bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between gut microbiota and gastrointestinal cancer: a two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Su Qing , Jin Chen , Bo Zhiyuan , Yang Yi , Wang Jingxian , Wang Juejin , Zhou Junxi , Chen Yaqing , Zeng Hao , Chen Gang , Wang Yi
Published: July 2023

Background

The gut microbiome is closely related to gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, but the causality of gut microbiome with GI cancer has yet to be fully established. We conducted this two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to reveal the potential causal effect of gut microbiota on GI cancer.

Materials and methods

Summary-level genetic data of gut microbiome were derived from the MiBioGen consortium and the Dutch Microbiome Project. Summary statistics of six GI cancers were drawn from United Kingdom Biobank. Inverse-variance-weighted (IVW), MR-robust adjusted profile score (MR-RAPS), and weighted-median (WM) methods were used to evaluate the potential causal link between gut microbiota and GI cancer. In addition, we performed sensitivity analyses and reverse MR analyses.

Results

We identified potential causal associations between 21 bacterial taxa and GI cancers (values of p < 0.05 in all three MR methods). Among them, phylum Verrucomicrobia (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.05–0.59, p = 0.005) retained a strong negative association with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after the Bonferroni correction, whereas order Bacillales (OR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.23–2.26, p = 0.001) retained a strong positive association with pancreatic cancer. Reverse MR analyses indicated that GI cancer was associated with 17 microbial taxa in all three MR methods, among them, a strong inverse association between colorectal cancer and family Clostridiaceae1 (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.86–0.96, p = 0.001) was identified by Bonferroni correction.

Conclusion

Our study implicates the potential causal effects of specific microbial taxa on GI cancer, potentially providing new insights into the prevention and treatment of GI cancer through specific gut bacteria.
Surgical corridors to foramen magnum meningiomas: a mini-review
Authors: Baldoncini Matias , Luzzi Sabino , Almeida Joao P. , Contreras-López William Omar , La Corte Emanuele , Ordóñez-Rubiano Edgar G. , Campero Alvaro
Published: July 2023

Gross-total resection of foramen magnum meningiomas remains the gold standard of treatment and should be performed whenever possible. The transcondylar approach (and its variations) represents the most used approach for meningiomas located in the lateral or anterior borders of the foramen magnum. Endoscopic transclivus approaches represent a useful option in selected cases of anterior midline foramen magnum meningiomas, to be performed in centers with advanced experience in endoscopic skull base surgery, with the caveats of increased risk of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak. Alternatively, radiosurgery remains an option for well-selected cases, especially for the management of asymptomatic patients with small enlarging tumors. Advances in molecular profiling, as well as genetic analysis, may guide adjuvant treatment.
Adaptation strategies and neurophysiological response in early-stage Parkinson's disease: BioVRSea approach
Authors: Jacob Deborah , Guerrini Lorena , Pescaglia Federica , Pierucci Simona , Gelormini Carmine , Minutolo Vincenzo , Fratini Antonio , Di Lorenzo Giorgio , Petersen Hannes , Gargiulo Paolo
Published: July 2023

Introduction

There is accumulating evidence that many pathological conditions affecting human balance are consequence of postural control (PC) failure or overstimulation such as in motion sickness. Our research shows the potential of using the response to a complex postural control task to assess patients with early-stage Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Methods

We developed a unique measurement model, where the PC task is triggered by a moving platform in a virtual reality environment while simultaneously recording EEG, EMG and CoP signals. This novel paradigm of assessment is called BioVRSea. We studied the interplay between biosignals and their differences in healthy subjects and with early-stage PD.

Results

Despite the limited number of subjects (29 healthy and nine PD) the results of our work show significant differences in several biosignals features, demonstrating that the combined output of posturography, muscle activation and cortical response is capable of distinguishing healthy from pathological.

Discussion

The differences measured following the end of the platform movement are remarkable, as the induced sway is different between the two groups and triggers statistically relevant cortical activities in α and θ bands. This is a first important step to develop a multi-metric signature able to quantify PC and distinguish healthy from pathological response.
Aggrephagy-related patterns in tumor microenvironment, prognosis, and immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia: a comprehensive single-cell RNA sequencing analysis
Authors: Pan Yan , Wang Yingjian , Hu Mengsi , Xu Shoufang , Jiang Feiyu , Han Yetao , Chen Fangjian , Liu Zhiwei
Published: July 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex mixed entity composed of malignant tumor cells, immune cells and stromal cells, with intra-tumor and inter-tumor heterogeneity. Single-cell RNA sequencing enables a comprehensive study of the highly complex tumor microenvironment, which is conducive to exploring the evolutionary trajectory of tumor cells. Herein, we carried out comprehensive analyses of aggrephagy-related cell clusters based on single-cell sequencing for patients with acute myeloid leukemia. A total of 11 specific cell types (T, NK, CMP, Myeloid, GMP, MEP, Promono, Plasma, HSC, B, and Erythroid cells) using t-SNE dimension reduction analysis. Several aggrephagy-related genes were highly expressed in the 11 specific cell types. Using Monocle analysis and NMF clustering analysis, six aggrephagy-related CD8+T clusters, six aggrephagy-related NK clusters, and six aggrephagy-related Mac clusters were identified. We also evaluated the ligand-receptor links and Cell–cell communication using CellChat package and CellChatDB database. Furthermore, the transcription factors (TFs) of aggrephagy-mediated cell clusters for AML were assessed through pySCENIC package. Prognostic analysis of the aggrephagy-related cell clusters based on R package revealed the differences in prognosis of aggrephagy-mediated cell clusters. Immunotherapy of the aggrephagy-related cell clusters was investigated using TIDE algorithm and public immunotherapy cohorts. Our study revealed the significance of aggrephagy-related patterns in tumor microenvironment, prognosis, and immunotherapy for AML.
Associations of chest X-ray trajectories, smoking, and the risk of lung cancer in two population-based cohort studies
Authors: Liu Ya , Feng Zhuowei , Fan Zeyu , Zhang Yu , Li Chenyang , Liu Xiaomin , Duan Hongyuan , Cui Xiaonan , Zhang Liwen , Sheng Chao , Yang Lei , Gao Ying , Wang Xing , Zhang Qing , Lyu Zhangyan , Song Fangfang , Huang Yubei , Song Fengju
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Despite the increasing use of computed tomography (CT), chest X-ray (CXR) remains the first-line investigation for suspected lung cancer (LC) in primary care. However, the associations of CXR trajectories, smoking and LC risk remain unknown.

Methods

A total of 52,486 participants from the PLCO and 22,194 participants from the NLST were included. The associations of CXR trajectories with LC risk were evaluated with multivariable COX regression models and pooled with meta-analyses. Further analyses were conducted to explore the stratified associations by smoking status and the factors associated with progression and regression in CXR.

Results

Compared to stable negative CXR (CXRSN), HRs (95%CIs) of LC incidence were 2.88(1.50–5.52), 3.86(2.03–7.35), and 1.08(0.80–1.46) for gain of positive CXR (CXRGP), stable positive CXR (CXRSP), and loss of positive CXR (CXRLP), while the risk of LC mortality were 1.58(1.33–1.87), 2.56(1.53–4.29), and 1.05(0.89–1.25). Similar trends were observed across different smoking status. However, LC risk with CXRGP overweighed that with CXRSP among ever smokers [2.95(2.25–3.88) vs. 2.59(1.33–5.02)] and current smokers [2.33(1.70–3.18) vs. 2.26(1.06–4.83)]. Moreover, compared to CXRSN among never smokers, even no progression in CXR, the HRs(95%CIs) of LC incidence were 7.39(5.60–9.75) and 31.45(23.58–41.95) for ever and current smokers, while risks of LC mortality were 6.30(5.07–7.81) and 27.17(21.65–34.11). If participants gained positive CXR, LC incidence risk significantly climbed to 22.04(15.37–31.60) and 71.97(48.82–106.09) for ever and current smokers, while LC mortality risk climbed to 11.90(8.58–16.50) and 38.92(27.04–56.02). CXRLP was associated with decreased LC risk. However, even smokers lost their positive CXR, and the increased risks of LC incidence and mortality did not decrease to non-significant level. Additionally, smoking was significantly associated with increased risk of CXRGP but not CXRLP.

Conclusion

LC risk differed across CXR trajectories and would be modified by smoking status. Comprehensive intervention incorporating CXR trajectories and smoking status should be recommended to reduce LC risk.
Real-world study of PD-1/L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced non-small cell lung cancer after resistance to EGFR-TKIs
Authors: Wei Kunchen , Zhou Chao , Chen Yang , Feng Xiao , Tang Hao
Published: July 2023

Background

Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and its ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have achieved good efficacy and safety in patients with advanced EGFR mutation-negative non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but their efficacy in patients with previous EGFR mutations is limited. The aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy of PD-1/L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC who are resistant to EGFR-TKIs

Methods

This retrospective study included 123 patients with stage IV NSCLC who received treatment in Shanghai Changzheng Hospital between January 2019 and January 2022 after failure of first-line EGFR-TKIs. Of them, 39 received ICIs + chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic drugs (ICIs+BCP group), 51 received ICIs monotherapy (ICIs group), and 33 received chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic drugs (BCP group). The gender, age, smoking history, ECOG score, EGFR mutation type, PD-L1 TPS expression, and the first routine blood index before second-line treatment of all enrolled patients were recorded, and their clinical outcomes and prognosis factors were analyzed.

Results

There was no significant difference in the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) between the three groups. Patients in ICIs+BCP group had better prognosis than those in ICIs monotherapy group (PFS:9.5 vs. 4.64 months, p<0.001; OS: 16.97 vs. 7.9 months p<0.001) or BCP group (9.5 vs. 6.48 months, p<0.005; OS: 16.97 vs. 11.39 months p<0.005).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that in the real-world practice in China, PD-1/L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with chemotherapy and anti-angiogenic drugs are effective for the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC who are resistant to EGFR-TKIs.
Integrated approaches for increasing plant yield under salt stress
Authors: Ahmad Irshad , Zhu Guanglong , Zhou Guisheng , Younas Muhammad Usama , Suliman Mohamed Suliman Eltyeb , Liu Jiao , Zhu Yi ming , Salih Ebtehal Gabralla Ibrahim
Published: July 2023

Salt stress affects large cultivated areas worldwide, thus causing remarkable reductions in plant growth and yield. To reduce the negative effects of salt stress on plant growth and yield, plant hormones, nutrient absorption, and utilization, as well as developing salt-tolerant varieties and enhancing their morpho-physiological activities, are some integrative approaches to coping with the increasing incidence of salt stress. Numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the critical impacts of these integrative approaches on plant growth and yield. However, a comprehensive review of these integrative approaches, that regulate plant growth and yield under salt stress, is still in its early stages. The review focused on the major issues of nutrient absorption and utilization by plants, as well as the development of salt tolerance varieties under salt stress. In addition, we explained the effects of these integrative approaches on the crop’s growth and yield, illustrated the roles that phytohormones play in improving morpho-physiological activities, and identified some relevant genes involve in these integrative approaches when the plant is subjected to salt stress. The current review demonstrated that HA with K enhance plant morpho-physiological activities and soil properties. In addition, NRT and NPF genes family enhance nutrients uptake, NHX1, SOS1, TaNHX, AtNHX1, KDML, RD6, and SKC1, maintain ion homeostasis and membrane integrity to cope with the adverse effects of salt stress, and sd1/Rht1, AtNHX1, BnaMAX1s, ipal-1D, and sft improve the plant growth and yield in different plants. The primary purpose of this investigation is to provide a comprehensive review of the performance of various strategies under salt stress, which might assist in further interpreting the mechanisms that plants use to regulate plant growth and yield under salt stress.
Ideotype breeding for crop adaptation to low phosphorus availability on extensive organic farms
Authors: Carkner Michelle Katherine , Gao Xiaopeng , Entz Martin H.
Published: July 2023

Organic farming in extensive production regions, such as the Canadian prairies have a particularly difficult challenge of replenishing soil reserves of phosphorus (P). Organic grains are exported off the farm while resupply of lost P is difficult due to limited availability of animal manures and low solubility of rock organic fertilizers. As a result, many organic farms on the prairies are deficient in plant-available P, leading to productivity breakdown. A portion of the solution may involve crop genetic improvement. A hypothetical ‘catch and release’ wheat ideotype for organic production systems is proposed to (i) enhance P uptake and use efficiency but (ii) translocate less P from the vegetative biomass into the grain. Root traits that would improve P uptake efficiency from less-available P pools under organic production are explored. The need to understand and classify ‘phosphorus use efficiency’ using appropriate indices for organic production is considered, as well as the appropriate efficiency indices for use if genetically selecting for the proposed ideotype. The implications for low seed P and high vegetative P are considered from a crop physiology, environmental, and human nutrition standpoint; considerations that are imperative for future feasibility of the ideotype.
“Let me tell you what I think about online psychological help.” A thematic analysis of voluntary opinions collected at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wesołowski Arkadiusz , Skawińska Julianna , Soroko Emilia
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted many aspects of life from face-to-face to an online form, including psychological help. Many people had to face the choice of adjourning contact with a psychologist or shifting it to the Internet. This study aimed to develop an understanding of attitudes and opinions toward relatively new phenomenon in Poland – online psychological help.

Method

Seventy two (N=72) statements about relationship between COVID-19 pandemic and online psychological help from (potential) patients were included in this research. The statements were collected from a community sample via open-ended question for volunteers added to an online survey conducted regarding an existing project. The statements were exclusively written responses to the following question: If you want to provide us with something about the relationships between the COVID-19 pandemic and online help/psychotherapy, please let us know below. By reason of exploratory character of our study and general phenomenological philosophical approach and constructionist approach, a thematic analysis method was used to analyze the data.

Results

The analysis led us to identify three general themes with sub-themes that refer to meaningful aspects of online psychological help: 1. Online psychological help situates in the shadow of face-to-face help, 1.1. It frustrates the needs, especially the need for psychological contact, 1.2. It contributes to negative emotions, 1.3. It is sometimes better than the face-to-face help; 2. Online psychological help is a solution during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2.1. It provides a sense of continuity during lockdown, 2.2. It is a means to adapt to exceptional circumstances, 3. The concerns about the credibility and effectiveness of online psychological help.

Discussion

The results show (potential) patients’ attitudes (including emotions, thoughts, and concerns) toward online psychological help. The perspective presented here could be beneficial to professionals. A better understanding of client/patient attitudes will allow for more accurate customization of the online help and sensitize psychologists to the emotions that may occur about online psychological help. It could also be beneficial for patients to understand how other people would feel about online psychological help and develop ones’ own self-awareness of the attitudes toward online psychological help.
Comparison of the effects of indoor and outdoor exercise on creativity: an analysis of EEG alpha power
Authors: Kimura Tsukasa , Mizumoto Teruhiro , Torii Yuusuke , Ohno Masumi , Higashino Teruo , Yagi Yasushi
Published: July 2023

Previous research finds that natural environments and exercise enhance creativity. In this within-subjects design study, we examined the influence of outdoor exercise that combined a natural environment with exercise on creativity compared to an indoor exercise control condition by analyzing cognitive activities related to creativity. The participants performed an Alternative Uses Test (AUT), in which ordinary objects are presented to the participants (e.g., a brick), to prompt as many ideas for alternative uses as possible, which are transformed into a creativity score, after indoor running and outdoor running. During the test, brain activity was recorded using electroencephalography (EEG) and a short version flow state scale (FSS) was completed after the experiment. Results showed that while AUT scores did not significantly differ between conditions, alpha band activity at the parietal occipital region involved in divergent creativity increased during the AUT after outdoor exercise while it did not during the AUT after indoor exercise. In addition, FSS scores for positive emotional experience and absorption were higher after outdoor exercise than after indoor exercise. Our results from the FSS suggest that exercise in a natural environment is perceived subjectively differently from indoor exercise, participants report greater experiences of flow compared to indoor exercise, and the EEG measures objectively indicate enhanced cognitive activity in a creativity task after outdoor exercise. This study suggests that outdoor exercise increases neuronal activity in brain regions related to creativity. Further research is needed to understand how this can lead to increased creativity.
Emotional regulation and body dissatisfaction: the mediating role of anger in young adult women
Authors: Momeñe Janire , Estévez Ana , Herrero Marta , Griffiths Mark D. , Olave Leticia , Iruarrizaga Itziar
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Emotion regulation difficulties have an important role in the presence of negative self-image. These problems in the self-regulation of emotion could lead to negative emotional processes (such as anger) that can lead to body dissatisfaction. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine emotion regulation difficulties than can negatively impact self-image and to understand if anger acts as mediator in the relationship between emotion regulation and body dissatisfaction.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out comprising 565 young adult women aged 18–30 years. The participants were administered the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory 2 (STAXI-2), and the Body Dissatisfaction dimension of the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2). The proposed hypotheses were tested by path analysis in MPlus 8.0.

Results

The results indicated that anger had a positive significant effect on body dissatisfaction as well as the non-acceptance of emotional responses, the lack of emotional awareness, and the lack of emotional clarity. Of all the dimensions of emotional regulation difficulties, impulse control difficulty was the dimension which had a positive significant indirect effect on body dissatisfaction explained by increased anger.

Discussion

The present study suggests the importance of emotion regulation in the prevention of body dissatisfaction. Impulse control difficulty may be the key emotion regulation emotion in explaining the increments of anger that lead to body dissatisfaction. Among young adults, the promotion of positive body image can be promoted by helping this population to self-regulate their anger impulses.
A novel COVID-19 program, delivering vaccines throughout rural and remote Australia
Authors: Gardiner Fergus W. , Schofield Zoe , Hendry Miranda , Jones Kate , Smallacombe Mandy , Steere Mardi , Beach Jenny , MacIsaac MaryBeth , Greenberg Randall , Crawford Candice , Trivett Melanie , Morris Judah , Spring Breeanna , Quinlan Frank , Churilov Leonid , Rallah-Baker Kris , Gardiner Elli , O’Donnell John
Published: July 2023

Background

The Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia (RFDS) established a unique SARS-CoV-2 vaccination program for vaccinating Australians that live in rural and remote areas. This paper describes the preparation and response phases of the RFDS response.

Methods

This study includes vaccinations conducted by the RFDS from 01 January 2021 until 31 December 2021 when vaccines were mandatory for work and social activities. Prior to each clinic, we conducted community consultation to determine site requirements, patient characteristics, expected vaccination numbers, and community transmission rates.

Findings

Ninety-five organizations requested support. The majority (n = 60; 63.2%) came from Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organizations. Following consultation, 360 communities were approved for support. Actual vaccinations exceeded expectations (n = 70,827 vs. 49,407), with a concordance correlation coefficient of 0.88 (95% CI, 0.83, 0.93). Areas that reported healthcare workforce shortages during the preparation phase had the highest population proportion difference between expected and actual vaccinations. Areas that reported high vaccine hesitancy during the preparation phase had fewer than expected vaccines. There was a noticeable increase in vaccination rates in line with community outbreaks and positive polymerase chain reaction cases [r (41) = 0.35, p = 0.021]. Engagement with community leaders prior to clinic deployment was essential to provide a tailored response based on community expectations.
Exploring Restrictions to use of community greenways for physical activity through structural equation modeling
Authors: Fu Erkang , Deng Xiaoyu , Wu Yuanhao , Li Lin , Xiong Yilin , Li Mengzhou , Zhang Zihan , Du Juan , Li Xinyun , Li Xi
Published: July 2023

Public health problems caused by rapid urbanization have attracted increasing amounts of attention. Existing studies show that improving the frequency and duration of physical activity among urban residents can effectively reduce their disease risk. A community greenway, as a green space for public activity directly serving community residents, is one of the best spatial place for bringing health benefits to people. Although the scale and scope of greenway construction have been increasing in recent years, the utilization rate of some greenways is not high for various reasons, restricting the extent to which people engage in healthy physical activities in greenway spaces. In this study, the greenway of Nancheng Community in Wenjiang District, Chengdu city, China was selected as the object of study, and structural equation modeling was conducted to explore the objective environmental factors and individual characteristics acting as barriers to use of the community greenway by the population for physical activity. The results show that user experience, the greenway landscape, and safety and accessibility are important factors that restrict people’s willingness engage in physical activity in the community greenway environment. The results of this study provide a direction for further consideration of ways to enhance people’s willingness to make use of greenways for physical activity, and further provide a theoretical basis for the healthy design and transformation of community greenway spaces.
Understanding the effect of a virtual moderator on people’s perception in remote discussion using social VR
Authors: Yang Chi-Lan , Matsumoto Keigo , Yu Songping , Sawada Leo , Arakawa Kiyoaki , Yamada Daisuke , Kuzuoka Hideaki
Published: July 2023

Social VR enables people to join a remote discussion by keeping a high social presence and physical proximity using embodied avatars. However, the missing nonverbal cues, such as mutual eye contact and nuanced facial expression, make it challenging for distributed members to manage turn-taking, which could lead to unequal participation and affect trust building. Therefore, we propose a virtual moderator to make distributed members feel included by seeing their nonverbal behavior. The virtual moderator was designed with a “prompt Q&A″ feature to enable users to share feedback and an “attention guidance” feature to encourage participation. The preliminary result of a controlled experiment in social VR with 30 participants showed that seeing the virtual moderator’s body orientation enhanced participants’ psychological safety. In contrast, the prompt Q&A feature enhanced the perceived co-presence of their remote counterparts. We discussed how nonverbal behavior could be designed using a virtual moderator to shape human perception of the group discussion in social VR. We also pointed out challenges when providing multiple supports simultaneously in social VR.
Anchoring tools to communities: insights into perceptions of flood informational tools from a flood-prone community in Louisiana, USA
Authors: Habib Emad H. , Miles Brian , Skilton Liz , ElSaadani Mohamed , Osland Anna C. , Willis Emma , Miller Robert , Do Trung , Barnes Stephen R.
Published: July 2023

The lack of community-relevant flood informational resources and tools often results in inadequate and divergent understandings of flood risk and can impede communities' ability to function cohesively in the face of increasing flood threats. The current study reports on a set of workshops that the authors conducted with various groups (citizens, city engineers and planners, realtors and builders, and media representatives) within a flood prone community to evaluate how novel hydroinformatic tools that include hydrodynamic modeling, geospatial visualization, and socioeconomic analysis can enhance understanding of flood risk and engagement in flood risk mitigation among diverse community members. The workshops were designed to help identify stakeholder preferences regarding key functionality needed for integrated hydroinformatic technologies and socioeconomic analyses for flood risk reduction. Workshop participants were asked to use and comment on examples of prototype flood risk informational tools, such as: (1) flood damage estimation tool, (2) drivability and emergency accessibility tool, and (3) community-scale social and economic metrics tool. Data gathered from workshops were analyzed using qualitative analysis based on a grounded-theory approach. Data were coded by hand based on themes identified by the research team and incorporated deviant case analysis to ensure minority opinions was represented. The study results are focused on the following main themes and how flood tools can address them: (1) improving the understanding of flood risk and engagement in flood risk mitigation, (2) reducing the gap between individual and community risk, (3) challenges in communicating flood risk information, (4) enhancing relevance to and engagement of the community, and (5) enabling actionable information. Our research demonstrates the need for community-anchored tools and technologies that can illustrate local context, include local historical and simulated events at multiple levels of community impact, enable analyses by flood professionals while also providing simplified tools of use by citizens, and allow individuals to expand their knowledge beyond their homes, businesses, and places of work.
Using Deficit Irrigation Strategies and Organic Mulches for Improving Yield and Water Productivity of Mango under Dry Environment Conditions
Authors: Alhashimi Abdulrahman , AL-Huqail Arwa , Hashem Mustafa , Bakr Basem , Fekry Waleed , Abdel-Aziz Hosny , Hamdy Ashraf , Abdelraouf Ramadan , Fathy Maher
Published: July 2023

Many techniques have been and are being made to find alternatives to water-saving practices. Among them, Partial root drying (PRD), one effective approach, plays a major role in reducing the harmful effects of water deficit stress. Field experiments were carried out on mango trees for a private farm in Egypt over the course of two years, 2020/2021 to 2021/2022, in an area with sandy soil, hot summer conditions, and cold and rainy winter conditions. In the experiment that was carried out, the experimental design included using different irrigation strategies (I1, 100% full irrigation “FI”; I2, 75% FI; I3, 50% FI; and I4 (PRD), 50% FI) in the main plot and different amounts of organic mulch in the soil (L0, no layers of organic soil mulch, used as a control; L1, a single layer of organic soil mulch; L2, two layers of organic soil mulch; and L3, three layers of organic soil mulch) in subplots of the main plot in order to inspect the impact of the treatments on yield, water productivity, and energy usage under arid conditions. To meet the study’s objective, two field experiments were carried out at a private farm. Our results demonstrate a general decrease in water stress and salt accumulation inside the root-zone area with PRD and L3. During the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 seasons the PRD strategy increased fruit yields by 3.7 and 7.3% and water productivity by 51.9 and 53.1%, respectively, compared with the control treatment (I1) while reducing the amount of applied irrigation water by 50%. The PRD strategy along with organic mulching showed superior results with respect to increasing mango yields and water productivity. In general, PRD can be used as a good technique to save water and energy by up to 50% while enhancing productivity, ultimately improving mango yields under arid climatic conditions. Thus, it may prove a good adaptation strategy for current and future water shortage scenarios involving climate change.
Changes in Volatile Composition of Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) Grapes under Leaf Removal Treatment
Authors: Li Zhiyu , Yang Dongyue , Guan Xueqiang , Sun Yuxia , Wang Junfang
Published: July 2023

Several studies have revealed that fruit-zone leaf removal could change the microclimate of grapevine growth, thereby causing complex effects on fruit composition. This study analyzed the profiles of volatiles in Cabernet Sauvignon (Vitis vinifera L.) grapes exposed to leaf removal treatment at different phenological periods in three continuous years. The treatments (leaf removal before flowering, after flowering, and veraison) were applied to Cabernet Sauvignon grapevines grown in Yantai (Shandong, China). Berry samples were harvested at maturation to determine the chemical composition, including total soluble solids, phenols, and volatiles. Leaf removal (particularly before flowering) could increase total soluble solids and phenols (anthocyanins, flavonols, and tartaric esters). Volatiles greatly changed in the different years, and leaf removal before flowering could increase the concentration of amino acid-derived volatiles and isoprene-derived volatiles compared with leaf removal after flowering or at veraison. This research provides a basis for further studies on optimizing Cabernet Sauvignon aroma and breeding in vineyards.
Prevalence of Carbapenemases in Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates from the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: Al-Rashed Nouf , Bindayna Khalid M. , Shahid Mohammad , Saeed Nermin Kamal , Darwish Abdullah , Joji Ronni Mol , Al-Mahmeed Ali
Published: July 2023

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii is regarded as a significant cause of death in hospitals. The WHO recently added carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) to its global pathogen priority list. There is a dearth of information on CRAB from our region. Methods: Fifty CRAB isolates were collected from four main hospitals in Bahrain for this study. Bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests were carried out using the BD PhoenixTM and VITEK-2 compact, respectively. Using conventional PCR, these isolates were further screened for carbapenem resistance markers (blaOXA-51, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24, blaOXA-40, blaIMP, blaNDM, blaVIM, and blaKPC). Results: All of the isolates were resistant to imipenem (100%), meropenem (98%), and cephalosporins (96–98%), followed by other commonly used antibiotics. All these isolates were least resistant to gentamicin (64%). The detection of resistance determinants showed that the majority harbored blaOXA-51 (100%) and blaIMP (94%), followed by blaOXA-23 (82%), blaOXA-24 (46%), blaOXA-40 (14%), blaNDM (6%), blaVIM (2%), and blaKPC (2%). Conclusion: The study isolates showed a high level of antibiotic resistance. Class D carbapenemases were more prevalent in our CRAB isolate collection. The resistance genes were found in various combinations. This study emphasizes the importance of strengthening surveillance and stringent infection control measures in clinical settings to prevent the emergence and further spread of such isolates.
High-Performance Castor Oil-Based Polyurethane Composites Reinforced by Birch Wood Fibers
Authors: Konovalov Dmitry S. , Saprykina Natalia N. , Zuev Vjacheslav V.
Published: July 2023

A new method for the preparation of coatings based on renewable biomaterials such as castor oil and birch flour is suggested in this study. The introduction of birch flour in a polyurethane matrix synthesized from castor oil and oligomeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) leads to a more than doubled value of tensile strength and almost doubled strength of adhesion to steel at 20 wt.% loading. The composite with such level loading has tensile strength equal to 7.1 MPa at an elongation at break of 31%, with an adhesion to steel of 3.71 MPa. Hence, the use of such level loading allows for an increase in tensile strength of 887.5% in comparison with that of polyurethane based on neat (as received) castor oil, leading to a decrease in the value of elongation at break. The adhesion to steel of these composites increases by 185.5% in comparison with starting polyurethane. FTIR and SEM studies identified the mechanism of the reinforcement effect of birch fibers. This reinforcement is based on the good wetting of birch fibers by polyurethane with the formation of chemical bonds between them, and the cellulose and lignin components of wood fillers. As a result, we obtained cheap bio-based coatings with acceptable mechanical and adhesion properties.
Human-Induced Vibration Analysis and Reduction Design for Super Long Span Pedestrian Arch Bridges with Tuned Mass Dampers
Authors: Li Jialu , Liu Xi
Published: July 2023

With the increasing demands on span length, aesthetics, and urban landscapes of pedestrian bridges, the fundamental frequency of pedestrian bridges is continuing to decrease, and their vibration and walking comfort issues are becoming increasingly prominent. The pedestrian load model of the pedestrian bridge was introduced here referencing current design specifications, and a spatial finite element model was established to study the dynamic characteristics of the case of a long-span pedestrian arch bridge. The comfort of the bridge under human-induced vibration was analyzed using the time history analysis method. According to the optimal damper parameter expression, the design parameters of the damper were obtained. In addition, the vibration reduction effects of different generalized mass ratios were analyzed, and the damping effects of setting the tuned mass damper (TMD) at different positions were compared. The results indicated that setting the TMD on the bridge can enhance the damping effect, and the transverse vibration can be suppressed by setting TMDs on both the arch ribs and the bridge deck. The research content could provide recommended parameters for the vibration reduction design of long-span pedestrian arch bridges.
Point Cloud Denoising Algorithm via Geometric Metrics on the Statistical Manifold
Authors: Duan Xiaomin , Feng Li , Zhao Xinyu
Published: July 2023

A denoising algorithm was proposed for point cloud with high-density noise. The algorithm utilized geometric metrics on the statistical manifold and applied the idea of clustering K-means based on local statistical characteristics between noise and valid data. First, by calculating the expectation and covariance matrix of the data points, the point cloud with high-density noise was projected onto the Gaussian distribution family manifold, aiming to form the parameter point cloud. Afterwards, the geometry metrics were assigned to the manifold, and the K-means algorithm was applied to cluster the parameter point cloud, so as to classify the valid data and noise. Furthermore, in order to analyze the robustness of the means with different metrics, the approximate values of their influence functions were calculated, respectively. Finally, simulation analysis was conducted using the algorithm based on geometric metrics to verify the effectiveness in point cloud denoising.
Comparative Analysis of Discrete Subtraction and Cross-Correlation for Subpixel Object Tracking
Authors: Ferrer Belén , Tomás María-Baralida , Wan Min , Sheridan John T. , Mas David
Published: July 2023

Many applications in physics and engineering require non-invasive, precise object tracking, which can be achieved with image processing methods at very good cost-efficiency ratios. The traditional method for measuring displacement with subpixel resolution involves cross-correlation between images and interpolation of the correlation peak. While this method enables target tracking with a resolution of thousandths of a pixel, it is computationally intensive and susceptible to peak-locking errors. Recently, a new method based on discrete subtraction between images has been presented as an alternative to cross-correlation to improve computational efficiency, which also results in being free of peak-locking errors. This manuscript presents an experimental evaluation of the performance of the discrete subtraction method (DSM) and compares it with the cross-correlation method in terms of subpixel accuracy and deviation errors. Four different targets were used with apparent displacements as small as 0.002 px, which approaches the theoretical digital resolution limit. The results show that the discrete subtraction method is more sensitive to noise but does not suffer from peak-locking error, thus being a reliable alternative to the correlation method, mainly for calibration processes.
Force-Feedback and Music: Five Decades of Research and Development at ACROE: An Interview with Claude Cadoz (ACROE, Grenoble, France)
Authors: Wanderley Marcelo M. , Frisson Christian
Published: July 2023

Recorded on March 23 and 2023 [...]
NPP and Vegetation Carbon Sink Capacity Estimation of Urban Green Space Using the Optimized CASA Model: A Case Study of Five Chinese Cities
Authors: Xu Fang , Wang Xiangrong , Li Liang
Published: July 2023

Urban area is a major source of CO2 and other greenhouse gases. Urban green space (UGS) is an essential element to increase carbon sequestration directly and reduce emission indirectly. In this study, the net primary production (NPP) and net ecosystem productivity (NEP) was monitored in order to enhance the carbon sequestration function of UGS and promote urban low-carbon development. Based on the Sentinel-2 L2A satellite images, meteorological data, and vegetation type data in 2019, we used the optimized Carnegie Ames Stanford Approach (CASA) model to estimate the NPP values of UGS types including attached green space, park green space, protective green space, and regional space in Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Xi’an. The NEP values were evaluated based on NPP and soil heterotrophic respiration (RH) to quantify the vegetation carbon sink capacity. The accuracy test shows that the estimated NPP values based on the optimized CASA model are effective. The results indicate that the average NPP values (1008.5 gC·m−2·a−1) and vegetation carbon sink capacity (771.49 gC·m−2·a−1) of UGS in Beijing rank first among the cities, which is followed by the values in Guangzhou. The regional green space and park green space in five cities function as carbon sinks with high NPP values and have vegetation carbon sink capacity, whereas the attached green space in Shanghai and Xi’an as well as the protective green space in Guangzhou and Xi’an function as carbon sources. Moreover, the NEP distribution shows obvious spatial aggregation characteristics, that is, the high NEP values of UGS are clustered in mountainous forest areas in the west and north of Beijing, Northeast Guangzhou, and South Xi’an whereas the low NEP values are mostly concentrated in the urban built-up areas under strong influences of human activities. This research provides a new method for NPP and NEP estimation of UGS at the city scale and the scientific basis for the improvement of the vegetation carbon sink capacity of UGS.
Simulation Analysis of a Novel Digital Pump with Direct Recycling of Hydraulic Energy
Authors: Yue Daling , Zuo Xiukun , Liu Zengguang , Liu Yinshui , Wei Liejiang , Sun Jisu , Gao Hongfei
Published: July 2023

There is a permanent and strong need for energy recovery to improve the efficiency of the hydraulic system in the field of the construction machinery. In addition, the digital pump will become powerful and versatile by employing different configurations and intelligent control of the flow distribution valves. Considering this case, we have proposed a novel digital pump in which every plunger is equipped with two flow distribution valves. By controlling these two valves, external hydraulic energy can be directly reused without other components. Based on the structure and working principle of the digital pump, the mathematical model is established and three working modes are detailed. To verify the feasibility and correctness of control methods, a performance simulation testing platform including a digital pump, load module, hydraulic energy to be recovered, and controller module was developed in AMESim R15 software. The pressure, flow rate, and torque simulations of the digital pump in three working modes were carried out. The simulation results have shown that the digital pump not only can be used as an ordinary pump but also has the function of recovery and immediate reutilization of another hydraulic energy. Meanwhile, the corresponding variable displacement control strategy is effective and the positive torque required to drive the digital pump can be reduced, which verified the energy-saving of this scheme. The ideas and contents in this paper can offer significant references for energy conservation technology of various engineering machineries and the intensive study of digital hydraulics.
HSP70: From Signaling Mechanisms to Therapeutics
Authors: Nunes Kenia Pedrosa , de Oliveira Amanda Almeida
Published: July 2023

Heat-shock proteins (HSPs) are primary stress responders that are vital to maintaining homeostasis [...]
Towards a Procedure-Optimised Steerable Catheter for Deep-Seated Neurosurgery
Authors: Aktas Ayhan , Demircali Ali Anil , Secoli Riccardo , Temelkuran Burak , Rodriguez y Baena Ferdinando
Published: July 2023

In recent years, steerable needles have attracted significant interest in relation to minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Specifically, the flexible, programmable bevel-tip needle (PBN) concept was successfully demonstrated in vivo in an evaluation of the feasibility of convection-enhanced delivery (CED) for chemotherapeutics within the ovine model with a 2.5 mm PBN prototype. However, further size reductions are necessary for other diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and drug delivery operations involving deep-seated tissue structures. Since PBNs have a complex cross-section geometry, standard production methods, such as extrusion, fail, as the outer diameter is reduced further. This paper presents our first attempt to demonstrate a new manufacturing method for PBNs that employs thermal drawing technology. Experimental characterisation tests were performed for the 2.5 mm PBN and the new 1.3 mm thermally drawn (TD) PBN prototype described here. The results show that thermal drawing presents a significant advantage in miniaturising complex needle structures. However, the steering behaviour was affected due to the choice of material in this first attempt, a limitation which will be addressed in future work.
The Value of Prolactin, a Panel of Cytokines, and the Soluble Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 in the Prediction of Rapid Progression and Shorter Survival during Palliative Chemotherapy of Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Cisoń-Jurek Sylwia , Czajka-Francuz Paulina , Francuz Tomasz , Owczarek Aleksander J. , Szymczak Bożena , Wojnar Jerzy , Chudek Jerzy
Published: July 2023

The prediction of colorectal cancer (CRC) response to palliative chemotherapy (CTH) is still difficult. Patients at a higher risk of progression may benefit from more aggressive treatment. This study assessed the predictive value of prolactin (PRL) and a panel of cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors for the risk of rapid progression in CRC patients starting palliative CTH. This study included 51 CRC patients initiating palliative CTH with up to 5-year follow-up, divided into rapid and non-rapid progressors. Serum samples were collected before CTH for assessment of a large panel of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and PRL via a multiplex method. Rapid progressors (N = 19) were characterized by increased baseline values of IL-8 and IP10 but decreased PRL levels. In addition, PRL below 18.2 ng/mL was a strong predictor of weight loss during CTH. Grade 3 (HR = 2.97; 95%CI: 1.48–5.98) and PRL level (HR = 0.96; 95%CI: 0.91–1.01) were independent risk factors of progression. We showed that CRC rapid progressors are characterized by decreased baseline PRL levels. In addition, increased baseline levels of IP-10, sHER-2, IL-6, and IL-8 may be associated with longer survival; however, larger studies are needed to confirm their predictive role in CRC patients.
Biosensors for Monitoring of Biologically Relevant Molecules
Authors: Raymundo-Pereira Paulo A.
Published: July 2023

Since the creation of the glucose enzyme sensor in the early 1960s by Clark and Lyons [...]