bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the distribution and abundance of groundnut sucking bug (offa) [Rhyparochromus littoralis Dist] across major groundnut-producing regions in North-Eastern Nigeria
Authors: Samaila Akeweta Emmanuel , Malgwi Anna Mohammed , Jada Mahmoud Yahaya
Published: July 2024

A multi-locational survey was conducted across Adamawa, Gombe, and Taraba States during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons to assess pest dynamics and their impact on groundnut production. This research delves into the intricate dynamics of groundnut pest management, focusing on the prevalence, abundance, and diversity of Rhyparochromus littoralis, a significant insect pest in groundnut cultivation, in the study area. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) serves as a vital cash crop in Nigeria, contributing substantially to the economy and livelihoods of many farmers. However, the presence of insect pests such as R. littoralis poses a considerable threat to groundnut production, warranting comprehensive studies to elucidate their behaviour, impact, and management strategies.   The study meticulously examines the seasonal and spatiotemporal dynamics of R. littoralis within the major groundnut-producing areas, shedding light on its prolific nature characterized by rapid reproduction and high population densities. Through rigorous surveys and data analysis, R. littoralis emerges as a formidable adversary, establishing its status as a major insect pest in the Northeast geo-political zone. The survey conducted on the abundance of the groundnut-sucking bug, Rhyporachromus litoralis Dist, in Adamawa State during the 2021 and 2022 cropping seasons reveals several noteworthy findings. The abundance of R. litoralis varied across different locations and cropping seasons. In 2021, the insect abundance ranged from 2075.67 to 2578.83 across different locations, whereas in 2022, the abundance ranged from 2075.00 to 2677.58.  Statistical analysis indicates a significant difference in insect abundance between the two years, with p-values less than 0.0001 for both years, highlighting the reliability of these differences.  In this study, the presence of the groundnut-sucking bug in groundnut fields was reported in early September in Gombe, while in Adamawa it was in late September but in Taraba, it was in Late October.  By shedding light on the complex interactions within the groundnut ecosystem, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of pest dynamics and underscores the importance of coordinated strategies to safeguard groundnut production in Nigeria's Northeastern region
Greater than recommended stiffness and power setting of a stance-phase powered leg prosthesis can improve step-to-step transition work and effective foot length ratio during walking in people with transtibial amputation
Authors: Tacca Joshua R. , Colvin Zane A. , Grabowski Alena M.
Published: July 2024

People with unilateral transtibial amputation (TTA) using a passive-elastic prosthesis exhibit lower positive affected leg trailing work (ALtrail Wpos) and a greater magnitude of negative unaffected leg leading work (ULlead Wneg) during walking than non-amputees, which may increase joint pain and osteoarthritis risk in the unaffected leg. People with TTA using a stance-phase powered prosthesis (e.g., BiOM, Ottobock, Duderstadt, Germany) walk with increased ALtrail Wpos and potentially decreased magnitude of ULlead Wneg compared to a passive-elastic prosthesis. The BiOM includes a passive-elastic prosthesis with a manufacturer-recommended stiffness category and can be tuned to different power settings, which may change ALtrail Wpos, ULlead Wneg, and the prosthesis effective foot length ratio (EFLR). Thirteen people with TTA walked using 16 different prosthetic stiffness category and power settings on a level treadmill at 0.75–1.75 m/s. We constructed linear mixed effects models to determine the effects of stiffness category and power settings on ALtrail Wpos, ULlead Wneg, and EFLR and hypothesized that decreased stiffness and increased power would increase ALtrail Wpos, not change and decrease ULlead Wneg magnitude, and decrease and not change prosthesis EFLR, respectively. We found there was no significant effect of stiffness category on ALtrail Wpos but increased stiffness reduced ULlead Wneg magnitude, perhaps due to a 0.02 increase in prosthesis EFLR compared to the least stiff category. Furthermore, we found that use of the BiOM with 10% and 20% greater than recommended power increased ALtrail Wpos and decreased ULlead Wneg magnitude at 0.75–1.00 m/s. However, prosthetic power setting depended on walking speed so that use of the BiOM increased ULlead Wneg magnitude at 1.50–1.75 m/s compared to a passive-elastic prosthesis. Ultimately, our results suggest that at 0.75–1.00 m/s, prosthetists should utilize the BiOM attached to a passive-elastic prosthesis with an increased stiffness category and power settings up to 20% greater than recommended based on biological ankle values. This prosthetic configuration can allow people with unilateral transtibial amputation to increase ALtrail Wpos and minimize ULlead Wneg magnitude, which could reduce joint pain and osteoarthritis risk in the unaffected leg and potentially lower the metabolic cost of walking.
Global explanation supervision for Graph Neural Networks
Authors: Etemadyrad Negar , Gao Yuyang , Manoj Pudukotai Dinakarrao Sai , Zhao Liang
Published: July 2024

With the increasing popularity of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) for predictive tasks on graph structured data, research on their explainability is becoming more critical and achieving significant progress. Although many methods are proposed to explain the predictions of GNNs, their focus is mainly on “how to generate explanations.” However, other important research questions like “whether the GNN explanations are inaccurate,” “what if the explanations are inaccurate,” and “how to adjust the model to generate more accurate explanations” have gained little attention. Our previous GNN Explanation Supervision (GNES) framework demonstrated effectiveness on improving the reasonability of the local explanation while still keep or even improve the backbone GNNs model performance. In many applications instead of per sample explanations, we need to find global explanations which are reasonable and faithful to the domain data. Simply learning to explain GNNs locally is not an optimal solution to a global understanding of the model. To improve the explainability power of the GNES framework, we propose the Global GNN Explanation Supervision (GGNES) technique which uses a basic trained GNN and a global extension of the loss function used in the GNES framework. This GNN creates local explanations which are fed to a Global Logic-based GNN Explainer, an existing technique that can learn the global Explanation in terms of a logic formula. These two frameworks are then trained iteratively to generate reasonable global explanations. Extensive experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model on improving the global explanations while keeping the performance similar or even increase the model prediction power.
Association between maternal lipid profiles and vitamin D status in second trimester and risk of LGA or SGA: a retrospective study
Authors: Zheng Xianhua , Lai Kefeng , Liu Chengyi , Chen Yuan , Zhang Xiaodan , Wu Weixiang , Luo Mingyong , Gu Chunming
Published: July 2024

Background

Accumulating evidence has linked dyslipidemia during pregnancy to the risk of delivering infants born either large for gestational age (LGA) or small for gestational age (SGA). However, the effects of the vitamin D status on these relationships require further investigation. This study investigated whether the relationship between lipid profiles and the risk of LGA or SGA was influenced by vitamin D levels during the second trimester.

Methods

Maternal lipid profile levels, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and vitamin D levels, were measured in a cohort of 6,499 pregnant women during the second trimester. Multivariate regression models and subgroup analyses were employed to evaluate the potential associations between maternal lipid profiles, vitamin D levels, and the risk of LGA or SGA.

Results

The prevalence of SGA infants was 9.8% (n=635), whereas that of LGA infants was 6.9% (n=447). Maternal TG levels were found to be positively associated with the risk of LGA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.17–1.70), whereas a negative association was observed between maternal TG, TC, LDL-C levels, and risk of SGA. Additionally, mothers with higher HDL-C levels were less likely to give birth to an LGA infant (OR=0.58, 95% CI:0.39–0.85). Importantly, associations between TG, TC, LDL-c, and SGA as well as between TG and LGA were primarily observed among pregnant women with insufficient vitamin D levels. As for HDL-C, the risk of LGA was lower in mothers with sufficient vitamin D (OR = 0.42, 95% CI:0.18–0.98) compared to those with insufficient vitamin D (OR = 0.65, 95% CI:0.42–0.99).

Conclusion

Vitamin D status during the second trimester exerts a modifying effect on the association between lipid profiles and the risk of LGA and SGA infants.
Association between triglyceride glucose index and hyperuricemia: a new evidence from China and the United States
Authors: Gou Ruoyu , Dou Danni , Tian Mi , Chang Xiaoyu , Zhao Yonggang , Meng Xin , Li Guanghua
Published: July 2024

Background

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a glo\bal public health problem. The etiology of HUA is complex and efficient and accurate assessment metrics are still lacking when conducting large-scale epidemiologic screening. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, TyG-body mass index (BMI), TyG-waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) with the risk of HUA.

Methods

Based on data collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States and the China Health and Aging Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in China, a total of 14,286 U.S. adults and 4,620 Chinese adults were included in the analysis. The study examined the levels of TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WHtR, and TyG-WC. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to investigate the relationships between these variables and hyperuricemia (HUA), separately. Additionally, the study used restricted cubic splines (RCS) to explore the linear associations of TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WHtR, TyG-WC, and HUA, separately.

Results

The NHANES results showed that TyG [Q2, 1.58(1.26, 1.98); Q3, 2.36 (1.94, 2.88); Q4, 3.21 (2.61, 3.94)], TyG-BMI [Q2, 2.14 (1.74, 2.65); Q3, 3.38 (2.74, 4.17); Q4, 6.70 (5.55, 8.02)], TyG-WHtR [Q2, 1.92 (1.56, 2.36); Q3, 3.14 (2.56, 3.85); Q4, 6.28 (5.12, 7.69)], TyG-WC [Q2, 2.32 (1.85, 2.90); Q3, 3.51 (2.84, 4.34); Q4, 7.32 (5.95, 9.02)] were identified as risk factors for hyperuricemia (HUA). Similarly, the CHARLS results, when fully adjusted for covariates, indicated that TyG [Q4, 2.36 (1.08, 5.15)], TyG-BMI [Q3, 2.60 (1.05, 6.41); Q4, 3.70 (1.64, 8.32)], TyG-WHtR (Q4, 2.84 (1.23, 6.55), TyG-WC [Q4, 2.85 (1.23, 6.5)] were also risk factors for HUA. The predictive ability of each indicator for the risk of developing HUA was stronger in women than in men. Furthermore, there was an observed nonlinear relationship between TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WHtR, TyG-WC, and HUA in both the NHANES and CHARLS datasets (P-nonlinearity < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that TyG, TyG-BMI, TyG-WHtR and TyG-WC are associated with an increased risk of HUA. They are potential indicators for screening HUA status in the general population in China and the United States.
Maternal bisphenols exposure and thyroid function in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Jiani , Tian Min , Qin Haiyue , Chen Danrong , Mzava Sabitina Mrisho , Wang Xu , Bigambo Francis Manyori
Published: July 2024

Background

Evidence from animal experiments and epidemiological studies has reported controversial results about the effects of prenatal bisphenols (BPs) exposure on childhood thyroid function. This study aims to explore the associations of prenatal exposure to BPs with thyroid-related hormones (THs) in newborns and early childhood, with a particular focus on the sex-dependent and exposure level effects.

Methods

Correlated studies were systematically searched from PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, Cochrane, and Embase until February 21, 2024. The exposures assessed include bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol AF (BPAF), and tetrachlorobisphenol A (TCBPA). THs measured were thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total tri-iodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), free tri-iothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4). Effect estimates were quantified using coefficients from multivariable regression models. Statistical analyses were completed using Stata 16.0. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS).

Results

Eleven cohort studies comprising 5,363 children were included in our meta-analysis. Prenatal bisphenol concentrations were statistically significant related to alterations in thyroid hormones in children, exclusively in female offspring, including reduced TSH (β = -0.020, 95% CI: -0.036, -0.005) and increased TT3 levels (β = 0.011, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.021), and exposure to high concentration of bisphenols (>1.5 ug/g creatinine) significantly reduced FT3 levels in children (β = -0.011, 95% CI: -0.020, -0.003).

Conclusion

Prenatal bisphenol exposure is linked to alterations in thyroid hormone levels in girls, necessitating enhanced measures to control bisphenol exposure levels during pregnancy for child health protection.

Systematic Review Registration

https://inplasy.com, identifier INPLASY202450129.
Activation of the PGE2–EP2 pathway as a potential drug target for treating eosinophilic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Horikiri Kyohei , Taketomi Yoshitaka , Kondo Kenji , Yamasoba Tatsuya , Murakami Makoto
Published: July 2024

Current treatments of eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) involve corticosteroids with various adverse effects and costly therapies such as dupilumab, highlighting the need for improved treatments. However, because of the lack of a proper mouse ECRS model that recapitulates human ECRS, molecular mechanisms underlying this disease are incompletely understood. ECRS is often associated with aspirin-induced asthma, suggesting that dysregulation of lipid mediators in the nasal mucosa may underlie ECRS pathology. We herein found that the expression of microsomal PGE synthase-1 (encoded by PTGES) was significantly lower in the nasal mucosa of ECRS patients than that of non-ECRS subjects. Histological, transcriptional, and lipidomics analyses of Ptges-deficient mice revealed that defective PGE2 biosynthesis facilitated eosinophil recruitment into the nasal mucosa, elevated expression of type-2 cytokines and chemokines, and increased pro-allergic and decreased anti-allergic lipid mediators following challenges with Aspergillus protease and ovalbumin. A nasal spray containing agonists for the PGE2 receptor EP2 or EP4, including omidenepag isopropyl that has been clinically used for treatment of glaucoma, markedly reduced intranasal eosinophil infiltration in Ptges-deficient mice. These results suggest that the present model using Ptges-deficient mice is more relevant to human ECRS than are previously reported models and that eosinophilic inflammation in the nasal mucosa can be efficiently blocked by activation of the PGE2-EP2 pathway. Furthermore, our findings suggest that drug repositioning of omidenepag isopropyl may be useful for treatment of patients with ECRS.
A preliminary probabilistic nomogram model for predicting renal arteriolar damage in IgA nephropathy from clinical parameters
Authors: Wang Huifang , Zhang Xiaodan , Zhen Li , Liu Hang , Liu Xuemei
Published: July 2024

Background

IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is a significant contributor to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Renal arteriolar damage is associated with IgAN prognosis. However, simple tools for predicting arteriolar damage of IgAN remain limited. We aim to develop and validate a nomogram model for predicting renal arteriolar damage in IgAN patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 547 cases of biopsy-proven IgAN patients. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and logistic regression were applied to screen for factors associated with renal arteriolar damage in patients with IgAN. A nomogram was developed to evaluate the renal arteriolar damage in patients with IgAN. The performance of the proposed nomogram was evaluated based on a calibration plot, ROC curve (AUC) and Harrell’s concordance index (C-index).

Results

In this study, patients in the arteriolar damage group had higher levels of age, mean arterial pressure (MAP), serum creatinine, serum urea nitrogen, serum uric acid, triglycerides, proteinuria, tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis (T1–2) and decreased eGFR than those without arteriolar damage. Predictors contained in the prediction nomogram included age, MAP, eGFR and serum uric acid. Then, a nomogram model for predicting renal arteriolar damage was established combining the above indicators. Our model achieved well-fitted calibration curves and the C-indices of this model were 0.722 (95%CI 0.670–0.774) and 0.784 (95%CI 0.716–0.852) in the development and validation groups, respectively.

Conclusion

With excellent predictive abilities, the nomogram may be a simple and reliable tool to predict the risk of renal arteriolar damage in patients with IgAN.
Medulla oblongata and NCCs are central defenders against Streptococcus agalactiae infection of the tilapia brain
Authors: Hou Xitan , Li Qi
Published: July 2024

Various types of professional immune cells first emerge in fish and likely represent the primordial form and functions. Recent advancements revealed the direct connection between the central nervous system and the immune system in the mammalian brain. However, the specifics of brain-immune networks in the fish and the underlying mechanisms of teleost’s brain against pathogen infection have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the distribution of markers representing cerebral cells associated with protection and professional lymphocytes in the seven major components of the Nile tilapia brain through RNA-Seq assay and observed the most dominant abundance in the medulla oblongata. The subsequent challenge test revealed the non-specific cytotoxic cells (NCCs) exhibited the strongest response against streptococcal infection of the brain. The presence of NCCs in the brain was then confirmed using immunofluorescence and the cytotoxic effects usually induced by NCCs under infection were determined as well. Collectively, these findings contribute significantly to comprehending the mechanism of fish neuroimmune interaction and enhancing our understanding of its evolutionary development.
Reshaping perspectives of deep-sea benthic function
Authors: Sturdivant S. Kersey , Guarinello Marisa L. , Germano Joseph D. , Carey Drew A.
Published: July 2024

Bioturbation is a key ecosystem function with a fundamental role in mediating major biogeochemical cycles. The intensity and depth of bioturbation is influenced by the taxa present, which is often a function of food supply. The deep sea is generally oligotrophic with sediments composed predominantly of small, shallow burrowing macrofauna (<10 cm). Human activity is increasingly introducing POC to the deep-sea, however, organic enrichment of the deep-sea, and the subsequent response of bioturbators is poorly understood. Here we present data on benthic function in deep-sea systems that have experienced organic enrichment. We show that organic enrichment enhances deep-sea bioturbation through larger, advanced successional taxa, and deeper bioturbation depths. Enhanced bioturbation in the deep-sea should confer positive ecosystem functions (nutrient recycling, microbiological activity, remineralization), but adherence to approaches and interpretations guided by the paradigm of small, shallow-burrowing infauna could significantly underestimate deep-sea benthic processes at a global scale.
Classification of pain expression images in elderly with hip fractures based on improved ResNet50 network
Authors: Shuang Yang , Liangbo Gong , Huiwen Zhao , Jing Liu , Xiaoying Chen , Siyi Shen , Xiaoya Zhu , Wen Luo
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study is designed an improved ResNet 50 network to achieve automatic classification model for pain expressions by elderly patients with hip fractures. This study built a dataset by combining the advantages of deep learning in image recognition, using a hybrid of the Multi-Task Cascaded Convolutional Neural Networks (MTCNN). Based on ResNet50 network framework utilized transfer learning to implement model function. This study performed the hyperparameters by Bayesian optimization in the learning process. This study calculated intraclass correlation between visual analog scale scores provided by clinicians independently and those provided by pain expression evaluation assistant(PEEA). The automatic pain expression recognition model in elderly patients with hip fractures, which constructed using the algorithm. The accuracy achieved 99.6% on the training set, 98.7% on the validation set, and 98.2% on the test set. The substantial kappa coefficient of 0.683 confirmed the efficacy of PEEA in clinic. This study demonstrates that the improved ResNet50 network can be used to construct an automatic pain expression recognition model for elderly patients with hip fractures, which has higher accuracy.
Individualized music induces theta-gamma phase-amplitude coupling in patients with disorders of consciousness
Authors: Xiao Qiuyi , Zheng Xiaochun , Wen Yun , Yuan Zhanxing , Chen Zerong , Lan Yue , Li Shuiyan , Huang Xiyan , Zhong Haili , Xu Chengwei , Zhan Chang’an , Pan Jiahui , Xie Qiuyou
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to determine whether patients with disorders of consciousness (DoC) could experience neural entrainment to individualized music, which explored the cross-modal influences of music on patients with DoC through phase-amplitude coupling (PAC). Furthermore, the study assessed the efficacy of individualized music or preferred music (PM) versus relaxing music (RM) in impacting patient outcomes, and examined the role of cross-modal influences in determining these outcomes.

Methods

Thirty-two patients with DoC [17 with vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) and 15 with minimally conscious state (MCS)], alongside 16 healthy controls (HCs), were recruited for this study. Neural activities in the frontal–parietal network were recorded using scalp electroencephalography (EEG) during baseline (BL), RM and PM. Cerebral-acoustic coherence (CACoh) was explored to investigate participants’ abilitiy to track music, meanwhile, the phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) was utilized to evaluate the cross-modal influences of music. Three months post-intervention, the outcomes of patients with DoC were followed up using the Coma Recovery Scale-Revised (CRS-R).

Results

HCs and patients with MCS showed higher CACoh compared to VS/UWS patients within musical pulse frequency (p = 0.016, p = 0.045; p < 0.001, p = 0.048, for RM and PM, respectively, following Bonferroni correction). Only theta-gamma PAC demonstrated a significant interaction effect between groups and music conditions (F(2,44) = 2.685, p = 0.036). For HCs, the theta-gamma PAC in the frontal–parietal network was stronger in the PM condition compared to the RM (p = 0.016) and BL condition (p < 0.001). For patients with MCS, the theta-gamma PAC was stronger in the PM than in the BL (p = 0.040), while no difference was observed among the three music conditions in patients with VS/UWS. Additionally, we found that MCS patients who showed improved outcomes after 3 months exhibited evident neural responses to preferred music (p = 0.019). Furthermore, the ratio of theta-gamma coupling changes in PM relative to BL could predict clinical outcomes in MCS patients (r = 0.992, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Individualized music may serve as a potential therapeutic method for patients with DoC through cross-modal influences, which rely on enhanced theta-gamma PAC within the consciousness-related network.
Associations of modifiable factors with risk of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Chen Ying , Yang Hong , Song Jie , Chen Weiwei , Liu Ke , Liu Bin , Luo Peiyang , Sun Xiaohui , He Zhixing , Mao Yingying , Ye Ding
Published: July 2024

Background

Modifiable factors were found to be associated with the risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in observational studies, but whether these associations are causal is uncertain. We conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to systematically explore the causal associations of modifiable factors with IBS.

Methods

Summary-level statistical data for IBS was obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) meta-analysis of UK Biobank (40,548 cases and 293,220 controls) and the international collaborative Bellygenes initiative (12,852 cases and 139,981 controls). Genetic instruments associated with the exposures at the genome-wide significance (p < 5 × 10−8) level were selected from previous GWASs. Mendelian randomization was performed using inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method, supplemented with several sensitivity analyses to evaluate potentially causal relationships between identified contributing factors and IBS. Furthermore, we applied another database from FinnGen (8,116 IBS cases and 276,683 controls) to testify the reliability of the significant associations.

Results

Seven convincing modifiable factors were significantly associated with IBS after correction for multiple testing. Genetically predicted smoking initiation (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.06–1.18, p = 1.03 × 10−4), alcohol consumption (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.34–0.64, p = 3.49 × 10−6), sedentary behavior (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.07–1.28, p = 4.02 × 10−4), chronotype (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.88–0.96, p = 4.42 × 10−4), insomnia (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.15–1.24, p = 7.59 × 10−19), education (OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.74–0.88, p = 5.34 × 10−7), and visceral adiposity (OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.06–1.24, p = 7.96 × 10−4). We additionally identified several suggestive factors, including serum magnesium, serum phosphorus, physical activity, lifetime smoking, intelligence, lean body mass, and body mass index (BMI). After pooling the effect estimates from FinnGen, the associations remained significant except for chronotype.

Conclusion

This MR analysis verified several modifiable risk factors for IBS, thus prevention strategies for IBS should be considered from multiple perspectives on these risk factors.
Research progress on the correlation between cataract occurrence and nutrition
Authors: Zhang Yi , Qin Xiang , Xu Tianyu , Chu Fangjing , He Beihui
Published: July 2024

Cataract is a common eye disease characterized by lens opacity, leading to blurred vision and progressive blindness of the eye. Factors affecting the development of cataracts include nutrition, oxidative stress, micronutrients and inflammatory factors, and also include genetics, toxicity, infrared exposure, hyperuricemia, and mechanical injuries. Among the nutritional factors, a balanced diet, vegetarian diet, dairy products and vegetables are protective against cataracts; high-sodium diet, high intake of carbohydrates and polyunsaturated fatty acids may increase the risk of cataracts; and increased intake of proteins, especially animal proteins, may prevent nuclear cataracts. Intake of antioxidants such as β-carotene, lutein, or zeaxanthin is associated with a reduced risk of cataracts. Minerals such as zinc, selenium, calcium and sodium have also been associated with cataract development. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of cataracts and is associated with several antioxidative enzymes and biomarkers such as glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE). Insulin resistance is also an essential risk factor for cataracts, especially in diabetic patients. In conclusion, understanding these influencing factors helps us to better prevent cataracts. And in this article, we will focus on the important factor of diet and nutrition for a detailed discussion.
Combination of handgrip strength and high-sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic score predicts survival outcomes in patients with colon cancer
Authors: Shi Yifan , Sun Yuting , Shen Xiaoming , Yang Zenghui , Xu Binghua , Bao Chuanqing
Published: July 2024

Objective

Handgrip strength (HGS) and the high-sensitivity modified Glasgow prognostic score (HS-mGPS) are associated with the survival of patients with cancer. However, no studies have investigated the combined effect of HGS and HS-mGPS on the overall survival (OS) of patients with colon cancer.

Methods

Prospective follow-up data of colon cancer patients undergoing radical resection from April, 2016 to September, 2019 were retrospectively collected. We combined the HGS and HS-mGPS to create a new composite index, HGS-HS-mGPS. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Cox regression models to assess the association between variables and OS. Risk factors on OS rates were investigated by Cox analyses and the nomogram was constructed using significant predictors and HGS-HS-mGPS. The predictive performance of the nomogram was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration curve.

Results

This study included a total of 811 patients, of which 446 (55.0%) were male. The HGS optimal cut-off values of male and female patients were 28.8 and 19.72 kg, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that low HGS and high HS-mGPS were independent risk factors of colon cancer after adjusting confounders (adjusted HR = 3.20; 95% CI: 2.27–4.50; p < 0.001 and adjusted HR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.12–2.14; p = 0.008 respectively). Patients with low HGS and high HS-mGPS had a 10.76-fold higher mortality risk than those with neither (adjusted HR = 10.76; 95% CI: 5.38–21.54; p < 0.001). A nomogram predicting 1-, 3-, and 5 year OS was constructed based on three clinicopathologic prognostic factors. Importantly, incorporating HGS-HS-mGPS into the nomogram model meaningfully improved the predictive performance. The decision curve analyses demonstrated the application value of the HGS-HS-mGPS nomogram for predicting OS of patients with colon cancer.

Conclusion

HGS-HS-mGPS is associated with the survival of patients with colon cancer. These findings indicate the usefulness of HGS and HS-mGPS measurements in clinical practice for improving patient assessment, cancer prognosis, and precise intervention.
Chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy for aggressive B-cell lymphomas
Authors: Hu Bei , Korsos Victoria , Palomba M. Lia
Published: July 2024

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy is a revolutionary approach in the treatment of lymphoma. This review article provides an overview of the four FDA-approved CAR T-cell products for aggressive B-cell lymphoma, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma, highlighting their efficacy and toxicity as well as discussing future directions.
Association between serum uric acid and colorectal cancer risk in European population: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Jinsong , Fu Rong , Zhang Juwei , Zhang Suhong , Lin Zhifeng , Lin Zheng , Liu Xin , Xu Xiaolu , Chen Yulun , Hu Zhijian
Published: July 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to explore the potential causal associations between serum uric acid (SUA) and the risk of colorectal cancer, colon cancer and rectal cancer.

Methods

Twenty-six SUA-related single nucleotide polymorphisms which were identified by a large meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were used as instrumental variables in the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Meta-analyses were used to synthesize the results of multiple GWASs which were extracted from the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit GWAS database for each type of cancer. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary MR method to analyze the association between SUA and colorectal cancer risk. Several sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of results.

Results

The IVW method showed that there were no causal relationships between SUA and the risk of colorectal cancer [odds ratio (OR): 1.0015; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.9975–1.0056] and colon cancer (OR: 1.0015; 95% CI: 0.9974–1.0055). The SUA levels were negative correlated with rectal cancer risk (OR: 0.9984; 95% CI: 0.9971–0.9998). The similar results were observed in both males (OR: 0.9987; 95% CI: 0.9975–0.9998) and females (OR: 0.9985; 95% CI: 0.9971–0.9999). The sensitivity analyses suggested no evidence of heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy. The leave-one-out analyses showed that one SNP (rs1471633) significantly drove the causal effect of SUA on rectal cancer risk. The MR-Egger regression and weighted median both showed that there were no causal relationships between SUA and the risk of colorectal cancer and its subtypes.

Conclusion

Overall, there was no linear causal association between SUA and the risk of colorectal cancer. However, further research is needed to investigate the role of higher SUA levels such as hyperuricemia or gout in the occurrence of colorectal cancer.
Bibliometric and visual analysis of immunisation associated with acute kidney injury from 2003 to 2023
Authors: Chen Ling , Hu Jing , Lu Jianrao , Gong Xuezhong
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aims to conduct a detailed bibliometric and visual analysis of acute kidney injury (AKI) and immune-related research conducted over the past two decades, focusing on identifying emerging trends and key areas of interest.

Methods

The Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) was utilised for the meticulous examination of various parameters including publication volume, authorship, geographic distribution, institutional contributions, journal sources, prevalent keywords and citation frequencies. Data were intricately visualised and interpreted using VOSviewer, CiteSpace and Excel 365 software.

Results

Analysis of the WoSCC database revealed 3,537 articles on AKI and immunisation, originating from 94 countries and regions, involving 3,552 institutions and authored by 18,243 individuals. Notably, the top five countries contributing to this field were the United States, China, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, with the United States leading with 35.76% of total publications. Among the 3,552 contributing institutions, those in the United States were predominant, with Harvard University leading with 134 papers and 3,906 citations. Key journals driving productivity included Frontiers in Immunology, Kidney International, Journal of the American Society of Nephrology and International Journal of Molecular Sciences, with Kidney International being the most cited, followed by Journal of the American Society of Nephrology and New England Journal of Medicine. Prominent authors in the field included Ronco Claudio, Okusa Mark D and Anders, Hans-Joachim. Co-citation clustering and timeline analysis highlighted recent research foci such as COVID-19, immune checkpoint inhibitors, regulated necrosis, cirrhosis and AKI. Keyword analysis identified “inflammation,” “ischaemia-reperfusion injury,” “sepsis,” “covid-19,” and “oxidative stress” as prevalent terms.

Conclusion

This study provides the first bibliometric analysis of AKI and immune research, offering a comprehensive overview of research hotspots and evolving trends within the field.
Identification of QTLs involved in destemming and fruit quality for mechanical harvesting of New Mexico pod–type green chile
Authors: Ortega Franchesca , Hill Theresa , Van Deynze Allen , Garcia-Llanos Armando , Walker Stephanie
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Domestic production of pepper (Capsicum spp.) is shrinking while demand within the US is growing. Lack of availability and cost of labor often present an obstacle for domestic producers both practically and economically. As a result, switching to harvesting peppers mechanically is anticipated as a key strategy to help domestic producers compete in the international market. Mechanical harvest efficiency can be improved through breeding. One important trait that mechanical harvest compatible material should have is an easy destemming trait: low force separation of the pedicel and calyx from the fruit.

Methods

To detect the genetic sources underlying a novel easy destemming trait for the purpose of future breeding efforts in New Mexico pod-type green chile, we performed QTL analysis on three F2:F3 populations, coming from three New Mexico pod-type varieties: ‘NuMex Odyssey,’ ‘NuMex Iliad,’ and ‘NuMex Joe E. Parker,’ each crossed with a parent with an easy destemming trait: MUC14. Genotyping was done through genotyping by sequencing (GBS) and phenotyping was done for destemming and fruit trait measurements. Correlations between measurements were found through the R package hmisc and QTL analysis was done through R/qtl.

Results

A strong relationship was seen between destemming and aspects of fruit morphology, particularly, destemming force and fruit width (Pearson’s correlation coefficient r=0.75). Major QTLs for destemming and fruit size were discovered. Of these, the largest destemming force QTLs for all populations (PVE=34.5-69.9%) were on chromosome 10, and in two populations QTLs for destemming force were found on chromosome 3 (Percent Variance Explained (PVE)=10.7-18.8%). Fruit size-related QTLs in all populations colocalized in these same areas on chromosomes 3 and 10.

Discussion

This suggests that fruit shape may be genetically linked to destemming, and breeders interested in selecting for easy destemming pepper will also have to pay attention to fruit size and shape.
SYNAPTOTAGMIN 4 is expressed mainly in the phloem and participates in abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Krausko Miroslav , Jásik Ján
Published: July 2024

Plant synaptotagmins structurally resemble animal synaptotagmins and extended-synaptotagmins. Animal synaptotagmins are well-characterized calcium sensors in membrane trafficking, and extended-synaptotagmins mediate lipid transfer at the endoplasmic reticulum—plasma membrane contact sites. Here, we characterize SYNAPTOTAGMIN 4 (SYT4), which belongs to the six-member family in Arabidopsis. Fluorometric GUS assay showed that the SYT4 promoter was strongest in roots and the least active in rosettes and cauline leaves, which was confirmed by qPCR. In seedlings, promoter activity was influenced by several factors, such as plant growth regulators, mannitol, sucrose, polyethylene glycol and cold. GUS histochemistry revealed SYT4 promoter activity in the phloem of all organs and even almost exclusively in sieve element precursors and differentiating sieve elements. Accordingly, the SYT-GFP fusion protein also accumulated in these cells with maximal abundance in sieve element precursors. The protein formed a network in the cytoplasm, but during sieve tube differentiation, it deposited at the cell periphery and disappeared from mature tubes. Using photoconvertible fluorescence technology, we showed that a high abundance of SYT4 protein in meristematic protophloem cells was due to its extensive synthesis. SYT4 protein synthesis was interrupted in differentiating sieve elements, but protein degradation was also reduced. In addition to phloem, the fusion protein was detected in shoot and root stem cell niche as early as the late heart stage of the embryo. We isolated and molecularly and biologically characterized five syt4 T-DNA insertion alleles and subjected them to phenotype analysis. The allele with the C2B domain interrupted by an T-DNA insertion exhibits increased sensitivity to factors such as auxins, osmotics, salicylic acid, sodium chloride, and the absence of sucrose in the root growth test.
The development of L2 collocational familiarity and its relationship with collocational frequency and congruency
Authors: Lou Jie
Published: July 2024

The present study took L2 English learners of different levels in China as subjects to investigate the relationship between collocational familiarity and collocational frequency as well as L1-L2 congruency, and then explored the development of the above relationship as L2 proficiency develops. The results showed that: a moderate positive correlation existed between familiarity and frequency, and the correlation increased with proficiency; a moderate positive correlation also existed between familiarity and congruency, but the correlation decreased with proficiency. Based on previous studies and the present findings, the research group infer that: low familiarity collocations tend to be represented and processed in analytic way and same-translation effect helps accelerate the semantic access of congruent collocations in this process; with the increase in learners’ proficiency, collocation familiarity develops from low to high with frequency effect; high familiarity collocations tend to be represented and processed in holistic way to have direct semantic access; furthermore, learners of two levels have two kinds of collocational representation and semantic access, but low-level learners show more analytic representation and indirect semantic access because of having more low familiarity collocations in the mental lexicon.
Effectiveness of labels in digital art experience: psychophysiological and behavioral evidence
Authors: Castellotti Serena , D’Agostino Ottavia , Del Viva Maria Michela
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Nowadays museums make large use of digital materials (e.g., virtual tours) to attract visitors. Therefore, it is worthwhile investigating which variables affect the engagement with art outside the museum, and whether digital reproductions of artworks are as effective as museum originals in producing a satisfying aesthetic experience.

Methods

Here we tested the effectiveness of introducing additional informative materials on the artistic enjoyment of contemporary paintings presented on a computer screen. Naïve observers were exposed to essential and descriptive labels before viewing artworks. We flanked traditional measurement methods - viewing times and questionnaires, with biometric parameters – pupil responses, eye movements, heart rate, and electrodermal activity. The results were then compared to our previous museum study that adopted the same experimental paradigm.

Results

Our behavioral and psychophysiological data lead to a complex pattern of results. As found in the museum setting, providing detailed descriptions decreases complexity, evokes more positive sensations, and induces pupil dilation but does not enhance aesthetic appreciation. These results suggested that informative labels improve understanding and emotions but have a limited impact on the hedonic evaluation of artworks in both contexts. However, other results do not mirror those found in the museum; in the laboratory setting, participants spend a similar amount of time, have a comparable gaze behavior, and their electrodermal activity and heart rate do not change when viewing artworks with different types of labels. The main difference between the lab and museum settings is the shorter time spent viewing digital reproductions vs. real paintings, although subjective ratings (e.g., liking, interest) are comparable.

Discussion

Overall, this study indicates that the environmental context does impact the aesthetic experience; although, some beneficial effects of introducing additional relevant content in labels accompanying artworks can also be acquainted through digital media outside of the museum.
Examining predictors of loneliness among Older Americans Act National Family Caregiver Support Program participants
Authors: Menne Heather L. , Pendergrast Claire
Published: July 2024

Family caregivers may be at particular risk for social isolation and loneliness. Multiple factors can impact caregivers’ health and well-being outcomes, including loneliness. Guided by an adaptation of the Stress Process Model of Caregiving, this study uses the 2019 National Survey of Older Americans Act Participants (NSOAAP)-Family Caregiver Support module to inform efforts to reduce loneliness through family caregiver support programs. A hierarchical multiple regression model reveals that caregivers who report more loneliness are more likely to be female, Hispanic, living alone, not a child or other caregiver of the care recipient, have a care recipient with 3+ ADL needs, experience more social life conflict related to caregiving, experience less joy in caregiving, feel less appreciated by the care recipient, feel less support in caregiving, and attend counseling. This study helps advance the goals of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, and the findings underscore the importance of continuing and expanding efforts to address loneliness and related well-being outcomes among family caregivers.
Co-design knowledge mobilization tools for universal accessibility in municipalities
Authors: Corcuff Maëlle , Lamontagne Marie-Eve , Routhier François , Morales Ernesto
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Modern research teams are re-evaluating conventional methods with the aim of improving the usefulness of knowledge for users, focusing on the role of knowledge users in shaping innovation. In disability field, encouraging participatory research inherently involves diverse perspectives and inclusion, which aligns with the principles of universal accessibility. By actively involving individuals with various backgrounds, abilities, and needs in the research process, we can better understand and address the challenges faced in adopting universal accessibility. This approach ensures that solutions are more comprehensive, inclusive, and effectively cater to the needs of all individuals, fostering a more equitable and accessible environment for everyone. Despite municipal organizations mandating universal accessibility action plans, they lack tools for efficient implementation. The aim of this study was to develop knowledge mobilization tools tailored to a specific municipal context in Quebec, Canada, to facilitate the implementation of universal accessibility measures by municipal employees.

Methods

The co-design process employed in this study was organized into four distinct stages, following the Morales model: (1) Exploration (2) Co-Design (3) Validation (4) Development.

Results

Stages one and two highlighted the employees' lack of awareness about universal accessibility issues and their need to have more information and resources about how universal accessibility is encountered in their work. A steering committee co-designed three video vignettes about universal accessibility, the city's action plan and measures included in it.

Discussion

The co-design approach used in this study allowed us to observe the non-linear nature of partnership research with an organization as complex as a municipality. Our study shows significant advantages of collaboration between the municipal sector and research.