bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sulforaphane regulates cell proliferation and induces apoptotic cell death mediated by ROS-cell cycle arrest in pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Cho Yongmin , Park Moon Nyeo , Choi Min , Upadhyay Tarun Kumar , Kang Han Na , Oh Jeong Min , Min Soonki , Yang Ji-Ung , Kong Moonkyoo , Ko Seong-Gyu , Rahman Md Ataur , Harrath Abdel Halim , Kim Bonglee
Published: August 2024

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC), sometimes referred to as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is a major cause of global mortality from cancer. Pancreatic cancer is a very aggressive and devastating kind of cancer, characterized by limited options for therapy and low possibilities of survival. Sulforaphane (SFN), a naturally occurring sulfur-containing compound, is believed to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer characteristics.

Objective

However, efficient preventative and treatment measures are essential and SFN has been studied for its ability to suppress pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis.

Methods

Here, SFN induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis in PDAC cell lines such as MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells, as evaluated by cytotoxicity, colony formation, western blot analysis, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, caspase-3 activity assay, immunofluorescence assay, and mitochondrial membrane potential assay.

Results

In MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells, SFN inhibited cell survival and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of caspase zymogens results in cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase-3, which is associated with an accumulation in the sub G1 phase. Furthermore, SFN increased ROS level and γH2A.X expression while decreasing mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Notably, the ROS scavenger N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) was shown to reverse SFN-induced cytotoxicity and ROS level. Subsequently, SFN-induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction as a Trojan horse to eliminate pancreatic cancer cells via ROS-mediated pathways were used to inhibit pancreatic cancer cells.

Conclusion

Collectively, our data demonstrates that SFN-induced cell death follows the apoptosis pathway, making it a viable target for therapeutic interventions against pancreatic cancer.
A novel and apparent de novo ALAS2 missense variant associated with congenital sideroblastic anemia
Authors: Cai Jianling , Liu Tianming , Huang Yuxuan , Chen Hongxing , Yu Meidie , Zhang Dongqing , Huang Zhanqin
Published: August 2024

Background

Congenital sideroblastic anemia (CSA) constitutes a group of inherited erythropoietic disorders. Some affect mainly or exclusively erythroid cells; other syndromic forms occur within multisystem disorders with extensive nonhematopoietic manifestations. In this study, we have performed clinical and molecular investigations on a 10-year-old boy suspected of having CSA.

Methods

Routine blood examination, peripheral blood and bone marrow smears, and serum iron tests were performed. Gene mutation analysis was conducted using whole-exome sequencing (WES) and the results were confirmed using Sanger sequencing. Furthermore, the functional impact of the identified variant was assessed/predicted with bioinformatics methods.

Results

The patient presented with severe microcytic anemia (hemoglobin, 50 g/L), iron overload and ring sideroblasts in the bone marrow. Moreover, WES revealed the presence of a hemizygous missense variant in ALAS2 (c.1102C > T), changing an encoded arginine to tryptophan (p. Arg368Trp). This variant was verified via Sanger sequencing, and neither of the parents carried this variant, which was suspected to be a de novo variant. Using in silico analysis with four different software programs, the variant was predicted to be harmful. PyMol and LigPlot software showed that the p. Arg368Trp variant may result in changes in hydrogen bonds. The patient was treated with vitamin B6 combined with deferasirox. After 6 months, the hemoglobin increased to 99 g/L and the serum ferritin decreased significantly.

Conclusion

We report a novel pathogenic variant in the ALAS2 gene (c.1102C > T:p. Arg368Trp), which caused CSA in a 10-year-old boy. Mutational analysis is important in patients with CSA when family history data are unavailable. Anemia due to the ALAS2 Arg368Trp variant responds to pyridoxine supplements.
Identification of biomarkers and potential drug targets in osteoarthritis based on bioinformatics analysis and mendelian randomization
Authors: Cheng Feng , Li Mengying , Hua Haotian , Zhang Ruikun , Zhu Yiwen , Zhu Yingjia , Zhang Yang , Tong Peijian
Published: August 2024

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) can lead to chronic joint pain, and currently there are no methods available for complete cure. Utilizing the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for bioinformatics analysis combined with Mendelian randomization (MR) has been widely employed for drug repurposing and discovery of novel therapeutic targets. Therefore, our research focus is to identify new diagnostic markers and improved drug target sites.

Methods

Gene expression data from different tissues of synovial membrane, cartilage and subchondral bone were collected through GEO data to screen out differential genes. Two-sample MR Analysis was used to estimate the causal effect of expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) on OA. Through the intersection of the two, core genes were obtained, which were further screened by bioinformatics analysis for in vitro and in vivo molecular experimental verification. Finally, drug prediction and molecular docking further verified the medicinal value of drug targets.

Results

In the joint analysis utilizing the GEO database and MR approach, five genes exhibited significance across both analytical methods. These genes were subjected to bioinformatics analysis, revealing their close association with immunological functions. Further refinement identified two core genes (ARL4C and GAPDH), whose expression levels were found to decrease in OA pathology and exhibited a protective effect in the MR analysis, thus demonstrating consistent trends. Support from in vitro and in vivo molecular experiments was also obtained, while molecular docking revealed favorable interactions between the drugs and proteins, in line with existing structural data.

Conclusion

This study identified potential diagnostic biomarkers and drug targets for OA through the utilization of the GEO database and MR analysis. The findings suggest that the ARL4C and GAPDH genes may serve as therapeutic targets, offering promise for personalized treatment of OA.
The mechanisms and drug therapies of colorectal cancer and epigenetics: bibliometrics and visualized analysis
Authors: Tian Siyu , Chen Min
Published: August 2024

Background

Numerous studies have demonstrated a link between epigenetics and CRC. However, there has been no systematic analysis or visualization of relevant publications using bibliometrics.

Methods

839 publications obtained from the Web of Science Core (WoSCC) were systematically analyzed using CiteSpace and VOSviewer software.

Results

The results show that the countries, institutions, and authors with the most published articles are the United States, Harvard University, and Ogino and Shuji, respectively. SEPT9 is a blood test for the early detection of colorectal cancer. Vitamin D and gut microbiota mediate colorectal cancer and epigenetics, and probiotics may reduce colorectal cancer-related symptoms. We summarize the specific epigenetic mechanisms of CRC and the current existence and potential epigenetic drugs associated with these mechanisms. It is closely integrated with clinical practice, and the possible research directions and challenges in the future are proposed.

Conclusion

This study reviews the current research trends and hotspots in CRC and epigenetics, which can promote the development of this field and provide references for researchers in this field.
Ovarian tissue autotransplantation improves longevity in mice
Authors: Ruhliada Nikolai N.
Published: August 2024

In this study, we show the improvement in life longevity in an experimental mouse model after step-by-step autologous ovarian transplantation and compare its effects with exogenic transdermal estradiol usage. This has proven to be more efficient than “traditional” hormonal replacement therapy. Despite the high speed and effectiveness of estradiol replacement deficiency in blood by its oral or transdermal use, no significant increase in the life longevity of animals and possibly in women was noted. The function of the transplanted fragment is usually limited to 6–12 months. This is enough for oncofertility purposes, sometimes, but not for longevity improvement. We performed periodical tissue return (autologous transplantation), containing both the cortex and medulla in the experimental mouse model, which resulted in a statistically reliable improvement in longevity. Our experience indicates the important role of medullary ovarian factors in slowing the aging process in the body and increasing the life expectancy in the experiment. As shown, the transdermal estrogen supportive therapy for ovarian deficiency improves estrogen levels but causes much slower decreases in the follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Moreover, we attained the best longevity with step-by-step periodic ovarian autotransplantation, thus making “prosthetics” of ovarian function longer than it is preplanned physiologically [direct correlation between the levels of FSH and lifespan (r = 0.98)]. The experimental model we suggested could be projected to other mammals or humans as cortical transplantation provides the same results for reproduction restoration in mice and humans and even for hormone level normalization, but there is still a lack of information about anti-aging factors in the ovarian medulla and cortex. Hence, we consider that the most important factor for the anti-aging ovarian transplantation technology is to preserve and transfer both the medulla and cortex as parts of the whole ovary.
A theory on political violence in hybrid regimes: insights from Colombia
Authors: Cendales Andrés , Guerrero-Sierra Hugo , Oñate Laura
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This article presents a model of political competition in which political parties, through clientelism strategies, vie for control of legislative seats. Parties exercise political violence to prevent potential rivals from gaining power and threatening their position within the hybrid political regime. The theory suggests that the degree of political violence exerted by parties in hybrid regimes will increase (decrease) as they concentrate more (less) power in the legislature.

Methods

Using the methodology of analytical narratives, we examine the narrative on political violence in the Colombian political regime to identify key actors, strategies, information sets, and institutional changes. From these identified elements, we construct a theoretical model of political competition within the mathematical theory of games to explain the institutional changes highlighted in the narrative. Finally, we develop an econometric model to find statistical evidence supporting the predictions of the theoretical model derived from the narrative.

Results

The narrative and the analytical narrative indicate that, in a hybrid regime, a higher degree of political power concentration causes a higher rate of political violence. The estimation of the Vector Auto-regression model allows us to analyze the response of the violence rate to a shock in the concentration index. Following an unexpected increase in the concentration of political power, the violence rate shows an initial increase of approximately 0.3 percentage points above its initial value. Subsequently, the effect attenuates slightly and stabilizes at around 0.2 percentage points above the baseline, maintaining this level throughout the period.

Discussion/Conclusion

The theoretical model proposed in this paper suggests an explanation of political violence that diverges from the explanations offered by traditional theories. We suggest that the theoretical model proposed here captures the historical logic of the relationship between violence, political clientelism, and exclusion in Colombia, a country with a relatively long tradition as a formal democracy (since 1958), leading us to interesting conclusions that have not been proposed so far in the literature on violence in Latin America.
The mediating role of perceived emotional intelligence: examining the impact of affective job satisfaction on organizational identification among Chinese technological workers
Authors: Lai Yuege , Gao Ge , Du Baiyan
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Breaking new ground in the exploration of workplace dynamics, this study pioneers an investigation into the mediating role of perceived emotional intelligence (PEI) in the relationship between affective job satisfaction and organizational identification among Chinese technological workers. This novel focus addresses a critical gap in existing research, particularly in understanding the psychological underpinnings within this specific cultural and professional context.

Methods

Involving 392 workers aged 23 to 60, our research offers a comprehensive examination of how the three subdimensions of PEI - attention, clarity, and emotional repair - interact with job satisfaction to influence organizational identification. Through extensive questionnaires, we assessed these subdimensions alongside affective job satisfaction and the workers’ identification with their organization.

Results

Our findings reveal a significant, positive correlation between job satisfaction and all PEI subdimensions. Notably, while emotional clarity and emotional repair showed a positive relationship with organizational identity, attention did not. Further analysis highlighted the substantial direct impact of Affective Job Satisfaction on Organizational Identification, with emotional clarity and emotional repair playing critical mediating roles.

Discussion

These insights illuminate the unique function of Perceived Emotional Intelligence as a mediator and enhancer in the relationship between job satisfaction and organizational commitment. The results underscore the necessity of integrating strategies to cultivate emotional intelligence in the workplace, potentially leading to stronger organizational ties and improved overall worker well-being. By shedding light on these complex psychological mechanisms, our study not only enriches the theoretical landscape but also offers practical guidance for fostering healthier, more productive work environments.
The effects of cross-language overlap and semantic transparency on the processing of L2 collocations
Authors: Altamimi Abdulaziz
Published: August 2024

Although extensive research has been carried out on collocation processing, it is still unclear how cross-language overlap and transparency influence the processing of collocations by L2 learners. In the current study, a phrase judgment task was used to investigate the processing of congruent (i.e., exist in both English and Arabic) and incongruent collocations (i.e., exist only in English) by Arabic non-native speakers of English. The semantic transparency of the items was controlled for. Results demonstrated the effect of congruency on processing: congruent items yielded more correct responses and faster response times than incongruent items. The effect of congruency was modulated by proficiency, with congruency having a stronger effect on lower-proficiency learners than higher-proficiency learners. Transparency had no effect, with no differences in response times and accuracy between transparent and opaque collocations. The findings have implications for the learning and teaching of L2 collocations.
Effects of work-family conflict, social support and burnout on job satisfaction among primary care physicians in Huaihai economic zone
Authors: Wen Zongliang , Wu Shenqin , Bai Long , Jintao Xu , Zhao Yun , Fang Jinhua , Abdirizak Jama Hamdi
Published: August 2024

Background

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are doctors in primary health care institutions, namely village clinics, township health centers and community health service centers (stations) who are the main providers of primary health care services in primary health care settings. Improving the overall health status of the population requires the support of a large number of primary care physicians; however, the job satisfaction of this group has not been sufficiently emphasized and recognized.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of primary care physicians’ work-family conflict on their job satisfaction, as well as the mediating role of burnout and the moderating role of social support.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2023 to March 2023. Participants were 749 primary care physicians from four cities of Xuzhou, Linyi, Huaibei, and Shangqiu in the Huaihai Economic Zone of China. SPSS statistical analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between work-family conflict, social support, burnout and job satisfaction among medical workers.

Results

Work–family conflict had a significant negative effect on job satisfaction (β = −0.36, p< 0.001), after adding burnout in the model, work–family conflict also negatively predicted job satisfaction (β = −0.32, p< 0.001). Social support had a moderating effect on the direct effect of burnout on job satisfaction (β = 0.00, t = 2.66, p< 0.01, 95%CI [0.001, 0.007]), the predictive effect of burnout on job satisfaction at high level of social support (β = −0.45, p< 0.001) was higher than a low level of social support (β = −0.33, p< 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the negative impact of work-family conflict on primary care physicians’ job satisfaction, as well as the mediating role of burnout and the moderating role of social support on burnout and job satisfaction, which are important for improving primary care physicians’ job satisfaction and enhancing the quality of primary care in the future.
Enabling pupils to flourish: six evidence-based principles of whole-school wellbeing promotion
Authors: Edwards Rowan , Byrne Jennifer , Grace Marcus
Published: August 2024

Schools have become increasingly important as health promotion settings, seeking to improve pupils’ health and wellbeing through adopting a whole-school approach. A strong evidence-base highlights that focusing on the social, emotional and psychological aspects of pupils’ wellbeing enables them to flourish, enjoy life and be better equipped to overcome challenges. However, it is acknowledged that further evidence is required regarding: (1) what happens in primary schools, (2) the impact of the English education system, (3) complexity and context, and (4) capturing children’s voices. This article, therefore, addresses these gaps by asking the question: How do schools use whole-school wellbeing promotion to enable pupils to flourish? Taking an exploratory approach the study used a three-phase, mixed methods design to address the research problem by undertaking a systematic literature review, a secondary data analysis and a case study to capture multiple stakeholder voices including pupils. As appropriate for this research design, the findings from each phase were integrated into an overarching analysis which is presented in this article. Six broad principles formed consistent threads across the findings: (1) enabling children to flourish, (2) integrating wellbeing with key school goals, (3) promoting wellbeing and building capital, (4) building on virtuous cycles, (5) managing complexity and context, and (6) evaluating wellbeing promotion through listening to different voices. As well as presenting new knowledge addressing the identified research gaps, this study has demonstrated that schools can avoid ‘reinventing the wheel’ by adopting existing practices and resources and adapting them to their own setting. It is, therefore, hoped the six evidence-based principles of this study are equally transferable to schools within the English education system and more broadly. In addition, the paper highlights recognized challenges to staffing and resourcing and raises the question over whether schools receive sufficient funding to deliver the whole-school initiatives that government recommends. This article provides readers with an exploration of what has been achieved in schools and it is outside its scope to address specific issues about funding and other practical logistics for implementing whole-school wellbeing promotion, therefore further research is recommended.
Prevalence and associated factors of insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses under the context of high prevalence of multiple infectious diseases: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Xu , Wang Bin , Wang Yu , He Surui , Liu Dongmei , Yan Dongmei
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Insomnia symptoms are prevalent among healthcare workers and represent a potential public health problem. However, there is currently insufficient evidence on insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses under the context of high prevalence of multiple infectious diseases after the pandemic in China. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prevalence of insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses in third-grade class-A general hospitals under the context of high prevalence of multiple infectious diseases, and to explore the influence of demographic characteristics, work-related factors, health and lifestyle-related factors on insomnia symptoms.

Methods

An institution-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among doctors and nurses in two third-grade class-A general hospitals. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on demographic characteristics, work-related factors, health and lifestyle-related factors, and insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses. Multivariate logistics regression analysis was applied to identify factors significantly associated with insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses, respectively.

Results

A total of 1,004 participants were included in this study, including 503 doctors and 501 nurses. The prevalence of insomnia symptoms in doctors and nurses was 47.7 and 51.3%, respectively. Multivariate logistics regression analysis showed that workplace violence (OR: 1.631, 95% CI: 1.050–2.532), doctor-patient relationship (OR: 1.603, 95% CI: 1.049–2.450), chronic pain (OR: 4.134, 95% CI: 2.579–6.625), chronic disease (OR: 1.825, 95% CI: 1.164–2.861), and anxiety symptoms (OR: 2.273, 95% CI: 1.357–3.807) were associated factors with insomnia symptoms in doctors. Education (OR: 0.301, 95% CI: 0.106–0.851), service years (OR: 1.978, 95% CI: 1.304–3.002), weekly working hours (OR: 1.694, 95% CI: 1.061–2.705), chronic pain (OR: 5.359, 95% CI: 3.241–8.860), and anxiety symptoms (OR: 2.472, 95% CI: 1.478–4.136) were associated factors with insomnia symptoms in nurses.

Conclusion

The prevalence of insomnia symptoms among doctors and nurses was high, and affected by many factors. This information can inform tailored interventions to insomnia symptoms by doctors and nurses who play an important role in public health.
Policy design and implementation: a quantitative evaluation and empirical study of China’s rural sports policy based on the PMC index model
Authors: Chen Baibing , Zhu Qizhi , Xie Dongfang , Lao Yaoxian , Li Hong
Published: August 2024

The formulation and implementation of a rural sports policy is an important means of promoting rural sports, improving the physical wellbeing of farmers, and enhancing the cohesion of rural communities. However, introducing such a policy faces problems in the process of specific policy practices, such as poor effective implementation, a lagging implementation effect, and goal cognitive bias. How to look at the current rural sports policy implementation blockage problem and the governance of the blockage, in order to improve the level of rural sports public service, is the focus of this paper’s research. On this basis, this paper selects 56 policy texts, issued from 2002 to 2023, that are highly relevant to rural sports and have high timeliness and authority from the sports policies issued in China. Also, ROST CM6 software is used to count high-frequency words; this study then draws keyword social network mapping for the visual analysis of policy preferences and selects 20 rural sports policy texts as typical samples. Finally, a policy modeling research consistency (PMC) index model is used to evaluate the texts comprehensively and quantitatively. The results show that the overall design of China’s rural sports policies is relatively reasonable. However, the consistency and effectiveness of their implementation need to be improved. Twenty representative policy texts have an average PMC index score of 5.96, with a concave index of 3.04 (which is good overall), with the highest mean value for rural sports policies at the national level. This is followed by the second highest value at the municipal and county levels, and the smallest at the provincial level. Therefore, in the future formulation and implementation of rural sports policies, a multi-dimensional rural sports policy system should be constructed. This would help to strengthen the consistency and effectiveness of the implementation of the policy system and promote the high-quality development of rural sports.
The differential role of socioeconomic status dimensions in depressive symptoms of aging adults: data from the Hamburg City Health cohort Study
Authors: Klimesch Anne , Ascone Leonie , Schmager Axel , Petersen Elina , Hoven Hanno , von dem Knesebeck Olaf , Gallinat Jürgen , Kühn Simone
Published: August 2024

Background

Socioeconomic status (SES) has consistently been associated with depressive symptoms, however, it remains unclear which subset of SES variables is most relevant to the development of depressive symptoms. This study determined a standardized SES-Index to test the relationship of its sub-dimensions with depressive symptoms.

Methods

HCHS data (N = 10,000; analysis sample n = 8,400), comprising participants 45+ years of age, was used. A standardized approach to quantify SES was employed. Depressive symptoms were quantified using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Using multiple linear regression models, PHQ-9-scores were modeled as a function of age and sex, and (1a) total SES-Index score versus (1b) its three sub-dimension scores (education, occupational status, income). Models were compared on explained variance and goodness of fit. We determined risk ratios (RR, concerning a PHQ-9 sum score ≥ 10) based on (low, middle, high; 2a) SES-Index scores and (2b) the sub-dimension scores, with groups further differentiated by sex and age (45–64 versus 65+). We distinguished between the total SES-Index score and its three sub-dimension scores to identify relevant SES sub-dimensions in explaining PHQ-9-variability or risk of depression.

Results

Among all regression models (total explained variance 4–6%), income explained most variance, but performance of the SES-Index was comparable. Low versus high income groups showed the strongest differences in depressive trends in middle-aged females and males (RRs 3.57 and 4.91). In older age, this result was restricted to females (RR ≈ 2). Middle-aged males (versus females) showed stronger discrepancies in depressive trends pertaining to low versus high SES groups. In older age, the effect of SES was absent. Education was related to depressive trends only in middle-aged females and males. In an exploratory analysis, marital status and housing slightly increased model fit and explained variance while including somatic symptoms lead to substantial increases (R2adj = 0.485).

Conclusion

In line with previous research, the study provides evidence for SES playing a significant role in depressive symptoms in mid to old age, with income being robustly linked to depressive trends. Overall, the relationship between SES and depressive trends appears to be stronger in males than females and stronger in mid compared to old age.
Association between serum and urinary environmental metal levels and major depressive disorder: a study based on logistic regression and quantile regression
Authors: Sun Qixuan , Ding Haiyang , Lu Chenxuan , Yan Lailai , Cao Bing
Published: August 2024

Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a prevalent mental disorder globally. Increasing evidence suggests that Environmental Metal (EM) play a crucial role in MDD. Therefore, this study investigated the roles of barium (Ba), cesium (Cs), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and tin (Sn) in the etiology of MDD.

Methods

The study included 72 MDD patients and 75 healthy controls (HCs) from the Second People’s Hospital of Zhumadian, China. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) measured the metal levels in serum and urine samples from both groups.

Results

Significant differences in serum and urine levels of EMs were observed between MDD patients and HCs. After adjusting for age, gender, and BMI, logistic regression and quantile regression models revealed significant associations between EMs and MDD. In serum samples, higher Sn levels (OR = 1.22, p = 0.044) increased MDD risk, whereas higher Cs levels (OR = 0.02, p < 0.001), Cd (OR = 0.06, p = 0.047), and Mn (OR = 0.54, p = 0.016) decreased MDD risk. In urine samples, higher Ba levels (OR = 0.94, p = 0.015), Ni (OR = 0.87, p = 0.0024), Sn (OR = 1.62, p < 0.001), and Mn (OR = 0.77, p = 0.037) were significantly associated with MDD. Sn significantly positively predicted HAMD-24 scores at the 0.50 and 0.75 quantiles (β = 0.96, p = 0.018; β = 1.25, p = 0.008) as did Pb (β = 5.15, p = 0.001; β = 4.19, p = 0.004). Ba positively predicted depressive symptoms across all quantiles (all p < 0.05). Hg positively predicted HAMD-24 scores at the 0.50 quantile (β = 9.20, p = 0.050).

Conclusion

These findings underscore EMs’ importance in depression, aiding in targeted interventions for varying degrees of depression and necessitating future studies to clarify causality and mechanisms.
Patient-reported outcomes measure for patients with cleft palate
Authors: Xia Wenbo , Du Meijun , Wu Min , Chen Zehua , Yang Renjie , Shi Bing , Huang Hanyao
Published: August 2024

Cleft palate presents multifaceted challenges impacting speech, hearing, appearance, and cognition, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life (QoL). While surgical advancements aim to restore function and improve appearance, traditional clinical measures often fail to comprehensively capture patients’ experiences. Patient-reported outcomes measure (PROMs) have emerged as crucial tools in evaluating QoL, offering insights into various aspects such as esthetic results, speech function, and social integration. This review explores PROMs relevant to cleft palate complications, including velopharyngeal insufficiency, oronasal fistulas, maxillary hypoplasia, sleep-disordered breathing, and caregiver QoL. Additionally, the review highlights the need for cleft palate-specific scales to better address the unique challenges faced by patients. By incorporating PROMs, healthcare providers can achieve more personalized, patient-centered care, improve communication, and enhance treatment outcomes. Future research should focus on developing and validating specialized PROMs to further refine patient assessments and care strategies.
An introduction to Bayesian simulation-based inference for quantum machine learning with examples
Authors: Nikoloska Ivana , Simeone Osvaldo
Published: August 2024

Simulation is an indispensable tool in both engineering and the sciences. In simulation-based modeling, a parametric simulator is adopted as a mechanistic model of a physical system. The problem of designing algorithms that optimize the simulator parameters is the focus of the emerging field of simulation-based inference (SBI), which is often formulated in a Bayesian setting with the goal of quantifying epistemic uncertainty. This work studies Bayesian SBI that leverages a parameterized quantum circuit (PQC) as the underlying simulator. The proposed solution follows the well-established principle that quantum computers are best suited for the simulation of certain physical phenomena. It contributes to the field of quantum machine learning by moving beyond the likelihood-based methods investigated in prior work and accounting for the likelihood-free nature of PQC training. Experimental results indicate that well-motivated quantum circuits that account for the structure of the underlying physical system are capable of simulating data from two distinct tasks.
Who affects carbon emissions? Drivers and decoupling effects of agricultural carbon emissions—evidence from Sichuan, China
Authors: Meng Yan , Shen Yangyang , Wang Wei , Liu Yunqiang , Wang Fang , Wang Huan
Published: August 2024

Mitigating agricultural carbon emissions is pivotal for attaining the objectives of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Utilizing a time-varying parametric Cobb-Douglas (C-D) production function, this study employs an enhanced Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) decomposition approach, the Tapio decoupling model, and Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the determinants and decoupling dynamics of agricultural carbon emissions within Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2020. The findings reveal that: (1) Factors such as carbon emission intensity, agricultural structure, labor inputs, and capital stock played a significant role in suppressing agricultural carbon emissions, collectively contributing to a reduction of 484.12 million tonnes. (2) The unstable decoupling of agricultural carbon emissions from economic development in Sichuan Province. Capital stock, alongside carbon emission intensity and agricultural structure, significantly contributed to this decoupling. To harmonize agricultural economic growth with carbon emission reduction, emphasis should be placed on manure management and resource utilization in livestock and poultry farming. Furthermore, leveraging technological advancements to enhance resource efficiency is crucial for reducing carbon emissions. Simultaneously, strategic management of fixed asset growth, focused on energy conservation, can catalyze the synergistic effects of economic development and technological spillovers.
Wild rodents in three provinces of China exhibit a wide range of Enterocytozoon bieneusi diversity
Authors: Gao Zhen-Qiu , Wang Hai-Tao , Hou Qing-Yu , Qin Ya , Qin Si-Yuan , Zhao Quan , Ma He
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most important zoonotic pathogens, responsible for nearly 90% of human infections. Its host spectrum is broad in China, encompassing humans, non-human primates, domestic animals, wildlife, and wastewater. Wild rodents have the potential to act as carriers of E. bieneusi, facilitating the parasite’s transmission to humans and domestic animals.

Methods

The present study involved the collection of 344 wild rodents, representing nine species, from three provinces in China. The prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi were determined through amplification of the ITS gene. Evolutionary analysis was conducted using Mega 5.0 with the neighbor-joining method (Kimura 2-parameter model, 1,000 replicates).

Results

Among the sampled wild rodents, 41 (11.92%) were tested positive for E. bieneusi. Rattus flavipectus exhibited the highest prevalence (11/39), while Bandicota indica and Rattus rattus sladeni showed no infections (0/39 and 0/5, respectively), highlighting significant differences. Environmental factors strongly influenced E. bieneusi infection; rodents residing in lake beaches (10.27%, 15/146) and fields (19.95%, 18/95) were more susceptible compared to those in mountainous areas (7.77%, 8/103). The study identified four known genotypes (D, Type IV, SDD5, PigEBITS7) and five novel genotypes (HNRV-1 to HNRV-3, GXRL-1, GXRL-2) in the investigated wild rodents, with Genotype D exhibiting the highest prevalence.

Discussion

Remarkably, this study reports the presence of E. bieneusi, R. flavipectus, M. fortis, A. agrarius, R. losea, and N. lotipes for the first time. These findings underscore the common occurrence of E. bieneusi infection in wild rodents in China, highlighting its diverse nature and significant potential for zoonotic transmission. Hence, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological investigation of rodent infection with E. bieneusi, particularly focusing on wild rodents that are closely associated with humans. Additionally, developing appropriate measures and monitoring strategies to minimize the risk of infection is essential.
Text-Independent Phone-to-Audio Alignment Leveraging SSL (TIPAA-SSL) Pre-Trained Model Latent Representation and Knowledge Transfer
Authors: Tits Noé , Bhatnagar Prernna , Dutoit Thierry
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we present a novel approach for text-independent phone-to-audio alignment based on phoneme recognition, representation learning and knowledge transfer. Our method leverages a self-supervised model (Wav2Vec2) fine-tuned for phoneme recognition using a Connectionist Temporal Classification (CTC) loss, a dimension reduction model and a frame-level phoneme classifier trained using forced-alignment labels (using Montreal Forced Aligner) to produce multi-lingual phonetic representations, thus requiring minimal additional training. We evaluate our model using synthetic native data from the TIMIT dataset and the SCRIBE dataset for American and British English, respectively. Our proposed model outperforms the state-of-the-art (charsiu) in statistical metrics and has applications in language learning and speech processing systems. We leave experiments on other languages for future work but the design of the system makes it easily adaptable to other languages.
Feeding Values of Indigenous Browse Species and Forage Legumes for the Feeding of Ruminants in Ethiopia: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Belete Sisay , Tolera Adugna , Betsha Simret , Dickhöfer Uta
Published: August 2024

The foliage of browse species and forage legumes has good nutritional value and can be utilized as a protein source in ruminant diets. However, its efficient utilization requires the establishment of a comprehensive database of feeding values. Two databases, i.e., forage nutritive value (92 studies) and in vivo animal performance (62 feeding experiments), were built to assess the feeding value of the foliage of browse species and cultivated forage legumes in Ethiopia. The forage nutritive value data (chemical composition and in vitro digestibility) were summarized as descriptive statistics. The analysis of in vivo data was conducted using a mixed model procedure with fixed (forage supplement) and random (studies) factors. Forage categories had crude protein (CP) ranging from 17.6 ± 5.2% (indigenous browse species) to 22.4 ± 4.5% (multipurpose fodder tree/shrub species), respectively. Variations were observed in CP values between the vegetative and blooming stage harvesting of herbaceous forages (22.7 ± 4.1% versus 19.8 ± 3.5%). The leaves contained more CP than the twigs in multipurpose fodder tree/shrubs (22.8 ± 3.2% versus 18.8 ± 0.6%) and the pods in indigenous browse species (18.0 ± 5.0% versus 15.3 ± 2.3%). However, the greatest mean in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of 70.1 ± 10.8% was observed in the foliage of indigenous browse species. The variation in IVOMD was small among the forage categories (61.2 ± 11.2%–63.5 ± 10.8%). Twigs of the multipurpose fodder tree/shrub species had the lowest IVOMD of 53.0 ± 6.9%. Herbaceous forage legumes tended to have higher NDF and ADF values than the other forage categories. In terms of nutrient concentration and digestibility, large variations were observed within the same forage categories and species. The supplementation of forage, on average at 277.5 ± 101.4 g/day (±SD), to a low-quality basal diet resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the apparent digestibility of DM, CP, and NDF as well as the daily intake of DM, CP, and metabolizable energy (ME). The application of sole forage supplementation was determined to have comparable effects on DM intake (p = 0.2347) with dietary supplements based on concentrate feedstuffs. However, CP intake (p = 0.0733) tended to be lower for forage over the concentrate treatment. The averaged daily gain (ADG) of the animals was significantly increased (p < 0.05) by 71.2% due to the forage supplement compared to unsupplemented treatment (11.6 ± 5.47 g/d (±SE) vs. 40.3 ± 4.99 g/d (±SE)). Overall, the nutrient utilization and production performance of animals fed with low-quality basal diets could be improved when an appropriate amount of forage is included as supplement. The large variation recorded in the nutritional composition of browse species and forage legumes could provide an opportunity to screen for species and varieties with superior nutritional quality.
Influence of Exogenous Ethylene and Mechanical Damage on Gene Expression and Physiological Parameters of Maize Hybrids
Authors: Makleit Péter , Gulyás Gabriella , Czeglédi Levente , Veres Szilvia
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the responses of two maize hybrids, Armagnac and Desszert R-78, to exogenous ethylene and mechanical damage as stress treatments. The amounts of benzoxazinoids (BXDs) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were examined 2 and 4 h after ethylene and mechanical damage treatments as well as at the age of 24 days, and the activity of genes encoding BXD biosynthesis and other stress-related genes was measured in shoots. In both hybrids, mechanical damage upregulated the genes responsible for the synthesis of BXDs (BX8 and BX9), the AOC1 gene encoding jasmonate, and the DEH gene encoding lipid biosynthesis enzymes. Significant genotype differences were found in the amounts of BXDs. In the case of the Desszert R-78 hybrid, the BXDs level was increased at 4 h after stress treatments compared to the control. In the case of the Armagnac hybrid, the amount of BXDs decreased in response to ethylene compared to the control. The absence/presence of a correlation between the activity of genes encoding BXDs and the amount of BXDs is thought to be due to the different rate/speed of the response in the two hybrids. Mechanical damage and ethylene treatments did not significantly affect the activities of SOD and CAT as well as the amount of MDA during the four-hour study period.
Identification of Multiple Genetic Loci and Candidate Genes Determining Seed Size and Weight in Soybean
Authors: Wang Meng , Ding Xiaoyang , Zeng Yong , Xie Gang , Yu Jiaxin , Jin Meiyu , Liu Liu , Li Peiyuan , Zhao Na , Dong Qianli , Liu Bao , Xu Chunming
Published: August 2024

Soybean is a primary source of plant-based oil and protein for human diets. Seed size and weight are important agronomic traits that significantly influence soybean yield. Despite their importance, the genetic mechanisms underlying soybean seed size and weight remain to be fully elucidated. In order to identify additional, major quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seed size and weight, we developed segregating populations by crossing a large-seeded soybean variety “Kebaliang” with a small-seeded soybean variety “SUZUMARU”. We evaluated seed length, width, thickness, and hundred-seed weight across two generations, F4 and F5, in 2022 and 2023. Employing bulked segregate analysis with whole-genome resequencing (BSA-seq), we detected 18 QTLs in the F4 population and 12 QTLs in the F5 population. Notably, six QTLs showed high stability between the two generations, with five derived from two pleiotropic loci (qSS4-1 and qSS20-1) and one specific to seed width (qSW14-1). Further validation and refinement of these loci were carried out through linkage mapping using molecular markers in the F5 population. Additionally, we identified 18 candidate genes within these stable loci and analyzed their sequence variations and expression profiles. Together, our findings offered a foundational reference for further soybean seed size research and unveiled novel genetic loci and candidate genes that could be harnessed for the genetic enhancement of soybean production.
Historical Account of Managing Overabundant Wild Asian Elephants in Myanmar by the Kheddah System of Capture: Philosophy, Principles and Practices
Authors: Mar Khyne U.
Published: August 2024

When standard methods of human–elephant conflict mitigation are not successful, free-ranging wild elephants may continue to come into close contact with people. This results in more frequent and severe conflict, with consequences ranging from crop raiding to loss of human and elephant lives. Understandably, in such situations, local communities may want to be rid of entire herds of elephants. Historically, one of the strategies the Myanmar Government practiced to resolve human–elephant conflict was the capture of whole herds using the Kheddah system. This involved trapping the herd in a stockade, immediately followed by on-site post-capture taming. After taming, the captured elephants were utilized as logging elephants. Elephants worked in timber extraction, retired at age 55 years and were then cared for by the Government until they died. The capture of wild elephants by the Kheddah system was formally banned in Myanmar in 1985 but occasional, small-scale, captures were allowed until 2013 under the strict control of the Myanmar Government. These operations were aimed primarily at capturing elephants involved in human–elephant conflict, rather than to supplement the working elephant population. One of the last Kheddah operations, organized and managed by the author, was conducted in 1996 at the Taikkyi township of the Yangon Region, as a last resort to end human–elephant conflict in an emergency. While chemical immobilization was being used at this time, it was not logistically possible with the high numbers of elephants engaged in the conflict. This review aims to record the history of an activity that was an important element of Myanmar’s timber industry more than three decades ago. In this paper, the author presents a description of Kheddah not to endorse it, but to document (1) the Myanmar elephant population management strategy in the past, before it is forgotten, and (2) the practicality of the Kheddha operation when the singly selected commonly- used immobilization or noosing method of elephant capture is unfeasible. The author attempts to shed light on the modern veterinary procedures that may significantly reduce the notorious historical outcome of Kheddha, especially the resulting mortality of captured elephants, should the Kheddha system of capture ever be used as an emergency solution for ongoing problems of human–elephant conflict in the range states of Asia.
Population Genetic Features of Calving Interval of Holstein-Friesian Cows Bred in Hungary
Authors: Bene Szabolcs , Kőrösi Zsolt Jenő , Bognár László , Polgár József Péter , Szabó Ferenc
Published: August 2024

Calving interval (CI) data (N = 37,263) from 17,319 cows born 2008–2018 in six herds were assessed. The data were made available by the National Association of Hungarian Holstein Friesian Breeders in Hungary. The effects of some genetic and environmental factors, population genetic parameters, breeding value (BV) of sires, and phenotypic and genetic trends of the CI were estimated. The GLM method was used for studying different effects on the CI. BLUP animal model was used for heritability (h2) and BV estimation. Linear regression analyses were applied for the trend calculation. The mean of the CI was 412.2 ± 2.0 days. The h2 of the CI proved to be low (0.07 ± 0.01 and 0.08 ± 0.01). There were relatively high differences among the sires in the estimated BV. Based on the phenotypic trend calculation, the CI of cows showed decreasing direction by an average of 1.80 days per year (R2 = 0.94; p < 0.01). In the case of genetic trend calculation, the average BV of sires in the CI has decreased −4.94 and −0.31 days per year (R2 = 0.91 and 0.41; p < 0.01).