bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoding the formation of diverse petal colors of Lagerstroemia indica by integrating the data from transcriptome and metabolome
Authors: Hong Sidan , Wang Jie , Wang Qun , Zhang Guozhe , Zhao Yu , Ma Qingqing , Wu Zhiqiang , Ma Jin , Gu Cuihua
Published: September 2022

Lagerstroemia indica has great economic value due to its ecological, medicinal, and ornamental properties. Because its bloom color is one of the most essential characteristics, research into its color development is a hot topic. In this study, five representative colored cultivars were chosen, each representing a different color, such as white, red, pink, violet, and purple. Fully bloomed flowers were used to detect flavonoids in the petals. Anthocyanin is the main factor for the color formation of L. indica. 14 anthocyanins were discovered among the 299 flavonoids. Among 14 anthocyanins, malvidin-3,5-di-O-glucoside varied greatly among four colored samples and is the main contributor to color diversity. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that compared to white flowers, Anthocyanin pathway genes appear to be more active in colored samples. Analyzing the correlation network between metabolites and differential expressed genes, 53 key structural genes, and 24 TFs were detected that may play an essential role in the formation of color in L. indica flowers. Among these, the differential expression of F3′5′H and F3′H between all samples are contributors to color diversity. These findings lay the foundation for discovering the molecular mechanism of L. indica flower color diversity.
Effects of light-emitting diode spectral combinations on growth and quality of pea sprouts under long photoperiod
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Guo Xiaolei , Li Junyan , Zhang Yinghua , Yang Youming , Zheng Wengang , Xue Xuzhang
Published: September 2022

Pea sprouts have rich nutrition and are considered good for heart health. In this study, the kaspa peas and black-eyed peas were chosen to clarify the effect of different LED spectral combinations on the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of pea sprouts under long photoperiod (22 h light/2 h dark). The results showed that the two pea varieties responded differently to light spectral combinations. Black-eyed pea sprouts had higher plant height, fresh weight per plant, dry weight per plant, soluble sugar content, and lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content than kaspa peas under the same light treatment. Compared with white light, red-to-blue ratio of 2:1 significantly increased peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, soluble sugar and soluble protein content of kaspa pea sprouts, and decreased MDA content of black-eyed pea sprouts. Blue light was negatively correlated with the plant height of pea sprouts and positively correlated with SOD activity, vitamin C, soluble sugar, and soluble protein content. Antioxidant capacity, yield, and nutritional quality of black-eyed pea sprouts were higher than those of kaspa pea sprouts under the same light treatment. Blue light improved the nutritional quality of pea sprouts. Compared with other light treatments, the red-to-blue ratio of 2:1 was more conducive to improving the antioxidant capacity and nutritional quality of pea sprouts under long photoperiod.
Integrated breeding approaches to enhance the nutritional quality of food legumes
Authors: Jha Rintu , Yadav Hemant Kumar , Raiya Rahul , Singh Rajesh Kumar , Jha Uday Chand , Sathee Lekshmy , Singh Prashant , Thudi Mahendar , Singh Anshuman , Chaturvedi Sushil Kumar , Tripathi Shailesh
Published: September 2022

Global food security, both in terms of quantity and quality remains as a challenge with the increasing population. In parallel, micronutrient deficiency in the human diet leads to malnutrition and several health-related problems collectively known as “hidden hunger” more prominent in developing countries around the globe. Biofortification is a potential tool to fortify grain legumes with micronutrients to mitigate the food and nutritional security of the ever-increasing population. Anti-nutritional factors like phytates, raffinose (RFO’s), oxalates, tannin, etc. have adverse effects on human health upon consumption. Reduction of the anti-nutritional factors or preventing their accumulation offers opportunity for enhancing the intake of legumes in diet besides increasing the bioavailability of micronutrients. Integrated breeding methods are routinely being used to exploit the available genetic variability for micronutrients through modern “omic” technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, ionomics, and metabolomics for developing biofortified grain legumes. Molecular mechanism of Fe/Zn uptake, phytate, and raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs) biosynthesis pathways have been elucidated. Transgenic, microRNAs and genome editing tools hold great promise for designing nutrient-dense and anti-nutrient-free grain legumes. In this review, we present the recent efforts toward manipulation of genes/QTLs regulating biofortification and Anti-nutrient accumulation in legumes using genetics-, genomics-, microRNA-, and genome editing-based approaches. We also discuss the success stories in legumes enrichment and recent advances in development of low Anti-nutrient lines. We hope that these emerging tools and techniques will expedite the efforts to develop micronutrient dense legume crop varieties devoid of Anti-nutritional factors that will serve to address the challenges like malnutrition and hidden hunger.
Characterization of fungal pathogens and germplasm screening for disease resistance in the main production area of the common bean in Argentina
Authors: Taboada Gisel , Abán Carla L. , Mercado Cárdenas Guadalupe , Spedaletti Yamila , Aparicio González Mónica , Maita Efrain , Ortega-Baes Pablo , Galván Marta
Published: September 2022

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is the most important grain legume in the human diet, mainly in Africa and Latin America. Argentina is one of the five major producers of the common bean in the world, and the main cultivation areas are concentrated in the northwestern provinces of this country. Crop production of the common bean is often affected by biotic factors like some endemic fungal diseases, which exert a major economic impact on the region. The most important fungal diseases affecting the common bean in Argentina are white mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, angular leaf spot caused by Pseudocercospora griseola, web blight and root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani, which can cause production losses of up to 100% in the region. At the present, the most effective strategy for controlling these diseases is the use of genetic resistance. In this sense, population study and characterization of fungal pathogens are essential for developing cultivars with durable resistance. In this review we report diversity studies carried out on these three fungal pathogens affecting the common bean in northwestern Argentina, analyzing more than 200 isolates by means of molecular, morphological and pathogenic approaches. Also, the screening of physiological resistance in several common bean commercial lines and wild native germplasm is reviewed. This review contributes to the development of sustainable management strategies and cultural practices in bean production aimed to minimize yield losses due to fungal diseases in the common bean.
Understanding, Investigating, and promoting deep learning in language education: A survey on chinese college students' deep learning in the online EFL teaching context
Authors: Jiang Ruihong
Published: September 2022

This study aims to (1) develop and validate the four-dimension model hypothesis of deep learning to better understand deep learning in language education; (2) investigate and promote deep learning by conducting a survey involving 533 college students in the online learning English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching context in China. Concretely, this study initially synthesized theoretical insights from deep learning in the education domain and related theories in the second language acquisition and thus proposed the four-dimension model hypothesis of deep learning involving the motivation of deep learning, the engagement of deep learning, the strategy of deep learning, and the directional competence of deep learning. This study subsequently undertook a questionnaire survey utilizing a standardized instrument to confirm the model hypothesis and further investigate the current status and salient differences in students' deep learning in online EFL teaching. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmation factor analysis (CFA), and Pearson's correlation test validated a positively correlated four-dimension model of deep learning with high composite reliability and good convergent validity. Moreover, the descriptive and inferential statistics revealed that the level of students' deep learning marginally reached the median, with the lowest mean of directional competence and the highest mean of motivation; students manifested more instructional motives, neglect of deploying skilled-based cognitive strategies, and deficiency of language application skills, etc.; there existed some significant differences between deep learning and four sub-dimensions across the grade, English proficiency, EFL course, and vision groups. Eventually, this study proffered primary reasons and five appropriate strategies to scaffold and promote students' deep learning in online EFL teaching. Hopefully, this study will be a pioneering effort to clear away the theoretical muddle of deep learning construct in language education and be illuminating to further improve effectiveness in the online EFL teaching context.
A multigroup structural equation modeling analysis of students’ perception, motivation, and performance in computational thinking
Authors: Ye Jiachu , Lai Xiaoyan , Wong Gary Ka Wai
Published: September 2022

Students’ perceptions of learning are important predictors of their learning motivation and academic performance. Examining perceptions of learning has meaningful implications for instruction practices, while it has been largely neglected in the research of computational thinking (CT). To contribute to the development of CT education, we explored the influence of students’ perceptions on their motivation and performance in CT acquisition and examined the gender difference in the structural model using a multigroup structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis. Two hundred and eighty-five students from a Chinese urban high school were recruited for the study. The analysis revealed that students’ perceptions of CT positively influenced their CT performance and learning motivation, and some motivational constructs, namely self-efficacy and learning goal orientation (LGO), also positively influenced their CT performance. Furthermore, in the male student group, perceptions of CT exhibited significant correlations with both self-efficacy and LGO. However, no significant correlation was found in the female student group. Implications for research and teaching practice in CT education are presented herein.
People with intellectual and multiple disabilities access leisure, communication, and daily activities via a new technology-aided program
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O’Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Alberti Gloria , Fiore Alessandra
Published: September 2022

People with mild to moderate intellectual or multiple disabilities may have serious difficulties in accessing leisure events, managing communication exchanges with distant partners, and performing functional daily activities. Recently, efforts were made to develop and assess technology-aided programs aimed at supporting people in all three areas (i.e., leisure, communication, and daily activities). This study assessed a new technology-aided program aimed at helping four participants with intellectual and multiple disabilities in the aforementioned areas. The program, which was implemented following a non-concurrent multiple baseline across participants design, relied on the use of a smartphone or tablet connected via Bluetooth to a two-switch device. This device served to select leisure and communication events and to control the smartphone or tablet’s delivery of step instructions for the activities scheduled. Data showed that during the baseline phase (with only the smartphone or tablet available), three participants failed in each of the areas (i.e., leisure, communication and functional activities) while one participant managed to access a few leisure events. During the intervention phase (with the support of the technology-aided program), all participants managed to independently access leisure events, make telephone calls, and carry out activities. These results suggest that the program might be a useful tool for helping people with intellectual and multiple disabilities improve their condition in basic areas of daily life.
Acceptability and feasibility of the World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training Programme (WHO CST) delivered via eLearning, videoconferencing, and in-person hybrid modalities in Hong Kong
Authors: Lau Janet Siu-Ping , Lai Simon Man-Kin , Ip Florence To-Sau , Wong Paul Wai-Ching , Team WHO CST , Servili Chiara , Salomone Erica , Pacione Laura , Shire Stephanie , Brown Felicity L.
Published: September 2022

Background

Local children with developmental disabilities were deprived of learning opportunities due to recent social and health incidents, resulting in elevating challenging behaviors and familial conflicts. This study explored the acceptability and feasibility of the World Health Organization's Caregiver Skills Training Programme (WHO CST) in alternative delivery modes under new normal and post COVID-19 period.

Method

CST was delivered via eLearning (EL), videoconferencing (VC), and in-person hybrid (IP) modes to 34 parent-child dyads, being randomly assigned to modes of asynchronous non-interfering EL (n = 9), synchronous with online coaching VC (n = 7), synchronous with in-person coaching IP (n = 9) and Wait-list Control WLC (n = 9). Data from two standardized scales of General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Post-session and Home Visit Feedback Form by Caregivers that included both structured and open-ended questions were collected before and after intervention. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used in studying the collected data.

Results

High levels of acceptability and feasibility of the training programme were supported by ratings on comprehensiveness and relevance, agreement with their personal values, duration, and usefulness. IP and VC groups yielded more positive changes than EL and WLC groups with 3, 16, 13, and −3% in General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), −13, −15, −6 and 0% in Difficulties-total, and 36.5, 35.5, 5.8 and 2.4% in Prosocial Scale at Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for EL, VC, IP, and WLC groups respectively from baseline to 12 weeks after intervention. Results from two standardized scales echoed with qualitative observations that the programme helped improve caregivers' well-being, child's communication, and behaviors across intervention groups.

Conclusions

Current findings revealed that CST delivered in three alternative modes were acceptable and feasible, and yielded positive impacts toward both caregivers and children. In-person coaching, and skill-practicing sessions were effective in mitigating child's challenging behaviors while personal interaction, either face-to-face or virtual, is a significant factor in uplifting caregivers' well-being, whereas the self-learning model was appreciated by the busy caregivers. In clinical practice, needs and goals of families and the constraints of remote interventions at the settings should be balanced.
Improving wasting among children under-5 years in Malawi: The role of farm input subsidies
Authors: Tione Grace , Gondwe Edith , Maonga Beston B. , Machira Kennedy , Katengeza Samson Pilanazo
Published: September 2022

Wasting among children under-5 years remains a public health problem in Malawi, despite the quest to improve food availability through Farm Input Subsidy Program (FISP). As such, the study examined the link between FISP and child wasting. Using Malawi Integrated Household Panel Surveys for 2013, 2016, and 2019, two-stage least squares approach was employed to run a Cobb Douglas production function and a correlated Random Effects (CRE) Model to account for endogeneity challenges and an unbalanced panel dataset. The study hypothesized the role of FISP to dietary diversity at the household level on child wasting [weight-for-height (WHZ)]. Based on the analysis, the study found that household access to FISP coupons was not a stand-alone predictor for low wasting among children under-5 years. However, increased maize production due to FISP coupon access significantly correlated with lower wasting likelihood incidences at the household level. Worth to note, that in 2015/16, households that had accessed FISP coupons and were in the central region had higher wasting probabilities among the children under-5 years in Malawi compared to other counterparts panels. This implies challenges to addressing wasting among children under-5 years– which can be attributed to higher redemption costs of the FISP coupon. Therefore, the current study suggests that input subsidies can improve the reduction of wasting among children under-5 years through specific pathways, among them, increased maize production and considering appropriate targeted approaches to ensure households access the inputs for sustained food availability, which in turn enhances improved the children under-5 years health dividends in Malawi.
Analyzing the changing relationship between personal consumption and suicide mortality during COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, using governmental and personal consumption transaction databases
Authors: Matsumoto Ryusuke , Kawano Yasuhiro , Motomura Eishi , Shiroyama Takashi , Okada Motohiro
Published: September 2022

During the early stages of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, suicides did not increase in most countries/regions. Japan, however, was an exception to this, reporting increased numbers of female suicides with no changes in male suicide. To explore the trends of increasing suicides, the fluctuations of personal consumption (as an indicator of lifestyle) and standardized suicide death rate (SDR) disaggregated by age, sex, and prefecture, were determined using a linear mixed-effect model. Additionally, fixed effects of personal consumption on SDR during the pandemic were also analyzed using hierarchical linear regression models with robust standard errors. During the first wave of the pandemic, SDR for both sexes decreased slightly but increased during the second half of 2020. SDR of females younger than 70 years old and males younger than 40 years old continued to increase throughout 2021, whereas SDR for other ages of both sexes did not increase. Personal consumption expenditures on out-of-home recreations (travel agencies, pubs, and hotels) and internet/mobile communication expenses decreased, but expenditures on home-based recreations (contents distribution) increased during the pandemic. Increased expenditures on internet/mobile communication were related to increasing SDR of both sexes. Increasing expenditures on content distributions were related to increasing females' SDR without affecting that of males. Decreasing expenditures on pubs were related to increasing SDR of both sexes in the non-metropolitan region. These findings suggest that transformed individual lifestyles, extended time at home with a decreased outing for contact with others, contributed to the progression of isolation as a risk of suicide. Unexpectedly, increasing compensatory contact with others using internet/mobile communication enhanced isolation resulting in increased suicide risk.
Epidemiology of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae in Qatar: A 3-year hospital-based study
Authors: Alsamawi Musaed , Joudeh Anwar I. , Eldeeb Yaseer , Al-Dahshan Ayman , Khan Fahmi , Ghadban Wissam , Almaslamani Muna , Alkhal Abdulatif
Published: September 2022

Background

The incidence of ESBL infections is exponentially increasing with variable prevalence among geographical areas and treatment settings. Identifying local prevalence rate and patient-related factors will help in earlier recognition and initiation of appropriate antibiotics treatment of patients with ESBL infections.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of all positive cultures for ESBL producing Enterobacteriaceae collected in Al-Khor hospital from January 2010 to December 2012. ESBL bacterial isolates reported as cephalosporin-resistant or ESBL using the automated VITEK Gram-Negative Susceptibility System with cards GNS 206 and 121 were screened for ESBL detection using the disk diffusion method in keeping with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Both descriptive and analytic statistics were applied when appropriate, and univariate analysis was used to identify significant factors.

Results

Most of the ESBL-producing bacterial isolates were E. coli, which were also resistant to other classes of antimicrobials. Meropenem, amikacin and nitrofurantoin retained good coverage to most isolates. Klebsiella pneumonia infection was most likely associated with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.004), hospital-acquired infection (p = 0.046) and with more severe infection (p = 0.006). ESBL associated hospital-acquired infections were more likely to occur in older patients, those with comorbidities and with invasive device use. ESBL-associated urinary tract infections were most commonly community-acquired while ESBL associated respiratory tract infections were acquired from hospitals (p = < 0.001). Factors associated with mortality include treatment in the ICU (OR 104.8 [9.82–1116.96] p < 0.001), sepsis/septic shock (OR 20.80 (5.68–76.12) p < 0.001), hospital-acquired infections (OR 8.80 [1.88–41.16] p = 0.006) and bacteremia (OR 8.80 [1.63–47.5] p = 0.013).

Conclusion

Multiple risk factors were associated with ESBL infections both in the community and hospital setting. Prediction tools are needed to improve the protocol of appropriate empiric antibiotic selection while preserving antimicrobial stewardship recommendations.
Attenuation of the dynamic pupil light response during screen viewing for arousal assessment
Authors: Fanourakis Marios , Chanel Guillaume
Published: September 2022

Studies on the psychosensory pupil response often carefully control the lighting conditions in the experiment or require a calibration procedure for each subject under different light conditions for a baseline which is later used to attenuate the pupil light response (PLR) effects from the pupil using steady state models, disregarding the dynamic nature of the pupil. Such approaches are not feasible “in the wild” since they require carefully controlled experimental conditions. We address these shortcomings in the context of screen viewing in a dataset containing 140 subjects playing a first person shooter video game and use an existing dynamic PLR model to attenuate the effects of luminance. We compute the perceived luminance using the pixel values of the screen and show that using the dynamic PLR model is more effective in attenuating the effects of luminance compared to steady state models. Subsequently, we show that attenuating the PLR from the pupil size data improves the performance of machine learning models trained to predict arousing game events compared to using the pupil size without attenuating the PLR. The implications are that our approach for estimating the perceived luminance and attenuating its effects from the pupil data can be applied to screen viewing (including VR) to unobtrusively and continuously monitor users’ emotional arousal via the pupil size.
Consumers' food control risk attitude for blockchain traceable information seeking: Evidence from fresh fruit buyers in China
Authors: Zhai Qianqian , Sher Ali , Li Qian , Chen Chao
Published: September 2022

The blockchain-based traceability in agri-food marketing has brought a disruptive paradigm shift by removing the inherent information asymmetry problem. Likewise, revealing sufficient product quality and attributes information could break agricultural markets' “Lemon Market” dilemma. This study takes the fresh fruit with blockchain traceability QR label as a case and systematically investigates the influence of consumers' food control risk attitude on information-seeking intentions. We utilized online survey data of 1,058 fresh fruit buyers and simultaneously applied ordinary least square (OLS), ordered logit model (Ologit), and propensity score matching (PSM) approaches to overcome the potential self-selection biases and confounding factors. The results show that risk attitude significantly negatively impacts consumers' information seeking fresh fruits. The stronger consumers' risk preference, the lower the probability of information seeking. Furthermore, we used PSM to overcome potential sample selectivity bias; therefore, PSM reinforces the significance of OLS and Ologit results. The sub-sample estimation results show that young individuals with high school and below education have stronger blockchain information-seeking intentions. The study provides new insights into the role of food control risk attitude and agri-food information traceability and offers several measures for policy and practice to realize a border trajectory in agri-food information disclosure.
Retrospective evaluation of the utility of two-step surgery for facial basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Iino Shiro , Baba Natsuki , Hasegawa Takumi , Kasamatsu Hiroshi , Oyama Noritaka , Tokunaga Takahiro , Hasegawa Minoru
Published: September 2022

In older patients with facial basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), surgery should be aimed to reduce treatment-related sequelae and burden with achieving local tumor care. Therefore, we adopted a two-step surgery (TSS) involving the application of a dermal regeneration template onto the skin defect after tumor resection and subsequent reconstruction by full-thickness skin grafting. We performed a detailed comparison of conventional one-step surgery (OSS) and TSS, including evaluation of local tumor curability, postoperative cosmetic and/or functional impairments, and patient burden. Forty-six patients who underwent TSS and 104 patients treated with OSS were retrospectively investigated. The cohort consisted of 77 men and 73 women (median age, 83 years). The BCC: SCC ratio was 56.7%: 43.3%. The tumor size and excision margin were significantly larger in the TSS group than in the OSS group (p = 0.03). The histopathological margin was positive after the first surgery in six cases, but was negative after additional resection in all cases, regardless of OSS or TSS. Local recurrence was not observed in this study. The frequency of postoperative sequelae (POS) in TSS was slightly lower than in OSS (17.4% vs. 27.9%, p = 0.16). A shorter average operation time per session was significantly associated with the location of the vertical defect [below adipose tissue vs. within adipose tissue, estimate: −0.28 (hour), p < 0.001] and surgical procedure [OSS vs. TSS, estimate: −0.13 (hour), p = 0.03] by multiple regression models. The ratio of general anesthesia was relatively lower in TSS than in OSS (9.8% vs. 17.3%, p = 0.12). Thus, TSS showed a good local curability and POS statistically equivalent to OSS, reducing the surgical burden, particularly shortening each operation time without any adverse events, despite the TSS group having significantly larger tumors than the OSS group. Since TSS is a simple procedure, it can be an outstanding option for facial BCC and SCC.
Endovascular reconstruction of bilateral upper limbs ischemia in a patient with arterial outlet syndrome: A case report and literature review
Authors: Zhou Mi , Jia Wei , Jiang Peng , Cheng Zhiyuan , Zhang Yunxin , Liu Jianlong
Published: September 2022

Background

Acute upper limb ischemia in a patient with thoracic outlet syndrome is a rare but serious clinical disorder. If the disease is not treated promptly due to underdiagnosis, it could lead to distal artery embolization and limb-threatening ischemia. Revascularizing upper extremity arteries in a timely manner could rescue ischemic limbs and improve the patient’s quality of life. We reported here a case of a patient who presented with bilateral upper limb ischemia caused by arterial thoracic outlet syndrome.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old woman who presented with sudden bilateral upper extremity cold, numbness, pulselessness, and altered temperature sensation was first diagnosed with arterial thoracic outlet syndrome. The patient had performed a lot of pull-up and lat pull-down exercises in the 2 months prior to the onset of the above symptoms. Color Doppler ultrasonography showed thrombosis in the right axillary artery and left subclavian and axillary artery. The patient received Rotarex mechanical thrombectomy combined with drug-coated balloon percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) to complete revascularization of the upper extremities and achieved a full recovery finally.

Conclusions

Complete endovascular revascularization for treating arterial thoracic outlet syndrome is a minimally invasive and effective method, especially for upper extremity ischemic lesions caused by nonbone compression.
Meningovertebral ligaments could be a barrier for migration of a herniated intervertebral disc: An anatomical study
Authors: Krystkiewicz Kamil , Maślanka Mateusz , Skadorwa Tymon , Ciszek Bogdan , Tosik Marcin , Furtak Jacek
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Intervertebral disc degeneration can manifest as sequestration. In most cases, the material could be found ipsilateral to the annular tear; however, a contralateral migration is also possible. We present an anatomical description of anterior meningovertebral ligaments (MVLs) as a possible barrier for disc migration.

Methods

Anatomical dissection of 20 fresh human cadavers was carried out. Complete lumbar laminectomies with facetectomies were performed. All lumbar segments were exposed. Morphologic and morphometric descriptions of anterior MVLs were presented, with special attention to possible routes of herniated disc migration.

Results

Anterior MVLs were present in all cases. They were divided in three separate groups: medial, lateral, and attached to the nerve roots. The medial group was the thickest, its mean length was 26.2 ± 1.2 mm, and it had no attachment to the disc in 51% of cases. The lateral group was less firm than the medial group, its mean length was 26.9 ± 1.0 mm, and it had no relation with the disc in 47% of cases. Ligaments related to the nerve root were the most delicate and always attached to the intervertebral disc. Their mean length was 14.9 ± 1.8 mm.

Conclusions

The medial group of anterior MVLs are strong connective tissue bands dividing the anterior epidural space. The lateral group is more delicate, and in most cases, lateral MVLs lack annular attachment. MVLs could be an anatomical barrier for disc migration in particular cases.
Pleural and pulmonary dissemination patterns from gastric adenocarcinoma among patients with treated primary disease in Latin America
Authors: Restrepo Juliana , Carvajal-Fierro Carlos Andrés , Facundo Helena , González Felipe , Ramírez Ana María , Beltran Rafael , Buitrago Ricardo , Jimenez Andrés-Felipe , Carreño José , Oliveros Ricardo
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Latin America is one of the regions with the highest incidence of gastric cancer. Even though, there are not reports about the patterns of pleuro-pulmonary metastases in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma treated with curative intent and the prognosis according to each dissemination pattern.

Material and methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with gastric adenocarcinoma treated with curative intent at the National Cancer Institute (INC) between 2010 and 2017. Demographic variables, variables associated with the primary disease and variables associated with the presence of pleuro-pulmonary opacities and metastases were collected. A univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed and survival curves were presented using the Kaplan Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. A Cox regression model was performed for multivariate analysis for overall survival.

Results

The study included 450 patients, 51.3% were male and the median age was 63 years. Intestinal adenocarcinoma was the most frequent histological subtype, in 261 cases (58.0%). Gastric cancer initial pathological stage was stage I in 23.3% of the patients, stage II in 19.3% and stage III in 53.6%. During a median follow-up of 31.9 months, 37 (8.2%) patients developed pleuro-pulmonary opacities; among those, 14 (3.1%) met the criteria for pleuro-pulmonary metastases: 6 (1.3%) had lymphangitic metastasis, 4 (0.9%) had a mixed pattern of pleural and lung nodules, 3 (0.7%) had pleural metastasis, and only one (0.2%) had hematogenous metastasis. The median OS was 114.5 months for the entire cohort and 38.2 (95%CI, 19.2–57.2) months for patients with pleuro-pulmonary metastases. Patients with pleural metastasis and lymphangitic carcinomatosis had median survival of 24.3 (95%CI, 0.01–51.0) and 26.4 (95%CI, 18.2–34.7) months, respectively.

Conclusions

incidence of pleuro-pulmonary metastases in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma treated with curative intention was low. In our series, lymphangitic carcinomatosis was the main pattern of dissemination; meanwhile, hematogenous metastasis was rare and patients with pleural carcinomatosis had the lowest median survival.
The Perceived Influence of Food and Beverage Posts on Social Media during the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Exploratory Study with U.S. Adolescents and Their Parents
Authors: Kucharczuk Adam J. , Oliver Tracy L.
Published: September 2022

Additional time spent on social media (SM) due to nationwide lockdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic has increased adolescents’ exposure to food and beverage (FB) advertisements, which may increase one’s risk of developing unfavorable health outcomes. This study aimed to explore U.S. adolescents’ and their parents’ perceptions of social media’s influence on adolescents’ food and beverage preferences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted virtually with seven dyads of sixth grade students and their parents (n = 14). Six themes were identified from the focus groups: (1) perceived increased accessibility to SM usage, (2) factors that increased consumption, (3) perceived increased recall of memorable aspects of FB advertisements, (4) parental observations of adolescents’ less healthy eating behaviors, (5) parental influence over FB purchases, and (6) perceived increased engagement with food trends from SM. Increased SM use influenced adolescents’ preference toward specific FB brands and possibly influenced consumption habits during the pandemic. Parents may be aware of the targeted marketing used on SM and may minimize some of this influence. Additionally, these findings should encourage parents and adolescent healthcare professionals to proactively discuss the marketing tactics FB companies use and continue to educate adolescents on the importance of maintaining healthy eating behaviors.
Agricultural Production Optimization and Marginal Product Response to Climate Change
Authors: Liu Dan , You Jia , Wang Rongbo , Deng Haiyan
Published: September 2022

This study introduces a non-parametric approach to estimate the marginal products of agricultural inputs (agricultural land, labor, machinery, fertilizers and pesticides) in Jiangsu province, China. To study the effects of climate change on these marginal products, we used a fixed-effects regression model. The results show an upward trend of inefficiency in Jiangsu’s agricultural production from 2001 to 2018. The marginal products of agricultural land, labor, machinery, chemical fertilizers and pesticides are 1.54 thousand USD per hectare, 0.32 thousand USD per person, 0.31 thousand USD per kWh, 21.63 thousand USD per ton and 0.88 USD per ton, respectively. Climate change refers mainly to temperature and precipitation, and we analyzed their effects on the marginal products. Temperature has a statistically significant positive effect on the marginal product of fertilizers and machinery, whereas precipitation harms the marginal product of land. Two inputs (i.e., land and fertilizer) are critical driving forces in agricultural production. This study recommends government action to improve agricultural efficiency and ensure climate change adaptation.
Effect of Shade Screen on Sap Flow, Chlorophyll Fluorescence, NDVI, Plant Growth and Fruit Characteristics of Cultivated Paprika in Greenhouse
Authors: Kim Kyeong Ho , Shawon Md Rayhan Ahmed , An Jin Hee , Lee Hyoun Jin , Kwon Dong Jae , Hwang In-Chul , Bae Jong Hyang , Choi Ki Young
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of shade screens on the physiological activity, growth parameters and fruit characteristics of the paprika (Capsicum annuum L.) plant. Plants were grown in a protected greenhouse and treated under two different shade screens, S1 (single screen) and S2 (double screens; 10% low light intensity compared to S1), during summer at a particular time of the day. The results revealed that the plant height was significantly enlarged by the S2 treatment. However, the number of leaves, leaf fresh weight and leaf dry weight were significantly decreased under S2-treated plants compared to those grown in the S1 treatment. The stem diameter and shoot fresh weight were not significantly different between the treatments. The sap flow and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) were higher in S1-treated plants than in those grown in the S2 treatment. The chlorophyll fluorescence fluctuated in both treatments. The fruit fresh weight, number of fruits, fruit pericarp thickness, fruit firmness, fruit volume, sugar content and acidity were significantly higher in S1-treated plants than in S2. Hunter values a and b were significantly higher in S2-treated plants. Moreover, the fruit length and width were not significantly different between the two treatments. The sugar content and acidity of paprika showed a positive correlation. These results suggest that, compared to a double screen for shade in the greenhouse, a single screen is suitable for the growth of paprika plants and enhanced their fruit production.
Kinetics of Macro and Micronutrients during Germination of Habanero Pepper Seeds in Response to Imbibition
Authors: Hernández-Pinto Carlos D. , Alvarado-López Carlos J. , Garruña René , Andueza-Noh Rubén H. , Hernández-Núñez Emanuel , Zamora-Bustillos Roberto , Ballina-Gómez Horacio S. , Ruiz-Sánchez Esaú , Samaniego-Gámez Blancka Y. , Samaniego-Gámez Samuel U. , Latournerie-Moreno Luis
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration and distribution of a number of macro- and micronutrients in response to imbibition in habanero pepper seeds extracted from fruits with different stages of maturity and postharvest storage times, as well as in their seedlings. Fruits were harvested unripe, half-ripe, and ripe, and were subjected to storage for 0 (control), 7, and 14 days postharvest prior to seed extraction. An X-ray microfluorescence analysis was carried out on seeds pre- and post-imbibition, as well as on seedlings at 10 and 14 days after sowing. K, Ca, Fe, P, Mg, and Mn were detected by elemental analysis. The results indicated that the elements had a higher concentration and distribution in seeds extracted from half-ripe fruits and ripe unstored fruits, as well as in seeds extracted from fruits stored for 7 and 14 days postharvest. K and Ca were the elements with the highest distributions and concentrations in seeds and seedlings pre- and post-imbibition compared to the other elements. At all maturity stages, postharvest storage increased the concentration and distribution of mineral nutrients in seeds and seedlings before and after imbibition. Storage translocated mineral elements to the radicle before germination, increased meristem growth in emerged seedlings, decreased electrical conductivity, and increased germination. Fourteen days of postharvest storage increased the distribution of macro- and micronutrients in immature seeds, decreasing electrical conductivity, potentiating germination, and improving mineral element distribution in seedlings.
Impact of Fungicide Application Timing Based on Soybean Rust Prediction Model on Application Technology and Disease Control
Authors: Negrisoli Matheus Mereb , Silva Flávio Nunes da , Negrisoli Raphael Mereb , Lopes Lucas da Silva , Souza Júnior Francisco de Sales , Freitas Bianca Rezende de , Velini Edivaldo Domingues , Raetano Carlos Gilberto
Published: September 2022

The application of remote sensing techniques and prediction models for soybean rust (SBR) monitoring may result in different fungicide application timings, control efficacy, and spraying performance. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of a prediction model as a threshold for disease control decision-making and to identify the effect of different application timings on SBR control as well as on the spraying technology. There were two experimental trials that were conducted in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme: 2 cultivars (susceptible and partially resistant to SBR); and four application timings (conventional chemical control at a calendarized system basis; based on the prediction model; at the appearance of the first visible symptoms; and control without fungicide application). Spray deposit and coverage at each application timing were evaluated in the lower and upper region of the soybean canopy through quantitative analysis of a tracer and water-sensitive papers. The prediction model was calculated based on leaf reflectance data that were collected by remote sensing. Application timings impacted the application technology as well as control efficacy. Calendarized system applications were conducted earlier, promoting different spray performances. Spraying at moments when the leaf area index was higher obtained poorer distribution. None of the treatments were capable of achieving high spray penetration into the canopy. The partially resistant cultivar was effective in holding disease progress during the crop season, whereas all treatments with chemical control resulted in less disease impact. The use of the prediction model was effective and promising to be integrated into disease management programs.
Clostridioides difficile Infection Treatment and Outcome Disparities in a National Sample of United States Hospitals
Authors: Young Eric H. , Strey Kelsey A. , Lee Grace C. , Carlson Travis J. , Koeller Jim M. , Reveles Kelly R.
Published: September 2022

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) disproportionately affects certain populations, but few studies have investigated health outcome disparities among patients with CDI. This study aimed to characterize CDI treatment and health outcomes among patients by age group, sex, race, and ethnicity. This was a nationally representative, retrospective cohort study of patients with laboratory-confirmed CDI within the Premier Healthcare Database from January 2018 to March 2021. CDI therapies received and health outcomes were compared between patients by age group, sex, race, and Hispanic ethnicity using bivariable and multivariable statistical analyses. A total of 45,331 CDI encounters were included for analysis: 38,764 index encounters and 6567 recurrent encounters. CDI treatment patterns, especially oral vancomycin use, varied predominantly by age group. Older adult (65+ years), male, Black, and Hispanic patients incurred the highest treatment-related costs and were at greatest risk for severe CDI. Male sex was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (aOR 1.17, 95% CI 1.05–1.31). Male sex (aOR 1.25, 95% CI 1.18–1.32) and Black race (aOR 1.29, 95% CI 1.19–1.41) were independent predictors of hospital length of stay >7 days in index encounters. In this nationally representative study, CDI treatment and outcome disparities were noted by age group, sex, and race.
Antiprotozoal Activity of Thymoquinone (2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone) for the Treatment of Leishmania major-Induced Leishmaniasis: In Silico and In Vitro Studies
Authors: Qureshi Kamal A. , Imtiaz Mahrukh , Al Nasr Ibrahim , Koko Waleed S. , Khan Tariq A. , Jaremko Mariusz , Mahmood Syed , Fatmi M. Qaiser
Published: September 2022

Leishmaniasis, a neglected tropical parasitic disease (NTPD), is caused by various Leishmania species. It transmits through the bites of the sandfly. The parasite is evolving resistance to commonly prescribed antileishmanial drugs; thus, there is an urgent need to discover novel antileishmanial drugs to combat drug-resistant leishmaniasis. Thymoquinone (2-isopropyl-5-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone; TQ), a primary pharmacologically active ingredient of Nigella sativa (black seed) essential oil, has been reported to possess significant antiparasitic activity. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the in vitro and in silico antileishmanial activity of TQ against various infectious stages of Leishmania major (L. major), i.e., promastigotes and amastigotes, and its cytotoxicity against mice macrophages. In silico molecular dockings of TQ were also performed with multiple selected target proteins of L. major, and the most preferred antileishmanial drug target protein was subjected to in silico molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The in vitro antileishmanial activity of TQ revealed that the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50), half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50), and selectivity index (SI) values for promastigotes are 2.62 ± 0.12 μM, 29.54 ± 0.07 μM, and 11.27, while for the amastigotes, they are 17.52 ± 0.15 μM, 29.54 ± 0.07 μM, and 1.69, respectively. The molecular docking studies revealed that squalene monooxygenase is the most preferred antileishmanial drug target protein for TQ, whereas triosephosphate isomerase is the least preferred. The MD simulation revealed that TQ remained stable in the binding pocket throughout the simulation. Additionally, the binding energy calculations using Molecular Mechanics Generalized-Born Surface Area (MMGBSA) indicated that TQ is a moderate binder. Thus, the current study shows that TQ is a promising antileishmanial drug candidate that could be used to treat existing drug-resistant leishmaniasis.