bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
T cell Ca2+ microdomains through the lens of computational modeling
Authors: Gil Montoya Diana C. , Ornelas-Guevara Roberto , Diercks Björn-Philipp , Guse Andreas H. , Dupont Geneviève
Published: October 2023

Cellular Ca2+ signaling is highly organized in time and space. Locally restricted and short-lived regions of Ca2+ increase, called Ca2+ microdomains, constitute building blocks that are differentially arranged to create cellular Ca2+ signatures controlling physiological responses. Here, we focus on Ca2+ microdomains occurring in restricted cytosolic spaces between the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum, called endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane junctions. In T cells, these microdomains have been finely characterized. Enough quantitative data are thus available to develop detailed computational models of junctional Ca2+ dynamics. Simulations are able to predict the characteristics of Ca2+ increases at the level of single channels and in junctions of different spatial configurations, in response to various signaling molecules. Thanks to the synergy between experimental observations and computational modeling, a unified description of the molecular mechanisms that create Ca2+ microdomains in the first seconds of T cell stimulation is emerging.
Boosting with an aerosolized Ad5-nCoV elicited robust immune responses in inactivated COVID-19 vaccines recipients
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Wu Shipo , Liu Yawei , Li Kailiang , Fan Pengfei , Song Xiaohong , Wang Yudong , Zhao Zhenghao , Zhang Xianwei , Shang Jin , Zhang Jinlong , Xu Jinghan , Li Yao , Li Yaohui , Zhang Jipeng , Fu Kefan , Wang Busen , Hao Meng , Zhang Guanying , Long Pengwei , Qiu Ziyu , Zhu Tao , Liu Shuling , Zhang Yue , Shao Fangze , Lv Peng , Yang Yilong , Zhao Xiaofan , Sun Yufa , Hou Lihua , Chen Wei
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant and exhibits immune escape to current COVID-19 vaccines, the further boosting strategies are required.

Methods

We have conducted a non-randomized, open-label and parallel-controlled phase 4 trial to evaluate the magnitude and longevity of immune responses to booster vaccination with intramuscular adenovirus vectored vaccine (Ad5-nCoV), aerosolized Ad5-nCoV, a recombinant protein subunit vaccine (ZF2001) or homologous inactivated vaccine (CoronaVac) in those who received two doses of inactivated COVID-19 vaccines.

Results

The aerosolized Ad5-nCoV induced the most robust and long-lasting neutralizing activity against Omicron variant and IFNg T-cell response among all the boosters, with a distinct mucosal immune response. SARS-CoV-2-specific mucosal IgA response was substantially generated in subjects boosted with the aerosolized Ad5-nCoV at day 14 post-vaccination. At month 6, participants boosted with the aerosolized Ad5-nCoV had remarkably higher median titer and seroconversion of the Omicron BA.4/5-specific neutralizing antibody than those who received other boosters.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that aerosolized Ad5-nCoV may provide an efficient alternative in response to the spread of the Omicron BA.4/5 variant.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=152729, identifier ChiCTR2200057278.
RNAi turns 25:contributions and challenges in insect science
Authors: Palli Subba Reddy
Published: October 2023

Since its discovery in 1998, RNA interference (RNAi), a Nobel prize-winning technology, made significant contributions to advances in biology because of its ability to mediate the knockdown of specific target genes. RNAi applications in medicine and agriculture have been explored with mixed success. The past 25 years of research on RNAi resulted in advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of its action, target specificity, and differential efficiency among animals and plants. RNAi played a major role in advances in insect biology. Did RNAi technology fully meet insect pest and disease vector management expectations? This review will discuss recent advances in the mechanisms of RNAi and its contributions to insect science. The remaining challenges, including delivery to the target site, differential efficiency, potential resistance development and possible solutions for the widespread use of this technology in insect management.
Validation of automated data abstraction for SCCM discovery VIRUS COVID-19 registry: practical EHR export pathways (VIRUS-PEEP)
Authors: Valencia Morales Diana J. , Bansal Vikas , Heavner Smith F. , Castro Janna C. , Sharma Mayank , Tekin Aysun , Bogojevic Marija , Zec Simon , Sharma Nikhil , Cartin-Ceba Rodrigo , Nanchal Rahul S. , Sanghavi Devang K. , La Nou Abigail T. , Khan Syed A. , Belden Katherine A. , Chen Jen-Ting , Melamed Roman R. , Sayed Imran A. , Reilkoff Ronald A. , Herasevich Vitaly , Domecq Garces Juan Pablo , Walkey Allan J. , Boman Karen , Kumar Vishakha K. , Kashyap Rahul
Published: October 2023

Background

The gold standard for gathering data from electronic health records (EHR) has been manual data extraction; however, this requires vast resources and personnel. Automation of this process reduces resource burdens and expands research opportunities.

Objective

This study aimed to determine the feasibility and reliability of automated data extraction in a large registry of adult COVID-19 patients.

Materials and methods

This observational study included data from sites participating in the SCCM Discovery VIRUS COVID-19 registry. Important demographic, comorbidity, and outcome variables were chosen for manual and automated extraction for the feasibility dataset. We quantified the degree of agreement with Cohen’s kappa statistics for categorical variables. The sensitivity and specificity were also assessed. Correlations for continuous variables were assessed with Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman plots. The strength of agreement was defined as almost perfect (0.81–1.00), substantial (0.61–0.80), and moderate (0.41–0.60) based on kappa statistics. Pearson correlations were classified as trivial (0.00–0.30), low (0.30–0.50), moderate (0.50–0.70), high (0.70–0.90), and extremely high (0.90–1.00).

Measurements and main results

The cohort included 652 patients from 11 sites. The agreement between manual and automated extraction for categorical variables was almost perfect in 13 (72.2%) variables (Race, Ethnicity, Sex, Coronary Artery Disease, Hypertension, Congestive Heart Failure, Asthma, Diabetes Mellitus, ICU admission rate, IMV rate, HFNC rate, ICU and Hospital Discharge Status), and substantial in five (27.8%) (COPD, CKD, Dyslipidemia/Hyperlipidemia, NIMV, and ECMO rate). The correlations were extremely high in three (42.9%) variables (age, weight, and hospital LOS) and high in four (57.1%) of the continuous variables (Height, Days to ICU admission, ICU LOS, and IMV days). The average sensitivity and specificity for the categorical data were 90.7 and 96.9%.

Conclusion and relevance

Our study confirms the feasibility and validity of an automated process to gather data from the EHR.
Local steroid injection in severe idiopathic granulomatous mastitis as a new first-line treatment modality with promising therapeutic efficacy
Authors: Cabioglu Neslihan , Uras Cihan , Mutlu Halime , Sezgin Derya , Emiroglu Selman , Dulgeroglu Onur , Yilmaz Ravza , Tukenmez Mustafa , Arikan Akif Enes , Kara Halil , Muslumanoglu Mahmut
Published: October 2023

Background

Intralesional steroid injection has recently evolved as a novel treatment modality for localized idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (= IGM). We aimed to explore the therapeutic efficacy of local steroid injections (LSI) in patients with severe IGM.

Methods

Fifty-one patients diagnosed with severe IGM were included in the study and treated with either local steroid injection (LSI) alone (n = 25) or combined LSI with systemic oral steroid treatment (OST) (n = 26). The local steroid injection protocol included an intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection into the palpable granulomas every 4-week, and topical administration of steroid-containing pomades twice a day on the affected surface of the breast. Patients with a combined LSI and OST received low-dose oral methylprednisolone (<16 mg).

Results

Patients with LSI alone required more LSI applications than those in the combined LSI with OST group (LSI: 5 ± 2.9; vs. LSI/OST: 3.5 ± 2.5; p = 0.080) to obtain an effective optimum therapeutic response. At a median of 12 months (range, 4–42), no difference was found in complete response rates between patients in the LSI group and the combined LSI group with OST (52 vs. 53.9%, p = 0.999). However, steroid-related systemic side effects were lower in the LSI alone group (p < 0.008).

Conclusion

Local steroid injection could be considered as the first-line treatment in patients with severe IGM until a therapeutic response has been obtained either as the sole treatment modality or combined with oral steroids. Compared with systemic oral steroid therapy, local steroid administration can be considered a new treatment modality with fewer side effects.
Research progress of novel bio-denitrification technology in deep wastewater treatment
Authors: Huang Shan , Fu Yuling , Zhang Huimin , Wang Chuqiao , Zou Chenglong , Lu Xiuguo
Published: October 2023

Excessive nitrogen emissions are a major contributor to water pollution, posing a threat not only to the environment but also to human health. Therefore, achieving deep denitrification of wastewater is of significant importance. Traditional biological denitrification methods have some drawbacks, including long processing times, substantial land requirements, high energy consumption, and high investment and operational costs. In contrast, the novel bio-denitrification technology reduces the traditional processing time and lowers operational and maintenance costs while improving denitrification efficiency. This technology falls within the category of environmentally friendly, low-energy deep denitrification methods. This paper introduces several innovative bio-denitrification technologies and their combinations, conducts a comparative analysis of their denitrification efficiency across various wastewater types, and concludes by outlining the future prospects for the development of these novel bio-denitrification technologies.
Identifying biomarkers for tDCS treatment response in Alzheimer’s disease patients: a machine learning approach using resting-state EEG classification
Authors: Andrade Suellen Marinho , da Silva-Sauer Leandro , de Carvalho Carolina Dias , de Araújo Elidianne Layanne Medeiros , Lima Eloise de Oliveira , Fernandes Fernanda Maria Lima , Moreira Karen Lúcia de Araújo Freitas , Camilo Maria Eduarda , Andrade Lisieux Marie Marinho dos Santos , Borges Daniel Tezoni , da Silva Filho Edson Meneses , Lindquist Ana Raquel , Pegado Rodrigo , Morya Edgard , Yamauti Seidi Yonamine , Alves Nelson Torro , Fernández-Calvo Bernardino , de Souza Neto José Maurício Ramos
Published: October 2023

Background

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, identifying objective biomarkers that can predict brain stimulation efficacy, remains a challenge. The primary aim of this investigation is to delineate the cerebral regions implicated in AD, taking into account the existing lacuna in comprehension of these regions. In pursuit of this objective, we have employed a supervised machine learning algorithm to prognosticate the neurophysiological outcomes resultant from the confluence of tDCS therapy plus cognitive intervention within both the cohort of responders and non-responders to antecedent tDCS treatment, stratified on the basis of antecedent cognitive outcomes.

Methods

The data were obtained through an interventional trial. The study recorded high-resolution electroencephalography (EEG) in 70 AD patients and analyzed spectral power density during a 6 min resting period with eyes open focusing on a fixed point. The cognitive response was assessed using the AD Assessment Scale–Cognitive Subscale. The training process was carried out through a Random Forest classifier, and the dataset was partitioned into K equally-partitioned subsamples. The model was iterated k times using K−1 subsamples as the training bench and the remaining subsample as validation data for testing the model.

Results

A clinical discriminating EEG biomarkers (features) was found. The ML model identified four brain regions that best predict the response to tDCS associated with cognitive intervention in AD patients. These regions included the channels: FC1, F8, CP5, Oz, and F7.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that resting-state EEG features can provide valuable information on the likelihood of cognitive response to tDCS plus cognitive intervention in AD patients. The identified brain regions may serve as potential biomarkers for predicting treatment response and maybe guide a patient-centered strategy.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02772185?term=NCT02772185&draw=2&rank=1, identifier ID: NCT02772185.
Age has a U-shaped relationship with breast cancer outcomes in women: a cohort study
Authors: Xie Yujie , Deng Yongqing , Wei Suosu , Huang Zhen , Li Lihui , Huang Kai , Wei Chunyu , Xu Jinan , Dong Lingguang , Zhang Qiuhuan , Zhao Jiehua , Zou Quanqing , Yang Jianrong
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives

Age is a significant determinant of susceptibility to breast cancer. Currently, the available evidence regarding the non-linear correlation between the age of diagnosis and the prognosis of breast cancer patients is contradictory. Insufficient data currently exist regarding the influence of age at diagnosis on the prognosis of breast cancer. The objective of our investigation was to examine the relationship between age at diagnosis and overall survival (OS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS), and disease-free survival (DFS).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 1054 patients diagnosed with breast cancer between March 7, 2013 and December 31, 2019. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for OS, BCSS, DFS were assessed using Cox proportional hazard ratio models and restricted cubic splines (RCS).

Results

The study included 1054 breast cancer patients who met the criteria. With a median follow-up of 4.86 years, 71 patients (6.74%) died and 144 patients (13.66%) relapsed. After multivariable adjustment, age showed a U-shaped association with OS, BCSS, and DFS, with significantly higher risk at two ends, with age inflection points of 44, 44, and 41 years for OS, BCSS, and DFS, respectively. For OS, Quartile 1 (HR, 2.09; 95% CI: 0.90-4.84), Quartile 3 (HR, 2.44; 95% CI: 1.05-5.65) and Quartile 4 (HR, 3.38; 95% CI: 1.51-7.54) had poorer OS compared with Quartile 2. Similar results were found for BCSS and DFS.

Conclusions

This study confirmed a U-shaped association between age at diagnosis and breast cancer outcome.
Emotional behavioral outcomes of children with unilateral and mild hearing loss
Authors: Ong Jun Jean , Smith Libby , Shepherd Daisy A. , Xu Jessica , Roberts Gehan , Sung Valerie
Published: October 2023

Background

Deaf and hard-of hearing (DHH) children often experience emotional/behavioral difficulties. The impact of unilateral/mild hearing loss (HL) on children's emotion and behavior are unclear. We aimed to describe emotional/behavioral, health related quality-of-life (HRQoL) and parent psychological distress outcomes of school-age children with unilateral/mild HL, compared to children with moderate to profound HL, and in relation to population norms; and identify predictive factors of emotional/behavioral difficulties.

Methods

Data of 339 DHH children, 5–12 years, enrolled in the Victorian Childhood Hearing Longitudinal Databank (VicCHILD), which include demographics, early development, medical/audiological characteristics and parent rated questionnaires of emotion/behavior, HRQoL and parental psychological distress collected at various stages of child's life were analyzed. We used Cohen's d to investigate the outcomes by measuring the mean score differences of both groups with published norms and logistic regression to analyze the factors predictive of emotional/behavioral difficulties.

Results

The proportion of children with unilateral/mild HL and moderate to profound HL who experienced emotional/behavioral difficulties was similar (18.3% vs. 20.6%), with hyperactivity and poor prosocial behavior reported as the predominant symptoms in both groups. Mean emotional/behavioral scores of both groups were comparable and substantially higher than normative population scores. This was also the case for HRQoL and levels of parent distress. Among children with unilateral/mild HL, additional health needs were the strongest predictive factor, demonstrating an approximately 1.7-fold increase in odds of emotional/behavioral difficulties (OR = 1.67; 95% CI 1.29–2.17,p < 0.001) with every additional health need. Early developmental concerns, other than communication milestone and attending mainstream schoolshowed weaker evidence of association.

Conclusion

Children with unilateral/mild HL were just as likely as those with moderate to profound HL to experience more emotional/behavioral difficulties, poorer HRQoL and higher parental distress scores compared to population norms. Our findings justify the provision of early intervention, support and medical services for all DHH children to identify those at risk of poorer outcomes.
The effect of tacrolimus conversion from immediate- to extended-release formulation on renal function in renal transplant patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Chao Sheng , Jia Lei , Zhu Kejing , Chen Luobei , Niu Yulin
Published: October 2023

Objective: Tacrolimus formulation affects the outcomes of a renal transplant, while the effect of its immediate- to extended-release conversion remains controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the renal function before and after tacrolimus immediate- to extended-release conversion in renal transplant patients.

Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, CNKI, CQVIP, and Wanfang databases were searched for articles regarding the effect of tacrolimus conversion from immediate- to extended-release formulation on renal function in renal transplant patients. The data on serum creatinine (Scr) or the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before and after conversion were extracted and analyzed.

Results: Ten studies with 743 renal transplant patients were included. Scr was reduced after conversion versus before conversion [mean difference (MD) (95% confidence interval (CI)): -8.00 (−14.33; −1.66) μmol/L, p = 0.01]. However, eGFR only showed an increased trend after conversion versus before conversion (MD (95% CI): 2.21 (−1.62, 6.03) mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.26) but without statistical significance. Furthermore, in patients with a follow-up duration ≥48 weeks, Scr was decreased after conversion versus before conversion (p = 0.005), but eGFR remained unchanged (p = 0.68). However, in patients with a follow-up duration <48 weeks, both Scr (p = 0.36) and eGFR (p = 0.24) were not different before conversion versus after conversion. Moreover, publication bias risk was low, and robustness assessed by sensitivity analysis was generally good.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis favors studies indicating that the conversion of tacrolimus from an immediate-release to an extended-release formulation could improve the kidney function to some extent in renal transplant patients, and this advancement may be related to the administration period.
Key elements in the quality assessment of a type 3 medication review
Authors: Robberechts Anneleen , Michielsen Melissa , Steurbaut Stephane , De Meyer Guido R. Y. , De Loof Hans
Published: October 2023

Background: Medication reviews are a structured evaluation of a patient’s pharmacotherapy with the aim of optimizing medicines use and improving health outcomes. This entails detecting drug related problems and recommending interventions. A high level of quality is essential for the successful implementation of this service in community pharmacies but currently there is no instrument or tool to assess that overall quality.

Aim: This study investigated the development of quality criteria of type 3 medication reviews (MR3s).

Methods: After surveying the literature, an electronic questionnaire was developed to gather information about quality criteria for MR3. This survey, in Dutch, was distributed electronically. Four groups were queried: 1) pharmacists, mainly working in the Netherlands, involved in practice research and contacted through the PRISMA (Practice Research In Collaboration With Pharmacists) foundation, 2) Belgian pharmacy academics and pharmacists active in professional associations (APA), 3) Belgian pharmacists trained in medication review (MR) by the Royal Pharmacists Association of Antwerp (KAVA) and 4) Belgian pharmacy students. The survey included 57 criteria, divided into eight domains, which were ranked according to their importance by the participants. The results were analyzed statistically using the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results: The survey was completed by 95 participants, including 42 PRISMA pharmacists, 19 APA pharmacists, 18 KAVA pharmacists and 16 pharmacy students. Opinions from participants from the different groups overlapped significantly. The use of simple and understandable language in the conversation with the patient was considered essential by the majority. Discussing the usefulness and purpose of a MR3 with the patient was also rated highly by all groups. Differences of opinion were present in aspects about laboratory values, the use of specific tools, and reporting to and consultation with the treating physician. The participants themselves formulated a limited number of additional assessment criteria.

Conclusion: There was widespread agreement on the hierarchy of the quality assessment criteria for MR3s. Minor differences were related to the experience of the participants. With these results and a small number of suggested extra criteria, a quality assessment instrument for MR3 can be created.
Understanding how high stocking densities and concurrent limited oxygen availability drive social cohesion and adaptive features in regulatory growth, antioxidant defense and lipid metabolism in farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)
Authors: Holhorea Paul G. , Naya-Català Fernando , Belenguer Álvaro , Calduch-Giner Josep A. , Pérez-Sánchez Jaume
Published: October 2023

The study combined the use of biometric, behavioral, physiological and external tissue damage scoring systems to better understand how high stocking densities drive schooling behavior and other adaptive features during the finishing growing phase of farmed gilthead sea bream in the Western Mediterranean. Fish were grown at three different final stocking densities (LD, 8.5 kg/m3; MD, 17 kg/m3; HD, 25 kg/m3). Water oxygen concentration varied between 5 and 6 ppm in LD fish to 3–4 ppm in HD fish with the summer rise of water temperature from 19°C to 26°C (May–July). HD fish showed a reduction of feed intake and growth rates, but they also showed a reinforced social cohesion with a well-defined endogenous swimming activity rhythm with feeding time as a main synchronization factor. The monitored decrease of the breathing/swimming activity ratio by means of the AEFishBIT data-logger also indicated a decreased energy partitioning for growth in the HD environment with a limited oxygen availability. Plasma glucose and cortisol levels increased with the rise of stocking density, and the close association of glycaemia with the expression level of antioxidant enzymes (mn-sod, gpx4, prdx5) in liver and molecular chaperones (grp170, grp75) in skeletal muscle highlighted the involvement of glucose in redox processes via rerouting in the pentose-phosphate-pathway. Other adaptive features included the depletion of oxidative metabolism that favored lipid storage rather than fatty acid oxidation to decrease the oxygen demand as last electron acceptor in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This was coincident with the metabolic readjustment of the Gh/Igf endocrine-growth cascade that promoted the regulation of muscle growth at the local level rather than a systemic action via the liver Gh/Igf axis. Moreover, correlation analyses within HD fish displayed negative correlations of hepatic transcripts of igf1 and igf2 with the data-logger measurements of activity and respiration, whereas the opposite was found for muscle igf2, ghr1 and ghr2. This was indicative of a growth-regulatory transition that supported a proactive instead of a reactive behavior in HD fish, which was considered adaptive to preserve an active and synchronized feeding behavior with a minimized risk of oxidative stress and epidermal skin damage.
Bridging the gap: how to adopt opportunistic plant observations for phenology monitoring
Authors: Katal Negin , Rzanny Michael , Mäder Patrick , Römermann Christine , Wittich Hans Christian , Boho David , Musavi Talie , Wäldchen Jana
Published: October 2023

Plant phenology plays a vital role in assessing climate change. To monitor this, individual plants are traditionally visited and observed by trained volunteers organized in national or international networks - in Germany, for example, by the German Weather Service, DWD. However, their number of observers is continuously decreasing. In this study, we explore the feasibility of using opportunistically captured plant observations, collected via the plant identification app Flora Incognita to determine the onset of flowering and, based on that, create interpolation maps comparable to those of the DWD. Therefore, the opportunistic observations of 17 species collected in 2020 and 2021 were assigned to “Flora Incognita stations” based on location and altitude in order to mimic the network of stations forming the data basis for the interpolation conducted by the DWD. From the distribution of observations, the percentile representing onset of flowering date was calculated using a parametric bootstrapping approach and then interpolated following the same process as applied by the DWD. Our results show that for frequently observed, herbaceous and conspicuous species, the patterns of onset of flowering were similar and comparable between both data sources. We argue that a prominent flowering stage is crucial for accurately determining the onset of flowering from opportunistic plant observations, and we discuss additional factors, such as species distribution, location bias and societal events contributing to the differences among species and phenology data. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the phenological monitoring of certain species can benefit from incorporating opportunistic plant observations. Furthermore, we highlight the potential to expand the taxonomic range of monitored species for phenological stage assessment through opportunistic plant observation data.
Field phenotyping for African crops: overview and perspectives
Authors: Cudjoe Daniel K. , Virlet Nicolas , Castle March , Riche Andrew B. , Mhada Manal , Waine Toby W. , Mohareb Fady , Hawkesford Malcolm J.
Published: October 2023

Improvements in crop productivity are required to meet the dietary demands of the rapidly-increasing African population. The development of key staple crop cultivars that are high-yielding and resilient to biotic and abiotic stresses is essential. To contribute to this objective, high-throughput plant phenotyping approaches are important enablers for the African plant science community to measure complex quantitative phenotypes and to establish the genetic basis of agriculturally relevant traits. These advances will facilitate the screening of germplasm for optimum performance and adaptation to low-input agriculture and resource-constrained environments. Increasing the capacity to investigate plant function and structure through non-invasive technologies is an effective strategy to aid plant breeding and additionally may contribute to precision agriculture. However, despite the significant global advances in basic knowledge and sensor technology for plant phenotyping, Africa still lags behind in the development and implementation of these systems due to several practical, financial, geographical and political barriers. Currently, field phenotyping is mostly carried out by manual methods that are prone to error, costly, labor-intensive and may come with adverse economic implications. Therefore, improvements in advanced field phenotyping capabilities and appropriate implementation are key factors for success in modern breeding and agricultural monitoring. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state of field phenotyping and the challenges limiting its implementation in some African countries. We suggest that the lack of appropriate field phenotyping infrastructures is impeding the development of improved crop cultivars and will have a detrimental impact on the agricultural sector and on food security. We highlight the prospects for integrating emerging and advanced low-cost phenotyping technologies into breeding protocols and characterizing crop responses to environmental challenges in field experimentation. Finally, we explore strategies for overcoming the barriers and maximizing the full potential of emerging field phenotyping technologies in African agriculture. This review paper will open new windows and provide new perspectives for breeders and the entire plant science community in Africa.
A fast Fourier convolutional deep neural network for accurate and explainable discrimination of wheat yellow rust and nitrogen deficiency from Sentinel-2 time series data
Authors: Shi Yue , Han Liangxiu , González-Moreno Pablo , Dancey Darren , Huang Wenjiang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Liu Yuanyuan , Huang Mengning , Miao Hong , Dai Min
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Accurate and timely detection of plant stress is essential for yield protection, allowing better-targeted intervention strategies. Recent advances in remote sensing and deep learning have shown great potential for rapid non-invasive detection of plant stress in a fully automated and reproducible manner. However, the existing models always face several challenges: 1) computational inefficiency and the misclassifications between the different stresses with similar symptoms; and 2) the poor interpretability of the host-stress interaction.

Methods

In this work, we propose a novel fast Fourier Convolutional Neural Network (FFDNN) for accurate and explainable detection of two plant stresses with similar symptoms (i.e. Wheat Yellow Rust And Nitrogen Deficiency). Specifically, unlike the existing CNN models, the main components of the proposed model include: 1) a fast Fourier convolutional block, a newly fast Fourier transformation kernel as the basic perception unit, to substitute the traditional convolutional kernel to capture both local and global responses to plant stress in various time-scale and improve computing efficiency with reduced learning parameters in Fourier domain; 2) Capsule Feature Encoder to encapsulate the extracted features into a series of vector features to represent part-to-whole relationship with the hierarchical structure of the host-stress interactions of the specific stress. In addition, in order to alleviate over-fitting, a photochemical vegetation indices-based filter is placed as pre-processing operator to remove the non-photochemical noises from the input Sentinel-2 time series.

Results and discussion

The proposed model has been evaluated with ground truth data under both controlled and natural conditions. The results demonstrate that the high-level vector features interpret the influence of the host-stress interaction/response and the proposed model achieves competitive advantages in the detection and discrimination of yellow rust and nitrogen deficiency on Sentinel-2 time series in terms of classification accuracy, robustness, and generalization.
Leaf nitrogen and phosphorus stoichiometry of the halophytes across China
Authors: Tong Ran , Ma Cong , Lou Chenyang , Yuan Wenwen , Zhu Nianfu , Wang G. Geoff , Wu Tonggui
Published: October 2023

Halophytes play a crucial role in the ecological restoration of saline and alkaline land and hold promising benefits to food security in China. Although a variety of aspects of halophytes have been extensively addressed, there is still a lack of overall understanding of the leaf nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) stoichiometric characteristics, especially at a national scale. We compiled a national dataset of 311 observations from 113 sampling sites across China to explore the changing trends and influencing factors on leaf N and P concentrations, and N:P ratio of halophytes. The results showed that leaf N concentration decreased significantly with increasing latitude (LAT), which was mainly driven by the mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP). The leaf P concentration increased remarkably with increasing longitude (LON), which was induced by the variation in soil total P (TP) content. The leaf N:P ratio increased as LAT increased and LON decreased, which was potentially regulated by the MAT, MAP, and soil TP content. The scaling exponents of the N-P relationship differed significantly among halophyte types and were 0.40, 0.87, and 1.39 for euhalophyte, pseudohalophyte, and recretohalophyte, respectively. The leaf N concentration exhibited significant differences among ecosystem types and halophyte types, whereas the leaf P concentration and N:P ratio remained relatively stable. In summary, the leaf N concentration and N-P scaling exponent might be the classification criteria for halophyte types from the perspective of plant nutrient resource allocation. Moreover, this study characterized the spatial distribution and allocation strategy of leaf N and P stoichiometry in halophytes by data integration analysis, providing the basic information for nutrient management in the processes of the future domestication and introduction of halophytes.
Buy solar, get cashback: do consumer subsidies described as promotions influence electricity choices?
Authors: Kühne Swen J. , Reijnen Ester
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Most countries want to make the transition to increased or even exclusive use of renewable energy. To achieve this goal, how can individuals be persuaded to use more renewable electricity? For example, does the way energy companies communicate so-called consumer subsidies matter in this regard, and if so, which communication strategy is best? For example, is a monetary promotion (e.g., cashback) better than a non-monetary one (e.g., gift)?

Methods

In a total of four studies (with a total of more than 1700 participants), we investigated what type of promotion most influenced the choice of a renewable energy product, varying, for example, the environmental friendliness of the renewable energy product.

Results

The monetary promotion (e.g., get $35 back through subsidies) appeared to be the most successful; it significantly increased the choice of the renewable electricity product (i.e., between 12–22%). However, this result was only evident when the subsidized renewable product was not the product already preferred by most individuals. Other measures, such as the willingness to pay (WTP), showed no differential effects.

Discussion

Overall, the observed pattern suggests that promoting renewable energy choices, is similar to promoting donations to a charity. Accordingly, the description of the consumer subsidy as a monetary promotion (i.e., cashback or negative labeling) is most effective in terms of promotion. However, the effect of monetary promotions seems to diminish if the subsidized product is already the product preferred by most consumers. Nevertheless, the use of monetary promotions can encourage the transition to renewable energy.
Optimizing intervention components for sleep promotion in children in the context of obesity prevention: the SLEEPY 2.0 study protocol
Authors: Fair Maddy , Decker Jessica , Fiks Alexander G. , Mayne Stephanie , Morales Knashawn H. , Williamson Ariel A. , Mitchell Jonathan A.
Published: October 2023

Background

Insufficient sleep duration is highly prevalent in childhood and is associated with obesity, especially among middle school-aged children. The primary care setting has enormous potential to promote sleep, but limited time and sleep resources at in person appointments are key barriers. Digital health innovations offer solutions to these barriers. Mobile health platforms can be developed to deliver behavioral sleep promotion remotely in the home setting, with tailoring to individual and contextual factors to help ensure equitable effectiveness across sociodemographic groups. This paper presents the protocol for a randomized optimization trial using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy (MOST) to develop a mobile health platform for the pediatric care setting to promote longer sleep duration for childhood obesity prevention.

Methods

This is a single-site study being conducted at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. We will randomize 325 children, aged 8–12 y, with a body mass index (BMI) between the 50th−95th percentile, and who sleep <8.5 h per night. The Way to Health mobile platform will facilitate remote communication and data collection. A sleep tracker will estimate sleep patterns for 12-months (2-week run-in; 6-month intervention; ≈5.5-month follow-up). A randomized 24 factorial design will assess four components: sleep goal (≥9 h or ≥30 min above baseline sleep duration), digital guidance (active or active with virtual study visits), caregiver incentive (inactive or active), and performance feedback (inactive or active). Fat mass will be measured at baseline, 6-, and 12-months using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Total energy intake and the timing and composition of meals will be measured using 24-h dietary recalls at baseline, 6-, and 12-months. Sociodemographic data (e.g., sex, race, ethnicity) will be measured using self-report and home addresses will be geocoded for geospatial analyses.

Discussion

We anticipate that this innovative optimization trial will identify optimal component settings for sleep promotion in children, with clinically meaningful improvements in fat mass trajectories. Importantly, the platform will have broad impact by promoting sleep health equity across sociodemographic groups. With the optimal settings identified, we will be able to determine the effectiveness of the final intervention package under the evaluation phase of the MOST framework in a future randomized controlled trial. Our proposed research will greatly advance the field of behavioral sleep medicine and reimagine how insufficient sleep duration and obesity are prevented in pediatric healthcare.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05703347 registered on 30 January 2023.
Adapting the Digital Servuction Model to Central Banks: Case Study: European Central Bank
Authors: Prodan Silvana , Dabija Dan-Cristian
Published: October 2023

Central bank communication has changed over the years, following the trend of digitalization. It has been used as a tool for the implementation of monetary policies since the 1990s, when central banks started publishing their inflation reports, outlooks, and meeting minutes on the road towards greater transparency, and to help meet their price stability mandate. This mandate cannot be achieved through traditional financial instruments alone, so digital communication and marketing has become an economic policy tool. The effectiveness of the European Central Bank’s online communication tools will be tested via a GAP model, by applying an adapted version of the servuction scale to the Bank and disseminating it to 500 citizens, with the purpose of measuring citizen satisfaction with its website and communications. The servuction model focuses on high quality services that are perceived as such by private sector customers, having a strong marketing component. The originality of the research consists in adapting it to the public sector, more specifically to central banks, and by treating citizens as customers throughout the study. The model was successfully applied to the European Central Bank, demonstrating that citizens’ expectations are highest regarding both the reliability and assurance dimensions, meaning that they want to feel confident in ECB actions, and to the understandability dimension of its online content. The largest gaps between citizens’ expectations and perceptions were identified within the efficiency, understandability, and empathy dimensions. In future, the study can be replicated and adapted to both national central banks and private banks within the European Union, assessing how citizens perceive their websites, communication, and marketing strategies, with the purpose of improving the latter two, and increasing civic engagement. The model can also be adapted to narrower topics relating to sustainable digital development, such as the expectations and perceptions of citizens with regards to central bank digital currencies.
Management and Reduction Techniques Strategies of Ammonia Emission in Agricultural Sectors in China
Authors: Li Jing , Zeng Weibin , Wan Xiaoming
Published: October 2023

Agricultural ammonia (NH3) emissions (including farmland, livestock and poultry) are China’s main sources of NH3 emissions. China’s government has proposed a national strategic goal to reduce NH3 emissions. Excessive protein feeds, unreasonable manure treatments and agricultural fertilizer applications result in large emissions of NH3. Agricultural activities such as the breeding of livestock and fertilization in farmlands are the main sources of atmospheric NH3 emissions. This article discussed the progress and characteristics of typical NH3 emission inventory, calculated the nationwide NH3 emissions and analyzed the NH3 emission control strategy in the past 40 years in China. There was also an integration analysis of national documents on emission reduction technologies (including government reports) in China. The results showed that there existed single calculation methods and insufficient localization of emission factors in the estimation of domestic NH3 emissions. NH3 emission inventories varied greatly influenced by meteorology, planting structure and breeding pattern. The control strategy of NH3 emission in China has transformed from emission standards to technical guidelines to national strategic control, and it involves the coordination and cooperation of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs departments. Current domestic NH3 emission management strategy needs scientific emission verification specification, multi-department and inter-provincial regional coordination mechanisms, and suggestions for further improvement have been put forward. It is urgent to evaluate precise NH3 emission inventories at different regional scales, followed by intensive NH3 emission controls in the key regions (such as North China). Government, agriculture, and breeding industries should vigorously promote low-protein feeds, large-scale livestock farming (including poultry), and pilot projects on closed negative pressure farming. Also, agriculture-related NH3 emission reduction measures should be fully implemented by providing technical support for NH3 emission control in domestic agricultural farms.
Effects of Planting Density—Potassium Interaction on the Coordination among the Lignin Synthesis, Stem Lodging Resistance, and Grain Yield in Oil Flax
Authors: Wu Bing , Cui Zhengjun , Ma Lijuan , Li Xiqiang , Wang Haidi , Wang Yifan , Yan Bin , Dong Hongwei , Gao Yuhong
Published: October 2023

To clarify the effects of planting density (PD) and potassium (K) application on the lignin synthesis of oil flax stalks and their relationship with lodging resistance, a two-year field experiment was conducted in the 2020 and 2021 growing seasons. The planting densities were 600 grains·m−2 (D1), 750 grains·m−2 (D2), and 900 grains·m−2 (D3); the potassium application levels were 0 kg K·hm−2 (K0), 60 kg K·hm−2 (K1,) and 90 kg K·hm−2 (K2). Then, the effects of PD and K on the stalk agronomic traits, lignin synthesis, lodging resistance, and grain yield (GY) of oil flax were studied. The results show that D3 increased the oil flax plant height and stem fresh weight, and K1 raised the height of the center of gravity. The enzyme activities of phenylalanine aminolyase (PAL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), and peroxidase (POD) increased with an increase in planting density, whereby K1 promoted and K2 inhibited the lignin metabolic enzymes, respectively. The lignin and cellulose were significantly positively correlated with PAL. The combination of K with the D2 treatment increased the lignin and cellulose content in stems of oil flax at the kernel and maturity stages, and the effect of K1 on lignin metabolism and lodging resistance was better than that of K2. The increased GY was significantly correlated with the number of effective oil flax capsules per plant and the lodging resistance index, which were directly affected by K application. In conclusion, under the same ecological conditions as the experiment, the field management strategy of medium PD (750 grains·m−2) and low K (60 kg K·hm−2) was the best for improving the lodging resistance and GY formation of oil flax.
Assessment of Yield Stability of Bambara Groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) Using Genotype and Genotype–Environment Interaction Biplot Analysis
Authors: Linus Rita Adaeze , Olanrewaju Oluwaseyi Samuel , Oyatomi Olaniyi , Idehen Emmanuel Ohiosinmuan , Abberton Michael
Published: October 2023

Biplot analysis has emerged as a crucial statistical method in plant breeding and agricultural research. The objective of this research was to identify the best-performing genotype(s) for the environments in three distinct regions of Nigeria while also examining the characteristics and magnitude of genotype–environment interaction (GEI) effects on the yield of Bambara groundnut (BGN). The study was conducted in Ibadan, Ikenne, and Mokwa, utilizing a sample of 30 accessions. The yield of BGN was found to be significantly affected by accessions, environment, and their interaction through a combined analysis of variance, with a p-value < 0.001. Biplots were utilized to demonstrate the pattern of interaction components, specifically the genotype’s main effect and genotype–environment interaction (GEI). The initial two principal components elucidated the complete variance of the GGE model, encompassing both genetic and genotype-by-environment interaction effects (PC1 = 87.81%, PC2 = 12.19%). The accessions that exhibited superior performance in each respective environment, as determined by the “which-won-where” polygon, were identified as TVSu-2223, TVSu-2236, TVSu-2240, and TVSu-2249 in Mokwa; TVSu-2214 in Ikenne; and TVSu-2188 in Ibadan. The accessions TVSu-2207 and TVSu-2199 exhibited stability in all environments, whereas the accessions TVSu-2226, TVSu-2249, TVSu-2209, TVSu-2184, TVSu-2204, and TVSu-2236 demonstrated adaptability. In addition, the accessions TVSu-2240 and TVSu-2283 were stable and adaptable in all environments. The accessions that were chosen have been suggested as suitable parental lines for breeding programs aimed at enhancing grain yield in the agro-ecological zones that were evaluated. This study’s findings identify BGN accessions with adaptability and stability across selected environments in Nigeria, suggesting specific accessions that can serve as suitable parental lines in breeding programs to enhance grain yield, thereby holding promise for improving food security.