bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered expression of vesicular glutamate transporter-2 and cleaved caspase-3 in the locus coeruleus of nerve-injured rats
Authors: Bravo Lidia , Mariscal Patricia , Llorca-Torralba Meritxell , López-Cepero Jose María , Nacher Juan , Berrocoso Esther
Published: July 2022

Neuropathic pain is a debilitating chronic condition provoked by a lesion in the nervous system and it induces functional alterations to the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC), affecting distinct dimensions of pain, like sensorial hypersensitivity, pain-induced depression, and anxiety. However, the neurobiological changes induced by nerve damage in the LC remain unclear. Here, we analyzed excitatory and inhibitory inputs to the LC, as well as the possible damage that noradrenergic neurons suffer after the induction of neuropathic pain through chronic constriction injury (CCI). Neuropathic pain was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and the expression of the vesicular glutamate transporter 1 or 2 (VGLUT1 or VGLUT2), vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT), and cleaved caspase-3 (CC3) was analyzed by immunofluorescence 7 (CCI7d) or 28 days after the original lesion (CCI28d). While no significant differences in the density of VGLUT1 puncta were evident, CCI7d induced a significant increase in the perisomatic VGLUT2/VGAT ratio relative to Sham-operated and CCI28d animals. By contrast, when the entire region of LC is evaluated, there was a significant reduction in the density of VGLUT2 puncta in CCI28d animals, without changes in VGLUT2/VGAT ratio relative to the CCI7d animals. Additionally, changes in the noradrenergic soma size, and a lower density of mitochondria and lysosomes were evident in CCI28d animals. Interestingly, enhanced expression of the apoptotic marker CC3 was also evident in the CCI28d rats, mainly co-localizing with glial fibrillary acidic protein but not with any neuronal or noradrenergic marker. Overall, short-term pain appears to lead to an increase of markers of excitatory synapses in the perisomatic region of noradrenergic cells in the LC, an effect that is lost after long-term pain, which appears to activate apoptosis.
An insight to potential application of synbiotic edible films and coatings in food products
Authors: Seyedzade Hashemi Sahar , Khorshidian Nasim , Mohammadi Mehrdad
Published: July 2022

Edible films and coatings have gained significant consideration in recent years due to their low cost and decreasing environmental pollution. Several bioactive compounds can be incorporated into films and coatings, including antioxidants, antimicrobials, flavoring agents, colors, probiotics and prebiotics. The addition of probiotics to edible films and coatings is an alternative approach for direct application in food matrices that enhances their stability and functional properties. Also, it has been noted that the influence of probiotics on the film properties was dependent on the composition, biopolymer structure, and intermolecular interactions. Recently, the incorporation of probiotics along with prebiotic compounds such as inulin, starch, fructooligosaccharide, polydextrose and wheat dextrin has emerged as new bioactive packaging. The simultaneous application of probiotics and prebiotics improved the viability of probiotic strains and elevated their colonization in the intestinal tract and provided health benefits to humans. Moreover, prebiotics created a uniform and compact structure by filling the spaces within the polymer matrix and increased opacity of edible films. The effects of prebiotics on mechanical and barrier properties of edible films was dependent on the nature of prebiotic compounds. This review aims to discuss the concept of edible films and coatings, synbiotic, recent research on synbiotic edible films and coatings as well as their application in food products.
Onion anthocyanins: Extraction, stability, bioavailability, dietary effect, and health implications
Authors: Samota Mahesh Kumar , Sharma Madhvi , Kaur Kulwinder , Sarita  , Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Pandey Abhay K. , Tak Yamini , Rawat Mandeep , Thakur Julie , Rani Heena
Published: July 2022

Anthocyanins are high-value compounds, and their use as functional foods and their natural colorant have potential health benefits. Anthocyanins seem to possess antioxidant properties, which help prevent neuronal diseases and thereby exhibit anti-inflammatory, chemotherapeutic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective activities. They also show different therapeutic effects against various chronic diseases. Anthocyanins are present in high concentrations in onion. In recent years, although both conventional and improved methods have been used for extraction of anthocyanins, nowadays, improved methods are of great importance because of their higher yield and stability of anthocyanins. In this review, we compile anthocyanins and their derivatives found in onion and the factors affecting their stability. We also analyze different extraction techniques of anthocyanins. From this point of view, it is very important to be precisely aware of the impact that each parameter has on the stability and subsequently potentiate its bioavailability or beneficial health effects. We present up-to-date information on bioavailability, dietary effects, and health implications of anthocyanins such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancerous, antiobesity, cardioprotective, and hepatoprotective activities.
Effect of different packaging methods on the free amino acid profiles of the deep-water rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) during frozen storage
Authors: Rusanova Polina , Bono Gioacchino , Dara Manuela , Falco Francesca , Gancitano Vita , Lo Brutto Sabrina , Okpala Charles Odilichukwu R. , Nirmal Nilesh Prakash , Quattrocchi Federico , Sardo Giacomo , Hassoun Abdo
Published: July 2022

The composition of free amino acids (FAAs) in seafood products contributes to characterizing their flavor, as well as freshness and quality during storage. Deep-water rose shrimps (Parapenaues longirostris, Lucas, 1846) (DWRS) are being increasingly harvested in the Mediterranean Sea, and the captured specimens are quickly frozen onboard fishing trawlers to preserve freshness and post-harvest quality. Here, we quantified the FAA profiles of DWRS packaged using five methods: (1) 100% N2; (2) vacuum; (3) 50% N2 + 50% CO2; (4) commercial anhydrous sodium sulfite; and (5) air (control). All samples were quickly frozen at −35°C and stored for 12 months at −18°C. Arginine (661 mg/100 g), proline (538 mg/100 g), and glycine (424 mg/100 g) were the most abundant FAAs, whereas the least abundant were tyrosine (67 mg/100 g), histidine (58 mg/100 g), and aspartic acid (34 mg/100 g). FAAs in all samples gradually (and significantly) increased in the first 6 to 8 months of storage, and then significantly decreased. The sodium sulfite treatment (Method 4) kept the initial FAA contents lower than the other treatments, due to the strong antioxidant action of sulfite agents. Interestingly, similar results were obtained for vacuum packaging (Method 2). Thus, combining frozen storage with vacuum packaging represents an alternative approach to chemical additives in shrimp/prawn processing to meet the increasing demand for high-quality seafood products with long shelf-life.
Machine Learning for Endometrial Cancer Prediction and Prognostication
Authors: Bhardwaj Vipul , Sharma Arundhiti , Parambath Snijesh Valiya , Gul Ijaz , Zhang Xi , Lobie Peter E. , Qin Peiwu , Pandey Vijay
Published: July 2022

Endometrial cancer (EC) is a prevalent uterine cancer that remains a major contributor to cancer-associated morbidity and mortality. EC diagnosed at advanced stages shows a poor therapeutic response. The clinically utilized EC diagnostic approaches are costly, time-consuming, and are not readily available to all patients. The rapid growth in computational biology has enticed substantial research attention from both data scientists and oncologists, leading to the development of rapid and cost-effective computer-aided cancer surveillance systems. Machine learning (ML), a subcategory of artificial intelligence, provides opportunities for drug discovery, early cancer diagnosis, effective treatment, and choice of treatment modalities. The application of ML approaches in EC diagnosis, therapies, and prognosis may be particularly relevant. Considering the significance of customized treatment and the growing trend of using ML approaches in cancer prediction and monitoring, a critical survey of ML utility in EC may provide impetus research in EC and assist oncologists, molecular biologists, biomedical engineers, and bioinformaticians to further collaborative research in EC. In this review, an overview of EC along with risk factors and diagnostic methods is discussed, followed by a comprehensive analysis of the potential ML modalities for prevention, screening, detection, and prognosis of EC patients.
Applications of Artificial Intelligence Based on Medical Imaging in Glioma: Current State and Future Challenges
Authors: Xu Jiaona , Meng Yuting , Qiu Kefan , Topatana Win , Li Shijie , Wei Chao , Chen Tianwen , Chen Mingyu , Ding Zhongxiang , Niu Guozhong
Published: July 2022

Glioma is one of the most fatal primary brain tumors, and it is well-known for its difficulty in diagnosis and management. Medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and spectral imaging can efficiently aid physicians in diagnosing, treating, and evaluating patients with gliomas. With the increasing clinical records and digital images, the application of artificial intelligence (AI) based on medical imaging has reduced the burden on physicians treating gliomas even further. This review will classify AI technologies and procedures used in medical imaging analysis. Additionally, we will discuss the applications of AI in glioma, including tumor segmentation and classification, prediction of genetic markers, and prediction of treatment response and prognosis, using MRI, PET, and spectral imaging. Despite the benefits of AI in clinical applications, several issues such as data management, incomprehension, safety, clinical efficacy evaluation, and ethical or legal considerations, remain to be solved. In the future, doctors and researchers should collaborate to solve these issues, with a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary teamwork.
Comparison of Breast Cancer Radiotherapy Techniques Regarding Secondary Cancer Risk and Normal Tissue Complication Probability – Modelling and Measurements Using a 3D-Printed Phantom
Authors: Vogel Marc , Gade Jonas , Timm Bernd , Schürmann Michaela , Auerbach Hendrik , Nüsken Frank , Rübe Christian , Melchior Patrick , Dzierma Yvonne
Published: July 2022

Background

Radiotherapy after breast-conserving therapy is a standard postoperative treatment of breast cancer, which can be carried out with a variety of irradiation techniques. The treatment planning must take into consideration detrimental effects on the neighbouring organs at risk—the lung, the heart, and the contralateral breast, which can include both short- and long-term effects represented by the normal tissue complication probability and secondary cancer risk.

Patients and Methods

In this planning study, we investigate intensity-modulated (IMRT) and three-dimensional conformal (3D-CRT) radiotherapy techniques including sequential or simultaneously integrated boosts as well as interstitial multicatheter brachytherapy boost techniques of 38 patients with breast-conserving surgery retrospectively. We furthermore develop a 3D-printed breast phantom add-on to allow for catheter placement and to measure the out-of-field dose using thermoluminescent dosimeters placed inside an anthropomorphic phantom. Finally, we estimate normal tissue complication probabilities using the Lyman–Kutcher–Burman model and secondary cancer risks using the linear non-threshold model (out-of-field) and the model by Schneider et al. (in-field).

Results

The results depend on the combination of primary whole-breast irradiation and boost technique. The normal tissue complication probabilities for various endpoints are of the following order: 1%–2% (symptomatic pneumonitis, ipsilateral lung), 2%–3% (symptomatic pneumonitis, whole lung), and 1%–2% (radiation pneumonitis grade ≥ 2, whole lung). The additional relative risk of ischemic heart disease ranges from +25% to +35%. In-field secondary cancer risk of the ipsilateral lung in left-sided treatment is around 50 per 10,000 person-years for 20 years after exposure at age 55. Out-of-field estimation of secondary cancer risk results in approximately 5 per 10,000 person-years each for the contralateral lung and breast.

Conclusions

In general, 3D-CRT shows the best risk reduction in contrast to IMRT. Regarding the boost concepts, brachytherapy is the most effective method in order to minimise normal tissue complication probability and secondary cancer risk compared to teletherapy boost concepts. Hence, the 3D-CRT technique in combination with an interstitial multicatheter brachytherapy boost is most suitable in terms of risk avoidance for treating breast cancer with techniques including boost concepts.
The Global Incidence, Mortality, and Burden of Breast Cancer in 2019: Correlation With Smoking, Drinking, and Drug Use
Authors: Allahqoli Leila , Mazidimoradi Afrooz , Momenimovahed Zohre , Rahmani Azam , Hakimi Sevil , Tiznobaik Azita , Gharacheh Maryam , Salehiniya Hamid , Babaey Farah , Alkatout Ibrahim
Published: July 2022

Background

Female breast cancer (FBC) is the most common type of cancer and is associated with a considerable disease burden as well as significant mortality rates. The present study aimed to provide an update on the incidence, mortality, and burden of FBC in 2019, based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study.

Materials

The incidence, death rate, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), years lived with disability (YLDs), the age-standardized rates (ASR) of FBC in 204 countries, and a variety of classifications, were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease Study. Data on tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and drug use were collected. The incidence, mortality, and burden of FBC were registered and compared between regions. Associations between age-standardized incidence rates and age-standardized mortality rates of FBC with smoking, drinking, and drug use were determined.

Results

The highest incidence of FBC was observed in countries with a high socioeconomic status such as those of the European continent. Despite the lower incidence of FBC in countries with a low socio-demographic index (SDI), mortality rates secondary to FBC are higher in these countries than in high-income countries. The highest age-standardized mortality rate has been reported in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMRO), followed by the African Region (AFRO). The highest age-standardized rates of DALY and YLL per 100,000 population in 2019 were observed in lower-income countries, while the highest ASR of YLD per 100,000 population was reported in high-income countries.

Conclusion

The present GBD-based study provides a comprehensive review of the incidence, mortality, and burden of FBC in 2019. The incidence of FBC is higher in regions with a higher socioeconomic status, whereas mortality rates and DALYs are higher in poorly developed regions. We suggest better screening measures and early detection programs for the latter regions.
Tumor-Background Ratio is an effective method to identify tumors and false-positive nodules in indocyanine-green navigation surgery for pediatric liver cancer
Authors: Feng Jun , Qin Hong , Yang Wei , Cheng Haiyan , Xu Jiatong , Han Jianyu , Mou Jianing , Wang Huanmin , Ni Xin
Published: July 2022

Background

Indocyanine green (ICG) navigation surgery has been used for hepatoblastoma (HB) in children but the technique has been reported for using in other childhood liver cancers were rare. This article summarizes the application experience of ICG in HB and other childhood liver cancers in children and explores the role of fluorescence intensity measurement in identifying tumors.

Methods

To summarize the clinical experience of children with liver cancer treated by ICG navigation surgery. The tumor and its surrounding tissue were photographed by near infrared during the operation. The fluorescence intensity of tumors, ICG (+) lesions and the normal liver was measured, and the Tumor-Background Ratio (TBR) was calculated.

Results

A total of 11 children with liver cancer were injected intravenously with ICG 1 day before operation. With the help of ICG fluorescence navigation, there was no residual tumor at the surgical margin for all the children. Total fluorescence was seen in 2 cases, rim fluorescence in 2 cases, and partial fluorescence in 7 cases. 19 ICG false-positive nodules were found on the resection stump or residual liver tissue in 5 cases, and the TBR value of tumors was higher than that of false- positive nodules. 10 children have survived without disease.

Conclusion

ICG navigation surgery is safe and feasible for liver cancer in children, which can enhance the visualization of the tumor during operation and provide more information about the location and boundaries of the tumor. This technique also has limitations, which can be affected by chemotherapy, tumor location, ICG administration regimen, and equipment. TBR is an effective method to identify tumor and non-cancerous lesions.
Novel NHEJ1 pathogenic variant linked to severe combined immunodeficiency, microcephaly, and abnormal T and B cell receptor repertoires
Authors: Frizinsky Shirly , Rechavi Erez , Barel Ortal , Lee Yu Nee , Simon Amos J. , Lev Atar , Stauber Tali , Adam Etai , Somech Raz
Published: July 2022

Background

During the process of generating diverse T and B cell receptor (TCR and BCR, respectively) repertoires, double-strand DNA breaks are produced. Subsequently, these breaks are corrected by a complex system led by the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ). Pathogenic variants in genes involved in this process, such as theNHEJ1gene, cause severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome (SCID) along with neurodevelopmental disease and sensitivity to ionizing radiation.

Objective

To provide new clinical and immunological insights on NHEJ1 deficiency arising from a newly diagnosed patient with severe immunodeficiency.

Materials and methods

A male infant, born to consanguineous parents, suspected of having primary immunodeficiency underwent immunological and genetic workup. This included a thorough assessment of T cell phenotyping and lymphocyte activation by mitogen stimulation tests, whole-exome sequencing (WES), TCR repertoire Vβ repertoireviaflow cytometry analysis, and TCR and BCR repertoire analysisvianext-generation sequencing (NGS).

Results

Clinical findings included microcephaly, recurrent pneumonia, and failure to thrive. An immune workup revealed lymphopenia, reduced T cell function, and hypogammaglobulinemia. Skewed TCR Vβ repertoire, TCR gamma (TRG) repertoire, and BCR repertoire were determined in the patient. Genetic analysis identified a novel homozygous missense pathogenic variant inXLF/Cernunnos: c.A580Ins.T; p.M194fs. The patient underwent a successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Conclusion

A novelNHEJ1pathogenic variant is reported in a patient who presented with SCID phenotype that displayed clonally expanded T and B cells. An adjusted HSCT was safe to ensure full T cell immune reconstitution.
Lung ultrasound in young children with neurological impairment: A proposed integrative clinical tool for deaeration-detection related to feeding
Authors: Fiori Simona , Moretti Elena , Amador Carolina , Martinelli Alice , Scaramuzzo Rosa Teresa , Controzzi Tiziana , Battini Roberta , Filippi Luca , Guzzetta Andrea , Gargani Luna
Published: July 2022

Infants and children with neurological impairment, such as cerebral palsy (CP), often experience abnormal ingestion functions, including oropharyngeal dysphagia and gastroesophageal reflux disease, which led to aspiration-related respiratory complications, morbidity, hospitalization, or death. There is a lack of evidence-based, repeatable, infant-friendly instrumental procedures to assess aspiration-risk in infants with CP or other neurological disorders, with also a lack of clinical assessment measures to support the use of more invasive diagnostic techniques. To this purpose, in the current study we explore the feasibility of lung ultrasound (LUS), to assess lung deaeration possibly related to aspiration during meal, in a cohort of 35 subjects affected by CP or other encephalopathies, and 10 controls in the same age-range. We coupled LUS procedure with meal caregiver administration for each child. Our results support the feasibility of this innovative approach in the clinical setting. Exploratory findings revealed a number of lung abnormalities likely related to abnormal ingestion function in subjects. Subgroup analyses revealed possible differences in LUS abnormalities between CP and other encephalopathies, possibly related to different mechanism of disease or dysfunction. Also, some evidences arose about the possible relationship between such LUS abnormalities and feeding and swallowing abilities in CP or other encephalopathies. LUS showed preliminarily feasibility and effectiveness in detecting meal-related LUS abnormalities in a dynamic manner in the clinical setting. This approach demonstrated usefulness as a potential tool for improving assessment and management in complex care of infants and young children with severe neurological disorders.
Dissecting photosynthetic electron transport and photosystems performance in Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) under salt stress
Authors: Yan Kun , Mei Huimin , Dong Xiaoyan , Zhou Shiwei , Cui Jinxin , Sun Yanhong
Published: July 2022

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.), a vegetable with medical applications, has a strong adaptability to marginal barren land, but the suitability as planting material in saline land remains to be evaluated. This study was envisaged to examine salt tolerance in Jerusalem artichoke from the angle of photosynthetic apparatus stability by dissecting the photosynthetic electron transport process. Potted plants were exposed to salt stress by watering with a nutrient solution supplemented with NaCl. Photosystem I (PSI) and photosystem II (PSII) photoinhibition appeared under salt stress, according to the significant decrease in the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSI (△MR/MR0) and PSII. Consistently, leaf hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration and lipid peroxidation were remarkably elevated after 8 days of salt stress, confirming salt-induced oxidative stress. Besides photoinhibition of the PSII reaction center, the PSII donor side was also impaired under salt stress, as a K step emerged in the prompt chlorophyll transient, but the PSII acceptor side was more vulnerable, considering the decreased probability of an electron movement beyond the primary quinone (ETo/TRo) upon depressed upstream electron donation. The declined performance of entire PSII components inhibited electron inflow to PSI, but severe PSI photoinhibition was not averted. Notably, PSI photoinhibition elevated the excitation pressure of PSII (1-qP) by inhibiting the PSII acceptor side due to the negative and positive correlation of △MR/MR0 with 1-qP and ETo/TRo, respectively. Furthermore, excessive reduction of PSII acceptors side due to PSI photoinhibition was simulated by applying a specific inhibitor blocking electron transport beyond primary quinone, demonstrating that PSII photoinhibition was actually accelerated by PSI photoinhibition under salt stress. In conclusion, PSII and PSI vulnerabilities were proven in Jerusalem artichoke under salt stress, and PSII inactivation, which was a passive consequence of PSI photoinhibition, hardly helped protect PSI. As a salt-sensitive species, Jerusalem artichoke was recommended to be planted in non-saline marginal land or mild saline land with soil desalination measures.
Seed Longevity in Legumes: Deeper Insights Into Mechanisms and Molecular Perspectives
Authors: Ramtekey Vinita , Cherukuri Susmita , Kumar Sunil , V. Sripathy Kudekallu , Sheoran Seema , K. Udaya Bhaskar , K. Bhojaraja Naik , Kumar Sanjay , Singh Arvind Nath , Singh Harsh Vardhan
Published: July 2022

Sustainable agricultural production largely depends upon the viability and longevity of high-quality seeds during storage. Legumes are considered as rich source of dietary protein that helps to ensure nutritional security, but associated with poor seed longevity that hinders their performance and productivity in farmer's fields. Seed longevity is the key determinant to assure proper seed plant value and crop yield. Thus, maintenance of seed longevity during storage is of prime concern and a pre-requisite for enhancing crop productivity of legumes. Seed longevity is significantly correlated with other seed quality parameters such as germination, vigor, viability and seed coat permeability that affect crop growth and development, consequently distressing crop yield. Therefore, information on genetic basis and regulatory networks associated with seed longevity, as well as molecular dissection of traits linked to longevity could help in developing crop varieties with good storability. Keeping this in view, the present review focuses towards highlighting the molecular basis of seed longevity, with special emphasis on candidate genes and proteins associated with seed longevity and their interplay with other quality parameters. Further, an attempt was made to provide information on 3D structures of various genetic loci (genes/proteins) associated to seed longevity that could facilitate in understanding the interactions taking place within the seed at molecular level. This review compiles and provides information on genetic and genomic approaches for the identification of molecular pathways and key players involved in the maintenance of seed longevity in legumes, in a holistic manner. Finally, a hypothetical fast-forward breeding pipeline has been provided, that could assist the breeders to successfully develop varieties with improved seed longevity in legumes.
Subcellular trafficking and post-translational modification regulate PIN polarity in plants
Authors: Cheng Shuyang , Wang Yizhou
Published: July 2022

Auxin regulates plant growth and tropism responses. As a phytohormone, auxin is transported between its synthesis sites and action sites. Most natural auxin moves between cells via a polar transport system that is mediated by PIN-FORMED (PIN) auxin exporters. The asymmetrically localized PINs usually determine the directionality of intercellular auxin flow. Different internal cues and external stimuli modulate PIN polar distribution and activity at multiple levels, including transcription, protein stability, subcellular trafficking, and post-translational modification, and thereby regulate auxin-distribution-dependent development. Thus, the different regulation levels of PIN polarity constitute a complex network. For example, the post-translational modification of PINs can affect the subcellular trafficking of PINs. In this review, we focus on subcellular trafficking and post-translational modification of PINs to summarize recent progress in understanding PIN polarity.
Yield gap analysis of rainfed alfalfa in the United States
Authors: Baral Rudra , Lollato Romulo P. , Bhandari Kamal , Min Doohong
Published: July 2022

The United States (US) is the largest alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) producer in the world. More than 44% of the US alfalfa is produced under rainfed conditions, although it requires a relatively high amount of water compared to major field crops. Considering that yield and production of rainfed alfalfa have been relatively stagnant in the country for decades, there is a need to better understand the magnitude of yield loss due to water limitation and how far from yield potential current yields are. In this context, the main objective of this study was to estimate the current yield gap of rainfed alfalfa in the US. We collected 10 year (2009–2018) county-level government-reported yield and weather data from 393 counties within 12 major US rainfed alfalfa producing states and delineated alfalfa growing season using probabilistic approaches based on temperature thresholds for crop development. We then calculated county-level growing season rainfall (GSR), which was plotted against county-level yield to determine attainable yield (Ya) using frontier function analysis, and water-limited potential yield (Yw) using boundary function analysis. Average and potential water use efficiencies (WUE) were estimated, and associated yield gap referring to attainable (YGa) or water-limited yields (YGw) were calculated. Finally, we used conditional inference trees (CIT) to identify major weather-related yield-limiting factors to alfalfa forage yield. The frontier model predicted a mean Ya of 9.6 ± 1.5 Mg ha−1 and an associated optimum GSR of 670 mm, resulting in a mean YGa of 34%. The boundary function suggested a mean Yw of 15.3 ± 3 Mg ha−1 at the mean GSR of 672 ± 153 mm, resulting in a mean yield gap of 58%. The potential alfalfa WUE was 30 kg ha−1 mm−1 with associated minimum water losses of 24% of mean GSR, which was three times greater than the mean WUE of 10 kg ha−1 mm−1. The CIT suggested that GSR and minimum temperature in the season were the main yield-limiting weather variables in rainfed alfalfa production in the US. Our study also revealed that alfalfa was only limited by water availability in 21% of the environments. Thus, future research on management practices to narrow yield gaps at current levels of water supply is necessary.
Harnessing photosynthesis to produce electricity using cyanobacteria, green algae, seaweeds and plants
Authors: Shlosberg Yaniv , Schuster Gadi , Adir Noam
Published: July 2022

The conversion of solar energy into electrical current by photosynthetic organisms has the potential to produce clean energy. Life on earth depends on photosynthesis, the major mechanism for biological conversion of light energy into chemical energy. Indeed, billions of years of evolution and adaptation to extreme environmental habitats have resulted in highly efficient light-harvesting and photochemical systems in the photosynthetic organisms that can be found in almost every ecological habitat of our world. In harnessing photosynthesis to produce green energy, the native photosynthetic system is interfaced with electrodes and electron mediators to yield bio-photoelectrochemical cells (BPECs) that transform light energy into electrical power. BPECs utilizing plants, seaweeds, unicellular photosynthetic microorganisms, thylakoid membranes or purified complexes, have been studied in attempts to construct efficient and non-polluting BPECs to produce electricity or hydrogen for use as green energy. The high efficiency of photosynthetic light-harvesting and energy production in the mostly unpolluting processes that make use of water and CO2 and produce oxygen beckons us to develop this approach. On the other hand, the need to use physiological conditions, the sensitivity to photoinhibition as well as other abiotic stresses, and the requirement to extract electrons from the system are challenging. In this review, we describe the principles and methods of the different kinds of BPECs that use natural photosynthesis, with an emphasis on BPECs containing living oxygenic photosynthetic organisms. We start with a brief summary of BPECs that use purified photosynthetic complexes. This strategy has produced high-efficiency BPECs. However, the lifetimes of operation of these BPECs are limited, and the preparation is laborious and expensive. We then describe the use of thylakoid membranes in BPECs which requires less effort and usually produces high currents but still suffers from the lack of ability to self-repair damage caused by photoinhibition. This obstacle of the utilization of photosynthetic systems can be significantly reduced by using intact living organisms in the BPEC. We thus describe here progress in developing BPECs that make use of cyanobacteria, green algae, seaweeds and higher plants. Finally, we discuss the future challenges of producing high and longtime operating BPECs for practical use.
Local politicians in the age of new media
Authors: Bjørnå Hilde , Steinveg Beate , Hernes Hans-Kristian
Published: July 2022

This paper discusses the impact of new media on local politics and politicians in a highly digitalised and advanced democracy. Through case studies and interviews of elite representatives in three Norwegian municipalities, the paper's ambition is to gain further understanding of the use of new media at the local political level and how new media influence and shape the role of local political representatives. To this aim we engage with established literature on new media use in campaigns and as self-promotion, as well as literature on new media and democracy. The main findings are that the use of new media, particularly Facebook, is widespread, hardening the political debate, and especially straining for younger women. Moreover, new media contribute to the “professionalizing” of political communication as they require more strategic thinking around messaging and engagement. While they have in some ways contributed to bringing local representatives closer to the citizens and provided valuable information, they have also produced “echo-chamber” effects. In sum, new media provide challenges and opportunities that may impact one's willingness to stand as a representative and contribute to creating new “types” of local politicians.
Entropy, Amnesia, and Abnormal Déjà Experiences
Authors: Frankle Lana
Published: July 2022

Previous research has contrasted fleeting erroneous experiences of familiarity with equally convincing, and often more stubborn erroneous experiences of remembering. While a subset of the former category may present as nonpathological “déjà vu,” the latter, termed “déjà vécu” can categorize a delusion-like confabulatory phenomenon first described in elderly dementia patients. Leading explanations for this experience include the dual process view, in which erroneous familiarity and erroneous recollection are elicited by inappropriate activation of the parahippocampal cortex and the hippocampus, respectively, and the more popular encoding-as-retrieval explanation in which normal memory encoding processes are falsely flagged and interpreted as memory retrieval. This paper presents a novel understanding of this recollective confabulation that builds on the encoding-as-retrieval hypothesis but more adequately accounts for the co-occurrence of persistent déjà vécu with both perceptual novelty and memory impairment, the latter of which occurs not only in progressive dementia but also in transient epileptic amnesia (TEA) and psychosis. It makes use of the growing interdisciplinary understanding of the fluidity of time and posits that the functioning of memory and the perception of novelty, long known to influence the subjective experience of time, may have a more fundamental effect on the flow of time.
The Evolution of an Innovative Online Task to Monitor Children's Oral Narrative Development
Authors: Scott Amy , Gillon Gail , McNeill Brigid , Kopach Alex
Published: July 2022

Oral narrative abilities are an important measure of children's language competency and have predictive value for children's later academic performance. Research and development underway in New Zealand is advancing an innovative online oral narrative task. This task uses audio recordings of children's story retells, speech-to-text software and language analysis to record, transcribe, analyse and present oral narrative and listening comprehension data back to class teachers. The task has been designed for class teachers' use with the support of SLP or literacy specialists in data interpretation. Teachers are upskilled and supported in order to interpret these data and implement teaching practices for students through online professional learning and development modules, within the context of a broader evidence-based approach to early literacy instruction. This article describes the development of this innovative, culturally relevant, online tool for monitoring children's oral narrative ability and listening comprehension in their first year of school. Three phases of development are outlined, showing the progression of the tool from a researcher-administered task during controlled research trials, to wide-scale implementation with thousands of students throughout New Zealand. The current iteration of the tool uses an automatic speech-recognition system with specifically trained transcription models and support from research assistants to check transcription, then code and analyse the oral narrative. This reduces transcription and analysis time to ~7 min, with a word error rate of around 20%. Future development plans to increase the accuracy of automatic transcription and embed basic language analysis into the tool, with the aim of removing the need for support from research assistants.
Does hand modulate the reshaping of the attentional system during rightward prism adaptation? An fMRI study
Authors: Farron Nicolas , Clarke Stephanie , Crottaz-Herbette Sonia
Published: July 2022

Adaptation to right-deviating prisms (R-PA), that is, learning to point with the right hand to targets perceived through prisms, has been shown to change spatial topography within the inferior parietal lobule (IPL) by increasing responses to left, central, and right targets on the left hemisphere and decreasing responses to right and central targets on the right hemisphere. As pointed out previously, this corresponds to a switch of the dominance of the ventral attentional network from the right to the left hemisphere. Since the encoding of hand movements in pointing paradigms is side-dependent, the choice of right vs. left hand for pointing during R-PA may influence the visuomotor adaptation process and hence the reshaping of the attentional system. We have tested this hypothesis in normal subjects by comparing activation patterns to visual targets in left, central, and right fields elicited before and after adaptation to rightward-deviating prisms using the right hand (RWRH) with those in two control groups. The first control group underwent adaptation to rightward-deviating prisms using the left hand, whereas the second control group underwent adaptation to leftward-deviating prisms using the right hand. The present study confirmed the previously described enhancement of left and central visual field representation within left IPL following R-PA. It further showed that the use of right vs. left hand during adaptation modulates this enhancement in some but not all parts of the left IPL. Interestingly, in some clusters identified in this study, L-PA with right hand mimics partially the effect of R-PA by enhancing activation elicited by left stimuli in the left IPL and by decreasing activation elicited by right stimuli in the right IPL. Thus, the use of right vs. left hand modulates the R-PA-induced reshaping of the ventral attentional system. Whether the choice of hand during R-PA affects also the reshaping of the dorsal attentional system remains to be determined as well as possible clinical applications of this approach. Depending on the patients' conditions, using the right or the left hand during PA might potentiate the beneficial effects of this intervention.
Mental Representation of Word Family Structure: The Case of German Infinitives, Conversion Nouns and Other Morphologically Related Forms
Authors: Opitz Andreas , Bordag Denisa , Furgoni Alberto
Published: July 2022

This study investigates how two non-finite forms, infinitives and conversion nouns, are represented in the mind of L1 and L2 speakers and what is their relationship to other members of the corresponding word family. German native speakers and proficient German learners with Czech as L1 participated in four overt priming experiments involving a grammatical judgement task. We investigated the relationship between infinitives (Experiment 1) and conversion nouns (Experiment 2) and formally identical verbal or noun forms. We further focussed on the relationship between conversion nouns and regular nominal derivation forms with two derivational suffixes: -er and -ung (Experiments 3 and 4). Our results show that the two non-finite forms differ in their relations to other members of a word family and do not constitute a special class of non-finites as suggested in previous literature. While German infinitives seem to be closer related to finite verbal forms, conversion nouns behave in the same way as other regular nominal derivatives within the same word family. As for the German L1 and L2 contrast, no significant difference in the mental representation of the examined forms was found. This finding suggests that with respect to the explored phenomena, proficient learners rely on the same linguistic organisation as L1 speakers.
The interplay of ADHD characteristics and executive functioning with the GPA and divergent thinking of engineering students: A conceptual replication and extension
Authors: Taylor Christa L. , Zaghi Arash Esmaili
Published: July 2022

Characteristics of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and executive functioning difficulties have been found to correspond with poorer academic outcomes on the one hand and enhanced divergent thinking on the other hand. The current study was conducted to better understand the relationship between ADHD characteristics, executive functioning difficulties, divergent thinking, and academic outcomes by conceptually replicating and expanding on a previous study. Undergraduate engineering students (N = 199) at a public university in the northeastern United States completed self-report measures of ADHD characteristics and daily executive functioning, as well as divergent thinking (figural and verbal) and intelligence quotient (IQ) tests. The results of a series of multiple regression models showed that (1) executive functioning difficulties negatively, and non-verbal IQ and figural divergent thinking positively, predicted engineering grade point average (GPA; obtained from the university registrar’s office), (2) GPA and verbal IQ positively predicted figural divergent thinking scores, and (3) verbal IQ positively predicted verbal divergent thinking scores. A series of multiple regression models testing the assertion that controlling for IQ would strengthen the relationship between divergent thinking and ADHD characteristics or executive functioning were not supported but did show associations between select components of characteristics and divergent thinking. Taken together, these results support previous conclusions that students with ADHD characteristics and executive functioning difficulties may struggle academically yet exhibit select enhanced divergent thinking abilities.
The Attention Training Technique Reduces Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Pilot Feasibility Study
Authors: Dammen Toril , Tunheim Kristoffer , Munkhaugen John , Papageorgiou Costas
Published: July 2022

Background and Objectives

Depression and anxiety symptoms are highly prevalent in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients and associated with poor outcome. Most psychological treatments have shown limited effectiveness on anxiety and depression in these patients. This study evaluates the feasibility of the attention training technique (ATT) in CHD patients with symptoms of anxiety and/or depression.

Methods

Five consecutive CHD patients with significant depression and anxiety symptoms with Hospital Anxiety and Depression rating scale (HADS) -anxiety or -depression subscale score > 8 received 6 weekly group-sessions of ATT in an open trial. Outcomes included feasibility and symptoms measured by HADS, at baseline, post-treatment and at 6 months follow-up. We also assessed psychiatric diagnoses, type D personality, insomnia, worry, and rumination.

Results

The sample comprised five men with a mean age of 59.9 (SD 4.4) years. Four of the patients attended all six sessions, and one patient attended all but one session. Mean HADS-A scores at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up were 9.4 (SD 3.0), 4.2 (SD 3.0), and 4.0 (SD 2.5), and for HADS-D 8.6 (SD 3.3), 3.0 (SD 3.7), and 1.6 (SD 1.5), respectively. The results showed clinically significant changes in anxiety, depression, psychiatric disorders, insomnia, worry, and rumination. Statistically significant changes were found from pre- to post-treatment scores for HADS-A and worry, which were maintained at follow-up, and HADS-D scores significantly decreased from pre-treatment to 6-months follow-up.

Conclusions

ATT in a group format appears to be a feasible stand-alone metacognitive treatment for CHD patients. An adequately powered randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy with online sessions to reduce fatigue in patients undergoing chemotherapy for a metastatic colorectal cancer: Rational and study protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: Baussard Louise , Cousson-Gélie Florence , Jarlier Marta , Charbonnier Elodie , Le Vigouroux Sarah , Montalescot Lucile , Janiszewski Chloé , Fourchon Michele , Coutant Louise , Guerdoux Estelle , Portales Fabienne
Published: July 2022

Background

In metastatic colorectal cancer (CRCm), fatigue is pervasive, reduces quality of life, and is negatively associated with survival. Its course is explained in part by psychosocial variables such as emotional distress, coping strategies, or perceived control. Thus, to reduce fatigue, psychosocial interventions appear to be relevant. In some cancers, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT) reduce fatigue. Hypnosis is also used as a complementary therapy to reduce the side effects of cancer. While CBT requires specific training often reserved for psychologists, hypnosis has the advantage of being increasingly practiced by caregivers and is therefore less expensive (Montgomery et al.,2007). On the other hand, CBT and hypnosis remain understudied in the CRC, do not focus on the symptom of fatigue and in Europe such programs have never been evaluated.

Objectives

Implementing an intervention in a healthcare setting is complex (e.g., economic and practical aspects) and recruiting participants can be challenging. The primary objective will therefore be to study the feasibility of two standardized interventions (hypnosis and CBT) that aim to reduce fatigue in patients with CRCm treated in a French cancer center.

Methods and design

A prospective, single-center, randomized interventional feasibility study, using mixed methods (both quantitative and qualitative). A total of 60 patients will be allocated to each intervention group [Hypnosis (n= 30) and CBT (n= 30)]. Participants will be randomized into two parallel groups (ratio 1:1). Both programs will consist of 6 weekly sessions focusing on the CRF management over a period of 6 weeks. Trained therapists will conduct the program combining 3 face-to-face sessions and 3 online sessions. The feasibility and experience of interventions will be evaluated by the outcome variables, including the adhesion rate, the reasons for acceptability, relevance or non-adherence, the satisfaction, the fatigue evolution (with ecological momentary assessments), and the quality of life. All questionnaires will be self-assessment using an online application from the cancer center.

Discussion

Results will highlight the barriers/facilitators to the implementation of the program and the relevance of the program to the patients, and will be used to generate hypotheses for a randomized control trial.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04999306;https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04999306.