bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of family function and suicide risk in teenagers with a history of self-harm behaviors: mediating role of subjective wellbeing and depression
Authors: Chen Mo , Zhou Yang , Luo Dan , Yan Shu , Liu Min , Wang Meng , Li Xin , Yang Bing Xiang , Li Yi , Liu Lian Zhong
Published: June 2023

Background

A history of self-harm behaviors is closely associated with subsequent suicide death. Although many factors associated with suicide have been identified, it remains unclear how these factors interact to influence suicide risk, especially among teenagers with a history of self-harm behaviors.

Methods

Data were collected from 913 teenagers with a history of self-harm behaviors through a cross-sectional study. The Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve index was used to assess teenagers' family function. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 were used to evaluate depression and anxiety in teenagers and their parents, respectively. The Delighted Terrible Faces Scale was used to assess teenagers' perception of subjective wellbeing. The Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised was used to evaluate teenagers' suicide risk. Student's t-test, one-way ANOVA, multivariate linear regression, Pearson's correlation, and a structural equation model (SEM) were applied to data analysis.

Results

Overall, 78.6% of teenagers with a history of self-harm behaviors were at risk for possible suicide. Female gender, severity of teenagers' depression, family function, and subjective wellbeing were significantly associated with suicide risk. The results of SEM suggested that there was a significant chain mediation effect of subjective wellbeing and depression between family function and suicide risk.

Conclusion

Family function was closely associated with suicide risk in teenagers with a history of self-harm behaviors, and depression and subjective wellbeing were sequential mediators in the association between family function and suicide risk.
Wastewater surveillance beyond COVID-19: a ranking system for communicable disease testing in the tri-county Detroit area, Michigan, USA
Authors: Gentry Zachary , Zhao Liang , Faust Russell A. , David Randy E. , Norton John , Xagoraraki Irene
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Throughout the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, wastewater surveillance has been utilized to monitor the disease in the United States through routine national, statewide, and regional monitoring projects. A significant canon of evidence was produced showing that wastewater surveillance is a credible and effective tool for disease monitoring. Hence, the application of wastewater surveillance can extend beyond monitoring SARS-CoV-2 to encompass a diverse range of emerging diseases. This article proposed a ranking system for prioritizing reportable communicable diseases (CDs) in the Tri-County Detroit Area (TCDA), Michigan, for future wastewater surveillance applications at the Great Lakes Water Authority's Water Reclamation Plant (GLWA's WRP).

Methods

The comprehensive CD wastewater surveillance ranking system (CDWSRank) was developed based on 6 binary and 6 quantitative parameters. The final ranking scores of CDs were computed by summing the multiplication products of weighting factors for each parameter, and then were sorted based on decreasing priority. Disease incidence data from 2014 to 2021 were collected for the TCDA. Disease incidence trends in the TCDA were endowed with higher weights, prioritizing the TCDA over the state of Michigan.

Results

Disparities in incidences of CDs were identified between the TCDA and state of Michigan, indicating epidemiological differences. Among 96 ranked CDs, some top ranked CDs did not present relatively high incidences but were prioritized, suggesting that such CDs require significant attention by wastewater surveillance practitioners, despite their relatively low incidences in the geographic area of interest. Appropriate wastewater sample concentration methods are summarized for the application of wastewater surveillance as per viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal pathogens.

Discussion

The CDWSRank system is one of the first of its kind to provide an empirical approach to prioritize CDs for wastewater surveillance, specifically in geographies served by centralized wastewater collection in the area of interest. The CDWSRank system provides a methodological tool and critical information that can help public health officials and policymakers allocate resources. It can be used to prioritize disease surveillance efforts and ensure that public health interventions are targeted at the most potentially urgent threats. The CDWSRank system can be easily adopted to geographical locations beyond the TCDA.
Physical training improves physical activity levels but is associated with amplification of sedentary behavior in older women
Authors: de Oliveira Guilherme Lima , Sobrinho Andressa C. S. , Benjamim Cicero Jonas R. , da Silva Rodrigues Guilherme , Rodrigues Karine Pereira , Fernandes Carlos Henrique , Corrêa Adriano Bruno , Felicio Tamara Nascimento , de Oliveira Gomes Grace Angelica , Júnior Carlos Roberto Bueno
Published: June 2023

Physical activity level (PAL) and sedentary behavior (SB) are independent predictors of mortality. It is unclear how these predictors interact with each other and health variables. Investigate the bidirectional relationship between PAL and SB, and their impact and health variables of women aged 60 to 70 years. One hundred forty-two older adults women (66.3 ± 2.9 years) considered insufficiently active were submitted to 14 weeks of multicomponent training (MT), multicomponent training with flexibility (TMF), or the control group (CG). PAL variables were analyzed by accelerometry and QBMI questionnaire, physical activity (PA) light, moderate, vigorous and CS by accelerometry, 6 min walk (CAM), SBP, BMI, LDL, HDL, uric acid, triglycerides, glucose and cholesterol total. In linear regressions, CS was associated with glucose (B:12.80; CI:9.31/20.50; p < 0.001; R2:0.45), light PA (B:3.10; CI:2, 41/4.76; p < 0.001; R2:0.57), NAF by accelerometer (B:8.21; CI:6.74/10.02; p < 0.001; R2:0.62), vigorous PA (B:794.03; CI:682.11/908.2; p < 0.001; R2:0.70), LDL (B:13.28; CI:7.45/16.75; p < 0.002; R2:0.71) and 6 min walk (B:3.39; CI:2.96/8.75; p < 0.004; R2:0.73). NAF was associated with mild PA (B:0.246; CI:0.130/0.275; p < 0.001; R2:0.624), moderate PA (B:0.763; CI:0.567/0.924; p < 0.001; R2:0.745), glucose (B:−0.437; CI:−0.789/−0.124; p < 0.001; R2:0.782), CAM (B:2.223; CI:1.872/4.985; p < 0.002; R2:0.989) and CS (B:0.253; CI: 0.189/0.512; p < 0.001; R2:1.94). The NAF can enhance CS. Build a new look at how these variables are independent but dependent simultaneously, being able to influence the quality of health when this dependence is denied.
Telehealth through the pandemic at a safety net hospital: observations and next steps for cancer care delivery
Authors: Thomas Erin , Kennedy Alice , Walsh William , Carpentier Michelle , Adeyinka Hannah , Patel Shyam , Gerber Jonathan , Cerny Jan , Mittal Kriti
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized cancer care delivery leading to rapid adoption of digital technology for telehealth in the United States. In this study, we describe telehealth utilization trends across the three largest waves of the pandemic at a safety net academic center. We also provide a perspective on lessons learnt and our vision for cancer care delivery using digital technology in the near future. The integration of interpreter services within the video platform and its integration within the electronic medical record system is crucial for safety net institutes that service a diverse patient population. Pay-parity for telehealth, especially ongoing support for audio-only visits, will be critical in overcoming health disparities for patients without access to smartphone technology. Use of telehealth in clinical trials, widespread adoption of hospital at home programs, electronic consults for rapid access, and structured telehealth slots in clinic templates will be crucial in making cancer care more equitable and efficient.
Impact of COVID-19 on cancer care pathways in a comprehensive cancer center in northern Italy
Authors: Cigarini Francesca , Daolio Jessica , Caviola Giada , Pellegri Carlotta , Cavuto Silvio , Guberti Monica , Mazzini Elisa , Cerullo Loredana
Published: June 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic burdened health care systems worldwide. Health services were reorganized with the dual purpose of ensuring the most adequate continuity of care and, simultaneously, the safety of patients and health professionals. The provision of care to patients within cancer care pathways (cCPs) was not touched by such reorganization. We investigated whether the quality of care provided by a local comprehensive cancer center has been maintained using cCP indicators. A retrospective single-cancer center study was conducted on eleven cCPs from 2019 to 2021 by comparing three timeliness indicators, five care indicators and three outcome indicators yearly calculated on incident cases. Comparisons of indicators between 2019 and 2020, and 2019 and 2021, were performed to assess the performance of cCP function during the pandemic. Indicators displayed heterogeneous significant changes attributed to all cCPs over the study period, affecting eight (72%), seven (63%) and ten (91%) out of eleven cCPs in the comparison between 2019 and 2020, 2020 and 2021, and 2019 and 2021, respectively. The most relevant changes were attributed to a negative increase in time-to-treatment surgery-related indicators and to a positive increase in the number of cases discussed by cCP team members. No variations were found attributed to outcome indicators. Significant changes did not account for clinical relevance once discussed by cCP managers and team members. Our experience demonstrated that the CP model constitutes an appropriate tool for providing high levels of quality care, even in the most critical health situations.
Critical barriers and countermeasures to urban regeneration from the stakeholder perspective: a literature review
Authors: Liao Zhiwei , Liu Menglan
Published: June 2023

Urban renewal involves a wide range of stakeholders with diverse expectations and interests. Conflicts in urban renewal projects arise from intricate relationships among multiple stakeholders, hindering the urban renewal process. With a large amount of current literature examining the barriers, difficulties, and solutions in urban regeneration, a critical review is required to holistically summarize these main concerns and challenges from the stakeholder perspective. Based on 347 journal papers collected from the Web of Science core database, this study investigates the development, trajectory, and tendency of prior studies through a bibliometric analysis. Then, a critical review is documented with eight critical barriers in the economic and social aspects from the stakeholder perspective. To address these issues, this study proposes a strategic framework for value creation, collaborative governance, and benefit sharing. Accordingly, future research agendas are also presented. This study could provide researchers with a systematic understanding of the critical barriers and potential strategies in urban regeneration fields.
What is ethnographic about digital ethnography? A sociological perspective
Authors: Forberg Peter , Schilt Kristen
Published: June 2023

When COVID-19 health guidelines vastly restricted or shut down in-person ethnographic research in 2020, many researchers pivoted to forms of online qualitative research using platforms such as WeChat, Twitter, and Discord. This growing body of qualitative internet research in sociology is often encapsulated under the umbrella term “digital ethnography.” But the question of what makes digital qualitative research ethnographic remains open. In this article, we posit that digital ethnographic research necessitates a negotiation of the ethnographer's self-presentation and co-presence within the field that other forms of qualitative research, such as content or discourse analysis, do not require to satisfy their epistemological stance. To make our case, we provide a brief overview of digital research in sociology and related disciplines. Then, we draw upon our experiences conducting ethnographies in digital communities and in-person communities (what we call here, “analog ethnography”) to explore how decisions about self-presentation and co-presence facilitate or block the generation of meaningful ethnographic data. We think through pertinent questions such as: Does the lower barrier for anonymity online justify disguised research? Does anonymity generate thicker data? How should digital ethnographers participate in research environments? What are the possible repercussions of digital participation? We argue that digital and analog ethnographies share a common epistemology that is distinct from non-participatory forms of qualitative digital research—namely the need for the researcher to relationally gather data from the field site over an extended period of time.
Robotic approach together with an enhanced recovery programme improve the perioperative outcomes for complex hepatectomy
Authors: Xie Fei , Wang Dongdong , Ge Jin , Liao Wenjun , Li Enliang , Wu Linquan , Lei Jun
Published: June 2023

Objective

Robotic surgery has more advantages than traditional surgical approaches to complex liver resection; however, the robotic approach is invariably associated with increased cost. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are beneficial in conventional surgeries.

Methods

The present study investigated the effects of robotic surgery combined with an ERAS protocol on perioperative outcomes and hospitalization costs of patients undergoing complex hepatectomy. Clinical data from consecutive robotic and open liver resections (RLR and OLR, respectively) performed in our unit in the pre-ERAS (January 2019–June 2020) and ERAS (July 2020–December 2021) periods were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the impact of ERAS and surgical approaches—alone or in combination—on LOS and costs.

Results

A total of 171 consecutive complex liver resections were analyzed. ERAS patients had a shorter median LOS and decreased total hospitalization cost, without a significant difference in the complication rate compared with the pre-ERAS cohort. RLR patients had a shorter median LOS and decreased major complications, but with increased total hospitalization cost, compared with OLR patients. Comparing the four combinations of perioperative management and surgical approaches, ERAS + RLR had the shortest LOS and the fewest major complications, whereas pre-ERAS + RLR had the highest hospitalization costs. Multivariate analysis found that the robotic approach was protective against prolonged LOS, whereas the ERAS pathway was protective against high costs.

Conclusions

The ERAS + RLR approach optimized postoperative complex liver resection outcomes and hospitalization costs compared with other combinations. The robotic approach combined with ERAS synergistically optimized outcome and overall cost compared with other strategies, and may be the best combination for optimizing perioperative outcomes for complex RLR.
Serum Levels of Adropin Improve the Predictability of MELD and Child-Pugh Score in Cirrhosis: Results of Proof-of-Concept Clinical Trial
Authors: Kolben Yotam , Kenig Ariel , Kessler Asa , Ishay Yuval , Weksler-Zangen Sarah , Eisa Mualem , Ilan Yaron
Published: June 2023

Adropin is a peptide that was suggested to have a role in cirrhosis. The present study aimed to determine the ability to use serum adropin levels to improve their prediction accuracy as an adjunct to the current scores. In a single-center, proof-of-concept study, serum adropin levels were determined in thirty-three cirrhotic patients. The data were analyzed in correlation with Child-Pugh and MELD-Na scores, laboratory parameters, and mortality. Adropin levels were higher among cirrhotic patients that died within 180 days (1,325.7 ng/dL vs. 870.3 ng/dL, p = 0.024) and inversely correlated to the time until death (r2 = 0.74). The correlation of adropin serum levels with mortality was better than MELD or Child-Pough scores (r2 = 0.32 and 0.38, respectively). Higher adropin levels correlated with creatinine (r2 = 0.79. p < 0.01). Patients with diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases had elevated adropin levels. Integrating adropin levels with the Child-Pugh and MELD scores improved their correlation with the time of death (correlation coefficient: 0.91 vs. 0.38 and 0.67 vs. 0.32). The data of this feasibility study suggest that combining serum adropin with the Child-Pugh score and MELD-Na score improves the prediction of mortality in cirrhosis and can serve as a measure for assessing kidney dysfunction in these patients
Design and Simulation of a Single Piezoelectric-Driven Rotary Actuator with Double-Layer Flexible Mechanism
Authors: Guo Zhiyong , Zhao Pengchao , Zhang Wenchao , Tian Yanling , Hu Gaofeng
Published: June 2023

A novel pure rotary actuator with a double-layer flexible mechanism (RA-DFM), which is driven by a single piezoelectric ceramic in the lower mechanism and generates rotational motion in the upper mechanism, is proposed in this paper. The output of piezoelectric ceramic is successively amplified using an enhanced double Scott–Russell mechanism and two lever-type mechanisms to obtain a large rotation range. The static, kinematic and dynamic properties of the RA-DFM are numerically analyzed, and the actual output of the piezoelectric is analyzed considering the input stiffness. The geometric parameters of the RA-DFM are optimized based on the constructed numerical models. Finite element analysis has been implemented to validate the correctness of the theoretical models and further evaluate the output property. The simulation results show the maximal rotation angle of the RA-DFM is 15.14 mrad with 0.44% center drift.
Comparison of Methods for Estimating Damage by Wild Ungulates on Field Crops
Authors: Drimaj Jakub , Skoták Vlastimil , Kamler Jiří , Plhal Radim , Adamec Zdeněk , Mikulka Ondřej , Janata Přemysl
Published: June 2023

High numbers of large ungulates are locally accompanied by high levels of damage to field crops, causing economic losses and increased costs for the protection of agricultural fields. Quantifying the levels of damage can be problematic, with the degree of accuracy depending on the method used. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy, workload and cost of four methods commonly used for estimating damage to wheat fields caused by large ungulates (esp. wild boar) in the Czech Republic. The results suggest that the manual processing of aerial photographs (“Uncrewed Aerial Systems [UAS] with Operator Delineation Method”) was very laborious and the least accurate method, with a high risk of error. In comparison, the automatic evaluation of aerial images (“UAS Crop Height Method”) and the “Ground-Based Assessment” both provided similar results when carefully analyzed and were equally demanding. The “Yield Method”, comparing the net yield from damaged and undamaged areas, provided the same result of assessment and was the least laborious, although it does require the existence of comparable areas and for the conditions to be created in advance before the method is used. Equivalent results were achieved by the UAS Crop Height Method, which we recommend using in cases where the Yield Method cannot be applied.
Automatic Detection of Cage-Free Dead Hens with Deep Learning Methods
Authors: Bist Ramesh Bahadur , Subedi Sachin , Yang Xiao , Chai Lilong
Published: June 2023

Poultry farming plays a significant role in ensuring food security and economic growth in many countries. However, various factors such as feeding management practices, environmental conditions, and diseases lead to poultry mortality (dead birds). Therefore, regular monitoring of flocks and timely veterinary assistance is crucial for maintaining poultry health, well-being, and the success of poultry farming operations. However, the current monitoring method relies on manual inspection by farm workers, which is time-consuming. Therefore, developing an automatic early mortality detection (MD) model with higher accuracy is necessary to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in poultry. This study aimed to develop, evaluate, and test the performance of YOLOv5-MD and YOLOv6-MD models in detecting poultry mortality under various cage-free (CF) housing settings, including camera height, litter condition, and feather coverage. The results demonstrated that the YOLOv5s-MD model performed exceptionally well, achieving a high mAP@0.50 score of 99.5%, a high FPS of 55.6, low GPU usage of 1.04 GB, and a fast-processing time of 0.4 h. Furthermore, this study also evaluated the models’ performances under different CF housing settings, including different levels of feather coverage, litter coverage, and camera height. The YOLOv5s-MD model with 0% feathered covering achieved the best overall performance in object detection, with the highest mAP@0.50 score of 99.4% and a high precision rate of 98.4%. However, 80% litter covering resulted in higher MD. Additionally, the model achieved 100% precision and recall in detecting hens’ mortality at the camera height of 0.5 m but faced challenges at greater heights such as 2 m. These findings suggest that YOLOv5s-MD can detect poultry mortality more accurately than other models, and its performance can be optimized by adjusting various CF housing settings. Therefore, the developed model can assist farmers in promptly responding to mortality events by isolating affected birds, implementing disease prevention measures, and seeking veterinary assistance, thereby helping to reduce the impact of poultry mortality on the industry, ensuring the well-being of poultry and the overall success of poultry farming operations.
Integration of Remote Sensing and Field Observations in Evaluating DSSAT Model for Estimating Maize and Soybean Growth and Yield in Maryland, USA
Authors: Akumaga Uvirkaa , Gao Feng , Anderson Martha , Dulaney Wayne P. , Houborg Rasmus , Russ Andrew , Hively W. Dean
Published: June 2023

Crop models are useful for evaluating crop growth and yield at the field and regional scales, but their applications and accuracies are restricted by input data availability and quality. To overcome difficulties inherent to crop modeling, input data can be enhanced by the incorporation of remotely sensed and field observations into crop growth models. This approach has been recognized to be an important way to monitor crop growth conditions and to predict yield at the field and regional scale. In recent years, satellite remote sensing has provided high-temporal and high-spatial-resolution data that allow for generating continuous time series of biophysical parameters such as vegetation indices, leaf area index, and phenology. The objectives of this study were to use remote sensing along with field observations as inputs to the Decision Support System for Agro-Technology (DSSAT) model to estimate soybean and maize growth and yield. The study used phenology and leaf area index (LAI) data derived from Planet Fusion (daily, 3 m) satellite imagery along with field observation data on crop growth stage, LAI and yield collected at the United State Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), Beltsville, Maryland. For maize, a total of 17 treatments (site years) were used (ten treatments for model calibration and seven treatments for validation), while for soybean (maturity groups three and four), a total of 18 treatments were used (nine for calibration and nine for validation). The calibrated model was tested against an independent, multi-location and multi-year set of phenology and yield data (2017–2020) from BARC fields. The model accurately simulated maize and soybean days to flowering and maturity and produced reasonable yield estimates for most fields and years. Model run for independent locations and years produced good results for phenology and yields for both maize and soybean, as indicated by index of agreement (d) values ranging from 0.65 to 0.93 and normalized root-mean-squared error values ranging from 1 to 20%, except for soybean maturity group four. Overall, model performances with respect to phenology and grain yield for maize and soybean were good and consistent with other DSSAT evaluation studies. The inclusion of remote sensing along with field observations in crop-growth model inputs can provide an effective approach for assessing crop conditions, even in regions lacking ground data.
Changes of Key Soil Factors, Biochemistry and Bacterial Species Composition during Seasons in the Rhizosphere and Roots of Codonopsis pilosula (tangshen)
Authors: Meng Tongtong , Zhao Taotao , Leng Feifan , Chen Jixiang , Wang Yonggang
Published: June 2023

Codonopsis pilosula is a medicinal and edible herb with a rich nutritional value. In Gansu Province, China, its production quality and yield differ during the four seasons. Here, we investigated the differences in the microfloral composition and metabolic functions in the rhizospheric soil and roots of C. pilosula during the four seasons, and we also analyzed their dynamic and synergistic effects on C. pilosula growth and carbohydrate content change. The C. pilosula samples were analyzed for plant physiology, microfloral composition and metabolic functions in the rhizospheric soil and roots using high-throughput sequencing technology. Environmental indices including soil physiochemistry and meteorological conditions were also determined by the coupled chromatography–spectroscopy technique. The results revealed that the C. pilosula growth was affected by temperature, precipitation and light intensity, with the bacterial structures and functions of the soil and root samples showing obvious seasonal changes. Due to the diversity of microbial composition and community metabolic function, and the synergistic effect of microbial and environmental factors, there are significant differences in stress resistance, physiological status and metabolites of C. pilosula in different seasons. Furthermore, the change in seasons was significantly correlated with the quality and yield of C. pilosula. This study provides a scientific basis for soil improvement and the refinement of local Radix C. pilosula cultivation methods.
Synergistic Effects of Subsoil Calcium in Conjunction with Nitrogen on the Root Growth and Yields of Maize and Soybeans in a Tropical Cropping System
Authors: De Souza Murilo , Barcelos Jéssica Pigatto de Queiroz , Rosolem Ciro A.
Published: June 2023

A large part of Brazilian maize is double-cropped after soybeans, when water shortages are very frequent. A larger root system can mitigate drought stress and enable better nitrogen (N) use. Alleviating acidity and applying gypsum can increase root growth and N-use efficiency in maize, which has a more aggressive root system than soybeans. However, it is not known how these factors interact in integrated cropping systems, or how soybeans respond to them. Soybean and maize root growth and grain yields as affected by soil Ca enrichment using lime and gypsum, along with the N rates applied to maize intercropped with Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus), were assessed in a medium-term field experiment. Liming resulted in greater root growth for both crops; however, when lime was used in conjunction with gypsum, root growth was further enhanced. The total maize grain yield was 35% higher compare to the control when gypsum was used in conjunction with lime; however, subsoil Ca enrichment increased the total soybean grain yield by 8% compared to the control. Nitrogen fertilization increased the total maize grain yield by 36%, with a more expressive increase when applying 160 kg ha−1 or more, and despite a positive effect on soybean grain yields in the long term, this response seems not to be a direct effect of the N applied to the maize. Both subsoil Ca enrichment and N application to maize increase root growth and the total yield of the system.
Feasibility of Tea/Tree Intercropping Plantations on Soil Ecological Service Function in China
Authors: Feng Yutong , Sunderland Terry
Published: June 2023

In order to explore whether tea/tree intercropping plantations have positive effects on soil ecosystem services functions, the possible effects of intercropping cultivation of 151 different tea and other species’ intercropping setups were summarized and analyzed in terms of three aspects of soil ecological service functions (supply services, support services, and regulating services). An ArcGIS map was plotted to show the distribution of existing intercropping plantations in China up to June 2021. Furthermore, it was concluded that the benefits of intercropping tea plantations exceeded those of monocropping tea plantations in terms of soil ecosystem service functions, such as water retention capacity, mineral contents, effects on energy transformation, and regulating environmental conditions. Intercropping tea plantations were more sustainable than regular tea plantations because of the different degrees of variability and benefits in all three aspects mentioned above. However, tea and tree intercropping plantations often require careful planning and preliminary experimentation to determine the type of intercropping that will have positive impacts, especially in the long term.
Antibiotic Treatment Induces Long-Lasting Effects on Gut Microbiota and the Enteric Nervous System in Mice
Authors: Bernabè Giulia , Shalata Mahmoud Elsayed Mosaad , Zatta Veronica , Bellato Massimo , Porzionato Andrea , Castagliuolo Ignazio , Brun Paola
Published: June 2023

The side effects of antibiotic treatment directly correlate with intestinal dysbiosis. However, a balanced gut microbiota supports the integrity of the enteric nervous system (ENS), which controls gastrointestinal neuromuscular functions. In this study, we investigated the long-term effects of antibiotic-induced microbial dysbiosis on the ENS and the impact of the spontaneous re-establishment of the gut microbiota on gastrointestinal functions. C57BL/6J mice were treated daily for two weeks with antibiotics. After 0–6 weeks of antibiotics wash-out, we determined (a) gut microbiota composition, (b) gastrointestinal motility, (c) integrity of the ENS, (d) neurochemical code, and (e) inflammation. Two weeks of antibiotic treatment significantly altered gut microbial composition; the genera Clostridium, Lachnoclostridium, and Akkermansia did not regain their relative abundance following six weeks of antibiotic discontinuation. Mice treated with antibiotics experienced delayed gastrointestinal transit and altered expression of neuronal markers. The anomalies of the ENS persisted for up to 4 weeks after the antibiotic interruption; the expression of neuronal HuC/D, glial-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf), and nerve growth factor (Ngf) mRNA transcripts did not recover. In this study, we strengthened the idea that antibiotic-induced gastrointestinal dysmotility directly correlates with gut dysbiosis as well as structural and functional damage to the ENS.
Unveiling the Intimate Mechanism of the Crocin Antioxidant Properties by Radiolytic Analysis and Molecular Simulations
Authors: Gharib Sarah Al , Archirel Pierre , Adjei Daniel , Belloni Jacqueline , Mostafavi Mehran
Published: June 2023

The successive steps of the oxidation mechanism of crocin, a major compound of saffron, by the free OH• radical are investigated by pulse radiolysis, steady-state (gamma) radiolysis methods, and molecular simulations. The optical absorption properties of the transient species and their reaction rate constants are determined. The absorption spectrum of the oxidized radical of crocin resulting from the H-abstraction presents a maximum of 678 nm and a band of 441 nm, almost as intense as that of crocin. The spectrum of the covalent dimer of this radical contains an intense band at 441 nm and a weaker band at 330 nm. The final oxidized crocin, issued from radical disproportionation, absorbs weaker with a maximum of 330 nm. The molecular simulation results suggest that the OH• radical is electrostatically attracted by the terminal sugar and is scavenged predominantly by the neighbor methyl site of the polyene chain as in a sugar-driven mechanism. Based on detailed experimental and theoretical investigations, the antioxidant properties of crocin are highlighted.
Differences in Physiological Responses of Two Tomato Genotypes to Combined Waterlogging and Cadmium Stresses
Authors: Zhou Rong , Niu Lifei , Yin Jian , Jiang Fangling , Wang Yinlei , Zhao Tongmin , Wu Zhen , Zhu Weimin
Published: June 2023

Waterlogging and heavy mental (e.g., cadmium) stress are two primary threats to crop growth. The combination of abiotic stresses was common and frequent, especially in the field condition. Even though the effects of individual waterlogging and cadmium on tomato plants have been widely investigated, the response of tomatoes under combined waterlogging and cadmium stress remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify and compare physiological, biochemical characteristics and plant growth of two tomato genotypes under individual and combined stress. Two tomato genotypes (‘MIX-002’ and ‘LA4440’) were treated under control, waterlogging, cadmium stress and their combination. The results showed that chloroplast ultrastructure of tomatoes under individual and combined stress was damaged with disordered stroma and grana lamellae. The H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide) content and O2·− (superoxide anion radical) production rate of plants under all the three stresses was not significantly higher than the control except for ‘LA4440’ under the combined stress. Antioxidant enzymes actively responded in the two tomato genotypes, as shown by significant increase in SOD activity from ‘MIX-002’ under waterlogging and combined stress and from ‘LA4440’ under cadmium. Meanwhile, CAT activity of ‘MIX-002’ under waterlogging and ‘LA4440′ under combined stress significantly decreased, and the POD activity of ‘MIX-002’ under combined stress significantly increased as compared with the respective control. The APX activity of ‘MIX-002’ and ‘LA4440’ under combined stress was significantly lower and higher than the respective controls. This indicated that tomato plants were able to secure redox homeostasis and protect plants from oxidative damage through the synergetic regulation of antioxidant enzymes. Plant height and biomass of the two genotypes under individual and combined stress significantly decreased, which could be a direct result from the chloroplast alteration and resource re-allocation. Overall, the effects of combined waterlogging and cadmium stress were not simply the sum of individual effects on two tomato genotypes. Distinct ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavenging systems of two tomato genotypes under stresses suggest a genotype-dependent antioxidant enzymes regulation.
Cardioprotective Effects of Dexmedetomidine in an Oxidative-Stress In Vitro Model of Neonatal Rat Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Borger Moritz , von Haefen Clarissa , Bührer Christoph , Endesfelder Stefanie
Published: June 2023

Preterm birth is a risk factor for cardiometabolic disease. The preterm heart before terminal differentiation is in a phase that is crucial for the number and structure of cardiomyocytes in further development, with adverse effects of hypoxic and hyperoxic events. Pharmacological intervention could attenuate the negative effects of oxygen. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is an α2-adrenoceptor agonist and has been mentioned in connection with cardio-protective benefits. In this study, H9c2 myocytes and primary fetal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCM) were cultured for 24 h under hypoxic condition (5% O2), corresponding to fetal physioxia (pO2 32–45 mmHg), ambient oxygen (21% O2, pO2 ~150 mmHg), or hyperoxic conditions (80% O2, pO2 ~300 mmHg). Subsequently, the effects of DEX preconditioning (0.1 µM, 1 µM, 10 µM) were analyzed. Modulated oxygen tension reduced both proliferating cardiomyocytes and transcripts (CycD2). High-oxygen tension induced hypertrophy in H9c2 cells. Cell-death-associated transcripts for caspase-dependent apoptosis (Casp3/8) increased, whereas caspase-independent transcripts (AIF) increased in H9c2 cells and decreased in NRCMs. Autophagy-related mediators (Atg5/12) were induced in H9c2 under both oxygen conditions, whereas they were downregulated in NRCMs. DEX preconditioning protected H9c2 and NRCMs from oxidative stress through inhibition of transcription of the oxidative stress marker GCLC, and inhibited the transcription of both the redox-sensitive transcription factors Nrf2 under hyperoxia and Hif1α under hypoxia. In addition, DEX normalized the gene expression of Hippo-pathway mediators (YAP1, Tead1, Lats2, Cul7) that exhibited abnormalities due to differential oxygen tensions compared with normoxia, suggesting that DEX modulates the activation of the Hippo pathway. This, in the context of the protective impact of redox-sensitive factors, may provide a possible rationale for the cardio-protective effects of DEX in oxygen-modulated requirements on survival-promoting transcripts of immortalized and fetal cardiomyocytes.
Protective and Pain-Killer Effects of AMC3, a Novel N-Formyl Peptide Receptors (FPRs) Modulator, in Experimental Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ferrara Valentina , Toti Alessandra , Lucarini Elena , Parisio Carmen , Micheli Laura , Ciampi Clara , Margiotta Francesco , Crocetti Letizia , Vergelli Claudia , Giovannoni Maria Paola , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Ghelardini Carla
Published: June 2023

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic joint pain, swelling, and movement impairment, resulting from prolonged inflammation-induced cartilage and bone degradation. The pathogenesis of RA, which is still unclear, makes diagnosis and treatment difficult and calls for new therapeutic strategies to cure the disease. Recent research has identified FPRs as a promising druggable target, with AMC3, a novel agonist, showing preclinical efficacy in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, AMC3 (1–30 µM) exhibited significant antioxidant effects in IL-1β (10 ng/mL)-treated chondrocytes for 24 h. AMC3 displayed a protective effect by downregulating the mRNA expression of several pro-inflammatory and pro-algic genes (iNOS, COX-2, and VEGF-A), while upregulating genes essential for structural integrity (MMP-13, ADAMTS-4, and COLIAI). In vivo, AMC3 (10 mg kg−1) prevented hypersensitivity and restored postural balance in CFA-injected rats after 14 days. AMC3 attenuated joint alterations, reduced joint inflammatory infiltrate, pannus formation, and cartilage erosion. Chronic AMC3 administration reduced transcriptional changes of genes causing excitotoxicity and pain (EAATs and CCL2) and prevented morphological changes in astrocytes, including cell body hypertrophy, processes length, and thickness, caused by CFA in the spinal cord. This study demonstrates the usefulness of AMC3 and establishes the groundwork for further research.
Lichenometric Analysis Applied to Bedrock Fault Scarps: The Sencelles Fault and the 1851 CE Mallorca Earthquake (Balearic Islands, Spain)
Authors: Silva Pablo G. , Roquero Elvira , Pérez-López Raúl , Bardají Teresa , Santos Delgado Gabriel , Elez Javier
Published: June 2023

The Sencelles Fault constitutes the main extensional structure of Mallorca Island (Spain), holds a NE-SE orientation, and has been identified as the possible seismic source of the 1851 CE Palma earthquake (VII EMS.) The SE termination of the fault (Sta. Eugenia Segment) features a linear bedrock fault scarp of a maximum of 3.15 m height. The last 840 m of this rocky scarp display a significant horizontal banding, with up to five differentially weathered ribbons colonized by lichens. The lichenometric analysis is based on the measurement of 155 specimens of Aspicilia calcarea (Ac) and Aspicilia radiosa (Ar) in tombstones and funerary monuments (with inscribed dates) from the nearby cemeteries of Sta. María del Camí, Sta. Eugenia and Sencelles, to obtain the local lichen growth rates (LGR), with the two last graveyards being directly located in the fault zone. Lichens were measured on variously oriented (N, S, NE, SW, etc…) horizontal and vertical surfaces, generating differentially oriented lichen populations (DOLPs) to be compared with the Ac and Ar specimens colonizing the studied fault scarp (38 measured individual specimens). After successive trial and error regression tests, vertical DOLPs resulted in the best appropriate groups for the analysis, with LGR of 0.23–0.31 mm/yr. Horizontal ones reached widths of up to 20 cm, with LGR up to 0.84 mm/yr, which were clearly oversized. The application of the selected LGR points to a human-induced origin for the thin basal lichen ribbon of the scarp (10–13 cm), which should have developed during the middle 20th century (c. 1950–1966) because of documented ground leveling works. However, the second ribbon of the scarp (23–47 cm) shows exposure dates of 1852 ± 40 (Ar) and 1841 ± 59 (Ac), overlapping the date of the 1851 CE earthquake. The study is complemented with data from a fault trench excavated in the year 2002 at the toe of the scarp. The combined data of lichenometry, fault trenching, and the length of the analyzed fault scarp (c. 840 m) indicate that the studied segment of the fault cannot be considered a co-seismic surface faulting related to the 1851 CE event as a whole, but a relevant secondary earthquake effect on a pre-existing fault scarp (e.g., sympathetic ground ruptures).
Active Low-Frequency Noise Control Implementing Genetic Algorithm on Mode Coupling of a Compound Source
Authors: Giouvanakis Marios , Sevastiadis Christos , Papanikolaou George
Published: June 2023

A system for low-frequency noise control in small, enclosed sound fields is proposed, using compound sound sources optimized by a genetic algorithm (GA). It is the integration of the developed low-Bl driver compound sources with a GA computer program in the Python language, aiming to control the modal field. The lack of appropriate free space in small rooms is critical for positioning the secondary sound sources; therefore, the proposed system has been designed to adapt to any available position. Two quadrupole topologies of the secondary compound source are applied and examined in a room. The convergence of the algorithm to the optimal solutions is attained through parametric configuration. The spatial radiation of the compound source at a single fixed position is adapted to couple with the modal noise field and attenuate it. The experimental results indicate that the proposed system can successfully control resonances of different low frequencies down to 50 Hz at multiple positions. The tonal noise attenuation reaches up to 32 dB at 100 Hz, confirming the applicability of the small subwoofer loudspeaker configurations for low-frequency control. This new method offers a practical and effective alternative to the typical abatement techniques that use distributed monopole sources in limited spaces.
Modeling the Effects of Horizontal Transverse Vibrations on the Thermal Behavior and the Ampacity of Rectangular Bus Bars
Authors: Garić Ljubiša , Klimenta Dardan , Andriukaitis Darius , Jovanović Saša
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this research is to correctly model steady-state heat transfer in and around rectangular bus bars installed horizontally in an indoor environment and to estimate the corresponding ampacities, considering the effects of horizontal transverse vibrations caused by electromagnetic forces. This thermo-electro-magneto-mechanical problem is solved analytically using correlations determined experimentally by other researchers, while the accuracy of the obtained results is verified numerically using the finite element method (FEM). The novelties of the developed model are as follows. First, modeling the effects of horizontal transverse vibrations on free convection from the top and bottom surfaces of rectangular bus bars via forced convection for different characteristic lengths. Second, modeling the effects of vibration amplitudes and vibration frequencies on the bus bar ampacity. Third, introducing the existing vibration classes (A, B, and C) into the analytical and FEM-based thermal analyses. The results show that with an increase either in the vibration amplitude or the vibration frequency, there is a greater convection-based dissipation of heat from the bus bars and an increase in their ampacity. Finally, for the standard vibration classes, it is found that the effect of horizontal transverse vibrations on the ampacity can be up to 41.99% for Class C.
Multi-Modal Entity Alignment Method Based on Feature Enhancement
Authors: Wang Huansha , Liu Qinrang , Huang Ruiyang , Zhang Jianpeng
Published: June 2023

Multi-modal entity alignment refers to identifying equivalent entities between two different multi-modal knowledge graphs that consist of multi-modal information such as structural triples and descriptive images. Most previous multi-modal entity alignment methods have mainly used corresponding encoders of each modality to encode entity information and then perform feature fusion to obtain the multi-modal joint representation. However, this approach does not fully utilize the multi-modal information of aligned entities. To address this issue, we propose MEAFE, a multi-modal entity alignment method based on feature enhancement. The MEAFE adopts the multi-modal pre-trained model, OCR model, and GATv2 network to enhance the model’s ability to extract useful features in entity structure triplet information and image description, respectively, thereby generating more effective multi-modal representations. Secondly, it further adds modal distribution information of the entity to enhance the model’s understanding and modeling ability of the multi-modal information. Experiments on bilingual and cross-graph multi-modal datasets demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms models that use traditional feature extraction methods.
Are Protein Shape-Encoded Lowest-Frequency Motions a Key Phenotype Selected by Evolution?
Authors: Orellana Laura
Published: June 2023

At the very deepest molecular level, the mechanisms of life depend on the operation of proteins, the so-called “workhorses” of the cell. Proteins are nanoscale machines that transform energy into useful cellular work, such as ion or nutrient transport, information processing, or energy transformation. Behind every biological task, there is a nanometer-sized molecule whose shape and intrinsic motions, binding, and sensing properties have been evolutionarily polished for billions of years. With the emergence of structural biology, the most crucial property of biomolecules was thought to be their 3D shape, but how this relates to function was unclear. During the past years, Elastic Network Models have revealed that protein shape, motion and function are deeply intertwined, so that each structure displays robustly shape-encoded functional movements that can be extraordinarily conserved across the tree of life. Here, we briefly review the growing literature exploring the interplay between sequence evolution, protein shape, intrinsic motions and function, and highlight examples from our research in which fundamental movements are conserved from bacteria to mammals or selected by cancer cells to modulate function.