bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dracocephalum moldavica L. Extract Ameliorates Hypertension Through Modulating the Interaction Between miRNAs and Gut Microbiota in 2K1C Rats
Authors: Yu Hui , Chen Zhangjun , Chen Huixia , Wang Zhanli
Published: July 2024

Aim: To investigate the therapeutic effects of Dracocephalum moldavica L. extract (DME) against hypertension and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. Method: A two-kidney one-clip (2K1C) model was established in male Wistar rats, and DME or saline was administered via oral gavage for 4 weeks. Subsequently, the blood pressure was monitored. Fecal microRNAs (miRNAs), gut microbes, and host metabolites were evaluated through miRNA sequencing, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and serum metabolomics analysis, respectively. Results: DME administration attenuated 2K1C-induced hypertension in rats. Additionally, DME alleviated the dysregulation of miRNA expression and gut microbiota dysbiosis in 2K1C rats. The correlation analysis confirmed the association of the differentially expressed miRNAs with gut microbes. Furthermore, non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed different metabolic profiles in the serum of 2K1C rats compared to control rats. Interestingly, the changes in those serum metabolites were partially attenuated by DME. The metabolite enrichment analysis demonstrated that the differentially expressed metabolites were mainly involved in three metabolic pathways (Arachidonic acid metabolism, TCA cycle, and Alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism). Conclusion: DME can be suggested as an effective intervention in the prevention of hypertension through modulating the miRNAs, gut microbiota, and host metabolites. Our findings may give new insights regarding the treatment of hypertension.
Traditional Applications, Ethnopharmacology, and Phytochemistry of Walnut Green Husk (Juglans regia L.): A Review
Authors: Li Bingge , Cui Chengqian , Zhang Caifang , Liu Junmei , Hao Fusheng , Han Lu , Bai Changcai , Wei Shijie
Published: July 2024

Walnut green husk (WGH) is the immature exocarp of Juglans regia L., a famous traditional herbal medicine that has long been used in China, Korea, Iran, and other places for the treatment of psoriasis, baldness, type II diabetes mellitus, intestinal worms, promotion of wound healing, and other diseases. With the advancement of modern scientific research, many studies have identified that WGH contains quinones, diarylheptane, triterpenoids, and flavonoids, and has excellent antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. These findings support the ethnopharmacological application of WGH and highlight the need for further investigation of the plant's potential uses in pharmaceutical fields. In this article, we made a comprehensive review of the traditional applications, botany, chemical components, pharmacological effects, and factors affecting the therapeutic properties of WGH based on a scientific literature review with a view to provide the latest information and research direction for further study and potential use of WGH. All data are gathered from scientific databases including Google Scholar, Pubmed, Sci-Finder, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure.
The Chemical Composition of Essential Oil and Headspace Volatiles of Balkan Endemic Taxon Achillea ×vandasii Velen
Authors: Jevtović Snežana Č. , Stojković Jelena P. , Mitić Zorica S. , Niketić Marjan S. , Stojanović Gordana S.
Published: July 2024

Background

Genus Achillea L., one of the largest and the most taxonomically complicated genera of the Asteraceae family, has a complex phyletic structure due to excessive hybridization and polyploidy, which especially occurs among species from the Achillea section. Although the genus has been investigated in detail, a hybrid Achillea ×vandasii Velen has not been studied for volatile profiles. Thus, this study aimed to analyze and compare headspace volatiles (HSVs) from rosette leaf, stem leaf, stem, and inflorescence as well as essential oil (EO) of plant aerial parts.

Methods

The chemical composition of the headspace volatiles and essential oil of a hybrid Achillea ×vandasii Velen. were analyzed by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Results

The distribution among HSVs depends on the plant organ investigated. Generally, monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes were dominant in all headspace samples, primarily 1,8-cineole followed by α-pinene and β-pinene. Sesquiterpenoids were absent or presented in a low percentage. Unlike HSVs, the EO was abundant in sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and their oxygenated derivates. Among all, caryophyllene oxide, α-cadinol, and germacrene D were dominant in the studied essential oil.

Conclusions

The results showed that the qualitative and quantitative composition of studied headspace volatiles and essential oil differ significantly in terms of terpene content. Considering the hybrid origin of the studied taxon and obtained volatile profiles, the tested hybrid shows no or very weak agreement with the parental species.
“Don’t Really Figure Wages . . . Just Pay Bills”: Family Home Child Care Providers as Small Business Owners
Authors: Lippard Christine , Wallace Laura , Li Danxun , Rouse Heather
Published: July 2024

Using data from the 2021 Iowa Narrow Cost Analysis of child care, the current study examines business practices of family home child care providers. Family home child care providers make up a sizeable portion of the available child care in Iowa; however, their sustainability is threatened by providers making a low income and lacking access to benefits. The current study describes the enrollment of family home child care, cost drivers of providing care, and participation in business practices such as paying oneself a salary, providing for one’s health insurance, accepting state child care subsidy, and participating in the state quality rating system (QRS), as well as relationships among these business practices. Chi-square analyses indicate that providers who accept child care assistance (CCA) are more likely to contribute to their health insurance and provide themselves with paid time off; however, their participation rates in QRS are similar to those who do not accept CCA. Directions for future research and potential points of intervention to support family home childcare (FHCC) providers as small business owners are discussed.
Engineered extracellular vesicle-delivered TGF-β inhibitor for attenuating osteoarthritis by targeting subchondral bone
Authors: Jing Zhaopu , Zhang Guangyang , Cai Yuanqing , Liang Jialin , Lv Leifeng , Dang Xiaoqian
Published: July 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease that affects the entire joint. To treat OA, it may be beneficial to inhibit the activity of TGF-β in the subchondral bone. However, delivering drugs to the subchondral bone using conventional methods is challenging. In this study, we developed an extracellular vesicle delivery system. The utilization of macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles as a drug-carrying platform enables drugs to evade immune clearance and cross biological barriers. By incorporating targeting peptides on the surface of extracellular vesicles, the drug platform becomes targeted. The combination of these two factors results in the successful delivery of the drug to the subchondral bone. The study evaluated the stability, cytotoxicity, and bone targeting capability of the engineered extracellular vesicle platform (BT-EV-G). It also assessed the effects of BT-EV-G on the differentiation, proliferation, and migration of bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Additionally, the researchers administered BT-EV-G to anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT)-induced OA mice. The results showed that BT-EV-G had low toxicity and high bone targeting ability both in vitro and in vivo. BT-EV-G can restore coupled bone remodeling in subchondral bone by inhibiting pSmad2/3-dependent TGF-β signaling. This work provides new insights into the treatment of OA.
Chronic kidney disease combined with metabolic syndrome is a non-negligible risk factor
Authors: Lin Lirong , Pan Xianfeng , Feng Yuanjun , Yang Jurong
Published: July 2024

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a group of conditions characterized by hypertension (HTN), hyperglycaemia or insulin resistance (IR), hyperlipidaemia, and abdominal obesity. MetS is associated with a high incidence of cardiovascular events and mortality and is an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). MetS can cause CKD or accelerate the progression of kidney disease. Recent studies have found that MetS and kidney disease have a cause-and-effect relationship. Patients with CKD, those undergoing kidney transplantation, or kidney donors have a significantly higher risk of developing MetS than normal people. The present study reviewed the possible mechanisms of MetS in patients with CKD, including the disorders of glucose and fat metabolism after kidney injury, IR, HTN and the administration of glucocorticoid and calcineurin inhibitors. In addition, this study reviewed the effect of MetS in patients with CKD on important target organs such as the kidney, heart, brain and blood vessels, and the treatment and prevention of CKD combined with MetS. The study aims to provide strategies for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of CKD in patients with MetS.
Spectrum and management of rare Candida/yeast infections in Kuwait in the Middle East
Authors: Ahmad Suhail , Asadzadeh Mohammad , Al-Sweih Noura , Khan Ziauddin
Published: July 2024

Invasive fungal infections (IFIs) are associated with high mortality rates and mostly affect patients with compromised immunity. The incidence of IFIs is increasing worldwide with the expanding population of susceptible patients. Candida and other yeast infections represent a major component of IFIs. Rare Candida/yeast infections have also increased in recent years and pose considerable diagnostic and management challenges as they are not easily recognized by routine phenotypic characteristic-based diagnostic methods and/or by the automated yeast identification systems. Rare Candida/yeasts also exhibit reduced susceptibility to antifungal drugs making proper management of invasive infections challenging. Here, we review the diagnosis and management of 60 cases of rare Candida/yeast IFIs described so far in Kuwait, an Arabian Gulf country in the Middle East. Interestingly, majority (34 of 60, 56.7%) of these rare Candida/yeast invasive infections occurred among neonates or premature, very-low-birth-weight neonates, usually following prior bacteremia episodes. The clinical details, treatment given, and outcome were available for 28 of 34 neonates. The crude mortality rate among these neonates was 32.2% as 19 of 28 (67.8%) survived the infection and were discharged in healthy condition, likely due to accurate diagnosis and frequent use of combination therapy. Physicians treating patients with extended stay under intensive care, on mechanical ventilation, receiving broad spectrum antibiotics and with gastrointestinal surgery/complications should proactively investigate IFIs. Timely diagnosis and early antifungal treatment are essential to decrease mortality. Understanding the epidemiology and spectrum of rare Candida/yeast invasive infections in different geographical regions, their susceptibility profiles and management will help to devise novel diagnostic and treatment approaches and formulate guidelines for improved patient outcome.
From empowering Internet to digital dominance: The past, present, and future of cyber politics in China
Authors: Han Rongbin
Published: July 2024

The article aims at offering a bird’s-eye overview of the evolution of cyber politics in China in the past 30 years, tracking real-world developments while surveying the main trends in the scholarly field. It periodizes the past three decades into three phases with a focus on the changing state–society relations. It reveals that cyber politics in China has evolved from the period of an empowering Internet with the state adapting to catch up to one of authoritarian resilience when social participation and state control reached a balance, and ultimately to the “authoritarian dominance” phase with the state attempting to dominate the society and platforms. The article concludes by discussing the future trends of cyber politics in China, arguing that “authoritarian dominance” is detrimental to the Party-state’s rule, thus will hardly be sustainable despite the state’s strong capacity and will to control the Internet.
Evaluating the Connection Between Rural Travel Time and Health: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Older Adults Living in the Northeast United States
Authors: Hearn Madison , Pinto Casey , Moss Jennifer L.
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

To characterize the impact of rural patients’ travel time to obtain healthcare on their reported utilization of preventive healthcare services and personal health outcomes.

Methods:

Online survey data from rural adults ages 50+ years living in the Northeastern United States were collected from February to August 2021. Study measures included self-reported travel time to obtain healthcare, use of preventive healthcare, and health outcomes. The associations between travel time with use of preventive care and health outcomes were assessed using linear, Poisson, and logistic regression analyses controlling for demographic variables.

Results:

Our study population included 1052 rural adults, with a mean travel time of 18.5 min (range: 0-60). Travel time was greater for racial/ethnic minority participants and for higher-income participants (both P < .05), but it was not associated with use of preventive healthcare. Greater travel time was associated with poorer mental health and more comorbidities, including cancer and diabetes (all P < .05).

Conclusions:

Travel time varied by patient demographic factors, and it was associated with mental health and comorbidities. There was no association between travel time and preventive care use, suggesting that other barriers likely contribute to suboptimal use of these services within rural communities. Further research is needed to elucidate the causal pathways linking travel time to mental health and comorbidities within rural communities, as increased travel may exacerbate intrarural health disparities.
Pediatric Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: Morphology, Characteristics, Clinical Outcomes, and Literature Review
Authors: Holthe Jordan , Javed Rabia , Cetta Frank , Stephens Elizabeth H. , Johnson Jonathan N. , Hagler Donald J. , Niaz Talha
Published: July 2024

Background

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is an exceedingly rare congenital heart defect (CHD) which has not been well-defined in a pediatric population.

Methods

The Mayo Clinic echocardiography database was retrospectively analyzed to identify patients ≤18 years diagnosed with QAV from January 1990 to December 2023. Patients with truncus arteriosus were excluded. All images were independently reviewed to define morphology of the QAV by using the Hurwitz and Roberts classification.

Results

Fourteen patients with QAV were identified with a median age at time of diagnosis being 10.5 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6-14 years). Male-to-female ratio was 3:1. Associated CHDs were present in 50% (n = 7) patients. The most common morphological subtypes of QAV were Type D in 43% (n = 6) and Type B in 29% (n = 4). Aortic regurgitation was the most frequently associated valvular abnormality affecting 86% (n = 12) cases, with greater than moderate regurgitation in only two patients. Aortic valve stenosis was observed in 14% (n = 2) patients. Ascending aortic dilatation was present in 21% (3/14) of the cohort, but only 14% (1/7) of isolated QAV patients. At a mean follow up of 11 ± 6.6 years and a median follow-up age of 22 years (IQR 14-27 years), survival was 100% with no primary interventions on the aortic valve or aorta. However, four patients required surgical interventions for associated CHDs.

Conclusion

Among children with QAV, almost half of the patients had additional CHD. Aortic regurgitation was the predominant hemodynamic abnormality. Long-term survival was excellent with minimal progression during childhood and adolescence.
Establishment of the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) for the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score in a Swedish Population
Authors: Larsson Elin , Brandt Knutsson Sara , Brorsson Annelie , Johansson Christer , Nilsson Helander Katarina
Published: July 2024

Background:

As the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) is increasing in orthopaedic research, there is also a growing need for a standardized interpretation of these scores, such as the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS), defined as the value beyond which patients consider themselves well. The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is the only PROM specific for Achilles tendon ruptures.

Purpose:

To establish the PASS for the ATRS in a Swedish population.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients treated for an acute Achilles tendon rupture at a single institution in Sweden (injured between July 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020) were asked to participate in this study. The patients completed a questionnaire consisting of the ATRS and an anchor question: “How satisfied are you with the result of your treatment?” Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to calculate the PASS threshold for a positive response to the anchor question.

Results:

Of 516 eligible patients, 316 (61%) were included. The time from injury to completion of the questionnaire ranged from 12 to 27 months. The PASS threshold for the ATRS was found to be 75. The median ATRS of all patients was 80; 66% of patients reached an ATRS ≥75. Overall, 79% of patients were satisfied with the results of their treatment.

Conclusion:

The estimated PASS for the ATRS was 75 in the general Swedish population at 12 to 27 months after an acute Achilles tendon rupture.
Motherhood at Work: Positive Communication and Maternity Leave Negotiations (Un)Bounded by Job Types
Authors: Buzzanell Patrice M.
Published: July 2024

This study explored the experiences of two sets of employed mothers ( n = 32) who returned to paid labor after taking maternity leaves in the United States prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews with 11 women working in “active” job types (high discretion, complexity, and resources) as well as 21 women working in “passive” job types (low job discretion, complexity, and resources), revealed differences in their negotiation processes and their positive communication with their managers. Women in active positions co-constructed feminist negotiations with hybrid strategies attending to organizational and their own health priorities and enabled by positive communication. In contrast, women in passive positions did not perceive workplace policies or interactions with their bosses to be flexible, negotiable, or resembling positive communication. Implications consider further research on structural opportunities and constraints to negotiate work-family policies and practices such as ongoing conversations and/or workshops on the benefits of and training in positive communication for employees’ health and well-being.
Development of a Phrase-Based Speech-Recognition Test Using Synthetic Speech
Authors: Ibelings Saskia , Brand Thomas , Ruigendijk Esther , Holube Inga
Published: July 2024

Speech-recognition tests are widely used in both clinical and research audiology. The purpose of this study was the development of a novel speech-recognition test that combines concepts of different speech-recognition tests to reduce training effects and allows for a large set of speech material. The new test consists of four different words per trial in a meaningful construct with a fixed structure, the so-called phrases. Various free databases were used to select the words and to determine their frequency. Highly frequent nouns were grouped into thematic categories and combined with related adjectives and infinitives. After discarding inappropriate and unnatural combinations, and eliminating duplications of (sub-)phrases, a total number of 772 phrases remained. Subsequently, the phrases were synthesized using a text-to-speech system. The synthesis significantly reduces the effort compared to recordings with a real speaker. After excluding outliers, measured speech-recognition scores for the phrases with 31 normal-hearing participants at fixed signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) revealed speech-recognition thresholds (SRT) for each phrase varying up to 4 dB. The median SRT was −9.1 dB SNR and thus comparable to existing sentence tests. The psychometric function's slope of 15 percentage points per dB is also comparable and enables efficient use in audiology. Summarizing, the principle of creating speech material in a modular system has many potential applications.
Is Recognition of Speech in Noise Related to Memory Disruption Caused by Irrelevant Sound?
Authors: Oberfeld Daniel , Staab Katharina , Kattner Florian , Ellermeier Wolfgang
Published: July 2024

Listeners with normal audiometric thresholds show substantial variability in their ability to understand speech in noise (SiN). These individual differences have been reported to be associated with a range of auditory and cognitive abilities. The present study addresses the association between SiN processing and the individual susceptibility of short-term memory to auditory distraction (i.e., the irrelevant sound effect [ISE]). In a sample of 67 young adult participants with normal audiometric thresholds, we measured speech recognition performance in a spatial listening task with two interfering talkers (speech-in-speech identification), audiometric thresholds, binaural sensitivity to the temporal fine structure (interaural phase differences [IPD]), serial memory with and without interfering talkers, and self-reported noise sensitivity. Speech-in-speech processing was not significantly associated with the ISE. The most important predictors of high speech-in-speech recognition performance were a large short-term memory span, low IPD thresholds, bilaterally symmetrical audiometric thresholds, and low individual noise sensitivity. Surprisingly, the susceptibility of short-term memory to irrelevant sound accounted for a substantially smaller amount of variance in speech-in-speech processing than the nondisrupted short-term memory capacity. The data confirm the role of binaural sensitivity to the temporal fine structure, although its association to SiN recognition was weaker than in some previous studies. The inverse association between self-reported noise sensitivity and SiN processing deserves further investigation.
Design and Implementation of a Course to Meet the Demand for a Skilled Public Health Workforce to Address the Needs of People With Disabilities
Authors: Minlikeeva Albina N. , Przybyla Sarahmona
Published: July 2024

People with disabilities experience a higher burden of chronic diseases compared to people with no disabilities. To emphasize the importance of addressing health-related disparities affecting this population, multiple objectives of Healthy People 2030 focus on people with disabilities. Accomplishing these objectives requires a culturally competent public health workforce knowledgeable about the health issues and health-related factors affecting people with disabilities and evidence-based public health strategies for effective interventions. To prepare future public health professionals to be a part of efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion, we developed and implemented a course on disability which was offered as an upper-level elective to students pursuing undergraduate training in public health. We structured the course around selected objectives of Healthy People 2030 and evidence-based strategies mapped to these objectives. The course framework allows for the development of proficiency and competency in these areas through learning about the basic disability-related terms, health issues, health-related behaviors, and social determinants of health affecting people with disabilities. We also aligned the course with the specific accreditation criteria outlined by the Council on Education for Public Health and disability competencies. There is an urgent need for future public health professionals to understand the challenges experienced by people with disabilities and be able to address them. Designing and implementing courses meeting the accreditation criteria and aligned with the national public health objectives could help strengthen the appropriate knowledge and skills of the future public health workforce.
A Longitudinal Elective Facilitates Point-of-Care Ultrasonography Education for Medical Students: An Observational Study
Authors: Crispell Ethan , Nair Malavika , Giesken Max , O’Shea Molly , Sischka Michael , Liu Larry , Weerasekare Jonika , Gregoire James
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVE

Determine if a longitudinal point-of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) elective for medical students is effective in improving POCUS knowledge.

METHODS

We share the format of our longitudinal POCUS elective for medical students. To evaluate the efficacy of our longitudinal elective, we compare the difference between pre-elective and post-elective scores on a POCUS test using a paired t-test with threshold of statistical significance of p ≤ .05. We also share the results of a post-elective survey evaluating the effectiveness and quality of the longitudinal POCUS elective.

RESULTS

Pretest mean score was 56.3% (σ = 13.6), while posttest mean score was 73.3% (σ = 9.4), with an average score improvement of 17.0% (95% CI 9.9-24.0%, p < .0001). All students strongly or moderately agreed that they would recommend the elective to future medical students, that they were more confident with their POCUS skills after completing the elective, that the time commitment of the elective was appropriate, and that they felt they had the time to fit the elective into their schedule as a medical school student. Most students (56.7%) strongly or moderately agreed that the knowledge gained from the POCUS elective had helped them in their clinical rotations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our longitudinal POCUS curriculum subjectively and objectively improves medical students’ POCUS knowledge while remaining accessible to students. We share our unique longitudinal POCUS elective curriculum, the format of which and its benefits are transferable to other medical schools. Through this, we hope to provide others with ideas on how they may implement a longitudinal POCUS elective.
Experiential Learning as a Path to Critical Consciousness in the Medical Curriculum: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Barnidge Ellen , Terhaar Ally , LaBarge Gene , Arthur Joshua
Published: July 2024

OBJECTIVES

Clinical settings are increasingly focused on addressing patients’ social needs, thus medical education must prepare future clinicians for this task. Critical consciousness, an awareness that puts health within a broader social, historical, and cultural context, could help shape students’ understanding of patient social needs. Our paper explores how experiential learning through participation in a social care intervention deepened students’ critical consciousness, or their understanding of the systems and structures that make it difficult for patients to meet their basic needs.

METHODS

We conducted one-on-one semistructured interviews with all 24 students who served as advocates for the intervention. Of the 24 advocates, 75% ( n = 18) were first-year medical students, 17% ( n = 4) were public health students, and 8% ( n = 2) were social work students. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using framework analysis.

RESULTS

We identified themes informed by critical consciousness, including individual (assumptions and biases), interpersonal (communication and relationship), and structural (organization and power) factors. Within these categories, advocates expressed deeper self-awareness of personal biases (individual), the importance of interpersonal communication to build trust with caregivers (interpersonal), and the identification of the structural factors that influence health, such as housing conditions (structural). The advocates highlighted the importance of experiential learning to help them understand social determinants of health. By witnessing multiple patients experiencing social needs, advocates saw the cascading effects of social needs, the structures that make it difficult to meet basic needs, and the effect on health and healthcare behavior.

CONCLUSION

Students engaged in the intervention demonstrated the development of critical consciousness. Although limited, our findings suggest that when students engage with patients around social needs, students can better understand the broader social context of patients’ lives. Experiential learning through social care interventions may have the potential to influence critical consciousness development and shape the practice of future clinicians.
Uncertainty talk for bio-digital technologies: Expert conceptions of uncertainties in genomic selection for forestry
Authors: Blue Gwendolyn , Myles Kristy , Davidson Debra
Published: July 2024

The burgeoning literature on uncertainty analysis shows the need for accessible and transparent information about the limitations of knowledge associated with predictive models for environmental decision-making. Using qualitative analysis, we examine how experts involved in the development of genomic selection (GS) for Canadian public forestry conifer breeding assess and communicate uncertainty. GS is a bio-digital technology characterized by big data compilation, sophisticated statistical analysis, and high-throughput genome sequencing. While GS applications in forestry have the potential to increase yields, reduce errors, and improve the selection of resilient trees in the face of climate change, our data revealed barriers that impede more comprehensive discussions about uncertainty, including assumptions that uncertainty can (and should) be eliminated through the availability of more data, tacit commitments to the application of GS in commercial forestry operations, deterministic assumptions about linear gene-to-trait outcomes, and difficulties discussing uncertainty in collective settings. Uncertainty talk is uncomfortable as it can be perceived as a threat to applied research goals, but uncertainty talk is also a necessary, productive, and generative way to encourage transdisciplinary and inclusive discussions at early stages of predictive model deployment for environmental applications.
Optimization of direct smelting for mercury-free gold recovery in artisanal and small-scale gold mining
Authors: Maganga Sospeter Pastory , Mdee Ombeni John , Kombe Godlisten Gladstone , Ntalikwa Justin William
Published: July 2024

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) faces challenges in accessing capital, technology, and responsible practices, hindering sustainable operations and contributing to environmental and health impacts from mercury use. This study evaluated optimizing direct smelting of gold concentrates as an alternative to mercury amalgamation for efficient and responsible production. 50 kg of ore from Nholi mine was concentrated using a Knelson concentrator and analyzed (XRF, fire assay with AAS, XRD). Response surface methodology with a face-centered composite design investigated smelting temperature (1100–1400 °C), duration (30–90 min), and concentrates-to-flux ratio (1:1–3:1) effects. The impact of sulfide concentration (pyrite varied 6.7–48%) on gold recovery was explored. Low-sulfide concentrates associated with pyrite and sphalerite yielded best recovery (>80%) at 1250 °C for 90 min with 2:1 concentrates-to-flux ratio. Direct smelting with ≤6.7% sulfide enabled over 87% gold recovery, facilitating responsible ASGM production.
Navigating collaborative and participatory research during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: Emerging possibilities from a network of PhD students
Authors: Guerrero Gonzalo , Dobson Julia
Published: July 2024

Collaborative and Participatory Research (CPR) presents different challenges for doctoral students, compared to other researchers. Even under ‘normal’ circumstances, engaging with CPR poses intricate practical and ethical challenges. For instance, understanding CPR or forming alliances to co-create knowledge can be particularly challenging. Moreover, the increasing popularity of CPR within universities is not always accompanied by sufficient training in these approaches for doctoral students. In this paper, we first present reflections on a participatory research project developed by one of the authors during the COVID-19 emergency. Specifically, we discuss the difficulties faced during their PhD fieldwork in Santiago, Chile, in 2020. One of the main obstacles was the need for a university network of peers to support and facilitate discussions regarding practical and ethical issues that emerged during the collaborative process. Secondly, we present our reflections on our shared experience of participating in and facilitating an interdisciplinary and inter-university reading group about CPR. This group was set up due to a need for more spaces to discuss CPR and an ongoing need for an in-person doctoral community in the hybrid post-lockdown world. We ask and reflect upon two questions: how can we negotiate the tensions involved in employing CPR during and after the COVID-19 emergency to produce an individual PhD thesis? How can an in-person community help us to navigate ethical and practical challenges? We suggest the significance of enabling community-driven, student-led spaces that foster interdisciplinary collaboration within universities. In particular, we advocate for dialogic spaces to discuss ethical issues and express shared vulnerabilities. We suggest that these spaces can help to nurture reflexive openness to new and unexpected possibilities in research. Such spaces are particularly important for tackling the complexities of CPR.
Secondary Music Educators’ Use of Pedagogical Creativity in Large Ensembles During COVID-19 School Shutdowns: A Literature Review
Authors: Maxwell Rachel J.
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this literature review was to synthesize research related to music educators’ use of pedagogical creativity in response to the COVID-19 school shutdowns and provide implications for future research and praxis. This literature review begins with a presentation of pedagogical creativity, including an overview of how it is contextualized. I follow with a brief overview of COVID-19 school shutdowns and the implications for school music education, the application of the major principles of pedagogical creativity, and a discussion of the implications for music educators. Pedagogical creativity offers a framework of teacher characteristics, behaviors, and attitudes focusing on high situational awareness and flexibility. During the COVID-19 pandemic, music educators overwhelmingly responded with adaptive and effective solutions despite increased stress and many unknowns.
Elucidating the biotechnological potential of the genera Parageobacillus and Saccharococcus through comparative genomic and pan-genome analysis
Authors: Mol Michael , de Maayer Pieter
Published: July 2024

Background

The genus Geobacillus and its associated taxa have been the focal point of numerous thermophilic biotechnological investigations, both at the whole cell and enzyme level. By contrast, comparatively little research has been done on its recently delineated sister genus, Parageobacillus. Here we performed pan-genomic analyses on a subset of publicly available Parageobacillus and Saccharococcus genomes to elucidate their biotechnological potential.

Results

Phylogenomic analysis delineated the compared taxa into two distinct genera, Parageobacillus and Saccharococcus, with P. caldoxylosilyticus isolates clustering with S. thermophilus in the latter genus. Both genera present open pan-genomes, with the species P. toebii being characterized with the highest novel gene accrual. Diversification of the two genera is driven through the variable presence of plasmids, bacteriophages and transposable elements. Both genera present a range of potentially biotechnologically relevant features, including a source of novel antimicrobials, thermostable enzymes including DNA-active enzymes, carbohydrate active enzymes, proteases, lipases and carboxylesterases. Furthermore, they present a number of metabolic pathways pertinent to degradation of complex hydrocarbons and xenobiotics and for green energy production.

Conclusions

Comparative genomic analyses of Parageobacillus and Saccharococcus suggest that taxa in both of these genera can serve as a rich source of biotechnologically and industrially relevant secondary metabolites, thermostable enzymes and metabolic pathways that warrant further investigation.
Phenotypic and genetic characterization of a near-isogenic line pair: insights into flowering time in chickpea
Authors: Perez-Rial Adrian , Carmona Alejandro , Ali Latifah , Rubio Josefa , Millan Teresa , Castro Patricia , Die Jose V.
Published: July 2024

Background

Cicer arietinum is a significant legume crop cultivated mainly in short-season environments, where early-flowering is a desirable trait to overcome terminal constraints. Despite its agricultural significance, the genetic control of flowering time in chickpea is not fully understood. In this study, we developed, phenotyped, re-sequenced and genetically characterized a pair of near-isogenic lines (NILs) with contrasting days to flowering to identify candidate gene variants potentially associated with flowering time.

Results

In addition to days to flowering, noticeable differences in multiple shoot architecture traits were observed between the NILs. The resequencing data confirms that the NILs developed in this study serve as appropriate plant materials, effectively constraining genetic variation to specific regions and thereby establishing a valuable resource for future genetic and functional investigations in chickpea research. Leveraging bioinformatics tools and public genomic datasets, we identified homologs of flowering-related genes from Arabidopsis thaliana, including ELF3 and, for the first time in chickpea, MED16 and STO/BBX24, with variants among the NILs. Analysis of the allelic distribution of these genes revealed their preservation within chickpea diversity and their potential association with flowering time. Variants were also identified in members of the ERF and ARF gene families. Furthermore, in silico expression analysis was conducted elucidating their putative roles in flowering.

Conclusions

While the gene CaELF3a is identified as a prominent candidate, this study also exposes new targets in chickpea, such as CaMED16b and LOC101499101 (BBX24-like), homologs of flowering-related genes in Arabidopsis, as well as ERF12 and ARF2. The in silico expression characterization and genetic variability analysis performed could contribute to their use as specific markers for chickpea breeding programs. This study lays the groundwork for future investigations utilizing this plant material, promising further insights into the complex mechanisms governing flowering time in chickpea.
Fulvic acid application increases rice seedlings performance under low phosphorus stress
Authors: Lv Xiaomeng , Li Qingchao , Deng Xuan , Ding Shitao , Sun Ruibo , Chen Shunquan , Yun Wenjing , Dai Changrong , Luo Bingbing
Published: July 2024

Background

Fulvic acid enhances plant growth and interacts synergistically with phosphate fertilizer to alleviate the agricultural production problem of low phosphorus fertilizer utilization efficiency. However, the underlying mechanism of its action remains poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the impact of fulvic acid application with varying concentrations (0, 40, 60, 80 and 120 mg/L) on rice performance in plants grown in a hydroponic system subjected to low phosphorus stress. The rice growth phenotypes, biomass, root morphology, phosphorus uptake, and the impact of fulvic acid on the rhizosphere environment of rice, were assessed.

Results

The findings showed that adding appropriate concentrations of exogenous fulvic acid could promote the growth performance of rice under low phosphorus stress. Particularly at T1 (40 mg/L) and T2 (60 mg/L) over the control effectively increased rice biomass by 25.42% and 24.56%, respectively. Fulvic acid treatments stimulated root morphogenesis, up-regulated phosphate transporter genes, and facilitated phosphorus absorption and accumulation. Especially T1 (20.52%), T2 (18.10%) and T3 (20.48%) treatments significantly increased phosphorus uptake in rice, thereby alleviating low phosphorus stress. Additionally, fulvic acid elevated organic acids concentration in roots and up-regulated plasma membrane H+-ATPase genes, promoting organic acids secretion. This metabolic alteration can also alleviate low phosphorus stress in rice.

Conclusions

The effect of exogenous fulvic acid on physiological indicators is concentration-dependent under low phosphorus stress, enhances rice performance and reduces reliance on phosphorus fertilizer. This provides new insights to shed light on the mechanism of alleviating low phosphorus stress in rice through fulvic acid application, an eco-friendly tool.
A retrospective cross-sectional study: comparison of the clinicopathological features of schistosomal and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer in Central China
Authors: Zhu Yuanting , Wu Xiaoxue , Ran Xiaoshan , Rao Chun , Gong Ping
Published: July 2024

Aim

To analyze the clinicopathological features of schistosomal and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer in Central China and compare them with other areas of the Yangtze River Basin.

Method

The 501 cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) were retrospectively analyzed from 2020 to 2022. They were divided into two groups: 406 cases of colorectal cancer without schistosomiasis (CRC-NS) and 95 cases of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis (CRC-S).The clinicopathological characteristics included the distribution of schistosomiasis eggs, patient age, sex, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage. By retrieving the database, this study compared the clinicopathological differences of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis in other areas of the Yangtze River basin.

Results

The cases of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis accounted for 18.9%(95/501) in the study. The patients of CRC-S were older than the patients of CRC-NS (P = 0.002, P < 0.05). There was a statistical difference in the location of occurrence (P = 0.000, P < 0.05) between the two groups. There were no significant differences between CRC-S and CRC-NS in other clinicopathological features, such as sex (P = 0.054), Type(P = 0.242), histological type(P = 0.654), infiltrative depth(P = 0.811), differentiation(P = 0.837), lymph node metastasis(P = 0.574), intravascular tumor thrombus(P = 0.698), T stage(P = 0.354). In other areas of the Yangtze River Basin, there were statistical differences in the age of occurrence and T stage (P < 0.05) between colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer.

Conclusion

In Central China, colorectal cancer with chronic schistosomiasis infection occurs more in the rectum and sigmoid colon. It is more common in individuals over 60 years old, consistent with the findings in the Yangtze River Basin. Additionally, schistosomal colorectal cancer had a higher T stage in the Yangtze River Basin. This may be related to the malignant biological behavior of colorectal cancer and could result in a relatively poor prognosis. Therefore, the elderly population in schistosomiasis endemic areas should pay more attention to early screening and tumor prevention.
Is chronic kidney disease associated with osteoarthritis? The United States national health and nutrition examination survey 2011–2020
Authors: Gao Kuiliang , Zhang Chao , Zhang Yifan , Zhang Longyao , Xu Jiankang , Xue Hongfei , Jiang Lingling , Zhang Jinwei
Published: July 2024

Objective

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and osteoarthritis (OA) represent two frequently seen disorders among the general population, and they share several similar risk factors. The present work focused on assessing the relation of CKD with OA.

Methods

This cohort study included 26,280 eligible participants aged ≥ 20 years who had valid data on CKD and OA from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2020. The association between CKD and OA was studied by logistic regression, adjusting for demographics, body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic factors, physical activity, ever smoking, alcohol using, diabetes status and hypertension status.

Results

Among the participants of this study, 26.69% of OA patients had concurrent CKD, whereas this proportion was only 13.83% among non-OA patients.CKD was related to OA[OR:2.269 (95%CI:2.266–2.271), p < 0.01] and the relation was of significance [OR:1.031 (95%CI:1.030–1.033),p < 0.01] following adjustments. In subgroup analyses based on age, the relation between osteoarthritis and chronic kidney disease remained significant, and in the subgroup analyses based on gender the previously mentioned relation between OA and CKD showed opposite directions in men [OR:0.869(95%CI0.867-0.871), p < 0.01] and women [OR:1.178(95%CI1.177-1.180), p < 0.01].

Conclusions

In the present 10-year large-scale national-wide survey, OA is closely related to CKD, and women with OA showed a higher risk of developing CKD compared to men. This study suggests that the relationship between OA and CKD deserves further investigation, and we suggest that patients with OA need to pay extra attention to their own kidney health.
Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) in leukemia: a systematic review
Authors: Zangooie Alireza , Tavoosi Shima , Arabhosseini Mahan , Halimi Aram , Zangooie Helia , Baghsheikhi Amir Hossein , Rahgozar Soheila , Ahmadvand Mohammad , Jarrahi Alireza Mosavi , Salehi Zahra
Published: July 2024

Background

Leukemia, a type of blood cell cancer, is categorized by the type of white blood cells affected (lymphocytes or myeloid cells) and disease progression (acute or chronic). In 2020, it ranked 15th among the most diagnosed cancers and 11th in cancer-related deaths globally, with 474,519 new cases and 311,594 deaths (GLOBOCAN2020). Research into leukemia’s development mechanisms may lead to new treatments. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs), a family of deubiquitinating enzymes, play critical roles in various biological processes, with both tumor-suppressive and oncogenic functions, though a comprehensive understanding is still needed.

Aim

This systematic review aimed to provide a comprehensive review of how Ubiquitin-specific proteases are involved in pathogenesis of different types of leukemia.

Methods

We systematically searched the MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science databases according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA) to identify relevant studies focusing on the role of USPs in leukemia. Data from selected articles were extracted, synthesized, and organized to present a coherent overview of the subject matter.

Results

The review highlights the crucial roles of USPs in chromosomal aberrations, cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, and drug resistance. USP activity significantly impacts leukemia progression, inhibition, and chemotherapy sensitivity, suggesting personalized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Ubiquitin-specific proteases also regulate gene expression, protein stability, complex formation, histone deubiquitination, and protein repositioning in specific leukemia cell types.

Conclusion

The diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic implications associated with ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) hold significant promise and the potential to transform leukemia management, ultimately improving patient outcomes.