bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heavy Metal Accumulation in Fruits and Vegetables and Human Health Risk Assessment: Findings From Maharashtra, India
Authors: Mawari Govind , Kumar Naresh , Sarkar Sayan , Daga Mradul Kumar , Singh Mongjam Meghachandra , Joshi Tushar Kant , Khan Naushad Ahmed
Published: August 2022

background:

Vegetables are consumed enormously by humans all over the world. Consumption of contaminated fruits and vegetables is the most likely route of heavy metal exposure. Hence, it is important to quantify heavy metal concentration in frequently consumed fruits and vegetables.

materials and methods:

The main aim of our study is to investigate heavy metal (Pb, Cd, As, and Hg) contamination in 24 different kinds of vegetables and fruits grown in the industrialized city of Solapur, Maharashtra, India. Potential health risks due to the consumption of fruits and vegetables were assessed. Heavy metal concentration and quality of native soil were also determined. Vegetable and fruit samples were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Agilent 7500.

results:

The mean concentrations of selected heavy metals in fruits and vegetables analyzed were: Lead (0.17 ± 0.38 mg/kg) > Mercury (0.06 ± 0.09 mg/kg) > Cadmium (0.02 ± 0.007 mg/kg) > Arsenic (0.002 ± 0.003 mg/kg). Among them, garlic showed the highest heavy metal accumulation followed by potato.

conclusion:

Overall, vegetables showed higher metal accumulations than fruits. Some vegetables showed alarming levels of human health risk indices such as the Metal Pollution Index (MPI), Health Risk Index (HRI) and Hazard Index (HI), suggesting that reducing the intake amount of these vegetables may lower the adverse health effects.
Warwick Blood (1947–2022): a journey in communication research
Authors: McCallum Kerry , Putnis Peter
Published: August 2022

Warwick Blood (1947–2022) was a leading Australian researcher in the field of Communication and Media Studies whose research focused on the role of the news media in framing public understanding of major social issues such as fear of crime, suicide and mental illness and community perceptions of risk. This article traverses Warwick's research career from his 1981 PhD on agenda setting to his later qualitative research using news frame analysis and ethnomethodology. Warwick's research is positioned within the history of Communication and Media Studies in Australia. We argue his work had a major impact on the practice of journalism and more generally on the study of health communication. His legacy was to forge a path in impactful, collaborative social research that has enabled the flowering of applied media studies and health communication research at a time of critical urgency in both public health and the media industries.
Understanding customer's online booking intentions using hotel big data analysis
Authors: Chalupa Stepan , Petricek Martin
Published: August 2022

The presented article focuses on the issue of customer segmentation in the hospitality industry and its use for price optimisation. To identify the market segments article uses the Two-Step cluster analysis. The analysis was based on the seven variables (length of stay, average room rate, distribution channel, reservation day, day of arrival, lead time and payment conditions). Six clusters were identified as following segments: Corporates, Early Bird Bookers, Last Minute Bookers, Product Seekers, Values Seekers and Last Minute Bookers. To optimise the price for these segments, article works with the coefficient of price elasticity of demand for the presented market segments. The price elasticity of demand is measured by the log-log regression analysis. Data were colected from the four-star hotel in Prague, Czech Republic and analysis is based on more than 9000 transactions. Last minute bookers segment was the only one with the positive coefficient of price elasticity and has the lowest value of lead time (9,27 in average). Product seekers have the highest coefficient of price elasticity (−3,413) and highest average room rate (3573 CZK in average). Early bird bookers, Long time stayers, Corporates and Value seekers was identified as pricely inelastic.
Increased Risk Donors Utilized in Lung Transplantation At A Single Center
Authors: Ander Erik H. , Kashem Abul , Zhao Huaqing , Montgomery Kelly , Sunagawa Gengo , Yanagida Roh , Shigemura Norihisa , Toyoda Yoshiya
Published: August 2022

Introduction: In 2013, the US Public Health Service (PHS) updated guidelines for high-risk donor organs and renamed the category increased risk. Project Aims: We compared survival of patients who received increased risk or non-increased risk donor lungs to determine if PHS designated increased risk donor lungs were an underutilized resource. Design: This retrospective cohort analysis compared survival and utilization rates of increased-risk and non-increased-risk donor lungs used in lung transplantation at a single institution over a period of 8 years (Feb-2012 through Mar-2020). Survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and compared by log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to analyze impact on survival of variables significantly associated with risk status, including recipient ethnicity, lung allocation score (LAS), donor age, year of transplant procedure, and lung transplant type. Results: Of 744 lung transplant recipients from February 2012 through March 2020, there were 192 (26%) recipients of increased risk designated lungs. In 2012 and 2013, 6% and 0% respectively of the lungs transplanted were increased risk labeled. After the PHS guidelines were nationally implemented in February 2014, the proportion of increased risk lung transplants rose to 7% (2014), 21% (2015), 27% (2016), 35% (2017), 28% (2018), 27% (2019), and 40% (January-March 2020). Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank test comparison showed no significant difference in survival between patients that received increased risk versus non-increased risk labeled lungs (P = 0.47). Conclusions: Our analysis suggested the 2013 PHS increased risk designation threatened underutilization of viable donor lungs, providing further support for the 2020 PHS changes.
Be There and Be Present: An Interorganizational Network to Improve School Attendance
Authors: Childs Joshua , Grooms Ain A.
Published: August 2022

This case study explores a county-wide initiative to improve school attendance through a successful network collaboration among organizations within Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The network was a collaboration between nonprofit, for-profit, governmental, and educational leaders who sought to raise awareness about the effects of chronic absenteeism on student outcomes. Educational leaders and, specifically, district and school level administrators are often navigating the different programs and interventions that could lead to improved student attendance, while also dealing with factors that are outside of their control. Educators studying this case will examine the reasons why students become chronically absent and strategies that factor in collective action to see improvement in attendance rates.
Intelligent Carom Billiards Assistive System for automatic solution path generation and actual path prediction with principal component analysis-based ball motion detection
Authors: Park Jung-kil , Park Jaebyung
Published: August 2022

This article proposes an Intelligent Carom Billiards Assistive System for a novice at Carom Billiards. Since a novice player is very difficult to find the solution paths of the cue ball, the ICBAS automatically calculates the solution paths for given ball configuration which is detected by a monocular vision and displays them in a guidance monitor. For rapid and systematically calculating the solution paths, the five and half system that is the most representative method in the field of billiard is implemented. In addition, the paths of the cue ball changed by the direction of the cue stick are predicted in real time and projected onto the pool table bed. By comparing the solution paths of the cue ball with the projected paths, a player can hit the cue ball easily and successfully. For automatically providing the solution paths and the predicted paths during billiard game, the ball movement is detected by the principal component analysis under linear motion constraints robustly against image noise, occlusion, and so on. Whenever all of the balls stop, both paths are newly calculated and provided for a player. For verifying the feasibility of the proposed Intelligent Carom Billiards Assistive System, the experiments are conducted with the real pool table.
Interventional cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: current applications, technology readiness level, and future perspectives
Authors: Rier Sophie C. , Vreemann Suzan , Nijhof Wouter H. , van Driel Vincent J.H.M. , van der Bilt Ivo A.C.
Published: August 2022

Background:

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) provides excellent temporal and spatial resolution, tissue characterization, and flow measurements. This enables major advantages when guiding cardiac invasive procedures compared with X-ray fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance. However, clinical implementation is limited due to limited availability of technological advancements in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible equipment. A systematic review of the available literature on past and present applications of interventional MR and its technology readiness level (TRL) was performed, also suggesting future applications.

Methods:

A structured literature search was performed using PubMed. Search terms were focused on interventional CMR, cardiac catheterization, and other cardiac invasive procedures. All search results were screened for relevance by language, title, and abstract. TRL was adjusted for use in this article, level 1 being in a hypothetical stage and level 9 being widespread clinical translation. The papers were categorized by the type of procedure and the TRL was estimated.

Results:

Of 466 papers, 117 papers met the inclusion criteria. TRL was most frequently estimated at level 5 meaning only applicable to in vivo animal studies. Diagnostic right heart catheterization and cavotricuspid isthmus ablation had the highest TRL of 8, meaning proven feasibility and efficacy in a series of humans.

Conclusion:

This article shows that interventional CMR has a potential widespread application although clinical translation is at a modest level with TRL usually at 5. Future development should be directed toward availability of MR-compatible equipment and further improvement of the CMR techniques. This could lead to increased TRL of interventional CMR providing better treatment.
Temporal processing deficit in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: An online assessment
Authors: Chan Agnes S , Ding Zihan , Lee Tsz-lok , Sze Sophia L , Yang Natalie S
Published: August 2022

Objective

Temporal processing deficits were found among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study aims to develop an online temporal processing assessment that can be conducted remotely, and the sensitivity of the test was assessed on a group of children with ADHD.

Methods

A total of 188 children were recruited, including 94 typically developing (TD) children, and 94 children with ADHD. The online assessment consists of two temporal-order judgment (TOJ) tasks. One task used tone pairs presented with two interstimulus intervals (ISIs) (305ms and 40ms). Another task used pairs of consonant-vowel (CV) syllables with 20 varying ISI levels. Participants were asked to determine the sequence of the sound pairs.

Results

The results showed that ADHD children were less accurate (ISI 305ms: M = 83.90%; ISI 40ms: M = 66.28%) than TD children (ISI 305ms: M = 89.36%; ISI 40ms: M = 77.16%) in the tone task. Similarly, ADHD children showed a higher ISI passing threshold ( M = 283.64ms) than TD children ( M = 199.76ms) and higher accuracy in the CV task. Hierarchical binary logistic regression suggested a model to predict ADHD children using accuracy in ISI 40ms in the tone task and ISI passing threshold in the CV task. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis yielded a sensitivity of 75.58% and a specificity of 51.11%.

Conclusion

ADHD children showed temporal processing deficits of both tones and CVs. The online assessment may be a valid tool for differentiating ADHD children from TD children.
Psychosocial Impact of Multiple Sclerosis on Couples: Relationship Between Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Communication of Both Partners
Authors: Busch Ada-Katrin , Fringer André
Published: August 2022

Background:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) influences the relationships of affected couples, whereby the disease-related stress can lead to a deterioration of communication. This, in turn, makes it difficult for the couples to cope successfully. To support couples affected by MS for coping with the disease, the first step in developing an intervention is to examine whether this situation also applies in the Swiss context.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the psychosocial situation of couples where 1 partner has MS, regarding anxiety, depression, and stress communication. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales (HADS-D) were used to assess depression and anxiety in both partners of 462 couples, while their stress communication was assessed using questions formulated according to the corresponding subscales of the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI). A comparison of the assessments of both partners was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. Furthermore, the relationship between their stress communication and the severity of anxiety and depression was calculated using Spearman’s rank correlation.

Results:

Life partners rated the stress communication of their partners with MS significantly higher than the partners with MS themselves. Moreover, life partners could not distinguish whether their partners with MS expressed a sense of burden or a need for support. These findings indicate that the stress communication skills of both partners show potential for optimization. Health status regarding depression and anxiety revealed the following: 34.2% of the persons with MS and 34% of their life partners experienced clinically high levels of anxiety (HADS-D/A ≥ 8.0), and 31.4% of those with MS and 20.2% of the life partners showed clinically high levels of depression (HADS-D/D ≥ 8.0).

Conclusion:

In the Swiss context, psychosocial intervention, which includes communication training for both partners, might be effective in improving the health status regarding depression and anxiety as well as the stress communication.
The Effects of Price Dispersion on Sales in the Automobile Industry: A Dynamic Panel Analysis
Authors: Chiu Ya-Ling , Du Jiangze , Wang Jying-Nan
Published: August 2022

Price dispersion is an important indicator of pricing strategy and market efficiency. However, the relationship between price dispersion and sales has not been explored, especially for durable goods such as automobiles. In this study, we use a unique data set from Autohome comprising the actual transaction prices of buyers to assess the extent of price dispersion in the new automobile market. Based on an empirical analysis of over 222,592 price observations for 59 vehicle models collected over a period of 48 months, we find that the percentage difference ( PD) and coefficient of variation ( CV) of new automobile transaction prices are 43.4% and 9.9%, respectively. In addition, the empirical results show that the price dispersions lower for non-sedan type, Chinese car brands, and produced by state-owned companies. We further investigate whether the increase in the price dispersion of a new automobile has a positive impact on automobile sales using a multiple quadratic regression model. The findings show that price dispersion has positively impact of sales. More interestingly, negative quadratic effects are observed, indicating a concave-down-increasing relationship between price dispersion and sales. This implies that an extreme price dispersion is less helpful than a moderate price dispersion. These findings advance knowledge of consumer buying behavior and seller pricing strategies, with important theoretical contributions and practical implications for automobile companies.
Factors associated with the expansion of leishmaniasis in urban areas: a systematic and bibliometric review (1959–2021)
Authors: Borges Marília Schutz , Niero Luana Budny , da Rosa Laíse Dimer Sant’ana , Citadini-Zanette Vanilde , Elias Guilherme Alves , Amaral Patrícia de Aguiar
Published: August 2022

This work describes a systematic and bibliometric review of the factors that contribute to the expansion of leishmaniasis in urban areas. Three scientific databases were used: Scientific Electronic Library (Sci ELO), Scopus and Web of Science, encompassing all original and review articles between 1959 and 2021. Three descriptors were used: “leishmaniasis” AND “urban” AND “rural.” Planning, execution, summarization, and selection processes were performed using StArt ( State of the Art through Systematic Review) software. We obtained a total of 304 articles, 60 of which concerned canine leishmaniasis. The factors associated with the expansion of leishmaniasis in urban areas are interrelated, including socioenvironmental and economic complexity, the type of leishmaniasis, the reservoirs, vectors, deforestation, disorderly occupation of space, poor sanitary conditions, and human migration trends. A lack of diagnosis and underreporting of cases in some regions may reflect the increase of cases seen in urban areas. A majority ( n = 121) of studies were conducted in Brazil, followed by Iran ( n = 43). In relation to publications; in general, output has increased over the years, particularly in 2021. The majority of published studies were in the area of epidemiology ( n = 158).
Normalization of cerebral hemodynamics after hematopoietic stem cell transplant in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Hulbert Monica L. , Fields Melanie E. , Guilliams Kristin P. , Bijlani Priyesha , Shenoy Shalini , Fellah Slim , Towerman Alison S. , Binkley Michael M. , McKinstry Robert C. , Shimony Joshua S. , Chen Yasheng , Eldeniz Cihat , Ragan Dustin K. , Vo Katie , An Hongyu , Lee Jin-Moo , Ford Andria L.
Published: August 2022

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) demonstrate cerebral hemodynamic stress and are at high risk of strokes. We hypothesized that curative hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) normalizes cerebral hemodynamics in children with SCD compared with pre-transplant baseline. Whole-brain cerebral blood flow (CBF) and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF) were measured by magnetic resonance imaging 1 to 3 months before and 12 to 24 months after HSCT in 10 children with SCD. Three children had prior overt strokes, 5 children had prior silent strokes, and 1 child had abnormal transcranial Doppler ultrasound velocities. CBF and OEF of HSCT recipients were compared with non-SCD control participants and with SCD participants receiving chronic red blood cell transfusion therapy (CRTT) before and after a scheduled transfusion. Seven participants received matched sibling donor HSCT, and 3 participants received 8 out of 8 matched unrelated donor HSCT. All received reduced-intensity preparation and maintained engraftment, free of hemolytic anemia and SCD symptoms. Pre-transplant, CBF (93.5 mL/100 g/min) and OEF (36.8%) were elevated compared with non-SCD control participants, declining significantly 1 to 2 years after HSCT (CBF, 72.7 mL/100 g per minute; P = .004; OEF, 27.0%; P = .002), with post-HSCT CBF and OEF similar to non-SCD control participants. Furthermore, HSCT recipients demonstrated greater reduction in CBF (−19.4 mL/100 g/min) and OEF (−8.1%) after HSCT than children with SCD receiving CRTT after a scheduled transfusion (CBF, −0.9 mL/100 g/min; P = .024; OEF, −3.3%; P = .001). Curative HSCT normalizes whole-brain hemodynamics in children with SCD. This restoration of cerebral oxygen reserve may explain stroke protection after HSCT in this high-risk patient population.
Epidemiology of distal radius fractures: a detailed survey on a large sample of patients in a suburban area
Authors: Candela V. , Di Lucia P. , Carnevali C. , Milanese A. , Spagnoli A. , Villani C. , Gumina Stefano
Published: August 2022

Background

Literature lacks data on correlations between epidemiology and clinical data of patients with distal radius fractures (DRFs).

Aim

The aim of this study was to present a detailed epidemiologic survey of a large consecutive series of patient with DRFs.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective study included 827 consecutive patients (579 females, 248 men) who sustained a DRFs in the last 5 years. All fractures were radiographically evaluated. DRFs were classified according to Association of Osteosynthesis classification. Data on age, gender, side, period in which fracture occurred, and fracture mechanism were collected. Statistical analysis was performed.

Results

The patients’ mean age was 60.23 [standard deviation (SD) 16.65] years, with the left side being most frequently involved (56.1%). The mean age of females at the time of fracture was significantly higher than that of males.

The most frequent pattern of fracture was the complete articular fracture (64.3%), while the most represented fracture type was 2R3A2.2 (21.5%). Regarding the period in which the fracture occurred, 305 DRFs (37.5%) were observed in the warmer months and 272 (33.4%) in the colder months. Low-energy trauma occurring outside home was found to be the major cause of DRF throughout the year.

In both genders, trauma mechanism 2 was more frequent (59.4% F; 31.9% M; p < 0.01).

A bimodal distribution of fracture mechanisms was found in males when considering the patient’s age with a high-energy mechanism of fracture (3 and 4), identified in 21% (n = 52) of males aged 18–45 years, and a low-energy mechanism (1 and 2) was observed in 39.9% (n = 99) of males aged > 45 years. A significant correlation between all trauma mechanisms (from 1 to 6) and different fracture patterns (complete, partial, and extraarticular) was found (p value < 0.001). The mean age of patients with extraarticular fractures (mean age 61.75 years; SD 18.18 years) was higher than that of those with complete (mean age 59.84 years; SD 15.67 years) and partial fractures (mean age 55.26 years; SD 18.31 years). Furthermore, considering different fracture patterns and patient age groups, a statistically significant difference was found (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

DRFs have a higher prevalence in females, an increase in incidence with older age, and no seasonal predisposition. Low-energy trauma occurring at home is the main cause of fracture among younger males sustaining fractures after sports trauma; Complete articular is the most frequent fracture pattern, while 2R3A2.2 is most frequent fracture type.

Level of evidence

Level IV; case series; descriptive epidemiology study.
Crowdsourced benchmarking of taxonomic metagenome profilers: lessons learned from the sbv IMPROVER Microbiomics challenge
Authors: Poussin Carine , Khachatryan Lusine , Sierro Nicolas , Narsapuram Vijay Kumar , Meyer Fernando , Kaikala Vinay , Chawla Vandna , Muppirala Usha , Kumar Sunil , Belcastro Vincenzo , Battey James N. D. , Scotti Elena , Boué Stéphanie , McHardy Alice C. , Peitsch Manuel C. , Ivanov Nikolai V. , Hoeng Julia
Published: August 2022

Background

Selection of optimal computational strategies for analyzing metagenomics data is a decisive step in determining the microbial composition of a sample, and this procedure is complex because of the numerous tools currently available. The aim of this research was to summarize the results of crowdsourced sbv IMPROVER Microbiomics Challenge designed to evaluate the performance of off-the-shelf metagenomics software as well as to investigate the robustness of these results by the extended post-challenge analysis. In total 21 off-the-shelf taxonomic metagenome profiling pipelines were benchmarked for their capacity to identify the microbiome composition at various taxon levels across 104 shotgun metagenomics datasets of bacterial genomes (representative of various microbiome samples) from public databases. Performance was determined by comparing predicted taxonomy profiles with the gold standard.

Results

Most taxonomic profilers performed homogeneously well at the phylum level but generated intermediate and heterogeneous scores at the genus and species levels, respectively. kmer-based pipelines using Kraken with and without Bracken or using CLARK-S performed best overall, but they exhibited lower precision than the two marker-gene-based methods MetaPhlAn and mOTU. Filtering out the 1% least abundance species—which were not reliably predicted—helped increase the performance of most profilers by increasing precision but at the cost of recall. However, the use of adaptive filtering thresholds determined from the sample’s Shannon index increased the performance of most kmer-based profilers while mitigating the tradeoff between precision and recall.

Conclusions

kmer-based metagenomic pipelines using Kraken/Bracken or CLARK-S performed most robustly across a large variety of microbiome datasets. Removing non-reliably predicted low-abundance species by using diversity-dependent adaptive filtering thresholds further enhanced the performance of these tools. This work demonstrates the applicability of computational pipelines for accurately determining taxonomic profiles in clinical and environmental contexts and exemplifies the power of crowdsourcing for unbiased evaluation.
Soil fungal communities show more specificity than bacteria for plant species composition in a temperate forest in China
Authors: Chen Yun , Xi Jingjing , Xiao Man , Wang Senlin , Chen Wenju , Liu Fengqin , Shao Yizhen , Yuan Zhiliang
Published: August 2022

Background

Soil microbiome is an important part of the forest ecosystem and participates in forest ecological restoration and reconstruction. Niche differentiation with respect to resources is a prominent hypothesis to account for the maintenance of species diversity in forest ecosystems. Resource-based niche differentiation has driven ecological specialization. Plants influence soil microbial diversity and distribution by affecting the soil environment. However, with the change in plant population type, whether the distribution of soil microbes is random or follows an ecologically specialized manner remains to be further studied. We characterized the soil microbiome (bacteria and fungi) in different plant populations to assess the effects of phytophysiognomy on the distribution patterns of soil microbial communities in a temperate forest in China.

Results

Our results showed that the distribution of most soil microbes in different types of plant populations is not random but specialized in these temperate forests. The distribution patterns of bacteria and fungi were related to the composition of plant communities. Fungal species (32%) showed higher specialization than bacterial species (15%) for different types of plant populations. Light was the main driving factor of the fungal community, and soil physicochemical factors were the main driving factor of the bacterial community.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that ecological specialization is important in maintaining local diversity in soil microbial communities in this forest. Fungi are more specialized than bacteria in the face of changes in plant population types. Changes in plant community composition could have important effects on soil microbial communities by potentially influencing the stability and stress resistance of forest ecosystems.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiling of flavonoid biosynthesis provides novel insights into petals coloration in Asian cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.)
Authors: Xing Aishuang , Wang Xiaoyang , Nazir Mian Faisal , Zhang Xiaomeng , Wang Xiuxiu , Yang Ru , Chen Baojun , Fu Guoyong , Wang Jingjing , Ge Hao , Peng Zhen , Jia Yinhua , He Shoupu , Du Xiongming
Published: August 2022

Background

Asian cotton (Gossypium arboreum L.), as a precious germplasm resource of cotton with insect resistance and stress tolerance, possesses a broad spectrum of phenotypic variation related to pigmentation. Flower color affects insect pollination and the ornamental value of plants. Studying flower color of Asian cotton varieties improves the rate of hybridization and thus enriches the diversity of germplasm resources. Meanwhile, it also impacts the development of the horticultural industry. Unfortunately, there is a clear lack of studies concerning intricate mechanisms of cotton flower-color differentiation. Hereby, we report an integrative approach utilizing transcriptome and metabolome concerning flower color variation in three Gossypium arboreum cultivars.

Results

A total of 215 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified, including 83 differentially accumulated flavonoids (DAFs). Colorless kaempferol was more abundant in white flowers, while gossypetin-fer showed specificity in white flowers. Quercetin and gossypetin were the main contributors to yellow petal formation. Pelargonidin 3-O-beta-D-glucoside and cyanidin-3-O-(6''-Malonylglucoside) showed high accumulation levels in purple petals. Quercetin and gossypetin pigments also promoted purple flower coloration. Moreover, 8178 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by RNA sequencing. The correlation results between total anthocyanins and DEGs were explored, indicating that 10 key structural genes and 29 transcription factors promoted anthocyanin biosynthesis and could be candidates for anthocyanin accumulation. Ultimately, we constructed co-expression networks of key DAFs and DEGs and demonstrated the interactions between specific metabolites and transcripts in different color flowers.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of cotton flower color and lays a potential foundation for generate cotton varieties with highly attractive flowers for pollinators.
Predictive factors of acute sensorineural hearing loss in adult Japanese patients for clinical application by primary care doctors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Miwa Toru , Yamaguchi Tomoya , Kita Shin-ichiro , Osaka Kazuto , Kanai Rie , Maetani Toshiki , Kanemaru Shin-ichi
Published: August 2022

Background

Several methods are used for hearing loss screening; however, their benefits are uncertain. In this study, we aimed to determine the predictive factors of acute sensorineural hearing loss for clinical application by primary care doctors.

Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 365 patients with acute sensorineural hearing loss without prior therapy. The patients’ clinical data, demographic information, and medical histories were obtained, and they were asked about comorbidities. In addition, we assessed lifestyle factors such as stress level, alcohol consumption, marital status, and socioeconomic level. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the diagnostic predictive ability of the selected factors associated with acute sensorineural hearing loss. The hearing levels of all patients were evaluated using pure tone audiometry.

Results

We identified significant predictive factors for acute sensorineural hearing loss. The absence of hyperacusis was a predictive factor for sudden sensorineural hearing loss. Younger age, female sex, and marital status were predictive factors for acute low-tone hearing loss. High body mass index, high socioeconomic level, low alcohol consumption, high stress level, hyperacusis, and vertigo/dizziness were predictive factors for Ménière’s disease. High body mass index and ear fullness were predictive factors for perilymph fistula. Low stress level was a predictive factor for acoustic tumours.

Conclusions

Our findings can be used to distinguish between the types of acute sensorineural hearing loss. Symptoms, physical status, and lifestyle factors identified during this study are useful markers for predicting acute sensorineural hearing loss occurrence.
Intimate partner violence and its association with skilled birth attendance among women in Nigeria: evidence from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Imo Chukwuechefulam Kingsley , Ugwu Nnebechukwu Henry , Ukoji Ukoji Vitalis , Isiugo-Abanihe Uche Charlie
Published: August 2022

Background

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has been identified as a violation of human rights and a major public health challenge. IPV against women has negative effects on women’s mental well-being and leads to unfavourable health outcomes through poor maternal healthcare services utilisation, especially skilled birth attendance (SBA). This study examined the trends in IPV and SBA, as well as the different forms of IPV as predictors of SBA in Nigeria.

Methods

Data for the study were derived from a nationally representative weighted sample of 34,294 women selected and interviewed for the questions on the domestic violence module in the three consecutive Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in 2008, 2013 and 2018. Descriptive and analytical analyses were carried out, including frequency distribution and binary logistic regression model at the multivariate level. The results of the explanatory variables were expressed as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The prevalence of emotional and physical IPV among the sampled women decreased in 2013 from 2008 but later increased in 2018. Sexual IPV increased from 4.1% in 2008 to 7.6% in 2018, while births delivered with the assistance of skilled providers increased from 37.7% in 2008 to 50.8% in 2018. The likelihood of using SBA significantly decreased among women who experienced emotional IPV in 2008 (aOR: 0.74; CI: 0.63–0.87) and sexual IPV in 2018 (aOR: 0.62; CI: 0.45–0.86). Women who experienced physical IPV were more likely to use SBA in 2008, 2013 and 2018 (aOR: 1.72; CI: 1.55–1.92; aOR: 1.40; CI: 1.26–1.56 and aOR: 1.33; CI: 1.15–1.54, respectively). The covariates have varying degrees of influence on SBA across the survey years.

Conclusions

The showed that the prevalence of emotional and physical IPV increased in 2018 after a decrease in 2013, with an increase in sexual IPV and the use of SBA across the survey years. Also, emotional and sexual IPV, unlike physical IPV are associated with low chances of using SBA. There is a need for more pragmatic intervention programmes towards eliminating all forms of violence against all women, reducing maternal and child mortality and promoting the empowerment of women.
Plectin promotes tumor formation by B16 mouse melanoma cells via regulation of Rous sarcoma oncogene activity
Authors: Mizuta Kana , Matsubara Takuma , Goto Akino , Addison William N. , Nakatomi Mitsushiro , Matsuo Kou , Tada-Shigeyama Yukiyo , Yaginuma Tatsuki , Honda Hiromi , Yoshioka Izumi , Kokabu Shoichiro
Published: August 2022

Background

Melanoma is a malignant tumor characterized by high proliferation and aggressive metastasis. To address the molecular mechanisms of the proto-oncogene, Rous sarcoma oncogene (Src), which is highly activated and promotes cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and metastasis in melanoma. Plectin, a cytoskeletal protein, has recently been identified as a Src-binding protein that regulates Src activity in osteoclasts. Plectin is a candidate biomarker of certain tumors because of its high expression and the target of anti-tumor reagents such as ruthenium pyridinecarbothioamide. The molecular mechanisms by which plectin affects melanoma is still unclear. In this study, we examined the role of plectin in melanoma tumor formation.

Methods

We used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to knock-out plectin in B16 mouse melanoma cells. Protein levels of plectin and Src activity were examined by western blotting analysis. In vivo tumor formation was assessed by subcutaneous injection of B16 cells into nude mice and histological analysis performed after 2 weeks by Hematoxylin-Eosin (H&E) staining. Cell proliferation was evaluated by direct cell count, cell counting kit-8 assays, cyclin D1 mRNA expression and Ki-67 immunostaining. Cell aggregation and adhesion were examined by spheroid formation, dispase-based dissociation assay and cell adhesion assays.

Results

In in vivo tumor formation assays, depletion of plectin resulted in low-density tumors with large intercellular spaces. In vitro experiments revealed that plectin-deficient B16 cells exhibit reduced cell proliferation and reduced cell-to-cell adhesion. Since Src activity is reduced in plectin-deficient melanomas, we examined the relationship between plectin and Src signaling. Src overexpression in plectin knockout B16 cells rescued cell proliferation and improved cell-to-cell adhesion and cell to extracellular matrix adhesion.

Conclusion

These results suggest that plectin plays critical roles in tumor formation by promoting cell proliferation and cell-to-cell adhesion through Src signaling activity in melanoma cells.
Economic burden of major depressive disorder: a case study in Southern Iran
Authors: Keshavarz Khosro , Hedayati Arvin , Rezaei Mojtaba , Goudarzi Zahra , Moghimi Ebrahim , Rezaee Mehdi , Lotfi Farhad
Published: August 2022

Background

Depression disorders are a leading cause of disability in the world which imposes a significant economic burden on patients and societies The present study aimed to determine the economic burden of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) on the patients referred to the reference psychiatric single-specialty hospitals in southern Iran in 2020.

Methods

This cross-sectional research is a partial economic evaluation and a cost-of-illness study conducted in southern Iran in 2020. A total of 563 patients were enrolled through the census method, and a researcher-made data collection form was used to gather the required information. The prevalence-based and the bottom-up approaches were also used to collect the cost information and calculate the costs, respectively. The data on direct medical, direct non-medical, and indirect costs were obtained using the information in the patients’ medical records and insurance bills as well as their self-reports or those of their companions. To calculate the indirect costs, the human capital approach was used as well.

Results

The results showed that the annual cost of MDD was $ 2717.41 Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) (USD 2026.13) per patient in 2020. Direct medical costs accounted for the largest share of the costs (73.68%), of which hoteling and regular beds expenses were the highest (57.70% of the total direct medical costs). The shares of direct non-medical and indirect costs were 7.52 and 18.80%, respectively, and the economic burden of the disease in the country was estimated at $7,120,456,596 PPP (USD 5,309,088,699).

Conclusion

In general, due to the high prevalence of MDD and the chronicity of the disease, the costs of its treatment can impose a heavy economic burden on the society, healthcare system, insurance system, and the patients themselves. Therefore, it is suggested that health policymakers and managers should take appropriate measures to increase the basic and supplemental insurance coverage of these patients. In addition, in order to reduce the costs, proper and equitable distribution of psychiatrists and psychiatric beds, expansion of home care services, and use of Internet-based technologies and the cyberspace to follow up the treatment of these patients are recommended.
Knowledge and understanding risk factors and preventive measures for osteoporosis in women: results of a survey in 502 women with and without a migration background
Authors: Taghvaei Reza , Dimitrova Desislava , Karaman Murat , Sehouli Jalid
Published: August 2022

Background

Osteoporosis is a disease of the skeletal system associated with loss of bone mass and an increased risk of fractures affecting women more often than men. Identification of the knowledge about osteoporosis and its preventive methods is the backbone of any awareness program. This study investigates the knowledge with a special focus on women with and without a migration background.

Methods

Data from systematic patient interviews based on a questionnaire were collected at three different sites in Berlin between February and June 2021. The survey included questions assessing migrant background, demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits including physical exercise and smoking, prevention by vitamin D intake and bone densitometry, and information on personal and family medical history. According to the responses, a scale was created to assess the level of knowledge of preventive osteoporosis measures. The ethic committee of the Charité, Medical faculty has approved this study. SPSS (version 24.0) was used for the statistical analyses.

Results

The survey of 502 female patients revealed that 25% had low and 34% no previous knowledge of osteoporosis. Older age and a better education level correlate with a higher knowledge. Patients with gynecologic cancer are less well informed. There is a significant difference in vitamin D intake between migrant and non-migrant women (57% vs. 49%). There were no significant differences regarding the use of bone densitometry.

Conclusion

Knowledge of osteoporosis and the possibility of a bone densitometry as well as the implementation of preventive measures is low among women. Therefore, informing patients better should be a priority, with particular attention on the risks and needs of women with a migration background. Specific programs for women with and without migration background should be developed to increase the awareness of osteoporosis.
Maternal and child health data quality in health care facilities at the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana
Authors: Lasim Obed Uwumbornyi , Ansah Edward Wilson , Apaak Daniel
Published: August 2022

Background

The demand for quality maternal and child health (MCH) data is critical for tracking progress towards attainment of the Sustainable Development Goal 3. However, MCH cannot be adequately monitored where health data are inaccurate, incomplete, untimely, or inconsistent. Thus, this study assessed the level of MCH data quality.

Method

A facility-based cross-sectional study design was adopted, including a review of MCH service records. It was a stand-alone study involving 13 healthcare facilities of different levels that provided MCH services in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Data quality was assessed using the dimensions of accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and consistency. Health facilities registers were counted, collated, and compared with data on aggregate monthly forms, and a web-based data collation and reporting system, District Health Information System (DHIS2). The aggregate monthly forms were also compared with data in the DHIS2. Eight MCH variables were selected to assess data accuracy and consistency and two monthly reports were used to assess completeness and timeliness. Percentages and verification factor were estimated in the SPSS version 22 package.

Results

Data accuracy were recorded between the data sources: Registers and Forms, 102.1% (95% CI = 97.5%—106.7%); Registers and DHIS2, 102.4% (95% CI = 94.4%—110.4%); and Forms and DHIS2, 100.1% (95% CI = 96.4%—103.9%). Across the eight MCH variables, data were 93.2% (95% CI = 82.9%—103.5%) complete in Registers, 91.0% (95% CI = 79.5%—102.5%) in the Forms, and 94.9% (95% CI = 89.9%—99.9%) in DHIS2 database. On the average, 87.2% (95% CI = 80.5%—93.9%) of the facilities submitted their Monthly Midwife’s Returns reports on time, and Monthly Vaccination Report was 94% (95% CI = 89.3%—97.3%). The overall average data consistency was 93% (95% CI = 84%—102%).

Conclusion

Given the WHO standard for data quality, the level of MCH data quality in the health care facilities at the Cape Coast Metropolis, available through the DHIS2 is complete, reported on timely manner, consistent, and reflect accurately what exist in facility’s source document. Although there is evidence that data quality is good, there is still room for improvement in the quality of the data.
The emerging role of skeletal muscle as a modulator of lipid profile the role of exercise and nutrition
Authors: Nomikos Tzortzis , Methenitis Spyridon , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B
Published: August 2022

The present article aims to discuss the hypothesis that skeletal muscle per se but mostly its muscle fiber composition could be significant determinants of lipid metabolism and that certain exercise modalities may improve metabolic dyslipidemia by favorably affecting skeletal muscle mass, fiber composition and functionality. It discusses the mediating role of nutrition, highlights the lack of knowledge on mechanistic aspects of this relationship and proposes possible experimental directions in this field.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Fufang-Zhenzhu-Tiaozhi capsule prevents renal injury in diabetic minipigs with coronary heart disease
Authors: Song Lixia , Wang Ke , Yin Jianying , Yang Yiqi , Li Bo , Zhang Dongxing , Wang Hong , Wang Weixuan , Zhan Wenjing , Guo Caijuan , Gu Zhanhui , Wang Lexun , Zeng Zhihuan , Bei Weijian , Rong Xianglu , Guo Jiao
Published: August 2022

Background

Renal injury is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes, known as diabetic kidney disease (DKD) seriously threatening human health. Previous research has reported that the Chinese Medicine Fufang-Zhenzhu-Tiaozhi (FTZ) capsule protected myocardia from injury in diabetic minipigs with coronary heart disease (DM-CHD). And we found significant renal injury in the minipigs. Therefore, we further investigated whether FTZ prevents renal injury of DM-CHD minipig and H2O2-induced oxidative injury of HK-2 cells.

Methods

DM-CHD model was established by streptozotocin injection, high fat/high-sucrose/high-cholesterol diet combined with balloon injury in the coronary artery. Blood lipid profile, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and SOD were measured with kits. The levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), urine trace albumin (UALB), urine creatinine (UCR) (calculate UACR), cystatin (Cys-C), and β-microglobulin (β-MG) were measured by ELISA kits to evaluate renal function. TUNEL assay was performed to observe the apoptosis. qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of HO-1, NQO1, and SOD in kidney tissue. The protein expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase 3 in the kidney tissue and HK-2 cells were detected by western blot. Meanwhile, HK-2 cells were induced by H2O2to establish an oxidative stress injury model to verify the protective effect and mechanisms of FTZ.

Results

In DM-CHD minipigs, blood lipid profile and FBG were elevated significantly, and the renal function was decreased with the increase of BUN, Scr, UACR, Cys-c, and β-MG. A large number of inflammatory and apoptotic cells in the kidney were observed accompanied with lower levels of SOD, Bcl-2, Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, but high levels of Bax and Cleaved-caspase 3. FTZ alleviated glucose-lipid metabolic disorders and the pathological morphology of the kidney. The renal function was improved and the apoptotic cells were reduced by FTZ administration. FTZ could also enhance the levels of SOD, Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 proteins to promote antioxidant effect, down-regulate the expression of Bax and Caspase3, as well as up-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 to inhibit cell apoptosis in the kidney tissue and HK-2 cells.

Conclusions

We concluded that FTZ prevents renal injury of DM-CHD through activating anti-oxidative capacity to reduce apoptosis and inhibiting inflammation, which may be a new candidate for DKD treatment.

Graphical Abstract