bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The possible utility of global longitudinal strain in the risk‐stratifying process of non‐ST elevation‐acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Fouad Ahmed , Farag Elsayed Mohamad , Roshdy Hisham Samir , Gad Marwa Mohamad , Almaashani Said , Sayed Amro
Published: February 2024

Background

There are various ways that coronary artery disease (CAD) might present itself. Individual risk stratification for non ST‐elevation‐acute coronary syndrome (NSTE‐ACS) patients should determine whether invasive coronary angiography and revascularization should be scheduled.

Aim of work

To assess the possible utility of left ventricular global longitudinal strain in the risk‐stratifying process of NSTE‐ACS.

Subjects and methods

The cardiology department of Zagazig University in Egypt organized and oversaw this cross‐sectional study. The practical portion was carried out on 90 patients with NSTE‐ACS based on European society of cardiology (ESC) guidelines (and they agreed for invasive strategy) between May 2019 and December 2020 at Salalah Heart Center in Sultanate of Oman. All patients underwent a full clinical examination, 12‐lead ECG, and serial high‐sensitivity troponin T (hs‐TnT) in addition to a thorough history taking process. On patient's admission, the GRACE risk score was assessed. All patients who were suspected of having NSTE‐ACS upon admission underwent transthoracic echocardiography, including two‐dimensional speckle tracking (2D‐ST). Left ventricular global longitudinal strain (LV‐GLS %) was measured and analyzed using 2D speckle tracking. SYNTAX Score was determined for all patients.

Results

By analysis of the performance of LV‐GLS% in prediction of high risk by GRACE score, we found that with cutoff (≥‐13.8), the AUC was (0.944) with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy (0.944, 93.3%, 84%, 53.8%, 98.4%, 85.6%), respectively.

Conclusion

Global longitudinal strain can predict accurately high‐risk NSTE‐ACS patients by GRACE score.
Inflation surprises in a New Keynesian economy with a “true” consumption function
Authors: Tamborini Roberto
Published: February 2024

The resurgence of inflation has been accompanied by a reversal of prospects of growth, with a prominent role assigned to the fall of households' purchasing power. Yet this real income effect of inflation surprises, independent of restrictive monetary policy, is not present in the standard New Keynesian models for monetary policy. The reason lies in the formulation of the consumption‐based “IS equation”. The paper shows how the income effect can be introduced by reformulating the consumption function, with the consequence that it exerts an autonomus stabilization effect on inflation. The main monetary policy implications are examined by means of simulations.
Adalbero of Laon's Poem to King Robert (1023–1025/7): a discourse against Cluniac reform or a commentary on monastic hypocrisy?
Authors: Vanderputten Steven
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this paper is to nuance the traditional interpretation of Bishop Adalbero of Laon's satirical Carmen ad Rotbertum regem as a rebuttal of Cluniac reform and its disruptive effect on early eleventh‐century society. Study of the text's literary antecedents reveals that its criticism was rooted in a tradition of commentaries on the conduct and attitudes of a much larger monastic cohort. Furthermore, comparison of its argument with evidence about the context and with a number of polemical statements regarding the relations between bishops and monastic leaders since the 990s indicates that the author's focus was on cautioning against abbots’ hypocrisy rather than against a programmatic reform.
Validation of local approach‐based statistical models for cleavage fracture of ferritic steels in uniaxial tension
Authors: Lei Wei‐Sheng , Qian Guian , Zhang Peilei
Published: February 2024

Five major local approach (LA)‐based statistical cleavage fracture models are evaluated in uniaxial tension. The focus is to inspect their mathematical conformity to the axiom of probability on normality and their physical adherence to the consensus that cleavage fracture occurs after plastic deformation. Only the LA model that incorporates a stress‐state and temperature dependent threshold satisfies both requirements. Two sets of experimental data in uniaxial tension are analyzed to support the arguments.
Biochar produced at high temperature mitigates N2O emission and promotes nitrogen retention in subtropical forest soils
Authors: Cheng Liutao , Wang Bingtao , Ren Mengfan , Wang Yuzhe , Hu Yalin , Liu Xian
Published: February 2024

Biochar is produced by burning biomass under oxygen‐limited conditions, and it has been widely used as a soil amendment to improve soil functions such as nutrient retention. However, whether the impact of biochar application on soil nitrogen (N) transformation and N2O emission varies with the pyrolysis temperature remains unclear, especially in different forest types in subtropical regions. In this study, a 60‐day laboratory incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of biochar with different pyrolysis temperatures (300°C [BC300], 500°C [BC500], and 800°C [BC800]) on net N transformation rates and N2O emission in soils collected from Castanopsis kawakamii dominated natural forest (NF) and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolate, CF) plantation in subtropical China. The results showed that the application of biochar significantly increased soil ammonium (NH4+) content (p < 0.001) but reduced nitrate (NO3−) content (p < 0.001) compared with the control. The soil NH4+ content of the BC800 treatment was significantly higher than that of other treatments (p < 0.001). Biochar application significantly reduced soil net N mineralization (NRmin) and nitrification (NRnit) rate (p < 0.001), but increased net ammonification (NRamm) rate (p < 0.001). The application of biochar led to a remarkable decrease in cumulative N2O emission compared to the control (p < 0.001). In particular, soils treated with high‐temperature biochar emitted significantly lower N2O compared to other treatments (p < 0.001). The partial least squares path model demonstrated that biochar influenced N2O emission through a direct effect in NF soil and an indirect effect in CF soil. This study highlights the distinct role of biochar, particularly that produced under high pyrolysis temperatures as a soil amendment to mitigate N2O emission and promote N retention in both subtropical natural and planted forests.
Crisis, what crisis? Real impairments and absences in the ecosystems of higher education
Authors: Barnett Ronald
Published: February 2024

Are the many crises of higher education real, or are they in the eye of the beholder? They are evidently something of both: The crises to which we are characteristically alerted are manifestations in the real of the world and indicate much about our scholars' perceptions and even their values. To say this, however, invites the question: can we sort the wheat from the chaff? Might there be a way of validating any effort to identify a crisis that lies in the world, independently of claims made about it? There is straightaway a fundamental difficulty after all; namely, that the very concept of crisis is fact and value, both pointing to a phenomenon in the world and making a judgement about it. It seems then that, in the language of crisis, we may be conflating ontology with epistemology and ethics. When we hear talk of crisis, we may be being told more about the claim‐maker than the feature of the world that is in question. However, I suggest that, if we deploy the artifice of ecosystem, and so adopt an ecological approach to the matter, we can move on two planes at once: We can point to phenomena of crises in higher education that are in the world and that also warrant our evaluative judgements of them.
Effect of soil type on some composition parameters of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Nero d'Avola grapes at different stages of ripening
Authors: Bambina Paola , Pollon Matteo , Vitaggio Clara , Papa Giuseppe Lo , Conte Pellegrino , Cinquanta Luciano , Corona Onofrio
Published: February 2024

In this study, the soil effect on the chemical composition of red grapes from Vitis vinifera L. (cv Nero d'Avola) was studied. The soil effect was evaluated by considering the main soil chemical–physical parameters (e.g., texture, pH, total carbonates, cation exchange capacity, electric conductivity, organic matter, and mineral composition) of four vineyards located in the southwestern coast of Sicily (southern Italy). Grapes' quality in relation to different soils was investigated by studying some composition parameters and the (in)/homogeneity of ripeness of grapes at the harvest date. Results suggested that the soil greatly affected the quality of Nero d'Avola red grapes. The most impactful soil parameters were cation exchange capacity, electric conductivity, pH, and mineral composition (especially P and Mn content) that are directly involved into grapevine nutrition. Through multivariate statistical analysis, it was highlighted that the soil effect was remarkable within a specific vintage. However, when more vintages are considered simultaneously, the vintage effect (conceivably through the inter‐annual climatic variability) is the major factor determining grapes quality.
A longitudinal study examining the associations between prenatal and postnatal maternal distress and toddler socioemotional developmental during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Khoury Jennifer E. , Atkinson Leslie , Gonzalez Andrea
Published: February 2024

Elevated psychological distress, experienced by pregnant women and parents, has been well‐documented during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Most research focuses on the first 6‐months postpartum, with single or limited repeated measures of perinatal distress. The present longitudinal study examined how perinatal distress, experienced over nearly 2 years of the COVID‐19 pandemic, impacted toddler socioemotional development. A sample of 304 participants participated during pregnancy, 6‐weeks, 6‐months, and 15‐months postpartum. Mothers reported their depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms, at each timepoint. Mother‐reported toddler socioemotional functioning (using the Brief Infant–Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment) was measured at 15‐months. Results of structural equation mediation models indicated that (1) higher prenatal distress was associated with elevated postpartum distress, from 6‐weeks to 15‐months postpartum; (2) associations between prenatal distress and toddler socioemotional problems became nonsignificant after accounting for postpartum distress; and (3) higher prenatal distress was indirectly associated with greater socioemotional problems, and specifically elevated externalizing problems, through higher maternal distress at 6 weeks and 15 months postpartum. Findings suggest that the continued experience of distress during the postpartum period plays an important role in child socioemotional development during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Functional decline at 1 year in hospitalized elderly pneumonia with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant: Comparison with the ancestral strain and Alpha variant
Authors: Miyashita Naoyuki , Nakamori Yasushi , Ogata Makoto , Fukuda Naoki , Yamura Akihisa , Ito Tomoki
Published: February 2024

In the SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron period, the pattern of pneumonia changed from primarily viral pneumonia to pneumonia mixed with bacteria in the elderly. We investigated functional outcomes at 1 year after hospital discharge in patients with primary Omicron pneumonia and pneumonia mixed with bacteria, mainly aspiration pneumonia. Functional decline rates calculated using the Barthel Index at 1 year after hospital discharge were significantly higher in the pneumonia mixed with bacteria group than the primary viral pneumonia group (42.6% vs. 20.5%, p < 0.0001). It is necessary to consider early rehabilitation and treatment in elderly patients even when the predominant strain is the Omicron variant.
Comparison of the risk of postoperative wound infection in patients with rectal cancer by laparoscopic versus open Hartmann's surgery
Authors: Jiang Yan , Liu Rushi , You Qian , Fan Xiaoxiao , Wu Yi , Zeng Zhiyong
Published: February 2024

Traditional Hartmann surgery is used when the patient is in an acute case where it might not be safe to carry out a one‐stage intestinal anastomosis. Laparoscopy has been extensively applied in the treatment of large intestine, which can significantly improve both short‐ and long‐term outcomes. While randomized, controlled studies and reviews have shown that laparoscopy is superior to that of open‐access colectomy, the impact of Hartmann's surgery on postoperative site infections has not been studied. The purpose of this study is to summarize the existing evidence to show that laparoscopy is better than open operation in the area of injury. Methods The Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Libraries were searched from the moment the database was created until November 2023. For binary results, the odds ratio was estimated, and a weighted average of consecutive results was calculated. Our findings indicate that there is a lower risk for SSIs after laparoscopic approach surgery than an open‐access procedure (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.10, 0.69, p = 0.006); Laparoscopy was associated with a reduction in the risk of dying after surgery (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30, 0.84, p = 0.009); The operation time was not significantly different in open and laparoscope (MD, 12.23; 95% CI, −5.63, 30.09, p = 0.18); laparoscopy was used to lower the incidence of SSI after surgery and to lower the mortality rate after surgery than by open‐access surgery. However, the time of operation did not differ significantly among the two methods. However, further controlled trials will need to be carried out to verify the results.
Correlation between symptom status, health perception, and spiritual well‐being in heart failure patients: A structural equation modeling approach
Authors: Eroglu Hacer , Metin Zehra Gok
Published: February 2024

Aim

To explore predictors of spiritual well‐being behaviors among heart failure patients based on Wilson and Cleary's conceptual model of health‐related quality of life and to clarify the interrelationships among these variables.

Design

A descriptive and correlational study design was used.

Methods

This study included 202 heart failure patients treated between October 2020 and July 2021. Data were collected using the Symptom Status Questionnaire‐Heart Failure, Perception of Health Scale, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Spiritual Well‐Being Scale. Descriptive analysis, correlation, and structural equation modeling were performed.

Results

Characteristic factors positively affected spiritual well‐being both directly (β = 0.19, p = 0.007) and indirectly (β = 0.19; CI (0.106; 0.311)). The direct relationship between health perception and spiritual well‐being was significant (β = 0.83, p < 0.05). Symptom status acted as an essential mediator between model variables and spiritual well‐being (β = −0.28; CI (−0.449; −0.133)). Comorbidity and symptom status also influence spiritual well‐being through health perceptions. These variables explain 77% of the variance in spiritual well‐being.

Conclusion

The modified structural equation modeling based on Wilson and Cleary's conceptual model fits well in predicting spiritual well‐being in patients with heart failure. Spiritual well‐being was reported to be poor, and changes in spiritual well‐being were predicted by age, educational level, marital status, comorbidity, symptom status, and health perception. The results can be applied to patients with heart failure and may serve as a guide for assessment and interventions for improving spiritual well‐being.

Clinical Relevance

This study mainly concludes that symptom status and perceived health status affect spiritual well‐being in heart failure patients. Symptom relief and improvement in perceived health status interventions may help enhance spiritual well‐being in this population. Future studies are needed to investigate the different predictor's effects on spiritual well‐being and examine whether symptom management and health status‐enhancing interventions result in improved spiritual well‐being in the heart failure population.

Reporting Method

This study was reported following the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist for cross‐sectional studies.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.
Sacral fracture stabilisation using dorsal transiliac locking plates: 12 cases (2017‐2023)
Authors: Vardanega M. J. , Wilson L.
Published: February 2024

Objectives

To describe the clinical presentations, outcomes and complications associated with the use of dorsal transiliac locking plates to stabilise sacral fractures in dogs and cats.

Materials and Methods

A single‐centre retrospective analysis of all patients that presented with sacral fractures between February 2017 and February 2023 that were managed surgically using paired dorsal transiliac locking plates. Twelve animals met the criteria for inclusion in a retrospective clinical case series. An owner questionnaire was employed to assess long‐term outcomes.

Results

Eleven dogs and one cat with a mean age of 3.1 years (range 0.6 to 8.8) were included. Eleven patients presented following a motor vehicle accident and most were either non‐ambulatory (n=8) or displayed severe unilateral hindlimb lameness (n=4). Nine sacral fractures were considered Anderson type II and three Anderson type V. The plate fixation was augmented with additional surgical stabilisation in 11 cases. Eleven patients were ambulatory at discharge and all cases healed uneventfully without major surgical or postoperative complications. Long‐term follow‐up (>60 days) was available in 10 animals at a mean of 694 days (range 65 to 1805) and owner‐assessed outcomes via questionnaire were reported as good to excellent in all cases.

Clinical Significance

The application of transiliac locking plates provided sufficient stability to facilitate sacral fracture healing with minimal clinical complications. This method represents a robust and safe option to stabilise sacral fractures in dogs and cats, offering an alternative to iliosacral lag screw fixation.
Geographic and temporal distance–decay relationships across taxa
Authors: Dallas Tad A. , Holian Lauren A. , Caten Cleber Ten
Published: February 2024

Communities that are farther away from one another in distance or time tend to be more dissimilar. These relationships are often referred to as ‘distance–decay' relationships, relating compositional dissimilarity of communities to geographic distance or exploring compositional shifts through time at a single site. The data required to explore both relationships simultaneously – and their potential interactions – require standardized sampling through time across a set of geographically unique sites. We used data on five taxonomic groups sampled between 2013 and 2021 as part of the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to explore evidence for geographic and temporal distance–decay relationships. Links between these relationships were explored by estimating the temporal consistency of geographic distance–decay relationships and estimating the strength of geographic patterns in temporal distance–decay relationships. Overall, we found evidence for geographic and temporal distance–decay relationships across the five studied taxa, but detected no temporal signal in geographic distance–decay relationships and no spatial signal in temporal distance–decay relationships. Together, this highlights that community composition changes across geographic and temporal gradients, but that the drivers of these changes may depend on different drivers at different scales.
Osteotomy Correction Angle Cut‐off Points Can Guide the Operation to Prevent a Significant Decrease in Patella Height
Authors: Chen Renjie , Yu Chenghao , Peng Haining , Chen Jinli , Zhang Yi , Yu Tengbo
Published: February 2024

Objective

Patients who undergo a biplanar ascending medial open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy with an excessive correction angle might experience patella infera and even knee pain after surgery. The purpose of this study was to identify the cut‐off points for the degree of knee varus correction of open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy, which is related to the symptomatic patellar position change.

Methods

This retrospective study included 124 patients (mean age 61.69 ± 6.28 years; 78 women, 46 men) with varying degrees of varus knee osteoarthritis. All patients had undergone standard biplanar medial open‐wedge high tibial osteotomy. They were divided into nine groups according to the change in hip–knee–ankle angle. Plain radiographs and three‐dimensional CT images were obtained preoperatively and 18 months postoperatively. Patellar height was assessed using the Caton–Deschamps index, the Insall–Salvati index, and the Blackburne–Peel index. The patellofemoral index and patellar tilt were used to evaluate the degree of horizontal displacement of the patella. The varus correction, medial–proximal tibial angles, joint line convergence angles, and hip–knee–ankle angles were also measured. The subjective score was evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC).

Results

There were significant changes in patella indexes in each group after surgery, among which there was no significant difference in patellar height changes for Groups A to F (p > 0.05), which were significantly lower than those in Group G, H, and I (p < 0.001). The patellar tilt and patellofemoral index also followed the same trend. The improvement in WOMAC scores for Groups G, H, and I was also significantly less for Groups A to F (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The patellar height, patellar tilt, and patellofemoral index all changed significantly in parallel with increasing degrees of osteotomy correction. The cut‐off points for correction angle are 12.5° to 13.4°. When the correction angle is larger than this range, the patellar position can be significantly affected. Postoperative patellofemoral joint pain may be related to the changes in patella position.
Pine wilt disease: A global threat to forestry
Authors: Back Matthew A. , Bonifácio Luís , Inácio Maria L. , Mota Manuel , Boa Eric
Published: February 2024

Pines are the most economically important trees in the world and, together with eucalyptus, they dominate commercial forests. But the success of a relatively small number of widely planted species, such as Pinus pinaster, the maritime pine, comes at a price. Pines are attractive to damaging pathogens and insect pests, including the pinewood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD). Originally described in Japan, PWD has caused widespread destruction to forests in countries such as China, Taiwan, Portugal, Spain and the United States. PWN causes irreparable damage to the vascular system of its pine hosts, leading to mortality within 3 months. Pine sawyer beetles (Monochamus spp.) are key vectors of PWD, introducing the PWN to healthy trees during feeding. Other organisms contribute to PWD spread and development, including bacteria, fungi and bark beetles. Control measures include tree felling to prevent vector transmission of PWN, insecticide treatments, trapping of Monochamus spp. and tree breeding for plant resistance. The PWN is a quarantine pathogen and subject to regular legislation and phytosanitary measures aimed at restricting movement and preventing introduction to new areas. Current research is investigating the use of biopesticides against PWN and Monochamus spp. This review examines the biology, epidemiology, impact and management of PWD through published research, grey literature and interviews with people directly involved in the management of the disease in Portugal.
Metabolomics Analyses Revealed the Key Metabolites and Pathways of Panax notoginseng under Heavy Drought Stress
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Yang Kuan , Ye Kunhao , Wang Huiling , Zhu Youyong , He Xiahong , Guo Liwei
Published: February 2024

Drought is the most common abiotic stress that hinders plantgrowth. To clarify the changes in the growth and metabolism of Panax notoginseng following drought stress, here the effects of drought stress on the growth and metabolism of P. notoginseng are investigated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry based on a widely targeted metabolomic approach. We conducted drought stress treatments (DS) and re‐watering treatments after drought stress (RW) with no drought stress as the control group. The results showed that DS treatment significantly inhibited biomass accumulation and root development of P. notoginseng. Single saponin Rg1 and total saponin in the roots were the highest in the control group, while the total saponins in the leaves were the highest in DS. A total of 120 metabolites were identified using metabolomics and they were classified into eight categories. The metabolites of P. notoginseng under DS were significantly different from the control and RW treatment. Caffeic acid was significantly enriched in all comparison groups, suggesting its important role in the drought resistance of P. notoginseng. Enrichment analysis of differential metabolites showed that the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporters, the metabolic pathway of valine, leucine, and isoleucine were closely associated with the drought resistance of P. notoginseng. We also verified that significantly upregulated differential metabolites such as 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA) and quinic acid can enhance the drought resistance of P. notoginseng through exogenous application.
Abiotic and biotic factors regulate the timing of floral induction: a review
Authors: Patra Sanjib , Chatterjee Debdatta , Dutta Rijhdyuti , Mandal Arunava
Published: February 2024

Time of flowering is an important phenomenon which ensures reproductive success and better adaptability to various environmental conditions. There are a few proteins that function as master regulators of flowering. The expression of these proteins highly depends on many extrinsic and intrinsic factors along with several biotic components. Further, alterations in these factors result in drastic changes in the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase that ultimately results in yield loss. Different abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, cold, heat, nutrient scarcity, sugar availability and exogenous chemicals, collectively affect the whole ambit of the floral induction process. Nevertheless, biotic stresses like bacterial (Pseudomonas syringae) and fungal (Fusarium oxysporum) infections promote the expression of the FT gene, which further accelerates the flowering phenomenon. Soil‐dwelling microorganisms, herbivores, pollinators and a few endophytes are associated with the promotion of flowering. Although plants have adapted several strategies to cope with the stress conditions and manage to maintain their reproductive physiology, it is noteworthy that flowering in plants under stress conditions shows species‐specific response patterns by accelerating or retarding the floral induction. Several transcription factors and some miRNAs were also involved in the regulation of flowering under stress conditions. In this review, we have summarised the different biotic and abiotic stresses that affect the flowering time and also include several strategies that plants adapt to escape the stress condition.
A cotton APS REDUCTASE represses root hair elongation via sulfur assimilation and hydrogen peroxide‐mediated cell wall damage
Authors: Mao Xiaonan , Wei Zhenzhen , Xu Zhenzhen , Qanmber Ghulam , Liu Ji , Li Yonghui , Lu Lili , Wang Ye , Peng Jun , Wang Zhi
Published: February 2024

Sulfur is a critical element for plant growth and development, and it is assimilated through a pathway called the sulfur assimilation pathway. APS REDUCTASE (APR) is a key rate‐limiting enzyme in this pathway, and it plays a vital role in regulating sulfur flow and plant development. However, the exact role and mechanism of APR in cotton fiber and root hair development are still not fully understood. This study used in vitro cultured ovules grown on a sulfur‐deficient medium to explore the role of sulfur in fiber development. Genetic approaches such as virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) was used to determine the role of target genes. In vitro assays revealed the role of sulfur in fiber development and identified GhAPR2 as a key candidate gene. The GhAPR2 negatively regulates fiber cell initiation and Arabidopsis root hair elongation. Further studies demonstrated that overexpression of GhAPR2 increased the contents of sulfite and GSH to enhance sulfur assimilation in Arabidopsis, leading to abnormal accumulation of ROS in root hair. This down‐regulates the transcription of proline‐rich cell wall protein‐coding genes such as AtEXTs and AtPRPs, reducing the content of hydroxyproline in the cell wall, disrupting the development of the root hair cell wall, and inhibiting root hair elongation. This study elucidated the functional pathway of APR2 in the regulation of root hair development. APR2 first affects sulfur assimilation, which affects the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and finally affects the content of hydroxyproline‐rich glycoprotein, which in turn affects the development of root hair. This model also contributes to the understanding of the role of sulfur in fiber development, as well as cell differentiation and development.
Plant–plant interactions affect seasonal nitrogen uptake of subalpine conifer seedlings by altering root traits and soil nitrogen availabilities
Authors: Xie Lulu , Hu Xuefeng , Li Wanting , Liu Qinghua , Yin Chunying
Published: February 2024

Although it is known that plant–plant interaction is an important factor influencing plant nitrogen (N) uptake and biomass productivity, its effects on seasonal inorganic N uptake, preference, and allocation remain unclear. In this study, two conifer species (Picea asperataandAbies faxoniana) were planted in three different planting modes (i.e., single, intraspecific, and interspecific interaction). Using15N stable isotope tracer, we quantified plant biomass, ammonium (NH4+), and nitrate (NO3−) uptake rate (mass) and allocation in the middle (July) and the end (September) of the growing season, respectively, followed by analyses of root traits and soil properties so as to explore the underlying mechanism. Across the two seasons, intraspecific interaction decreased plant biomass and inorganic N‐uptake rate, which triggered intense competition for both species. Intraspecific competition ofP. asperatawas stronger than that ofA. faxoniana. In contrast, interspecific interaction revealed significant facilitative effects onA. faxoniana, particularly in September. From the middle to the late growing season, the inorganic N‐uptake rate ofP. asperatareduced, whereas that ofA. faxonianaincreased under interspecific interaction. The seasonal variation in plant N uptake was regulated by changes in root traits (such as root nitrogen concentration, specific root length, and branching intensity) and soil N availabilities. Both species indicated a preference for NO3−across seasons. Furthermore, we observed that15N allocation to shoots ofA. faxonianaunder interspecific interaction was higher than that ofP. asperataand declined from July to September. These findings on how plant–plant interactions affect plant N uptake seasonally can facilitate our understanding of species co‐existence and community assembly in forest ecosystems.
A retrospective Italian Society of Veterinary Oncology (SIONCOV) study of 56 cats with appendicular osteosarcoma
Authors: Marconato Laura , Annoni Maurizio , Massari Federico , Zanardi Stefano , Stefanello Damiano , Ferrari Roberta , Rossi Federica , Montinaro Vincenzo , Morello Emanuela , Chalfon Carmit , De Lorenzi Marco , Murgia Daniela , Drudi Dario , Truncellito Gabriele , Cabibbo Emanuele , Sabattini Silvia
Published: February 2024

Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant primary bone cancer, but it is infrequently reported in cats. Feline appendicular osteosarcoma typically exhibits good prognosis when treated with surgery alone. A retrospective multi‐institutional study was conducted to identify possible prognostic factors. Cats diagnosed with appendicular osteosarcoma were included if initial staging and follow‐up information were available. Data including signalment, tumour characteristics, treatment modalities, and survival outcomes were collected and analysed. Fifty‐six cats were included; the femur was the most frequently affected bone. Eight cats had distant metastasis at admission and an additional 9 developed metastatic disease during follow‐up, resulting in an overall metastatic rate of 30%. Forty‐nine (87.5%) cats underwent surgery, and 4 also received adjuvant chemotherapy. Among operated cats, median time to local progression (TTLP), time to distant progression and tumour‐specific survival (TSS) were not reached. One‐ and 2‐year survival rates were 66% and 55%, respectively. Seven (12.5%) cats received no treatment; 1‐ and 2‐year survival rates were 25% and 0%, respectively. Operated cats had significantly longer TTLP (P < .001) and TSS (P = .001) compared with non‐operated cats. Among operated cats, young age negatively impacted local tumour progression, while the presence of distant metastasis at diagnosis was associated with a higher risk of tumour‐related death. This study reaffirms the good prognosis for cats with appendicular osteosarcoma undergoing surgery, but sheds light on some additional factors to consider. Accurate initial staging is recommended, as the metastatic rate may exceed many previous estimations. Surgery substantially extends survival time, whereas the role of chemotherapy remains uncertain.
Leptospirosis Relative Risk Estimates based on Continuous-Time, Discrete-Space Stochastic SIR-L-SI Transmission Model
Authors: Ideris Sufi Hafawati , Shaadan Norshahida , Niza Shair Syazreen , Samat Nor Azah
Published: February 2024

Leptospirosis is a re-emerging global disease that has become endemic in Malaysia. The transmissions usually occur between animals especially rats to rats and rats to humans. Since, it is an easily contractable disease that can be transmitted directly through contact with infected rat’s urine or indirectly from the environment such as via water and soil, it is very challenging to curb this disease from infecting humans. Poor understanding of the disease and lack of epidemiological data also made leptospirosis is difficult to control. To cope with this problem, a leptospirosis disease transmission model is developed to study the mechanism of leptospirosis disease spread over continuous-time that may help to predict future caused of an outbreak. This study aims to construct a continuous-time and discrete-space stochastic SIR-L-SI (Susceptible, Infected, Recovered Humans-Leptospires in the Environment-Susceptible, Infectious Rats) of leptospirosis disease transmission to estimate the risk involved. A simple method of asymptotic and numerical analyses is applied as an alternative approach for solving simultaneous differential equations in the leptospirosis SIR-L-SI transmission model. The application of the proposed model is demonstrated using leptospirosis data for Malaysia. The results of asymptotic behaviour and numerical analysis provide useful information about susceptible and infective rat and human populations as well as offer relative risk estimates that can be used as one of the control measures in identifying hot-spot areas for this disease.
Maximizing the Supply Chain Profit in Multimodal Transportation Problem with Transfer Part using Two-Echelon Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Johar Farhana , Mohd Zawawi Nur Shuwaibah , Nordin Syarifah Zyurina
Published: February 2024

Multimodal transportation is a highly effective method for optimizing deadlines and reducing inventory costs, both of which are crucial in a supply chain environment. This study employs a mathematical programming model to optimize the supply chain profit for multimodal transportation distribution within a specified time window. The model considers five factors, such as production cost, transportation cost, transport time, penalty cost, and sales price. Additionally, a Two-Echelon Genetic Algorithm (TEGA) is proposed to solve the optimization problem, and a numerical example is provided to validate the model and algorithm. The study compares the performance of the proposed algorithm with the exact solution from a previous study, presents implementation details and numerical experiment results, and analyses the findings. The results demonstrate the efficiency and robustness of the algorithm, making it a significant contribution to transportation planning for freight transportation and supply chain management.
Fuzzy Conjoint Need Assessment Method for Model Development Justification
Authors: Abu Bakar Mohamad Ariffin , Ab Ghani Ahmad Termimi , Abdullah Mohd Lazim
Published: February 2024

This paper proposes a Fuzzy Conjoint Need Assessment Method (FCNAM) procedure for model development justification. The failure to select the analysis method and neglect the data when completing the needs assessment, before developing a model, leads to incorrect implementation of the justification. There is a misunderstanding in the requirements analysis, and certain elements that should be considered in the model's design and development may be overlooked. Therefore, as an alternative method in the model development justification procedure, the fuzzy conjoint analysis method together with the triangular fuzzy number is used as a data analysis medium in the need assessment survey. As an implementation and evaluation of the FCNAM procedure, a need assessment survey involving 53 mathematics teachers was conducted to justify the need for the development of a student's mathematics problem-solving ability (SMPSA) measurement model. This procedure is proven to comply with the guideline need assessment, which is to successfully confirm gaps related to mathematics problem-solving ability, describe the perspective of teachers as users and practitioners of the proposed model and synthesize the level of development needs of the model involved. This paper contributes knowledge about the application of the triangular fuzzy number-based conjoint method in perception surveys and introduces a more effective model development justification procedure.
Spectrophotometric Determination and Biological Activity Study of Zn(II) using a Newly Synthesized Azo Reagent Derivative from 4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl) Imidazole
Authors: Radhi Esraa Rasool
Published: February 2024

A rapid and simple spectrophotometric method was submitted for Zn(II) determination using (E)-2-(4,5-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)-1H-imidazole-4-yl) diazenyl) benzoic acid as an analytical reagent. The suggested method is based on the chelation reaction between Zn(II) and the bidentate chelation ligand with a mole ratio of 1:2 (metal:ligand) with octahedral geometry. The maximum absorption of the formed violet complex was 560 nm, the linearity was in the concentration range of 0.5-15.0 µg mL-1. The relative standard deviation (n =10) was 0.149%. The interfering effect of diverse cations and anions was tested. To clarify the biological efficacy of the synthesized Zn(II) complex, an in vitro biological activity study was carried out against four kinds of bacterial strains, and the results showed promising inhibition activity.
Most odd-degree binary forms fail to primitively represent a square
Authors: Swaminathan Ashvin A.
Published: February 2024

Let $F$ be a separable integral binary form of odd degree $N \geq 5$. A result of Darmon and Granville known as ‘Faltings plus epsilon’ implies that the degree-$N$superelliptic equation$y^2 = F(x,z)$ has finitely many primitive integer solutions. In this paper, we consider the family $\mathscr {F}_N(f_0)$ of degree-$N$ superelliptic equations with fixed leading coefficient $f_0 \in \mathbb {Z} \smallsetminus \pm \mathbb {Z}^2$, ordered by height. For every sufficiently large $N$, we prove that among equations in the family $\mathscr {F}_N(f_0)$, more than $74.9\,\%$ are insoluble, and more than $71.8\,\%$ are everywhere locally soluble but fail the Hasse principle due to the Brauer–Manin obstruction. We further show that these proportions rise to at least $99.9\,\%$ and $96.7\,\%$, respectively, when $f_0$ has sufficiently many prime divisors of odd multiplicity. Our result can be viewed as a strong asymptotic form of ‘Faltings plus epsilon’ for superelliptic equations and constitutes an analogue of Bhargava's result that most hyperelliptic curves over $\mathbb {Q}$ have no rational points.
Bayesian approach for meta-analyses in biomedical research: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Santos Joseph Alvin , Riggi Emilia , Grant Robert , Ingale Samiksha , Bhaumik Soumyadeep , Di Tanna Gian Luca
Published: February 2024

Objective:

The overarching aim of this scoping review is to describe and analyze the scope of use and reporting of Bayesian methods in meta-analyses in biomedical research.

Introduction:

The Bayesian approach provides a powerful and flexible framework for meta-analysis, particularly suited for dealing with complex, sparse, or heterogeneous data. Due to these advantages and its appeal, Bayesian methods have been increasingly used in many areas of biomedical research; however, their use in meta-analysis remains scarce.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will include studies that used Bayesian methods for meta-analysis of primary studies in biomedical research.

Methods:

The proposed review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews will be searched to identify relevant full-text papers published since 2016 in English. No geographical restriction will be applied. Two reviewers will screen the articles and extract the data using a tool that will be pilot-tested and revised, as necessary. Analysis will involve frequency counts, narrative synthesis, and mapping concepts to propose an appropriate workflow. The details of the scoping review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guideline.

Review registration:

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/jenp4/
Atherosclerotic Calcifications Have a Local Effect on the Peel Behavior of Human Aortic Media
Authors: Donahue Carly L. , Badal Ruturaj M. , Younger Thomas S. , Guan Weihua , Tolkacheva Elena G. , Barocas Victor H.
Published: February 2024

Aortic dissections, characterized by the propagation of a tear through the layers of the vessel wall, are critical, life-threatening events. Aortic calcifications are a common comorbidity in both acute and chronic dissections, yet their impact on dissection mechanics remains unclear. Using micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging, peel testing, and finite element modeling, this study examines the interplay between atherosclerotic calcifications and dissection mechanics. Samples cut from cadaveric human thoracic aortas were micro-CT imaged and subsequently peel-tested to map peel tension curves to the location of aortic calcifications. Empirical mode decomposition separated peel tension curves into high and low-frequency components, with high-frequency effects corresponding to interlamellar bonding mechanics and low-frequency effects to peel tension fluctuations. Finally, we used an idealized finite element model to examine how stiff calcifications affect aortic failure mechanics. Results showed that atherosclerosis influences dissection behavior on multiple length scales. Experimentally, atherosclerotic samples exhibited higher peel tensions and greater variance in the axial direction. The variation was driven by increased amplitudes of low-frequency tension fluctuations in diseased samples, indicating that more catastrophic propagations occur near calcifications. The simulations corroborated this finding, suggesting that the low-frequency changes resulted from the presence of a stiff calcification in the vessel wall. There were also modifications to the high-frequency peel mechanics, a response likely attributable to alterations in the microstructure and interlamellar bonding within the media. Considered collectively, these findings demonstrate that dissection mechanics are modified in aortic media nearby and adjacent to aortic calcifications.
Redescription of Weiseronyssus mirus Samšiňák, 1962 (Mesostigmata: Diplogyniidae) from the larvae of Allomyrina dicohotoma (Coleoptera: Scarabaeids: Dynastinae)

Authors: Zhang Shuo , Seeman Owen D. , Xie Lixia , Yan Yi
Published: February 2024

This study provides an updated description of the type species of Weiseronyssus Samšiňák, W. mirus Samšiňák, with redescription of the female and male based on paratype slides and newly-collected mites. Specimens of W. mirus were collected in China from laboratory-reared Allomyrina dichotoma (Coleoptera: Scarabaeids: Dynastinae) larvae. A key to both sexes of Weiseronyssus species is provided.
Cold Ambient Temperature Does Not Alter Subcutaneous Abdominal Adipose Tissue Lipolysis and Blood Flow in Endurance-Trained Cyclists
Authors: Bach Christopher W. , Saracino Patrick G. , Baur Daniel A. , Willingham Brandon D. , Ruby Brent C. , Ormsbee Michael J.
Published: February 2024

This study sought to investigate the effect of cold ambient temperature on subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue (SCAAT) lipolysis and blood flow during steady-state endurance exercise in endurance-trained cyclists. Ten males (age: 23 ± 3 years; peak oxygen consumption: 60.60 ± 4.84 ml·kg−1·min−1; body fat: 18.4% ± 3.5%) participated in baseline lactate threshold (LT) and peak oxygen consumption testing, two familiarization trials, and two experimental trials. Experimental trials consisted of cycling in COLD (3 °C; 42% relative humidity) and neutral (NEU; 19 °C; 39% relative humidity) temperatures. Exercise consisted of 25 min cycling at 70% LT and 25 min at 90% LT. In situ SCAAT lipolysis and blood flow were measured via microdialysis. Heart rate, core temperature, carbohydrate and fat oxidation, blood glucose, and blood lactate were also measured. Heart rate, core temperature, oxygen consumption, and blood lactate increased with exercise but were not different between COLD and NEU. SCAAT blood flow did not change from rest to exercise or between COLD and NEU. Interstitial glycerol increased during exercise (p < .001) with no difference between COLD and NEU. Fat oxidation increased (p < .001) at the onset of exercise and remained elevated thereafter with no difference between COLD and NEU. Carbohydrate oxidation increased with increasing exercise intensity and was greater at 70% LT in COLD compared to NEU (p = .030). No differences were observed between conditions for any other variable. Cycling exercise increased SCAAT lipolysis but not blood flow. Ambient temperature did not alter SCAAT metabolism, SCAAT blood flow, or fat oxidation in well-trained cyclists, though cold exposure increased whole-body carbohydrate oxidation at lower exercise intensities.
In Other Journals
Authors: Ash Caroline , Yeston Jake S. , Kelly Priscilla N. , Ray L. Bryan , McCartney Melissa , Vignieri Sacha , Funk Michael A.
Published: February 2024

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature