bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muc5b Contributes to Mucus Abnormality in Rat Models of Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Keith Johnathan D. , Henderson Alexander G. , Fernandez-Petty Courtney M. , Davis Joy M. , Oden Ashley M. , Birket Susan E.
Published: April 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease is characterized by excessive and accumulative mucus in the airways. Mucociliary clearance becomes defective as mucus secretions become hyperconcentrated and viscosity increases. The CFTR-knockout (KO) rat has been previously shown to progressively develop delayed mucociliary transport, secondary to increased viscoelasticity of airway secretions. The humanized-G551D CFTR rat model has demonstrated that abnormal mucociliary clearance and hyperviscosity is reversed by ivacaftor treatment. In this study, we sought to identify the components of mucus that changes as the rat ages to contribute to these abnormalities. We found that Muc5b concentrations, and to a lesser extent Muc5ac, in the airway were increased in the KO rat compared to WT, and that Muc5b concentration was directly related to the viscosity of the mucus. Additionally, we found that methacholine administration to the airway exacerbates these characteristics of disease in the KO, but not WT rat trachea. Lastly we determined that at 6 months of age, CF rats had mucus that was adherent to the airway epithelium, a process that is reversed by ivacaftor therapy in the hG551D rat. Overall, these data indicate that accumulation of Muc5b initiates the muco-obstructive process in the CF lung prior to infection.
Proteomics and Co-expression Network Analysis Reveal the Importance of Hub Proteins and Metabolic Pathways in Nicotine Synthesis and Accumulation in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: Mo Zejun , Duan Lili , Pu Yuanyuan , Tian Zonglin , Ke Yuzhou , Luo Wen , Pi Kai , Huang Ying , Nie Qiong , Liu Renxiang
Published: April 2022

Nicotine is a unique alkaloid present in tobacco that is widely used in cigarettes and in the agricultural, chemical, and pharmaceutical industries. However, the research on nicotine is mostly limited to its synthesis pathways, and only a few studies have explored the effects of other metabolic pathways on nicotine precursors. Regulating the nicotine content in tobacco can greatly promoting the application of nicotine in other fields. In this study, we performed global data-independent acquisition proteomics analysis of four tobacco varieties. Of the four varieties, one had high nicotine content and three had a low nicotine content. A total of 31,259 distinct peptides and 6,018 proteins across two samples were identified. A total of 45 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) co-existed in the three comparison groups and were mainly involved in the transport and metallic processes of the substances. Most DEPs were enriched in the biosynthesis of secondary metals, glutathione metabolism, carbon metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. In addition, the weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified an expression module closely related to the nicotine content (Brown, r = 0.74, P = 0.006). Gene Ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis showed that the module proteins were mainly involved in the synthesis and metabolism of nicotine precursors such as arginine, ornithine aspartate, proline, and glutathione. The increased levels of these precursors lead to the synthesis and accumulation of nicotine in plants. More importantly, these proteins regulate nicotine synthesis by affecting the formation of putrescine, which is the core intermediate product in nicotine anabolism. Our results provide a reference for tobacco variety selection with a suitable nicotine content and regulation of the nicotine content. Additionally, the results highlight the importance of other precursor metabolism in nicotine synthesis.
Safety Level of Microorganism-Bearing Products Applied in Soil-Plant Systems
Authors: Vassileva Maria , Mocali Stefano , Canfora Loredana , Malusá Eligio , García del Moral Luis F. , Martos Vanessa , Flor-Peregrin Elena , Vassilev Nikolay
Published: April 2022

The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers adversely affects ecological health and soil microbiota provoking loss of soil fertility and greater pathogen and pest presence in soil-plant systems, which further reduce the quality of food and human health. Therefore, the sustainability, circular economy, environmental safety of agricultural production, and health concerns made possible the practical realization of eco-friendly biotechnological approaches like organic matter amendments, biofertilizers, biopesticides, and reuse of agro-industrial wastes by applying novel and traditional methods and processes. However, the advancement in the field of Biotechnology/Agriculture is related to the safety of these microorganism-bearing products. While the existing regulations in this field are well-known and are applied in the preparation and application of waste organic matter and microbial inoculants, more attention should be paid to gene transfer, antibiotic resistance, contamination of the workers and environment in farms and biotech-plants, and microbiome changes. These risks should be carefully assessed, and new analytical tools and regulations should be applied to ensure safe and high-quality food and a healthy environment for people working in the field of bio-based soil amendments.
Improved Utilization of Nitrate Nitrogen Through Within-Leaf Nitrogen Allocation Trade-Offs in Leymus chinensis
Authors: Wei Xiaowei , Yang Yuheng , Yao Jialiang , Han Jiayu , Yan Ming , Zhang Jinwei , Shi Yujie , Wang Junfeng , Mu Chunsheng
Published: April 2022

The Sharply increasing atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition may substantially impact the N availability and photosynthetic capacity of terrestrial plants. Determining the trade-off relationship between within-leaf N sources and allocation is therefore critical for understanding the photosynthetic response to nitrogen deposition in grassland ecosystems. We conducted field experiments to examine the effects of inorganic nitrogen addition (sole NH4+, sole NO3– and mixed NH4+/NO3–: 50%/50%) on N assimilation and allocation by Leymus chinensis. The leaf N allocated to the photosynthetic apparatus (NPSN) and chlorophyll content per unit area (Chlarea) were significantly positively correlated with the photosynthetic N-use efficiency (PNUE). The sole NO3– treatment significantly increased the plant leaf PNUE and biomass by increasing the photosynthetic N allocation and Chlarea. Under the NO3 treatment, L. chinensis plants devoted more N to their bioenergetics and light-harvesting systems to increase electron transfer. Plants reduced the cell wall N allocation or increased their soluble protein concentrations to balance growth and defense under the NO3 treatment. In the sole NH4+ treatment, however, plants decreased their N allocation to photosynthetic components, but increased their N allocation to the cell wall and elsewhere. Our findings demonstrated that within-leaf N allocation optimization is a key adaptive mechanism by which plants maximize their PNUE and biomass under predicted future global changes.
Phytochrome-Mediated Light Perception Affects Fruit Development and Ripening Through Epigenetic Mechanisms
Authors: Bianchetti Ricardo , Bellora Nicolas , de Haro Luis A. , Zuccarelli Rafael , Rosado Daniele , Freschi Luciano , Rossi Magdalena , Bermudez Luisa
Published: April 2022

Phytochrome (PHY)-mediated light and temperature perception has been increasingly implicated as important regulator of fruit development, ripening, and nutritional quality. Fruit ripening is also critically regulated by chromatin remodeling via DNA demethylation, though the molecular basis connecting epigenetic modifications in fruits and environmental cues remains largely unknown. Here, to unravel whether the PHY-dependent regulation of fruit development involves epigenetic mechanisms, an integrative analysis of the methylome, transcriptome and sRNAome of tomato fruits from phyA single and phyB1B2 double mutants was performed in immature green (IG) and breaker (BK) stages. The transcriptome analysis showed that PHY-mediated light perception regulates more genes in BK than in the early stages of fruit development (IG) and that PHYB1B2 has a more substantial impact than PHYA in the fruit transcriptome, in both analyzed stages. The global profile of methylated cytosines revealed that both PHYA and PHYB1B2 affect the global methylome, but PHYB1B2 has a greater impact on ripening-associated methylation reprogramming across gene-rich genomic regions in tomato fruits. Remarkably, promoters of master ripening-associated transcription factors (TF) (RIN, NOR, CNR, and AP2a) and key carotenoid biosynthetic genes (PSY1, PDS, ZISO, and ZDS) remained highly methylated in phyB1B2 from the IG to BK stage. The positional distribution and enrichment of TF binding sites were analyzed over the promoter region of the phyB1B2 DEGs, exposing an overrepresentation of binding sites for RIN as well as the PHY-downstream effectors PIFs and HY5/HYH. Moreover, phyA and phyB1B2 mutants showed a positive correlation between the methylation level of sRNA cluster-targeted genome regions in gene bodies and mRNA levels. The experimental evidence indicates that PHYB1B2 signal transduction is mediated by a gene expression network involving chromatin organization factors (DNA methylases/demethylases, histone-modifying enzymes, and remodeling factors) and transcriptional regulators leading to altered mRNA profile of ripening-associated genes. This new level of understanding provides insights into the orchestration of epigenetic mechanisms in response to environmental cues affecting agronomical traits.
CsbZIP2-miR9748-CsNPF4.4 Module Mediates High Temperature Tolerance of Cucumber Through Jasmonic Acid Pathway
Authors: Li Lan , Chen Guangling , Yuan Mingzhu , Guo Shirong , Wang Yu , Sun Jin
Published: April 2022

High temperature stress seriously affects the growth of cucumber seedlings, and even leads to a decline in yield and quality. miRNAs have been shown to be involved in regulating the response to stress in plants, but little is known about its effects on cucumber high temperature stress tolerance. Here, we found that high temperature stress induced the expression of miR9748 in cucumber. Overexpression of cucumber miR9748 in Arabidopsis improved high temperature tolerance. Transcriptome analysis revealed that miR9748 might mediate high temperature tolerance through plant hormone signal pathway. 5′ RNA ligase-mediated rapid amplification of cDNA ends (5′ RLM-RACE) and transient transformation technology demonstrated that CsNPF4.4 was the target gene of miR9748. CsNPF4.4 overexpression plants decreased high temperature tolerance accompanied by reducing the content of jasmonic acid (JA), but alleviated by foliar application of methyl jasmonate, indicating that CsNPF4.4 negatively regulated high temperature stress tolerance through inhibition JA signal pathway. Furthermore, high temperature stress also increased the expression level of CsbZIP2. Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays showed that CsbZIP2 directly bound to the promoter of MIR9748 to induce its expression. Taken together, our results indicated that CsbZIP2 directly regulated miR9748 expression to cleave CsNPF4.4 to mediate high temperature tolerance through JA pathway.
Aluminum-Induced Alterations to the Cell Wall and Antioxidant Enzymes Involved in the Regulation of the Aluminum Tolerance of Chinese Fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata)
Authors: Xu Shanshan , Wu Lihua , Li Lingyan , Zhong Minghui , Tang Ying , Cao Guangqiu , Lin Kaimin , Ye Yiquan
Published: April 2022

Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata), which is an important coniferous tree species in China, is mainly planted in acidic soils with toxic aluminum (Al) levels. However, the consequences of Al toxicity and its resistance mechanism in Chinese fir remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, the Al-induced modification and possible role of cell wall in regulating Al tolerance in Chinese fir were investigated by using seedlings with contrasting Al tolerance, namely, Al-sensitive (YX02) and Al-resistant (YX01) genotypes. The results in present work showed that Al treatment resulted in a dose- and time-dependent inhibition of root growth and oxidative damage in both genotypes, but more in YX02 than in YX01. The severe oxidative damage observed in YX02 under Al stress was found to correlate with lower antioxidant enzyme activities as compared with YX01. The greater root growth inhibition observed in YX02 compared with YX01 was associated with a higher accumulation of Al in pectin and hemicllulose 1 (HC1) fraction because of the higher pectin and HC1 contents and the lower degree of pectin demethylation due to enhanced pectin methylesterase activity in YX02, which ultimately enhanced cell wall binding capacity for Al in YX02. Taken together, our results suggested that enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities and cell wall modification-induced Al exclusion are the two mechanisms responsible for the Al tolerance of Chinese fir.
Teacher Well-Being: Teachers’ Goals and Emotions for Students Showing Undesirable Behaviors Count More Than That for Students Showing Desirable Behaviors
Authors: Forster Markus , Kuhbandner Christof , Hilbert Sven
Published: April 2022

Previous findings indicate that the goals of teachers and their experienced emotions when interacting with students play an important role for their well-being. However, studies on the psychological impact of events have shown that the impact of bad events is stronger than the impact of good events. Thus, it may be that teachers’ goals and emotions for students showing undesirable behaviors (e.g., students who disrupt the class, do not finish their work, and have a negative attitude to learning) contribute more to their well-being than teachers’ goals and emotions for students showing desirable behaviors (e.g., students who pay attention in class, do their work on time, and have a positive attitude to learning), a distinction that has not been made in previous research. To examine this question, we measured teachers’ goals and emotions for students showing desirable and undesirable behaviors, and their affective, evaluative, occupational, and psychological well-being (N = 250). The results showed that teachers’ well-being was relatively strongly related to their goals and emotions for students showing undesirable behaviors: The higher the goals and the more positive the emotions, the higher the reported well-being. By contrast, the goals and emotions for students showing desirable behaviors were unrelated to teachers’ well-being. These results demonstrate that the principle of “bad is stronger than good” holds also for the influence of teachers’ goals and emotions on their well-being.
Do Past Experience and Group Heterogeneity Matter to Consumer Preferences? Evidence From a Choice Experiment in Urban China
Authors: Liu Ruifeng , Liang Fei , Heng Yan , Gao Zhifeng , Snell Heather Arielle , Rae Allan , Ma Hengyun
Published: April 2022

This study uses a discrete choice experiment to examine consumers’ preferences for Fuji apple product attributes and willingness to pay (WTP) estimates for consumers in six cities in China. We estimated the preference heterogeneity by linking the stated preference choice data with consumers’ past experience and socioeconomic characteristics in the latent class model. The empirical results show that, first, the past experience variables are crucial in explaining consumer preferences and WTP. Second, three classes, namely, certification-oriented, price- and origin-oriented, and not interested, are identified. Furthermore, the same type of Fuji apple attribute does not appeal to every respondent. Third, our results indicate the heterogeneity of preferences across different classes of respondents, as well as differences in WTP for Fuji apples.
The Mobile Phone Addiction and Depression Among High School Students: The Roles of Cyberbullying Victimization, Perpetration, and Gender
Authors: Wu Wenzhi , Chen Yongchuan , Shi Xiuying , Lv Hua , Bai Rui , Guo Zhichao , Yu Lei , Liu Yilin , Liu Jianping , Chen Yatang , Zeng Yong
Published: April 2022

Objective

To examine the relation between mobile phone addiction and high school students’ depression, and its inner mechanism—the sequential mediating roles of the cyberbullying victimization and the cyberbullying perpetration in this relationship.

Methods

1297 high school students were recruited to complete the Smartphone Addiction Scale, European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale.

Results

(1) Mobile phone addiction was positively correlated with and high school students’ depression; (2) cyberbullying victimization and the cyberbullying perpetration significantly mediated the relation between mobile phone addiction and high school students’ depression, which contained tow mediating paths—the independent mediating effects of cyberbullying victimization and the sequential mediating effect of cyberbullying victimization and the cyberbullying perpetration; (3) there are gender differences in the sequential mediation model, and boys who are victims of cyberbullying are more likely to develop into cyberbullying perpetrators than girls.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that depression among high school students with mobile phone addiction can be eliminated through the development of cyberbullying victimization and the cyberbullying perpetration.
Impact of Depression, Resilience, and Locus of Control on Adjustment of Health-Related Expectations in Aging Individuals With Chronic Illness
Authors: Schönenberg Aline , Zipprich Hannah M. , Teschner Ulrike , Prell Tino
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Quality of Life (QoL) depends on the discrepancy between desired and current experiences (referred to as the Calman gap), thus in chronic illness, adjustment of expectations and interpretation of the current situation are crucial. Depression is known to influence this gap, and the present study aims to further assess the role of resilience and health locus of control (HLC).

Methods

A total of 94 patients (age M = 71.8, SD = 7.7 years) with neurological disorders were screened via telephone regarding depression, resilience and HLC. Current and desired state of several life domains were assessed, such as Fitness, General Health, Pain, Daily Activities, Finances, Leisure, and Family. Elastic net regularization and analyses of variance were used to disentangle the impact of depression, resilience, HLC, and sociodemographic factors on the perception of current and desired state, and the gap between both.

Results

A gap was present for all domains but largest for pain. Interpretation of the current state was linked to desired state, HLC, and age. All gaps were related to depression; certain domains were in addition influenced by resilience, HLC and sociodemographic factors. Of note, for most domains, patients did not select the highest possible desired state.

Conclusion

Older patients with neurological disorders report a gap between current and desired state for many aspects of life. Adjusting expectations is beneficial in the face of declining health, but a reasonably increased desired state may positively influence the perception of the current situation. Depression negatively influences the interpretation of the Calman gap.
The Dark Side of Social Media: Content Effects on the Relationship Between Materialism and Consumption Behaviors
Authors: Pellegrino Alfonso , Abe Masato , Shannon Randall
Published: April 2022

This study contributes to the emerging literature on the negative effects over consumption that social media users may develop as a consequence of being engaged on social media platforms. The authors tested materialism’s direct and indirect impacts on compulsive, conspicuous, and impulsive buying, adding two novel mediators: attitudes toward social media content (SCM) and social media intensity (SMI). The study uses a convenience sample of 400 Thai social media users analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results confirmed the well-established positive relationships between materialism and each of the three-negative consumption behaviors also in the social media domain. A novel finding showed the important role played by SMI which was found to be a strong predictor of each of the three negative consumption behaviors and it was also found to significantly mediate the relationship between materialism and the three-negative consumption behaviors. An additional contribution of the study was found on the role of attitudes which, contrary to what is commonly believed, were often not significant in predicting any negative behavior.
Sense of Parenting Efficacy, Perceived Family Interactions, and Parenting Stress Among Mothers of Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Chen Yirong , Cheng Tianyi , Lv Fangyan
Published: April 2022

This study examined the relationship between maternal sense of parenting efficacy and parental stress in children with autism and the moderating effect of family interaction. A total of 263 mothers of children with autism were investigated with the Parenting Ability Scale, Family Interaction Scale (FIS), and Parental Stress Scale. The results showed that (1) maternal sense of parenting efficacy significantly predicted parental stress in children with autism; and (2) family interaction significantly moderated the relationship between maternal sense of parenting efficacy and parental stress in children with autism, that is, when family interaction was lower than −1.54 standard deviation (SD), the sense of parenting efficacy did not significantly predict parental stress. When family interaction was higher than −1.54 SD, parenting efficacy had a significant negative predictive effect on parenting stress.
Does Margin Call Pressure Affect the M&A Decision of Controlling Shareholders With Equity Pledges: Evidence From Chinese Listed Company
Authors: Li Xintao , Li Qian
Published: April 2022

The equity pledge has become a universal practice in the world. Taking Chinese listed companies from 2007 to 2020 as a sample, this paper investigates the influence of controlling shareholders’ equity pledges on M&A behavior. It is found that the probability of M&A of listed companies is greater when the controlling shareholder has an equity pledge (or the proportion of equity pledge of controlling shareholder is higher). M&A activities can raise the stock price and play the role of market value management. Controlling shareholders with margin call pressure have stronger motivation to use M&A to increase their share price. Investors seem to be aware of this behavior and underestimate the potential benefits of M&A under this pressure. Propensity score matching (PSM) and difference in difference (DID) were used to test endogeneity and the results were still robust. Overall, our results reveal the impact of equity pledges by controlling shareholders on M&A. Furthermore, margin call pressure, this organizational psychology promotes this possibility.
Experiences of Siblings of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Comparing Qualitative Analysis and Machine Learning to Study Narratives
Authors: Bastiaansen Jort. A. J. , Veldhuizen Elien E. , De Schepper Kees , Scheepers Floortje E.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Relatively few studies have focused on the wellbeing, experiences and needs of the siblings of children with a psychiatric diagnosis. However, the studies that have been conducted suggest that the impact of such circumstances on these siblings is significant. Studying narratives of diagnosed children or relatives has proven to be a successful approach to gain insights that could help improve care. Only a few attempts have been made to study narratives in psychiatry utilizing a machine learning approach.

Method

In this current study, 13 narratives of the experiences of siblings of children with a neurodevelopmental disorders were collected through largely unstructured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using the traditional qualitative, hermeneutic phenomenology method as well as latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA), an unsupervised machine learning method clustering words from documents into topics. One aim of this study was to evaluate the experiences of the siblings in order to find leads to improve care and support for these siblings. Furthermore, the outcomes of both analyses were compared to evaluate the role of machine learning in analyzing narratives.

Results

Qualitative analysis of the interviews led to the formulation of nine main themes: confrontation with conflicts, coping strategies siblings, need for rest and time for myself, need for support and attention from personal circle, wish for normality, influence on personal choices and possibilities for development, doing things together, recommendations and advices, ambivalence and loyalty. Using unsupervised machine learning (LDA) 24 topics were formed that mostly overlapped with the qualitative themes found. Both the qualitative analysis and the LDA analysis detected themes that were unique to the respective analysis.

Conclusion

The present study found that studying narratives of siblings of children with a neurodevelopmental disorder contributes to a better understanding of the subjects' experiences. Siblings cope with ambivalent feelings toward their brother or sister and this emotional conflict often leads to adapted behavior. Several coping strategies are developed to deal with the behavior of their brother or sister like seeking support or ignoring. Devoted support, time and attention from close relatives, especially parents, is needed. The LDA analysis didn't appear useful to distract meaning and context from the narratives, but it was proposed that machine learning could be a valuable and quick addition to the traditional qualitative methods by finding overlooked topics and giving a rudimental overview of topics in narratives.
Gray Matter Volume of Thalamic Nuclei in Traumatized North Korean Refugees
Authors: Lee Jiye , Kim Nambeom , Jeong Hyunwoo , Jun Jin Yong , Yoo So Young , Lee So Hee , Lee Jooyoung , Lee Yu Jin , Kim Seog Ju
Published: April 2022

The current study investigated differences in the regional gray matter (GM) volume of specific thalamic nuclei between North Korean (NK) refugees and South Korean (SK) residents. It also investigated associations between thalamic GM volume changes and psychological symptoms. Psychological evaluations and magnetic resonance imaging were conducted on 50 traumatized NK refugees and 55 non-traumatized SK residents. The regional GM volume ratios in the bilateral thalami were calculated for all participants using voxel-based morphometry. NK refugees showed greater GM volume ratios in the right medial-posterior nuclei and left medial nuclei compared with SK residents. NK refugees also exhibited more depressive symptoms than SK residents. However, increased GM volume ratios in both right medial-posterior nuclei and left medial nuclei were correlated with fewer depressive symptoms in NK refugees, but not in SK residents. The findings indicate that traumatized NK refugees had increased GM volumes in the right medial-posterior nuclei and left medial nuclei, which were associated with fewer depressive symptoms. The enlarged specific thalamic nuclei presented among refugees in the current study might be associated with a neurobiological compensatory mechanism that prevents the development or progression of depression in refugees after repetitive traumatic experiences.
From Grief to Grievance: Combined Axes of Personal and Collective Grief Among Black Americans
Authors: Wilson Da'Mere T. , O'Connor Mary-Frances
Published: April 2022

In the current article, we argue that the current conceptualization of grief as “the acute pain that accompanies the loss of a loved one” is too narrow in scope. Specifically, our current conceptualization of grief fails to account for the various ways in which grief is manifested amongst Black Americans. Throughout the article, we explore how the history of the racialization of Black people in America has resulted in a unique experience of loss, grief, and bereavement which previous research has largely failed to elucidate. Additionally, we explore how grief catalyzes political and social action. The article also proposes a novel theoretical conceptualization of personal and collective grief to deepen our conceptualization of grief amongst Black Americans. Finally, we posit that we must also consider how to further research on this collective grief to increase our understanding of it and to account for similar phenomena that may exist in communities who've had similar experiences (e.g., Indigenous peoples in the Americas and Dalits in India).
Evaluation of the Relationship Between BDNF Val66Met Gene Polymorphism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mei Shufang , Chen Wencai , Chen Sijing , Hu Yani , Dai Xiaoyan , Liu Xiujun
Published: April 2022

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder in childhood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is widely distributed in the central nervous system and plays an important role in neural development. Despite several previous studies have examined the association between the Val66Met polymorphism BDNF and ADHD, the results are conflicting.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the association between Val66Met polymorphism and ADHD in case-control and transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) studies using a meta-analysis.

Methods

Keywords “rs6265” or “Val66Met” and “Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder” were used to search in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases before April 2021. Genotype data were extracted to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

Fifteen studies, comprising of 8,692 samples (containing 4,364 cases, 4,328 controls) and 1,578 families were included and results demonstrated that rs6265 was not associated with susceptibility to ADHD (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.87–1.04, P = 0.291). Stratified analyses by study design, ethnicity, and sample size further supported that rs6265 was not associated with ADHD.

Conclusion

The present study shows that the polymorphism of the BDNF Val66Met gene is not associated with susceptibility to ADHD.
Older Adults' Access to and Satisfaction With Primary Hospitals Based on Spatial and Non-spatial Analyses
Authors: Yu Jingyu , Leung Mei-yung , Ma Guixia , Xia Jingcheng
Published: April 2022

In order to improve the health and quality of life of older adults, the Chinese government is dedicated to establishing an equilibrium level of primary healthcare services for all communities. However, little attention has been paid to measuring the accessibility of primary hospitals to older adults, nor to understanding the seniors' satisfaction with and needs for primary healthcare services. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the spatial accessibility of primary hospitals to older adults, and also to examine the impact of walking distances on the seniors' satisfaction with their healthcare services. A two-step floating catchment area method was applied to measure the spatial accessibility of primary hospitals to older adults at the level of subdistricts. In order to investigate the actual opinions of older adults and verify the results of spatial analysis, a large-scale questionnaire survey was also conducted. The analyses found that (1) primary hospitals were not equally distributed; (2) most older adults did not have access to primary hospitals within a threshold walking distance of 1,000 m, but they usually could reach a hospital in their subdistrict within a threshold distance of 2,000 m; (3) older adults' satisfaction levels with primary hospitals were significantly different among subdistricts; (4) long walking distances negatively influenced older adults' satisfaction with primary hospitals; (5) the satisfaction of older adults was highest with a threshold distance of 500 m; and (6) a piecewise regression model indicated that older adults' satisfaction with primary hospitals would decrease with an increase in walking distance to the hospital. When the walking distances exceeded 1,000 m, the slope of the linear regression model increased significantly compared with the slope for walking distances less than 1,000 m. By adopting multiple research methods and capturing older adults' behaviors and satisfaction, our results provide (1) data on the importance of accessibility of primary hospitals to older adults, and (2) insights for future planning to achieve equity in primary healthcare and enhance the spatial distribution of primary hospitals.
Trends in Methamphetamine Use in the Mainland of China, 2006–2015
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yan Xiangyu , Li Yongjie , Zhu He , Lu Zuhong , Jia Zhongwei
Published: April 2022

Background

Methamphetamine is the most prevalent drug in the mainland of China, yet few studies on the non-medical use of methamphetamine nationwide have been conducted. This study aimed to examine the trends in the prevalence of non-medical methamphetamine use and to explore the flow pattern of internal migrant methamphetamine users in the mainland of China.

Methods

Data were extracted from the National Dynamic Management and Control Database for Drug Users (NDMCD). Joinpoint regressions were used to examine trends in the prevalence and population size of methamphetamine use.

Results

A total of 1,821,468 methamphetamine use cases registered in NDMCD from 2006 to 2015 were identified. The number of methamphetamine use cases presented an increasing trend in all age subgroups, and among them, the elderly increased the fastest [annual percent change (APC2006−2015), 122.9; 95% CI, 113.0–133.3; p < 0.001]. The prevalence of methamphetamine use increased from 4.69 per 100,000 population in 2008 to 45.38 per 100,000 population in 2015 (APC2008−2015, 36.1; 95% CI, 31.9–40.6; p < 0.001). The regions of the Pearl River Delta, Yangtze River Delta, and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Urban Agglomeration absorbed over 96% of all internal migrant methamphetamine use cases, and the number of migrant methamphetamine use cases presented increased trends in these three regions.

Conclusions

The increasing trends in methamphetamine use have become a threat to all age groups in China. Substance use prevention programs should focus on internal migrant drug users, especially in economically developed regions.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Among Healthcare Workers in Asia and Africa and Its Association With Their Knowledge and Awareness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Maamor Nur Hasnah , Muhamad Nor Asiah , Mohd Dali Nor Soleha , Abdul Mutalip Mohd Hatta , Leman Fatin Norhasny , Aris Tahir , Lai Nai Ming , Abu Hassan Muhammad Radzi
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a blood-borne virus that can be transmitted by percutaneous and mucocutaneous contact with infected bodily fluid. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are more exposed to HBV infection. They must have a thorough understanding of HBV infection since they can contract and spread the virus. In this study, we systematically reviewed all published evidence on the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among HCWs. and synthesize evidence on the association between knowledge and awareness with HBV infection.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Scopus for studies reporting on HBV seroprevalence from January 1997 to September 2021 among healthcare workers. We used random-effects meta-analyses to estimate the pool prevalence of HBV infection.

Results

We identified 25 studies that met our inclusion criteria, with data on 10,043 adults from 11 countries and two regions: Africa and Asia. The overall seroprevalence of HBV was 5.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.6%), with Africa reporting higher estimates (5.0%, 95% CI 3.7%) than Asia population (4.0%, 95% CI 1.9%). The highest pooled prevalence estimate in African countries came from studies published in the Cameroon region (8.0%, 95% CI 5–10%) while the lowest came from Ethiopia (4.0%, 95% CI 2.6%). The overall seroprevalence estimates in the African population were significantly higher than those in the Asian group. Studies in Africa found that the average knowledge and seroprevalence were 1.4% and 11.0%, respectively where, eight studies (53.3%) reported good knowledge and seven studies (46.7%) reported average knowledge. In Asia, two studies (40.0%) reported good knowledge, one study (20.0%) reporting average knowledge, and two studies (40.0%) reporting poor knowledge. African studies demonstrated good knowledge despite the fact that their HBV infection rate was higher than 6.7%.

Conclusion

Africa and Asia have the highest seroprevalence of HBV infection. Improving the comparability of epidemiological and clinical studies constitutes an important step forward. More high-quality data is needed to improve the precision of burden estimates.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO CRD42021279905.
Human Adenovirus Associated Hepatic Injury
Authors: Zheng Nan , Wang Yan , Rong Hechen , Wang Kun , Huang Xiaoping
Published: April 2022

Human adenovirus (HAdV) is a common virus, but the infections it causes are relatively uncommon. At the same time, the methods for the detection of HAdV are varied, among which viral culture is still the gold standard. HAdV infection is usually self-limited but can also cause clinically symptomatic in lots of organs and tissues, of which human adenovirus pneumonia is the most common. In contrast, human adenovirus hepatitis is rarely reported. However, HAdV hepatitis has a high fatality rate once it occurs, especially in immunocompromised patients. Although human adenovirus hepatitis has some pathological and imaging features, its clinical symptoms are not typical. Therefore, HAdV hepatitis is not easy to be found in the clinic. There are kinds of treatments to treat this disease, but few are absolutely effective. In view of the above reasons, HAdV hepatitis is a disease that is difficult to be found in time. We reviewed and summarized the previously reported cases, hoping to bring some relatively common characteristics to clinicians, so as to facilitate early detection, early diagnosis, and early treatment of patients.
As Omicron Takes Hold and Other New Variants Arise, COVID-19 Testing Remains the Universally Agreed Tool to Effect Transition From Pandemic to Endemic State
Authors: Miller Melissa B. , Ooi Eng Eong , Rhoads Daniel D. , Kulldorff Martin , Anderson Danielle E. , Lee Hyukmin , Gupta Sunetra , Mel Krajden
Published: April 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 448 million cases and 6 million deaths worldwide to date. Omicron is now the dominant SARS-CoV-2 variant, making up more than 90% of cases in countries reporting sequencing data. As the pandemic continues into its third year, continued testing is a strategic and necessary tool for transitioning to an endemic state of COVID-19. Here, we address three critical topics pertaining to the transition from pandemic to endemic: defining the endemic state for COVID-19, highlighting the role of SARS-CoV-2 testing as endemicity is approached, and recommending parameters for SARS-CoV-2 testing once endemicity is reached. We argue for an approach that capitalizes on the current public health momentum to increase capacity for PCR-based testing and whole genome sequencing to monitor emerging infectious diseases. Strategic development and utilization of testing, including viral panels in addition to vaccination, can keep SARS-CoV-2 in a manageable endemic state and build a framework of preparedness for the next pandemic.
Somatic Mutations Detected in Parkinson Disease Could Affect Genes With a Role in Synaptic and Neuronal Processes
Authors: Lobon Irene , Solís-Moruno Manuel , Juan David , Muhaisen Ashraf , Abascal Federico , Esteller-Cucala Paula , García-Pérez Raquel , Martí Maria Josep , Tolosa Eduardo , Ávila Jesús , Rahbari Raheleh , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Casals Ferran , Soriano Eduardo
Published: April 2022

The role of somatic mutations in complex diseases, including neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, is becoming increasingly clear. However, to date, no study has shown their relation to Parkinson disease’s phenotype. To explore the relevance of embryonic somatic mutations in sporadic Parkinson disease, we performed whole-exome sequencing in blood and four brain regions of ten patients. We identified 59 candidate somatic single nucleotide variants (sSNVs) through sensitive calling and a careful filtering strategy (COSMOS). We validated 27 of them with amplicon-based ultra-deep sequencing, with a 70% validation rate for the highest-confidence variants. The identified sSNVs are in genes with synaptic functions that are co-expressed with genes previously associated with Parkinson disease. Most of the sSNVs were only called in blood but were also found in the brain tissues with ultra-deep amplicon sequencing, demonstrating the strength of multi-tissue sampling designs.
The Usefulness of Radiomics Methodology for Developing Descriptive and Prognostic Image-Based Phenotyping in the Aging Population: Results From a Small Feasibility Study
Authors: Mirón Mombiela Rebeca , Borrás Consuelo
Published: April 2022

Background: Radiomics is an emerging field that translates medical images into quantitative data to enable phenotypic profiling of human disease. In this retrospective study, we asked whether it is possible to use image-based phenotyping to describe and determine prognostic factors in the aging population.

Methods: A radiomic frailty cohort with 101 patients was included in the analysis (65 ± 15 years, 55 men). A total of 44 texture features were extracted from the segmented muscle area of the ultrasound images of the anterior thigh. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the image data sets and clinical data.

Results: Our results showed that the heterogeneity of muscle was associated with an increased incidence of hearing impairment, stroke, myocardial infarction, dementia/memory loss, and falls in the following two years. Regression analysis revealed a muscle radiomic model with 87.1% correct predictive value with good sensitivity and moderate specificity (p = 0.001).

Conclusion: It is possible to develop and identify image-based phenotypes in the elderly population. The muscle radiomic model needs to further be validated. Future studies correlated with biological data (genomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, etc.) will give further insights into the biological basis and molecular processes of the developed radiomic model.
Neural Network Equalizer in Visible Light Communication: State of the Art and Future Trends
Authors: Shi Jianyang , Huang Ouhan , Ha Yinaer , Niu Wenqing , Jin Ruizhe , Qin Guojin , Xu Zengyi , Chi Nan
Published: April 2022

As 6G research progresses, both visible light communication (VLC) and artificial intelligence (AI) become important components, which makes them appear to converge. Neural networks (NN) as equalizers are gradually occupying an increasingly important position in the research of the physical layer of VLC, especially in nonlinear compensation. In this paper, we will propose three categories of neural network equalizers, including input data reconfiguration NN, network reconfiguration NN and loss function reconfiguration NN. We give the definitions of these three neural networks and their applications in VLC systems. This work allows the reader to have a clearer understanding and future trends of neural networks in visible light communication, especially in terms of equalizers.
Branchflows: Upside-Down Rivers Clinging to the Bark Above Our Heads
Authors: Van Stan John T. , Ponette-González Alexandra G.
Published: April 2022

If you look up during a storm or when it is foggy, you may see little rivers flowing down the tree branches above your head. These are called branchflows, and they play an important part in moving water along trees and through forests. For scientists who study water, branchflows are really weird! They do not flow on top of something, like rivers that flow over the ground. Instead, they flow underneath branches, clinging to the bark, the same way you might cling to monkey bars at the park. Branchflows can also disappear before making it to the ground, because the water gets stuck inside of tree holes. Branchflows transport important stuff through the forest and to the forest floor, from life-saving meals to life-ending predators! Please join us as we explore what branchflows are, where they flow, what they carry, and why we need to know more about them.
Hungry? How What You Eat Affects Your Skin
Authors: Amudzi Alice A. , Richmond Jillian M.
Published: April 2022

Foods can affect the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of our lives and determine our overall health and productivity. Whether we eat chicken nuggets, apples, or watermelon, food is a vital source of energy that keeps the body’s tissues and organs going during our day-to-day activities. In this article, we examine how various nutrients from foods affect the skin and its ability to protect the body from infections and the elements of the environment. In addition, we briefly discuss a patient who had a wound that was taking a long time to heal, which required surgery to fix. Recommending the right nutrition led to complete healing and cancellation of the surgery.
Science Autonomy and Space Science: Application to the ExoMars Mission
Authors: Da Poian Victoria , Lyness Eric , Danell Ryan , Li Xiang , Theiling Bethany , Trainer Melissa , Kaplan Desmond , Brinckerhoff William
Published: April 2022

A machine learning approach for analyzing data from the Mars Organic Molecule Analyzer (MOMA) instrument has been developed in order to improve the accuracy and efficiency of this analysis and serves as a case study for the use of machine learning tools for space missions. MOMA is part of the science payload aboard the ExoMars rover, Rosalind Franklin, currently planned to land on Mars in 2023. Most NASA robotic space missions return only one thing: data. Remote planetary missions continue to produce more data as mission ambitions and instrument capabilities grow, yet the investigations are still limited by available bandwidth to transmit data back to Earth. To maximize the value of each bit, instruments need to be highly selective about which data are prioritized for return to Earth, as compression and transmission of the full data volume is often not feasible. The fundamental goal is to enable the concept of science autonomy, where instruments perform selected onboard science data analyses and then act upon those analyses through self-adjustment and tuning of instrument parameters. In this paper, we discuss the motivations, as well as related work on the use of machine learning for space missions. We also present a first step toward this vision of science autonomy for space science missions. This proof-of-concept exercise for the MOMA instrument aims to develop tools, used on Earth, to support Martian operations of the ExoMars mission. We also discuss the challenges and limitations of this implementation, as well as lessons learned and approaches that could be used for future space science missions.