bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early onset and liver failure indicating poor prognosis of infant liver failure syndrome type 1
Authors: Li Shu-Yuan , Feng Jia-Yan , Li Zhong-Die , Liu Teng
Published: June 2024

Background

Infantile liver failure syndrome type 1 (ILFS1, OMIM #615,438), caused by leucyl-tRNA synthase 1 (LARS1, OMIM *151,350) deficiency, is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder. The clinical manifestations, molecular-genetic features, and prognosis of LARS1 disease remain largely elusive.

Methods

Three new instances of ILFS1 with confirmed variants in LARS1, encoding LARS1, were identified. Disease characteristics were summarized together with those of 33 reported cases. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to assess prognostic factors in ILFS1 patients.

Results

The 3 new ILFS1 patients harbored 6 novel variants in LARS1. Among the 36 known patients, 12 died or underwent liver transplantation. The main clinical features of ILFS1 were intrauterine growth restriction (31/32 patients in whom this finding was specifically described), failure to thrive (30/31), hypoalbuminemia (32/32), microcytic anemia (32/33), acute liver failure (24/34), neurodevelopmental delay (25/30), seizures (22/29), and muscular hypotonia (13/27). No significant correlations were observed between genotype and either presence of liver failure or clinical severity of disease. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that age of onset < 3mo (p = 0.0015, hazard ratio = 12.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.74–40.3), like liver failure (p = 0.0343, hazard ratio = 6.57, 95% CI = 1.96-22.0), conferred poor prognosis.

Conclusions

Early age of presentation, like liver failure, confers poor prognosis in ILFS1. Genotype-phenotype correlations remain to be established.
Understanding the impact of digital therapeutic engagement in promoting mental wellbeing for Pacific youth in Aotearoa New Zealand: an exploration of the literature
Authors: Auva’a-Alatimu Taulaga , Alefaio-Tugia Siautu , Ioane Julia
Published: June 2024

The Pacific population in Aotearoa New Zealand is youthful, with the majority (55%) being under the age of 25 (Statistics New Zealand, 2014). It is vital that youth mental health for Pacific is understood in relation to their overall wellbeing (Paterson et al., 2018). In parallel to this, the World Health Organization (2022) accentuates the need to protect and promote mental wellbeing for young people globally. Specifically, Pacific youth were far more likely than Aotearoa New Zealand European counterparts to have poorer mental health and higher numbers of suicidality and self-harming behaviours (Ataera-Minster & Trowland, 2018; Fa'alili-Fidow et al., 2016). Moreover, research confirms that Pacific people aged 15–24 years have higher levels of psychological distress of 38% compared to 35% of Pacific adults aged 45–64 years (Ataera-Minster & Trowland, 2018). There is a lack of evidence-based psychological approaches that are culturally appropriate and applicable for Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Considerably, substantial evidence supports the need to provide more accessible resources and interventions that are flexible, culturally adaptable and cost-effective for Pacific youth. This review aims to (1) provide an insight into Pacific people in Aotearoa New Zealand, (2) have an understanding of Pacific worldview & wellbeing, (3) highlight mental health for Aotearoa New Zealand youth & globally (4) identify therapeutic approaches, including digital mental health globally and in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Understanding the perspectives of Pacific youth is a significant first step. Therefore, this article will examine the therapeutic approaches, specifically in the digital space, that are proven effective when promoting wellness for Pacific youth.
Adolescent suicidal ideation: dissecting the role of sex in depression and NSSI predictors
Authors: Huang Zi-Ye , Ruan Qian-Nan , Zheng Yawen , Miao Heng , Wu Yu-Wei , Yan Wen-Jing
Published: June 2024

Background

Suicidal ideation (SI) is increasingly prevalent among adolescents, often arising from depression and linked with non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Previous studies have noted significant sex differences in the manifestation and predictors of SI, depression, and NSSI.

Aim

This study aims to analyze and compare the relationships between SI, depression, and NSSI among male and female adolescents, examining whether these associations differ based on sex.

Methods

A total of 368 adolescents (M = 15.43, SD = 1.22, about 56.2% female participants), both from clinical and school settings, were assessed for SI, depression, NSSI, and other related variables. Network analysis was utilized to explore the interconnections among these variables, focusing on identifying sex-specific patterns. Logistic regression was used to confirm the findings from the network analysis.

Results

The network analysis revealed significant sex differences in the relationships between SI, depression, and NSSI. In the female network, the edge weights between SI and NSSI (0.93) and between SI and depression (0.31) were much higher compared to the male network (0.29 and 0, respectively). Centrality indices (strength, betweenness, closeness, and expected influence) for SI, NSSI, and depression were also higher in the female network. Logistic regression confirmed these findings, with depression being a potential predictor of SI only in females (OR = 1.349, p = 0.001) and NSSI having a stronger influence on SI in females (OR = 13.673, p < 0.001) than in males (OR = 2.752, p = 0.037).

Conclusion

The findings underscore the necessity of considering sex differences when predicting suicidal ideation from depression and NSSI in adolescents. Intervention and prevention strategies should be tailored to address these distinct patterns in male and female adolescents.
Targeting mTOR and survivin concurrently potentiates radiation therapy in renal cell carcinoma by suppressing DNA damage repair and amplifying mitotic catastrophe
Authors: Rachamala Hari K. , Madamsetty Vijay S. , Angom Ramcharan S. , Nakka Naga M. , Dutta Shamit Kumar , Wang Enfeng , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Pal Krishnendu
Published: June 2024

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was historically considered to be less responsive to radiation therapy (RT) compared to other cancer indications. However, advancements in precision high-dose radiation delivery through single-fraction and multi-fraction stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) have led to better outcomes and reduced treatment-related toxicities, sparking renewed interest in using RT to treat RCC. Moreover, numerous studies have revealed that certain therapeutic agents including chemotherapies can increase the sensitivity of tumors to RT, leading to a growing interest in combining these treatments. Here, we developed a rational combination of two radiosensitizers in a tumor-targeted liposomal formulation for augmenting RT in RCC. The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy of a tumor-targeted liposomal formulation combining the mTOR inhibitor everolimus (E) with the survivin inhibitor YM155 (Y) in enhancing the sensitivity of RCC tumors to radiation.

Experimental design

We slightly modified our previously published tumor-targeted liposomal formulation to develop a rational combination of E and Y in a single liposomal formulation (EY-L) and assessed its efficacy in RCC cell lines in vitro and in RCC tumors in vivo. We further investigated how well EY-L sensitizes RCC cell lines and tumors toward radiation and explored the underlying mechanism of radiosensitization.

Results

EY-L outperformed the corresponding single drug-loaded formulations E-L and Y-L in terms of containing primary tumor growth and improving survival in an immunocompetent syngeneic mouse model of RCC. EY-L also exhibited significantly higher sensitization of RCC cells towards radiation in vitro than E-L and Y-L. Additionally, EY-L sensitized RCC tumors towards radiation therapy in xenograft and murine RCC models. EY-L mediated induction of mitotic catastrophe via downregulation of multiple cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage repair pathways could be responsible for the augmentation of radiation therapy.

Conclusion

Taken together, our study demonstrated the efficacy of a strategic combination therapy in sensitizing RCC to radiation therapy via inhibition of DNA damage repair and a substantial increase in mitotic catastrophe. This combination therapy may find its use in the augmentation of radiation therapy during the treatment of RCC patients.
TMO-Net: an explainable pretrained multi-omics model for multi-task learning in oncology
Authors: Wang Feng-ao , Zhuang Zhenfeng , Gao Feng , He Ruikun , Zhang Shaoting , Wang Liansheng , Liu Junwei , Li Yixue
Published: June 2024

Cancer is a complex disease composing systemic alterations in multiple scales. In this study, we develop the Tumor Multi-Omics pre-trained Network (TMO-Net) that integrates multi-omics pan-cancer datasets for model pre-training, facilitating cross-omics interactions and enabling joint representation learning and incomplete omics inference. This model enhances multi-omics sample representation and empowers various downstream oncology tasks with incomplete multi-omics datasets. By employing interpretable learning, we characterize the contributions of distinct omics features to clinical outcomes. The TMO-Net model serves as a versatile framework for cross-modal multi-omics learning in oncology, paving the way for tumor omics-specific foundation models.
M2 macrophage-derived exosomes promote angiogenesis and improve cardiac function after myocardial infarction
Authors: Guo Hongzhou , Li Zeya , Xiao Bin , Huang Rongchong
Published: June 2024

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. The intercellular communication in post-infarction angiogenesis remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we explored the role and mechanism of action of M2 macrophage-derived exosomes (M2-exos) in angiogenesis after MI. M2-exos were harvested and injected intramyocardially at the onset of MI. Two distinct endothelial cells (ECs) were cultured with M2-exos to explore the direct effects on angiogenesis.

Results

We showed that M2-exos improved cardiac function, reduced infarct size, and enhanced angiogenesis after MI. Moreover, M2-exos promoted angiogenesis in vitro; the molecules loaded in the vesicles were responsible for its proangiogenic effects. We further validated that higher abundance of miR-132-3p in M2-exos, which recapitulate their functions, was required for the cardioprotective effects exerted by M2-exos. Mechanistically, miR-132-3p carried by M2-exos down-regulate the expression of THBS1 through direct binding to its 3´UTR and the proangiogenic effects of miR-132-3p were largely reversed by THBS1 overexpression.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that M2-exos promote angiogenesis after MI by transporting miR-132-3p to ECs, and by binding to THBS1 mRNA directly and negatively regulating its expression. These findings highlight the role of M2-exos in cardiac repair and provide novel mechanistic understanding of intercellular communication in post-infarction angiogenesis.
Letrozole ovulation regimen for frozen-thawed embryo transfer in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xie Yanqiu , Deng Min , Deng Weifen , Fan Qi , Shi Yuhua
Published: June 2024

Background

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are usually selected to undergo an ovulation induction regimen or a programmed regimen for endometrial preparation in the frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) during their IVF/ICSI treatment. The programmed regimen permits flexible scheduling of embryo transfer but requires long-term usage of exogenous estrogen and higher dosages of luteal support while the letrozole ovulation regimen needs lower dosages of luteal support only. Recently, multiple studies have shown that the letrozole ovulation regimen can improve pregnancy outcomes of FET in women with PCOS compared with the programmed regimen. However, most of these studies are retrospective, and prospective studies are urgently needed the evidence from the perspective study is insufficient.

Methods/design

We are undertaking a multicentre, randomized, controlled clinical trial of an endometrial preparation regimen for FET in women with PCOS. The eligible women are randomly assigned to either the letrozole ovulation regimen or the programmed regimen for endometrial preparation. The primary outcome is the clinical pregnancy rate.

Discussion

The results of this study will provide evidence for whether the letrozole ovulation regimen for endometrial preparation could improve pregnancy outcomes in PCOS women undergoing FET.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2200062244. Registered on 31 July 2022.
International assessment results on non-NIOSH approved respirators by the national personal protective technology laboratory (NPPTL): a data note
Authors: Tsui Kwai Yu , Wang Yu , Lam Simon Ching
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the shortage of the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)-approved N95 respirators, the Food and Drug Administration granted an Emergency Use Authorization to allow the use of non-NIOSH approved respirators provided that these respirators must undergo tests by a protocol of TEB-APR-STP-0059, similar methods of NIOSH standard testing procedure. This initiative safeguards the quality of respirators and the effectiveness of occupational protection. The dataset of all the testing results could benefit further analysis of COVID-19 infection rates in relation to different types of N95 respirators used and identify potential correlations of various test parameters in the testing system for validation. The analysis enhances understanding of the quality, effectiveness, and performance of N95 respirators in the prevention of respiratory infectious transmission and develops improved occupational safety measures.

Data description

The dataset was transformed, transcribed, and compiled from the official testing data of non-NIOSH-approved N95 respirators reported in the NIOSH website under the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention in the United States. The dataset included details of 7,413 testing results of N95 respirators (manufacturer, model, and maximum and minimum filtration efficiency) and test parameters (flow rate, initial filter resistance, and initial percent leakage). Supplementary items were added to increase the availability of data analysis and enhance the interpretability of the assessments of the quality of N95 respirators.
An efficient numerical approach for singularly perturbed time delayed parabolic problems with two-parameters
Authors: Daba Imiru Takele , Melesse Wondewosen Gebeyaw , Gelu Fasika Wondimu , Kebede Guta Demisu
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The main objective of this work is to design an efficient numerical scheme is proposed for solving singularly perturbed time delayed parabolic problems with two parameters.

Results

The scheme is constructed via the implicit Euler and non-standard finite difference method to approximate the time and space derivatives, respectively. Besides, to enhance the accuracy and order of convergence of the method Richardson extrapolation technique is employed. Intensive numerical experimentation has been done on some model examples. Further, the layer behavior of the solutions is presented using graphs and observed to agree with the existing theories. Finally, error analysis of the scheme is done and observed that the proposed method is parameter uniform convergent with the order of convergence $$\left( (\Delta t )^2+h^2\right) $$

(
Δ
t
)

2

+

h
2
Consistent cord blood DNA methylation signatures of gestational age between South Asian and white European cohorts
Authors: Deng Wei Q. , Pigeyre Marie , Azab Sandi M. , Wilson Samantha L. , Campbell Natalie , Cawte Nathan , Morrison Katherine M. , Atkinson Stephanie A. , Subbarao Padmaja , Turvey Stuart E. , Moraes Theo J. , Mandhane Piush , Azad Meghan B. , Simons Elinor , Pare Guillaume , Anand Sonia S.
Published: June 2024

Background

Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation (DNAm) in cord blood, are an important biological marker of how external exposures during gestation can influence the in-utero environment and subsequent offspring development. Despite the recognized importance of DNAm during gestation, comparative studies to determine the consistency of these epigenetic signals across different ethnic groups are largely absent. To address this gap, we first performed epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of gestational age (GA) using newborn cord blood DNAm comparatively in a white European (n = 342) and a South Asian (n = 490) birth cohort living in Canada. Then, we capitalized on established cord blood epigenetic GA clocks to examine the associations between maternal exposures, offspring characteristics and epigenetic GA, as well as GA acceleration, defined as the residual difference between epigenetic and chronological GA at birth.

Results

Individual EWASs confirmed 1,211 and 1,543 differentially methylated CpGs previously reported to be associated with GA, in white European and South Asian cohorts, respectively, with a similar distribution of effects. We confirmed that Bohlin’s cord blood GA clock was robustly correlated with GA in white Europeans (r = 0.71; p = 6.0 × 10–54) and South Asians (r = 0.66; p = 6.9 × 10–64). In both cohorts, Bohlin’s clock was positively associated with newborn weight and length and negatively associated with parity, newborn female sex, and gestational diabetes. Exclusive to South Asians, the GA clock was positively associated with the newborn ponderal index, while pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain were strongly predictive of increased epigenetic GA in white Europeans. Important predictors of GA acceleration included gestational diabetes mellitus, newborn sex, and parity in both cohorts.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the consistent DNAm signatures of GA and the utility of Bohlin’s GA clock across the two populations. Although the overall pattern of DNAm is similar, its connections with the mother's environment and the baby's anthropometrics can differ between the two groups. Further research is needed to understand these unique relationships.
An alternative method for SARS-CoV-2 detection with use modified fluorescent in situ hybridization
Authors: Sroka-Oleksiak Agnieszka , Krawczyk Agnieszka , Talaga-Ćwiertnia Katarzyna , Salamon Dominika , Brzychczy-Włoch Monika , Gosiewski Tomasz
Published: June 2024

The real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction (rRT-PCR) tests are the gold standard in detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. However, despite high sensitivity and specificity, they have limitations that in some cases may result in false negative results. Therefore, it is reasonable to search for additional tools that could support microbiological diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of the study was to develop a highly specific molecular test capable of detecting and visualizing SARS-CoV-2 infection. A universal probe and a set of 18 specific oligonucleotides with a FLAP sequence attached to them on both sides were designed to visualize SARS-CoV-2 virus infection based on the fluorescence in situ hybridization method (FISH). FISH conditions using the developed kit were standardized on the Vero CCL-81 cell line infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus. The method was tested on 290 nasopharyngeal swabs (collected in a doublet) from patients with clinical symptoms of SARS-CoV-2. Each one swab from the doublet was subjected to RNA isolation and amplification by rRT-PCR. From the second swab, a microscopic preparation was performed for FISH. The use of the rRT-PCR allowed obtaining 200 positive and 90 negative results, while our FISH method allowed for 220 positive results and 70 negative results. The differences obtained using both methods were statistically significant (p = 0.008). The obtained results support the use of FISH as an additional method in microbiological diagnostics of SARS-CoV-2.
Rapid genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii isolates via Nanopore-based multi-locus sequencing
Authors: Koutsogiannis Zisis , Denny Paul W.
Published: June 2024

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite associated with severe disease, especially in the immunosuppressed. It is also a cause of congenital malformation and abortion in both animals and humans and is considered one of the most important foodborne pathogens worldwide with different strains showing variable distribution and differing pathogenicity. Thus, strain-level differentiation of T. gondii isolates is an essential asset in the understanding of parasite’s diversity, geographical distribution, epidemiology and health risk. Here, we designed and implemented an Oxford Nanopore MinION protocol to analyse genomic sequence variation including single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertion/deletion polymorphisms (InDel’s) of four different genomic loci, part of protein coding genes SAG2, SAG3, ROP17 and ROP21. This method provided results with the sequencing depth necessary for accurate differentiation of T. gondii strains and represents a rapid approach compared to conventional techniques which we further validated against environmental samples isolated from wild wood mice. In summary, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) of both highly conserved and more polymorphic areas of the genome, provided robust data for strain classification in a platform ready for further adaption for other strains and pathogens.
Defluorination of monofluorinated alkane by Rhodococcus sp. NJF-7 isolated from soil
Authors: Yan Meng , Gao Zhaozhao , Xiang Xingjia , Wang Qing , Song Xin , Wu Yucheng , Löffler Frank E. , Zeng Jun , Lin Xiangui
Published: June 2024

Microbial degradation of fluorinated compounds raised significant attention because of their widespread distribution and potential environmental impacts. Here, we report a bacterial isolate, Rhodococcus sp. NJF-7 capable of defluorinating monofluorinated medium-chain length alkanes. This isolate consumed 2.29 ± 0.13 mmol L− 1 of 1-fluorodecane (FD) during a 52 h incubation period, resulting in a significant release of inorganic fluoride amounting to 2.16 ± 0.03 mmol L− 1. The defluorination process was strongly affected by the initial FD concentration and pH conditions, with lower pH increasing fluoride toxicity to bacterial cells and inhibiting enzymatic defluorination activity. Stoichiometric conversion of FD to fluoride was observed at neutral pH with resting cells, while defluorination was significantly lower at reduced pH (6.5). The discovery of the metabolites decanoic acid and methyl decanoate suggests that the initial attack by monooxygenases may be responsible for the biological defluorination of FD. The findings here provide new insights into microbial defluorination processes, specifically aiding in understanding the environmental fate of organic semi-fluorinated alkane chemicals.
Reproductive chemical database: a curated database of chemicals that modulate protein targets regulating important reproductive biological processes
Authors: Cao Yuedi , Tian Geng G. , Hong Xiaokun , Lu Qing , Wei Ting , Chen Hai-Feng , Wu Ji
Published: June 2024

Recent studies have shifted the spotlight from adult disease to gametogenesis and embryo developmental events, and these are greatly affected by various environmental chemicals, such as drugs, metabolites, pollutants, and others. Growing research has highlighted the critical importance of identifying and understanding the roles of chemicals in reproductive biology. However, the functions and mechanisms of chemicals in reproductive processes remain incomplete. We developed a comprehensive database called the Reproductive Chemical Database (RCDB) (https://yu.life.sjtu.edu.cn/ChenLab/RCDB) to facilitate research on chemicals in reproductive biology. This resource is founded on rigorous manual literature extraction and precise protein target prediction methodologies. This database focuses on the delineation of chemicals associated with phenotypes, diseases, or endpoints intricately associated with four important reproductive processes: female and male gamete generation, fertilization, and embryo development in human and mouse. The RCDB encompasses 93 sub-GO processes, and it revealed 1447 intricate chemical–biological process interactions. To date, the RCDB has meticulously cataloged and annotated 830 distinct chemicals, while also predicting 614 target proteins from a selection of 3800 potential candidates. Additionally, the RCDB offers an online predictive tool that empowers researchers to ascertain whether specific chemicals play discernible functional roles in these reproductive processes. The RCDB is an exhaustive, cross-platform, manually curated database, which provides a user-friendly interface to search, browse, and use reproductive processes modulators and their comprehensive related information. The RCDB will help researchers to understand the whole reproductive process and related diseases and it has the potential to promote reproduction research in the pharmacological and pathophysiological areas.

Graphical Abstract
The importance of vision care for displaced populations: lessons from Israeli evacuees
Authors: Ben-Eli Hadas , Chowers Itay , Gordon-Shaag Ariela
Published: June 2024

Background

This study explores vision care priorities and coping mechanisms for Israeli evacuees and following the October 7th, 2023, attack by Hamas, which displaced 150,000 individuals, with about 15,000 being evacuated to the Dead Sea area. Faced with minimal health care infrastructure in the Dead Sea area and often lacking personal belongings, including eyeglasses and ocular medicine, these evacuees confronted significant vision care challenges. This context sets the stage for investigating the emergency vision care needs and solutions for populations affected by conflict and displacement.

Methods

In response to this crisis, a consortium led by Hadassah Academic College’s Department of Optometry and the Dept. of Ophthalmology at Hadassah Medical Center established ophthalmic clinics in the Dead Sea region. These clinics offered comprehensive vision care services, including refractive and vision examinations, ophthalmological assessments, ocular imaging, and provision of free glasses. The setup included multiple stations for different vision tests, staffed by an interdisciplinary team of professionals. The study analyzes the effectiveness of these clinics, patient flow challenges, and the psychological impact of vision care in a crisis setting.

Results

Approximately 800 evacuees received examinations, with around 700 pairs of glasses distributed. Notable cases included emergency referrals for serious conditions and instances where glasses served as psychological support. The operation highlighted the necessity of vision care during crises and its potential psychological and social implications. The clinics successfully provided immediate vision care, but challenges in patient flow and insufficient electronic medical record integration were noted. The experience underscores the importance of prepared eye care interventions in crises. Recommendations for health policy decision-makers include establishing a national emergency vision care network, developing standardized treatment protocols, training local health workers, and raising public awareness about eye health in emergencies.

Conclusions

The consortium’s effort in providing urgent vision care to evacuees from the Hamas attack on Israel demonstrates the critical role of rapid, organized eye care in crisis situations. Vision care, along with hearing and mobility, is often overlooked during evacuations but is vital for the well-being and survival of evacuees, especially under trying circumstances. This project serves as a model for future humanitarian interventions, emphasizing the importance of addressing overlooked healthcare issues once the immediate crisis has passed, and the need for strategic planning in health care policy for similar emergency scenarios.
Incidence of controlled water restriction on density and chemical profiles in tree rings of Araucaria araucana seedlings
Authors: Papú Sofía , Ortega-Rodriguez Daigard Ricardo , Roig Fidel Alejandro , Navas Florencia
Published: June 2024

Background

Dehydration of plant tissues caused by water stress affects the dynamics of the lateral cambium, the rate of cell division and differentiation in cell lumen size, wall thickness and wall chemical properties. Based on evidence that ongoing climate change projects longer and more intense water stress conditions, forest dynamics and decline are predicted to be affected by increases in drought intensity and frequency. To verify the interaction of these phenomena, we described the modifications in the anatomy and mineral contents of annual growth rings of Araucaria araucana seedlings subjected to water stress treatments, using X-ray densitometry and X-ray fluorescence techniques.

Results

Severe water stress conditions during the growing period produced narrower tree rings, with reduced cell lumen size (5–7 µm) and higher tracheid reinforcement factor values, but with lower wood density. Plants subjected to moderate water stress generated intra-annual density fluctuations coinciding with periods of decreased soil moisture. Under the precept that the essential nutrients play a relevant role in the functioning of trees, we found evidence of element allocation and concentration in response to drought. Calcium and phosphorus concentration increased significantly as stress becomes more severe, but with small differences between early- and latewood. On the contrary, potassium and sulfur presented lower values in the most stressed plants, and manganese had the lowest values only for moderate water stress. Finally, S/Ca and K/Ca molar ratios decreased, while Ca/Mn increased as stress becomes more severe.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that A. araucana seedlings invested resources aimed at increasing structural components of the cell wall to prevent cavitation. This would maintain metabolism and cell growth even in unfavorable environmental conditions. Furthermore, the imbalance of manganese and calcium and their consequent ratio (Ca/Mn) could be linked to early adaptive signals to avoid dieback.
Effects of biotic and abiotic factors on ecosystem multifunctionality of plantations
Authors: Tian Jiaxin , Ni Tian , Miao Zheng , Hao Yuanshuo , Ma Aiyun , Dong Lihu , Li Fengri
Published: June 2024

Background

Mixed forests are better than monoculture forests in biodiversity, stand structure and productivity stability. However, a more comprehensive assessment of the ecosystem functions of monoculture and mixed plantations is lacking. We compared the single functions and ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF) in Fraxinus mandshurica and Larix olgensis mixed plantations with monoculture plantations in Northeast China and discussed the influences of biodiversity and environmental factors on EMF.

Results

The mixed plantations had higher biodiversity and ecological functions. Biodiversity was significantly higher in mixed plantations (such as CWMMH, Shrub.Shannon, Shrub.Richness, Herb.Shannon, Herb.Richness), but environmental factors differed less among the three forest types, and belowground diversity differed significantly only in the Bacterial.Shannon and Fungal.Shannon. Mixed plantations showed significant differences in single ecological functions relative to monoculture plantations, with more pronounced differences between mixed plantations and Larix olgensis monoculture plantations. Weighted ecosystem multifunctionality was significantly higher in mixed plantations than in monoculture plantations. EMF was mainly driven by tree diversity, environmental factors, shrub and herb species diversity, and soil microbial alpha diversity, which explained 25.35%, 8.94%, 8.83%, and 7.65% of the variation, respectively.

Conclusions

The establishment of mixed plantations can increase the biodiversity of forest stands and improve the ecosystem functions. These results highlight the advantages of multi-species plantations and the necessity of planting them. They are important for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable management of plantations.
The impact of entrepreneurship education on students’ desirability and intentions to pursue an entrepreneurial career: a study in general and vocational secondary schools of Cabo Verde
Authors: Dinis Anabela
Published: June 2024

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Entrepreneurship Curriculum Programme (ECP) on students' entrepreneurial attitudes, perception of social norms and entrepreneurial intentions. This programme was implemented in upper-secondary level classes in Cabo Verde. The study also assesses if the programme has different impacts in different years of schooling and the mediating role of personal factors (gender and family models), teaching factors (differences between general and vocational education) and contextual factors (different island). The research was conducted on six islands in 4 vocational schools and 8 schools of general studies. The research compared the results of two groups: one with 947 students who attended ECP and the other with 1140 students who did not. The findings reveal that ECP impacts all the dimensions considered, the effect is differentiated throughout schooling and that other factors affect students' entrepreneurial attitudes, beliefs and intentions. From the theoretical point of view, the study reinforces the knowledge about the impact of education in entrepreneurship in contexts where there are still few studies—the context of developing countries and the context of secondary education. From a practical point of view, the study provides indications for deepening/improving the design and implementation of entrepreneurship education programmes.
Hypoxia-mediated programmed cell death is involved in the formation of wooden breast in broilers
Authors: Zhang Xinrui , Xing Tong , Zhang Lin , Zhao Liang , Gao Feng
Published: June 2024

Background

Wooden breast (WB) myopathy is a common myopathy found in commercial broiler chickens worldwide. Histological examination has revealed that WB myopathy is accompanied by damage to the pectoralis major (PM) muscle. However, the underlying mechanisms responsible for the formation of WB in broilers have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of hypoxia-mediated programmed cell death (PCD) in the formation of WB myopathy.

Results

Histological examination and biochemical analysis were performed on the PM muscle of the control (CON) and WB groups. A significantly increased thickness of the breast muscle in the top, middle, and bottom portions (P<0.01) was found along with pathological structure damage of myofibers in the WB group. The number of capillaries per fiber in PM muscle, and the levels of pO2 and sO2 in the blood, were significantly decreased (P < 0.01), while the levels of pCO2 and TCO2 in the blood were significantly increased (P < 0.05), suggesting hypoxic conditions in the PM muscle of the WB group. We further evaluated the PCD-related pathways including autophagy, apoptosis, and necroptosis to understand the consequence response to enhanced hypoxic conditions in the PM muscle of birds with WB. The ratio of LC3 II to LC3 I, and the autophagy-related factors HIF-1α, BNIP3, Beclin1, AMPKα, and ULK1 at the mRNA and protein levels, were all significantly upregulated (P < 0.05), showing that autophagy occurred in the PM muscle of the WB group. The apoptotic index, as well as the expressions of Bax, Cytc, caspase 9, and caspase 3, were significantly increased (P < 0.05), whereas Bcl-2 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the WB-affected PM muscle, indicating the occurrence of apoptosis mediated by the mitochondrial pathway. Additionally, the expressions of necroptosis-related factors RIP1, RIP3, and MLKL, as well as NF-κB and the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, were all significantly enhanced (P < 0.05) in the WB-affected PM muscle.

Conclusions

The WB myopathy reduces blood supply and induces hypoxia in the PM muscle, which is closely related to the occurrence of PCD including apoptosis, autophagy, and necroptosis within myofibers, and finally leads to abnormal muscle damage and the development of WB in broilers.
Understanding the impact of urban heat islands on crime: insights from temperature, population density, and green canopy cover
Authors: Jonescu Emil E. , Ramanayaka Chamil Erik , Olatunji Oluwole A. , Uylaki Talia J.
Published: June 2024

Emergent literature suggests that micro- and macro-climates influence criminal behaviour; a complex phenomenon that is still incipient in theory development. This mixed-method research starts with a systematic review of the literature on the theoretical premises that urban heat islands amplify aggressive behaviour and crime. Further, it discusses the potential implications of the relationship between the environment and social outcomes on the design and planning of urban environments. A meta-synthesis was conducted to explain the correlations between patterns of criminal behaviour and thermal (dis)comfort. This correlation is to relate fundamental urban design principles to socially sustainable communities that dissuade violence and crime, and otherwise show poorly designed spaces do propagate criminal behaviour. Cross-validation was undertaken using a case study of Midland, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia. Data involves population demographics, temperature, and crime statistics relating to Offences against the Person. Analysis focused on homicide, assault, threatening behaviour, and robbery. The findings imply a positive correlation between long-term temperature, crime, population density, and green canopy cover. Variables of climate (e.g., short-to-long-term climate-related stressors) and crime types also show non-linear association. Nonetheless, forecasting the future of violence and trends of crime through attributes or potential impacts of heat and urban canopy cover on the built environment will inform sustainable social development policy, environmental planning, development strategy, designers, and planners. Recommendations are made around these in relation to making urban communities adaptive to the impacts of global warming and future densification.
Facebook addiction and its impact on depression: a cross sectional study
Authors: Salma Nahid , Bhuiyan Farhaduzzaman
Published: June 2024

Aim

Facebook has become a part of daily life for its users and therefore become a very significant factor of mental health. As the number of Facebook users increases exponentially, the problems related to immense use have become more evident and more frequent. Therefore, the study aimed to explore the impact of Facebook addiction on depression among its users.

Methods

An online-based questionnaire was used to collect data from 269 Facebook users of Bangladesh using convenient sampling technique. Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scale was used to assess Facebook addiction and its impact on depression.Ordinal logistic was used to extract the significant variables associated with Facebook addiction and depression.

Results

The result categorized the Facebook users into three categories as : normal (17%), problematic user (52%) and addicted (30.5%). Facebook users were suffering from mild (13.4%), minimal (15.6%), moderate (59.5%), and severe (11.5%) level of depression. Both Facebook addiction and depression were moderately correlated (0.701). Ordinal regression showed, gender $$(\beta$$ (95% CI) = 0.859 (0.223,1.495)), age ($$\beta$$ (95% CI) = -2.051(-3.789, -0.313)), residential area ($$\beta$$ (95% CI) = -0.858(-1.626, -0.09)), occupation ($$\beta \left(95\text{\%} \text{C}\text{I}\right)=-0.494(-\text{1.547,0.559})$$), time length of Facebook use ($$\beta \left(95\text{\%} \text{C}\text{I}\right)=2.288\left(\text{0.324,2.251}\right))$$are the significant predictors of Facebook addiction. Wheras, relationship types and occupation are also responsible for depression.

Conclusion

The study showed large portion of facebook users of Bangladesh are suffering from depression. Authors suggest to arrange mental health campaign to promote bounded and legitimate use of facebook and therefore will accelerate the attaining rate of sustainable development goal related to the Bangladesh’s health status.
Distinctive outlook into the mechanism of resistance to rice blast
Authors: Tan Chao , Wu Jianguo , Men Shuzhen
Published: June 2024

Rice blast, caused by the filamentous fungus Magnaporthe oryzae (also known as Pyricularia oryzae), is the most severe disease threatening rice yield. Sakuranetin, an important plant phytoalexin, exhibits inhibitory effects on rice blast fungus growth. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which sakuranetin enhances plant resistance against pathogens remains unclear. A recent study published in Nature Communications by Jiang et al. (Nat. Commun, 2023, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-47746-y) elucidated from a cytological perspective how sakuranetin enhances resistance to rice blast disease. The research revealed that elevated accumulation of sakuranetin attenuates the endocytosis of M. oryzae effectors into the cytoplasm of rice host cells. The inhibitory effect of sakuranetin is dosage-dependent and targets clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME). This study provides novel insights into understanding plant immune mechanisms underlying weakening pathogen virulence weapons.
Effects of far-red light on growth, endogenous hormones, antioxidant capacity and quality of Lettuce
Authors: Meng Lili , Song Jiangfeng , Ni Degang , Kamaruddin Mohamad Anuar
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to explore the effects of various intensities of far-red light on the growth performance, endogenous hormones, antioxidant indices, and overall quality of hydroponically cultivated lettuce. As the control treatment, a white LED emitting light at an intensity of 200 µmol/(m2·s) was utilized (referred to as CK with an R/FR ratio of 5.5), while two experimental treatments, FT1 (R/FR = 1.2) and FT2 (R/FR = 0.8), were established by adding different intensities of far-red light to the CK treatment. The results demonstrated that the application of far-red light, particularly in FT1, led to a significant increase in plant height, leaf area, and lettuce biomass, while simultaneously resulting in a notable reduction in leaf thickness. The content of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) in response to far-red light treatments exhibited an initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease, with FT2 experiencing a significant decline. The gibberellin (GA3) content in FT2 reached its peak on the 35th day, showing a substantial increase of 60.09% compared to CK. Far-red treatments were found to enhance peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities, while significantly reducing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In comparison to CK, FT1 exhibited a remarkable 134.33% increase in anthocyanin content. Both FT1 and FT2 significantly boosted vitamin C levels while reducing nitrite content. Additionally, the application of far-red light treatment significantly increased the alcohol and ester content in lettuce leaves. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for enhancing the quality and flavor of lettuce using different far-red light treatments.

Graphical Abstract
Level of insight in Egyptian patients having obsessive compulsive disorder: a comparative study
Authors: Abdelmoneam Mohamed Hossam el din , Elbatrawy Amira Nassieb , Khalil Sherien Ahmed , Shalaby Riham Ahmad , Ali Moatazbellah Ibrahim
Published: June 2024

Background and objectives

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder defined by the existence of obsessions and/or compulsive behaviors or mental acts persistently and affects around 1–3% of the population in the world. Multiple studies demonstrated the link of the insight level to how severe was OCD and existence of resistance to both medications and psychotherapy in individuals with OCD. Studying the characteristics associated with poor insight is very important for management of treatment-resistant OCD and development of new therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this work was to assess the level of the insight in Egyptian patients with OCD, identify clinical correlates that could anticipate the degree of insight, and assess the validity and reliability of brown assessment of belief scale after being translated to Arabic version.

Methods

A comparative cross-sectional study of 96 individuals (male and female aged from 18 to 60) diagnosed with OCD based on the Arabic version of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders (SCID-I). The study excluded any individuals with any coexisting neuro-psychiatric conditions and a history of major medical disease. Severity of OCD was assessed through the Arabic version of the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale (YBOCS). Subsequently, participants performed the Brown Assessment of Beliefs Scale (BABS) after being translated into Arabic and assessed for reliability, validity and applicability of the translated form.

Results

Patients with OCD presented with poor insight were associated with more untreated time interval, longer disease duration and more severity that was dramatically differed (p ≤ 0.05, ≤ 0.001, ≤ 0.05 respectively). Also, there was a substantial notable correlation among BABS and YBOCS obsession, compulsion, and total score.

Conclusions

The existence of good insight in patients diagnosed with OCD was associated with lower severity and less duration of illness compared to patients with poor insight. Also, the more time waited before the intervention the worst the patient scores on the insight scale.
The added value of positron emission mammography in the assessment of the axillary lymph nodes of the pathologically proven breast cancer
Authors: Hammad Ghada Fathy , Radwan Amira Hamed , Shetat Ola Magdy , Mohamed Ghada , Ebraheem Maher Hassan , Gomaa Mohamed Mohamed
Published: June 2024

Background

The staging and management of patients with breast cancer are significantly influenced by the pathological state of the axillary lymph nodes (ALN). Thus, it is very desirable to have a differential diagnosis of metastatic ALN.

Purpose

The aim of this research is to assess the effectiveness of non-invasive ALN staging using PEM versus traditional breast mammography and ultrasound in patients presenting with early-stage breast cancer. This study focuses on determining if PEM can reliably stage ALNs and potentially eliminate the need for more invasive methods.

Methods

In a study involving 94 breast cancer patients, PEM was used to assess ALNs. The nodes were visually evaluated for positive or negative uptake, and further categorized as non-specific, indeterminate, or malignant based on their maximum uptake values. This classification was then compared with histopathological results.

Results

There were a total of 94 breast cancer patients; the results from PEM demonstrated an ALN detection sensitivity of 83.3%. The specificity of PEM in this context was found to be 98.08%, and the overall accuracy rate was 91.49%. Additionally, the Positive Predictive Value (PPV) was calculated to be 97.2%, and the Negative Predictive Value (NPV) was 87.9%.

Conclusions

The initial study has shown encouraging outcomes in terms of accurate lymph node assessment.