bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oversampling methods for machine learning model data training to improve model capabilities to predict the presence of Escherichia coli MG1655 in spinach wash water
Authors: Stanosheck Jacob A. , Castell‐Perez M. Elena , Moreira Rosana G. , King Maria D. , Castillo Alejandro
Published: December 2023

We assessed the efficacy of oversampling techniques to enhance machine learning model performance in predicting Escherichia coli MG1655 presence in spinach wash water. Three oversampling methods were applied to balance two datasets, forming the basis for training random forest (RF), support vector machines (SVMs), and binomial logistic regression (BLR) models. Data underwent method‐specific centering and standardization, with outliers replaced by feature‐specific means in training datasets. Testing occurred without these preprocessing steps. Model hyperparameters were optimized using a subset of testing data via 10‐fold cross‐validation. Models were trained on full datasets and tested on newly acquired spinach wash water samples. Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE) and Adaptive Synthetic Sampling approach (ADASYN) achieved strong results, with SMOTE RF reaching an accuracy of 90.0%, sensitivity of 93.8%, specificity of 87.5%, and an area under the curve (AUC) of 98.2% (without data preprocessing) and ADASYN achieving 86.55% accuracy, 87.5% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity, and a 92.4% AUC. SMOTE and ADASYN significantly improved (p < 0.05) SVM and RF models, compared to their non‐oversampled counterparts without preprocessing. Data preprocessing had a mixed impact, improving (p < 0.05) the accuracy and specificity of the BLR model but decreasing the accuracy and specificity (p < 0.05) of the SVM and RF models. The most influential physiochemical feature for E. coli detection in wash water was water conductivity, ranging from 7.9 to 196.2 µS. Following closely was water turbidity, ranging from 2.97 to 72.35 NTU within this study.
Structural and molecular characterization of collagen‐type I extracted from lamb feet
Authors: Ata Ozge , Bakar Bahar , Turkoz Burcu Kaplan , Kumcuoglu Seher , Aydogdu Yildirim , Gumustas Baris , Doganay Gizem Dinler , Basturk Ezgi , Tavman Sebnem
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to extract collagen‐I from lamb feet (LF) and examine the effects of ultrasound treatment on the structural and molecular characteristics of the collagen. Compared to ultrasonic bath treatment and conventional extraction methods, ultrasonic probe (USP) treatment significantly increased the collagen content of the extract (p < 0.05). The electrophoretic profiles confirmed the presence of α‐ and β‐chains, indicating it as type I. Furthermore, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectra analyses revealed that the extraction method did not adversely affect the triple helix structure of the collagen. Moreover, the fibrillar structure of the collagen samples was verified through scanning electron microscopy analyses. Notably, the LF collagen exhibited a high thermal denaturation temperature owing to its elevated imino acid content. The collagen samples exhibited high solubility in acidic pH but low solubility in high salt concentrations. The present findings signified that sonication with USP can effectively enhance the yield of collagen from LF without compromising its quality.

Practical Application

This study showed that ultrasonication enhanced the collagen concentration without disturbing the integrity of lamb feet collagen. We expect that lamb feet collagen can be used for industrial processes and consumer products thanks to unique product properties.
Emulsifying properties of O/W emulsion stabilized by soy protein isolate and γ‐polyglutamic acid electrostatic complex
Authors: Zhang Bei , Qi Lei , Xie Xinhua , Shen Yue , Li Jiahui , Zhang Bobo , Zhu Hongshuai
Published: December 2023

In order to improve the emulsifying properties of soy protein around isoelectric point, soy protein isolate (SPI) and γ‐polyglutamic acid (γ‐PGA) complexes were prepared by electrostatic interaction. The formation of SPI–γ‐PGA electrostatic complex and emulsifying properties were investigated by monitoring turbidity, zeta potential, intrinsic fluorophores, emulsion characterization, and microstructure observation. The results showed that the formation of SPI–γ‐PGA electrostatic complex was identified through turbidimetric analysis and zeta‐potential measurement. Intrinsic fluorescence spectrum indicated internal structure changes of electrostatic complexes. Furthermore, SPI–γ‐PGA complex–stabilized emulsions showed better stability with small droplet sizes and slow growth as well as the uniform microstructure around the isoelectric point (pH 4.0–5.0) than SPI‐formed emulsions. Under the different thermal treatments and ionic strengths, emulsions stabilized by SPI–γ‐PGA‐soluble complex resulted in improved emulsion stability to environmental stresses. This may be attributed to the increased steric repulsion and electrostatic repulsion by SPI–γ‐PGA complexes at oil–water interfaces. The findings derived from this research would provide theoretical reference about SPI–γ‐PGA electrostatic complex that can be applied in acid beverages and developed a novel plant‐based sustainable stabilizer for emulsions.

Practical Application

The electrostatic interaction between SPI and γ‐PGA improved the emulsifying characteristics of soy protein around isoelectric point. The results derived from this research would expand applications of SPI–γ‐PGA‐soluble electrostatic complex that can be applied in acid beverages, as well as a novel plant‐based sustainable stabilizer for emulsions.
Efficacy and safety of short‐term edaravone or nerve growth factor add‐on therapy for alcohol‐related brain damage: A multi‐centre randomised control trial
Authors: Wang Hongxuan , Liu Lei , Zhou Xuhui , Guan Yanzhong , Li Yanfei , Chen Peiyun , Duan Ranran , Yang Weibian , Rong Xiaoming , Wu Chengji , Yang Jianzhong , Yang Mei , Jia Yanjie , Hu Jian , Zhu Xiaofeng , Peng Ying
Published: December 2023

Aims

To measure the therapeutic effect of an anti‐oxidant, edaravone (EDV), or neurotrophic treatment with nerve growth factor (NGF) as an add‐on treatment for alcohol‐related brain damage (ARBD).

Design

Multi‐centre, randomised, single‐blinded, comparative clinical trial.

Setting and participants

One hundred and twenty‐two inpatients recruited from seven hospitals in different regions of China, all diagnosed with ARBD and aged 18 to 65 years old; among them, only two were female.

Intervention and comparator

Patients were randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments for 2 weeks: 40 patients, treatment as usual (TAU: a combination of intramuscular injections of thiamine, intravenous infusions of other B vitamins with vitamin C and oral medication with vitamin E per day); 40, EDV add‐on treatment to TAU (intravenous infusion with 30 mg of EDV twice per day); and 42, NGF add‐on treatment to TAU (intramuscular injection of 20 μg of NGF per day). The patients underwent follow‐up for 24 weeks.

Measurements

The primary outcome was the composite score of executive cognitive function in the 2nd week after treatment, which was measured as the mean of the Z scores of the assessments, including the digit symbol substitute test (DSST), digit span memory test‐forward (DST‐F), digit span memory test‐reverse (DST‐R) and space span memory test (SSMT). The secondary outcomes were the composite scores at later follow‐ups, the score for each component of cognitive function, global cognitive function measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), craving for alcohol and the safety of the therapies.

Findings

EDV add‐on treatment improved the composite score of executive cognitive function better than TAU in the 2nd week (adjusted mean difference: 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.06 to 0.41; P = 0.008), but NGF add‐on treatment did not (adjusted mean difference: 0.07, 95% confidence interval −0.09 to 0.24; P = 0.502). During the follow‐up to 24 weeks, EDV add‐on treatment improved the composite score of executive cognitive function and DST‐R score better than TAU (both P < 0.01). Craving for alcohol was relieved in all three groups. No severe adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

The short‐term addition of edaravone to supplementary therapy treatment for alcohol‐related brain damage (ARBD) improved executive cognitive function in patients with ARBD.
PASS‐ALL study of paediatric‐inspired versus adult chemotherapy regimens on survival of high‐risk Philadelphia‐negative B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Wang Zhixiang , Fan Zhiping , Wu Zhengwei , Xuan Li , Li Xin , Tang Bingqing , Liu Yiqian , He Jiabao , Huang Kangyu , Zhou Xuan , Gao Ya , Wang Qiang , Li Xiaofang , Lin Ren , Xu Na , Huang Feng , Wang Shunqing , Liang Xingquan , Zhang Jingdong , Liu Xiaoli , Sun Jing , Liu Qifa , Zhou Hongsheng
Published: December 2023

This PASS‐ALL study was designed to explore the effect of paediatric‐inspired versus adult chemotherapy regimens on survival of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with high‐risk Philadelphia chromosome‐negative B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (HR PH‐ve B‐cell ALL) eligible for allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo‐HSCT). The PASS‐ALL study is a multicentre, observational cohort study, and 143 patients with HR B‐cell PH‐ve ALL were enrolled from five centres—77 patients allocated in the paediatric‐inspired cohort and 66 in the adult cohort with comparable baseline characteristics. Of the 143 patients, 128 cases underwent allo‐HSCT. Three‐year leukaemia‐free survival (LFS) in the paediatric‐inspired cohort was 72.2% (95% CI 60.8%–83.6%) compared with 44.6% (95% CI 31.9%–57.3%; p = 0.001). Furthermore, time‐to‐positive minimal residual disease (TTP‐MRD) post‐HSCT was marked different, 3‐year cumulative incidence of relapse was 25.9% (95% CI 15.8%–37.2%) in paediatric cohort and 45.4% (95% CI 40.0%–57.9%) in adult cohort (p = 0.026). Finally, the 3‐year OS rate was 75.3% (95% CI 64.9%–85.7%) for the paediatric‐inspired cohort and 64.1% (95% CI 51.8%–76.4%) for the adult cohort (p = 0.074). On a multivariate analysis, paediatric‐inspired regimen is a predictive factor for LFS (HR = 2.540, 95% CI 1.327–4.862, p = 0.005). Collectively, our data suggest that paediatric‐inspired chemotherapy pre‐HSCT results in deeper and durable MRD response reduces relapse post‐HSCT and improves survival in HR B‐cell PH‐ve ALL patients with allo‐HSCT.
Maxillary bone augmentation with calvarial bone graft for immediate full‐arch rehabilitation: Insights from a 10‐year proof‐of‐concept retrospective analysis
Authors: Diez‐Fraile Araceli , Barbier Lieven , Abeloos Johan
Published: December 2023

Objective

Evaluate the long‐term outcomes of full‐arch rehabilitation using immediate dental implant placement and continuous functional loading with full‐fixed dental prostheses (FFDPs).

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐six patients received temporary implants (n = 327) at maxillary augmentation with calvarial bone. A provisional acrylic FFDP was immediately loaded onto these implants. After 6 months, the temporary implants were replaced with definitive implants (n = 326) and immediately loaded with a second provisional FFDP (N = 55). Subsequently, a baseline radiograph was taken following a 6‐month healing period. The second bridge was then substituted with a definitive FFDP. Primary outcomes included peri‐implant marginal bone level (MBL) and definitive implant survival. Secondary outcomes evaluated provisional implant and prostheses survival, complications, and patient satisfaction.

Results

The provisional implants had a survival rate of 97.9%. One patient was excluded from further analysis due to loss of temporary implants and first FFDP. The definitive implant survival rate after 10 years was 92.2%, with a moderate but significant decrease in MBL between baseline radiography and 10 years later (−0.08 ± 0.18 vs. −0.24 ± 0.44). However, large individual variations were observed, with 65.8% of implants showing no bone loss and 9.2% showing loss ≥0.5 mm. Sinusitis was experienced by 14.3% of patients upon surgery. Patient satisfaction was high or reported no issues after protocol completion (80%). One patient lost all six definitive implants and definitive FFDP 8.2 years after implant placement.

Conclusions

The described protocol can be regarded as a long‐term, highly successful method for full‐arch rehabilitation of atrophied maxillae while enabling continuous masticatory and speaking functionality.
Using the IUCN Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa to inform decision‐making
Authors: Kumschick Sabrina , Bertolino Sandro , Blackburn Tim M. , Brundu Giuseppe , Costello Katie E. , de Groot Maarten , Evans Thomas , Gallardo Belinda , Genovesi Piero , Govender Tanushri , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Lapin Katharina , Measey John , Novoa Ana , Nunes Ana L. , Probert Anna F. , Pyšek Petr , Preda Cristina , Rabitsch Wolfgang , Roy Helen E. , Smith Kevin G. , Tricarico Elena , Vilà Montserrat , Vimercati Giovanni , Bacher Sven
Published: December 2023

The Environmental Impact Classification for Alien Taxa (EICAT) is an important tool for biological invasion policy and management and has been adopted as an International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) standard to measure the severity of environmental impacts caused by organisms living outside their native ranges. EICAT has already been incorporated into some national and local decision‐making procedures, making it a particularly relevant resource for addressing the impact of non‐native species. Recently, some of the underlying conceptual principles of EICAT, particularly those related to the use of the precautionary approach, have been challenged. Although still relatively new, guidelines for the application and interpretation of EICAT will be periodically revisited by the IUCN community, based on scientific evidence, to improve the process. Some of the criticisms recently raised are based on subjectively selected assumptions that cannot be generalized and may harm global efforts to manage biological invasions. EICAT adopts a precautionary principle by considering a species’ impact history elsewhere because some taxa have traits that can make them inherently more harmful. Furthermore, non‐native species are often important drivers of biodiversity loss even in the presence of other pressures. Ignoring the precautionary principle when tackling the impacts of non‐native species has led to devastating consequences for human well‐being, biodiversity, and ecosystems, as well as poor management outcomes, and thus to significant economic costs. EICAT is a relevant tool because it supports prioritization and management of non‐native species and meeting and monitoring progress toward the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) Target 6.
Guanylate‐binding protein 5‐mediated cell‐autonomous immunity suppresses inflammation in dental pulpitis: An in vitro study
Authors: Huang Minchun , Zhan Chaoning , Yang Bo , Lu Yanli , Yang Xiaojun , Hou Jin
Published: December 2023

Aim

Guanylate‐binding protein 5 (GBP5) is an interferon (IFN)‐inducible GTPase that plays a crucial role in the cell‐autonomous immune response against microbial infections. In this study, we investigated the immunoregulatory role of GBP5 in the pathogenesis of dental pulpitis.

Methodology

Gene‐set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was utilized to evaluate the IFN‐γ signalling pathway, and the differential expression of GBP mRNA in normal versus inflamed dental pulp tissues was screened, based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets associated with pulpitis. Both normal pulp tissues and inflamed pulp tissues were used for experiments. The expression of IFNs and GBPs was determined by qRT–PCR. Immunoblotting and double immunofluorescence were performed to examine the cellular localization of GBP5 in dental pulp tissues. For the functional studies, IFN‐γ priming or lentivirus vector‐delivered shRNA was used to, respectively, overexpress or knock down endogenous GBP5 expression in human dental pulp stem cells (HDPSCs). Subsequently, LPS was used to stimulate HDPSCs (overexpressing or with knocked‐down GBP5) to establish an in vitro model of inflammation. qRT–PCR and ELISA were employed to examine the expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL‐6, IL‐8 and IL‐1β) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2). Every experiment has three times of biological replicates and three technical replicates, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using the Student's t‐test and one‐way ANOVA, and a p‐value of <.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

GSEA analysis based on the GEO dataset revealed a significant activation of the IFN‐γ signalling pathway in the human pulpitis group. Among the human GBPs evaluated, GBP5 was selectively upregulated in inflamed dental pulp tissues and predominantly expressed in dental pulp cells. In vitro experiments demonstrated that IFN‐γ robustly induced the expression of GBP5 in HDPSCs. Knockdown of GBP5 expression in HDPSCs significantly amplified the LPS‐induced upregulation of inflammatory mediators (IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1β and COX2) both with and without IFN‐γ priming.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrated that GBP5 partook in the pathogenesis of dental pulpitis. The involvement of GBP5 in pulpitis appeared to coordinate the regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Knockdown of GBP5 contributed to the exacerbation of LPS‐mediated inflammation.
Gender, society and mental health: The moderated mediating role of depression and gender on national resilience and life satisfaction among emerging adults
Authors: Cleofas Jerome Visperas
Published: December 2023

Recent threats to human security (i.e., COVID‐19 pandemic, conflicts, climate change events) call for nurses to have an increased understanding of how sociopolitical environments induce mental health problems and impact the well‐being of citizens. This study examines the relationship between national resilience and life satisfaction among Filipino emerging adults, how depression mediates this relationship, and how these correlations are moderated by gender. Drawing from an online survey sample of 1020 Filipino emerging adults (18–29 years old), this cross‐sectional study utilised a moderated mediation analysis. Key constructs were measured using the short version of the National Resilience Scale (NR‐13), the depression component of the Kessler Psychological Distress (K10) scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Gender was measured as sex assigned at birth. Descriptive results show that more than half of the respondents are female (64.2%) and demonstrate below‐average levels of national resilience and depression, and high levels of life satisfaction. Also, findings indicate that depression has significant negative relationships with, and partially mediates the positive relationship between national resilience and life satisfaction. Moreover, moderation analysis results suggest that being female synergizes the negative relationship between depression and life satisfaction, and being male strengthens the positive relationship between national resilience and life satisfaction (p < 0.01). The results highlight how the national resilience of emerging adults neutralises their risk for depression and, ultimately, improves life satisfaction. Moreover, the findings emphasise the importance of nursing advocacy actions to ensure that social policies for improving public mental health are gender‐sensitive, given that macro‐social and psychological factors have varied effects on individuals' lives based on gender.
The public image of nursing during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yavaş Gamze , Özerli Ayla Nur
Published: December 2023

Objective

This study was conducted to assess the public image of the nursing profession during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Background

Before the COVID‐19 pandemic, the public was not as aware of the significance and indispensability of nursing. However, with the pandemic, the importance of nursing has gained prominence on national and international platforms.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study. The study sample consisted of participants aged 18 and over who were Turkish speakers from seven regions of Turkey. Data were collected between May and July 2021 using an online survey, Image Scale for the Nursing Profession (ISNP), and Personal Information Form.

Results

Five hundred and two individuals participated in the study. The average ISNP scores of the participants were 150.09 ± 9.62. It was found that participants who had a healthcare‐related occupation and were satisfied with the nursing care they received in the hospital had statistically higher ISNP total scores (p = 0.006, p = 0.000), respectively. The study revealed that the value, respect, and trust given to nurses increased with the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Conclusion

The results suggest a notable enhancement in the public's view of the nursing profession amid the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Implications for nursing and health policies

Developing promotional strategies for the nursing profession is crucial to enhance the public perception of the nursing profession. These strategies can help the public better understand and appreciate the nursing profession and the role of nurses in society. This requires the support of nurses, nursing educators, nurse managers, and policymakers.
Orofacial signs of child or adolescent maltreatment identified by dentists and dental hygienists: A scoping review
Authors: Håkstad Katrine , Fegran Liv , Hovden Ewa , Köpp Unni Mette Stamnes
Published: December 2023

Background

Child maltreatment, the abuse or neglect of children aged 0–18 years, is a severe and underreported global problem. Compared with other body parts, the orofacial region displays more signs of child maltreatment. Dentists and dental hygienists are therefore well situated to identify orofacial signs of child maltreatment.

Aim

To map the current literature on orofacial signs of child maltreatment identified by dentists or dental hygienists.

Design

A scoping review was conducted based on systematic searches of Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and CINAHL (EBSCOhost) for primary qualitative and quantitative studies through June 6, 2022.

Results

Twenty‐nine studies were included in this scoping review. Though all child maltreatment types were identified in dental settings, physical abuse and dental neglect were most commonly identified. Reports of caries dominated the orofacial signs, followed by bruises (intra‐ and extraoral), poor oral hygiene, dental trauma, and lacerations (intra‐ and extraoral). Case reports were used most commonly to describe orofacial signs of child maltreatment.

Conclusion

Dental clinicians identify orofacial signs of all child maltreatment types intraorally. Dentists identify the same extraoral signs as do other healthcare professionals, with bruising being the most common.
Application of direct observation of operational skills in nursing skill evaluation of pressure injury: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Wei‐ying , Peng Youqing , Zhuang Hui‐ren , Yu Hai‐ping , Liu Qin , Gu Yingjie , Yao Jiali
Published: December 2023

This was a non‐blinded, single‐centre, randomized, controlled clinical trial that compared the effectiveness of direct observation of procedural skills (DOPSs)with traditional assessment methods in pressure injury (PI) care skills. The study population included 82 nursing professionals randomly assigned to the study group (n = 41) and the control group (n = 41). Both groups of nurses underwent a 6‐month training in PI care skills and were subsequently evaluated. The main outcome variables were the PI skill operation scores and theoretical scores. Secondary outcome variables included satisfaction and critical thinking abilities. Independent sample t‐tests and chi‐square tests were used to assess differences between the two groups of nurses. The results showed no statistically significant difference in PI skill operation scores between the two groups of nurses (p > 0.05). When comparing the PI theoretical scores, the study group scored higher than the control group, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). In terms of satisfaction assessment, the study group and the control group showed differences in improving self‐directed learning, enhancing communication skills with patients, improving learning outcomes and increasing flexibility in clinical application (p < 0.05). When comparing critical thinking abilities between the two groups of nurses, there was no statistically significant difference at the beginning of the training, but after 3 months following the training, there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (p < 0.01).The results indicated that the DOPS was effective in improving PI theoretical scores, increasing nurse satisfaction with the training and enhancing critical thinking abilities among nurses.
Cost analysis of a rural family treatment court: Is this enhanced approach “worth it”?
Authors: Sieger Margaret Lloyd , Nichols Cynthia , Becker Jessica , Brook Jody
Published: December 2023

The rate of children entering foster care due to parental substance use continues to climb, particularly in rural areas. States and localities grappling with how to best serve these cases may be interested in implementing family treatment courts (FTC) but unsure of the return on investment for this enhanced approach. The few existing cost analyses of FTC focus primarily on large programs in urban settings. We present findings from a 4‐year quasi‐experimental study of a Midwestern rural FTC and conduct a cost analysis of observed effects on time in foster care. Using survival analyses to capture daily differences in permanency rates between groups and calculating the integral of the difference between survival curves, we observed that treatment group children spent, on average, 361 fewer days in care compared to children in the traditional system. The difference between FTC implementation costs and daily foster care costs avoided for the 91 treatment group children was estimated at over $26,000 per child served.
The cost of closed doors: Media access to dependency courts linked to indicators of accountability and public awareness
Authors: Witkin Nathan
Published: December 2023

Given the broad consensus about protecting children from abuse and neglect and safeguarding parental rights, the scarcity of funding for the US child welfare system indicates a lack of public awareness into child dependency as a pervasive social problem. The contribution of closed dependency courts to this public disengagement is measurable in state‐level differences in child welfare outcomes. By comparing states with open versus closed dependency courts, this study tests whether media and public access to hearings is associated with greater public awareness, measured in more state and local funding for child protective services, and greater accountability, measured in lower rates of child fatalities.
Detection of corn unsound kernels based on GAN sample enhancement and improved lightweight network
Authors: Zhu Yuhua , Wang Hao , Li Zhihui , Zhen Tong
Published: December 2023

The presence of corn unsound kernels, one of the world's major food crops, could have a significant impact on the food industry and the food supply. The traditional method of detecting unsound corn kernels by hand during grain acquisition has many drawbacks, and computer vision‐based detection methods have become mainstream. In this paper, a corn unsound kernel detection algorithm based on generative adversarial network (GAN) sample enhancement and an improved lightweight network is introduced. The article first builds a corn unsound kernel image acquisition platform and makes a dataset by preprocessing and segmenting the collected corn seed cluster images with the improved concave point segmentation algorithm. Then, to increase the diversity and number of datasets, the StyleGANv2 network was improved to generate corn‐unsound kernel images with diverse features. Finally, to meet the demand for lightweight detection, the MobileVit network was optimized to improve the network's recognition accuracy, which reached 96.2%. The article verifies the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm through experiments.
Model uncertainty versus variability in the life cycle assessment of commercial fisheries
Authors: Codotto Giovanni , Pizzol Massimo , Hegland Troels J. , Madsen Niels
Published: December 2023

Results from life cycle assessment (LCA) studies are sensitive to modeling choices and data used in building the underlying model. This is also relevant for the case of fisheries and LCAs of fish products. Fisheries' product systems show both multifunctionality because of the simultaneous co‐catch of multiple species and potential constraints to supply due to natural stock limits or socially established limits such as quota systems. The performance of fisheries also varies across seasons, locations, vessels, and target species. In this study, we investigate the combined effect of modeling choices and variability on the uncertainty of LCA results of fish products. We use time series data from official Danish statistics for catch and fuel use of several fisheries disaggregated using a top‐down procedure. We apply multiple modeling approaches with different assumptions regarding the type of partitioning, substitution, and constraints. The analysis demonstrates that, in the presence of relevant multifunctionality, the results are substantially affected by the modeling approach chosen. These findings are robust across years and fisheries, indicating that modeling choices contribute to uncertainty more than the variability in fishing conditions. We stress the need for a more careful alignment of research questions and methods for LCA studies of fisheries and recommend a very transparent statement of assumptions, combined with uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. This article met the requirements for a gold‐gold data openness badge described at http://jie.click.badges.
Slurs in quarantine
Authors: Cepollaro Bianca , Sulpizio Simone , Bianchi Claudia , Stojanovic Isidora
Published: December 2023

We investigate experimentally whether the perceived offensiveness of slurs survives when they are reported, by comparing Italian slurs and insults in base utterances (Y is an S), direct speech (X said: “Y is an S”), mixed quotation (X said that Y is “an S”), and indirect speech (X said that Y is an S). For all strategies, reporting decreases the perceived offensiveness without removing it. For slurs, but not insults, indirect speech is perceived as more offensive than direct speech. Our hypothesis is that, because slurs constitute hate speech, speakers employ quotation marks to signal their dissociation from slur use.
Erysipheneelamensis, a new powdery mildew fungus (Ascomycota: Erysiphaceae) from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Zafar Irsa , Afshan Najam‐Ul‐Sehar , Khalid Abdul Nasir
Published: December 2023

A new powdery mildew species, Erysiphe neelamensis, was found on Celtis eriocarpa in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The identification was based upon morpho‐anatomical features and results of a molecular sequence analysis. This species is morphologically distinguished from phylogenetically allied Erysiphe species by having chasmothecia with fewer, shorter appendages and a small number of asci and ascospores. A phylogenetic analysis of the nrDNA of ITS region of E. neelamensis supports the involvement of a novel species of the genus Erysiphe. The new species is described, illustrated and compared with all allied species, along with a phylogram showing its inferred phylogenetic position.
How does the green efficiency of urban land use evolve in the urban agglomeration of China's middle Yangtze river?
Authors: Hong Jiaxuan , Mao Yanling
Published: December 2023

The urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze river (MYRUA) is the second largest national urban agglomeration in China, with an excellent ecological foundation. As the construction of urban agglomerations accelerated towards both extension and connotation, land prices of various cities rose, and the contradiction in the demand and utilization of land resources became acute. Therefore, exploring the spatiotemporal evolution and driving mechanisms of land green utilization efficiency within MYRUA had positive significance. This article focused on 28 prefecture‐level cities in the MYRUA and measured their urban land green use efficiency (ULGUE) from 2006 to 2018 using the super slack‐based measure model with undesirable output (Super‐SBM‐U). Then, the improved Fixed Malmquist–Luenberger index was developed to improve the accuracy of dynamic efficiency analysis. Further, the internal and external driving factors were explored using the index decomposition and the spatial error model with fixed effects. The results showed that the land use mode of the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River was relatively green, but efficiency gaps still existed. Although the green total factor productivity of the whole cluster has improved by 3.30% a year on average, the excessive pursuit of technological innovation has led to the stagnation of urban land management in various cities, and there are numerous inherent contradictions in urban development. But at the same time, feasible economic development directions, industrial upgrading, high‐quality employees, land marketization, and positive environmental behaviors are conducive to the green and sustainable development of ULGUE. This article depicted the internal land use characteristics of the MYRUA from the perspective of spatiotemporal evolution and efficiency, providing a theoretical reference for the green development and coordinated management of urban agglomeration land.
Threshold‐dependent gene regulation and partial assortative mating determine wing dimorphism of an insect
Authors: Mao Meng‐Sha , He Yi‐Nan , Liu Xiang‐Dong
Published: December 2023

Wing dimorphism is a life‐historical trait of insects which indicates the developmental trend of populations, going as migrants or staying as residents. The alternative wing morph enhances adaptability of insects to changing environments. However, the underlying mechanism for maintaining wing dimorphism remains vague. The brown planthoppers Nilaparvata lugens, a serious pest of rice, are either short‐winged or long‐winged. The shift between two wing morphs is determined by two insulin receptors. So, this pest is a better model organism to explore the mechanism of wing dimorphism. Here, the short‐ and long‐winged strains of N. lugens were selected. Rates of a selected wing morph were linearly increased in populations, and the selection response of the short‐winged morph was stronger than that of the long‐winged. Selection enhanced the migratory or resident propensity. Directional selection for the long‐winged morph resulted in longer and lighter forewings, while selection for the short‐winged morph generated shorter and thicker wings and higher fecundity. Relative expression levels of wing development genes InR1, InR2 and Foxo were positively correlated with the short‐winged rate in the short‐winged strain, while they were negatively correlated with the long‐winged rate in the long‐winged strain at specific stages. The change rate of expression levels was approximately two times as high as that of the wing morph rates in populations, indicating a high threshold‐dependent gene expressed regulation of wing morph. A partial assortative mating behavior occurred between the nearly pure‐bred lineages of short‐ and long‐winged strains. The short‐winged males preferred to mate with short‐winged females while the long‐winged males mated with the short‐ and long‐winged females equally. The threshold‐dependent mode may be more flexible to adjust wing morphs according to environmental conditions and the partial assortative mating promotes the genetic exchange between two wing morphs which drive the maintenance of wing dimorphism.
Leaf trait variation within individuals mediates the relationship between tree species richness and productivity
Authors: Proß Tobias , Haider Sylvia , Auge Harald , Bruelheide Helge
Published: December 2023

In forest ecosystems, many ecosystem functions such as tree growth are affected by tree species richness. This biodiversity–productivity relationship (BPR) is mediated by leaf traits, which themselves are known to be influenced by tree species richness; at the same time, as the primary organs of light capture, they are an important factor for tree growth. However, how tree growth is influenced by a tree's ability to phenotypically adjust its leaf traits to the within‐individual light gradient has largely been unexplored. Furthermore, it is not known how such impacts of within‐tree leaf trait variation on individual tree growth sums up to productivity at the community scale. In this study we tested how tree species richness, a tree's mean leaf traits, within‐tree leaf trait variation and the light extinction coefficient within a tree crown influence tree growth. We measured these variables in the temperate forest plantation of the Kreinitz biodiversity experiment. We found that the relationship between tree species richness and tree growth is mediated via the leaf trait variation of the individual trees, which in turn was modified by light availability. In particular, trees in monocultures show a higher within‐individual leaf trait variation, which partly compensates for the lack in among‐species leaf trait variation, and thus affects the BPR. It seems that tree richness operates both through increased acquisitive trait values and within‐individual leaf trait variation, two processes that cancelled out each other and resulted in the absence of a significant effect of tree richness on productivity in our study. In conclusion, to understand the BPR, it is important to study the underlying processes and to know which ones reinforce or oppose each other. In particular, our study highlights the importance of including within‐individual leaf trait variation in ecological research as one important moderator in the BPR.
Predictors Associated with Forgotten Knee in Patients with Total Knee Arthroplasty Based on Multivariable Linear Regression
Authors: Li Peifang , Xie Jingying , Ning Ning , Chen Jiali
Published: December 2023

Objective

Existing studies have conflicting results about the predictors of forgotten joints in patients with total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and the relationship between psychosocial factors and forgotten knees is unknown. The purpose of this study was to confirm predictors for the forgotten joint in TKA patients.

Methods

This was an observational, prospective longitudinal study. A total of 205 patients who underwent TKA and a 6‐month follow‐up were included between August 2020 and September 2021. Demographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, and psychosocial variables were collected before TKA surgery (T0). The forgotten joint score (FJS) was taken before TKA surgery (T0) and at 1 month (T1), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T6) after TKA surgery. The psychosocial variables were also completed at T6. Bivariate and multivariable linear regressions (LR) were performed to screen the predictors associated with FJS (T6).

Results

Patients who underwent TKA in our study had a mean FJS of 20.3 ± 12.2 before surgery, 15.9 ± 10.3 at 1 month, 28.7 ± 12.6 at 3 months, and 40.3 ± 12.5 at 6 months. The predictors were sex, combined musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), operation time, FJS (T3), range of motion (ROM) (T6), pain score (T6), Groningen orthopaedic social support scale (GO‐SSS) score (T6), and the generalized anxiety disorder scale (GAD) score (T6). The data satisfied the assumptions of multivariable linear regressions. The multiple R2of LR was 0.71, and the adjusted R2 was 0.70. The F‐statistic of the LR model was 59.5 (p < 0.000).

Conclusion

Our study revealed the level of forgotten knee decreased slightly from preoperation to 1 month postoperatively and then increased from 1 month postoperatively to 6 months postoperatively in TKA patients. The main predictors associated with the FJS at 6 months after surgery were sex, combined MSD, operation time, FJS (T3), ROM (T6), pain score (T6), GO‐SSS score (T6), and anxiety (T6).
Dorsal root ganglion stimulator—A targeted therapy for post‐herpetic neuralgia: The Middle East Experience
Authors: Verma Amit , Francois Eric , Maiti Tanmoy , Cassidy Leanne , Tolba Reda
Published: December 2023

Background

Post herpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a chronic neuropathic pain syndrome which presents after an episode of herpes zoster caused by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus. Conservative treatment starts with pharmacological measures using Anti‐epileptics and Antidepressants. Some patients also respond well to epidural steroid injections too, but the effect is usually short lasting. Dorsal Root Ganglion Stimulator (DRG‐S) has recently been suggested as a new treatment modality for PHN due to its selective targeting of the pathophysiologic focus.

Case Series

We are reporting three cases, who were suffering from neuropathic pain after an episode of herpes zoster. Pain and pain related suffering scores were high, even with multiple antiepileptics and opioid medications. They underwent DRG‐S implant and appreciated more than 50% reduction of their pain score, meaningful reduction in the dose of medications along with significant improvement of their general well being measured using Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD‐7), pain disability index (PDI), and 9 Question Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐9). To our knowledge this is the first report on DRG stimulator from the Middle East Region.

Conclusion

DRG‐S has potential to be a preferable treatment option in patients with refractory PHN and acts as a specific targeted therapy in the treatment of these patients.
Regulation of haemoglobin concentration at high altitude
Authors: Siebenmann Christoph , Roche Johanna , Schlittler Maja , Simpson Lydia L , Stembridge Mike
Published: December 2023

Lowlanders sojourning for more than 1 day at high altitude (HA) experience a reduction in plasma volume (PV) that increases haemoglobin concentration and thus restores arterial oxygen content. If the sojourn extends over weeks, an expansion of total red cell volume (RCV) occurs and contributes to the haemoconcentration. While the reduction in PV was classically attributed to an increased diuretic fluid loss, recent studies support fluid redistribution, rather than loss, as the underlying mechanism. The fluid redistribution is presumably driven by a disappearance of proteins from the circulation and the resulting reduction in oncotic pressure exerted by the plasma, although the fate of the disappearing proteins remains unclear. The RCV expansion is the result of an accelerated erythropoietic activity secondary to enhanced renal erythropoietin release, but a contribution of other mechanisms cannot be excluded. After return from HA, intravascular volumes return to normal values and the normalisation of RCV might involve selective destruction of newly formed erythrocytes, although this explanation has been strongly challenged by recent studies. In contrast to acclimatised lowlanders, native highlanders originating from the Tibetan and the Ethiopian plateaus present with a normal or only mildly elevated haemoglobin concentration. Genetic adaptations blunting the erythropoietic response to HA exposure have been proposed as an explanation for the absence of more pronounced haemoconcentration in these populations, but new evidence also supports a contribution of a larger than expected PV. The functional significance of the relatively low haemoglobin concentration in Tibetan and Ethiopian highlanders is incompletely understood and warrants further investigation.

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Therapeutic effect of iturin A on
Candida albicans
oral infection and its pathogenic factors
Authors: Han Di , Ji Yulan , Yang Saixue , Song Pei , Shi Yihong , Shao Dongyan , Chen Xianqing , Shang Li , Shi Junling , Jiang Chunmei
Published: December 2023

Candida albicans
is responsible for conditions ranging from superficial infections such as oral or vaginal candidiasis to potentially fatal systemic infections. It produces pathogenic factors contributing to its virulence. Iturin A, a lipopeptide derived from
Bacillus
sp., exhibits a significant inhibitory effect against
C. albicans
. However, its exact mechanism in mitigating the pathogenic factors of
C. albicans
remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to explore the influence of iturin A on several pathogenic attributes of
C. albicans
, including hypha formation, cell membrane permeability, cell adhesion, biofilm formation, and therapeutic efficacy in an oral
C. albicans
infection model in mice. The minimal inhibitory concentration of iturin A against
C. albicans
was determined to be 25 µg/mL in both YEPD and RPMI-1640 media. Iturin A effectively inhibited
C. albicans
hyphal formation, decreased cell viability within biofilms, enhanced cell membrane permeability, and disrupted cell adhesion
in vitro
. Nonetheless, iturin A did not significantly affect the phospholipase activity or hydrophobicity of
C. albicans
. A comparative study with nystatin demonstrated the superior therapeutic efficacy of iturin A in a mouse model of oral
C. albicans
infection, significantly decreasing
C. albicans
count and inhibiting both fungal hypha formation and tongue surface adhesion. High-dose iturin A treatment (25 µg/mL) in mice had no significant effects on blood indices, tongue condition, or body weight, indicating the potential for iturin A in managing oral infections. This study confirmed the therapeutic potential of iturin A and provided valuable insights for developing effective antifungal therapies targeting
C. albicans
pathogenic factors.
Soil microbiome analysis supports claims of ineffectiveness of
Pseudomonas fluorescens
D7 as a biocontrol agent of
Bromus tectorum
Authors: Custer Gordon F. , Mealor Brian A. , Fowers Beth , van Diepen Linda T. A.
Published: December 2023

Cheatgrass (
Bromus tectorum
) is one of the most problematic invasive plants in the western United States. Invasion by annual grasses disrupts nutrient cycling and negatively affects above- and below-ground biodiversity. Land managers use chemical herbicides, mechanical controls, cultural practices, and bioherbicides to combat this invasive plant. Recently, the biocontrol agent
Pseudomonas fluorescens
D7 has been touted as a non-chemical herbicide that offers lasting control of cheatgrass. However, experimental results report limited effectiveness under field conditions. To understand the underlying cause of the variable efficacy of this commercially available bioherbicide, soil samples from an active cheatgrass invasion treated with
P. fluorescens
D7 were collected and screened using high-throughput sequencing. At 18 months post-application, the bioherbicide had limited lasting effects on bacterial community composition, and few reads assigned to
P. fluorescens
were found in our sequence data. We suggest that the failure to establish sufficiently may partially explain the inability of this biocontrol agent to suppress
B. tectorum
under field conditions.

IMPORTANCE

Cheatgrass is one of North America’s most problematic invasive species. Invasion by this annual grass alters ecosystem structure and function and has proven very challenging to remove with traditional approaches. Commercially available bioherbicides, like
P
.
fluorescens
D7, are applied with the goal of providing lasting control from a single application. However, experimental results suggest that this bioherbicide has limited efficacy under field conditions. Potential explanations for variable efficacy include a failure of this bioherbicide to establish in the soil microbiome. However, to our knowledge, no data exist to support or refute this hypothesis. Here, we use a deep-sequencing approach to better understand the effects of this bioherbicide on the soil microbiome and screen for
P. fluorescens
at 18 months post-application.