bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of research on social studies instruction for students with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Afacan Kemal , Afacan Esra Kılıç
Published: June 2024

The content of social studies encompasses various topics such as culture, citizenship, values, geography, and history. However, social studies has historically been an under-researched academic content area for students with intellectual disabilities. The aim of this study was to identify and summarize empirical research on social studies instruction for students with intellectual disabilities. We searched for articles in two electronic databases from 2000 to 2023. We applied seven inclusion criteria to 1709 articles that emerged in databases. A total of 13 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. We conducted a narrative review across these 13 studies. Results showed that students with intellectual disabilities improved social studies skills through effective instructional strategies including graphic organizers, technology-based instruction, time delay, and task analysis. Also, social studies instruction for students with intellectual disabilities mostly focused on history and geography. We discussed the findings along with their limitations and provided recommendations for future research.
20,000 Species of Bees: Fictional film as a tool for queer pedagogies
Authors: Willem Cilia , Tortajada Iolanda , Platero Lucas
Published: June 2024

Films on trans children often portray transgenderism as a disorder with a tragic ending for the protagonists, thereby ignoring the existing research on children being capable of expressing their own gender. In this article, we perform a close reading of the feature film 20,000 Species of Bees from a queer and feminist perspective. We focus on the potential of the film as a tool for educational practice as part of queer pedagogies. This coming-of-age movie portrays a family in which both daughter and mother undergo an identity crisis, challenging the traditional (gender) norms in the Basque society in which they are embedded. We argue that, unlike some of the recent films featuring trans children, 20,000 Species of Bees breaks with the conventional structures of mediated trans identities as problematic and opens a new perspective on the pedagogical use of the media, particularly cinema, as a space for imagining a ‘future to become’.
Achievement of the patient acceptable symptom state following total shoulder arthroplasty with nonspherical humeral head and inlay glenoid
Authors: Posner Andrew D , Kuna Michael C , Puleo James M , Carroll Jeremy D , Hutchinson Ian D , Zimmerman Joseph P
Published: June 2024

Background

Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with a nonspherical humeral head component and inlay glenoid is a bone preserving treatment for glenohumeral arthritis. This study aims to describe minimum two year patient reported outcomes, patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) achievement, and complications following TSA with this prosthesis.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients undergoing TSA with nonspherical humeral head and inlay glenoid was performed. Outcomes included Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, and complications. SANE and ASES scores were compared to established PASS threshold values to determine PASS achievement.

Results

56 TSA in 53 patients were identified. The mean age was 64.5 years, 64% were male, and mean follow-up was 29.2 ± 4.9 months (24.0–42.8). Two complications (3.6%) were observed: one subscapularis tear requiring revision to reverse TSA and one traumatic minimally displaced greater tuberosity fracture successfully treated nonoperatively. The mean SANE score was 84.3 ± 16.9 (40–100) and 77% of patients surpassed the PASS threshold of 75.5. The mean ASES score was 85.3 ± 15.7 (40–100) and 77% of patients surpassed the PASS threshold of 76.

Discussion

Patients undergoing TSA with a nonspherical humeral head and inlay glenoid demonstrated high PASS achievement rates and few complications at short-term follow-up.
GIRFT and Measuring Outcomes in MCNs: endodontics in 646 teeth treated in Tier 2 (Primary Care) and Tier 3 (Secondary Care) settings in England
Authors: Eliyas Shiyana , Shah Kewal , Dhamecha Nalin , Jayaram Tapasya , Yusuf Aaron , Jasani Vishal , Kaur Nirvair
Published: June 2024

Aim:

This paper aims to assess the complexity, quality and outcome of endodontic treatment provided in Managed Clinical Networks (MCNs) in England to understand if we are “getting it right first time” (GIRFT).

Methods:

In a convenient sample of endodontic treatments provided between May 2011 and April 2017, the complexity of teeth treated, the quality of treatment procedure, the radiographic appearance of root fillings, as well as clinical and radiographic healing were retrospectively assessed using records taken as part of treatment. Trained, calibrated examiners independently scored radiographs using previously published scoring systems.

Results:

646 teeth were followed up for 24.7 months (standard deviation [SD] 17.08). The average age of those patients treated was 46.7 years (SD 15.38) with 48.3% being male. Of teeth treated, 70.4% were of complexity level 3. 88.2% of teeth were asymptomatic, and 80% demonstrated complete radiographic healing. Procedural errors inhibited achieving correct working length and taper, with more voids within root canal fillings. When patency filing was reported as being carried out, complete radiographic healing was more likely.

Conclusions:

It is possible to collate outcome data in the NHS system, especially if there is provision for ongoing follow up and time allocated for collection of data. Endodontic treatment provided within primary and secondary care settings are of high quality, with outcomes being better with single operators carrying out high volumes of endodontic treatment.
Regenerative endodontic treatment of necrotic permanent teeth with pre-eruptive intracoronal radiolucency: a case report
Authors: Karimi Zakaria , Alloussi Mustapha El
Published: June 2024

Pre-eruptive intracoronal radiolucency is a rare dental anomaly with unclear aetiology, generally asymptomatic and diagnosed through routine radiographs. Failure to diagnose and treat it early can lead to rapid pulp damage, potentially compromising root development. The presented clinical report describes a mandibular second premolar with pre-eruptive intracoronal radiolucency that caused early pulp necrosis with arrest of root formation and emphasises the endodontic management using regenerative endodontic therapy.
How to reduce anxiety symptoms through individual sport in youth: A longitudinal study over 8-month observation
Authors: Wang Lin , Zhang Tianle , Huang Weihao , Gou Leyuan , Zhong Ming , Liu Qiaohan , Liu Yihao
Published: June 2024

Background:

Anxiety symptoms are widely observed among the youth, and engagement in sports has been demonstrated to mitigate these symptoms. Nonetheless, the effectiveness of specific sports and the potential moderating role of psychological factors, such as self-esteem and self-efficacy, on the influence of sports on anxiety, remains to be elucidated. This study was designed to longitudinally assess the impact of sports participation on anxiety symptoms among young individuals.

Methods:

The study encompassed 163 university students, with a male predominance of 81.6%, and explored the influence of sport-related factors (such as mastery of table tennis skills, level and engagement) and psychological aspects (including self-efficacy, self-esteem and resilience) on anxiety symptoms, employing an 8-month longitudinal approach. Physical activity, sedentary and sleep behaviour, along with age, body mass index (BMI), and sex, were accounted for as confounding variables.

Results:

The study found that high table tennis performance score was found to buffer the development of anxiety symptoms in students with decreased self-esteem in an exploratory moderation model. Self-esteem and self-efficacy were negatively associated with the development of anxiety symptoms, whereas physical activity factors did not have a direct effect.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the potential of table tennis as a form of sport to alleviate anxiety symptoms in university students, particularly among those with decreased self-esteem. Future research should address the study’s limitations and explore the potential moderating effects of other psychological factors. Overall, these findings suggest a potential new approach to treating anxiety symptoms among university students.
Friend or foe? Artificial intelligence (AI) and negotiation
Authors: Cummins Tim , Jensen Keld
Published: June 2024

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is not new, yet it has recently experienced an explosion of interest and debate. Among the topics of concern is how it will affect human relationships and interactions and how organisations will deploy AI in conducting their external relationships. This paper addresses an ongoing experiment which explores the impact of AI in the field of negotiation. It provides initial observations on the use of machine learning in general and ChatGPT in particular in negotiated outcomes. We provide preliminary recommendations regarding the use of AI tools and systems in negotiation and pose questions related to possible future research.
Metaverse in Human Behavior: The Role of Telepresence and Flow Experience on Consumers’ Shopping Behavior in the Metaverse
Authors: Muhammad Sohail Jafar Rana , Ahmad Wasim , Chen Yi
Published: June 2024

Digital commerce is being raised to a new level by the growing Metaverse cosmos. Business tycoons are attempting to establish a presence in the metaverse, highlighting its possibilities for e-marketing, virtual commerce, banking, and social engagement. As a result, many well-known organizations and companies are entering into the metaverse. The elements affecting customers’ behaviors in the metaverse, however, are not well understood. Our proposed study model was theoretically underpinned by the Stimulus Organism Response (S-O-R) concept. We proposed two stimuli factors (technological and spatial) and two factors of organismic experience (telepresence and flow experience) to account for consumers’ metaverse shopping intentions. With the help of structural equation modeling, we examined the data from 317 respondents. According to the findings, telepresence is significantly influenced favorably by interaction and vividness. Consumers’ flow experiences which eventually improve their intent to shop in the metaverse are significantly influenced by perceived similarity and competence. This study is one of the few that added to the body of knowledge on the metaverse while providing useful advice for tech firms and other businesses, in general, to take advantage of the metaverse’s prospects.
Northwestern’s Lack of Direction: A Mishandling of Hazing Allegations
Authors: Morton James T. , Hanna Chris
Published: June 2024

Northwestern University was forced to respond to hazing allegations within its football program when an anonymous complaint was filed following the 2022 football season. This study examines the strategies Northwestern utilized in its communication strategies. The strategies are investigated through the lens of image repair theory. A longitudinal approach was taken to assess how Northwestern handled the communication crisis over a five-month period. Northwestern employed all five of Benoit's major image repair strategies but relied most heavily on reducing offensiveness. Northwestern’s over-reliance on the reducing offensiveness strategy, coupled with the lack of use of the mortification strategy resulted in an increased negative response from the media and likely more lawsuits from alleged victims. Additionally, the strategy employed prolonged the length of the crisis.
Youth Pitcher Fatigue: Medial Elbow Laxity, Ultrasonographic Assessment of Flexor-Pronator Mass Energy Depletion, and Association With Pitch Count
Authors: Schubert Manuel F. , Awan Tariq M. , Sciascia Aaron D. , Figueroa Emily G. , DeMink Jennifer M. , Selak David M. , Snyder Corey M. , Gagnier Joel J. , Freehill Michael T.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries in youth pitchers continue to be concerning despite the institution of pitch count limits. Flexor-pronator mass fatigue can lead to diminished dynamic stability, resulting in greater stress on the UCL.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

To evaluate fatigue of the flexor-pronator mass by assessing changes in medial elbow laxity; noninvasively characterizing alterations in muscle glycogen; and identifying changes in subjective fatigue, strength, range of motion (ROM), pitching velocity, and accuracy with increasing pitches thrown by youth pitchers to their recommended 75-pitch count limit. It was hypothesized that, with increased pitches, medial elbow laxity would increase and that the glycogen content of the flexor-pronator mass would decrease.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Healthy male pitchers aged 10 years (n = 22) threw 3 sets of 25 pitches with 12 minutes between sets (3 timepoints). Bilateral ulnohumeral joint gapping was measured by applying a standardized valgus force and utilizing ultrasound imaging. Relative changes in muscle glycogen in the bilateral flexor carpi radialis (FCR), and the flexor digitorum superficialis/flexor carpi ulnaris (FDS/FCU) muscles were measured with ultrasound software and recorded as fuel percentiles. Additional measures obtained included subjective fatigue, strength, ROM, velocity, and accuracy.

Results:

There were no differences in medial elbow joint-line gapping between the throwing and nonthrowing arms or between timepoints. The throwing arm demonstrated a significant decline in fuel percentile of the FCR from baseline to after 75 pitches ( P = .05). There were no differences across timepoints for FDS/FCU fuel percentile values. Fatigue measurements for both arms were significantly higher at all timepoints compared with baseline ( P≤ .03). Grip strength of the dominant arm after 75 pitches was decreased significantly compared with after 25 pitches ( P = .02).

Conclusion:

Although an increase in medial elbow joint gapping was not demonstrated within the recommended 75 pitch count limit in 10-year-olds, a relative decrease in glycogen stores of the flexor-pronator mass did occur, as well as a decrease in grip strength, with increasing subjective fatigue.

Clinical Relevance:

This study provides a foundation for further objective testing of physiologic changes that occur with pitching to better guide pitch count limits and improve the safety of young athletes.
Quality Gap in Long-Stay Antipsychotic Quality Measure Performance Widens Over the Pandemic, Reversing Past Gains
Authors: Winter Jonathan D. , Petterson Stephen , Qato Danya M. , Kerns J. William , Sabo Roy T. , Winter Katherine M. , Brandt Nicole , Wastila Linda , Chung YoonKyung , Funk Adam , Ewasiuk Craig , Etz Rebecca , Krist Alex H.
Published: June 2024

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) grades nursing home performance in antipsychotic prescribing quarterly, publishing findings as a quality measure. While scores have improved since 2011, marked performance variation between facilities persists. To assess quality gap changes between best- and worst-performing deciles, we compared quarterly prescribing changes between these groups pre-pandemic (April 2011 to March 2020) and during the pandemic (April 2020 to March 2022). Antipsychotic quality measure scores, improving pre-pandemic, deteriorated during the pandemic. The pre-pandemic quality gap between the best- and worst-performing deciles narrowed as the worst-performing decile improved faster than the best-performing decile. During the pandemic, the quality gap widened as the worst-performing decile relapsed more than the best-performing decile ( p < .0001). The pandemic disrupted quality performance gains and compounded disparities between facilities. A better understanding of the factors allowing high performers to weather pandemic stressors better than poor performers may reveal opportunities to improve nursing home quality and equity for all residents.
“Replika Removing Erotic Role-Play Is Like Grand Theft Auto Removing Guns or Cars”: Reddit Discourse on Artificial Intelligence Chatbots and Sexual Technologies
Authors: Hanson Kenneth R. , Bolthouse Hannah
Published: June 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots designed to meet sexual desires are a growing sector in the sextech industry, yet little research on these applications exists. The authors examine a sample of posts and comments from the r/Replika subreddit after the temporary removal by Luka Inc. of erotic role-play from its chatbot Replika in 2023. Analysis of threaded posts ( n = 227) and comments suggests that users are critical of barriers to merging sexuality with technology. Users remained steadfast in their assertation that emotional and sexual relationships with AI are crucial to the success of certain AI models. The authors bring attention to the role of AI in people’s sexual selves by analyzing discussions about the temporary removal of erotic role-play among Replika users. This study reveals how users conceptualize the importance of sexuality in AI personalities and their vulnerabilities as chatbot users. The authors also analyze the role of heteromasculine norms and misogyny in this technoculture.
The universality of differentiation of word form and the theory of differentiation of Chinese characters
Authors: Zhu Shengyu
Published: June 2024

The differentiation of word form or character is a universal phenomenon in language and writing systems, resulting from the evolution of the relationship between word sound and meaning. Polysemy, homonymy, and heteronymy are three basic causes of this phenomenon, which can be observed across all world languages and writing systems. The principle of Chinese character differentiation is also a manifestation of this universal law of word form differentiation. However, it is important to note that differentiation of cognate and non-cognate words occurs at the level of language, while character differentiation occurs at the level of the writing system. In the Chinese language, the monosyllabic nature of roots and the characteristics of Chinese character design based on meaning interact to determine the relationship between words and their graphic forms. The differentiation of monosyllabic words, including Jiajie (borrowing) and Tongxing (homophony) in archaic Chinese, is the fundamental driving force behind the differentiation of Chinese characters. Sound change and word form change are both markers used to distinguish words, but their effects are not equal. The differentiation of Chinese characters not only reflects the differentiation of words but also consolidates the results of the differentiation. In this interactive process, the Chinese language and writing system have evolved to become increasingly compatible and accurate.
Stage I Revision ACL Reconstruction With Allograft Bone Dowels
Authors: Marcaccio Stephen , Dunn Robin , Arner Justin , Bradley James
Published: June 2024

Background:

When evaluating a patient with a failed anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, a detailed history and physical examination is paramount. The position and size of original femoral and tibial tunnels are critical in the surgical decision-making in the setting of revision ACL reconstruction. This video presents a case of stage I revision ACL reconstruction with the use of allograft bone dowels due to increased size and poor position of original fixation tunnels.

Indications:

Indications for staging revision ACL reconstruction include significant tunnel osteolysis or dilation (>14 mm), or any situation in which the previous bone tunnels will interfere with anatomic graft placement and fixation.

Technique Description:

The patient is placed in the supine position with a standard setup for knee arthroscopy, including lateral thigh post and foot stop for maintained knee flexion at 90°. After diagnostic arthroscopy, the ACL graft remnant is debrided. The femoral tunnel is then debrided and re-cannulated, followed by reaming with cannulated reamers until adequate cortical chatter is achieved, ensuring the presence of a bleeding rim of bone throughout the tunnel to confirm that the correct diameter reamer has been reached. The appropriately sized bone dowel is inserted along the guide pin until fully seated and flush with lateral wall of the notch. This process is then repeated for the tibial tunnel, accessing the tunnel from the previous incision along the medial tibia.

Results:

This video presents a technique to achieve adequate bone grafting of previously used tunnels that are not suitable for single-stage revision ACL reconstruction. Patients undergo second-stage revision ACL reconstruction at roughly 4 to 6 months following stage I, when bone graft has fully incorporated on radiographs.

Discussion/Conclusion:

Stage I revision ACL reconstruction with tunnel grafting using allograft bone dowels is a minimally invasive method of grafting previously used fixation tunnels to allow for anatomic second-stage graft placement and fixation.

Patient Consent Disclosure Statement:

The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.
Engineering attributes of ground motions from February 2023 Türkiye earthquake sequence
Authors: Buckreis Tristan E , Pretell Renmin , Sandikkaya M Abdullah , Kale Özkan , Askan Aysegul , Brandenberg Scott J , Stewart Jonathan P
Published: June 2024

The 2023 Türkiye earthquake sequence includes the 6 February M7.81 mainshock followed approximately 9 h later by an M7.74 event, and many smaller aftershocks including M6.81 and M6.37 events on 6 and 20 February, respectively. These events occurred in a region near the plate boundary of the East Anatolian Fault, in the proximity of which numerous ground motion recording stations had been installed north of the Türkiye–Syria border. As a result, the events were well recorded both near the fault and at rupture distances up to 582 km. We describe the available recordings and component-specific data processing performed with the aim of optimizing usable bandwidth. The resulting database includes 337, 365, 284, and 229 usable three-component recordings from the M7.81, M7.74, M6.81, and M6.37 events, respectively. We also present source, path, and site metadata that were compiled according to uniform protocols. Comparisons to a global ground motion model (GMM) for active tectonic regions and a local, Türkiye-specific model demonstrate the existence of complex path effects that result in relatively poor fits between the GMMs and observed data at large distances (generally R JB > 200 km). Under-predictions at some stations may be influenced by directivity and/or basin effects that affect the ground motions but that are not accounted for directly in the GMMs. We present analysis of spatial variability of several intensity measures. The residual maps produced from these analyses demonstrate that the global GMM overpredicts on the Anatolian block and underpredicts on the Arabian block, which is suggestive of distinct crustal attenuation features.
Artificial-weathering test requirements for fire-retardant-treated wood to reproduce optimal chemical retention and moisture conditions
Authors: Takase Ryo , Ishikawa Atsuko , Kamikawa Daisuke
Published: June 2024

Despite the increasing outdoor use of fire-retardant-treated wood, methods for predicting its service life remain poorly established. With the aim of establishing a method to predict chemical losses from fire-retardant-treated (FRT) wood caused by humid atmospheres and rain outdoors, this study examined the preferable conditions for artificial-weathering tests and demonstrated the acceleration coefficients in these tests (i.e., the ratio of equivalent time to reach the same retention of chemicals in artificial weathering and outdoors) based on the EN927-6 standard. To determine the moisture absorption and desorption levels of FRT exposed to outdoor conditions, an outdoor exposure experiment was conducted. The moisture content was higher in the FRT wood than in untreated wood, regardless of the type of coating, and ranged between 11% (in March) and 50% (in September) of the untreated wood’s weight. EN927-6 artificial weathering tests were performed on two groups of specimens with initial moisture contents of 0% and 25%. Retention rates of fire-retardant chemicals after a 2520-h test were compared with those retrieved from 4-year outdoor exposure reported elsewhere. Comparison of these two experiments demonstrated that the acceleration coefficients were 4.1–11.3 in the case of specimens with 0% initial moisture content and 5.1–11.4 in the case of specimens with 25% initial moisture content. The higher initial moisture content produced a more uniform acceleration coefficient. Nevertheless, larger acceleration coefficients were derived from specimens with penetrating or semi-film-forming coatings in both cases. The relationships between the uniformity of this acceleration coefficient and the initial moisture content are discussed from the moisture absorption experiment under constant temperature and humidity and under condensation conditions.
EPI-Trans: an effective transformer-based deep learning model for enhancer promoter interaction prediction
Authors: Ahmed Fatma S. , Aly Saleh , Liu Xiangrong
Published: June 2024

Background

Recognition of enhancer–promoter Interactions (EPIs) is crucial for human development. EPIs in the genome play a key role in regulating transcription. However, experimental approaches for classifying EPIs are too expensive in terms of effort, time, and resources. Therefore, more and more studies are being done on developing computational techniques, particularly using deep learning and other machine learning techniques, to address such problems. Unfortunately, the majority of current computational methods are based on convolutional neural networks, recurrent neural networks, or a combination of them, which don’t take into consideration contextual details and the long-range interactions between the enhancer and promoter sequences. A new transformer-based model called EPI-Trans is presented in this study to overcome the aforementioned limitations. The multi-head attention mechanism in the transformer model automatically learns features that represent the long interrelationships between enhancer and promoter sequences. Furthermore, a generic model is created with transferability that can be utilized as a pre-trained model for various cell lines. Moreover, the parameters of the generic model are fine-tuned using a particular cell line dataset to improve performance.

Results

Based on the results obtained from six benchmark cell lines, the average AUROC for the specific, generic, and best models is 94.2%, 95%, and 95.7%, while the average AUPR is 80.5%, 66.1%, and 79.6% respectively.

Conclusions

This study proposed a transformer-based deep learning model for EPI prediction. The comparative results on certain cell lines show that EPI-Trans outperforms other cutting-edge techniques and can provide superior performance on the challenge of recognizing EPI.
Complete genome of a novel mycobacteriophage WXIN isolated in Wuhan, China
Authors: Wu Haoming , Li Wenxin , Zeng Chi , Li Jiaxin , Wu Huan
Published: June 2024

Objectives

The rising of antibiotic resistance has sparked a renewed interest in mycobacteriophage as alternative therapeutic strategies against mycobacterial infections. So far, the vast majority of mycobacteriophages have been isolated using the model species Mycobacterium smegmatis, implying an overwhelming majority of mycobacteriophages in the environment remain uncultured, unclassified, and their specific hosts and infection strategies are still unknown. This study was undertaken to isolate and characterize novel mycobacteriophages targeting Mycobacterium septicum.

Data description

Here a novel mycobacteriophage WXIN against M. septicum was isolated from soil samples in Wuhan, China. Whole genome analysis indicates that the phage genome consists of 115,158 bp with a GC content of 61.9%. Of the 260 putative open reading frames, 46 may be associated with phage packaging, structure, lysis, lysogeny, genome modification/replication, and other functional roles. The limited genome-wide similarity, along with phylogenetic trees constructed based on viral proteome and orthologous genes show that phage WXIN represents a novel cluster distantly related to cluster J mycobacteriophages (genus Omegavirus). Overall, these results provide novel insights into the genomic properties of mycobacteriophages, highlighting the great genetic diversity of mycobacteriophages in relation to their hosts.
Population genetic admixture and evolutionary history in the Shandong Peninsula inferred from integrative modern and ancient genomic resources
Authors: Su Haoran , Wang Mengge , Li Xiangping , Duan Shuhan , Sun Qiuxia , Sun Yuntao , Wang Zhiyong , Yang Qingxin , Huang Yuguo , Zhong Jie , Chen Jing , Jiang Xiucheng , Ma Jinyue , Yang Ting , Liu Yunhui , Luo Lintao , Liu Yan , Yang Junbao , Chen Gang , Liu Chao , Cai Yan , He Guanglin
Published: June 2024

Background

Ancient northern East Asians (ANEA) from the Yellow River region, who pioneered millet cultivation, play a crucial role in understanding the origins of ethnolinguistically diverse populations in modern China and the entire landscape of deep genetic structure and variation discovery in modern East Asians. However, the direct links between ANEA and geographically proximate modern populations, as well as the biological adaptive processes involved, remain poorly understood.

Results

Here, we generated genome-wide SNP data for 264 individuals from geographically different Han populations in Shandong. An integrated genomic resource encompassing both modern and ancient East Asians was compiled to examine fine-scale population admixture scenarios and adaptive traits. The reconstruction of demographic history and hierarchical clustering patterns revealed that individuals from the Shandong Peninsula share a close genetic affinity with ANEA, indicating long-term genetic continuity and mobility in the lower Yellow River basin since the early Neolithic period. Biological adaptive signatures, including those related to immune and metabolic pathways, were identified through analyses of haplotype homozygosity and allele frequency spectra. These signatures are linked to complex traits such as height and body mass index, which may be associated with adaptations to cold environments, dietary practices, and pathogen exposure. Additionally, allele frequency trajectories over time and a haplotype network of two highly differentiated genes,ABCC11andSLC10A1, were delineated. These genes, which are associated with axillary odor and bilirubin metabolism, respectively, illustrate how local adaptations can influence the diversification of traits in East Asians.

Conclusions

Our findings provide a comprehensive genomic dataset that elucidates the fine-scale genetic history and evolutionary trajectory of natural selection signals and disease susceptibility in Han Chinese populations. This study serves as a paradigm for integrating spatiotemporally diverse ancient genomes in the era of population genomic medicine.
Tissue- and time-dependent metabolite profiles during early grain development under normal and high night-time temperature conditions
Authors: Abshire Nathan , Hauck Andrew L. , Walia Harkamal , Obata Toshihiro
Published: June 2024

Background

Wheat grain development in the first few days after pollination determines the number of endosperm cells that influence grain yield potential and is susceptible to various environmental conditions, including high night temperatures (HNTs). Flag leaves and seed-associated bracts (glumes, awn, palea, and lemma) provide nutrients to the developing seed. However, the specific metabolic roles of these tissues are uncertain, especially their dynamics at different developmental stages and the time in a day. Tissue- and time-dependent metabolite profiling may hint at the metabolic roles of tissues and the mechanisms of how HNTs affect daytime metabolic status in early grain development.

Results

The metabolite profiles of flag leaf, bract, seed (embryo and endosperm), and entire spike were analyzed at 12:00 (day) and 23:00 (night) on 2, 4, and 6 days after fertilization under control and HNT conditions. The metabolite levels in flag leaves and bracts showed day/night oscillations, while their behaviors were distinct between the tissues. Some metabolites, such as sucrose, cellobiose, and succinic acid, showed contrasting oscillations in the two photosynthetic tissues. In contrast, seed metabolite levels differed due to the days after fertilization rather than the time in a day. The seed metabolite profile altered earlier in the HNT than in the control condition, likely associated with accelerated grain development caused by HNT. HNT also disrupted the day/night oscillation of sugar accumulation in flag leaves and bracts.

Conclusions

These results highlight distinct metabolic roles of flag leaves and bracts during wheat early seed development. The seed metabolite levels are related to the developmental stages. The early metabolic events in the seeds and the disruption of the day/night metabolic cycle in photosynthetic tissues may partly explain the adverse effects of HNT on grain yield.
Comprehensive analysis of little leaf disease incidence and resistance in eggplant
Authors: Karthikeyan Muthusamy , Yogiraj Gawande Priya , Elaiyabharathi Thiyagarajan , Jesu Bonipas Antony John , Johnson Iruthayasamy , Jaffer Shajith Basha , Dhanabalan Shanmuga Priya , Boopathi Narayanan Manikanda , Marimuthu Subbaiyan , Nejad Hamid Shobeiri , Adorada Dante L. , Periyannan Sambasivam
Published: June 2024

Background

Little leaf disease caused by phytoplasma infection is a significant threat to eggplant (also known as brinjal) cultivation in India. This study focused on the molecular characterisation of the phytoplasma strains and insect vectors responsible for its transmission and screening of brinjal germplasm for resistance to little leaf disease.

Results

Surveys conducted across districts in the Tamil Nadu state of India during 2021–2022 showed a higher incidence of phytoplasma during the Zaid (March to June), followed by Kharif (June to November) and Rabi (November to March) seasons with mean incidence ranging from 22 to 27%. As the name indicates, phytoplasma infection results in little leaf (reduction in leaf size), excessive growth of axillary shoots, virescence, phyllody, stunted growth, leaf chlorosis and witches’ broom symptoms. PCR amplification with phytoplasma-specific primers confirmed the presence of this pathogen in all symptomatic brinjal plants and inHishimonus phycitis(leafhopper), providing valuable insights into the role of leafhoppers in disease transmission. BLAST search and phylogenetic analysis revealed the phytoplasma strain as “Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii”. Insect population and disease dynamics are highly influenced by environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. Further, the evaluation of 22 eggplant accessions revealed immune to highly susceptible responses where over 50% of the entries were highly susceptible. Finally, additive main effect and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and won-where biplot analyses identified G18 as a best-performing accession for little leaf resistance due to its consistent responses across multiple environments.

Conclusions

This research contributes essential information on little leaf incidence, symptoms, transmission and resistance profiles of different brinjal genotypes, which together ensure effective and sustainable management of this important disease of eggplants.
Metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses highlight metabolic regulatory networks of Salvia miltiorrhiza in response to replant disease
Authors: Jiang Mei , Yan YaXing , Zhou BingQian , Li Jian , Cui Li , Guo LanPing , Liu Wei
Published: June 2024

Background

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, frequently suffers from replant diseases that adversely affect its quality and yield. To elucidateS. miltiorrhiza’s metabolic adaptations to replant disease, we analyzed its metabolome and transcriptome, comparing normal and replant diseased plants for the first time.

Results

We identified 1,269 metabolites, 257 of which were differentially accumulated metabolites, and identified 217 differentially expressed genes. Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses revealed a significant up-regulation and co-expression of metabolites and genes associated with plant hormone signal transduction and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways in replant diseases. Within plant hormone signal transduction pathway, plants afflicted with replant disease markedly accumulated indole-3-acetic acid and abscisic acid, correlating with high expression of their biosynthesis-related genes (SmAmidase,SmALDH,SmNCED, andSmAAOX3). Simultaneously, changes in hormone concentrations activated plant hormone signal transduction pathways. Moreover, under replant disease, metabolites in the local flavonoid metabolite biosynthetic pathway were significantly accumulated, consistent with the up-regulated gene (SmHTC1andSmHTC2). The qRT-PCR analysis largely aligned with the transcriptomic results, confirming the trends in gene expression. Moreover, we identified 10 transcription factors co-expressed with differentially accumulated metabolites.

Conclusions

Overall, we revealed the key genes and metabolites ofS. miltiorrhizaunder replant disease, establishing a robust foundation for future inquiries into the molecular responses to combat replant stress.
Predicting severity of acute appendicitis with machine learning methods: a simple and promising approach for clinicians
Authors: Yazici Hilmi , Ugurlu Onur , Aygul Yesim , Ugur Mehmet Alperen , Sen Yigit Kaan , Yildirim Mehmet
Published: June 2024

Backgrounds

Acute Appendicitis (AA) is one of the most common surgical emergencies worldwide. This study aims to investigate the predictive performances of 6 different Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for simple and complicated AA.

Methods

Data regarding operated AA patients between 2012 and 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. Based on operative findings, patients were evaluated under two groups: perforated AA and none-perforated AA. The features that showed statistical significance (p < 0.05) in both univariate and multivariate analysis were included in the prediction models as input features. Five different error metrics and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were used for model comparison.

Results

A total number of 1132 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into training (932 samples), testing (100 samples), and validation (100 samples) sets. Age, gender, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio, total bilirubin, C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Appendix Diameter, and PeriAppendicular Liquid Collection (PALC) were significantly different between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis, age, CRP, and PALC continued to show a significant difference in the perforated AA group. According to univariate and multivariate analysis, two data sets were used in the prediction model. K-Nearest Neighbors and Logistic Regression algorithms achieved the best prediction performance in the validation group with an accuracy of 96%.

Conclusion

The results showed that using only three input features (age, CRP, and PALC), the severity of AA can be predicted with high accuracy. The developed prediction model can be useful in clinical practice.
Treatment strategies for insomnia in Japanese primary care physicians’ practice: A Web-based questionnaire survey
Authors: Takeshima Masahiro , Sakurai Hitoshi , Inada Ken , Aoki Yumi , Ie Kenya , Kise Morito , Yoshida Eriko , Matsui Kentaro , Utsumi Tomohiro , Shimura Akiyoshi , Okajima Isa , Kotorii Nozomu , Yamashita Hidehisa , Suzuki Masahiro , Kuriyama Kenichi , Shimizu Eiji , Mishima Kazuo , Watanabe Koichiro , Takaesu Yoshikazu
Published: June 2024

Background

It is unclear how primary care physicians manage insomnia after the introduction of novel hypnotics such as orexin receptor antagonists and melatonin receptor agonists. This Web-based questionnaire survey aimed to examine treatment strategies for insomnia in Japanese primary care practice.

Methods

One-hundred-and-seventeen primary care physicians were surveyed on the familiarity of each management option for insomnia on a binary response scale (0 = “unfamiliar”; 1 = “familiar”) and how they managed insomnia using a nine-point Likert scale (1 = “I never prescribe/perform it”; 9 = “I often prescribe/perform it”). Physicians who were unfamiliar with a management option were deemed to have never prescribed or performed it.

Results

Regarding medication, most physicians were familiar with novel hypnotics. Suvorexant was the most used hypnotic, followed by lemborexant and ramelteon. These novel hypnotics averaged 4.8–5.4 points and 4.0–4.7 points for sleep onset and sleep maintenance insomnia, respectively. By contrast, most benzodiazepines were seldom used below two points. Regarding psychotherapy, only approximately 40% of the physicians were familiar with cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and they rarely implemented it, at an average of 1.5–1.6 points. More physicians were familiar with single-component psychotherapies (i.e., relaxation, sleep restriction therapy, and stimulus control) compared to CBT-I, and 48–74% of them implemented it slightly more often, with scores ranging from 2.6 to 3.4 points.

Conclusion

This study suggests that Japanese primary care physicians seldom use CBT-I to treat insomnia. In addition, they use novel sleep medications more frequently than benzodiazepines in terms of pharmacotherapy. The use and availability of CBT-I in Japanese primary care might be facilitated by: educating primary care physicians, implementing brief or digital CBT-I, and/or developing collaborations between primary care physicians and CBT-I specialists.
Finding key genes (UBE2T, KIF4A, CDCA3, and CDCA5) co-expressed in hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma based on multiple bioinformatics techniques
Authors: Zhang Yingai , Yu Weiling , Zhou Shuai , Xiao Jingchuan , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yang Haoliang , Zhang Jianquan
Published: June 2024

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis (LC) and HCC. Therefore, the discovery of common markers for hepatitis B or LC and HCC is crucial for the prevention of HCC.

Methods

Expressed genes for to chronic active hepaititis B (CAH-B), LC and HCC were obtained from the GEO and TCGA databases, and co-expressed genes were screened using Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), random forest (RF) and support vector machine - recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE). The prognostic value of genes was assessed using Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival curves. Columnar line plots, calibration curves and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of individual genes were used for evaluation. Validation was performed using GEO datasets. The association of these key genes with HCC clinical features was explored using the UALCAN database (https://ualcan.path.uab.edu/index.html).

Results

Based on WGCNA analysis and TCGA database, the co-expressed genes (565) were screened. Moreover, the five algorithms of MCODE (ClusteringCoefficient, MCC, Degree, MNC, and DMNC) was used to select one of the most important and most closely linked clusters (the top 50 genes ranked). Using, LASSO regression model, RF model and SVM-RFE model, four key genes (UBE2T, KIF4A, CDCA3, and CDCA5) were identified for subsequent research analysis. These 4 genes were highly expressed and associated with poor prognosis and clinical features in HCC patients.

Conclusion

These four key genes (UBE2T, KIF4A, CDCA3, and CDCA5) may be common biomarkers for CAH-B and HCC or LC and HCC, promising to advance our understanding of the molecular basis of CAH-B/LC/HCC progression.
Association between standing height and physical disability among U.S. adults aged 60 years and older: findings from NHANES 2015–2018
Authors: Wang Shihong , Yang Zihua , Tan Xiwei , Lai Fengxia , Luo Ling , Ding Yuanlin
Published: June 2024

Background

Physical disability is an important cause of affecting the quality of life in the elderly. The association between standing height and physical disability is less studied.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the possible link between standing height and physical disability among U.S. adults aged 60 years and older.

Methods

The cross-sectional data were obtained from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2015–2018. Physical disability was assessed by six questions: “Have serious difficulty hearing (SDH)?”, “Have serious difficulty seeing (SDS)?”, “Have serious difficulty concentrating (SDC)?”, “Have serious difficulty walking (SDW)?”, “Have difficulty dressing or bathing (DDB)?” and “Have difficulty doing errands alone (DDEA)?”. Responses to these questions were “yes” or “no”. Answer yes to one of the above six questions was identified as physical disability. Standing height (cm) was measured with an altimeter. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the possible link between standing height and physical disability after adjustment for all covariates.

Results

A total of 2624 participants aged ≥ 60 years were included in our study, including 1279 (48.7%) females and 1345 (51.3%) males. The mean age of participants was 69.41 ± 6.82 years. After adjusting for all potential confounders, the inverse relationship between standing height and all physical disability (APD) was statistically significant (OR = 0.976, 95%CI:0.957–0.995). In addition, among six types of physical disability (SDH, SDS, SDC, SDW, DDB, DDEA), standing height was also a protective factor for SDW (OR = 0.961, 95%CI:0.939–0.983) and DDEA (OR = 0.944, 95%CI:0.915–0.975) in the full-adjusted model.

Conclusion

The cross-sectional population based study demonstrates that standing height is a protective factor for physical disability among U.S. adults aged 60 years and older.