bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of WRKY gene family members in amaranth based on a transcriptome database and functional analysis of AtrWRKY42-2 in betalain metabolism
Authors: Yang Rongzhi , Huang Tianliu , Song Weiwei , An Zixian , Lai Zhongxiong , Liu Shengcai
Published: December 2023

Introduction

WRKY TFs (WRKY transcription factors) contribute to the synthesis of secondary metabolites in plants. Betalains are natural pigments that do not coexist with anthocyanins within the same plant. Amaranthus tricolor (‘Suxian No.1’) is an important leaf vegetable rich in betalains. However, the WRKY family members in amaranth and their roles in betalain synthesis and metabolism are still unclear.

Methods

To elucidate the molecular characteristics of the amaranth WRKY gene family and its role in betalain synthesis, WRKY gene family members were screened and identified using amaranth transcriptome data, and their physicochemical properties, conserved domains, phylogenetic relationships, and conserved motifs were analyzed using bioinformatics methods.

Results

In total, 72 WRKY family members were identified from the amaranth transcriptome. Three WRKY genes involved in betalain synthesis were screened in the phylogenetic analysis of WRKY TFs. RT-qPCR showed that the expression levels of these three genes in red amaranth ‘Suxian No.1’ were higher than those in green amaranth ‘Suxian No.2’ and also showed that the expression level of AtrWRKY42 gene short-spliced transcript AtrWRKY42-2 in Amaranth ‘Suxian No.1’ was higher than that of the complete sequence AtrWRKY42-1, so the short-spliced transcript AtrWRKY42-2 was mainly expressed in ‘Suxian No.2’ amaranth. Moreover, the total expression levels of AtrWRKY42-1 and AtrWRKY42-2 were down-regulated after GA3 treatment, so AtrWRKY42-2 was identified as a candidate gene. Therefore, the short splice variant AtrWRKY42-2 cDNA sequence, gDNA sequence, and promoter sequence of AtrWRKY42 were cloned, and the PRI 101-AN-AtrWRKY42-2-EGFP vector was constructed to evaluate subcellular localization, revealing that AtrWRKY42-2 is located in the nucleus. The overexpression vector pRI 101-AN-AtrWRKY42-2-EGFP and VIGS (virus-induced gene silencing) vector pTRV2-AtrWRKY42-2 were transferred into leaves of ‘Suxian No.1’ by an Agrobacterium-mediated method. The results showed that AtrWRKY42-2 overexpression could promote the expression of AtrCYP76AD1 and increase betalain synthesis. A yeast one-hybrid assay demonstrated that AtrWRKY42-2 could bind to the AtrCYP76AD1 promoter to regulate betalain synthesis.

Discussion

This study lays a foundation for further exploring the function of AtrWRKY42-2 in betalain metabolism.
Why do people post when they or others are under risk or threat? Sociological and psychological reasons
Authors: Yaman Fatih
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Advances in technology make it easier for users to post content on social media. People can post different types of content in digital environments. Sometimes, they post such content in risky situations. Accordingly, this study aims to determine the sociological and psychological reasons why people record dangerous occurrences where they or other people are under risk or threat and post these recordings on social media.

Methods

This study aimed to answer five research questions. a) Why do individuals use social media? b) Why do people post on social media? c) What types of posts do people share on social media? d) What are the possible psychological reasons that push people to share such occurrences on social media? e) Why do individuals feel the need to record and share dangerous occurrences while under risk or danger? This study was conducted on the basis of a case study design, and interviews were conducted with two psychiatrists, two specialist clinical psychologists, and two sociologists.

Results

After the interviews, the reasons why individuals use social media platforms and post on the said platforms were laid out. It can be argued that the most prominent reason behind individuals’ tendency to post while under risk or threat is isolation and inability to help.
Core self-evaluation and innovative behavior: mediating effect of error orientation and self-efficacy of nurses
Authors: Ma Guiyue , Han Zhihao , Ma Xiaoqin
Published: December 2023

Background

Innovation plays a crucial role in advancing nursing and healthcare. Despite its significance, there is a paucity of research examining the interplay among nursing innovative behavior, core self-evaluation, error orientation, and self-efficacy. This study, grounded in Bandura’s social cognitive theory, seeks to not only investigate the influence of core self-evaluation on nurses’ innovative behavior but also to elucidate the mediating roles of error orientation and self-efficacy within this relationship. By addressing these dynamics, the research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping nurses’ innovative behaviors and contribute to the broader discourse on enhancing healthcare practices.

Design

A cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire.

Setting

Participants were recruited from 23 hospitals in 6 provinces and 1 municipality directly under the central government in China, namely Zhejiang, Anhui, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Hebei, Henan, and Shanghai.

Participants

A total of 741 nurses enrolled in the study.

Methods

The participants completed the nurse innovative behavior scale, the core self-evaluation scale, the error orientation questionnaire, and the self-efficacy scale online in 2023. SPSS and AMOS were used for data analysis. The reporting followed the STROBE checklist.

Results

A total of 706 valid questionnaires were collected. A positive core self-evaluation was associated with more innovative behavior, and this relation was partially mediated by error orientation and self-efficacy to avoid failure. Core self-evaluation, error orientation and self-efficacy of nurses had a positive predictive effect on innovation behavior, with the path coefficients at 0.09, 0.23, and 0.39, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study complements the evidence on the mechanism of action between the core self-evaluation and innovative behavior. Our findings have important clinical implications for promoting innovative behavior in nurses.
A feasibility study of goal-directed network-based real-time fMRI neurofeedback for anhedonic depression
Authors: Wang Xiaoxia , Zhou Xiaoyan , Li Jing , Gong Yushun , Feng Zhengzhi
Published: December 2023

Anhedonia is a hallmark symptom of depression that often lacks adequate interventions. The translational gap remains in clinical treatments based on neural substrates of anhedonia. Our pilot study found that depressed individuals depended less on goal-directed (GD) reward learning (RL), with reduced reward prediction error (RPE) BOLD signal. Previous studies have found that anhedonia is related to abnormal activities and/or functional connectivities of the central executive network (CEN) and salience network (SN), both of which belong to the goal-directed system. In addition, it was found that real-time functional magnetic resonance imaging (rt-fMRI) neurofeedback (NF) could improve the balance between CEN and SN in healthy individuals. Therefore, we speculate that rt-fMRI NF of the CEN and SN associated with the GD system may improve depressive and/or anhedonic symptoms. Therefore, this study (1) will examine individuals with anhedonic depression using GD-RL behavioral task, combined with functional magnetic resonance imaging and computational modeling to explore the role of CEN/SN deficits in anhedonic depression; and (2) will utilize network-based rt-fMRI NF to investigate whether it is feasible to regulate the differential signals of brain CEN/SN of GD system through rt-fMRI NF to alleviate depressive and/or anhedonic symptoms. This study highlights the need to elucidate the intervention effects of rt-fMRI NF and the underlying computational network neural mechanisms.
Anxiety among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal study
Authors: Bosma Esmee , Feenstra Verena , van Oostrom Sandra H. ,   Lifelines Corona Research Initiative
Published: December 2023

Background

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many healthcare workers faced extreme working conditions and were at higher risk of infection with the coronavirus. These circumstances may have led to mental health problems, such as anxiety, among healthcare workers. Most studies that examined anxiety among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic were cross-sectional and focused on the first months of the pandemic only. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the longitudinal association between working in healthcare and anxiety during a long-term period (i.e., 18 months) of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Data were used from online questionnaires of the Lifelines COVID-19 prospective cohort with 22 included time-points (March 2020–November 2021). In total, 2,750 healthcare workers and 9,335 non-healthcare workers were included. Anxiety was assessed with questions from the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, and an anxiety sum score (0–7) was calculated. Negative binomial generalized estimating equations (GEE), adjusted for demographic, work and health covariates, were used to examine the association between working in healthcare and anxiety.

Results

Anxiety sum scores over time during the COVID-19 pandemic were similar for healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers. No differences between the anxiety sum scores of healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers were found [incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.91–1.04].

Conclusion

This study did not find differences between healthcare workers and non-healthcare in perceived anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Western life courses challenged in life stories collected in contemporary China
Authors: Cheng Sheng-Li , Johansson Stina , Liu Shushan , Li Yun
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The life course describes the progression of life as a social role, from birth to death. Traditional Western life-history studies of the life course usually describe a continuous lifeline with occasional interruptions in between. The extraordinary temporal events of the Anti-Japanese War (AJW), Civil War (CW), Great Famine (GF), Cultural Revolution (CR), and the Reform and Opening-up of China in just few decades mean that the life history of contemporary Chinese older adults may be quite different from those of their western peers.

Methods

The study used qualitative research methods to conduct in-depth interviews with 16 older adults and collect their life stories through a standardized list of questions. Grounded theory was employed to condense, compare, conceptualize, and synthesize patterns within the collected data, approaching the investigation with a “naturalistic” perspective.

Results

Based on a generalized analysis of the Interview transcripts, we can find that Chinese old adults’ life stories were shaped by recurring exceptional and rapidly changing environmental conditions. The themes and sub-themes of Chinese old adults’ life stories were focus on (1) violence, loss of family member, escape and unstable life in their early life which are related to AJW and CW; (2) poverty and starvation in daily life when they were adolescents and young adults which are related to GF; (3) discontinuity, timed opportunities, categorizations in order to split the social relationships and networks in CR. The data also suggest that education is an important part of the life story and that its value changes over time.

Discussion

The discontinuity and instability of the life stories of the Chinese old adults are unexpected according to the dominant Western-influenced life course theories, which enriches life course theory and provides a new perspective for studying the individual life course in a society of constant and rapid change.
The survival of murine hepatitis virus (a surrogate of SARS-CoV-2) on conventional packaging materials under cold chain conditions
Authors: Xie Tiancheng , Yang Jiaxue , Fang Chubin , Zhang Jing , Lin Hua , Zhu Yalan , Tang Tian , Wang Chuan
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The cold chain conditions have been suggested to facilitate long-distance transmission of SARS-CoV-2, but it is unclear how viable the virus is on cold chain packaging materials.

Methods

This study used the MHV-JHM strain of murine hepatitis virus as a model organism to investigate the viability of SARS-CoV-2 on foam, plastic, cardboard, and wood sheets at different temperatures (−40°C, −20°C, and 4°C). In addition, the ability of peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite to eliminate the MHV-JHM on plastic and cardboard sheets were also evaluated.

Results

The results indicate that MHV-JHM can survive on foam, plastic, or cardboard sheets for up to 28 days at −40°C and −20°C, and up to 14 days on foam and plastic surfaces at 4°C. Although viral nucleic acids were still detectable after storing at 4°C for 28 days, the corresponding virus titer was below the limit of quantification (LOQ).

Discussion

The study highlights that a positive nucleic acid test result may not indicate that the virus is still viable, and confirms that peracetic acid and sodium hypochlorite can effectively eliminate MHV-JHM on packaging materials under cold chain conditions.
The sense of embodiment in Virtual Reality and its assessment methods
Authors: Guy Martin , Normand Jean-Marie , Jeunet-Kelway Camille , Moreau Guillaume
Published: December 2023

The sense of embodiment refers to the sensations of being inside, having, and controlling a body. In virtual reality, it is possible to substitute a person’s body with a virtual body, referred to as an avatar. Modulations of the sense of embodiment through modifications of this avatar have perceptual and behavioural consequences on users that can influence the way users interact with the virtual environment. Therefore, it is essential to define metrics that enable a reliable assessment of the sense of embodiment in virtual reality to better understand its dimensions, the way they interact, and their influence on the quality of interaction in the virtual environment. In this review, we first introduce the current knowledge on the sense of embodiment, its dimensions (senses of agency, body ownership, and self-location), and how they relate the ones with the others. Then, we dive into the different methods currently used to assess the sense of embodiment, ranging from questionnaires to neurophysiological measures. We provide a critical analysis of the existing metrics, discussing their advantages and drawbacks in the context of virtual reality. Notably, we argue that real-time measures of embodiment, which are also specific and do not require double tasking, are the most relevant in the context of virtual reality. Electroencephalography seems a good candidate for the future if its drawbacks (such as its sensitivity to movement and practicality) are improved. While the perfect metric has yet to be identified if it exists, this work provides clues on which metric to choose depending on the context, which should hopefully contribute to better assessing and understanding the sense of embodiment in virtual reality.
Virtual monitors vs. physical monitors: an empirical comparison for productivity work
Authors: Pavanatto Leonardo , Davari Shakiba , Badea Carmen , Stoakley Richard , Bowman Doug A.
Published: December 2023

Virtual monitors can display information through a head-worn display when a physical monitor is unavailable or provides insufficient space. Low resolution and restricted field of view are common issues of these displays. Such issues reduce readability and peripheral vision, leading to increased head movement when we increase the display size. This work evaluates the performance and user experience of a virtual monitor setup that combines software designed to minimize graphical transformations and a high-resolution virtual reality head-worn display. Participants performed productivity work across three approaches: Workstation, which is often used at office locations and consists of three side-by-side physical monitors; Laptop, which is often used in mobile locations and consists of a single physical monitor expanded with multiple desktops; and Virtual, our prototype with three side-by-side virtual monitors. Results show that participants deemed Virtual faster, easier to use, and more intuitive than Laptop, evidencing the advantages of head and eye glances over full content switches. They also confirm the existence of a gap between Workstation and Virtual, as Workstation achieved the highest user experience. We conclude with design guidelines obtained from the lessons learned in this study.
Sports venue digital twin technology from a spectator virtual visiting perspective
Authors: Glebova Ekaterina , Book Robert , Su Yiran , Perić Marko , Heller Jonas
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this article is to adopt a customer-centric perspective the and introduce digital twin technology as a solution for mega-sport event management. This conceptual model article focuses on the potentially drastic role of digital twin technology in modern sports events, explaining in detail different aspects of its impact. The main research question is “How (and why) do sports venue digital twin emerging technologies prospectively impact the sports spectators” customer experiences?” It contributes to understanding how and why sports venue digital twins make events more customer-centred by enhancing fan experiences and engagement. Subsequently, it aims to position digital twin technology as an innovative solution for mega-sport event management across various customer experience touchpoints. By examining the intersection of digital twins and sports events from a customer-centric lens, this article will elucidate the intricacies involved in leveraging this emerging technology to transform stakeholder and fan experiences at major sporting events. Finally, we outline and explain the obstacles, challenges, opportunities, and perspectives of digital twin technology at an intersection with sports events from a customer-centric perspective. The use of digital twins potentially enables the creation of hyper-realistic virtual replicas of sports venues, providing immersive and personalized experiences for spectators. This technology allows event organizers to optimize resource allocation, streamline logistics, and improve operational efficiency.
Case report: Teat stenosis in a suckler cow
Authors: Schären-Bannert Melanie , Starke Alexander , Snedec Teja , Vogel Laura , Wagner Romy , Kühn Tilman , Bittner-Schwerda Lilli
Published: December 2023

Bovine veterinarians are regularly confronted with teat lesions in cows. The number of studies on the diagnosis and treatment of teat lesions as well as the exchange of practical experience among clinicians are extensive in dairy cows compared with suckler cows. The aim of this case report was to describe the successful treatment of teat stenosis in a suckler cow and discuss possible challenges. A four-year-old Simmental cow, in her third lactation and 4 days in milk, was referred to our clinic along with her calf because of teat stenosis in the front left quarter. The owner had repeatedly used a rigid teat cannula in an attempt to relieve the stenosis during the previous lactation. However, the cow had refused to allow the current calf to suckle the affected teat and resisted attempts by the owner to cannulate the teat. The results of clinical examination, ultrasonography, and milk sampling showed stenosis of the proximal, middle, and distal parts of the front left teat cistern, accompanied by thelitis and cisternitis and mild chronic clinical mastitis. Based on published recommendations, treatment of the thelitis, cisternitis, and mastitis was initiated before resolution of the stenosis surgically. The first week of treatment included the administration of an intramammary product containing cefapirin and prednisolone, a systemic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, a wax teat-boogie, and bandaging of the teat. Thereafter, the treatment was reduced to insertion of a wax-teat boogie and bandaging. Conservative treatment resulted in resolution of the mastitis, cisternitis, and stenosis in the proximal and middle parts of the teat, which had most likely been caused by repeated cannulation of the teat by the owner. Lateral theloscopy was then used to remove the distal stenosis, which was the primary lesion. Healing of the surgical wound and resolution of the swelling occurred several days postoperatively, and the calf’s first attempt to suckle the teat was successful. The cow and calf were discharged from the clinic 2 weeks after surgery. A follow-up visit 4.5 months after surgery revealed that the calf was still nursing the teat and the operated quarter was producing a normal amount of milk.
Dietary supplementation with β-mannanase and probiotics as a strategy to improve laying hen performance and egg quality
Authors: Carvalho Camila Lopes , Andretta Ines , Galli Gabriela Miotto , Bastos Stefanello Thais , Camargo Nathalia de Oliveira Telesca , Mendes Ricardo Evandro , Pelisser Giovanna , Balamuralikrishnan Balasubramanian , Melchior Raquel , Kipper Marcos
Published: December 2023

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of β-mannanase and probiotic on the performance, serum biochemistry, gut morphometric traits, and fresh egg quality of laying hens. A total of 120 cages, housing light-weight laying hens (36 weeks old), were randomly assigned to four different treatments. These treatments included a control group fed non-supplemented diets; diets supplemented with 300 g/ton of beta-mannanase; diets supplemented with 50 g/ton of probiotic; or diets containing both 300 g/ton of β-mannanase and 50 g/ton of probiotics. The trial spanned a duration of 26 weeks and was divided into three productive phases, each lasting 28 days. The inclusion of β-mannanase resulted in a significant improvement in the laying rate by 11% (p < 0.05) compared to the control treatment. Similarly, the addition of probiotics also enhanced the laying rate by 7% (p < 0.05), as well as the supplementation with combined additives (11.5%). Combined additives showed an increase in egg masses, and additive association improved by 13.9% (p < 0.001) in contrast to the control treatment. Overall, β-mannanase and combined additives used during the supplementation period resulted in improvements in the weight of fresh eggs. These benefits were observed after a period of 14 weeks without supplementation (p < 0.05). Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the serum biochemistry and egg masses of birds that were fed diets containing both additives (β-mannanase + probiotics) compared to the control group. Parameters such as uric acid, total cholesterol, and triglycerides displayed notable variations. The villi height: crypt depth showed differences with combined additives (β-mannanase + probiotics). The β-mannanase improved specific gravity, yolk height, length, and pH, and yolk color traits compared to the control treatment. The use of probiotics helped to improve yolk height, pH, and color score. Besides, combined additives (β-mannanase + probiotics) improve yolk height, length, weight, pH, and better traits in yolk color. Hence, incorporating β-mannanase and probiotics into laying hen diets proves to be a highly effective strategy for enhancing laying rate and overall health status, while simultaneously elevating certain quality attributes of fresh eggs.
Nonparametric bootstrap methods for interval estimation of the area under the ROC curve with correlated diagnostic test data: application to whole-virus ELISA testing in swine
Authors: Pang Jinji , Ju Wangqian , Welch Michael , Gauger Phillip , Liu Peng , Zhang Qijing , Wang Chong
Published: December 2023

Developing and evaluating novel diagnostic assays are crucial components of contemporary diagnostic research. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) are frequently used to evaluate diagnostic assays’ performance. The variation in AUC estimation can be quantified nonparametrically using resampling methods, such as bootstrapping, and then used to construct interval estimation for the AUC. When multiple observations are observed from the same subject, which is very common in veterinary diagnostic tests evaluation experiments, a traditional bootstrap-based method can fail to provide valid interval estimations of AUC. In particular, the traditional method does not account for the correlation among data observations and could result in interval estimation that fails to cover the true AUC adequately at the desired confidence level. In this paper, we proposed two novel methods to calculate the confidence interval of the AUC for correlated diagnostic test data based on cluster bootstrapping and hierarchical bootstrapping, respectively. Our simulation studies showed that both proposed methods had adequate coverage probabilities which were higher than the existing traditional method when there were intra-subject correlations. We also discussed applying the proposed methods to evaluate a novel whole-virus ELISA (wv-ELISA) diagnostic assay in detecting porcine parainfluenza virus type-1 antibodies in swine serum.
Genome Survey of Stipa breviflora Griseb. Using Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Yun Xiangjun , Wu Jinrui , Xu Bo , Lv Shijie , Zhang Le , Zhang Wenguang , Sun Shixian , Liu Guixiang , Zu Yazhou , Liu Bin
Published: December 2023

Due to climate change and global warming, the frequency of sandstorms in northern China is increasing. Stipa breviflora, a dominant species in Eurasian grasslands, can help prevent desertification from becoming more serious. Studies on S. breviflora cover a wide range of fields. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to sequence, assemble, and annotate the S. breviflora genome. In total, 2,781,544 contigs were assembled, and 2,600,873 scaffolds were obtained, resulting in a total length of 649,849,683 bp. The number of scaffolds greater than 1 kb was 70,770. We annotated the assembled genome (>121 kb), conducted a selective sweep analysis, and ultimately succeeded in assembling the Matk gene of S. breviflora. More importantly, our research identified 26 scaffolds that may be responsible for the drought tolerance of S. breviflora Griseb. In summary, the data obtained regarding S. breviflora will be of great significance for future research.
Approaches to Testing Novel β-Lactam and β-Lactam Combination Agents in the Clinical Laboratory
Authors: Russo Carmella , Humphries Romney
Published: December 2023

The rapid emergence of multi-drug resistant Gram-negative pathogens has driven the introduction of novel β-lactam combination agents (BLCs) to the antibiotic market: ceftolozane-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam, meropenem-vaborbactam, imipenem-relebactam, cefiderocol, and sulbactam-durlobactam. These agents are equipped with innovative mechanisms that confer broad Gram-negative activity, notably against certain challenging carbapenemases. While their introduction offers a beacon of hope, clinical microbiology laboratories must navigate the complexities of susceptibility testing for these agents due to their diverse activity profiles against specific β-lactamases and the possibility of acquired resistance mechanisms in some bacterial isolates. This review explores the complexities of these novel antimicrobial agents detailing the intricacies of their application, providing guidance on the nuances of susceptibility testing, interpretation, and result reporting in clinical microbiology laboratories.
Rapid Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Critically Ill Children Using a Custom TaqMan Array Card
Authors: Clark John A. , Curran Martin D. , Gouliouris Theodore , Conway Morris Andrew , Bousfield Rachel , Navapurkar Vilas , Kean Iain R. L. , Daubney Esther , White Deborah , Baker Stephen , Pathan Nazima
Published: December 2023

Bacteria are identified in only 22% of critically ill children with respiratory infections treated with antimicrobial therapy. Once an organism is isolated, antimicrobial susceptibility results (phenotypic testing) can take another day. A rapid diagnostic test identifying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes could help clinicians make earlier, informed antimicrobial decisions. Here we aimed to validate a custom AMR gene TaqMan Array Card (AMR-TAC) for the first time and assess its feasibility as a screening tool in critically ill children. An AMR-TAC was developed using a combination of commercial and bespoke targets capable of detecting 23 AMR genes. This was validated using isolates with known phenotypic resistance. The card was then tested on lower respiratory tract and faecal samples obtained from mechanically ventilated children in a single-centre observational study of respiratory infection. There were 82 children with samples available, with a median age of 1.2 years. Major comorbidity was present in 29 (35%) children. A bacterial respiratory pathogen was identified in 13/82 (16%) of children, of which 4/13 (31%) had phenotypic AMR. One AMR gene was detected in 49/82 (60%), and multiple AMR genes were detected in 14/82 (17%) children. Most AMR gene detections were not associated with the identification of phenotypic AMR. AMR genes are commonly detected in samples collected from mechanically ventilated children with suspected respiratory infections. AMR-TAC may have a role as an adjunct test in selected children in whom there is a high suspicion of antimicrobial treatment failure.
Heterogeneous Phenotypic Responses of Antibiotic-Resistant Salmonella Typhimurium to Food Preservative-Related Stresses
Authors: Yi Jiseok , Ahn Juhee
Published: December 2023

This study was designed to evaluate the response of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium to food preservative-related stresses, such as lactic acid and sodium chloride (NaCl). S. Typhimurium cells were exposed to 1 µg/mL of ciprofloxacin (CIP), 0.2% lactic acid (LA), 6% NaCl, CIP followed by LA (CIP-LA), and CIP followed by NaCl (CIP-NaCl). The untreated S. Typhimurium cells were the control (CON). All treatments were as follows: CON, CIP, LA, NaCl, CIP-LA, and CIP-NaCl. The phenotypic heterogeneity was evaluated by measuring the antimicrobial susceptibility, bacterial fluctuation, cell injury, persistence, and cross-resistance. The CIP, CIP-LA, and CIP-NaCl groups were highly resistant to ciprofloxacin, showing MIC values of 0.70, 0.59, and 0.54 µg/mL, respectively, compared to the CON group (0.014 µg/mL). The susceptibility to lactic acid was not changed after exposure to NaCl, while that to NaCl was decreased after exposure to NaCl. The Eagle phenomenon was observed in the CIP, CIP-LA, and CIP-NaCl groups, showing Eagle effect concentrations (EECs) of more than 8 µg/mL. No changes in the MBCs of lactic acid and NaCl were observed in the CIP, LA, and CIP-LA groups, and the EECs of lactic acid and NaCl were not detected in all treatments. The bacterial fluctuation rates of the CIP-LA and CIP-NaCl groups were considerably increased to 33% and 41%, respectively, corresponding to the injured cell proportions of 82% and 89%. CIP-NaCl induced persister cells as high as 2 log cfu/mL. The LA and NaCl treatments decreased the fitness cost. The CIP-NaCl treatment showed positive cross-resistance to erythromycin (ERY) and tetracycline (TET), while the LA and NaCl treatments were collaterally susceptible to chloramphenicol (CHL), ciprofloxacin (CIP), piperacillin (PIP), and TET. The results provide new insight into the fate of antibiotic-resistant S. Typhimurium during food processing and preservation.
Recent Developments in Gene Therapy for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review
Authors: Finocchio Lucia , Zeppieri Marco , Gabai Andrea , Toneatto Giacomo , Spadea Leopoldo , Salati Carlo
Published: December 2023

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a complex and multifactorial disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness in the elderly population. The anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy has revolutionized the management and prognosis of neovascular AMD (nAMD) and is currently the standard of care for this disease. However, patients are required to receive repeated injections, imposing substantial social and economic burdens. The implementation of gene therapy methods to achieve sustained delivery of various therapeutic proteins holds the promise of a single treatment that could ameliorate the treatment challenges associated with chronic intravitreal therapy, and potentially improve visual outcomes. Several early-phase trials are currently underway, evaluating the safety and efficacy of gene therapy for nAMD; however, areas of controversy persist, including the therapeutic target, route of administration, and potential safety issues. In this review, we assess the evolution of gene therapy for nAMD and summarize several preclinical and early-stage clinical trials, exploring challenges and future directions.
Two-Time Multiplexed Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Might Help the Implementation of Germline Screening Tools for Myelodysplastic Syndromes/Hematologic Neoplasms
Authors: Calvete Oriol , Mestre Julia , Risueño Ruth M. , Manzanares Ana , Acha Pamela , Xicoy Blanca , Solé Francesc
Published: December 2023

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) tools have importantly helped the classification of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), guiding the management of patients. However, new concerns are under debate regarding their implementation in routine clinical practice for the identification of germline predisposition. Cost-effective targeted NGS tools would improve the current standardized studies and genetic counseling. Here, we present our experience in a preliminary study detecting variants using a two-time multiplexed library strategy. Samples from different MDS patients were first mixed before library preparation and later multiplexed for a sequencing run. Two different mixes including a pool of three (3×) and four (4×) samples were evaluated. The filtered variants found in the individually sequenced samples were compared with the variants found in the two-time multiplexed studies to determine the detection efficiency scores. The same candidate variants were found in the two-time multiplexed studies in comparison with the individual tNGS. The variant allele frequency (VAF) values of the candidate variants were also compared. No significant differences were found between the expected and observed VAF percentages in both the 3× (p-value 0.74) and 4× (p-value 0.34) multiplexed studies. Our preliminary results suggest that the two-time multiplexing strategy might have the potential to help reduce the cost of evaluating germline predisposition.
Coccolithophore Distribution in the Western Black Sea in the Summer of 2016
Authors: Dimiza Margarita D. , Triantaphyllou Maria V. , Ravani Alexandra , Malinverno Elisa , Karatsolis Boris T. , Psarra Stella , Karageorgis Aristomenis P.
Published: December 2023

Coccolithophores are an important component of phytoplankton abundance and biomass in the brackish environments of the Black Sea. Here, the abundance, composition, and distribution of coccolithophores were investigated in water samples taken from the first 50 m at 18 stations in the western Black Sea during a coccolithophore bloom, in June 2016. The total cell abundances ranged from 2 to 763 × 104 coccospheres L−1; Emiliania huxleyi was the most dominant species, but also Syracosphaera spp. (S. dilatata and S. molischii), Acanthoica (A. acanthifera and A. quattrospina), and Algirosphaera robusta displayed remarkably high concentrations. The formation of the seasonal thermocline significantly affects the vertical distribution of coccolithophores. Emiliania huxleyi, Syracosphaera spp., and Acanthoica spp. were restricted to the upper part of the water column, whereas high abundances of Algirosphaera robusta occurred below the thermocline. Overall, our results show significant differences in the vertical (ANOSIM R = 0.50, p = 0.0001) and spatial (ANOSIM R = 0.18, p = 0.0006) distribution of coccolithophores. Higher abundances of E. huxleyi and Syracosphaera spp. were recorded in the northwestern inner shelf region when compared to the open-sea samples. The observed coccolithophore spatial distribution is suggested to be mostly associated with the influx of less saline river water with high nutrient concentrations.
Association between Mean Nocturnal Baseline Impedance (MNBI) and Post-Reflux Swallow-Induced Peristaltic Wave Index (PSPW) in GERD Patients
Authors: Sararu Elena Roxana , Peagu Razvan , Fierbinteanu-Braticevici Carmen
Published: December 2023

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal disorders in the world. Two parameters, mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) and post-reflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave index (PSPW), have been recently proposed to help differentiate GERD phenotypes. Our study aimed to assess whether there is any correlation between the two parameters, while also taking a look at their ability to distinguish between GERD phenotypes. We recruited 81 patients who were divided into 4 groups based on their GERD phenotype: erosive reflux disease (ERD), non-erosive reflux disease (NERD), reflux hypersensitivity (RH), and functional heartburn (FH). Both MNBI (AUROC 0.855) and PSPW (AUROC 0.835) had very good performances in separating ERD patients from non-ERD patients. PSPW (AUROC 0.784) was superior to MNBI (AUROC 0.703) in distinguishing NERD patients from patients with RH or FH. The PSPW index (AUROC 0.762) was more effective than MNBI (AUROC 0.668) in separating RH from FH. We found that PSPW and MNBI have a strong statistical correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient, r = 0.722, p < 0.001). Furthermore, PSPW predicted pathological MNBI (<2292 Ω) with good performance (AUROC 0.807). MNBI and PSPW are useful in distinguishing GERD phenotypes, with a strong correlation between the two parameters.
Biodiversity and Constrained Information Dynamics in Ecosystems: A Framework for Living Systems
Authors: Hosoda Kazufumi , Seno Shigeto , Kamiura Rikuto , Murakami Naomi , Kondoh Michio
Published: December 2023

The increase in ecosystem biodiversity can be perceived as one of the universal processes converting energy into information across a wide range of living systems. This study delves into the dynamics of living systems, highlighting the distinction between ex post adaptation, typically associated with natural selection, and its proactive counterpart, ex ante adaptability. Through coalescence experiments using synthetic ecosystems, we (i) quantified ecosystem stability, (ii) identified correlations between some biodiversity indexes and the stability, (iii) proposed a mechanism for increasing biodiversity through moderate inter-ecosystem interactions, and (iv) inferred that the information carrier of ecosystems is species composition, or merged genomic information. Additionally, it was suggested that (v) changes in ecosystems are constrained to a low-dimensional state space, with three distinct alteration trajectories—fluctuations, rapid environmental responses, and long-term changes—converging into this state space in common. These findings suggest that daily fluctuations may predict broader ecosystem changes. Our experimental insights, coupled with an exploration of living systems’ information dynamics from an ecosystem perspective, enhance our predictive capabilities for natural ecosystem behavior, providing a universal framework for understanding a broad spectrum of living systems.
Modular Open-Source Design of Pyrolysis Reactor Monitoring and Control Electronics
Authors: Hafting Finn K. , Kulas Daniel , Michels Etienne , Chipkar Sarvada , Wisniewski Stefan , Shonnard David , Pearce Joshua M.
Published: December 2023

Industrial pilot projects often rely on proprietary and expensive electronic hardware to control and monitor experiments. This raises costs and retards innovation. Open-source hardware tools exist for implementing these processes individually; however, they are not easily integrated with other designs. The Broadly Reconfigurable and Expandable Automation Device (BREAD) is a framework that provides many open-source devices which can be connected to create more complex data acquisition and control systems. This article explores the feasibility of using BREAD plug-and-play open hardware to quickly design and test monitoring and control electronics for an industrial materials processing prototype pyrolysis reactor. Generally, pilot-scale pyrolysis plants are expensive custom designed systems. The plug-and-play prototype approach was first tested by connecting it to the pyrolysis reactor and ensuring that it can measure temperature and actuate heaters and a stirring motor. Next, a single circuit board system was created and tested using the designs from the BREAD prototype to reduce the number of microcontrollers required. Both open-source control systems were capable of reliably running the pyrolysis reactor continuously, achieving equivalent performance to a state-of-the-art commercial controller with a ten-fold reduction in the overall cost of control. Open-source, plug-and-play hardware provides a reliable avenue for researchers to quickly develop data acquisition and control electronics for industrial-scale experiments.
Securing Big Data Exchange: An Integrated Blockchain Framework for Full-Lifecycle Data Trading with Trust and Dispute Resolution
Authors: Zhou Chuangming , Yang Zhou , Yue Shaohua , Xuan Bona , Wang Xi
Published: December 2023

In the era of big data, facilitating efficient data flow is of paramount importance. Governments and enterprises worldwide have been investing in the big data industry, promoting data sharing and trading. However, existing data trading platforms often suffer from issues like privacy breaches, single points of failure, data tampering, and non-transparent transactions due to their reliance on centralized servers. To address these challenges, blockchain-based big data transaction models have been proposed. However, these models often lack system integrity and fail to fully meet user requirements while ensuring adequate security. To overcome these limitations, this paper presents an Ethereum-based big data trading model that establishes a comprehensive and secure trading system. The model aims to provide users with more convenient, secure, and professional services. Through the utilization of smart contracts, users can efficiently match data and negotiate prices online while ensuring secure data delivery through encryption technologies. Additionally, the model introduces a trusted third-party entity that offers professional data evaluation services and actively safeguards user data ownership in the event of disputes. The implementation of the model includes the development of smart contracts and the necessary machine learning code, followed by rigorous testing and validation. The experimental results validate the effectiveness and reliability of our proposed model, demonstrating its potential to ensure effective and secure big data trading.
A Novel Contactless Blood Pressure Measurement System and Algorithm Based on Vision Intelligence
Authors: Khomidov Mavlonbek , Lee Deokwoo , Lee Jong-Ha
Published: December 2023

The measurement of vital signs such as blood pressure plays a key role in human health. Usually, we encounter some problems when we check them in the traditional way; for example, it is impossible to check continuously, and measuring vital signs requires direct contact with the patient, which can be uncomfortable for certain individuals. In this research, we present a vision-based system for estimating blood pressure using pulse transit time (PTT) and the Eulerian video magnification (EVM) technique to amplify tiny color variations caused by blood flow to calculate arterial pulse waves traveling between two arterial sites. Calculating the PTT by processing the video signal for each subject, an oscillometer BP device was used to evaluate the performance between measurements in different conditions, including rest, exercise, and during recovery. Mean systolic BP was 115 mmHg at rest, 137 mmHg during high-intensity exercise, and 114 mmHg during recovery, respectively. The average value of diastolic blood pressure did not change significantly before, during, and after exercise. When we compared the systolic and diastolic blood pressure with ground-truth results, our system showed an accuracy of 91% for systolic blood pressure and 90% for diastolic blood pressure.
Fracture Spacing Optimization Method for Multi-Stage Fractured Horizontal Wells in Shale Oil Reservoir Based on Dynamic Production Data Analysis
Authors: Liu Wenchao , Liu Chen , Duan Yaoyao , Yan Xuemei , Sun Yuping , Sun Hedong
Published: December 2023

In order to improve the shale oil production rate and save fracturing costs, based on dynamic production data, a production-oriented optimization method for fracture spacing of multi-stage fractured horizontal wells is proposed in this study. First, M. Brown et al.’s trilinear seepage flow models and their pressure and flow rate solutions are applied. Second, deconvolution theory is introduced to normalize the production data. The data of variable pressure and variable flow rate are, respectively, transformed into the pressure data under unit flow rate and the flow rate data under unit production pressure drop; and the influence of data error is eliminated. Two kinds of typical curve of the normalized data are analyzed using the pressure and flow rate solutions of M. Brown et al.’s models. The two fitting methods constrain each other. Thus, reservoir and fracture parameters are interpretated. A practical model has been established to more accurately describe the seepage flow behavior in shale oil reservoirs. Third, using Duhamel’s principle and the rate solution, the daily and cumulative production rate under any variable production pressure can be obtained. The productivity can be more accurately predicted. Finally, the analysis method is applied to analyze the actual dynamic production data. The fracture spacing of a shale oil producing well in an actual block is optimized from the aspects of production life, cumulative production, economic benefits and other influencing factors, and some significant conclusions are obtained. The research results show that with the goal of maximum cumulative production, the optimal fracture spacing is 5.5 m for 5 years and 11.4 m for 10 years. All in all, the fracture spacing optimization and design theory of multi-stage fractured horizontal wells is enriched.
The Impact of a Multicomponent Platform Intervention on the Daily Lives of Older Adults
Authors: Stara Vera , Rampioni Margherita , Moșoi Adrian Alexandru , Kristaly Dominic M. , Moraru Sorin-Aurel , Paciaroni Lucia , Paolini Susy , Raccichini Alessandra , Felici Elisa , Cucchieri Giacomo , Antognoli Luca , Millevolte Alessandra , Antici Marina , di Rosa Mirko
Published: December 2023

Gerontechnology is an interdisciplinary field of research involving gerontology and technology in order to help older adults identify and slow down the effects of age-related physical and cognitive decline. It has enormous potential to allow individuals to remain in their own homes and improve their quality of life. This study aims to assess the impact of a multicomponent platform, consisting of an ambient sensor, wearable devices, and a cloud application, as an intervention in terms of usability and acceptance as primary outcomes and well-being, quality of life, and self-efficacy as secondary outcomes in a sample of 25 older adults aged over 65 after 21 days of non-supervised usage at home. This research involved the use of a mixed-methods approach, in which both qualitative and quantitative data were collected in three different measurements. Overall, the participants shared good engagement with the integrated platform. The system achieved positive results in terms of both usability and acceptance, especially the smartwatch. The state of complete well-being slightly improved over the period, whereas self-efficacy remained stable. This study demonstrates the ability of target users to use technology independently in their home environment: it strengthens the idea that this technology is ready for mainstream use and offers food for thought for developers who create products for the aging population.