bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic and biochemical strategies for regulation of L-ascorbic acid biosynthesis in plants through the L-galactose pathway
Authors: Castro Juan C. , Castro Carlos G. , Cobos Marianela
Published: March 2023

Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid, AsA) is an essential compound with pleiotropic functions in many organisms. Since its isolation in the last century, AsA has attracted the attention of the scientific community, allowing the discovery of the L-galactose pathway, which is the main pathway for AsA biosynthesis in plants. Thus, the aim of this review is to analyze the genetic and biochemical strategies employed by plant cells for regulating AsA biosynthesis through the L-galactose pathway. In this pathway, participates eight enzymes encoded by the genes PMI, PMM, GMP, GME, GGP, GPP, GDH, and GLDH. All these genes and their encoded enzymes have been well characterized, demonstrating their participation in AsA biosynthesis. Also, have described some genetic and biochemical strategies that allow its regulation. The genetic strategy includes regulation at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In the first one, it was demonstrated that the expression levels of the genes correlate directly with AsA content in the tissues/organs of the plants. Also, it was proved that these genes are light-induced because they have light-responsive promoter motifs (e.g., ATC, I-box, GT1 motif, etc.). In addition, were identified some transcription factors that function as activators (e.g., SlICE1, AtERF98, SlHZ24, etc.) or inactivators (e.g., SlL1L4, ABI4, SlNYYA10) regulate the transcription of these genes. In the second one, it was proved that some genes have alternative splicing events and could be a mechanism to control AsA biosynthesis. Also, it was demonstrated that a conserved cis-acting upstream open reading frame (5’-uORF) located in the 5’-untranslated region of the GGP gene induces its post-transcriptional repression. Among the biochemical strategies discovered is the control of the enzyme levels (usually by decreasing their quantities), control of the enzyme catalytic activity (by increasing or decreasing its activity), feedback inhibition of some enzymes (GME and GGP), subcellular compartmentation of AsA, the metabolon assembly of the enzymes, and control of AsA biosynthesis by electron flow. Together, the construction of this basic knowledge has been establishing the foundations for generating genetically improved varieties of fruits and vegetables enriched with AsA, commonly used in animal and human feed.
Targeting market segment needs with public-good crop breeding investments: A case study with potato and sweetpotato focused on poverty alleviation, nutrition and gender
Authors: Ojwang Sylvester Okoth , Okello Julius Juma , Otieno David Jakinda , Mutiso Janet Mwende , Lindqvist-Kreuze Hannele , Coaldrake Peter , Mendes Thiago , Andrade Maria , Sharma Neeraj , Gruneberg Wolfgang , Makunde Godwill , Ssali Reuben , Yada Benard , Mayanja Sarah , Polar Vivian , Oloka Bonny , Chelangat Doreen M. , Ashby Jacqueline , Hareau Guy , Campos Hugo
Published: March 2023

Crop breeding programs have often focused on the release of new varieties that target yield improvement to achieve food security and reduce poverty. While continued investments in this objective are justified, there is a need for breeding programs to be increasingly more demand-driven and responsive to the changing customer preferences and population dynamics. This paper analyses the responsiveness of global potato and sweetpotato breeding programs pursued by the International Potato Center (CIP) and its partners to three major development indicators: poverty, malnutrition and gender. The study followed a seed product market segmentation blueprint developed by the Excellence in Breeding platform (EiB) to identify, describe, and estimate the sizes of the market segments at subregional levels. We then estimated the potential poverty and nutrition impacts of investments in the respective market segments. Further, we employed the G+ tools involving multidisciplinary workshops to evaluate the gender-responsiveness of the breeding programs. Our analysis reveals that future investments in breeding programs will achieve greater impacts by developing varieties for market segments and pipelines that have more poor rural people, high stunting rates among children, anemia prevalence among women of reproductive age, and where there is high vitamin A deficiency. In addition, breeding strategies that reduce gender inequality and enhance appropriate change of gender roles (hence gender transformative) are also required.
Analysis of anthocyanins and total flavonoids content in functional rice and its recombination inbred lines
Authors: Zhou Xinyi , Xie Wei , Jing Hao , Fu Junru , Li Maomao , Bian Jianmin , Xu Jie , Cai Yicong , He Haohua , Zhou Dahu
Published: March 2023

Anthocyanin is one of the flavonoids, which has strong antioxidant properties. Functional rice rich in anthocyanins can not only improve immunity, but also anti-radiation, beauty, anti-aging effect, very popular in the market. In this study, we used Zibaoxiangnuo 1 (ZBXN 1), a functional rice variety which is rich in total flavonoids and anthocyanins, as the experimental material to construct Recombination Inbred Lines (RILs) with Minghui63 (MH63), a variety without anthocyanins. The contents of anthocyanins and total flavonoids of RILs and two parents were determined for three consecutive generations. The average anthocyanin content of parent ZBXN 1 was 319.31 mg/kg, and the anthocyanin inheritance of RIL population was relatively stable, with 10 samples higher than ZBXN 1. In addition, there was no significant difference in the total flavonoids content between the two parents, the total flavonoids content of Z25 in RIL population was 0.33%. Based on these studies, we believe that ZBXN 1 has abundant and stable anthocyanins, which can be used as an intermediate breeding material for breeding high-quality varieties with high anthocyanins, and lay a foundation for breeding more anthocyanin-rich rice varieties.
Bactericidal and plant defense elicitation activities of Eucalyptus oil decrease the severity of infections by Xylella fastidiosa on almond plants
Authors: Montesinos Laura , Baró Aina , Gascón Beatriz , Montesinos Emilio
Published: March 2023

The activity of Eucalyptus essential oil against eleven strains pertaining to six species of plant pathogenic bacteria was studied using growth inhibition and contact assays. All strains were susceptible to the formulation EGL2, and Xylella fastidiosa subspecies and Xanthomonas fragariae were the most sensitive. The bactericidal effect was strong causing 4.5 to 6.0 log reductions in survival in 30 min at concentrations in the range of 0.75 to 15.0 μl/ml depending on the bacteria tested. Transmission electron microscopy of the formulation EGL2 against the three X. fastidiosa subspecies studied allowed the observation of a strong lytic effect on bacterial cells. In addition, the preventive spray application of EGL2 to potted pear plants subsequently inoculated with Erwinia amylovora significantly decreased the severity of infections. Almond plants treated by endotherapy or soil drenching, and then inoculated with X. fastidiosa showed a significant decrease in disease severity as well as in the levels of the pathogen, depending on the strategy used (endotherapy/soil drenching, preventive/curative). The treatment by endotherapy in almond plants induced the expression of several genes involved in plant defense. It was concluded that the reduction of infections by the Eucalyptus oil treatments was due to the combination of its bactericidal and plant defense induction activities.
Drought stress in ‘Shine Muscat’ grapevine: Consequences and a novel mitigation strategy–5-aminolevulinic acid
Authors: Yang Yuxian , Xia Jiaxin , Fang Xiang , Jia Haoran , Wang Xicheng , Lin Yiling , Liu Siyu , Ge Mengqing , Pu Yunfeng , Fang Jinggui , Shangguan Lingfei
Published: March 2023

Drought is a common and serious abiotic stress in viticulture, and it is urgent to select effective measures to alleviate it. The new plant growth regulator 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) has been utilized to alleviate abiotic stresses in agriculture in recent years, which provided a novel idea to mitigate drought stress in viticulture. The leaves of ‘Shine Muscat’ grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) seedlings were treated with drought (Dro), drought plus 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA, 50 mg/L) (Dro_ALA) and normal watering (Control) to clarify the regulatory network used by ALA to alleviate drought stress in grapevine. Physiological indicators showed that ALA could effectively reduce the accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and increase the activities of peroxidase (POD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in grapevine leaves under drought stress. At the end of treatment (day 16), the MDA content in Dro_ALA was reduced by 27.63% compared with that in Dro, while the activities of POD and SOD reached 2.97- and 5.09-fold of those in Dro, respectively. Furthermore, ALA reduces abscisic acid by upregulating CYP707A1, thus, relieving the closure of stomata under drought. The chlorophyll metabolic pathway and photosynthetic system are the major pathways affected by ALA to alleviate drought. Changes in the genes of chlorophyll synthesis, including CHLH, CHLD, POR, and DVR; genes related to degradation, such as CLH, SGR, PPH and PAO; the RCA gene that is related to Rubisco; and the genes AGT1 and GDCSP related to photorespiration form the basis of these pathways. In addition, the antioxidant system and osmotic regulation play important roles that enable ALA to maintain cell homeostasis under drought. The reduction of glutathione, ascorbic acid and betaine after the application of ALA confirmed the alleviation of drought. In summary, this study revealed the mechanism of effects of drought stress on grapevine, and the alleviating effect of ALA, which provides a new concept to alleviate drought stress in grapevine and other plants.
Protoplast isolation and transient transformation system for Ginkgo biloba L.
Authors: Han Xin , Rong Hao , Feng Yining , Xin Yue , Luan Xiaoyue , Zhou Qi , Xu Meng , Xu Li-an
Published: March 2023

Ginkgo biloba L. has a unique evolutionary status. Owing to its high medicinal and ornamental value, ginkgo has also recently become a research hotspot. However, the large genome and long juvenile period, as well as the lack of an effective genetic transformation system, have hindered gaining a full understanding of the comprehensive functions of ginkgo genes. At present, heterologous expression of genes in model plants is the primary method used in ginkgo-related research; however, these distant plant model relatives limit reliable interpretation of the results for direct applications in ginkgo breeding. To overcome these limitations, in this study, an efficient isolation and transient expression system for ginkgo protoplasts was established. A large number of intact and homogeneous ginkgo mesophyll protoplasts were isolated using 2% cellulase and 0.25% pectinase in 0.4 M mannitol. The activity of these protoplasts remained above 90% even after 24 h. Furthermore, when the concentration of the polyethylene glycol 4000 solution was 30%–40% (w/v), the transformation efficiency of the protoplasts reached 40%. Finally, the reliability of the system was verified using subcellular localization, transient overexpression, and protein interaction experiments with ginkgo genes, thereby providing a technical platform for the identification and analysis of ginkgo gene functions. The proposed method partially compensates for the limitations associated with the lack of a genetic transformation system and provides technical support to expand research on elucidating the functions of ginkgo genes.
The phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate effector FYVE3 regulates FYVE2-dependent autophagy in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Kim Jeong Hun , Jung Hyera , Song Kyoungjun , Lee Han Nim , Chung Taijoon
Published: March 2023

Phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3P) is a signaling phospholipid that play a key role in endomembrane trafficking, specifically autophagy and endosomal trafficking. However, the mechanisms underlying the contribution of PI3P downstream effectors to plant autophagy remain unknown. Known PI3P effectors for autophagy in Arabidopsis thaliana include ATG18A (Autophagy-related 18A) and FYVE2 (Fab1p, YOTB, Vac1p, and EEA1 2), which are implicated in autophagosome biogenesis. Here, we report that FYVE3, a paralog of plant-specific FYVE2, plays a role in FYVE2-dependent autophagy. Using yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, we determined that the FYVE3 protein was associated with autophagic machinery containing ATG18A and FYVE2, by interacting with ATG8 isoforms. The FYVE3 protein was transported to the vacuole, and the vacuolar delivery of FYVE3 relies on PI3P biosynthesis and the canonical autophagic machinery. Whereas the fyve3 mutation alone barely affects autophagic flux, it suppresses defective autophagy in fyve2 mutants. Based on the molecular genetics and cell biological data, we propose that FYVE3 specifically regulates FYVE2-dependent autophagy.
The dark and bright side of laissez-faire leadership: Does subordinates’ goal orientation make a difference?
Authors: Zhang Jiaojiao , Wang Yao , Gao Feng
Published: March 2023

Laissez-faire leadership is universally considered to be the most ineffective leadership style. However, a few recent studies revealed that laissez-faire leadership may have modest or even significant positive influence on subordinates’ work outcomes. To explain the inconsistent findings of laissez-faire leadership studies, the current study draws on stress theory and achievement goal theory to examine the boundary conditions and mechanisms underlying the impact of laissez-faire leadership on subordinates, cognitive appraisal and subsequent performance. Results from an experience sampling study of 68 supervisor-subordinate dyads that completed daily surveys over 10 consecutive work days indicated that: (1) when subordinates’ learning goal orientation is high, the relationship between laissez-faire leadership and hindrance appraisal will be positive; the indirect relationship between laissez-faire leadership and subordinates’ performance via subordinates’ hindrance appraisal will be negative; and (2) when subordinates’ performance-prove or performance-avoid goal orientation is high, the relationship between laissez-faire leadership and challenge appraisal will be positive; the indirect relationship between laissez-faire leadership and subordinates’ performance via subordinates’ challenge appraisal will be positive. This study found the double-edged sword effect of laissez-faire leadership at within-person level, which helps integrate inconsistent views in previous studies and explore the impact of laissez-faire leadership from a more nuanced and balanced perspective.
Relationship between emotional intelligence and learning motivation among college students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A serial mediation model
Authors: Tang Yuxi , He Weiguang
Published: March 2023

The vital influence of emotional intelligence on college students’ learning motivation has received considerable attention. This study analyzed not only the relationship between emotional intelligence and college students’ learning motivation during the COVID-19 pandemic, but also the serial mediating roles that self-efficacy and social support play in this relationship. Using a cross-sectional survey design, we collected data from 336 college students across 30 provinces in China, using four well-established scales measuring emotional intelligence, learning motivation, self-efficacy, and social support. We analyzed the mediating effects using the Bootstrap method. The results showed that emotional intelligence positively predicted learning motivation, and that self-efficacy and social support played serial mediating roles between emotional intelligence and learning motivation. This finding suggests the need for interventions to help college students develop emotional intelligence during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that fostering college students’ self-efficacy and providing multiple social supports would help improve their motivation and academic performance.
Identifying reduced hearing in children who have developmental disabilities: Insights for inclusive research practices with electronic health records
Authors: Bonino Angela Yarnell , Mood Deborah
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Recent advancements in big data analytics and the formation of large-scale clinical data repositories provide a unique opportunity to determine the current state of pediatric hearing health care for children who have developmental disabilities. Before answering unresolved questions about diagnostic practice, it is paramount to determine a standard and reliable method for identifying children who have reduced hearing because clinical management is affected by hearing status. The purpose of this study was to compare 5 different methods for identifying cases of reduced hearing from pure-tone thresholds based on developmental disability status.

Methods

Using retrospective clinical data from 100,960 children (0–18 years), hearing status was determined for a total of 226,580 encounters from three clinical sites. 9% of the children had a diagnosis of intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy.

Results

Results revealed that encounters from children who have developmental disabilities were more likely to have insufficient data to allow hearing status to be determined. Moreover, methods with higher data demands (i.e., number of thresholds and ear-specific thresholds) resulted in fewer classifiable encounters. The average child age when hearing status was classified for the first time was older for children who have developmental disabilities than for children in the comparison group. Allowing thresholds to build up over multiple test sessions did result in more children who have developmental disabilities being classified than for single-encounter methods, but a meaningful decrease in child age at the time of classification was not seen for this strategy. Compared to the comparison group, children who have developmental disabilities were more likely to have reduced hearing that was stable over time, yet their hearing status was determined at older ages.

Discussion

Results provide key guidance to researchers for how to determine hearing status in children for big data applications using electronic health records. Furthermore, several assessment disparities are spotlighted for children who have developmental disabilities that warrant further investigation.
Striatum-related spontaneous coactivation patterns predict treatment response on positive symptoms of drug-naive first-episode schizophrenia with risperidone monotherapy
Authors: Zong Xiaofen , Wu Kai , Li Lei , Zhang Jiangbo , Ma Simeng , Kang Lijun , Zhang Nan , Lv Luxian , Sang Deen , Weng Shenhong , Chen Huafu , Zheng Junjie , Hu Maolin
Published: March 2023

Background

Evidence from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of schizophrenia suggests that interindividual variation in the stationary striatal functional circuit may be correlated with antipsychotic treatment response. However, little is known about the role of the dynamic striatum-related network in predicting patients’ clinical improvement. The spontaneous coactivation pattern (CAP) technique has recently been found to be important for elucidating the non-stationary nature of functional brain networks.

Methods

Forty-two drug-naive first-episode schizophrenia patients underwent fMRI and T1W imaging before and after 8 weeks of risperidone monotherapy. The striatum was divided into 3 subregions, including the putamen, pallidum, and caudate. Spontaneous CAPs and CAP states were utilized to measure the dynamic characteristics of brain networks. We used DPARSF and Dynamic Brain Connectome software to analyze each subregion-related CAP and CAP state for each group and then compared the between-group differences in the neural network biomarkers. We used Pearson’s correlation analysis to determine the associations between the neuroimaging measurements with between-group differences and the improvement in patients’ psychopathological symptoms.

Results

In the putamen-related CAPs, patients showed significantly increased intensity in the bilateral thalamus, bilateral supplementary motor areas, bilateral medial, and paracingulate gyrus, left paracentral lobule, left medial superior frontal gyrus, and left anterior cingulate gyrus compared with healthy controls. After treatment, thalamic signals in the putamen-related CAP 1 showed a significant increase, while the signals of the medial and paracingulate gyrus in the putamen-related CAP 3 revealed a significant decrease. The increase in thalamic signal intensity in the putamen-related CAP 1 was significantly and positively correlated with the percentage reduction in PANSS_P.

Conclusion

This study is the first to combine striatal CAPs and fMRI to explore treatment response-related biomarkers in the early phase of schizophrenia. Our findings suggest that dynamic changes in CAP states in the putamen-thalamus circuit may be potential biomarkers for predicting patients’ variation in the short-term treatment response of positive symptoms.
How digital transformation can accelerate data use in health systems
Authors: Werner Laurie , Puta Chilunga , Chilalika Taonga , Walker Hyde Sara , Cooper Hannah , Goertz Hallie , Rivera Hildebrand Maya , Bernadotte Christina , Kapnick Veronica
Published: March 2023

Introduction

We are in an era of rapid technological advance and digitalization. Countries around the world want to leverage technology to improve health outcomes by accelerating data use and increasing evidence-based decision-making to inform action in the health sector. Yet, there is no “one size fits all” approach to achieving this. To understand more, PATH and Cooper/Smith conducted a study documenting and analyzing the experiences of five African countries (Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania) that are on this digitalization journey. The goal was to examine their different approaches and develop a holistic model of digital transformation for data use that identifies what the essential components for digitalization success are and how they interact with each other.

Methods

Our research had two phases: first, we analyzed documentation from the five countries to identify core components and enabling factors for successful digital transformation, as well as barriers encountered; and second, we held interviews with key informants and focus groups within the countries to fill gaps and validate findings.

Findings

Our findings show that the core components of digital transformation success are highly interrelated. We found that the more successful digitalization efforts address issues that cut across components—such as stakeholder engagement, health workforce capacity, and governance structures—and consider more than just systems and tools. Specifically, we found two critical components of digital transformation that have not been addressed in previous models like the eHealth strategy building blocks developed by the World Health Organization and the International Telecommunication Union: (a) cultivating a culture of data use throughout the health sector and (b) managing the process of system-wide behavior change required to move from manual or paper-based to digital systems.

Conclusion

The resulting model is based on the study's findings and is intended to inform low- and middle-income (LMIC) country governments, global policymakers (such as WHO), implementers, and funders. It provides specific, concrete, evidence-based strategies these key stakeholders can implement to improve digital transformation for data use in health systems, planning, and service delivery.
Psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the self-care scale for older adults undergoing hip fracture surgery: A translation and validation study
Authors: Zheng Chen , Liu FangLin , Zheng Yan , Chen Ping , Zhou MingYue , Zhang Huijun
Published: March 2023

Objective

The purpose of this study was to translate and verify the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the self-care scale for older adults undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Methods

A total of 502 older adult/adults patients after hip fracture surgery were recruited from Liaoning, Shanxi, and Beijing, China. The reliability of the Chinese version of the scale was measured by internal consistency, split-half reliability, and retest reliability, and the validity was evaluated by the content validity index and structure validity index.

Results

The Chinese version of the HFS-SC scale had a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.848, and the Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the five dimensions ranged from 0.719 to 0.780. The split-half reliability of the scale was 0.739, and the retest reliability was 0.759. The content validity index (S-CVI) was 0.932. The five-factor structure, supported by the eigenvalues, total variance explained, and the scree plot accounted for 66.666% of the total variance. In confirmatory factor analysis, the model fit results were as follows, X2/df = 1.847, GFI = 0.914, AGFI = 0.878, PGFI = 0.640, IFI = 0.932, TLI = 0.912, CFI = 0.931, RMSEA = 0.058, PNFI = 0.679. The indicators of the model's fit were within reasonable bounds.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the self-care scale for older adults undergoing hip fracture surgery has suitable reliability and validity. The scale can be used to assess the level of older adult/adults self-care in China following hip replacement surgery and serves as a useful benchmark for identifying potential intervention targets to raise the level of older adult/adults self-care following hip replacement surgery.
How does digital governance affect the level of domestic waste separation for rural residents? Empirical evidence from rural areas in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Chen Xi , Xing Lirong , Wang Kai , Lu Jianzhen
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The management of rural domestic waste is directly related to the quality of China's rural habitat and the ecological security of the countryside, and is one of the important tasks of rural revitalization.

Methods

Based on the perspective of digital technology empowering rural governance, this study uses the China Land Economic Survey (CLES) data to empirically test the impact of digital governance on the level of domestic waste separation for rural residents by constructing the ordered probit model.

Results and discussion

The results show that in the process of rural governance modernization, digital governance helps to improve the level of domestic waste separation for rural residents in the process of rural governance modernization, and the findings still hold after robustness tests. Mechanistic tests showed that digital governance can impact the level of domestic waste separation for rural residents through cadre-mass relationship and institutional trust. The findings of this study provide a new perspective on good environmental governance in China's countryside and have important implications for promoting the improvement of rural habitat quality.
Efficacy of nasal irrigation and oral rinse with sodium bicarbonate solution on virus clearance for COVID-19 patients
Authors: Wang Tairong , Zhang Yue , Zhang Rong , Mao Ye , Yan Junhai , Long Yiwen , Chen Qiaofeng , Li Xiaojing , Wang Huixiang , Huang Shuai , Zhu Chao , Teng Bin , Wang Xu
Published: March 2023

Background

Recent studies have shown that the infectivity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is reduced under alkaline conditions. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of nasal irrigation and oral rinse with sodium bicarbonate solution on virus clearance among COVID-19 patients.

Materials and methods

COVID-19 patients were recruited and randomly divided into two group, i.e., the experimental group and the control group. The experimental group received regular care plus nasal irrigation and oral rinse with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution, while the control group only received regular care. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab samples were collected daily for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assays. The negative conversion time and hospitalization time of the patients were recorded, and the results were statistically analyzed.

Results

A total of 55 COVID-19 patients with mild or moderate symptoms were included in our study. There was no significant difference in gender, age and health status between the two groups. The average negative conversion time was 1.63 days after treatment with sodium bicarbonate, and the average hospitalization time of the control group and the experimental group were 12.53 and 7.7 days, respectively.

Conclusions

Nasal irrigation and oral rinse with 5% sodium bicarbonate solution is effective in virus clearance for COVID-19 patients.
Using Implementation Mapping to increase uptake and use of Salud en Mis Manos: A breast and cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination intervention for Latinas
Authors: Savas Lara S. , Loomba Preena , Shegog Ross , Alaniz Angelita , Costa Crystal , Adlparvar Emily , Allicock Marlyn A. , Chenier Roshanda , Goetz Margaret , Markham Christine M. , Fernandez Maria E.
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite CDC recommendations for breast and cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination, cancer control behaviors are underutilized among low-income Latinas. Salud en Mis Manos (SEMM), adapted from Cultivando La Salud, is a community health worker- (CHW-) delivered evidence-based intervention (EBI), shown to increase breast and cervical cancer screening.

Methods

We used Implementation Mapping to create SEMM-Dissemination and Implementation Assistance (SEMM-DIA), a set of implementation strategies designed to support implementation and maintenance of SEMM in clinic settings. Specifically, we used Implementation Mapping's five iterative tasks to guide the use of theories and frameworks, evidence, new data, and stakeholder input to develop strategies to accelerate and improve implementation fidelity, reach, and maintenance of the SEMM intervention. The resulting implementation mapping logic model also guides the SEMM-DIA evaluation plan to assess reach, effectiveness, implementation, and maintenance.

Discussion

Increased use of implementation planning frameworks is necessary to accelerate the translation of EBIs to public health practice. This work demonstrates the application of Implementation Mapping to develop SEMM-DIA, providing a model for the development of other implementation strategies to support translation of evidence-based health promotion interventions into clinic settings.
Reproducibility challenges in robotic surgery
Authors: Faragasso Angela , Bonsignorio Fabio
Published: March 2023

Reproducibility of results is, in all research fields, the cornerstone of the scientific method and the minimum standard for assessing the value of scientific claims and conclusions drawn by other scientists. It requires a systematic approach and accurate description of the experimental procedure and data analysis, which allows other scientists to follow the steps described in the published work and obtain the “same results.” In general and in different research contexts with “same” results, we mean different things. It can be almost identical measures in a fully deterministic experiment or “validation of a hypothesis” or statistically similar results in a non-deterministic context. Unfortunately, it has been shown by systematic meta-analysis studies that many findings in fields like psychology, sociology, medicine, and economics do not hold up when other researchers try to replicate them. Many scientific fields are experiencing what is generally referred to as a “reproducibility crisis,” which undermines the trust in published results, imposes a thorough revision of the methodology in scientific research, and makes progress difficult. In general, the reproducibility of experiments is not a mainstream practice in artificial intelligence and robotics research. Surgical robotics is no exception. There is a need for developing new tools and putting in place a community effort to allow the transition to more reproducible research and hence faster progress in research. Reproducibility, replicability, and benchmarking (operational procedures for the assessment and comparison of research results) are made more complex for medical robotics and surgical systems, due to patenting, safety, and ethical issues. In this review paper, we selected 10 relevant published manuscripts on surgical robotics to analyze their clinical applicability and underline the problems related to reproducibility of the reported experiments, with the aim of finding possible solutions to the challenges that limit the translation of many scientific research studies into real-world applications and slow down research progress.
Non-lamellar lipid liquid crystalline nanoparticles: A smart platform for nanomedicine applications
Authors: Fornasier Marco , Murgia Sergio
Published: March 2023

The increased interest of the scientific community in lipid nanoparticles has pushed the boundaries of personal medicine and drug delivery. The focus has been set on vesicular nanocarriers, as their structure and functionalities have been well described, but the application of their non-lamellar counterparts, cubosomes and hexosomes, has shown their potency as drug carriers. In addition, the sponge phase dispersion (L3, an intermediate between the lamellar and the bicontinuous cubic) has also been proved effective for the encapsulation of large macromolecules. Their physicochemical characterization has improved in the past decades due to the investigations conducted at high-power synchrotron facilities and the application of surface-sensitive techniques, discovering new connections between physical parameters and biological performance. Several administration routes of cubosomes and hexosomes have been studied, such as intravenous, dermal, transdermal, and oral, to evaluate their cytotoxicity and distribution in biological media. This review aims to summarize the challenges and recent achievements of cubosomes, hexosomes, and sponge nanoparticles as suitable carriers for the administration of bioactives.
Effects of different radical distal gastrectomy on postoperative inflammatory response and nutritional status in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Cheng Xuefei , Wang Chuandong , Liu Yi , Zhang Xiaojuan , Zhou Liyuan , Lin Zhizun , Zeng Wei , Liu Lihang , Yang Changshun , Li Weihua
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The inflammatory response caused by gastric cancer surgery and the low nutritional status of patients with gastric cancer can cause growth of tumour cells, reduce immunity, and increase tumour burden. We investigated the effects of different surgical methods on postoperative inflammatory response and nutritional status in patients with distal gastric cancer.

Methods

Clinical data of 249 patients who underwent radical distal gastrectomy for distal gastric cancer from February 2014 to April 2017 were retrospectively analysed. Patients were divided according to the surgical method (open distal gastrectomy [ODG], laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy [LADG] and total laparoscopic distal gastrectomy [TLDG]). Characteristics of different surgical procedures, including inflammation parameters and nutritional indicators, and different time points (preoperatively, 1 day postoperatively, and 1 week postoperatively) were compared using non-parametric test analysis.

Results

At postoperative day 1, white blood cell count [WBC], neutrophil count [N], neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio [NLR], and platelet/lymphocyte ratio [PLR] increased in the three groups, and ΔN and ΔNLR were significant; the smallest change was observed in TLDG (P < 0.05). Albumin [A]and prognostic nutrition index [PNI] significantly decreased; the smallest ΔA and ΔPNI, which were statistically significant, were noted in TLDG. One week postoperatively, WBC, N, NLR, and PLR decreased, and WBC, N, and NLR showed significant difference. A and PNI of the three groups increased after 1 week, and A and PNI showed significant differences.

Conclusion

Postoperative inflammatory response and nutritional status of patients with distal gastric cancer are associated with the surgical technique. TLDG has little influence on the inflammatory response and nutritional level compared with LADG and ODG.
ASP-Based Declarative Reasoning in Data-Intensive Enterprise and IoT Applications
Authors: Calimeri Francesco , Leone Nicola , Melissari Giovanni , Pacenza Francesco , Perri Simona , Reale Kristian , Ricca Francesco , Zangari Jessica
Published: March 2023

In the last few years, we have witnessed the spread of computing devices getting smaller and smaller (e.g., Smartphones, Smart Devices, Raspberry, etc.), and the production and availability of data getting bigger and bigger. This work presents DLV-EE, a framework based on Answer Set Programming (ASP) for performing declarative reasoning tasks over data-intensive, distributed applications. It relies on the DLV2 system and it features interoperability means for dealing with Big-Data over modern industry-level databases (relational and NoSQL). Furthermore, the work introduces DLV-IoT, an ASP system compatible with “mobile” technologies for enabling advanced reasoning capabilities on smart/IoT devices; eventually, DLV-EE and DLV-IoT via some real-world applications are illustrated as well.
Human Body Shapes Anomaly Detection and Classification Using Persistent Homology
Authors: de Rose Steve , Meyer Philippe , Bertrand Frédéric
Published: March 2023

Accurate sizing systems of a population permit the minimization of the production costs of the textile apparel industry and allow firms to satisfy their customers. Hence, information about human body shapes needs to be extracted in order to examine, compare and classify human morphologies. In this paper, we use topological data analysis to study human body shapes. Persistence theory applied to anthropometric point clouds together with clustering algorithms show that relevant information about shapes is extracted by persistent homology. In particular, the homologies of human body points have interesting interpretations in terms of human anatomy. In the first place, anomalies of scans are detected using complete-linkage hierarchical clusterings. Then, a discrimination index shows which type of clustering separates gender accurately and if it is worth restricting to body trunks or not. Finally, Ward-linkage hierarchical clusterings with Davies–Bouldin, Dunn and Silhouette indices are used to define eight male morphotypes and seven female morphotypes, which are different in terms of weight classes and ratios between bust, waist and hip circumferences. The techniques used in this work permit us to classify human bodies and detect scan anomalies directly on the full human body point clouds rather than the usual methods involving the extraction of body measurements from individuals or their scans.
Adaptive Starting Control Strategy for Hybrid Electric Vehicles Equipped with a Wet Dual-Clutch Transmission
Authors: Guo Jun , Zhang Yunqing
Published: March 2023

To improve the starting performance of the P2.5 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a wet dual-clutch transmission, an adaptive starting control strategy is presented in this paper, which controls the two clutches simultaneously involved in the starting process. A fuzzy controller is designed to identify the starting intention and determine the target torque under different working conditions. The starting process is divided into five periods, and linear quadratic optimal control is adopted to obtain the reference torque trajectory for the third period, while the others are determined by adaptive control by changing the adjustment coefficients according to the starting conditions. The combined pressure feedback controller based on the PID algorithm is proposed to control the wet clutch torque to follow the reference torque trajectory. The MATLAB/Simulink software platform is used to simulate the control strategy. The results show that the proposed strategy can shorten the starting time and reduce the level of jerk. Moreover, with the first-gear starting, the friction work of the whole process and clutch C1 is, respectively, reduced by 1.68% and 4.62% for slowly starting and 23.37% and 23.6% for quickly starting, which can significantly prolong the service lifetime of the clutch compared with the traditional single-clutch starting strategy.
Maskless Writing of Surface-Attached Micro-Magnets by Two-Photon Crosslinking
Authors: Geid Nicolas , Leutner Jan Ulrich , Prucker Oswald , Rühe Jürgen
Published: March 2023

Surface-bound 3D micro-magnets are fabricated from photoreactive copolymers filled with magnetic nanoparticles by maskless 3D writing. The structures are generated by 2-photon crosslinking (2PC), which allows direct writing into solid films of composites consisting of magnetic particles and a photoreactive elastomer precursor. With this strategy, it is possible to directly write complex, surface-bound magnetic actuator structures, which generates new opportunities in the fields of microfluidics and bioanalytical systems. Compared to the common 2-photon polymerization, in which the writing process takes place in a liquid resin, the direct writing based on the 2PC method takes place in a solid polymer film (i.e., in the glassy state).
Predicting the Airspace Capacity of Terminal Area under Convective Weather Using Machine Learning
Authors: Wang Shijin , Yang Baotian , Duan Rongrong , Li Jiahao
Published: March 2023

Terminal airspace is the convergence area of air traffic flow, which is the bottleneck of air traffic management. With the rapid growth of air traffic volume, the impact of convective weather on flight operations is becoming more and more serious. To change the conditions and improve the utilization of terminal area airspace, a convective weather terminal area capacity (CWTAC) model is developed to quantify the effect of convective weather on the capacity of the terminal area in this paper. The airspace of the terminal area is divided into major airspace, minor airspace and no-impact airspace according to the distribution of the air traffic flow. Under convective weather, their permeabilities are calculated and used as input features, and the actual availability rate is set to label. Three machine learning algorithms, support vector regression (SVR), random forest (RF), and artificial neural network (ANN), are used to predict the availability rate. Then, the terminal airspace capacity under convective weather can be calculated. The historical operation data of the Guangzhou terminal area and the Wuhan terminal area are taken to test machine learning algorithms and verify the CWTAC model. It shows that all three machine learning algorithms are practical, and ANN is the best one based on mean squared error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). The predicted capacity of the CWTAC model accords well with the actual flight number in the terminal airspace under convective weather. The reasons why they are not entirely consistent are also analyzed.
Design of an Airship On-Board Crane
Authors: Guesmi Fatma , Azouz Naoufel , Neji Jamel
Published: March 2023

This paper presents the design and mathematical model of an innovative smart crane, CHAYA-SC, based on the principle of a cable-driven parallel manipulator, as well as its stabilization. This crane is mounted on the airship hold and intended for handling at altitude. Our objective is to design a precise light crane that can be used for container loading or unloading, particularly in deep-sea ports. Thus, the model developed includes the oscillations as well as the transverse and longitudinal vibrations of the heavy cable supporting the load to be handled. The highly nonlinear partial differential equations (PDE) and ordinary derivative equations (ODE) that govern the motion of the system are obtained via the Lagrange equations coupled with a modal synthesis. So that the mathematical model of the system is compatible with control and real time, we developed a simplified dynamic model which proved to be equivalent to the complete model. As a first validation of the modelling, a simple control vector is applied to stabilize the airship and its load under the effect of a squall. Numerical simulations are presented at the end of the paper to show the relevance of the design.
Experimental Analysis and Evaluation of Automatic Control System for Evenly Scattering Crushed Straw
Authors: Wang Bokai , Wu Feng , Gu Fengwei , Yang Hongchen , Wu Huichang , Hu Zhichao
Published: March 2023

In order to improve the solution to the unachieved uniformity of straw throwing, the unachieved qualified rate of coverage and the uneven straw throwing in sowing wheat without a tillage process after the rice harvest, and to change this unsatisfied quality of the straw mulch, a set of automatic control systems for straw throwing and covering was designed innovatively. An STM32 microcontroller was used as the main control unit, and the torque-acquisition system was used to collect the torque of the cutter roller shaft in real time and convert it into the conveying signal of the crushed straw. The control system changes the conveying quantity of broken straw in real time, through the dynamic response. This process realizes the optimal dynamic matching between the conveying amount of crushed straw and the impeller speed. We set up two kinds of tests: a straw-crushing-and-throwing system test bench (T6)6 with an automatic control system and a control test bench (C) without an automatic control system. T1 to T5 are, in turn, 0.85 m/s, 1.0 m/s, 1.15 m/s, 1.30 m/s and 1.45 m/s. For the C test, six test levels of 0.85 m/s (C1), 1.0 m/s (C2), 1.15 m/s (C3), 1.30 m/s (C4), 1.45 m/s (C5) and variable speed test (C6) were also set as control tests. The running time of the test-bed at each test level was 10 s; taking the throwing uniformity of the crushed straw and the rate of coverage as indexes, the rapid effect of the throwing-impeller speed on the test indexes at six levels was studied, and compared with the control test. Based on the great practical needs of this problem, this experiment innovatively realized the automatic regulation of the rotating speed of the scattering impeller at different forward speeds. Although some experimental innovations have been made in this study, the smashing knife (group) of the knife roller shaft will hit the ground during the rotation, which brings uncertainty and certain experimental errors to the real-time monitoring of the torque signals. In the next step, more sensors and intelligent algorithms will be added to the system, to reduce the knife throwing.