bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing learning opportunities of generic skills in higher education to the requirements of the labour market
Authors: Lohberger Katharina , Braun Edith
Published: September 2022

In research on higher education, the link between education and future professional success is well-documented. Little research, however, has been done about existing learning opportunities at institutions of higher education that help students acquire generic skills and on the fit between such learning opportunities and labor market demands. To address these questions, we adapted an existing scale for assessing areas of generic skills, which originated in research on job requirements, and transferred it to a survey of students (N = 4,258). We also implemented a comparable questionnaire, assessing the same set of generic skills, in a graduate survey (N = 378). The results of our study show that by using a theoretical model such as this, it is possible to connect student and graduate surveys related to generic skills. Factor analysis provides evidence for the theoretical expected areas for students. Cluster analysis of student data suggests that learning opportunities for generic skills differ according to field of study. We conclude by discussing our study’s limitations and implications.
Early oral language precursors of different types of reading difficulties in a consistent orthography
Authors: Grigorakis Ioannis , Kargiotidis Apostolos , Mouzaki Angeliki , Manolitsis George
Published: September 2022

The present longitudinal study examined whether early oral language skills of Greek-speaking children assessed in grade 1 can predict the type of reading difficulties (RD) in grade 2. Sixty-six typically developing (TD) children and eighty-seven children with RD were assessed on phonological awareness (PA), morphological awareness (MA), rapid automatized naming (RAN), and vocabulary in the mid of grade 1. Children were classified in the two groups based on whether they scored consistently low (below the 25th percentile) or typically (above the 25th percentile) on standardized measures of text-reading fluency and reading comprehension at the end of grade 1 and the beginning of grade 2. Next, children with RD were assigned to two subgroups: the first group included children (N = 28) with predominantly reading fluency difficulties (RFD) and the second group included children (N = 59) with single reading comprehension difficulties (RCD). A series of binomial logistic regressions showed that children’s classification in an RD group than a TD group was predicted by PA, RAN, and vocabulary achievement. Subsequent multinomial logistic regressions indicated that vocabulary, PA, and MA predicted children’s classification in the RCD subgroup more than in the TD group. Furthermore, lower PA levels and higher RAN score predicted the classification of children in the RFD group than in the RCD or the TD group. These findings highlight the contribution of early oral language assessment to the identification of children with RD and specific types of RD. Theoretical implications for the role of oral language in reading will be discussed as well as practical implications for implementing customized interventions to match children’s educational needs on specific oral language deficits.
The emotional significant negative events and wellbeing of student teachers during initial teacher training: The case of physical education
Authors: Descoeudres Magali , Cece Valérian , Lentillon-Kaestner Vanessa
Published: September 2022

Teaching is a demanding job and the aim of the present study was to explore the emotional experiences and wellbeing levels (burnout and vigor) of Physical Education (PE) student teachers in comparison with student teachers of other subjects. In all, 167 student teachers (99 in PE and 68 in other subjects) described two significant professional negative events experienced during the school placement. They also reported the frequency of occurrence of these events, the level of unpleasant emotions related to the events, and their scores of burnout and vigor. The negative emotional events were encoded following an inductive approach and five categories emerged: Student rules violations, Collaborative issues, Physical integrity risks, Organizational issues, and Lack of student motivation. The Chi-square analyses revealed a different distribution in the negative events according to the subject taught, especially including an overrepresentation of Lack of student motivation and Physical integrity risks for PE student teachers and Collaborative issues for other-subjects student teachers. Moreover, Mann-Whitney U-tests revealed a similar frequency of negative emotional events whatever the subject taught, but a lower intensity of unpleasant emotions, lower physical fatigue and higher scores of physical strength for PE student teachers in comparison with those of other subjects. The present findings confirmed that the specificities of PE lead to singular significant negative events for PE students during initial training. Finally, the health outcomes (intensity of unpleasant emotions, burnout and vigor) suggest that PE teachers have developed specific resources to cope with school constraints, probably in relation to their sport experiences.
A systematic review of the long-term benefits of school mental health and wellbeing interventions for students in Australia
Authors: Berger Emily , Reupert Andrea , Allen Kelly-Ann , Campbell Timothy Colin Heath
Published: September 2022

Background

Over the last decade there has been increased recognition about the role of school staff in preventing mental ill health and promoting wellbeing in young people. Despite this, information regarding the long-term benefits of school mental health programs is not widely available.

Aims

The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence for school-based mental health and wellbeing programs which are available in Australia and have been shown to have long-term benefits for children and adolescents.

Results

This systematic review of the literature identified 74 articles reporting long-term outcomes for student mental health and wellbeing, distributed across 29 unique programs. Common features of efficacious programs included cognitive behavioral interventions, mental health literacy, and social-emotional skills programs.

Conclusions

Some of the identified school-based interventions for student mental health and wellbeing demonstrated long-term positive impacts on students' physical and psychological health and wellbeing.
Comparison of diagnostic efficacy of 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT in ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome
Authors: Zhang Bing , He Qiao , Long Yali , Zhang Yuying , Wang Xiaoyan , Chen Zhifeng , Liu Jianbo , Zhang Xiangsong
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Fluorine-18 (18F)-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) and gallium-68 (68Ga)-somatostatin analog (SSA) PET/CT imaging have been increasingly used in ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome (EAS); however, the diagnostic efficacies of these two methods in patients with EAS remain unclear. Our study aimed to compare the diagnostic efficacies of 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT in EAS.

Methods

The clinical and imaging data of 68 patients with EAS who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT and 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT examinations from December 2016 to April 2021 were analyzed retrospectively, and the diagnostic efficacies of these methods were compared.

Results

In 37 cases, imaging was performed to locate the primary tumor lesion (localization group), and in 31 to evaluate tumor load or metastasis (staging group). Primary tumors were detected in 48.65% (18/37) of the localization group patients. According to scan-based analysis, the tumor lesion detection rates and false positive rates of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging were 18.92% vs. 45.95% (p < 0.05) and 21.62% vs. 2.70% (p < 0.05) respectively. For lesion-based analysis, the tumor lesion detection rates and false positive rates were 24.13% vs. 58.62% (p >0.05) and 31.04% vs. 3.45% (p < 0.05). In 90.32% (28/31) of the staging group patients, 286 of 292 lesions were confirmed as tumor lesions. Based on scan analysis, the detection rates and false positive rates of 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging and 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging were 83.87% vs. 67.74% (p > 0.05) and 12.90% vs. 9.68% (p > 0.05) respectively. Based on lesion analysis, the detection rate and false positive rates were 93.84% vs. 54.80% (p < 0.05) and 1.37% vs. 1.03%(p > 0.05).

Conclusion

68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT imaging may be more suitable than 18F-FDG PET/CT for identifying the primary tumor in patients with EAS, while 18F-FDG PET/CT may be more advantageous than 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT for patients with suspected metastasis.
A multi-institutional study of association of sonographic characteristics with cervical lymph node metastasis in unifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Liuhua , Yao Jincao , Ou Di , Li Mingkui , Lei Zhikai , Wang Liping , Xu Dong
Published: September 2022

Objective

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common pathological type of thyroid carcinoma, and is prone to cervical lymph node metastases (CLNM). We aim to evaluate the association between sonographic characteristics of PTC and CLNM before the initial surgery.

Methods

Clinical information as well as ultrasonographic measurements and characteristics for 2376 patients from three hospitals were acquired in this retrospective cohort study. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were performed to predict CLNM in unifocal PTC patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was created to evaluate diagnostic performance.

Results

Univariate analysis showed that gender, age, maximum tumor diameter and volume, cross-sectional and longitudinal aspect ratio, location, echogenicity, margin, and echogenic foci were independently associated with CLNM metastatic status (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that gender, age, maximum tumor diameter and volume, cross-sectional aspect ratio (CSAR), location, echogenicity, margin, and echogenic foci were independent correlative factors; CSAR showed a significant difference for PTC2 to predict CLNM. The area under the curve (AUC) of the maximum tumor diameter, tumor volume, margin, and echogenic foci was 0.70, 0.69, 0.65, and 0.70, respectively. The multiple-variable linear regression model was constructed with an AUC of 0.77, a specificity of 73.4%, and a sensitivity of 72.3%. Kruskal-Wallis analysis for positive subgroups, maximum tumor diameter and volume, cross-sectional and longitudinal aspect ratio, margin, and echogenic foci showed statistical significance (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Younger age (< 55 years), male, larger tumor, and echogenic foci were high risk factors for CLNM in patients with unifocal PTC. CSAR had a more effective predictive value for CLNM in patients with larger thyroid tumors. A larger tumor with irregular and punctate echogenic foci was also more prone to the lateral neck, and both central and lateral neck metastasis.
A master–slave game optimal scheduling strategy for park-integrated energy systems based on adjustable robust optimization
Authors: Wang Puming , Diao Tianyi , Zheng Liqin , Liu Guang , Bai Xiaoqing
Published: September 2022

As the bridge between power companies and users, the integrated energy system has become one of the carriers of energy reform, energy-saving, and emission reduction. Based on this, a master–slave game bilevel optimization model considering power company–park-integrated energy system (PIES)–user is established. In the upper game, the power company, as the leader, takes the maximization of its interests as the goal to consider and formulate the price of purchasing and selling electricity with the park. As a follower, combined with the fluctuation of electricity price and the electricity demand of its equipment, the park determines the relationship between purchasing and selling electricity with the power company. In the lower-level game, the park becomes the leader, taking into account the energy needs of users and formulating a reasonable price for selling energy. Users, as followers, intend to maximize consumer surplus and adjust their energy demand strategies to achieve the best energy consumption experience. Analyzing the properties of the game, it is verified that there is a unique Nash equilibrium solution in the game model. At the same time, the idea of solving the distribution of the model is adopted, and the equilibrium solution of the model is obtained by using limited information. In addition, the output uncertainty of renewable energy in the park is dealt with by adjustable robust optimization. Finally, aiming at achieving a win–win situation among all stakeholders, the proposed game model is verified to effectively solve the equilibrium strategy problem among the PIES, the power company, and users through simulation analysis of an example.
Adaptive model predictive scheduling of flexible interconnected low-voltage distribution networks considering charging preferences of electric vehicles
Authors: Yang Haiyue , Yuan Shenghui , Wang Zhengping , Qiu Xinjie , Liang Dong
Published: September 2022

DC interconnection at the second side of distribution transformers helps achieve power sharing among nearby low-voltage distribution networks (LVDNs) and promote integration of intermittent inverter-based distributed generators (DGs). This paper proposes an adaptive model predictive scheduling method for flexible interconnected LVDNs considering charging preferences of electric vehicles (EVs). Firstly, the steady-state models of flexible resources including voltage source converters, energy storage systems along with AC and DC power flow models are established. Then, a model predictive control (MPC)-based rolling optimization model is formulated aiming to minimize the daily energy loss considering uncertainties of DGs, load and each charging station as a whole. To further explore the flexibility and dispatchability of each charging station, an adaptive MPC-based rolling optimization model is built considering three types of EVs with different charging preferences, i.e., uncontrollable EVs, charging-only EVs and vehicle-to-grid EVs. The scheduling window of the adaptive MPC-based scheduling is dynamically updated according to the maximum departure time of currently charging EVs to fulfill expected energy requirements of all EVs. Simulation results on a typical flexible LVDN show that the daily energy loss and total load fluctuation can be further reduced through real-time scheduling of controllable EVs in addition to existing flexible resources.
Improved nonlinear generalized model predictive control for robustness and power enhancement of a DFIG-based wind energy converter
Authors: Ouari Kamel , Belkhier Youcef , Djouadi Hafidh , Kasri Amel , Bajaj Mohit , Alsharef Mohammad , Elattar Ehab E. , Kamel Salah
Published: September 2022

Many studies have been made on the double-fed induction generator wind turbine system (DFIG-WTS) in recent decades due to its power management capability, speed control operation, low converter cost, and minimized energy losses. In contrast, induction machine control is a more complex task because of its multivariable and nonlinear nature. In this work, a new robust nonlinear generalized predictive control (RNGPC) is developed to maximize the extracted energy from the wind without the use of aerodynamic torque measurements or an observer. The aim of the predictive control is to produce an anticipated impact by employing explicit knowledge of the present condition. By revisiting the cost function of the conventional nonlinear generalized predictive control (NGPC), which is based on Taylor series expansion, in that way, the resilience of the system is improved. An integral action is included in the nonlinear predictive controller. As a result, if the closed loop system is stable, the suggested controller totally eliminates the steady state error, even if unknown perturbations and mismatched parameters are present. The output locating error’s convergence to the source is utilized to show the locked system’s stability. Simulation results demonstrate and verify the efficiency, the good performance, and robustness of this proposed control technique.
A hybrid XGBoost-SMOTE model for optimization of operational air quality numerical model forecasts
Authors: Ke Huabing , Gong Sunling , He Jianjun , Zhang Lei , Mo Jingyue
Published: September 2022

As a main technical tool, the air quality numerical model is widely used in the forecasts of atmospheric pollutants, and its development is of great significance to the atmospheric environment and human health. In this study, a hybrid XGBoost-SMOTE model has been developed and applied for the optimization of forecasted PM2.5 and O3 concentrations from the Chinese operational air quality forecasting model - CMA Unified Atmospheric Chemistry Environment model (CUACE), which automatically finds the optimal hyperparameters and features without human intervention. Supported by a knowledge base including the ground-observed, CUACE-forecasted pollutants and meteorological data as well as some auxiliary variables, and based on the evaluation analysis of 46 selected key national cities, it was found that the XGBoost-SMOTE model can achieve satisfactory optimization effects for the operational model, especially the significant improvement of the pollutant extreme values on high-pollution days. The results show that after optimization, the 5-day average correlation coefficient (R), mean error (ME) and root mean square error (RMSE) values can reach 0.87, 10.34 µg/m3 and 16.53 µg/m3 for PM25, and 0.89, 14.53 µg/m3 and 18.83 µg/m3 for O3, far better than those from original CUACE model and XGBoost model. Furthermore, the optimization of the spatial distribution of pollutants from the CUACE model and the impact analysis of the input features by the SHAP method were also explored. The developed hybrid model unveils a good application prospect in the field of environmental meteorology forecasts.
Fisheries as ecosystem services: A case study of the Cauvery river basin, India
Authors: Pownkumar V. , Ananthan P.S. , Ekka A. , Qureshi Neha W. , T Velumani
Published: September 2022

Habitat alterations and fragmentation caused by anthropogenic modifications of the riverine landscape have affected fish biodiversity by reducing the number of fish species. Fish are a major element of the aquatic environment, and they play an important role in maintaining ecosystem resilience. However, an incomplete understanding of links between river ecosystem functions and processes with fisheries is one of the major reasons for the alarming rate of decline of fish species. Recognizing the ecosystem services generated by fish populations is essential and is one step toward comprehensive, ecosystem-based management of riverine fisheries. Therefore, this paper is motivated by the need to explore the dimensions of fisheries as an ecosystem service. The data was collected from primary field observations and checklist-based key informant interviews at the seventeen fishing sites selected across an 800 km river stretch of the river. In addition, two focused group discussions with fishers at two sampling sites were held to provide first-hand knowledge of ecosystem services generated by fisheries. At first, the role of fisheries in generating ecosystem services for riverine ecosystem functioning and human demands is outlined using the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment approach. Then, the findings of a survey carried out from the headwaters to the delta of the Cauvery river are presented detailing the fisheries provisioning services, livelihoods, and other ecosystem services. The findings showed that the provisioning and cultural services are highly represented among the four categories of ecosystem services identified by the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. However, in the literature reviewed, supporting, and regulating services are not well-represented. Based on these findings, the applicability of the ecosystem service concept can be elaborated to inform researchers and policymakers to enhance conservation efforts for fisheries.
Executive green investment vision, stakeholders’ green innovation concerns and enterprise green innovation performance
Authors: Wan Xiaole , Wang Yuxuan , Qiu Lulian , Zhang Kuncheng , Zuo Jing
Published: September 2022

During the 14th Five Year Plan period, the green transformation of China’s economic growth mode has become the top priority under the carbon peak and carbon neutrality goal. As an important focus of green transformation and development, manufacturing enterprises need to carry out green innovation to cope with the dual pressure of resource and environmental constraints and supply side structural contradictions. Based on the perspective of business ecosystem theory, this study uses fsQCA method to analyze the A-share listed manufacturing enterprise clusters in China’s Yangtze River Delta economic belt and the middle reaches of the Yellow River economic belt. The research found that: 1) Manufacturing enterprises engaged in green innovation has the characteristics of multi causality and concurrence, and there are mainly four driving paths of high performance level. 2) The vision of management and investment is the core supporting factor of green innovation performance. The business ecosystem structure, which combines environmental supervision and competitors’ green innovation concerns, is the core driving structure of enterprise green innovation. 3) Compared with the academic experience of senior executives, the driving effect of environmental investment plays a greater role in improving the level of innovation performance. The innovation of this study is to introduce the green investment vision of managers and the green innovation concerns of stakeholders into the research framework of green innovation driving paths of manufacturing enterprises, explore different green innovation paths across case sets, and discuss the heterogeneity of the impact of each path on the level of green innovation performance, providing a practical plan of green innovation for managers of manufacturing enterprises, and help them understand which business ecosystem elements can promote efficient green innovation.
Multivariate drought stress response of Norway spruce, silver fir and Douglas fir along elevational gradients in Southwestern Germany
Authors: Stangler Dominik Florian , Miller Tobias Walter , Honer Harald , Larysch Elena , Puhlmann Heike , Seifert Thomas , Kahle Hans-Peter
Published: September 2022

The conifer tree species Norway spruce (Picea abies), silver fir (Abies alba) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) are important elements in tree species composition and forest management of Central European forests, but their potential to thrive under anticipated climatic changes is still debated controversially. This study contributes a multivariate analysis of resilience components based on increment cores sampled at breast height of Norway spruce, silver fir and Douglas fir trees growing along elevational gradients in Southwestern Germany. We aimed to gain novel insights into the species-specific and elevational response of tree growth and wood density variables during the extreme drought events of the years 2003 and 2018. Our results for Norway spruce corroborate projections of its ongoing decline during climate change as the reductions of wood density and biomass production indicated high drought sensitivity at all elevations. Moreover, resilience indices of mean tree-ring density, maximum latewood density, tree-ring width and biomass production were even lower after the drought of 2018 compared to the previous drought of 2003. Silver fir, a potential substitute tree species for Norway spruce, showed unexpected results with resistance and resilience indices being significantly lower in 2018 compared to 2003 indicating that silver fir might be more vulnerable to drought than previously expected, especially at low elevations. In contrast, the superior growth rates and higher levels of drought tolerance of Douglas fir were especially pronounced during the drought of 2018 and visible across the entire elevational gradient, even though high coning intensity was present for all investigated tree species as a possible confounding factor to exacerbate the drought stress effects in the study region.
Comparative transcriptomics analyses of chemosensory genes of antenna in male red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii
Authors: Zhou Zihao , Mo Lili , Li Dinghong , Zeng Wenlong , Wu Hongying , Wu Zhengjun , Huang Jinlong
Published: September 2022

The red swamp crayfish, Procambarus clarkii, is a globally invasive species and has caused huge damage to aquaculture, biodiversity, and ecology worldwide. Antenna-expressed receptors are important for P. clarkii to detect chemosensory cues for mate attraction. In this study, we tested the behavior of male P. clarkii to the conditioned water from female P. clarkii during the mating and non-mating periods, and performed RNA sequencing to investigate the chemosensory-related genes of the antenna of male P. clarkii. The results of the behavioral assay have shown that for the female-conditioned water, male P. clarkii within the mating period can be significantly attracted, but not during the non-mating period. This suggested that the expressions of chemosensory-related genes in the antenna of male P. clarkii may change significantly with mating seasonal variation. Antenna transcriptomes found that a total of 59,218 unigenes with an average length of 1,056.41 bp, and 4,889 differentially expressed unigenes (DEGs), among which 2,128 were upregulated, while 2,761 were downregulated were obtained. A total of 12 upregulated and nine downregulated DEGs were associated with chemical reception, including four ionotropic receptors (IRs) or ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs), eight G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), five transient receptor potential channels (TRP channels), one sodium–calcium exchanger, one isomerase, and two uncharacterized proteins (chemosensory proteins-like, CSPs). CSPs were preliminarily classified as pheromone receptors in the antenna of male P. clarkii. Furthermore, the calcium transduction-related pathways may play an important role in the sex pheromone reception of the male P. clarkii’s antenna. The results of quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-qPCR) showed that the trends of expression of eight selected unigenes were consistent with RNA-Seq results. Our results provide more comprehensive data for chemical communication mechanisms after P. clarkii enter the mating period and eventually would develop better control strategies in further.
Limited evidence for phenological differences between non-native and native species
Authors: Zettlemoyer Meredith A. , Ellis Sage L. , Hale Clayton W. , Horne Emma C. , Thoen Riley D. , DeMarche Megan L.
Published: September 2022

Although many species shift their phenology with climate change, species vary significantly in the direction and magnitude of these responses (i.e., phenological sensitivity). Studies increasingly detect early phenology or high phenological sensitivity to climate in non-native species, which may favor non-native species over natives in warming climates. Yet relatively few studies explicitly compare phenological responses to climate between native vs. non-native species or between non-native populations in the native vs. introduced range, limiting our ability to quantify the role of phenology in invasion success. Here, we review the empirical evidence for and against differences in phenology and phenological sensitivity to climate in both native vs. non-native species and native and introduced populations of non-native species. Contrary to common assumptions, native and non-native plant species did not consistently differ in mean phenology or phenological sensitivity. However, non-native plant species were often either just as or more sensitive, but rarely less sensitive, to climate as natives. Introduced populations of non-native plant species often show earlier reproduction than native populations of the same species, but there was mixed evidence for differences in phenological sensitivity between introduced and native plant populations. We found very few studies comparing native vs. invasive animal phenology. Future work should characterize phenological sensitivity to climate in native vs. non-native plant and animal species, in native vs. introduced populations of non-native species, and across different stages of invasion, and should carefully consider how differences in phenology might promote invasion success or disadvantage native species under climate change.
The Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 Human-to-Pets Transmission in Household Settings in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Goletic Sejla , Goletic Teufik , Softic Adis , Zahirovic Amir , Rukavina Dunja , Kavazovic Aida , Omeragic Jasmin , Umihanic Sekib , Hukic Mirsada
Published: September 2022

The infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus in cats and dogs raised issue of human-to-animal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in domestic pets in close contacts with their owners. Our study was designed to research this in the framework of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Using ELISA, AFIAS fluorescent immunoassay, RT-qPCR and WGS on Nanopore MinION platform with ARTIC Network Amplicon sequencing protocol for SARS-CoV-2, we showed that three out of thirteen dogs and one out of five cats from the households with confirmed human cases of COVID-19 in Bosnia-Herzegovina were infected with SARS-CoV-2. The high viral RNA load was detected in samples collected from a 4-year-old male Havanese (Ct = 12.52), a 6-year-old German Shepherd (Ct = 21.36) and a 9-year-old female American Staffordshire terrier (Ct = 25.74). The antibody response in dogs and one cat was observed. The viral genetic sequences from dogs were identical to the sequences detected in the owners suggesting the human-to-animal transmission of the virus. These findings, especially the low initial Ct values detected, from the public health perspective additionally stress the need for precautionary measures to protect both humans and animals.
A Comprehensive Review of Artificial Intelligence in Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wang Haishuai , Jia Shangru , Li Zhao , Duan Yucong , Tao Guangyu , Zhao Ziping
Published: September 2022

The unprecedented outbreak of the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has seriously affected numerous countries in the world from various aspects such as education, economy, social security, public health, etc. Most governments have made great efforts to control the spread of COVID-19, e.g., locking down hard-hit cities and advocating masks for the population. However, some countries and regions have relatively poor medical conditions in terms of insufficient medical equipment, hospital capacity overload, personnel shortage, and other problems, resulting in the large-scale spread of the epidemic. With the unique advantages of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it plays an extremely important role in medical imaging, clinical data, drug development, epidemic prediction, and telemedicine. Therefore, AI is a powerful tool that can help humans solve complex problems, especially in the fight against COVID-19. This study aims to analyze past research results and interpret the role of Artificial Intelligence in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 from five aspects. In this paper, we also discuss the future development directions in different fields and prove the validity of the models through experiments, which will help researchers develop more efficient models to control the spread of COVID-19.
Epigenetic factors in breast cancer therapy
Authors: Mathur Runjhun , Jha Niraj Kumar , Saini Gaurav , Jha Saurabh Kumar , Shukla Sheo Prasad , Filipejová Zita , Kesari Kavindra Kumar , Iqbal Danish , Nand Parma , Upadhye Vijay Jagdish , Jha Abhimanyu Kumar , Roychoudhury Shubhadeep , Slama Petr
Published: September 2022

Epigenetic modifications are inherited differences in cellular phenotypes, such as cell gene expression alterations, that occur during somatic cell divisions (also, in rare circumstances, in germ line transmission), but no alterations to the DNA sequence are involved. Histone alterations, polycomb/trithorax associated proteins, short non-coding or short RNAs, long non—coding RNAs (lncRNAs), & DNA methylation are just a few biological processes involved in epigenetic events. These various modifications are intricately linked. The transcriptional potential of genes is closely conditioned by epigenetic control, which is crucial in normal growth and development. Epigenetic mechanisms transmit genomic adaptation to an environment, resulting in a specific phenotype. The purpose of this systematic review is to glance at the roles of Estrogen signalling, polycomb/trithorax associated proteins, DNA methylation in breast cancer progression, as well as epigenetic mechanisms in breast cancer therapy, with an emphasis on functionality, regulatory factors, therapeutic value, and future challenges.
Application of RNA processing factors for predicting clinical outcomes in colon cancer
Authors: Hou Liujin , Huang Fan , Chen Guanghou , Qiu Jian , Liu Yuyao , Zhao Hongchuan , Wang Zhengguang
Published: September 2022

Background: Colon cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and despite significant advances in related treatment, the prognosis of colon cancer patients remains poor.

Objective: This study performs systematic bioinformatics analysis of prognostic-associated RNA processing factor genes in colon cancer using the Cancer Related Genome Atlas database to explore their role in colon carcinogenesis and prognosis and excavate potential therapeutic targets.

Methods: Data sets of colon cancer patients were obtained from GEO and TCGA databases. Univariate cox analysis was performed on the GSE39582 training set to identify prognosis-associated RNA processing factor genes and constructed a muticox model. The predictive performance of the model was validated by Correlation curve analysis. Similar results were obtained for the test dataset. Functional analyses were performed to explore the underlying mechanisms of colon carcinogenesis and prognosis.

Results: A constructed muticox model consisting of βi and prognosis-related RNA processing factor gene expression levels (Expi) was established to evaluate the risk score of each patient. The subgroup with a higher risk score had lower overall survival (OS), higher risk factor, and mortality. We found that the risk score, age, gender, and TNM Stage were strongly associated with OS, and the 13-gene signature as an independent prognostic factor for colon cancer. The model has good accuracy in predicting patient survival and is superior to traditional pathological staging.

Conclusion: This study proposes 13 RNA processing factor genes as a prognostic factor for colon cancer patients, which can independently predict the clinical outcome by risk score. The gene expression profile in this model is closely related to the immune status and prognosis of colon cancer patients. The interaction of the 13 RNA processing factor genes with the immune system during colon carcinogenesis provides new ideas for the molecular mechanisms and targeted therapies for colon cancer.
Identification of the key proteins associated with different hair types in sheep and goats
Authors: Zhang Chongyan , Qin Qing , Liu Zhichen , Xu Xiaolong , Lan Mingxi , Xie Yuchun , Wang Zhixin , Li Jinquan , Liu Zhihong
Published: September 2022

Animal-derived fiber has the characteristics of being light, soft, strong, elastic and a good thermal insulator, and it is widely used in many industries and traditional products, so it plays an important role in the economy of some countries. Variations in phenotypes of wool fibers among different species and breeds are important for industry. We found that the mean fiber diameter of cashmere was significantly smaller than that of sheep wool (p < 0.01), and sheep wool was significantly smaller than goat wool (p < 0.01). Compared with traditional proteomics technology, we analyzed cashmere, guard hair, and wool by Laber-free proteomics technology and detected 159, 204, and 70 proteins, respectively. Through the sequential windowed acquisition of all theoretical fragmentations (SWATH), 41 and 54 differentially expressed proteins were successfully detected in the cashmere vs. wool group and guard hair vs. wool group. Protein‒protein interaction network analysis of differentially expressed proteins revealed many strong interactions related to KRT85, KRTAP15-1 and KRTAP3-1. The final analysis showed that the proportion of KRT85, KRTAP15-1 and KRTAP3-1 might be the key to the difference in fiber diameter and could be used as a potential molecular marker for distinguishing different fiber types.
Biomarker identification of chronic atrophic gastritis and its potential drug analysis
Authors: Song Biao , Cao Qinglin , Li Tingting , Liu Yun , Sun Qin , Fan Shanshan , Li Xuejun
Published: September 2022

Background

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is the first step of gastric precancerous lesions, and the study of the pathogenesis of CAG is helpful for the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer(GC). The purpose of this study is to explore the potential biomarkers and therapeutic drugs of CAG through bioinformatics analysis.

Methods

The GSE11632 dataset was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by using GEO2R online tool. We searched GeneCard and DisGeNET databases for genes related to CAG and used the overlapping genes as final DEGs for further functional enrichment analysis and Protein-protein Interaction (PPI) network analysis. Tissue-specific expressed genes were identified by BioGPS database. Cytoscape software was used to identify key hub genes and validated them in GSE27411 data sets. The upstream miRNAs of hub gene was predicted by TargetScan, miRDB and miRWalk. Finally, run the Connectivity Map (CMap) to identify new potential drugs for the treatment of CAG.

Results

A total of 430 differentially expressed mRNA were identified in this study, including 315 up-regulated genes and 115 down-regulated genes. After intersecting with CAG-related genes in GeneCard and DisGeNET databases, 42 DEGs were obtained. 24 DEGs were identified as tissue-specific expressed genes, most of which were expressed in stomach. GO and KEGG pathway analysis showed that DGEs was mainly enriched in digestion, IL-1 production, gastric acid secretion and so on. A total of 6 hub genes were generated by cytoHubba plug-in, among which ATP4A, CFTR and EPCAM had high diagnostic value. A total of 13 overlapping miRNA were predicted by 6 hub genes.

Conclusion

ATP4A, CFTR and EPCAM may be potential biomarkers of CAG. hsa-miR-185-5p-CFTR, hsa-miR-4644-CFTR and hsa-miR-4505-CFTR are potential RNA regulatory pathways to control the progression of CAG disease. Finally, amonafide, etoposide, mycophenolate-mofetil, cycloheximide and Emetine may be potential therapeutic drugs for CAG.
Determining a Trusting Environment for Maternity Care: A Framework Based on Perspectives of Women, Communities, Service Providers, and Managers in Peri-Urban Kenya
Authors: Sripad Pooja , Merritt Maria W. , Kerrigan Deanna , Abuya Timothy , Ndwiga Charity , Warren Charlotte E.
Published: September 2022

Trust in health service providers and facilities is integral to health systems accountability. Understanding determinants of trust, a relational construct, in maternity settings necessitates exploring hierarchical perspectives of users, providers, and influencers in the care environment. We used a theoretically driven qualitative approach to explore trust determinants in a maternity setting across patient-provider, inter-provider, and community-policymaker interactions and relationships in peri-urban Kenya. Focus groups (n= 8,N= 70) with women who recently gave birth (WRB), pregnant women, and male partners, and in-depth-interviews (n= 33) with WRB, health care providers and managers, and community health workers (CHWs) were conducted in 2013, soon after the national government's March 2013 introduction of a policy mandate for “Free Maternity Care.” We used thematic coding, memo writing, and cross-perspective triangulation to develop a multi-faceted trust determinants framework. We found that determinants of trust in a maternity setting can be broadly classified into six types of factors, where each type of factor represents a cluster of determinants that may each positively or negatively influence trust: patient, provider, health facility, community, accountability, and structural. Patient factors are prior experiences, perceived risks and harms, childbirth outcomes, and maternal health literacy. Provider factors are empathy and respect, responsiveness, and perceived capability of providers. Health facility factors are “good services” as perceived by patients, physical environment, process navigability, provider collaboration and oversight, discrimination, and corruption. Community factors are facility reputation and history, information channels, and maternal health literacy. Accountability factors are alignment of actions with expectations, adaptations to policy changes, and voice and feedback. Structural factors are institutional hierarchies and policies in the form of professional codes. Trust determinants are complex, nuanced and reflect power dynamics across relationships. Findings offer insight into socio-political maternity norms and demand a more equitable care interface between users and providers.
Sex differences in HIV-1 persistence and the implications for a cure
Authors: Rao Shringar
Published: September 2022

Of the 38 million people currently living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type-1 (HIV-1), women, especially adolescents and young women, are disproportionally affected by the HIV-1 pandemic. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) - related illnesses are the leading cause of death in women of reproductive age worldwide. Although combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) can suppress viral replication, cART is not curative due to the presence of a long-lived viral reservoir that persists despite treatment. Biological sex influences the characteristics of the viral reservoir as well as the immune responses to infection, factors that can have a significant impact on the design and quantification of HIV-1 curative interventions in which women are grossly underrepresented. This mini-review will provide an update on the current understanding of the impact of biological sex on the viral reservoir and will discuss the implications of these differences in the context of the development of potential HIV-1 curative strategies, with a focus on the shock and kill approach to an HIV-1 cure. This mini-review will also highlight the current gaps in the knowledge of sex-based differences in HIV-1 persistence and will speculate on approaches to address them to promote the development of more scalable, effective curative approaches for people living with HIV-1.
Association between gene polymorphisms in the cyclophosphamide metabolism pathway with complications after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Muñiz Paula , Andrés-Zayas Cristina , Carbonell Diego , Chicano María , Bailén Rebeca , Oarbeascoa Gillen , Suárez-González Julia , Gómez Centurión Ignacio , Dorado Nieves , Gallardo David , Anguita Javier , Kwon Mi , Díez-Martín Jose L. , Martínez-Laperche Carolina , Buño Ismael
Published: September 2022

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative treatment for patients with hematologic malignances. Haploidentical HSCT (Haplo-HSCT) is an alternative option for patients who do not have an HLA-matched donor. The use of post-transplantation high dose cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) is commonly employed for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis in haplo-HSCT. Cyclophosphamide (Cy) is an alkylating agent with antineoplastic and immunosuppressive activity, whose bioactivation requires the activity of polymorphic enzymes in the liver to produce phosphoramide mustard, which is a DNA alkylating agent. To identify polymorphisms in the genes of Cy metabolism and correlate them with post-HSCT complications [GVHD, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) and transplant-related mortality (TRM)], we designed a custom next-generation sequencing panel with Cy metabolism enzymes. We analyzed 182 patients treated with haplo-HSCT with PT-Cy from 2007 to 2019, detecting 40 variants in 11 Cy metabolism genes. Polymorphisms in CYP2B6, a major enzyme involved in Cy activation, were associated with decreased activity of this enzyme and a higher risk of Graf-versus-host disease (GVHD). Variants in other activation enzymes (CYP2A6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19) lead to decreased enzyme activity and were associated with GVHD. Polymorphisms in detoxification genes such as glutathione S-transferases decreased the ability to detoxify cyclophosphamide metabolites due to lower enzyme activity, which leads to increased amounts of toxic metabolites and the development of III-IV acute GVHD. GSMT1*0 a single nucleotide polymorphism previously recognized as a risk factor for SOS was associated with a higher risk of SOS. We conclude that polymorphisms of genes involved in the metabolism of cyclophosphamide in our series are associated with severe grades of GVHD and toxicities (SOS and TRM) after haplo-HSCT and could be used to improve the clinical management of transplanted patients.
Phenotypic characterization of Ghanaian P. falciparum clinical isolates reveals a homogenous parasite population
Authors: Thiam Laty G. , Nyarko Prince B. , Ansah Felix , Niang Makhtar , Awandare Gordon A. , Aniweh Yaw
Published: September 2022

Background

Erythrocyte invasion by P. falciparum involves functionally overlapping interactions between the parasite’s ligands and the erythrocyte surface receptors. While some P. falciparum isolates necessarily engage the sialic acid (SA) moieties of the erythrocytes during the invasion, others use ligands whose binding is independent of SA for successful invasion. Deciphering the major pathway used by P. falciparum clinical isolates represent a key step toward developing an efficient blood stage malaria vaccine.

Methods

We collected a total of 156 malaria-infected samples from Ghanaian children aged 2 to 14 years and used a two-color flow cytometry-based invasion assay to assess the invasion phenotype diversity of Ghanaian P. falciparum clinical isolates. Anti-human CR1 antibodies were used to determine the relative contribution of the PfRh4-CR1 interaction in the parasites invasion phenotype and RT-qPCR was used to assess the expression levels of key invasion-related ligands.

Results

Our findings show no clear association between demographic or clinical data and existing reports on the malaria transmission intensity. The complete invasion data obtained for 156 isolates, showed the predominance of SA-independent pathways in Ghanaian clinical isolates. Isolates from Hohoe and Navrongo had the highest diversity in invasion profile. Our data also confirmed that the PfRh4-CR1 mediated alternative pathway is important in Ghanaian clinical isolates. Furthermore, the transcript levels of ten invasion-related genes obtained in the study showed little variations in gene expression profiles within and between parasite populations across sites.

Conclusion

Our data suggest a low level of phenotypic diversity in Ghanaian clinical isolates across areas of varying endemicity and further highlight its importance in the quest for new intervention strategies, such as the investigation of blood-stage vaccine targets, particularly those targeting specific pathways and able to trigger the stimulation of broadly neutralizing invasion antibodies.