bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic health phenotype better predicts subclinical atherosclerosis than body mass index-based obesity phenotype in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease population
Authors: Wang Yaqin , Yuan Ting , Deng Shuwen , Zhu Xiaoling , Deng Yuling , Liu Xuelian , Liu Lei , Wang Changfa
Published: September 2023

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), especially lean NAFLD is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is not currently known which clinical phenotypes of NAFLD contribute most to individual subclinical atherosclerosis risk. We examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI), the metabolically healthy status, and subclinical atherosclerosis in the NAFLD population.

Methods

Data from asymptomatic NAFLD subjects who participated in a routine health check-up examination were collected. Participants were stratified by BMI (cutoff values: 24.0–27.9 kg/m2 for overweight and ≥28.0 kg/m2 for obesity) and metabolic status, which was defined by Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Subclinical atherosclerosis was evaluated by brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in 27,738 participants and by carotid plaque in 14,323 participants.

Results

Within each BMI strata, metabolically unhealthy subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis than metabolically healthy subjects, whereas fewer differences were observed across subjects within the same metabolic category. When BMI and metabolic status were assessed together, a metabolically unhealthy status was the main contributor to the association of clinical phenotypes with the subclinical atherosclerosis burden (all p < 0.001). When BMI and metabolic abnormalities were assessed separately, the incidence of subclinical disease did not increase across BMI categories; however, it increased with an increase in the number of metabolic abnormalities (0, 1, 2 and ≥3).

Conclusion

A metabolically healthy status in NAFLD patients was closely correlated with subclinical atherosclerosis, beyond that of the BMI-based obesity phenotype. The application of metabolic phenotyping strategies could enable more precise classification in evaluating cardiovascular risk in NAFLD.
Effects of N-acetylcysteine on aging cell and obesity complications in obese adults: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Sohouli Mohammad Hassan , Eslamian Ghazaleh , Malekpour Alamdari Nasser , Abbasi Maryam , Fazeli Taherian Sepideh , Behtaj Diba , Zand Hamid
Published: September 2023

Background

We decided to conduct this study with the aim of investigating the effects of N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) on obesity complications and senescence of visceral adipose tissue in obese adults.

Methods and analysis

The present study was conducted as a randomized clinical trial (RCT) (Clinical trial registry number: IRCT20220727055563N1) on 40 obese adults candidates for bariatric surgery, who were randomly assigned to receive 600 mg of NAC (n = 20) or placebo as a control (n = 20) for 4 weeks. During bariatric surgery, visceral adipose tissue was used to examine gene expression and senescence cells using SA-β-gal.

Results

Our findings showed that intervention with NAC significantly reduces SA-β-gal activity (as a marker of senescence) and expression of p16 and interleukin 6 (IL-6) genes in the visceral adipose tissue compared to placebo in obese adults for 4 weeks. In addition, our findings showed the potential and beneficial effect of NAC administration on reducing the levels of inflammatory factors including IL-6 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), as well as the level of fasting blood sugar (FBS), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and insulin compared to placebo after adjusting for confounders. No significant effect was indicated on anthropometric factors and lipid profile.

Conclusion

Findings showed that NAC, in addition to having a potential beneficial effect on reducing some of the complications caused by obesity, seems to have synolytic/senomorphic potential as well.

Clinical trial registration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/], identifier [IRCT20220727055563N1].
Integrative dissection of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors-related signature in the prognosis and immune microenvironment of breast cancer
Authors: Zhan Dandan , Wang Xuan , Zheng Yifeng , Wang Shengqi , Yang Bowen , Pan Bo , Wang Neng , Wang Zhiyu
Published: September 2023

Background

Depression increases the risk of breast cancer recurrence and metastasis. However, there lacks potential biomarkers for predicting prognosis in breast cancer. 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) plays a key role in the pathogenesis and treatment of depression. In this study, we developed a prognostic signature based on 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs) and elucidated its potential immune regulatory mechanisms for breast cancer prognosis.

Methods

Oncomine, GEPIA, UALCAN, cBioPortal, Kaplan-Meier plotter, and TIMER were used to analyze differential expression, prognostic value, genetic alteration, and immune cell infiltration of HTRs in breast cancer patients. The model training and validation assays were based on the analyses of GSE1456 and GSE86166. A risk signature was established by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The transwell assay was utilized to verify the effect of the 5-HTRs expression on breast cancer invasion. Effects of HTR2A/2B inhibitor on CD8+ T cell proliferation and infiltration as well as apoptosis of 4T1 cells in the tumor microenvironment were detected by flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. Zebrafish and mouse breast cancer xenografts were used to determine the effect of HTR2A/2B inhibitor on breast cancer metastasis.

Results

The expression levels of HTR1A, HTR1B, HTR2A, HTR2B, HTR2C, HTR4, and HTR7 were significantly downregulated in highly malignant breast cancer types. 5-HTRs were significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) in breast cancer patients. The genetic alteration of HTR1D, HTR3A, HTR3B, and HTR6 in breast cancer patients was significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS). Finally, HTR2A and HTR2B were determined to construct the risk signature. The expression of HTR2A/2B was positively correlated with the infiltration of immune cells such as CD8+ T cells and macrophages. Furthermore, inhibition of HTR2A expression could suppress CD8+ T cell proliferation and enhance invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells in both zebrafish and mice model.

Conclusions

The HTR2A/2B risk signature not only highlights the significance of HTRs in breast cancer prognosis by modulating cancer immune microenvironment, but also provides a novel gene-testing tool for early prevention of depression in breast cancer patients and lead to an improved prognosis and quality of life.
Ferroptosis regulator NOS2 is closely associated with the prognosis and cell malignant behaviors of hepatoblastoma: a bioinformatic and in vitro study
Authors: Zhang Lan , Ren Bin-cheng , Wei Fei , Liu Yan , Gao Ya , Yuan Bo
Published: September 2023

Background

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the most common liver tumor in children with easy metastasis. The emergence of ferroptosis as a novel form of cell death has gained increased attention in various human cancers. However, the roles of ferroptosis-related (FR) genes in HB remain elusive

Methods

The GSE133039, GSE131329, and GSE81928 datasets were utilized for screening core FR genes in HB. Through Lasso regression analysis and using the support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) algorithm, three candidate FR genes were obtained for characterizing HB. Their expression patterns and their clinical associations were explored through the ‘Limma’ R package, and their diagnostic potential was evaluated using ROC curves. Nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) emerged as a candidate for further analyses. The CIBERSORT algorithm and GSEA dataset were used to respectively investigate the immune and metabolism effects of NOS2; the former was validated through immunofluorescence. The GSDC database was employed to analyze the correlation between NOS2 expression and the therapeutic efficacy of multiple drugs. PCR, Western blotting, colony formation assays, and Transwell experiments, were used to determine biological functions of NOS2 in HB cells. Potential upstream transcription factors of NOS2 were predicted through the TRRUST, hTFtarget, GeneCards, and JASPAR databases.

Results

NQO1, SLC1A4, and NOS2 were identified as potential genes in HB and found to be significantly upregulated in tumor samples. Nevertheless, only NOS2 was closely associated with HB clinicopathological characteristics; high NOS2 expression indicated poor prognosis, metastatic tendency, and late clinical stage. Immune analyses indicated that high NOS2 expression was concomitant with decreased infiltration levels of CD8+ T cells but increased infiltration levels of macrophages. GSEA revealed that NOS2 failed to affect the enrichments of glycolysis, fatty acid metabolism, and cholesterol biosynthesis in HB. Moreover, NOS2 was positively correlated with the IC50 values of trametinib, lapatinib, and cisplatin. NOS2 overexpression promoted the proliferation, migration and invasion of HepG2 and HuH-6 cells. JUND was identified as a potential transcriptional regulator of NOS2 by binding to its promoter (5’-TTCTGACTCTTTT-3’).

Conclusion

NOS2 plays a significant role in HB clinical assessments and holds promise as a novel therapeutic target.
Gene therapy for inherited retinal diseases: exploiting new tools in genome editing and nanotechnology
Authors: Carvalho Cláudia , Lemos Luísa , Antas Pedro , Seabra Miguel C.
Published: September 2023

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) encompass a diverse group of genetic disorders that lead to progressive visual impairment and blindness. Over the years, considerable strides have been made in understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of IRDs, laying the foundation for novel therapeutic interventions. Gene therapy has emerged as a compelling approach for treating IRDs, with notable advancements achieved through targeted gene augmentation. However, several setbacks and limitations persist, hindering the widespread clinical success of gene therapy for IRDs. One promising avenue of research is the development of new genome editing tools. Cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 nucleases, base editing and prime editing provide unprecedented precision and efficiency in targeted gene manipulation, offering the potential to overcome existing challenges in gene therapy for IRDs. Furthermore, traditional gene therapy encounters a significant challenge due to immune responses to viral vectors, which remain crucial obstacles in achieving long-lasting therapeutic effects. Nanotechnology has emerged as a valuable ally in the quest to optimize gene therapy outcomes for ocular diseases. Nanoparticles engineered with nanoscale precision offer improved gene delivery to specific retinal cells, allowing for enhanced targeting and reduced immunogenicity. In this review, we discuss recent advancements in gene therapy for IRDs and explore the setbacks that have been encountered in clinical trials. We highlight the technological advances in genome editing for the treatment of IRDs and how integrating nanotechnology into gene delivery strategies could enhance the safety and efficacy of gene therapy, ultimately offering hope for patients with IRDs and potentially paving the way for similar advancements in other ocular disorders.
Piperlongumine is a ligand for the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1)
Authors: Zhang Lei , Martin Greg , Mohankumar Kumaravel , Wright Gus A. , Mariyam Fuada , Safe Stephen
Published: September 2023

Piperlongumine and derivatives are being developed as anticancer agents which act primarily as inducers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer cell lines. Many of the anticancer activities of piperlongumine resemble those observed for bis-indole derived compounds that bind the orphan nuclear receptor 4A1 (NR4A1) and act as inverse receptor agonists to inhibit NR4A1-regulated pro-oncogenic pathways and genes. In this study we show that like other NR4A1 inverse agonists piperlongumine inhibited RKO, SW480 and HCT116 colon cancer cell growth migration and invasion and induced apoptosis. Piperlongumine also downregulated the pro-reductant isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) and thioredoxin domain-containing 5 (TXNDC5) gene products resulting in the induction of ROS as previously observed for other inverse NR4A1 agonists. ROS also induced sestrin2 and this resulted in activation of AMPK phosphorylation and inhibition of mTOR pathway signaling. It has previously been reported that these pathways/genes are also regulated by inverse NR4A1 agonists or by knockdown of NR4A1. We also observed that piperlongumine directly bound NR4A1, inhibited NR4A1-dependent transactivation and interactions of the NR4A1/Sp1 complex bound to the GC-rich promoter of the NR4A1-regulated G9a gene.
Drug resistance mechanism and reversal strategy in lung cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Xu Yishi , Liu Yaqing , Ge Yi , Li Haozhe , Zhang Yi , Wang Liping
Published: September 2023

Among all malignant tumors, lung cancer has the highest mortality and morbidity rates. The non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are the most common histological subtypes. Although there are a number of internationally recognized lung cancer therapy regimens, their therapeutic effects remain inadequate. The outlook for individuals with lung carcinoma has ameliorated partly thanks to the intensive study of the tumor microenvironment and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Numerous cancers have been effectively treated with immunotherapy, which has had positive therapeutic results. Global clinical trials have validated that PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are effective and safe for treating lung cancer either independently or in combination, and they are gradually being recommended as systemic treatment medications by numerous guidelines. However, the immunotherapy resistance restricts the immunotherapy efficacy due to the formation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment and tumor mutations, and immunotherapy is only effective for a small percentage of lung cancer patients. To summarize, while tumor immunotherapy is benefiting an increasing number of lung cancer patients, most of them still develop natural or acquired resistance during immunotherapy. Consequently, a crucial and urgent topic is understanding and tackling drug resistance triggered by immunotherapy in lung cancer treatment. This review will outline the presently recognized mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance and reversal strategies in lung cancer.
Methamphetamine exposure drives cell cycle exit and aberrant differentiation in rat hippocampal-derived neurospheres
Authors: Wang Shaomin , Wang Liang , Bu Qian , Wei Qian , Jiang Linhong , Dai Yanping , Zhang Ni , Kuang Weihong , Zhao Yinglan , Cen Xiaobo
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Methamphetamine (METH) abuse by pregnant drug addicts causes toxic effects on fetal neurodevelopment; however, the mechanism underlying such effect of METH is poorly understood.

Methods: In the present study, we applied three-dimensional (3D) neurospheres derived from the embryonic rat hippocampal tissue to investigate the effect of METH on neurodevelopment. Through the combination of whole genome transcriptional analyses, the involved cell signalings were identified and investigated.

Results: We found that METH treatment for 24 h significantly and concentration-dependently reduced the size of neurospheres. Analyses of genome-wide transcriptomic profiles found that those down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) upon METH exposure were remarkably enriched in the cell cycle progression. By measuring the cell cycle and the expression of cell cycle-related checkpoint proteins, we found that METH exposure significantly elevated the percentage of G0/G1 phase and decreased the levels of the proteins involved in the G1/S transition, indicating G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, during the early neurodevelopment stage of neurospheres, METH caused aberrant cell differentiation both in the neurons and astrocytes, and attenuated migration ability of neurospheres accompanied by increased oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Conclusion: Our findings reveal that METH induces an aberrant cell cycle arrest and neuronal differentiation, impairing the coordination of migration and differentiation of neurospheres.
Network pharmacology-based exploration identified the antiviral efficacy of Quercetin isolated from mulberry leaves against enterovirus 71 via the NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Tianrun , Li Yingyu , Wang Lumeng , Zhang Xiaomeng , Zhang Yuxuan , Gai Xuejie , Chen Li , Liu Lei , Yang Limin , Wang Baixin
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Mulberry leaf (ML) is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, historically documented in “Shen Nong’s Materia Medica”. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ML on enterovirus 71 (EV71) using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments.

Methods: We successfully pinpointed shared targets between mulberry leaves (ML) and the EV71 virus by leveraging online databases. Our investigation delved into the interaction among these identified targets, leading to the identification of pivotal components within ML that possess potent anti-EV71 properties. The ability of these components to bind to the targets was verified by molecular docking. Moreover, bioinformatics predictions were used to identify the signaling pathways involved. Finally, the mechanism behind its anti-EV71 action was confirmed through in vitro experiments.

Results: Our investigation uncovered 25 active components in ML that targeted 231 specific genes. Of these genes, 29 correlated with the targets of EV71. Quercetin, a major ingredient in ML, was associated with 25 of these genes. According to the molecular docking results, Quercetin has a high binding affinity to the targets of ML and EV71. According to the KEGG pathway analysis, the antiviral effect of Quercetin against EV71 was found to be closely related to the NF-κB signaling pathway. The results of immunofluorescence and Western blotting showed that Quercetin significantly reduced the expression levels of VP1, TNF-α, and IL-1β in EV71-infected human rhabdomyosarcoma cells. The phosphorylation level of NF-κB p65 was reduced, and the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway was suppressed by Quercetin. Furthermore, our results showed that Quercetin downregulated the expression of JNK, ERK, and p38 and their phosphorylation levels due to EV71 infection.

Conclusion: With these findings in mind, we can conclude that inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway is a critical mechanism through which Quercetin exerts its anti-EV71 effectiveness.
Research on the ablation characteristics of combined lasers for glass fiber reinforced plastic composites
Authors: Xiao Jing , Ren Gang , Guo Rongjun , Gan Chunquan , Xu Yongjun , Liu Quanxi , Li Shijie , Han Dong , Lai Gengxin
Published: September 2023

Glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites have been applied to the manufacture of missile shields and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) shells. It is of great significance to explore the ablation characteristics of different lasers for these composites. Currently, most existing studies on the ablation characteristics of lasers for Glass fiber reinforced plastic composites are conducted under a single laser output mode, such as continuous wave (CW) laser or pulsed laser. However, the ablation characteristics of combined lasers for Glass fiber reinforced plastic composites have not been clarified. Therefore, the ablation characteristics of single lasers (continuous wave, millisecond (ms) pulsed, or nanosecond (ns) pulsed laser) and combined laser (CW/ms or CW/ns combined pulsed lasers) were investigated by experimental and simulation methods in this study. Additionally, the ablation mechanisms of Glass fiber reinforced plastic under different laser irradiation conditions were compared and analyzed. The results demonstrated that the ablation rates of single lasers for Glass fiber reinforced plastic composites were all within an order of magnitude of 10 μg/J, which was not significantly correlated with the light source system. The ablation efficiency of the single laser was determined by the incident laser energy. The continuous wave laser was found to be the optimal light source for the ablation and destruction of Glass fiber reinforced plastic composites. Nevertheless, there were some obstacles in the ablation process of continuous wave lasers. Applying pulsed lasers during the irradiation of the continuous wave laser may generate a synergistic effect. Under the conditions in this study, the CW/ns pulsed combined laser increased the ablation efficiency by 53.8%.
A novel SW-ESIW slot antenna and its applications in millimeter-wave array design
Authors: Qiang Jingxia , Xu Feng , Yang Ling , Liu Shui , Zhan Junlin
Published: September 2023

A novel structure of slot antenna with high gain and compact size for millimeter-wave (mmW) applications is proposed. This is the first attempt to apply slow-wave substrate integrated waveguide (SW-ESIW) to the field of antennas and their arrays. Two slot antenna arrays were designed, fabricated and measured. The measured results are in agreement with the simulation. The removal of dielectric substrate improves the radiation gain. At the same time, the slow wave effect, by means of physical separation of electric and magnetic fields, decreases both the lateral and longitudinal dimensions of the antenna. The SW-ESIW slot antenna can achieve miniaturization while retaining the advantages of high gain of ESIW. The 1 × 4-slot array shows a measured −10 dB bandwidth of 16% (30.5–35.8 GHz) with a measured maximum gain of 11.69 dB. The 4 × 4-slot array achieves a measured −10 dB bandwidth of 7.6% from 31.6 to 34.1 GHz with a measured peak gain of 18.75 dB. In addition, during the operating band, the radiation pattern is stable. Compared with the previously structures, the proposed SW-ESIW antenna structure has a better trade-off between gain and footprint. It can be flexibly adjusted to adapt to different requirements. These performances ensure that the antenna array based on the proposed structure is a promising candidate for millimeter-wave wireless applications including the fifth-generation mobile communications.
A study of auxiliary factors for judges in sentencing dangerous driving offenses – the mediating role of favorable and unfavorable factors
Authors: Liu Chengjie , Miao Ziyu , Wang Ting
Published: September 2023

This paper investigates the ancillary factors judges consider when sentencing dangerous driving offenses. These factors are divided into favorable (i.e., “Confess” [CF], and “Actively compensate and obtain forgiveness from victims” [AC]) and unfavorable categories (i.e., “Mainly or solely responsible for the accident” [MSR], and “Post-accident behavior” [BAA]). Results indicate that both types of factors mediate the relationship between “Blood Alcohol Concentration” (BAC) and the sentencing outcome: favorable factors have a significant negative correlation with sentences, while unfavorable ones show a positive correlation. The mediation effect ratios are 13.8% and 19.1% respectively, with no significant differences between their impacts on judges’ sentencing decisions.
Disparities and barriers in the assessment of psychological distress, access to and use of psycho-oncological support in Europe: current perspectives
Authors: Coppini Veronica , Ferraris Giulia , Monzani Dario , Grasso Roberto , Pravettoni Gabriella
Published: September 2023

The implementation of psycho-oncological support has shown important results in positively influencing treatment outcomes and quality of life in cancer patients and survivors. In the last few decades, the importance of mental health has been brought to attention to the general public and healthcare professionals on a national, institutional and organisational level. Official guidelines, policies, and training programs have been developed suggesting that psycho-oncological support should be considered as a non-negotiable requirement for quality cancer care in many hospitals and clinical centres across Europe. Health organisations, associations, institutions, and societies, such as the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) and the European Partnership for Action Against Cancer (EPAAC), are forming alliances, funding research projects and organising congresses in order to study, understand, and discuss the reasons for barriers and disparities in psycho-oncological support and, eventually, to overcome the existing cancer divide. Nevertheless, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) estimations indicate that the cancer burden is still increasing, and relevant barriers and disparities in accessing psycho-oncological support continue to exist and influence the health conditions and quality of life of cancer patients and survivors. The present work will present the current disparities and barriers regarding assessment, access to and use of psycho-oncological support in the countries of the European Union, making suggestions for further research and possible solutions.
Lifeboat ethics, risk, and therapeutic opportunity: an appeal for equitable psychedelic therapy access in the “high-risk” addiction patient
Authors: Black Taylor
Published: September 2023

Psychedelic-assisted treatment (PAT) for mental health is in renaissance. Psilocybin and MDMA stand near FDA approval, and US cities and states are decriminalizing or regulating the non-clinical use of psilocybin. However, neither FDA indications nor a regulated use model sufficiently address the complex needs and opportunities for an improved treatment of addiction. When paired with disability and social dispossession, addiction increasingly burdens informal care networks, public safety, and particularly healthcare systems. Stigma and mistreatment alienate people from opportunities for care and multiply the costs of providing care. This dynamic worsens socially determined resource limitations, enforcing stark ethical choices and perpetuating socioeconomic inequities, isolation, mental illness, medical illness, overdose, suicide, and violence. In order for psychedelic treatments to achieve their greatest utility to population health, we must intentionally develop regulatory, clinical, and payment systems supporting clinical research, rigorous safety monitoring, and implementation to address these immense needs and reduce the barriers to engagement for those who now bear the costs, including those who work at the front lines of addiction care. To achieve full fruition, I advocate for a collaborative approach, built from within networks of mutual social support but linked and accountable to public institutions charged with the equitable dissemination of these therapies for the greatest social and health equities. Rather than relegating PAT to the needs of the commercially insured or wellness markets, this is the moment to learn from ancient traditions of ritualized sacramental use, organized around faith in our mutual dependency and accountability, and to capture an opportunity to improve population health and equity. To miss this opportunity is to accept the status quo in the midst of a growing emergency, for lack of moral vision and intention to change our habits.
Measures of women's empowerment based on individual-level data: a literature review with a focus on the methodological approaches
Authors: Costa Janaína Calu , Saad Ghada E. , Hellwig Franciele , Maia Maria Fatima S. , Barros Aluísio J. D.
Published: September 2023

Background

Quantifying women's empowerment has become the focus of attention of many international organizations and scholars. We aimed to describe quantitative indicators of women's empowerment that are based on individual-level data.

Methods

In this scoping review, we searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Science Direct, Google, and Google Scholar for publications describing the operationalization of measures of women's empowerment.

Results

We identified 36 studies published since 2004, half of them since 2019, and most from low- and middle-income countries. Twelve studies were based on data from the Demographic and Health Surveys and used 56 different variables from the questionnaires (ranging from one to 25 per study) to measure the overall empowerment of women 15–49 years. One study focused on rural women, two included married and unmarried women, and one analyzed the couple's responses. Factor analysis and principal component analysis were the most common approaches used. Among the 24 studies based on other surveys, ten analyzed overall empowerment, while the others addressed sexual and reproductive health (4 studies), agriculture (3) and livestock (1), water and sanitation (2), nutrition (2), agency (1), and psychological empowerment (1). These measures were mainly based on data from single countries and factor analysis was the most frequently analytical method used. We observed a diversity of indicator definitions and domains and a lack of consensus in terms of what the proposed indicators measure.

Conclusion

The proposed women's empowerment indicators represent an advance in the field of gender and development monitoring. However, the empowerment definitions used vary widely in concept and in the domains/dimensions considered, which, in turn influence or are influenced by the adopted methodologies. It remains a challenge to find a balance between the need for a measure suitable for comparisons across populations and over time and the incorporation of country-specific elements.
Innovative approaches to integrating gender into conventional maize breeding: lessons from the Seed Production Technology for Africa project
Authors: Voss Rachel C. , Cairns Jill E. , Olsen Michael , Muteti Francisca Ndinda , Magambo Kanyenji George , Hamadziripi Esnath , Ligeyo Dickson , Mashingaidze Kingstone , Collinson Sarah , Wanderi Susan , Woyengo Vincent
Published: September 2023

The integration of gender concerns in crop breeding programs aims to improve the suitability and appeal of new varieties to both women and men, in response to concerns about unequal adoption of improved seed. However, few conventional breeding programs have sought to center social inclusion concerns. This community case study documents efforts to integrate gender into the maize-focused Seed Production Technology for Africa (SPTA) project using innovation history analysis drawing on project documents and the authors’ experiences. These efforts included deliberate exploration of potential gendered impacts of project technologies and innovations in the project’s approach to variety evaluation, culminating in the use of decentralized on-farm trials using the tricot approach. Through this case study, we illustrate the power of active and respectful collaborations between breeders and social scientists, spurred by donor mandates to address gender and social inclusion. Gender integration in this case was further facilitated by open-minded project leaders and allocation of funding for gender research. SPTA proved to be fertile ground for experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration around gender and maize breeding, and has provided proof of concept for larger breeding projects seeking to integrate gender considerations.
Comparison of interfragmentary compression across simulated condylar fractures repaired using four techniques
Authors: Brabon Ashley , Hughes Kristopher James , Labens Raphael
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Equine condylar fractures are commonly repaired using cortex screws applied in lag fashion. Inadequate interfragmentary compression can lead to post-operative complications.

Methods

Lateral condylar fractures were simulated in 21 cadaver limbs (8 third metatarsals, 13 third metacarpals). In each limb, pressure-sensitive film (Prescale®, Fuji Photo Film Co.) was placed in each osteotomy prior to repair with 4.5 mm diameter cortex screws placed in lag fashion. Screws were placed in linear (L), triangular (T), linear plus a washer (LW) and sequentially tightened triangular configurations (TD1). All screws were tightened to a torque of 4 Nm. Pressure prints obtained were scanned using dedicated software (Fuji FPD-8010E, Fuji Photo Film Co.). A Bayesian Network (BN) model was developed to investigate the impact and interrelationship of each factor on interfragmentary compression. Sixty-three repairs (20*L, 24* T, 11*TD1, and 8*LW) performed on 21 limbs were included in the analysis.

Results

The BN predicted mean contact area (±s.d.) for pressures within the operating range of the prescale film [≥2.5 Megapascals (MPa) ≤ 10 MPa] by L, T, TD1 and LW repairs were 403mm2 ± (140), 411 mm2 ± (120), 403 mm2 ± (120), and 366mm2 ± (70). The mean contact area (± s.d.) created by L, T, TD1 and LW repairs at pressures >10 MPa were 112 mm2 ± (48), 167 mm2 ± (67), 142 mm2 ± (50), and 100mm2 ± (27). When pressures ≥2.5 MPA to ≤10 MPa were considered, the construct (T or L), washer and screw tightening sequence variables had a very low effect on interfragmentary contact area. At pressures >10 MPa BN sensitivity findings were 16.3, 5.03, and 0.133% for construct, washer and screw tightening sequence. The BN model indicated that triangular repair configuration had a weak influence in the ≥2.5 MPa ≤ 10 MPa range and a moderate influence in the <10 MPa range, on interfragmentary compression. The addition of a washer and the screw tightening sequence had a weak influence on interfragmentary compression at all pressure ranges.

Discussion

The results show that triangular repairs create larger interfragmentary contact areas at greater interfragmentary pressure in simulated condylar fractures, however it is unknown if this results in improved repair stability in the clinical scenario.
Mechanical Power Density Predicts Prolonged Ventilation Following Double Lung Transplantation
Authors: Ghiani Alessandro , Kneidinger Nikolaus , Neurohr Claus , Frank Sandra , Hinske Ludwig Christian , Schneider Christian , Michel Sebastian , Irlbeck Michael
Published: September 2023

Prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) after lung transplantation poses several risks, including higher tracheostomy rates and increased in-hospital mortality. Mechanical power (MP) of artificial ventilation unifies the ventilatory variables that determine gas exchange and may be related to allograft function following transplant, affecting ventilator weaning. We retrospectively analyzed consecutive double lung transplant recipients at a national transplant center, ventilated through endotracheal tubes upon ICU admission, excluding those receiving extracorporeal support. MP and derived indexes assessed up to 36 h after transplant were correlated with invasive ventilation duration using Spearman’s coefficient, and we conducted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to evaluate the accuracy in predicting PMV (>72 h), expressed as area under the ROC curve (AUROC). PMV occurred in 82 (35%) out of 237 cases. MP was significantly correlated with invasive ventilation duration (Spearman’s ρ = 0.252 [95% CI 0.129–0.369], p < 0.01), with power density (MP normalized to lung-thorax compliance) demonstrating the strongest correlation (ρ = 0.452 [0.345–0.548], p < 0.01) and enhancing PMV prediction (AUROC 0.78 [95% CI 0.72–0.83], p < 0.01) compared to MP (AUROC 0.66 [0.60–0.72], p < 0.01). Mechanical power density may help identify patients at risk for PMV after double lung transplantation.
Adaptive Self-Triggered Control for Multi-Agent Systems with Actuator Failures and Time-Varying State Constraints
Authors: Wang Jianhui , Hu Zikai , Liu Jiarui , Zhang Yuanqing , Gu Yixiang , Huang Weicong , Tang Ruizhi , Wang Fang
Published: September 2023

This work focuses on the consensus problem for multi-agent systems (MASs) with actuator failures and time-varying state constraints, and presents a fixed-time self-triggered consensus control protocol. The use of time-varying asymmetrical barrier Lyapunov functions (BLF) avoids the violation of time-varying state constraints in MASs, ensuring stability and safety. Meanwhile, the system’s performance is further enhanced by leveraging the proposed adaptive neural networks (NNs) control method to mitigate the effects of actuator failures and nonlinear disturbances. Moreover, a self-triggered mechanism based on a fixed-time strategy is proposed to reach rapid convergence and conserve bandwidth resources in MASs. The mechanism achieves consensus within a predefined fixed time, irrespective of the system’s initial states, while conserving communication resources. Finally, the proposed method’s effectiveness is confirmed through two simulation examples, encompassing diverse actuator failure scenarios.
Effects of Seed Quality and Hybrid Type on Maize Germination and Yield in Hungary
Authors: Omar Suhana , Abd Ghani Rosnani , Khalid Noriza , Jolánkai Márton , Tarnawa Ákos , Percze Attila , Mikó Péter Pál , Kende Zoltán
Published: September 2023

After wheat and rice, maize is one of the most significant cereal crops worldwide. However, high-quality seed materials are prerequisites for stable yields, and low-quality maize seeds significantly contribute to low yields and deteriorate over time. Therefore, the present investigation aims to investigate the effects of seed quality and hybrid types on maize germination by emphasizing seed viability and vigor and their impact on maize crops’ overall performance and productivity. The study was separately conducted in the laboratory and on a field experiment plot under the Department of Crop Production, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, in spring 2022. Nine parental lines, six hybrids, and a controlled hybrid were tested in this study. The studies were laid out using a complete randomization design (CRD) and a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in the laboratory and in the field. The results of the study showed that there was a statistically significant difference between genotypes and number of days and their interaction in seed vigor. The parental lines showed better performance in terms of germination percentage and radicle elongation, whereas single-cross hybrids (SC) produced better plumule length. The radicle and plumule length also expanded significantly as incubation days increased. In field evaluations, as expected, hybrid lines produced better performance than parental lines, and SC hybrids were more prevalent than the other hybrids. In addition, the number of rows per ear, number of kernels per ear, 1000-kernel weight, and ear weight directly affected the final grain yield. However, further research is needed on new approaches that can assist researchers in advancing their work by considering biotic and abiotic factors to address seed-quality issues and enhance yield production.
Long-Term Application of Pig Manure to Ameliorate Soil Acidity in Red Upland
Authors: Luo Peisang , Long Zedong , Sun Mei , Feng Qiufen , Zeng Xibai , Wang Hua , Luo Zunchang , Sun Geng
Published: September 2023

While the application of manure to improve soil quality has attracted attention, the effect of pig manure application rates on soil acidity remains poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the changes and correlations between soil acidity, pH buffer capacity (pHBC), soil chemical properties, and crop yields after 8 years of pig manure application at different rates (i.e., 0, 7.5, 15, 30, and 45 Mg ha−1) in a red upland soil (Ultisol). With an increase in the application rates, the crop yields were 0.77–8.85 times higher; the pH was enhanced by 0.4–0.8 units; and the soil organic matter (SOM), pHBC, iron activation (Feo), exchangeable calcium (ExCa), and exchangeable magnesium (ExMg) contents increased by up to 74.1%, 92.7%, 36.7%, 62.2%, and 48.7%, respectively, whereas that of total exchangeable acid (ExAcid) decreased by 17.2–52.9%. The crop yields were positively related to the soil pH but negatively correlated with ExAcid. Redundancy analysis revealed ExAcid and pHBC were more sensitive than pH was to the other chemical indicators. ExAcid was negatively correlated with SOM and ExCa; pHBC was positively correlated with ExMg, TN, SOM, and Feo. In conclusion, the crop yield could be improved by adjusting the soil acidity characteristics, and the application of pig manure reduced the soil acidity, with an optimal application rate of 15 Mg·ha−1.
Research Progress on Non-Destructive Detection of Internal Quality of Fruits with Large Size and Thick Peel: A Review
Authors: Wang Hegong , Mei Mengwen , Li Jiangbo
Published: September 2023

Postharvest quality detection and grading are important factors to improve the commercial value of fruit. The natural biological characteristics bring challenges to the rapid and non-destructive evaluation of the internal quality of fruits with large size and thick peel. A lot of studies have tried to establish a feasible technique to achieve rapid, non-destructive, and accurate detection for this kind of fruit in commercial real-time grading. This article focuses on large-sized and thick-skinned fruits and comprehensively reviews the latest technical progress in the non-destructive detection of internal quality. It can provide a valuable reference for the development of postharvest processing technology for this kind of fruit.
Determinants of Consumption Structure of Livestock Products among Rural Chinese Residents: Household Characteristics and Regional Heterogeneity
Authors: Chen Furong , Wei Tongyang , Zhu Ning
Published: September 2023

Livestock products provide essential micro-nutrients and animal protein to rural residents. Upgrading the consumption pattern of livestock products is not only crucial for improving rural residents’ health and quality of life but also for achieving food security and a healthy China under the “Great Food View” development concept. To identify the characteristics and determinants of residents’ livestock products consumption structure in rural China, we used the Logit model to empirically analyze the key factors affecting rural residents’ consumption structure of livestock products from the perspective of household characteristics and regional heterogeneity using a survey data of 4529 rural residents across 10 provinces. The findings reveal that, firstly, rural residents consume a variety of livestock product categories, predominantly meat, meat-egg, meat-milk, and meat-egg-milk. Secondly, the family characteristics of the number of people eating at home, education level, access to food nutrition and health information, ethnicity, and age structure significantly affect the consumption structure of livestock products among rural residents. Thirdly, self-raising of livestock and poultry can support rural residents’ consumption of livestock products. Fourthly, there are notable variations in the consumption structure of livestock products between different regions. Based on this, we suggest strategies to optimize and support the consumption structure of livestock products for rural residents, such as promoting consumption upgrading, advocating market segmentation for livestock products, and improving regional self-sufficiency.
Utilization of Vermicompost Sludge Instead of Peat in Olive Tree Nurseries in the Frame of Circular Economy and Sustainable Development
Authors: Kinigopoulou Vasiliki , Hatzigiannakis Evangelos , Stefanou Stefanos , Guitonas Athanasios , Oikonomou Efstathios K.
Published: September 2023

The survival of newly planted seedlings and their successful development after transplantation, including faster plant growth, improved plant quality, larger production, and the absence of dependence on arable land, is one of the primary goals of horticultural nurseries. Although peat is the most frequently used amendment in commercial potting substrates, exploiting it degrades essential ecosystems like peatlands and uses slowly renewable resources. This study evaluated the growth and nutrition of olive-rooted cuttings when peat was partially or completely replaced with vermicompost, searching for more sustainable methods and recovering urban wastewater treatment sludge sequentially. The progress of the plants’ growth was compared to that of corresponding plants in which commercial peat had been used as substrate. Leachates from every procedure were also examined, and the results revealed that trace element and heavy metal contents were much lower than those deemed hazardous for aquifers and soil. The outcomes indicated that peat might be effectively replaced with vermicompost sludge, promoting plant growth without further fertilizer. Comparatively to olive cuttings grown in peat-based substrates, those grown in compost-based substrates experienced improved nutrition and development. Further, it was found that irrigation doses were significantly reduced in treatments with a significant amount of vermicompost as the water drained more slowly. A technical-economic analysis was being conducted in the meantime, illustrating the financial benefits for a nursery when peat is replaced with vermicomposted sludge.
Sensitivities of Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) Populations in Different Regions of China to Four Bt Proteins
Authors: Zhou Yanfang , Huang Chunmeng , Chen Yi , Han Lanzhi , Xie Jiajian , Chen Xiuping
Published: September 2023

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, invaded the south of China in December 2018 and has since posed a huge threat to crop production in China. However, transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn can efficiently control the damage caused by FAWs. In fact, the Chinese government has issued biosafety certificates for several Bt corn hybrids expressing any one of four Bt proteins, Vip3A, Cry1F, Cry1Ab, and Cry2Ab, or combinations thereof, to control FAWs. These Bt corn events are soon to be commercialized in China. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor and evaluate whether the FAW has developed resistance to any of the Bt corn hybrids planted in fields in China. To address this issue, we collected 11 geographical populations of FAWs and determined the sensitivity of each to the aforementioned four purified Bt proteins as assessed by diet surface overlay bioassays. The ranges for the 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of the four Bt proteins to all FAW populations were as follows: 11.42–88.33 ng/cm2 (for Vip3A), 111.21–517.33 (Cry1F), 135.76–1108.47 (Cry1Ab), and 994.42–5492.50 (Cry2Ab). The corresponding ranges for the 50% growth inhibition concentrations (GIC50) were 1.43–14.86, 2.35–138.97, 1.58–464.86, and 25.01–1266.07 ng/cm2. The lethal effects and growth inhibition effects of the four Bt proteins on FAW were in the same order of Vip3A > Cry1F > Cry1Ab > Cry2Ab. A comparison with published LC50 values of Bt proteins towards sensitive FAW populations revealed that all 11 FAW populations in this study were sensitive to Vip3A, Cry1F, and Cry1Ab. This study provides foundational data for monitoring and controlling the resistance of Bt corn to FAW in China.