bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH WAKTU FERMENTASI SELAMA < 24 JAM MENGGUNAKAN RAGI ROTI DENGAN KONSENTRASI NUTRISI RAGI 6%B/V TERHADAP SIFAT ORGANOLEPTIK VCO
Authors: Sembodo Gilang Haryo , Lusiani Cucuk Evi
Published: March 2023

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) merupakan salah satu produk olahan yang terbuat dari daging buah kelapa tua dan diproses tanpa pemanasan untuk mencegah kerusakan pada bahan penting yang terkandung dalam VCO. Produksi VCO dapat dilakukan menggunakan beberapa proses, salah satunya adalah proses fermentasi yang dapat didefinisikan sebagai proses yang terjadi dalam keadaan anaerobik (tanpa oksigen) yang menghasilkan perubahan biokimia organik melalui aksi enzim. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pengaruh waktu fermentasi selama < 24 jam menggunakan ragi roti dengan konsentrasi nutrisi ragi 6%b/v terhadap sifat organoleptik VCO. Proses pembuatan VCO dilakukan dengan melibatkan tiga tahapan proses yaitu pembuatan santan kelapa, pembuatan larutan yeast menggunakan ragi roti, dan fermentasi selama 6, 12, dan 18 jam. Berdasarkan hasil analisis dari produk VCO, dapat diketahui bahwa semakin lama waktu fermentasi menyebabkan semakin tinggi nilai yield dari produk VCO yaitu 4,9; 11,9; dan 17,1% untuk masing-masing variabel 6, 12, dan 18 jam. Nilai yield tertinggi (17,1% v/v) diperoleh pada waktu fermentasi selama 18 jam. Nilai pH dari produk VCO pada waktu fermentasi 6, 12, dan 18 jam adalah sama yaitu 5 dengan sifat fisik yang memenuhi persyaratan mutu Standar Nasional Indonesia (SNI) 7381:2008, yaitu tidak berwarna dan transparan dengan aroma unik kelapa segar dan rasa minyak kelapa.
Implementation of Suitcase Lock Security System Using Near Field Communication (NFC) and Global Positioning System (GPS)
Authors: Hudiono Hudiono , Ichsan Galih Muhammad , Mustafa Lis Diana
Published: March 2023

A key is a tool made of metal to open or fasten a door or object that has a lock by inserting it into the hole in the main key. The lock itself is usually used on doors, suitcases, or other objects that require security. The lock on the suitcase itself still has a slight variation and there are still weaknesses, for example the code lock if you forget it cannot be opened, then the padlock and slot lock if the key is lost cannot be opened and can still be broken into by lockpick. The type of research carried out is included in the type of research and development (Research and Development). So, from these problems, a system will be designed and built that can monitor and maximize security automatically so that user's goods are protected from crime or theft by utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC), Global Positioning System (GPS), Magnetic Sensors and Microcontrollers. This system is made portable, so that it can be used in various goods with certain conditions, for example suitcases. The results of this research are portable lock tools, and applications that can integrate lock tools in real time. From the test results obtained accuracy on the gps key, and the security system can run according to the program.
RESILIÊNCIA, A HABILIDADE DE SUPERAR ADVERSIDADES E PRESSÕES NO AMBIENTE DE TRABALHO
Authors: Paczkowski Shirley
Published: March 2023

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o comportamento dos colaboradores frente às adversidades sofridas no ambiente de lojas de departamento e identificar esses fatores e sua influência. A importância do estudo sobre a resiliência dos colaboradores da loja de departamentos Empresa X se deve ao fato de ser uma empresa em fase de expansão, buscando fortalecer-se no mercado, além de ser uma empresa jovem e com um quadro de funcionários extenso. Com o avanço dos anos as empresas viram a necessidade de se preocupar com a sua sobrevivência no mercado competitivo. Foi a partir desse momento, que o mundo dos negócios se apropriou do termo Resiliência para caracterizar pessoas que possuem a capacidade de retornar ao seu equilí­brio emocional após sofrer pressões ou estresse, pessoas capazes de lidar com problemas e, sob pressão, manterem o equilí­brio. O termo resiliência surge no mundo empresarial para analisar o comportamento dos colaboradores e melhorar o aproveitamento do capital humano, tornando o individuo e a empresa em um diferencial competitivo frente ao mercado. A pesquisa tem caráter qualitativo e descritivo, baseada em dados secundários, apresentando um estudo de caso e utilizando, como instrumento de coleta de dados primários, o questionário. A presente pesquisa apresentou como proposta principal avaliar o comportamento dos colaboradores frente às adversidades sofridas no ambiente de lojas de departamento e a identificação desses fatores e sua influência. Alem do que, também descrever como um ambiente fí­sico de trabalho influencia na produtividade, verificar a existência de programa de treinamento de funcionários e identificar a percepção dos trabalhadores sobre os aspectos da resiliência.Percebeu-se que através do estudo dos conceitos sobre Resiliência, foi possí­vel verificar que esta é uma habilidade que pode ser desenvolvida, ou não e, para que haja esse desenvolvimento é necessário um estí­mulo, vontade e um ambiente satisfatório. Observamos que o colaborador ao entrar na empresa se mostra bastante resiliente. Sua capacidade de absorção aos impactos ou de resistir às pressões são maiores tornando-o assim mais comprometido com os resultados. No caso da Empresa X, verificamos que, por ser uma loja nova, tornam-se mais evidentes o engajamento dos colaboradores e sua alta motivação. Esse comprometimento, a satisfação com a empresa e a resiliência dos colaboradores em grande ní­vel pode ser entendido como consequência da jovialidade da loja na cidade. A empresa investe em programas de treinamento contí­nuos para que o funcionário tenha um aprendizado contí­nuo, esses treinamentos são periódicos, e se todos os colaboradores se sentem aptos a realização de suas tarefas, esse é um fator que contribui diretamente no grau de motivação e comprometimento dos colaboradores. O estí­mulo ao aprendizado, ao desenvolvimento profissional e à preocupação por parte da empresa em criar novos talentos e melhora contí­nua também são importantes fatores que contribuí­ram, para o resultado da pesquisa.
PRISIONEROS DE NUESTRA PROPIA PIEL
Authors: Bosso Cristina
Published: March 2023

“Estamos prisioneros en nuestra piel” dice Wittgenstein en una entrada de su diario de 1931 (DF, pág. 217). Esta afirmación nos sirve como punto de partida para mostrar que del proyecto wittgensteiniano de fijar límites al pensamiento se desprende una filosofía a la medida humana, que dejando de lado las ambiciosas aspiraciones de descubrir fundamentos incondicionados, de capturar la esencia del bien, la belleza o la verdad se limite a dar cuenta de las posibilidades que nos ofrece nuestro lenguaje, a reconocer nuestros límites. A partir de 1930 se hacen evidentes algunas de las consecuencias que se desprenden de los límites que ha fijado en el Tractatus; en este período Wittgenstein deja de lado los aspectos lógicos del lenguaje y comienza a interesarse por otras posibilidades. De su análisis se desprenden interesantes consecuencias. A la inversa de la terapia platónica que es ascendente, la wittgensteiniana es descendente: la meta no es alcanzar el sol sino aceptar nuestra condición. Wittgenstein propone el regreso a la familiar, a lo cotidiano, al terreno áspero del mundo humano. En tanto dejamos de lado la búsqueda de objetos ideales lo que nos queda es la posibilidad de disolver los problemas por medio del esclarecimiento de las confusiones a las que nos induce el lenguaje y la pretensión de la filosofía de hablar en términos absolutos, un terreno helado en donde falta fricción. En este sentido la propuesta de Wittgenstein aparece como una terapia que conduce a liberarnos de la tentación de hacer afirmaciones de carácter absoluto para abrir espacio a asumir un punto de vista humano que nos permita combatir posicionamientos fundamentalistas y dogmáticos en los que somos tan propensos a caer.
Toward AI-designed innovation diffusion policies using agent-based simulations and reinforcement learning: The case of digital tool adoption in agriculture
Authors: Vinyals Meritxell , Sabbadin Regis , Couture Stéphane , Sadou Loïc , Thomopoulos Rallou , Chapuis Kevin , Lesquoy Baptiste , Taillandier Patrick
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we tackle innovation diffusion from the perspective of an institution which aims to encourage the adoption of a new product (i.e., an innovation) with mostly social rather than individual benefits. Designing such innovation adoption policies is a very challenging task because of the difficulty to quantify and predict its effect on the behaviors of non-adopters and the exponential size of the space of possible policies. To solve these issues, we propose an approach that uses agent-based modeling to simulate in a credible way the behaviors of possible adopters and (deep) reinforcement learning to efficiently explore the policy search space. An application of our approach is presented for the question of the use of digital technologies in agriculture. Empirical results on this case study validate our scheme and show the potential of our approach to learn effective innovation diffusion policies.
Liquid metal integrated PU/CNT fibrous membrane for human health monitoring
Authors: Li Mei-Xi , Wu Da-Yong , Tang Rong-Yu , Zhou Si-Yuan , Liang Wei-Hua , Liu Jing , Li Lei
Published: March 2023

Wearable flexible sensors are widely used in several applications such as physiological monitoring, electronic skin, and telemedicine. Typically, flexible sensors that are made of elastomeric thin-films lack sufficient permeability, which leads to skin inflammation, and more importantly, affects signal detection and consequently, reduces the sensitivity of the sensor. In this study, we designed a flexible nanofibrous membrane with a high air permeability (6.10 mm/s), which could be effectively used to monitor human motion signals and physiological signals. More specifically, a flexible membrane with a point (liquid metal nanoparticles)-line (carbon nanotubes)-plane (liquid metal thin-film) multiscale conductive structure was fabricated by combining liquid metal (LM) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with a polyurethane (PU) nanofibrous membrane. Interestingly, the excellent conductivity and fluidity of the liquid metal enhanced the sensitivity and stability of the membrane. More precisely, the gauge factor (GF) values of the membrane is 3.0 at 50% strain and 14.0 at 400% strain, which corresponds to a high strain sensitivity within the whole range of deformation. Additionally, the proposed membrane has good mechanical properties with an elongation at a break of 490% and a tensile strength of 12 MPa. Furthermore, the flexible membrane exhibits good biocompatibility and can efficiently monitor human health signals, thereby indicating potential for application in the field of wearable electronic devices.
Construction of exogenous methanol, formate, and betaine modules for methyl donor supply in methionine biosynthesis
Authors: Shen Zhen-Yang , Wang Yi-Feng , Wang Li-Juan , Zhang Bo , Liu Zhi-Qiang , Zheng Yu-Guo
Published: March 2023

Methionine is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid that finds widespread applications in agriculture, medicine, and the food industry. However, the complex and multibranched biosynthetic pathway of methionine has posed significant challenges to its efficient fermentation production. In this study, we employed a modularized synthetic biology strategy to improve the weakest branched pathway of methionine biosynthesis. Three exogenous modules were constructed and assembled to provide methyl donors, which are the primary limiting factors in methionine biosynthesis. The first module utilized added methanol, which was converted into 5,10-methylene-tetrahydrofolate for methionine production but was hindered by the toxicity of methanol. To circumvent this issue, a non-toxic formate module was constructed, resulting in a visible improvement in the methionine titer. Finally, an exogenous betaine module was constructed, which could directly deliver methyl to methionine. The final strain produced 2.87 g/L of methionine in a flask, representing a 20% increase over the starting strain. This study presents a novel strategy for improving and balancing other metabolites that are synthesized through complex multibranched pathways.
Intracellular persister: A stealth agent recalcitrant to antibiotics
Authors: Personnic Nicolas , Doublet Patricia , Jarraud Sophie
Published: March 2023

The bulk of bacteria transiently evading appropriate antibiotic regimes and recovered from non-resolutive infections are commonly refer to as persisters. In this mini-review, we discuss how antibiotic persisters stem from the interplay between the pathogen and the cellular defenses mechanisms and its underlying heterogeneity.
Do we still need teachers? Navigating the paradigm shift of the teacher's role in the AI era
Authors: Gentile Manuel , Città Giuseppe , Perna Salvatore , Allegra Mario
Published: March 2023

Through a systematic analysis of the literature, this study analyzes the change in the teacher's role triggered by the integration of AI into educational systems. The picture offered by the systematic analysis of the literature conducted in this study reveals a less than total awareness of the urgency with which the challenges imposed by AI in the educational field must be addressed. We propose a manifesto to guide the evolution of the teachers' role according to the paradigm shift concept proposed by Kuhn in the scientific field.
Ghrelin regulates hyperactivity-like behaviors via growth hormone signaling pathway in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Guan Kaiyu , Shan Chunyan , Guo Anqi , Gao Xiang , Li Xi
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Ghrelin is originally identified as the endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and partially acts by stimulating growth hormone (GH) release. Our previous studies have identified GHRELIN as a novel susceptibility gene for human attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and ghrelin-depleted zebrafish (Danio rerio) display ADHD-like behaviors. However, the underlying molecular mechanism how ghrelin regulates hyperactivity-like behaviors is not yet known.

Results

Here, we performed RNA-sequencing analysis using adult ghrelinΔ/Δ zebrafish brains to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that gh1 mRNA and genes related to the gh signaling pathway were significantly reduced at transcriptional expression levels. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed and confirmed the downregulation of gh signaling pathway-related genes in ghrelinΔ/Δ zebrafish larvae and the brain of adult ghrelinΔ/Δ zebrafish. In addition, ghrelinΔ/Δ zebrafish displayed hyperactive and hyperreactive phenotypes, such as an increase in motor activity in swimming test and a hyperreactive phenotype under light/dark cycle stimulation, mimicking human ADHD symptoms. Intraperitoneal injection of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) partially rescued the hyperactivity and hyperreactive-like behaviors in ghrelin mutant zebrafish.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that ghrelin may regulate hyperactivity-like behaviors by mediating gh signaling pathway in zebrafish. And the protective effect of rhGH on ghrelinΔ/Δ zebrafish hyperactivity behavior provides new therapeutic clues for ADHD patients.
Acoustic telemetry provides insights for improving conservation and management at a spawning aggregation site of the endangered Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus)
Authors: Nemeth Richard S. , Kadison Elizabeth , Jossart Jonathan , Shivji Mahmood , Wetherbee Bradley M. , Matley Jordan K.
Published: March 2023

Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus, Serranidae) were one of the most important fishery species in the Caribbean, but are now listed as critically endangered. Population collapse in most places occurred primarily by fishers targeting their spawning aggregation sites, where thousands of fish gathered during full moon periods from December to April. Identifying management options for protecting this vulnerable period is crucial for their survival. In the US Virgin Islands, we tagged 24 Nassau grouper with acoustic transmitters at a fish spawning aggregation (FSA) site called the Grammanik Bank, a 1.5 km2, marine protected area (MPA) closed each year from February to April. We tracked their movements over a seven-year period and found that the small MPA protected Nassau grouper only 65% of time during the spawning season. Nassau grouper arrived at the FSA from January to May, with a peak in March, and made daily roundtrip migrations (1-25 km) from the FSA site. Females swam twice as far as males, while males were more sedentary and remained longer (22 d) at the FSA than females (9 d); behavioural characteristics that may cause differential bycatch mortality among sexes. We also found nearly half of all fish were temporary residents within 5 km of the FSA site for 2 to 6 months after the spawning season. This mismatch of MPA size and timing of closed season provided the impetus for developing new guidelines for protection. The large acoustic array allowed us to calculate spatially relevant areas useful for conservation including courtship arena (1.2 km2), staging area (4.7 km2) and primary migration pathways (9.6 km2) used by Nassau grouper during spawning season. To improve conservation goals of this endangered species, increasing the Grammanik Bank seasonal closure to five months and its size to 6.4 km2would increase protection to >96%. These spatial and temporal changes to existing management regulations incorporate the best available data to improve conservation goals by reducing potential bycatch mortality, eliminating disturbance of spawning fish, and protecting critical spawning habitat for Nassau grouper. These guidelines may also be applied more broadly to other Nassau grouper FSA sites located on large insular or continental shelfs areas throughout the Caribbean.
Bioactive molecules from haloarchaea: Scope and prospects for industrial and therapeutic applications
Authors: Moopantakath Jamseel , Imchen Madangchanok , Anju V. T. , Busi Siddhardha , Dyavaiah Madhu , Martínez-Espinosa Rosa María , Kumavath Ranjith
Published: March 2023

Marine environments and salty inland ecosystems encompass various environmental conditions, such as extremes of temperature, salinity, pH, pressure, altitude, dry conditions, and nutrient scarcity. The extremely halophilic archaea (also called haloarchaea) are a group of microorganisms requiring high salt concentrations (2–6 M NaCl) for optimal growth. Haloarchaea have different metabolic adaptations to withstand these extreme conditions. Among the adaptations, several vesicles, granules, primary and secondary metabolites are produced that are highly significant in biotechnology, such as carotenoids, halocins, enzymes, and granules of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). Among halophilic enzymes, reductases play a significant role in the textile industry and the degradation of hydrocarbon compounds. Enzymes like dehydrogenases, glycosyl hydrolases, lipases, esterases, and proteases can also be used in several industrial procedures. More recently, several studies stated that carotenoids, gas vacuoles, and liposomes produced by haloarchaea have specific applications in medicine and pharmacy. Additionally, the production of biodegradable and biocompatible polymers by haloarchaea to store carbon makes them potent candidates to be used as cell factories in the industrial production of bioplastics. Furthermore, some haloarchaeal species can synthesize nanoparticles during heavy metal detoxification, thus shedding light on a new approach to producing nanoparticles on a large scale. Recent studies also highlight that exopolysaccharides from haloarchaea can bind the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. This review explores the potential of haloarchaea in the industry and biotechnology as cellular factories to upscale the production of diverse bioactive compounds.
Effect of the serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level on risk for short-term residual dizziness after successful repositioning in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo stratified by sex and onset age
Authors: Wu Jing , Jiang Chun-Yan , Bai Ying-Xia , Xu Qian , Sun Xu-Hong , Pan Hui , Shu Liang , Liu Jian-Ren , Chen Wei
Published: March 2023

Objective

A low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level is relevant to both the occurrence and recurrence of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). However, whether it also contributes to residual dizziness (RD) after successful repositioning maneuvers is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the correlation between the serum 25(OH)D level and short-term RD severity in patients with BPPV after successful repositioning maneuvers.

Methods

In total, 251 patients with BPPV after successful repositioning were enrolled and prospectively followed up for 1 week (W1). Serum 25(OH)D values were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay at enrollment (W0). In addition, we explored the relationship between 25(OH)D values at baseline and RD severity at W1 in different subgroups stratified by sex and onset age (early-onset, ≤50 years; late-onset, >50 years).

Results

The serum 25(OH)D level of female patients was significantly lower than that of male patients (15.9 ± 6.8 vs. 19.8 ± 6.6 ng/ml, p < 0.001). Its level also decreased in early-onset patients compared to late-onset ones (15.3 ± 5.9 vs. 18.0 ± 7.3 ng/ml, p = 0.003). In addition, early-onset female patients had lower 25(OH)D values than late-onset female patients (14.0 ± 5.5 vs. 17.1 ± 7.2 ng/ml, p = 0.004). However, this difference was not observed between early- and late-onset male patients. Among early-onset female patients, the 25(OH)D values of the moderate-to-severe RD group were lower than those of the minor or no RD group (10.9 ± 3.3 vs. 14.7 ± 5.7 vs. 15.0 ± 5.9 ng/ml, p = 0.046). Multivariate analysis found that decreased 25(OH)D values were related to the occurrence of moderate-to-severe RD in early-onset female patients (OR = 0.801; p = 0.022). This effect did not exist in late-onset female or male patients with BPPV.

Conclusions

Age and sex differences in serum 25(OH)D levels exist in patients with BPPV. A decreased 25(OH)D level in early-onset female patients may increase the odds of moderate-to-severe RD 1 week after successful repositioning maneuvers.
Prognostic humility and ethical dilemmas after severe brain injury: Summary, recommendations, and qualitative analysis of Curing Coma Campaign virtual event proceedings
Authors: Kreitzer Natalie , Murtaugh Brooke , Creutzfeldt Claire , Fins Joseph J. , Manley Geoff , Sarwal Aarti , Dangayach Neha
Published: March 2023

Background

Patients with severe acute brain injuries (SABI) are at risk of living with long-term disability, frequent medical complications and high rates of mortality. Determining an individual patient’s prognosis and conveying this to family members/caregivers can be challenging. We conducted a webinar with experts in neurosurgery, neurocritical care, neuro-palliative care, neuro-ethics, and rehabilitation as part of the Curing Coma Campaign, which is supported by the Neurocritical Care Society. The webinar discussed topics focused on prognostic uncertainty, communicating prognosis to family members/caregivers, gaps within healthcare systems, and research infrastructure as it relates to patients experiencing SABI. The purpose of this manuscript is to describe the themes that emerged from this virtual discussion.

Methods

A qualitative analysis of a webinar “Prognostic Humility and Ethical Dilemmas in Acute Brain Injury” was organized as part of the Neurocritical Care Society’s Curing Coma Campaign. A multidisciplinary group of experts was invited as speakers and moderators of the webinar. The content of the webinar was transcribed verbatim. Two qualitative researchers (NK and BM) read and re-read the transcription, and familiarized themselves with the text. The two coders developed and agreed on a code book, independently coded the transcript, and discussed any discrepancies. The transcript was analyzed using inductive thematic analysis of codes and themes that emerged within the expert discussion.

Results

We coded 168 qualitative excerpts within the transcript. Two main themes were discussed: (1) the concept of prognostic uncertainty in the acute setting, and (2) lack of access to and evidence for quality rehabilitation and specialized continuum of care efforts specific to coma research. Within these two main themes, we found 5 sub-themes, which were broken down into 23 unique codes. The most frequently described code was the need for clinicians to acknowledge our own uncertainties when we discuss prognosis with families, which was mentioned 13 times during the webinar. Several strategies were described for speaking with surrogates of patients who have had a severe brain injury resulting in SABI. We also identified important gaps in the United States health system and in research to improve the care of patients with severe brain injuries.

Conclusion

As a result of this webinar and expert discussion, authors identified and analyzed themes related to prognostic uncertainty with SABI. Recommendations were outlined for clinicians who engage with surrogates of patients with SABI to foster informed decisions for their loved one. Finally, recommendations for changes in healthcare systems and research support are provided in order to continue to propel SABI science forward to improve future prognostic certainty.
A predictive model based on random forest for shoulder-hand syndrome
Authors: Yu Suli , Yuan Jing , Lin Hua , Xu Bing , Liu Chi , Shen Yundong
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The shoulder-hand syndrome (SHS) severely impedes the function recovery process of patients after stroke. It is incapable to identify the factors at high risk for its occurrence, and there is no effective treatment. This study intends to apply the random forest (RF) algorithm in ensemble learning to establish a predictive model for the occurrence of SHS after stroke, aiming to identify high-risk SHS in the first-stroke onset population and discuss possible therapeutic methods.

Methods

We retrospectively studied all the first-onset stroke patients with one-side hemiplegia, then 36 patients that met the criteria were included. The patients’ data concerning a wide spectrum of demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were analyzed. RF algorithms were built to predict the SHS occurrence, and the model’s reliability was measured with a confusion matrix and the area under the receiver operating curves (ROC).

Results

A binary classification model was trained based on 25 handpicked features. The area under the ROC curve of the prediction model was 0.8 and the out-of-bag accuracy rate was 72.73%. The confusion matrix indicated a sensitivity of 0.8 and a specificity of 0.5, respectively. And the feature importance scored the weights (top 3 from large to small) in the classification were D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and hemoglobin.

Conclusion

A reliable predictive model can be established based on post-stroke patients’ demographic, clinical, and laboratory data. Combining the results of RF and traditional statistical methods, our model found that D-dimer, CRP, and hemoglobin affected the occurrence of the SHS after stroke in a relatively small sample of data with tightly controlled inclusion criteria.
Cerebellar contribution to the regulation of defensive states
Authors: da Silva Gabriela Neubert , Seiffert Nina , Tovote Philip
Published: March 2023

Despite fine tuning voluntary movement as the most prominently studied function of the cerebellum, early human studies suggested cerebellar involvement emotion regulation. Since, the cerebellum has been associated with various mood and anxiety-related conditions. Research in animals provided evidence for cerebellar contributions to fear memory formation and extinction. Fear and anxiety can broadly be referred to as defensive states triggered by threat and characterized by multimodal adaptations such as behavioral and cardiac responses integrated into an intricately orchestrated defense reaction. This is mediated by an evolutionary conserved, highly interconnected network of defense-related structures with functional connections to the cerebellum. Projections from the deep cerebellar nucleus interpositus to the central amygdala interfere with retention of fear memory. Several studies uncovered tight functional connections between cerebellar deep nuclei and pyramis and the midbrain periaqueductal grey. Specifically, the fastigial nucleus sends direct projections to the ventrolateral PAG to mediate fear-evoked innate and learned freezing behavior. The cerebellum also regulates cardiovascular responses such as blood pressure and heart rate-effects dependent on connections with medullary cardiac regulatory structures. Because of the integrated, multimodal nature of defensive states, their adaptive regulation has to be highly dynamic to enable responding to a moving threatening stimulus. In this, predicting threat occurrence are crucial functions of calculating adequate responses. Based on its role in prediction error generation, its connectivity to limbic regions, and previous results on a role in fear learning, this review presents the cerebellum as a regulator of integrated cardio-behavioral defensive states.
The association between inflammatory and immune system biomarkers and the dietary inflammatory index in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Barania Adabi Somayyeh , Daneghian Sevana , Khalkhali Hamidreaza , Nejadrahim Rahim , Shivappa Nitin
Published: March 2023

Background

Inflammation and cytokine storm have been reported to be the main cause of acute symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Diet-induced inflammation may affect the condition of patients with COVID-19. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between disease severity, inflammatory and immune system biomarkers, and the dietary inflammatory index (DII) in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 500 adult patients with COVID-19. Patients were divided into mild, moderate, and severe conditions based on clinical and laboratory evidence. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to determine DII and energy-adjusted DII (E-DII) scores. The serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level and blood cell count were measured for all patients. Multiple linear regression was used to explore the association between DII and E-DII and CRP, blood cell counts, and hospitalization in patients with COVID-19.

Results

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients with higher DII had higher consumption of fat and carbohydrate and lower intakes of protein, anti-inflammatory nutrients, garlic, caffeine, tea, onion, and fiber (P < 0.05). There was a positive association between DII and CRP (β = 1.024, P < 0.001), hospitalization (β = 1.062, P < 0.001), WBC count (β = 0.486, P < 0.009), neutrophil count (β = 0.565, P < 0.001), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (β = 0.538, P < 0.001) and a negative association between DII and the lymphocyte count (β = −0.569, P < 0.001). There was a positive association between E-DII and hospitalization (β = 1.645, P < 0.001), WBC count (β = 0.417, P < 0.02), and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (β = 0.35, P < 0.03).

Conclusion

There is a positive correlation between DII and inflammation, immune hyperactivation, and length of hospital stay in patients with COVID-19. Further longitudinal studies are necessary.
Cancer patient and provider responses to companion scales assessing experiences with LGBTQI-affirming healthcare
Authors: Pratt-Chapman Mandi L. , Wang Yan , Quinn Gwendolyn P. , Shirima Sylvia , Adler Sarah , Brazinskaite Ruta , Kamen Charles , Radix Asa , Warren Barbara , Eckstrand Kristen , Lopez Ana Maria
Published: March 2023

Background

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) persons are at a higher risk for some cancers and may have poorer health outcomes as a result of ongoing minority stress, social stigma, and cisnormative, heteronormative healthcare environments. This study compared patient and provider experiences of affirming environmental and behavioral cues and also examined provider-reported knowledge, attitudes, behaviors, and clinical preparedness in caring for SGM patients among a convenience sample.

Methods

National convenience samples of oncology providers (n = 107) and patients (n = 88) were recruited separately via snowball sampling. No incentives were provided. After reverse coding of appropriate items for unidirectional analysis, lower scores on items indicated greater knowledge, more affirming attitudes or behaviors, and greater confidence in clinical preparedness to care for SGM patients. Pearson chi-square tests compared dichotomous variables and independent samples t-tests compared continuous variables. Other results were reported using descriptive frequencies.

Results

Both patient and provider samples were predominantly female sex assigned at birth, cisgender, and heterosexual. Providers were more likely than patients to report affirming cues in clinic, as well as the ability for patients to easily document their name in use and pronouns. Providers were more likely to report asking about patient values and preferences of care versus patients’ recollection of being asked. Patients were more likely to report understanding why they were asked about both sex assigned at birth and gender identity compared to providers’ perceptions that patients would understand being asked about both. Patients were also more likely to report comfort with providers asking about sex assigned at birth and gender identity compared to providers’ perceptions of patient comfort. SGM providers had greater knowledge of SGM patient social determinants of health and cancer risks; felt more prepared to care for gay patients; were more likely to endorse the importance of knowing patient sexual orientation and gender identity; and were more likely to indicate a responsibility to learn about SGM patient needs and champion positive system changes for SGM patients compared to heterosexual/cisgender peers. Overall, providers wished for more SGM-specific training.

Conclusion

Differences between patient and provider reports of affirming environments as well as differences between SGM and heterosexual/cisgender provider care support the need for expanded professional training specific to SGM cancer care.
Non-contact and label-free biomechanical imaging: Stimulated Brillouin microscopy and beyond
Authors: Shi Chenjun , Zhang Hongyuan , Zhang Jitao
Published: March 2023

Brillouin microscopy based on spontaneous Brillouin scattering has emerged as a unique elastography technique because of its merit of non-contact, label-free, and high-resolution mechanical imaging of biological cell and tissue. Recently, several new optical modalities based on stimulated Brillouin scattering have been developed for biomechanical research. As the scattering efficiency of the stimulated process is much higher than its counterpart in the spontaneous process, stimulated Brillouin-based methods have the potential to significantly improve the speed and spectral resolution of existing Brillouin microscopy. Here, we review the ongoing technological advancements of three methods, including continuous wave stimulated Brillouin microscopy, impulsive stimulated Brillouin microscopy, and laser-induced picosecond ultrasonics. We describe the physical principle, the representative instrumentation, and biological application of each method. We further discuss the current limitations as well as the challenges for translating these methods into a visible biomedical instrument for biophysics and mechanobiology.
Pendelluft as a predictor of weaning in critically ill patients: An observational cohort study
Authors: Wang Danqiong , Ning Yaxin , He Linya , Pan Keqi , Xiong Xiaohua , Jing Shanshan , Hu Jianhua , Luo Jian , Ye Dehua , Mei Zubing , Zhang Weiwen
Published: March 2023

Objective: Weaning failure is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of pendelluft during the spontaneous breathing trials (SBT) as a predictor of weaning outcome of patients with mechanical ventilation.

Methods: An observational cohort study included 60 critically ill patients who were eligible for extubation. Pendelluft and electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) were monitored at baseline and every 10 minutes for the first 30 min of SBT denoted as T0, T1, T2, and T3. The pendelluft was measured using electrical impedance tomography (EIT), and Edi parameters were collected by Edi catheter. Patients were followed up after extubation and were divided into success group and failure group. Pendelluft, Edi parameters, respiratory parameters, and clinical outcomes such as intensive care units (ICU) stay, mortality, and 28-day ventilator-free days were compared between the two groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the ability of pendelluft to predict weaning outcome.

Results: Fifty patients (50/60) were successfully weaned from the machine and 10 (10/60) failed, with weaning failure rate of 16.7%. Respiratory parameters such as rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI), respiratory rate (RR) and Edi parameters such as maximum value of Edi (Edimax), Edi variation between a maximum and minimum(ΔEdi) in the failure group were higher than those in the success group. The ICU stay and the 28-day ventilator-free days in the failure group were significantly longer than those in the success group. The 28-day mortality rate was higher in the failure group. The pendelluft mainly occurred in the early stage of SBT. Ventral pendelluft and total pendelluft in the failure group were higher than those in the success group at T1. Edimax and ΔEdi were positively correlated with pendelluft. The area under ROC curve (AUC) showed moderate predictive ability for ventral pendelluft in predicting weaning failure at T1 (AUC 0.76, 95% CI 0.58–0.94, cut-off value > 3% global tidal variation).

Conclusion: Pendelluft is one of the factors leading to weaning failure, which may be related to diaphragm function. Measuring pendelluft volume maybe helpful to predict weaning.
Diversity and assembly of root-associated microbiomes of rubber trees
Authors: Lan Guoyu , Wei Yaqing , Li Yuwu , Wu Zhixiang
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Understanding the diversity and assembly of the microbiomes of plant roots is crucial to manipulate them for sustainable ecosystem functioning. However, there are few reports about microbial communities at a continuous fine-scale of roots for rubber trees.

Methods

We investigate the structure, diversity, and assembly of bacterial and fungal communities for the soil (non-rhizosphere), rhizosphere, and rhizoplane as well as root endosphere of rubber trees using the amplicon sequencing of 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) and Internally Transcribed Spacer (ITS) genes.

Results

We show that 18.69% of bacterial and 20.20% of fungal operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in the rhizoplane derived from the endosphere and 20.64% of bacterial and 20.60% of fungal OTUs from the soil. This suggests that the rhizoplane microbial community was a mixed community of soil and endosphere microbial communities and that microorganisms can disperse bidirectionally across different compartments of the plant root. On the other hand, in the absence of an enrichment or depletion of core bacterial and fungal OTUs in the rhizosphere, little differences in microbial composition as well as a more shared microbial network structure between the soil and the rhizosphere support the theory that the rhizosphere microbial community is a subset of the soil community. A large number of functional genes (such as nitrogen fixation and nitrite reduction) and more enriched core OTUs as well as a less stable but more complex network structure were observed in the rhizoplane of rubber tree roots. This demonstrated that the rhizoplane is the most active root compartment and a hotspot for plant–soil–environment interactions. In addition, bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizoplane were more stochastic compared to the rhizosphere and soil.

Discussion

Our study expands our understanding of root-associated microbial community structure and function, which may provide the scientific basis for sustainable agriculture through biological process management.
Non-destructive monitoring of maize LAI by fusing UAV spectral and textural features
Authors: Sun Xinkai , Yang Zhongyu , Su Pengyan , Wei Kunxi , Wang Zhigang , Yang Chenbo , Wang Chao , Qin Mingxing , Xiao Lujie , Yang Wude , Zhang Meijun , Song Xiaoyan , Feng Meichen
Published: March 2023

Leaf area index (LAI) is an essential indicator for crop growth monitoring and yield prediction. Real-time, non-destructive, and accurate monitoring of crop LAI is of great significance for intelligent decision-making on crop fertilization, irrigation, as well as for predicting and warning grain productivity. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of using spectral and texture features from unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral imagery combined with machine learning modeling methods to achieve maize LAI estimation. In this study, remote sensing monitoring of maize LAI was carried out based on a UAV high-throughput phenotyping platform using different varieties of maize as the research target. Firstly, the spectral parameters and texture features were extracted from the UAV multispectral images, and the Normalized Difference Texture Index (NDTI), Difference Texture Index (DTI) and Ratio Texture Index (RTI) were constructed by linear calculation of texture features. Then, the correlation between LAI and spectral parameters, texture features and texture indices were analyzed, and the image features with strong correlation were screened out. Finally, combined with machine learning method, LAI estimation models of different types of input variables were constructed, and the effect of image features combination on LAI estimation was evaluated. The results revealed that the vegetation indices based on the red (650 nm), red-edge (705 nm) and NIR (842 nm) bands had high correlation coefficients with LAI. The correlation between the linearly transformed texture features and LAI was significantly improved. Besides, machine learning models combining spectral and texture features have the best performance. Support Vector Machine (SVM) models of vegetation and texture indices are the best in terms of fit, stability and estimation accuracy (R2 = 0.813, RMSE = 0.297, RPD = 2.084). The results of this study were conducive to improving the efficiency of maize variety selection and provide some reference for UAV high-throughput phenotyping technology for fine crop management at the field plot scale. The results give evidence of the breeding efficiency of maize varieties and provide a certain reference for UAV high-throughput phenotypic technology in crop management at the field scale.
A national-level examination of First Nations peoples’ mental health data: Predicting mental well-being from social determinants of health using the 2017 Aboriginal Peoples Survey
Authors: Hicks Lydia J. , Mushquash Christopher J. , Toombs Elaine
Published: March 2023

Introduction

A history of colonization and assimilation have resulted in social, economic, and political disparities for Indigenous people in Canada. Decades of discriminatory policies (e.g., the Indian Act, the Residential School System) have led to numerous health and mental health inequities, which have been intergenerationally maintained. Four main social determinants of health (i.e., income, education, employment, and housing) disproportionately influence the health of Indigenous peoples. These four social determinants have also been used within the Community Well-Being (CWB) index, which assesses the socio-economic wellbeing of a community. This study sought to extend previous research by assessing how specific indicators of CWB predict self-reported mental wellbeing within First Nations populations across Canada in a national dataset with more recent data.

Methods

This study utilized the 2017 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, which includes data on the social and economic conditions of First Nations people living off reserve aged 15 years and over.

Results

Results from a factorial ANOVA indicated that perceptions of income security, housing satisfaction, higher education, and employment are associated with increased self-reported mental health among First Nations individuals living off-reserve.

Discussion

These results support the idea that individual mental health interventions on their own are not enough; instead, broader social interventions aimed at addressing inequities in various social determinants of health (e.g., housing first initiatives) are needed to better support individual wellbeing.
Effectiveness of interventions to reduce child marriage and teen pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review of quantitative evidence
Authors: Feyissa Garumma Tolu , Tolu Lemi Belay , Soboka Matiwos , Ezeh Alex
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Child marriage and teen pregnancy have negative health, social and development consequences. Highest rates of child marriage occur in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and 40% of women in Western and Central Africa got married before the age of 18. This systematic review was aimed to fill a gap in evidence of effectiveness to reduce teen pregnancy and child marriage in SSA.

Methods

We considered studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa that reported on the effect of interventions on child marriage and teen pregnancy among adolescent girls for inclusion. We searched major databses and grey literature sources.

Results

We included 30 articles in this review. We categorized the interventions reported in the review into five general categories: (a) Interventions aimed to build educational assets, (b) Interventions aimed to build life skills and health assets, (c) Wealth building interventions, and (d) Community dialogue. Only few interventions were consistently effective across the studies included in the review. The provision of scholarship and systematically implemented community dialogues are consistently effective across settings.

Conclusion

Program designers aiming to empower adolescent girls should address environmental factors, including financial barriers and community norms. Future researchers should consider designing rigorous effectiveness and cost effectiveness studies to ensure sustainability.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022327397.