bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micronutrient Supplementation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Open-Label Trial
Authors: Hossain Bushra , Benes Jazzy , Bent Stephen , Widjaja Felicia , Parenteau China , Hendren Robert
Published: September 2023

Aim: To investigate the change in core and associated behaviours of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) following micronutrient supplementation.
Methods: Adolescents and adults with ASD (N=16, aged 11-22) participated in an 8-week open label study of micronutrients supplements. Measures of behaviour and social responsiveness, using Autism Behaviour Inventory – Short (ABI-S) and Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) respectively, were completed by parents and teachers at baseline and end of the study. Paired t-tests were used to compare the pre- and post-treatment mean scores.
Results: Eleven participants completed the study. Mean scores on both clinical outcomes showed improvements (decreases) over the study period, but none were statistically significant. Parent-reported ABI-S scores decreased (improved) by 11.5% (effect size=-0.52, p=0.08), teacher-reported ABI-S scores improved by 3.7% (effect size=-0.16, p=0.31), and parent-reported SRS scores improved by 8.6% (effect size=-0.56, p=0.05). There were no adverse events reported.
Conclusion: This study adds to the mixed findings of micronutrient supplementation in individuals with ASD, consistent with previous studies. Micronutrients were safely tolerated. In the future, randomized controlled trials with a larger sample size are needed to provide more insight on the potential benefits of micronutrients in ASD.
Picture-Based Education dan Efikasi Diri Pencegahan Penularan COVID-19 Pada Remaja Masjid
Authors: Wilandika Angga , Nur'Afifah Shafithri , Dewi Inggriane Puspita
Published: September 2023

Tingginya jumlah kasus COVID-19 memerlukan strategi pencegahan penyebaran yang cepat, terutama dalam penerapan protokol kesehatan khususnya pada kalangan remaja yang memiliki kecenderungan aktivitas yang tinggi. Perilaku dapat terjadi dengan menentukan terlebih dahulu keyakinan untuk percaya dan berhasil dalam melaksanakan perilaku tersebut. Edukasi menjadi salah satu upaya dalam mempengaruhi keyakinan diri tersebut. Oleh karena itu, edukasi yang komprehensif dan tepat dinilai dapat meningkatkan efikasi diri pencegahan penularan COVID-19. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengidentifikasi efektivitas Picture-based Education (PBE) terhadap efikasi diri remaja masjid. Penelitian ini menggunakan one group pre-test and post-test design, dengan melibatkan sebanyak 17 orang remaja masjid berusia 11-14 tahun. Penilaian efikasi diri remaja menggunakan Kuesioner Efikasi Diri Pencegahan Penularan COVID-19. Uji pengaruh intervensi PBE terhadap efikasi diri menggunakan uji Wilcoxon. Hasil penelitian menemukan intervensi picture-based education secara signifikansi berpengaruh (Z = -3,426; p < 0.05) terhadap perubahan efikasi diri pencegahan penularan COVID-19 pada remaja masjid. Remaja masjid dapat secara yakin untuk berhasil dalam melakukan aktivitas pencegahan melalui penerapan protokol kesehatan pencegahan infeksi COVID-19 dengan bantuan PBE. Dengan meningkatkan keyakinan diri maka remaja tersebut memiliki kecenderungan positif melakukan perilaku pencegahan penularan COVID-19, seperti menggunakan masker secera konsisten, mencuci tangan dengan sabun secara rutin, dan melakukan jaga jarak antar individu. Selanjutnya, metode picture-based education ini dapat dikembangkan lebih luas dalam menilai berbagai perilaku psikologis lainnya pada remaja terutama berkaitan dengan upaya melakukan pencegahan infeksi COVID-19.
Mutu Pelayanan Kesehatan Terhadap Kepuasan Pasien di Ruang IGD
Authors: Ariyanti Sri , Rahmat Rahmat , Surtikanti Surtikanti , Wahyuni Tri
Published: September 2023

Instalasi Gawat Darurat (IGD) adalah salah satu bagian terpenting dari rumah sakit,sehingga diperlukan evaluasi kepuasan pasien terhadap mutu pelayanan IGD. Studiini untuk mengetahui faktor yang mempengaruhi mutu pelayanan kesehatan terhadapkepuasan pasien di instalasi gawat darurat. Desain penelitian menggunakan desainkuantitatif, khususnya desain cross-sectional. Teknik sampling menggunakan purposivesampling dengan sebanyak 232 responden. Intrumen yang digunakan yaitu kuesioner.Analisis data yang digunakan analisis univariat yaitu menjelaskan berdisribusi frekuensidata dan bivariat dengan uji statistik Chi-Square. Kompetensi teknis ditentukan melaluianalisis statistik menggunakan uji Chi-Square, dengan hasil menunjukkan bahwa adahubungan antara faktor kompetensi teknis, akses pelayanan, kenyamanan, hubunganmanusia, dan ketepatan waktu terhadap kepuasan pasien dengan hasil (p-value = 0,000< 0,05). Hasil akses layanan, hasil kemudahan, dan hasil ketepatan waktu menunjukkanhubungan antara faktor kompetensi teknis sebesar (p-value = 0,014 < 0,05). Mutupelayanan berdasarkan kompetensi teknis, akses pelayanan, kenyamanan, hubunganantar manusia, dan ketepatan waktu mempengaruhi kepuasan pasien di IGD.
Experience in forming entrepreneurial education in Kazakhstan universities in the conditions of information and digital development
Authors: Aubakirova Saltanat , Kozhamzharova Maira , Zhumabekova Gaukhar , Artykbayeva Gulzhan , Iskakova Zauresh , Zhayabayeva Ramilya
Published: September 2023

Information and digital technologies can help in shaping the experience of using online courses for student entrepreneurs. This study constitutes an original investigation dedicated to the cultivation of entrepreneurial education experience within Kazakhstani universities, situated within the context of informational and digital development and the contemporary challenges encountered by all nations in the global arena. The main objective of this research was to determine how the academic performance of students studying entrepreneurship through online courses changed over time. The study enrolled 282 second-year and third-year students of the faculty of public administration, business, and law from one Kazakh university. In this study, an experimental design was employed to ascertain the effectiveness of integrating MOOC through the amalgamation of statistical data analysis and paired t-tests. The primary mode of assessment was testing, encompassing closed-end assessments comprising one hundred questions based on the outcomes of a specific course. Each question held a point value of one, with the maximum achievable score being one hundred points. The authors juxtaposed mean scores across different time intervals to ascertain the intervention’s impact on student performance. The Student’s t-test was utilized to compare the mean values by identifying significant disparities at the 0.05 level. The academic achievements of second-year students in some disciplines improved after the MOOC implementation compared to Point 1. According to the calculations, there was a significant difference in student performance before and after learning with MOOC; the mean score difference and t-value with the paired value are higher than the t-value in the tests of the first and last assessments. Thus, online courses have shown their effectiveness in improving student performance in all ten subjects of the entrepreneurial course. This contributed to improved efficiency of the educational process and the implementation of information and digital technology in the online environment without losing its productivity. This research is of practical value as it indicates the need to integrate information and digital technologies into entrepreneurial education. Educational institutions, curricula, and scientific research may use these findings.
Exploring the intersections of immigrant seniors’ digital literacies and social connectedness: a Canadian study
Authors: Lin Ching-Chiu , Li Nathan J. , Lee Ena
Published: September 2023

Seniors’ adoption of emerging technologies is crucial to their social connectedness, well-being, and digital participation in society. This article presents a Canadian study on how immigrant seniors established and sustained social connections through their engagement with digital technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we aim to (1) deepen understandings of how immigrant seniors’ learning through and about technologies can shed light on our conceptualization of seniors’ digital literacies and (2) suggest programs and pedagogies that could foster lifelong learning for seniors. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and digital artifacts from a sample of immigrant seniors (N:16). Through narrative, we stitch together the personal and sociocultural perspectives from four seniors’ stories for holistic insights into their learning and engagement with technologies. Their stories also emphasize possibilities for dynamic and interconnected digital engagement and the inseparable link between community support and developing seniors’ digital literacy. Social interaction plays a pivotal role in facilitating, fostering, promoting, and enhancing seniors’ digital literacies. Our findings challenge preconceived notions about how seniors navigate digital technologies and offer strategies for supporting community service agencies in designing and implementing senior-friendly digital literacy programs.
Efficacy and safety of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus R0011 and Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 as an adjuvant for Helicobacter pylori eradication: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study
Authors: Kiattiweerasak Anya , Aumpan Natsuda , Chonprasertsuk Soonthorn , Pornthisarn Bubpha , Siramolpiwat Sith , Bhanthumkomol Patommatat , Nunanan Pongjarat , Issariyakulkarn Navapan , Mahachai Varocha , Yamaoka Yoshio , Vilaichone Ratha-korn
Published: September 2023

Background

Helicobacter pylori eradication is recommended as a way of providing symptomatic relief for dyspepsia. The limited efficacy of triple therapy is a major problem in many countries, including Thailand. Some probiotics have been shown to improve the H. pylori eradication rate and reduce side effects. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of probiotic (Lacidofil® STRONG) as adjuvant to standard triple therapy.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted between July 2020 and June 2022. Eligible patients with H. pylori gastritis (i.e., n=90 out of the 160 patients screened) were randomized to receive 14-day standard triple therapy either with probiotics or with a placebo (N=45/group). The treatment regimen entailed 30 mg lansoprazole administered twice daily, 1,000 mg amoxicillin administered twice daily, and 1 g clarithromycin modified-release formulation administered once daily. A probiotic capsule containing Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus R0011 and Lactobacillus helveticus R0052 (Lacidofil® STRONG) or placebo were given twice daily during the eradication therapy and for an additional 4 weeks. Successful H. pylori eradication was defined as a negative 13C-urea breath test at least 4 weeks after complete eradication.

Results

As per-protocol analysis, eradication rates after the 14-day regimen with probiotic or placebo were 90.9% and 75.0% (p=0.047), respectively. Antibiotic susceptibility testing demonstrated high clarithromycin resistance (24%). For clarithromycin-resistant strains, there was no statistical difference in eradication rates between the probiotic and placebo groups. Furthermore, probiotic supplementation significantly reduced treatment side effects, including bloating (OR 0.27 [95% CI 0.10 to 0.75], p=0.012), diarrhea (OR 0.23 [95% CI 0.28 to 0.65], p=0.006), nausea (OR 0.05 [95% CI 0.01 to 0.36], p=0.003), and bitter taste (OR 0.14 [95% CI 0.03 to 0.69], p=0.015). In addition, the probiotic group had lower gastrointestinal symptom rating scale (GSRS) scores (1.46 ± 0.36 vs. 2.65 ± 0.66, p<0.001) and higher SF-36 health-related quality-of-life scores (63.3 ± 10.2 vs. 57.3 ± 13.4, p=0.020) after treatment than the placebo group.

Conclusion

The probiotic adjuvant with 14-day standard triple therapy improved the H. pylori eradication rate. Supplementation with Lacidofil® STRONG during the 2-week eradication treatment and 4-week follow-up phase can help to reduce the gastrointestinal side effects of eradication therapy and increase patients’ general health-related quality of life.
Immunogenic epitope scanning in bacteriolytic enzymes Pal and Cpl-1 and engineering Pal to escape antibody responses
Authors: Harhala Marek Adam , Gembara Katarzyna , Rybicka Izabela , Kaźmierczak Zuzanna Maria , Miernikiewicz Paulina , Majewska Joanna Marta , Budziar Wiktoria , Nasulewicz-Goldeman Anna , Nelson Daniel C. , Owczarek Barbara , Dąbrowska Krystyna
Published: September 2023

Bacteriolytic enzymes are promising antibacterial agents, but they can cause a typical immune response in vivo. In this study, we used a targeted modification method for two antibacterial endolysins, Pal and Cpl-1. We identified the key immunogenic amino acids, and designed and tested new, bacteriolytic variants with altered immunogenicity. One new variant of Pal (257-259 MKS → TFG) demonstrated decreased immunogenicity while a similar mutant (257-259 MKS → TFK) demonstrated increased immunogenicity. A third variant (280-282 DKP → GGA) demonstrated significantly increased antibacterial activity and it was not cross-neutralized by antibodies induced by the wild-type enzyme. We propose this variant as a new engineered endolysin with increased antibacterial activity that is capable of escaping cross-neutralization by antibodies induced by wild-type Pal. We show that efficient antibacterial enzymes that avoid cross-neutralization by IgG can be developed by epitope scanning, in silico design, and substitutions of identified key amino acids with a high rate of success. Importantly, this universal approach can be applied to many proteins beyond endolysins and has the potential for design of numerous biological drugs.
Case Report: ASCENIV use in three young children with immune abnormalities and acute respiratory failure secondary to RSV infection
Authors: Bindernagel Constance , Sotoudeh Shannon , Nguyen Minh , Wetzstein Gene , Sriaroon Panida , Walter Jolan
Published: September 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common etiology of bronchiolitis in young children. While most children clinically improve with care at home, RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants aged 12 months or less. Common modalities of treatment for children with immune dysregulation include respiratory support and best supportive care, which may include immunoglobulin therapy. All immunoglobulin therapies adhere to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - established standards for antibodies against measles, polio, and diphtheria, but there are no required standards for problematic respiratory viral pathogens, including RSV and others. ASCENIV is an approved IVIG that is manufactured from blending normal source plasma with plasma from donors that possess high antibody titers against RSV and other respiratory pathogens of concern. ASCENIV was developed, in part, to the unmet need that exists in immunocompromised patients who lack sufficient antibodies against problematic viral pathogens. ASCENIV is not a currently approved treatment for severe RSV and other viral infections. There is a lack of research regarding its potential benefits in the acute treatment period for RSV and in the pediatric population. Therefore, this case series was developed to describe real-world experiences of ASCENIV use in this less well studied clinical scenario. This case series reviews three pediatric patients ≤ 5 years of age with immune dysregulation and who were severely ill with RSV. Despite receiving best supportive care, and standard immunoglobulin therapy for some, the patients’ clinical status continued to decline. All patients received ASCENIV in an intensive care setting. Each patient had ultimately recovered due to the various medical interventions done. This case series demonstrated that ASCENIV (500mg/kg) administration may have contributed to the treatment outcomes of a less well studied age-cohort of patients. In addition, no adverse side effects were observed after ASCENIV administration. Further analysis of the benefits of ASCENIV for the acute and preventative treatment in patients younger than 12 years of age with immune dysregulation should continue to be explored.
TLR7 promotes chronic airway disease in RSV-infected mice
Authors: Miles Mark A. , Liong Stella , Liong Felicia , Coward-Smith Madison , Trollope Gemma S. , Oseghale Osezua , Erlich Jonathan R. , Brooks Robert D. , Logan Jessica M. , Hickey Shane , Wang Hao , Bozinovski Steven , O’Leary John J. , Brooks Doug A. , Selemidis Stavros
Published: September 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly infects the upper respiratory tract (URT) of humans, manifesting with mild cold or flu-like symptoms. However, in infants and the elderly, severe disease of the lower respiratory tract (LRT) often occurs and can develop into chronic airway disease. A better understanding of how an acute RSV infection transitions to a LRT chronic inflammatory disease is critically important to improve patient care and long-term health outcomes. To model acute and chronic phases of the disease, we infected wild-type C57BL/6 and toll-like receptor 7 knockout (TLR7 KO) mice with RSV and temporally assessed nasal, airway and lung inflammation for up to 42 days post-infection. We show that TLR7 reduced viral titers in the URT during acute infection but promoted pronounced pathogenic and chronic airway inflammation and hyperreactivity in the LRT. This study defines a hitherto unappreciated molecular mechanism of lower respiratory pathogenesis to RSV, highlighting the potential of TLR7 modulation to constrain RSV pathology to the URT.
Cell-free N-glycosylation of peptides using synthetic lipid-linked hybrid and complex N-glycans
Authors: Wenzel Lisa , Hoffmann Marcus , Rapp Erdmann , Rexer Thomas F. T. , Reichl Udo
Published: September 2023

Graphical Abstract

Created with BioRender.com.
Imaging diagnosis in peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Dong Yanzhao , Alhaskawi Ahmad , Zhou Haiying , Zou Xiaodi , Liu Zhenfeng , Ezzi Sohaib Hasan Abdullah , Kota Vishnu Goutham , Abdulla Mohamed Hasan Abdulla Hasan , Olga Alenikova , Abdalbary Sahar Ahmed , Chi Yongsheng , Lu Hui
Published: September 2023

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) can be caused by various factors, ranging from penetrating injury to compression, stretch and ischemia, and can result in a range of clinical manifestations. Therapeutic interventions can vary depending on the severity, site, and cause of the injury. Imaging plays a crucial role in the precise orientation and planning of surgical interventions, as well as in monitoring the progression of the injury and evaluating treatment outcomes. PNIs can be categorized based on severity into neurapraxia, axonotmesis, and neurotmesis. While PNIs are more common in upper limbs, the localization of the injured site can be challenging. Currently, a variety of imaging modalities including ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) have been applied in detection and diagnosis of PNIs, and the imaging efficiency and accuracy many vary based on the nature of injuries and severity. This article provides an overview of the causes, severity, and clinical manifestations of PNIs and highlights the role of imaging in their management.
PyDapsys: an open-source library for accessing electrophysiology data recorded with DAPSYS
Authors: Konradi Peter , Troglio Alina , Pérez Garriga Ariadna , Pérez Martín Aarón , Röhrig Rainer , Namer Barbara , Kutafina Ekaterina
Published: September 2023

In the field of neuroscience, a considerable number of commercial data acquisition and processing solutions rely on proprietary formats for data storage. This often leads to data being locked up in formats that are only accessible by using the original software, which may lead to interoperability problems. In fact, even the loss of data access is possible if the software becomes unsupported, changed, or otherwise unavailable. To ensure FAIR data management, strategies should be established to enable long-term, independent, and unified access to data in proprietary formats. In this work, we demonstrate PyDapsys, a solution to gain open access to data that was acquired using the proprietary recording system DAPSYS. PyDapsys enables us to open the recorded files directly in Python and saves them as NIX files, commonly used for open research in the electrophysiology domain. Thus, PyDapsys secures efficient and open access to existing and prospective data. The manuscript demonstrates the complete process of reverse engineering a proprietary electrophysiological format on the example of microneurography data collected for studies on pain and itch signaling in peripheral neural fibers.
Research progress of cancer cell membrane coated nanoparticles for the diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer
Authors: Zhou Zixia , Zhang Shengmin , Xue Nianyu
Published: September 2023

Nanoparticles (NPs) disguised in the cell membrane are a new type of biomimetic platform. Due to their ability to simulate the unique biological functions of membrane-derived cells, they have become one of the hotspots of research at home and abroad. The tumor-specific antigen antibody carried by breast cancer cell membranes can modify nanoparticles to have homologous tumor targeting. Therefore, nanoparticles wrapped in cancer cell membranes have been widely used in research on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. This article reviews the current situation, prospects, advantages and limitations of nanoparticles modified by cancer cell membranes in the treatment and diagnosis of breast cancer.
Case Report: sintilimab-induced Stevens-Johnson Syndrome in a patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Xueqin , Li Guanghui , Chen Diangang , Su Linxi , Wang Ru-peng , Zhou Yi
Published: September 2023

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely applicated in clinical therapy in recent years. Skin-related adverse reaction is one of the most common adverse events for ICIs. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is one of the serious cutaneous reactions threatening the life. Here, we reported a case of 76-year-old male patient with poorly differentiated metastatic lung adenocarcinoma, after 9 weeks exposure of sintilimab (3 doses) combined with paclitaxel liposome after concurrent chemotherapy/radiotherapy, experienced Stevens-Johnson syndrome involving limbs, trunk, lip and the oral mucosa. Biopsy of the skin tissue showed infiltration of CD4 and CD8 positive T lymphocytes. We also found PD-L1 expression in the glands and the basal layer of the skin. This finding is distinct from the previously reported expression of PD-L1 on the surface of epidermal keratinocytes in patients with SJS due to immunotherapy.
PEGylated exenatide injection (PB-119) improves beta-cell function and insulin resistance in treatment-naïve type 2 diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Liu Xu , Song Ling , Zhang Yuanhui , Li Haiyan , Cui Cheng , Liu Dongyang
Published: September 2023

Objective: PB-119, a PEGylated exenatide injection, is a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of PB-119 on insulin resistance and beta-cell function in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) to uncover its antidiabetic characteristics.

Methods: A total of 36 Chinese T2DM patients were randomized to receive 25 μg and 50 μg PB-119 once weekly and exenatide (5–10 μg injected under the skin 2 times a day adjusted by the doctor) for 12 weeks. Oral mixed meal tolerance tests were conducted before the study and on Day 79. The data were fitted to estimate beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity parameters using the SAAM II package integrating the oral minimal model (OMM), which was compared with Homeostatic Model Assessment (HOMA) analysis results.

Results: Exenatide or PB-119 treatment, compared with their baseline, was associated with higher beta-cell function parameters (φb, φs and φtot), disposition index, insulin secretion rates, and a lower glucose area under the curve. High-dose PB-119 also has a higher insulin resistance parameter (SI) than the baseline, but HOMA-IR did not. For the homeostatic model assessment parameters, HOMA-IR showed no statistically significant changes within or between treatments. Only high-dose PB-119 improved HOMA-β after 12 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion: After 12 weeks of treatment, PB-119 decreased glycemic levels by improving beta-cell function and insulin resistance.
Sulforaphane and bladder cancer: a potential novel antitumor compound
Authors: Zuo Mingshun , Chen Hongchuan , Liao Yuanjian , He Pingang , Xu Te , Tang Jiajia , Zhang Neng
Published: September 2023

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common form of urinary tract tumor, and its incidence is increasing annually. Unfortunately, an increasing number of newly diagnosed BC patients are found to have advanced or metastatic BC. Although current treatment options for BC are diverse and standardized, it is still challenging to achieve ideal curative results. However, Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate present in cruciferous plants, has emerged as a promising anticancer agent that has shown significant efficacy against various cancers, including bladder cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated that Sulforaphane not only induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in BC cells, but also inhibits the growth, invasion, and metastasis of BC cells. Additionally, it can inhibit BC gluconeogenesis and demonstrate definite effects when combined with chemotherapeutic drugs/carcinogens. Sulforaphane has also been found to exert anticancer activity and inhibit bladder cancer stem cells by mediating multiple pathways in BC, including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1)/beta-catenin (β-Catenin), miR-124/cytokines interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R)/transcription 3 (STAT3). This article provides a comprehensive review of the current evidence and molecular mechanisms of Sulforaphane against BC. Furthermore, we explore the effects of Sulforaphane on potential risk factors for BC, such as bladder outlet obstruction, and investigate the possible targets of Sulforaphane against BC using network pharmacological analysis. This review is expected to provide a new theoretical basis for future research and the development of new drugs to treat BC.
Kaonic atoms at the DAΦNE collider: a strangeness adventure
Authors: Curceanu C. , Abbene L. , Amsler C. , Bazzi M. , Bettelli M. , Borghi G. , Bosnar D. , Bragadireanu M. , Buttacavoli A. , Cargnelli M. , Carminati M. , Clozza A. , Deda G. , Del Grande R. , De Paolis L. , Dulski K. , Fiorini C. , Friščić I. , Guaraldo C. , Iliescu M. , Iwasaki M. , Khreptak A. , Manti S. , Marton J. , Miliucci M. , Moskal P. , Napolitano F. , Niedźwiecki S. , Onishi H. , Piscicchia K. , Principato F. , Sada Y. , Scordo A. , Sgaramella F. , Shi H. , Silarski M. , Sirghi D. L. , Sirghi F. , Skurzok M. , Spallone A. , Toho K. , Tüchler M. , Doce O. Vazquez , Yoshida C. , Zappettini A. , Zmeskal J.
Published: September 2023

Kaonic atoms are an extremely efficient tool to investigate the strong interaction at the low energy Frontier, since they provide direct access to the K−N interaction at threshold, eliminating the necessity for extrapolation, unlike in the case of scattering experiments. During the 1970s and 1980s, extensive studies were performed on kaonic atoms spanning across a broad spectrum of elements in the periodic table, ranging from lithium to uranium. These measurements provided inputs and constraints for the theoretical description of the antikaon-nuclei interaction potential. Nevertheless, the existing data suffer from significant experimental uncertainties, and numerous measurements have been found to be inconsistent with more recent measurements that utilize advanced detector technology. Furthermore, there remain numerous transitions of kaonic atoms that have yet to be measured. For these reasons, a new era of kaonic atoms studies is mandatory. The DAΦNE electron-positron collider at the INFN Laboratory of Frascati (INFN-LNF) stands out as a unique source of low-energy kaons, having been utilized by Collaborations such as DEAR, SIDDHARTA, and AMADEUS for groundbreaking measurements of kaonic atoms and kaon-nuclei interactions. Presently, the SIDDHARTA-2 experiment is installed at DAΦNE, aiming to perform the first-ever measurement of the 2p → 1s x-ray transition in kaonic deuterium, a crucial step towards determining the isospin-dependent antikaon-nucleon scattering lengths. Based on the experience gained with the SIDDHARTA experiment, which performed the most precise measurement of the kaonic hydrogen 2p → 1s x-ray transition, the SIDDHARTA-2 setup is now fully equipped for the challenging kaonic deuterium measurement. In this paper, we present a comprehensive description of the SIDDHARTA-2 setup and of the first kaonic atoms measurements performed during the commissioning phase of the DAΦNE collider. We also outline a proposal for future measurements of kaonic atoms at DAΦNE beyond SIDDHARTA-2, which is intended to stimulate discussions within the broad scientific community performing research, directly or indirectly, related to this field.
Epigenetic regulation in tomato fruit ripening
Authors: Ming Yucheng , Jiang Libo , Ji Dongchao
Published: September 2023

Fruit ripening is a crucial stage in quality development, influenced by a diverse array of internal and external factors. Among these factors, epigenetic regulation holds significant importance and has garnered substantial research attention in recent years. Here, this review aims to discuss the breakthrough in epigenetic regulation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) fruit ripening, including DNA methylation, N6-Methyladenosine mRNA modification, histone demethylation/deacetylation, and non-coding RNA. Through this brief review, we seek to enhance our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing tomato fruit ripening, while providing fresh insights for the precise modulation of these mechanisms.
Culture and the assumptions about appearance and reality: a scientometric look at a century of research
Authors: Carollo Alessandro , Stanzione Alfonso Maria , Fong Seraphina , Gabrieli Giulio , Lee Albert , Esposito Gianluca
Published: September 2023

Introduction

People represent the world in terms of two constructs: how something appears on the surface (appearance) and what it is underneath that surface (reality). Both constructs are central to various bodies of literature. What has not been done, however, is a systematic look at this collection of literature for overarching themes. Motivated by this research gap, the present scientometric review aimed to identify the common themes that penetrate through a century of scholarly work on appearance and reality. In doing so, this review also sketched a scientometric outline of the international network, pinpointing where the work was carried out.

Methods

With CiteSpace software, we computed an optimized document co-citation analysis with a sample of 4,771 documents (1929–2022), resulting in a network of 1,785 nodes.

Results and discussion

We identified impactful publications, summarized major intellectual movements, and identified five thematic clusters (“Perception of Counseling Services”, “Appearance and Reality in Sociocultural Evolution,” “Cultural Heritage and Identity,” “Media and Culture,” and “Cultural Identity”), all with theoretical and pragmatic implications which we discuss. A deeper look at these clusters reveals new empirical questions and promising directions for future research.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Athens insomnia scale for non-clinical application in Chinese athletes
Authors: Tan Chenhao , Wang Jinhao , Cao Guohuan , Chen Chao , Yin Jun , Lu Jiaojiao , Qiu Jun
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to revise and examine the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Athens Insomnia Scale for Non-clinical Application (AIS-NCA) among Chinese athletes. Additionally, the study tested the scale in non-athlete individuals with similar sleep management practices to further analyze its cultural specificity among Chinese athletes and make preliminary inferences about its applicability in other Chinese populations.

Methods

Four hundred twenty-six Chinese professional athletes and 779 high school students participated in this research. Both athletes and students were divided into two parallel groups for exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Additionally, three athlete samples and one student sample were established for reliability and validity assessments. Among athletes, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Athlete Sleep Screening Questionnaire, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale were employed to evaluate convergent and discriminant validity. Re-test reliability was evaluated at intervals of 1 and 2 weeks. In the case of students, convergent and discriminant validity were tested using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the General Self-Efficacy Scale, with re-test reliability assessed at two-week intervals.

Results

The Chinese version of the AIS-NCA consists of six items, categorized into two dimensions: sleep problems and daytime functioning. This structure explained 65.08% (athletes) and 66.22% (students) of the variance. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed good model fit, with values of χ2/df = 2.217, CFI = 0.975, AGFI = 0.929, TLI = 0.953, and RMSEA = 0.076 among athletes, and χ2/df = 3.037, CFI = 0.979, AGFI = 0.947, TLI = 0.961, and RMSEA = 0.072 among students. The scale demonstrated a reasonable degree of measurement invariance. The overall scale and two subscales exhibited strong reliability and validity among athletes. Similar results in terms of reliability and validity were also observed within the student sample.

Conclusion

The Chinese version of the AIS-NCA shows promise as an assessment tool for evaluating the sleep quality of Chinese athletes. It effectively captures both sleep-related concerns and daytime functionality within the athlete population. The scale demonstrates solid reliability and validity in professional athletes and holds potential for application across various other demographic groups in China.
Machiavellianism and psychopathy affect sleep quality in people with affective disorders and mentally healthy individuals
Authors: Schönthaler Elena M. D. , Dalkner Nina , von Lewinski Dirk , Reininghaus Eva Z. , Baranyi Andreas
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Deteriorated sleep quality is a predisposing factor and symptom of affective disorders (AD). It is important to investigate factors driving the relationship between sleep and AD, such as personality traits. Previous research has shown that personality traits such as the Dark Triad personality traits (DT) narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy are associated with sleep problems and AD. The current study examined the moderating influence of the DT in the relationship between AD [versus healthy controls (HC)] and sleep quality.

Methods

Data of 657 individuals (267 HC, 390 AD; 483 female, 166 male, eight diverse; Mage = 34.87, SDage = 13.86) were collected in an online survey, which administered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Short Dark Triad questionnaire.

Results

Moderation analyses controlling for age and gender revealed that Machiavellianism (b = −0.76, p < 0.05, R2 = 0.35) and psychopathy (b = −1.15, p < 0.05, R2 = 0.35), but not narcissism (b = −0.20, p = 0.620, R2 = 0.35), had a negative effect on sleep quality. Specifically, this effect is more pronounced in the HC group, but sleep quality is generally worse in AD.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that Machiavellianism and psychopathy should be considered in the prevention and treatment of AD-associated sleep problems. Particularly, monitoring these traits could help to implement timely measures for the prevention of sleep problems, such as psychoeducation and sleep hygiene. The results highlight the role of personality in the aetiopathogenesis of AD and require further differentiation to examine the underlying pathways between the DT, sleep, and AD.
Zoonotic tuberculosis in a high bovine tuberculosis burden area of Ethiopia
Authors: Ayalew Sosina , Habtamu Getinet , Melese Fantanesh , Tessema Bamlak , Ashford Roland T. , Chothe Shubhada K. , Aseffa Abraham , Wood James L. N. , Berg Stefan , Mihret Adane ,   for the ETHICOBOTS Consortium
Published: September 2023

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major cause of ill health and one of the leading causes of death worldwide, caused by species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), with Mycobacterium tuberculosis being the dominant pathogen in humans and Mycobacterium bovis in cattle. Zoonotic transmission of TB (zTB) to humans is frequent particularly where TB prevalence is high in cattle. In this study, we explored the prevalence of zTB in central Ethiopia, an area highly affected by bovine TB (bTB) in cattle.

Method

A convenient sample of 385 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB, N = 287) and tuberculous lymphadenitis (TBLN, N = 98) were included in this cross-sectional study in central Ethiopia. Sputum and fine needle aspirate (FNA) samples were obtained from patients with PTB and TBLN, respectively, and cultures were performed using BACTEC™ MGIT™ 960. All culture positive samples were subjected to quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays, targeting IS1081, RD9 and RD4 genomic regions for detection of MTBC, M. tuberculosis and M. bovis, respectively.

Results

Two hundred and fifty-five out of 385 sampled patients were culture positive and all were isolates identified as MTBC by being positive for the IS1081 assay. Among them, 249 (97.6%) samples had also a positive RD9 result (intact RD9 locus) and were consequently classified as M. tuberculosis. The remaining six (2.4%) isolates were RD4 deficient and thereby classified as M. bovis. Five out of these six M. bovis strains originated from PTB patients whereas one was isolated from a TBLN patient. Occupational risk and the widespread consumption of raw animal products were identified as potential sources of M. bovis infection in humans, and the isolation of M. bovis from PTB patients suggests the possibility of human-to-human transmission, particularly in patients with no known contact history with animals.

Conclusion

The detected proportion of culture positive cases of 2.4% being M. bovis from this region was higher zTB rate than previously reported for the general population of Ethiopia. Patients with M. bovis infection are more likely to get less efficient TB treatment because M. bovis is inherently resistant to pyrazinamide. MTBC species identification should be performed where M. bovis is common in cattle, especially in patients who have a history of recurrence or treatment failure.
Role-based responsibilities in securing research integrity: increasing support for multi-level implementers
Authors: Lõuk Kristi
Published: September 2023

This perspective article focuses on how researchers help to secure the research integrity-related responsibilities of various institutions in their various roles, as same researcher can fulfill the tasks of different stakeholders, be in different roles, and wear multiple hats simultaneously while performing duties at different levels. Institutions whose research integrity-related responsibilities are carried out by researchers should support the multi-level implementers more in carrying out these roles and responsibilities and consider their input when setting up tasks. In addition to having necessary policies and procedures, these should be actionable and supported by responsible research culture and environment. Furthermore, policies and action plans should be created in consideration of and in co-creation with the actual implementers. Realizing that the multiple-level role of researchers also helps to secure research integrity at the institutional and system level of science should go hand in hand with creating responsible research culture and environment where that input is taken into account. This in turn will help researchers deal with various current pressures, e.g., having not enough time or being subject to unfair evaluations.
Priority quality traits for gendered sweetpotato breeding in Mozambique
Authors: Mayanja Sarah , Tinyiro Samuel Edgar , Ogwal David Martin , Makunde Godwill , Naico Abdul , Nakitto Mariam , Ssali Reuben , Andrade Maria
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Sweetpotato breeders strive to develop varieties that address productivity challenges farmers face in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, adoption of these varieties is low, partly attributed to limited attention to attributes desired by the end-users.

Methods

This study sought to identify the key traits preferred by eight women processors and 426 consumers (180 male, 246 female) in Manhiça, Marracuene and Maputo districts, Mozambique. Processing diagnostics and consumer studies evaluated two local varieties (‘Lilas’, ‘N’santimuni’) and two improved varieties (‘Alisha’, ‘Irene’). Data from processors were analyzed using content analysis and summary statistics. Consumer hedonic data were analyzed using clustering and regression models, while Penalty analysis and Multiple correspondence analysis were performed for the Just-about-right and Check-all-that-apply tests respectively.

Results

Processors prioritized mealiness, sweet taste, not fibrous, good sweetpotato smell, ease of peeling, easy to cook and good appearance for the boiled root. ‘N’santimuni’ was the most preferred variety for processing. Consumers preferred ‘N’santimuni’ and ‘Lilas’ because of their high dry matter, pleasant sweetpotato smell, firmness in the hand, smoothness when eating and sweet taste. ‘Alisha’ and ‘Irene’ were the most penalized for low scores on sweetness, mealiness, and firmness. Women consumed sweetpotato more frequently than men and had better discernment of sweet taste, homogeneity and colour. Also, youth and more educated consumers disliked improved varieties more than adults and lower income consumers.

Discussion

Processors and consumers strongly indicated their preference and importance of quality attributes such as mealiness, sweet taste, firmness for boiled sweetpotato. However, such traits are rarely included in breeding designs. Breeding programs can thus be enhanced by studies of biophysical and chemical parameters of sweetpotato. This will enable quantification incorporation of these quality attributes.
Unraveling Successful Company Organizations: A Research Design to Explore Strategies for Thriving Amid Market Turbulence
Authors: Niehaus Markus , Hansen Katrin , Mocan Marian , Barmayoun Darius
Published: September 2023

Companies operate in ever faster and more abruptly changing environments. Due to the global interconnectedness of markets and actors, changes in framework conditions often have impacts across industries and geographical borders and constantly present companies worldwide with new challenges; however, they also offer opportunities. Adaptability to abruptly changing conditions and the ability to shape market environments have gained enormous importance as strategic factors for company organizations. How exactly can adaptability be shaped? This paper assumes that today’s companies need concepts that help them to successfully adapt to these turbulent business environments and ideally to shape the changes to their own advantage. In addition, this work assumes that companies rely on already established models from science and business, but also (especially currently) develop new ideas themselves to adapt even faster and more effectively to changing conditions. To explore these phenomena, this paper develops a research funnel that can be used to identify companies that are most likely to provide answers to this question. In addition, this paper presents a research design with which the secrets of the adaptability of these companies can be explored in the field.
Lockdown’s Silver Lining? Different Levels of Roadkill during the COVID-19 Times in Lithuania
Authors: Balčiauskas Linas , Stratford Jos , Kučas Andrius , Balčiauskienė Laima
Published: September 2023

The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on human and vehicular mobility on the number of roadkills of wild mammals, and roe deer in particular, was assessed in Lithuania. We statistically analyzed the distribution of all mammals and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) as the most abundant species annually from 2002 to 2022 and monthly from 2020 to 2021, including during the two restriction periods. Notably, there was a marked decrease in roadkill incidents on main, national and regional roads, particularly in April–May 2020 (the beginning of lockdown period I) and November–December 2020 (the beginning of lockdown period II), 5.1–20.8% and 33.6–54.4%, respectively. During these months, collisions with mammals on the A14 main road were reduced by 75–90%. However, there was a significant increase in the number of roadkills in urban areas, resulting in the total number of mammal–vehicle and roe deer–vehicle collisions in 2020 and 2021 being higher than expected based on long-term trends. However, after restrictions were eased, collision numbers with wildlife on the main, national and regional roads increased again and became higher than expected.
Bird Object Detection: Dataset Construction, Model Performance Evaluation, and Model Lightweighting
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhou Jiaogen , Zhang Caiyun , Luo Zhaopeng , Han Xuexue , Ji Yanzhu , Guan Jihong
Published: September 2023

The application of object detection technology has a positive auxiliary role in advancing the intelligence of bird recognition and enhancing the convenience of bird field surveys. However, challenges arise due to the absence of dedicated bird datasets and evaluation benchmarks. To address this, we have not only constructed the largest known bird object detection dataset, but also compared the performances of eight mainstream detection models on bird object detection tasks and proposed feasible approaches for model lightweighting in bird object detection. Our constructed bird detection dataset of GBDD1433-2023, includes 1433 globally common bird species and 148,000 manually annotated bird images. Based on this dataset, two-stage detection models like Faster R-CNN and Cascade R-CNN demonstrated superior performances, achieving a Mean Average Precision (mAP) of 73.7% compared to one-stage models. In addition, compared to one-stage object detection models, two-stage object detection models have a stronger robustness to variations in foreground image scaling and background interference in bird images. On bird counting tasks, the accuracy ranged between 60.8% to 77.2% for up to five birds in an image, but this decreased sharply beyond that count, suggesting limitations of object detection models in multi-bird counting tasks. Finally, we proposed an adaptive localization distillation method for one-stage lightweight object detection models that are suitable for offline deployment, which improved the performance of the relevant models. Overall, our work furnishes an enriched dataset and practice guidelines for selecting suitable bird detection models.