism. Ultimately, every political system must be studied by whether the established institutions serve this basic principle. The article illustrates the proposed approach through case studies of Singapore, Ghana, and Ireland. The empirical examples show how different institutional settings and their adjustments strengthen and hinder political self-efficacy. Therefore, this new bottom-up-approach of studying configurations of democracy may help to get better insights on the democraticness of political systems and other institutional settings.
Eight brain structures mediate the age-related alterations of the working memory: forward and backward digit span tasks
Authors: Bahri Maryam , Farrahi Hassan , Mahdavinataj Hami , Batouli Seyed Amir Hossein
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Working memory (WM) as one of the executive functions is an essential neurocognitive ability for daily life. Findings have suggested that aging is often associated with working memory and neural decline, but the brain structures and resting-state brain networks that mediate age-related differences in WM remain unclear.

Methods

A sample consisting of 252 healthy participants in the age range of 20 to 70years was used. Several cognitive tasks, including the n-back task and the forward and backward digit span tests were used. Also, resting-state functional imaging, as well as structural imaging using a 3T MRI scanner, were performed, resulting in 85 gray matter volumes and five resting-state networks, namely the anterior and posterior default mode, the right and left executive control, and the salience networks. Also, mediation analyses were used to investigate the role of gray matter volumes and resting-state networks in the relationship between age and WM.

Results

Behaviorally, aging was associated with decreased performance in the digit span task. Also, aging was associated with a decreased gray matter volume in 80 brain regions, and with a decreased activity in the anterior default mode network, executive control, and salience networks. Importantly, the path analysis showed that the GMV of the medial orbitofrontal, precentral, parieto-occipital, amygdala, middle occipital, posterior cingulate, and thalamus areas mediated the age-related differences in the forward digit span task, and the GMV of superior temporal gyrus mediated the age-related differences in the backward digit span task.

Discussion

This study identified the brain structures mediating the relationship between age and working memory, and we hope that our research provides an opportunity for early detection of individuals at risk of age-related memory decline.
The relationship between college students’ learning engagement and academic self-efficacy: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Wang Yaxing , Zhang Wen
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Despite the return of college students to campus in the post-pandemic era, the deep influence of COVID-19 on learning approaches persists. Existing research has explored fewer mechanisms underlying academic self-efficacy and learning engagement. In line with social cognitive theory, the psychological resilience framework, and vocational socialization theory, this research investigated academic self-efficacy, professional commitment, psychological resilience, and academic engagement among college students in the post-pandemic era. In this research, the focus was on understanding the impact of academic self-efficacy on learning engagement, taking into account gender as a moderator and psychological resilience and professional commitment as mediators.

Methods

We conducted a survey with 1,032 college students in Henan Province, China, utilizing the Psychological Resilience Scale, Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, College Student Learning Engagement Questionnaire, and College Student Professional Commitment Scale. SPSS and the Process plugin were used to assess mediating and moderating effects.

Results

Academic self-efficacy significantly and positively correlates with college students’ commitment to learning. The positive anticipation of learning engagement facilitated by academic self-efficacy exerts its effect through the fully parallel mediation of psychological resilience and professional commitment. Notably, the mediation effect of professional commitment was greater than that of psychological resilience. Further research found that the mediation of professional commitment was moderated by gender, with female students demonstrating stronger perceptions of professional commitment associated with elevated levels of learning engagement. Gender did not exhibit a significant moderating effect on psychological resilience.

Conclusion

College students’ academic self-efficacy, professional commitment, and psychological resilience must be addressed to enhance their learning engagement.
Validity and reliability of the Depression Information Needs Scale among the Iranian general population
Authors: Jafari Alireza , Naddafi Fatemehzahra , Nejatian Mahbobeh , Charoghchian Khorasani Elham , Tehrani Hadi
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The prevalence of depression in the community is high. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the information needs on depression in the community. This cross-sectional study aimed to translate and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Depression Information Needs Scale (DINS) among the general population.

Methods

The translation and assessment of the validity and reliability of the DINS were conducted from February 2022 to May 2023 in Gonabad, Iran. The inclusion criteria in this study were individuals 18 years or older, those living in Gonabad for 1 year or more, and participants who provided written informed consent. Sample sizes of 546 and 629 were used for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), respectively. The reliability of the DINS was examined using three methods: McDonald’s omega coefficient, test–retest reliability, and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.

Results

Most participants were women, had a bachelor’s degree, and were married. The values of 0.959 for scale content validity index averaging (S-CVI/Ave) and 0.817 for content validity ratio (CVR) were calculated. In the EFA section, four factors with eigenvalues greater than 1 were extracted and explained 63.861% of the variance. Only two items were not placed in related or acceptable factors and were deleted. Finally, based on the results of the goodness-of-fit indexes (e.g., RMSEA = 0.074, CFI = 0.944, NFI = 0.930, and GFI = 0.911), the scale was approved with 18 items and 4 factors: lived experience (4 items), general (facts about depression) (6 items), research and policies (4 items), and specific treatments (4 items). For all the DINS items, the McDonald’s omega coefficient, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were 0.953, 0.950, and 0.957, respectively.

Conclusion

The Persian version of the DINS was validated with 18 items and 4 factors, and this scale can be used to assess depression information needs in the general public and specific groups.
The potential predictive value and relationship of blood-based inflammatory markers with the clinical symptoms of Han Chinese patients with first-episode adolescent-onset schizophrenia
Authors: Liu Zhihua , Lv Dali , Li Jianfeng , Li Fuwei , Zhang Yanhua , Liu Yongjie , Gao Chao , Qiu Yafeng , Ma Jun , Zhang Ruiling
Published: September 2024

Background

Inflammation is associated with the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. The blood markers for systemic inflammation include neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), system inflammation response index (SIRI), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). However, these inflammation markers and their relationships with clinical phenotypes among Han Chinese patients with first-episode adolescent-onset schizophrenia (AOS) is unclear. This investigation aimed to elucidate the impact of inflammation on Han Chinese AOS patients as well as the association of blood-based inflammation markers with clinical symptoms.

Methods

Altogether, 203 Han Chinese individuals participated in this study, 102 first-episode AOS patients and 101 healthy controls. The assessment of inflammatory indices was based on complete blood cell count. Furthermore, schizophrenia-related clinical symptoms were evaluated using the five-factor model of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).

Results

In Han Chinese first-episode AOS patients, levels of SIRI, PLR, SII, and NLR were significantly increased (p < 0.001), while LMR decreased (p < 0.001) compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression showed that LMR, NLR, SII, and SIRI (all p < 0.05) were independently associated with AOS. Moreover, Receiver operating characteristics assessment indicated that NLR, SIRI, LMR, and SII could effectively distinguish AOS patients from healthy controls. Their areas under the curves were 0.734, 0.701, 0.715, and 0.730 (all p < 0.001). In addition, Correlation analysis revealed that LMR was negatively correlated with the PANSS total, negative, and cognitive factor scores (all p < 0.05); NLR was positively correlated with the cognitive factor score (p < 0.01); SII was negatively correlated with the positive factor score and positively with the negative and cognitive factor scores (all p < 0.05); SIRI was positively correlated with the PANSS total and cognitive factor scores (all p < 0.01).

Conclusions

This research established the involvement of peripheral blood inflammatory markers (LMR, NLR, SII, and SIRI) with the clinical manifestations and pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and these can serve as screening tools or potential indices of the inflammatory state and AOS symptoms severity.
Older adults make sense of their suicidal behavior: a Swedish interview study
Authors: Hed Sara , Berg Anne Ingeborg , Wiktorsson Stefan , Strand Jennifer , Canetto Silvia Sara , Waern Margda
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The aim of this study was to explore how individuals aged 70 or older living in Sweden understood a recent suicidal act, and what changed in them and around them in the aftermath.

Method

Four women and five men (age range 71-91 years) receiving care at a geriatric psychiatric outpatient clinic in a large Swedish city took part in two interviews about their most recent suicidal act. Most of the women and none of the men had engaged in prior suicidal acts. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was employed.

Results

The suicidal act was explained as a response to losses (in physical and cognitive functions, social roles and relationships) that rendered previous coping strategies unviable. The participants reported being dependent on a healthcare system that they experienced as indifferent and even dismissive of their suffering. The suicidal act was described as an unplanned act of despair. Positive changes followed for participants who reported having had suicidal ideation prior to the suicidal act and had insights into its triggers. Some gained access to needed medical care; others developed greater awareness of their psychological needs and became more effective at coping. Individuals who said that they had not had suicidal thoughts prior to the suicidal act and could not explain it reported no positive change in the aftermath. The respondents’ narratives indicated gendered themes.

Discussion

Participants’ age-related losses were in many cases exacerbated by negative interactions with health care providers, indicating that continued attention needs to be given to implicit ageism in medical professionals. The suicidal acts were described as impulsive, which was unexpected because a dominant belief is that older adult suicidal behavior is planned. One reason for the discrepancy may be that this study focused on nonfatal acts, and planned acts may be more likely to be fatal. Another reason could be shame due to suicide stigma. Alternatively, these acts were truly unplanned. The older adult suicide planning question should be addressed in larger studies across geographical and cultural settings. Future studies should also include questions about gender norms of suicidality and separately examine women’s and men’s data.
Cost-effectiveness of diagnostic imaging modalities in symptomatic patients with lower limb peripheral arterial disease: discrete event simulation model
Authors: Kamenský Vojtěch , Rogalewicz Vladimír , Gajdoš Ondřej , Donin Gleb , Mašková Barbora , Holá Martina , Tichopád Aleš
Published: September 2024

Objective

Lower limb peripheral arterial disease in the symptomatic stage has a significant effect on patients´ functional disability. Before an intervention, an imaging diagnostic examination is necessary to determine the extent of the disability. This study evaluates cost-effectiveness of duplex ultrasonography (DUS), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) in the diagnostics of symptomatic patients with lower limb peripheral arterial disease indicated for endovascular or surgical intervention.

Methods

Discrete event simulation was used to capture lifetime costs and effects. Costs were calculated from the perspective of the health care payer, and the effects were calculated as quality-adjusted life year’s (QALY’s). The cost-effectiveness analysis was performed to pairwise compare CTA, MRA and DSA with DUS as the baseline diagnostic modality. A scenario analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were carried out to evaluate the robustness of the results.

Results

In the basic case, the DUS diagnostic was the least expensive modality, at a cost of EUR 10,778, compared with EUR 10,804 for CTA, EUR 11,184 for MRA, and EUR 11,460 for DSA. The effects of DUS were estimated at 5.542 QALYs compared with 5.554 QALYs for both CTA and MRA, and 5.562 QALYs for DSA. The final incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) value of all evaluated modalities was below the cost-effectiveness threshold whereas CTA has the lowest ICER of EUR 2,167 per QALY. However, the results were associated with a large degree of uncertainty, because iterations were spread across all cost-effectiveness quadrants in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Conclusion

For imaging diagnosis of symptomatic patients with lower limb peripheral arterial disease, CTA examination appears to be the most cost-effective strategy with the best ICER value. Baseline diagnostics of the DUS modality has the lowest costs, but also the lowest effects. DSA achieves the highest QALYs, but it is associated with the highest costs.