bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case report of lymphangioleiomyomatosis with retroperitoneal masses in pregnancy
Authors: Zhu Yashi , Wang Chao , Ding Jianyi , Yang Meiqin , Bo Yin , Ma Mingjun , Hu Haoran , Cheng Jiejun , Han Lingfei , Wang Yu
Published: December 2023

Background

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) is a rare, gradually advancing tumor of unknown origin. It is distinguished by the anomalous proliferation of pulmonary smooth muscle cells and predominantly manifests in women of childbearing age. In this study, we aim to present a noteworthy case of LAM accompanied by lymphangioleiomyoma in the retroperitoneal space during pregnancy, a scenario susceptible to misdiagnosis.

Case presentation

A 31-year-old woman, facing an unintended pregnancy, presented during the 13th week with a cystic-solid mass exhibiting abundant blood signals in the pelvic cavity, as revealed by routine obstetrical ultrasound. Concurrently, her chest CT disclosed diffuse thin-walled cavities in both lungs. Despite the absence of clinical symptoms, the patient abandoned pregnancy and underwent a complete curettage. However, 24 days post-operation, she was readmitted for further assessment, revealing an enlargement of the mass encompassing the abdominal aorta and inferior vena cava, along with compression on the middle and lower segments of the ureter. After a multi-disciplinary discussion and patient explanation, an exploratory laparotomy was performed, resulting in the complete removal of the tumor. Intraoperative pathological examination and immunohistochemical staining indicated a retroperitoneal mass devoid of malignant evidence. The comprehensive morphologic and immunophenotypic features substantiated the diagnosis of lymphangioleiomyomatosis. The postoperative course was uneventful, culminating in the patient’s discharge.

Conclusion

The consideration of Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) with a retroperitoneal tumor is crucial in the differential diagnosis of pelvic and abdominal masses. The preoperative diagnosis of this tumor poses a challenge, as ultrasound or CT scans may not yield definitive results. Accurate diagnosis necessitates not only a pathological examination of the retroperitoneal mass but also the correlation with the patient’s chest High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) findings and corresponding clinical manifestations. Optimal management involves radical surgery, with surgeons comprehensively factoring in both fetal and maternal conditions when formulating a treatment plan.
Clostridioides difficile infection after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for acute myocardial infarction: a case report
Authors: Hu Yanan , Hu Chang , Jiang Jun , Zhang Jing , Li Yiming , Peng Zhiyong
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Restored cardiopulmonary function is efficiently achieved by utilizing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Nevertheless, the incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) associated with ECMO is relatively uncommon.

Case presentation

In this report, we present the case of a 59-year-old male with severe chest pain due to acute myocardial infarction, subsequently necessitating ECMO support. During the first day of hospitalization, pulmonary infections were observed, and piperacillin-tazobactam was prescribed for 7 days at low dosages. However, the patient developed severe diarrhea 4 days later. After ruling out common pathogens, we suspected the occurrence of CDI and performed genetic testing for C. difficile toxin, confirming our diagnosis. The prescription of vancomycin resulted in slight improvement, while fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) proved to be more effective.

Conclusion

In this case, temporary application of ECMO was applied, and the anti-infective treatment relied on the use of antibiotics at short-term, low-dose, and low CDI risk. Hence, the occurrence of CDI was considered an uncommon event, which may serve as a reference for future cases.
Emerging evidence of microbial infection in causing systematic immune vasculitis in Kawasaki disease
Authors: Wang Wang , Zhu Liyan , Li Xuan , Liu Zhiheng , Lv Haitao , Qian Guanghui
Published: December 2023

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a systematic vasculitis that is often complicated by coronary artery lesions and is a leading cause of acquired heart disease in developed countries. Previous studies have suggested that genetic susceptibility, together with an inducing infectious agent, could be involved in KD pathogenesis; however, the precise causative agent of this disease remains unknown. Moreover, there are still debates concerning whether KD is an infectious disease or an autoimmune disease, although many studies have begun to show that various pathogens functioning as critical inducers could activate different kinds of immune cells, consequently leading to the dysfunction of endothelial cells and systematic vasculitis. Here in this review, we attempt to summarize all the available evidence concerning pathogen infections associated with KD pathogenesis. We also discuss the related mechanisms, present a future perspective, and identify the open questions that remain to be investigated, thereby providing a comprehensive description of pathogen infections and their correlations with the host immune system in leading to KD.
Molecular mechanisms of pain in acute pancreatitis: recent basic research advances and therapeutic implications
Authors: Wu Yongzi , Han Chenxia , Luo Rong , Cai Wenhao , Xia Qing , Jiang Ruotian , Ferdek Pawel E. , Liu Tingting , Huang Wei
Published: December 2023

Although severe abdominal pain is the main symptom of acute pancreatitis, its mechanisms are poorly understood. An emerging body of literature evidence indicates that neurogenic inflammation might play a major role in modulating the perception of pain from the pancreas. Neurogenic inflammation is the result of a crosstalk between injured pancreatic tissue and activated neurons, which leads to an auto-amplification loop between inflammation and pain during the progression of acute pancreatitis. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of neuropeptides, ion channels, and the endocannabinoid system in acute pancreatitis-related pain. We also highlight potential therapeutic strategies that could be applied for managing severe pain in this disease.
Sodium intake and the risk of various types of cardiovascular diseases: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fu Qingming , Chen Rumeng , Ding Yining , Xu Shuling , Huang Chunxia , He Binsheng , Jiang Ting , Zeng Bin , Bao Meihua , Li Sen
Published: December 2023

Background

The existing literature on the link between sodium intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) largely consists of observational studies that have yielded inconsistent conclusions. In this study, our objective is to assess the causal relationship between sodium intake and 50 CVDs using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.

Methods

MR analyses were performed to investigate the associations between urinary sodium/creatinine ratio (UNa/UCr), an indicator of sodium intake, and 50 CVDs. The genome-wide association study (GWAS) for UNa/UCr was from the UK Biobank (UKBB), and the GWASs for CVDs were from FinnGen. A false discovery rate (FDR) threshold of 5% was applied for multiple comparison correction.

Results

The inverse-variance weighted method indicated that the genetically predicted UNa/UCr was significantly associated with 7 of 50 CVDs, including “Coronary atherosclerosis” (OR = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.37, 2.95), “Diseases of arteries, arterioles and capillaries” (OR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.20, 2.94), “Hard cardiovascular diseases” (OR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.24, 2.35), “Ischemic heart diseases” (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.46, 2.93), “Major coronary heart disease event” (OR = 1.99; 95% CI: 1.36, 2.91), “Myocardial infarction” (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.29, 3.19), and “Peripheral artery disease” (OR = 2.50; 95% CI: 1.35, 4.63). Similar results were obtained with the MR-Egger and weighted median methods. No significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was found in this analysis.

Conclusion

Our study has uncovered a significant positive causal relationship between UNa/UCr and various CVDs. These results offer a new theoretical foundation for advocating the restriction of sodium intake as a preventive measure against CVD.
Evaluation of the efficacy and surgical-related safety of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in advanced resectable none small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Authors: Wang Qin , Qi Chen , Luo Jing , Xu Nan , Xu Mao-tian , Qiang Yong , Zhang Chi , Shen Yi
Published: December 2023

Background

The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has brought about a paradigm shift in the treatment landscape of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Despite the promising long-term survival outcomes and optimization of pathological complete response (cPR) demonstrated by various studies such as Impower010 and Checkmate-816, the effectiveness of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in advanced resectable NSCLC remains a subject of debate. Although previous research has explored the connection between the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy and surgical-related safety, limited studies have specifically investigated the surgical-related safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy. Therefore, our study aims to assess the efficacy and surgical-related safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in advanced resectable non-small cell lung cancer.

Method

We conducted a retrospective study on a cohort of 93 patients with stage IIIA-IIIC NSCLC who underwent neoadjuvant therapy and surgical resection. Among them, 53 patients received neoadjuvant immunotherapy, 18 patients underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy while the remaining 22 underwent neoadjuvant targeted therapy. The patients were separated into further groups according to their pathological type. Data analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test.

Results

All patients were categorized into six distinct groups. Notably, the neoadjuvant immunotherapy squamous carcinoma group exhibited a favorable edge over the neoadjuvant targeted squamous carcinoma group concerning the duration of drainage tube indwelling and the extent of lymph node dissection. Furthermore, the neoadjuvant immunotherapy adenocarcinoma group outperformed neoadjuvant targeted therapy adenocarcinoma counterpart in terms of achieving complete pathological response (cPR). Simultaneously, the neoadjuvant immunotherapy adenocarcinoma group surpassed the neoadjuvant chemotherapy adenocarcinoma group in the incidence of hydrothorax. Nevertheless, no statistically significant disparities were noted between the neoadjuvant immunotherapy squamous carcinoma group and the neoadjuvant chemotherapy carcinoma group.

Conclusion

Regarding surgical outcomes, neoadjuvant immunotherapy conferred notable advantages compared to conventional neoadjuvant chemotherapy and neoadjuvant targeted therapy for patients diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. In the case of squamous carcinoma, neoadjuvant immunotherapy exhibited superiority over neoadjuvant targeted therapy, although additional evidence is required to conclusively establish its precedence over neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
The burden of testicular cancer from 1990 to 2019 in the Middle East and North Africa region
Authors: Safiri Saeid , Hassanzadeh Kamaleddin , Janbaz Alamdary Sina , Mousavi Seyed Ehsan , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Sullman Mark J. M. , Naghdi-Sedeh Nima , Kolahi Ali-Asghar
Published: December 2023

Background

The incidence rate of testicular cancer has risen in many countries during recent decades. This study aimed to outline the impact of testicular cancer on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region from 1990 to 2019, examining its burden by age group and according to the socio-demographic index (SDI).

Methods

Data on the incidence, death, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) due to testicular cancer were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019. The counts and age-standardized rates (per 100,000) were reported, and all rates were accompanied by 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs).

Results

In MENA, the age-standardized incidence rate of testicular cancer was 1.4 per 100,000 in 2019, showing a 244.0% increase since 1990. Similarly, the annual death rate, at 0.1, experienced a 2.6% rise during the same period. In 2019, testicular cancer accounted for 31.1 thousand DALYs, marking an age-standardized rate of 5.0, which was 2.8% higher than in 1990. The 1-4 age group exhibited the largest incidence rate in 2019. In addition, in both 1990 and 2019 the MENA/Global DALY ratio was higher than one in the 1-14 year age groups. During the period 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized DALY rate of testicular cancer steadily rose with higher SDI values, except for a decrease observed at an SDI of 0.8.

Conclusion

Over the last thirty years, there has been a notable rise in the burden of testicular cancer in the MENA region.
Reticulocyte Binding Protein Homologue 5 is a target of balancing selection in the Plasmodium falciparum population of Papua New Guinea
Authors: Naung Myo T. , Martin Elijah , Wong Wilson , Razook Zahra , Utama Digjaya , Guy Andrew J. , Harrison Shannon Takala , Cowman Alan F. , Lin Enmoore , Kiniboro Benson , Laman Moses , Mueller Ivo , Barry Alyssa E.
Published: December 2023

Plasmodium falciparum Reticulocyte Binding Protein Homologue (RH5), a leading malaria vaccine candidate, is essential for erythrocyte invasion by the parasite, interacting with the human host receptor, basigin. RH5 has a small number of polymorphisms relative to other blood-stage antigens, and in vitro studies have shown that vaccine-induced antibodies raised against RH5 are strain-transcending, however most studies investigating RH5 diversity have been done in Africa. Understanding the genetic diversity and evolution of malaria antigens in other regions is important for their validation as vaccine candidates. In this study the rh5 gene was sequenced in 677 samples from a longitudinal cohort of Papua New Guinean (PNG) children aged 1-3 years. Of 677 samples successfully sequenced, 566 were identified as independent infections (i.e. one of each pair of identical sequences within hosts were removed). A total of 14 non-synonymous polymorphisms were identified, eight that are ‘common’ in the population (minor allele frequency > 1%), with 44 haplotypes ranging in frequency from 1% to 21%. Modeling of common SNPs to the cryo-EM structure of the RH5/CyRPA/RIPR complex mapped them to the Basigin binding site and near the contact point of CyRPA. Tajima’s D analyses of the corresponding nucleotide sequences produced positive values indicating potential hotspots of balancing selection. We attempted to confirm whether these signals were due to immune selection by measuring the rate of polymorphism between independent infections within the same host, and the association with clinical symptoms, however, no such associations were identified. Together these results suggest that while there is evidence of balancing selection driving RH5 diversity in the PNG P. falciparum population, immune escape was not observed within the cohort of young children. Limited immunity and therefore low selective pressure may explain this result, alternatively other evolutionary forces may contribute to balancing selection at the RH5-BSG binding interface in PNG.
Pulmonary hypertension alters blood flow distribution and impairs the hyperemic response in the rat diaphragm
Authors: Schulze Kiana M. , Horn Andrew G. , Weber Ramona E. , Behnke Bradley J. , Poole David C. , Musch Timothy I.
Published: December 2023

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling, respiratory muscle and cardiac impairments, and exercise intolerance. Specifically, impaired gas exchange increases work of the diaphragm; however, compromised contractile function precludes the diaphragm from meeting the increased metabolic demand of chronic hyperventilation in PH. Given that muscle contractile function is in part, dependent upon adequate blood flow (Q˙), diaphragmatic dysfunction may be predicated by an inability to match oxygen delivery with oxygen demand. We hypothesized that PH rats would demonstrate a decreased hyperemic response to contractions compared to healthy controls.

Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into healthy (HC, n = 7) or PH (n = 7) groups. PH rats were administered monocrotaline (MCT) while HC rats received vehicle. Disease progression was monitored via echocardiography. Regional and total diaphragm blood flow and vascular conductance at baseline and during 3 min of electrically-stimulated contractions were determined using fluorescent microspheres.

Results: PH rats displayed morphometric and echocardiographic criteria for disease (i.e., acceleration time/ejection time, right ventricular hypertrophy). In all rats, total costal diaphragm Q˙ increased during contractions and did not differ between groups. In HC rats, there was a greater increase in medial costal Q˙ compared to PH rats (55% ± 3% vs. 44% ± 4%, p < 0.05), who demonstrated a redistribution of Q˙ to the ventral costal region.

Conclusion: These findings support a redistribution of regional diaphragm perfusion and an impaired medial costal hyperemic response in PH, suggesting that PH alters diaphragm vascular function and oxygen delivery, providing a potential mechanism for PH-induced diaphragm contractile dysfunction.
Comparative and phylogenetic analysis of the complete chloroplast genomes of Uncaria (Rubiaceae) species
Authors: Dai Jiangpeng , Liu Qiaozhen , Xu Xingyuan , Tan Zhijie , Lin Yuexia , Gao Xiaoxia , Zhu Shuang
Published: December 2023

The genus Uncaria is famous for its high medicinal value. However, the high morphological similarities and unclear interspecific genetic relationships have posed challenges to the classification and identification of Uncaria species. Here, we newly sequenced six chloroplast genomes of Uncaria species: U. hirsuta, U. rhynchophylla, U. rhynchophylloides, U. homomalla, U. sinensis, and U. lancifolia. Comparisons among the chloroplast genomes of Uncaria species showed their conservation in structure, gene content, and order. Ten highly variable loci could be potentially used as specific molecular markers in the identification of Uncaria species. The third position of codons tended to use A/U base, and natural selection contributed more to the formation of codon usage bias in comparison to mutation pressure. Four genes (rbcL, ndhF, rps8, and ycf2) were detected to be subjected to positive selection. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the genus Uncaria was a monophyletic group, belonging to the tribe Naucleeae. Moreover, U. sinensis was not a variant of U. rhynchophylla. U. rhynchophylloides and U. rhynchophylla were not the same species. The results of the comparative and phylogenetic analysis provide valuable references for further research studies of classification, identification, breeding improvement, and phylogenetic relationships in Uncaria species.
Humic acids enhance salt stress tolerance associated with pyrroline 5-carboxylate synthetase gene expression and hormonal alteration in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)
Authors: Meng Qiuxia , Yan Min , Zhang Jiaxing , Zhang Qiang , Zhang Xunzhong , Yang Zhiping , Luo Yuan , Wu Wenli
Published: December 2023

Humic acid (HA) has been used as an important component in biostimulant formulations to enhance plant tolerance to salt stress, but the mechanisms underlying are not fully understood. This study was to investigate the physiological and molecular mechanisms of HA’s impact on salt stress tolerance in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). The two types of HA were extracted from weathered coal samples collected from Wutai County (WTH) and Jingle County (JLH) of Shanxi Province, China. The grass seedlings subjected to salt stress (250 mM NaCl) were treated with HA solutions containing 0.01% WTH (W/V) or 0.05% JLH (W/V), respectively. The HA treatments improved leaf photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), and stomatal conductance (Gs) and reduced leaf oxidative injury (lower malondialdehyde content) and Pro and intercellular CO2 concentrations in salt-stressed perennial ryegrass. The HA treatments also reversed the decline in antioxidative enzymes ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and improved growth and anti-senescence hormones indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and brassinosteroid (BR). The HA treatments reduced the relative expression of P5CS and its downstream products proline (Pro) and the stress defense hormones abscisic acid (ABA), salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and polyamines (PA). The results of this study indicate that the application of HAs may improve salt stress tolerance by regulating P5CS gene expression related to osmotic adjustment and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes and anti-senescence hormones in perennial ryegrass.
The phenotypic and genetic effects of drought-induced stress on wood specific conductivity and anatomical properties in white spruce seedlings, and relationships with growth and wood density
Authors: Soro André , Lenz Patrick , Roussel Jean-Romain , Nadeau Simon , Pothier David , Bousquet Jean , Achim Alexis
Published: December 2023

Drought frequency and intensity are projected to increase with climate change, thus amplifying stress on forest trees. Resilience to drought implicates physiological traits such as xylem conductivity and wood anatomical traits, which are related to growth and wood density. Integrating drought-stress response traits at the juvenile stage into breeding criteria could help promote the survival of planted seedlings under current and future climate and thus, improve plantation success. We assessed in greenhouse the influence of drought-induced stress on 600 two-year-old white spruce (Picea glauca) seedlings from 25 clonal lines after two consecutive growing seasons. Three levels of drought-induced stress were applied: control, moderate and severe. Seedlings were also planted at a 45° angle to clearly separate compression from normal wood. We looked at the phenotypic and genetic effects of drought stress on xylem specific hydraulic conductivity, lumen diameter, tracheid diameter and length, and the number of pits per tracheid in the normal wood. We detected no significant effects of drought stress except for tracheid length, which decreased with increasing drought stress. We found low to high estimates of trait heritability, which generally decreased with increasing drought stress. Genetic correlations were higher than phenotypic correlations for all treatments. Specific conductivity was genetically highly correlated positively with lumen diameter and tracheid length under all treatments. Tracheid length and diameter were always negatively correlated genetically, indicating a trade-off in resource allocation. Moderate to high genetic correlations sometimes in opposite direction were observed between physico-anatomical and productivity traits, also indicating trade-offs. A large variation was observed among clones for all physico-anatomical traits, but clonal ranks were generally stable between control and drought-induced treatments. Our results indicate the possibility of early screening of genetic material for desirable wood anatomical attributes under normal growing conditions, thus allowing to improve the drought resilience of young trees.
Systematic analysis of the UDP-glucosyltransferase family: discovery of a member involved in rutin biosynthesis in Solanum melongena
Authors: Gan Yuwei , Yu Bingwei , Liu Renjian , Shu Bingbing , Liang Yonggui , Zhao Yafei , Qiu Zhengkun , Yan Shuangshuang , Cao Bihao
Published: December 2023

Eggplant (Solanum melongena) is an economically important crop and rich in various nutrients, among which rutin that has positive effects on human health is found in eggplant. Glycosylation mediated by UDP-glycosyltransferases (UGTs) is a key step in rutin biosynthesis. However, the UGT gene has not been reported in eggplant to date. Herein, 195 putative UGT genes were identified in eggplant by genome-wide analysis, and they were divided into 17 subgroups (Group A-P and Group R) according to the phylogenetic evolutionary tree. The members of Groups A, B, D, E and L were related to flavonol biosynthesis, and rutin was the typical flavonol. The expression profile showed that the transcriptional levels of SmUGT genes in Clusters 7-10 were closely related to those of rutin biosynthetic pathway genes. Notably, SmUGT89B2 was classified into Cluster 7 and Group B; its expression was consistent with rutin accumulation in different tissues and different leaf stages of eggplant. SmUGT89B2 was located in the nucleus and cell membrane. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) and transient overexpression assays showed that SmUGT89B2 can promote rutin accumulation in eggplant. These findings provide new insights into the UGT genes in eggplant, indicating that SmUGT89B2 is likely to encode the final enzyme in rutin biosynthesis.
Genomic prediction and allele mining of agronomic and morphological traits in pea (Pisum sativum) germplasm collections
Authors: Crosta Margherita , Romani Massimo , Nazzicari Nelson , Ferrari Barbara , Annicchiarico Paolo
Published: December 2023

Well-performing genomic prediction (GP) models for polygenic traits and molecular marker sets for oligogenic traits could be useful for identifying promising genetic resources in germplasm collections, setting core collections, and establishing molecular variety distinction. This study aimed at (i) defining GP models and key marker sets for predicting 15 agronomic or morphological traits in germplasm collections, (ii) verifying the GP model usefulness also for selection in breeding programs, (iii) investigating the consistency between molecular and phenotypic diversity patterns, and (iv) identifying genomic regions associated with to the target traits. The study was based on phenotyping data and over 41,000 genotyping-by-sequencing-generated SNP markers of 220 landraces or old cultivars belonging to a world germplasm collection and 11 modern cultivars. Non-metric multi-dimensional scaling (NMDS) and an analysis of population genetic structure indicated a high level of genetic differentiation of material from Western Asia, a major West-East diversity gradient, and quite limited genetic diversity of the improved germplasm. Mantel’s test revealed a low correlation (r = 0.12) between phenotypic and molecular diversity, which increased (r = 0.45) when considering only the molecular diversity relative to significant SNPs from genome-wide association analyses. These analyses identified, inter alia, several areas of chromosome 6 involved in a largely pleiotropic control of vegetative or reproductive organ pigmentation. We found various significant SNPs for grain and straw yield under severe drought and onset of flowering, and one SNP on chromosome 5 for grain protein content. GP models displayed moderately high predictive ability (0.43 to 0.61) for protein content, grain and straw yield, and onset of flowering, and high predictive ability (0.76) for individual seed weight, based on intra-population, intra-environment cross-validations. The inter-population, inter-environment assessment of the models trained on the germplasm collection for breeding material of three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations, which was challenged by much narrower diversity of the material, over eight-fold less available markers and quite different test environments, led to an overall loss of predictive ability of about 40% for seed weight, 50% for protein content and straw yield, and 60% for onset of flowering, and no prediction for grain yield. Within-RIL population predictive ability differed among populations.
The association between domestic violence exposure and cyberbullying behavior among secondary school students
Authors: Chen Di , Xu Boyang , Chen Jing
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Cyberbullying could have a severe and long-term impact on the physical and mental health of secondary school students because of its characteristics of being hidden, repetitive, and exceeding the limitations of time and space, thus attracting widespread attention. Among the many environmental factors, family was the immediate environment where secondary school students live. Violent behaviors such as aggression displayed by other subjects in the family environment could trigger aggressive behaviors among secondary school students, and the indirectness of the online environment intensifies this tendency.

Methods

This study used the Cyberbullying Scale, the Domestic Violence Exposure Scale, the Depression Scale, and the Brief Self-Control Scale to conduct a questionnaire survey of 10,273 secondary school students in 12 secondary schools from Liaoning, Zhejiang, and Henan provinces in China to explore the relationship and internal mechanisms between domestic violence exposure and cyberbullying behavior among secondary school students.

Results

This study found that (1) domestic violence exposure has a significant positive associated with cyberbullying behavior among secondary school students; (2) the mediating effect of depression partially exists between domestic violence exposure and cyberbullying behavior among secondary school students; (3). self-control alleviated the effects of domestic violence exposure on cyberbullying among secondary school students but intensified the effects of depression on cyberbullying among secondary school students.

Discussion

The results suggest that while focusing on the association of domestic violence exposure with cyberbullying among secondary school students, it is also necessary to pay attention to the mediating effect of depression and the mitigating and intensifying mechanisms of self-control, resulting in a notable weakening effect on cyberbullying among secondary school students.
Willingness to maintain contracts with family doctors among Chinese residents: results from one national cross-sectional study and a meta-analysis of 25 studies
Authors: Li Xinyan , Ye Jun , Feng Jing , Chen Qiaosen , Qu Ge , Wan Zhengyi , Lei Zihui , Ferrier Adamm , Jiang Heng , Zheng Yanling , Gan Yong
Published: December 2023

Background

A number of studies have investigated the influencing factors regarding the renewal of contracts associated with Family Doctor Contract Services (FDCS) in different regions of China since it was officially implemented in 2009; however, none of the previous studies have been considered using a nationally representative sample in combination with a meta-analysis.

Methods

A multistage stratified sampling method was used to investigate participants’ socio-demographic characteristics, health status, understanding, use, and evaluation of the FDCS, and their willingness to renew contracts in Eastern, Central, and Western China from September to November 2021. We searched the PubMed, Ovid Medline, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, and SinoMed databases to retrieve previous studies related to the willingness of Chinese residents to renew contracts with their family doctor (FD), and a meta-analysis was performed to systematically summarize the willingness to maintain contracts and influencing factors.

Results

Among 2,394 residents, 2,122 (88.64%) were willing to renew their contracts. The mixed-effect logistic regression model results demonstrated that residents who (1) preferred primary health service institutions, (2) had a better knowledge of FDCS, (3) were more willing to visit primary health service after signing the contract with FDs, (4) were not intending to change FDs, (5) were satisfied with FDCS, and (6) trusted in FDs reported a higher level of willingness to maintain contracts with FDs. Our meta-analysis confirmed that older age, being married, having chronic diseases, choosing primary medical institutions for the first contact, having a good knowledge of FDCS/FDs, being satisfied with FDCS and the medical skills of FDs, and trusting FDs were all positively associated with residents’ willingness to renew contracts (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The willingness of consumers to maintain contracts with FDs in China varies in different areas. Giving priority services to groups of high need contributed to an improved rate of renewal. We suggest that in order to continue to increase annual contract renewal, it is necessary to strengthen consumer awareness through effective marketing and continue to work toward meeting consumer expectations, thereby increasing confidence and trust in FDCS.
Predicting the transmission dynamics of novel coronavirus infection in Shanxi province after the implementation of the “Class B infectious disease Class B management” policy
Authors: Ma Yifei , Xu Shujun , Luo Yuxin , Peng Junlin , Guo Jiaming , Dong Ali , Xu Zhibin , Li Jiantao , Lei Lijian , He Lu , Wang Tong , Yu Hongmei , Xie Jun
Published: December 2023

Background

China managed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with measures against Class B infectious diseases, instead of Class A infectious diseases, in a major shift of its epidemic response policies. We aimed to generate robust information on the transmission dynamics of novel coronavirus infection in Shanxi, a province located in northern China, after the implementation of the “Class B infectious disease Class B management” policy.

Methods

We consolidated infection data in Shanxi province from December 6, 2022 to January 14, 2023 through a network questionnaire survey and sentinel surveillance. A dynamics model of the SEIQHCVR was developed to track the infection curves and effective reproduction number (Rt).

Results

Our model was effective in estimating the trends of novel coronavirus infection, with the coefficient of determination (R2) above 90% in infections, inpatients, and critically ill patients. The number of infections in Shanxi province as well as in urban and rural areas peaked on December 20, 2022, with the peak of inpatients and critically ill patients occurring 2 to 3 weeks after the peak of infections. By the end of January 2023, 87.72% of the Shanxi residents were predicted to be infected, and the outbreak subsequently subsided. A small wave of COVID-19 infections may re-emerge at the end of April. In less than a month, the Rt values of positive infections, inpatients and critically ill patients were all below 1.0.

Conclusion

The outbreak in Shanxi province is currently at a low prevalence level. In the face of possible future waves of infection, there is a strong need to strengthen surveillance and early warning.
Development of a remotely controllable 4 m long aerial-hose-type firefighting robot
Authors: Yamauchi Yu , Maezawa Yukihiro , Ambe Yuichi , Konyo Masashi , Tadakuma Kenjiro , Tadokoro Satoshi
Published: December 2023

In a fire outbreak, firefighters are expected to rapidly extinguish fires to stop the spread of damage and prevent secondary disasters. We proposed the concept of a dragon firefighter (DFF), which is a flying-hose-type firefighting robot. We developed a 3.6 m long DFF equipped with two nozzle units and achieved stable flight. However, the system was not yet completed because the root of the robot, which should have been operated remotely, was operated manually. In addition, the system’s reliability was insufficient to successfully repeat the demonstration several times. The development of a robot demonstration system is crucial for the practical application of such a firefighting robot. In this study, we developed a demonstration system for a remotely controllable 4 m flying firehose robot for demonstration at the World Robot Summit 2020 (WRS 2020) opening ceremony in Fukushima as a milestone. This paper focuses on the following issues: 1): installation of the remotely controllable mobile base, 2): redesign of the water channels (the sizes of nozzle outlets) to get enough thrusts to fly with a fire engine, 3): development of nozzle units with a larger movable range (1.5 times larger than the conventional nozzle) in addition to waterproofing technique to improve system reliability, and 4): redesign of a passive damping mechanism to ensure better stability. Thus, a firefighting demonstration was successfully conducted at the opening ceremony of the World Robot Summit 2020 in Fukushima, Japan, and we discuss the lessons learned through the demonstration. We found that the developed DFF system incorporating a mobile base could achieve remote fire extinguishing.
Improved models for estimating sporadic-E intensity from GNSS radio occultation measurements
Authors: Emmons Daniel J. , Wu Dong L. , Swarnalingam Nimalan , Ali Ashar F. , Ellis Joseph A. , Fitch Kyle E. , Obenberger Kenneth S.
Published: December 2023

Several models for estimating sporadic-E intensity from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) radio occultation (RO) observation have previously been developed using a single perturbation or intensity parameter, such as phase-based total electron content (TEC) or the amplitude-based S4 index. Here, we outline two new models that use a combination of phase and amplitude parameters for the L1 and L2 signals. These models show a significant improvement over the baseline models used for comparison. Furthermore, the GNSS-RO parameters are compared with several different ionosonde intensity parameters including the direct foEs and fbEs measurements along with the metallic-ion based foμEs and fbμEs parameters which account for the background E-region density. Interestingly, the phase-based σϕ scintillation index shows the strongest correlation to foEs and fbEs while amplitude-based S4 shows the strongest correlation to foμEs and fbμEs. While the metallic-ion based foμEs and fbμEs parameters are physically ideal for GNSS-RO observations, we show difficulties in practical implementation due to the reliance on a background E-region density estimate using a model such as the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI). Ultimately, we provide two improved sporadic-E intensity models that can be used for future GNSS-RO based studies along with a recommendation to compare against the ionosonde-based foEs parameter.
The future of African wild fruits – a drive towards responsible production and consumption of the marula fruit
Authors: Hlangwani Edwin , Hal Penny Hiwilepo-van , Moganedi Kgabo L. M. , Dlamini Bhekisisa C.
Published: December 2023

The marula fruit has played a central role in the dietary intake, socioeconomic standing, and cultural practices of communities in southern Africa for over 10,000 years. The marula fruit is rich in nutritional compounds such as vitamins, minerals, organic acids, and amino acids which contribute to the health properties of the final products. These products can be sold informally by locals or developed into commercially viable, export products. The recent domestic and international demand for marula fruit-based products has raised sustainability concerns such as over-harvesting, habitat destruction, and unsustainable production practices. Given these challenges, a responsible and inclusive approach to marula production and consumption is required to meet the nutritional needs and sustainably contribute to the socioeconomic development of these communities. As a result, a scoping review approach was used to map out the literature on the production and consumption of the marula fruit. All reviewed literature explicitly focused on the marula fruit, the responsible use of the marula fruit, and sustainability practices in the production and consumption of marula fruit-based products. Furthermore, this review examined the potential benefits and challenges of expanding the production and consumption of marula products and identified strategies for promoting sustainable practices and equitable distribution of benefits. Despite the challenges in pre-and-postharvest processing, the marula fruit has remained a valuable resource. Thus, the sustainable production and consumption of the marula fruit require a holistic approach that addresses these challenges and promotes sustainable practices and equitable distribution of benefits. Central to this approach is the application of various technologies to establish robust value chains so the marula fruit industry can thrive.
Effects of quercetin and daidzein on egg quality, lipid metabolism, and cecal short-chain fatty acids in layers
Authors: Liu Jiayan , Liu Junhong , Zhou Shuaishuai , Fu Yuxin , Yang Qinglin , Li Yao
Published: December 2023

In this study, the effects of quercetin and daidzein on egg quality, lipid metabolism, and cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were compared in layers. Hyline brown layers at 385 days of age with a similar laying rate (81.36% ± 0.62%) and body weight (2.10 kg ± 0.04 kg) were randomly divided into three treatments, six replicates per treatment, and 20 layers per replicate. Layers in control, quercetin, and daidzein treatment were fed by a basal diet supplemented with 0 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg quercetin, and 30 mg/kg of daidzein for 10 weeks. Results showed that eggshell strength and albumen height in week 4, egg yolk diameter in week 10, and eggshell thickness and egg yolk height in weeks 4 and 10 were significantly increased in the quercetin treatment (P ≤ 0.05); contents of phospholipid (PL) and lecithin (LEC) in egg yolk and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) content in serum were significantly increased; however, contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) in egg yolk, contents of TC, TG, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) in serum, and contents of TC and TG in the liver were significantly decreased in the quercetin treatment (P ≤ 0.05); contents of isobutyric acid and valeric acid were significantly increased in the cecum of the quercetin treatment (P ≤ 0.05), compared with control. Moreover, egg yolk height in week 10 and eggshell thickness in weeks 4 and 10 were significantly increased in the daidzein treatment (P ≤ 0.05); contents of MDA, TC, and TG in egg yolk, TC, TG, and VLDL in serum, and TC and TG in liver were significantly decreased in the daidzein treatment (P ≤ 0.05); and HDL content was significantly increased in serum of the daidzein treatment (P ≤ 0.05) compared with control. However, daidzein did not affect SCFA content in the cecum. In conclusion, egg quality was improved by quercetin and daidzein by increasing the antioxidant ability of egg yolk and by regulating lipid metabolism in layers. Quercetin worked better than daidzein in improving egg quality under this experimental condition.
The prognostic value of stem cell markers in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Almási Szintia , Nagy Ágnes , Krenács Tibor , Lantos Tamás , Zombori Tamás , Cserni Gábor
Published: December 2023

Among the many consecutive theories of cancer, the stem cell theory is currently the most accepted one. Cancer stem cells are located in small niches with specific environment, renew themselves and are believed to be responsible for many recurrences. They can be highlighted with stem cell markers, but often these markers also label tumor cells, and this may represent a phenotypical change associated with prognosis. In this study, we attempted to match tumor outcomes with the expression of the following stem cell markers: ALDH1, AnnexinA1, CD44, CD117, CD166, Nanog and oct-4. Tissue microarray blocks from triple-negative breast cancers were immunostained for the listed markers, and their expression by the majority of tumor cells (diffuse positivity) was correlated with prognosis. Of the 106 tumors investigated, diffuse positivity was seen in 7 (ALDH1), 33 (AnnexinA1), 53 (CD44), 44 (CD117 membranous only), 49 (CD117), 72 (CD166), 19 (Nanog), and 11 (oct-4) cases. With a median follow-up of 83 months, ALDH1 and CD117 expression was associated with DFS, whereas CD44, CD117 and CD166 were associated with OS estimates, based on Kaplan-Meier analyses. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard models (including the examined markers and clinicopathological data which had a statistical impact in the univariate analysis), the pN category and the lack of ALDH1 expression were independent prognosticators for DFS, and the pN category and diffuse CD44 staining were independent prognosticators for OS. In the multivariate analysis including all of the examined clinicopathological data and markers, only CD117 showed a statistical impact on OS. We failed to demonstrate a prognostic impact for most stem cell markers tested in triple-negative breast cancer, but lack of ALDH1 staining and CD44 expression appears as of prognostic value, requiring further examination in independent studies.
Investigations into the Approaches of Computational Fluid Dynamics for Flow-Excited Resonator Helmholtz Modeling within Verification on a Laboratory Benchmark
Authors: Sergeev Daniil , V’yushkina Irina , Eremeev Vladimir , Stulenkov Andrei , Pyalov Kirill
Published: December 2023

This paper presents the results of a study of self-sustained processes excited in a Helmholtz resonator after a flow over its orifice. A comparative analysis of various approaches to the numerical modeling of this problem was carried out, taking into account both the requirements for achieving the required accuracy and taking into account the resource greediness of calculations, the results of which were verified by comparison with data obtained during a special experiment. The configuration with a spherical resonator with a natural frequency of 260 Hz and an orifice diameter (about 5 cm) in an air flow with a speed of 6 to 14 m/s was considered. A comparison of the calculation results with data obtained in experiments carried out in the wind tunnel demonstrated that the accuracy of calculations of the characteristics of the self-sustained mode using the simplest URANS class model tends to the accuracy of calculations within the large eddy simulation approach formulated in the WMLES model. At the same time, when using WMLES, it is possible to better reproduce the background level of pulsations. From the point of view of resource greediness, expressed in the number of core hours spent obtaining a solution, both models of the turbulence turned out to be almost equivalent when using the same grid models.
Fixed-Time Stabilization of a Class of Stochastic Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Long Zhenzhen , Zhou Wen , Fang Liandi , Zhu Daohong
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates an improved fixed-time stability theory together with a state feedback controller for a class of nonlinear stochastic systems. First, a delicate transformation is performed, and next, a Gamma function is utilized to directly derive the value of the integral function, which ultimately yields a fixed-time stabilization theorem with a higher precision upper bound for the settling time. Unlike the existing estimation process of amplifying twice, we only performed one amplification, which weakens the effect of amplification. Then, a state feedback controller is constructed for stochastic systems by the method of adding a power integrator. Utilizing the proposed stochastic fixed-time stability theory, simulations show that the intended controller ensures that the trivial solution of the suggested system is fixed-time stable in probability. The results of the simulation demonstrate that the suggested control scheme is meaningful.
Minimal Bio-Inspired Crawling Robots with Motion Control Capabilities
Authors: Wu Jintian , Liu Mingyi , Padovani Damiano
Published: December 2023

Nonskeletal animals such as worms achieve locomotion via crawling. We consider them as an inspiration to design robots that help underline the mechanisms of crawling. In this paper, we aim to identify an approach with the simplest structure and actuators. Our robots consist of cut-and-fold bodies equipped with pneumatically-driven soft actuators. We have developed fabrication techniques for coin-sized robots. Experiments showed that our robots can move up to 4.5 mm/s with straight motion (i.e., 0.1 body lengths per second) and perform cornering and U-turns. We have also studied the friction characteristics of our robots with the ground to develop a multistate model with stick–slip contact conversions. Our theoretical analyses depict comparable results to experiments demonstrating that simple and straightforward techniques can illustrate the crawling mechanism. Considering the minimal robots’ structure, this result is a critical step towards developing miniature crawling robots successfully.