bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association between frailty and the risk of mortality in critically ill congestive heart failure patients: findings from the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Shi Wenhua , Lin Hong , Zhang Xinyu , Xu Wenjing , Lan Taohua , Jiang Wei , Chen Xiankun , Lu Weihui
Published: August 2024

Background

Frailty is a severe, common co-morbidity associated with congestive heart failure (CHF). This retrospective cohort study assesses the association between frailty and the risk of mortality in critically ill CHF patients.

Methods

Eligible patients with CHF from the Medical Information Base for Intensive Care IV database were retrospectively analyzed. The frailty index based on laboratory tests (FI_Lab) index was calculated using 33 variables to assess frailty status. The primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and one-year mortality. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) and the administration of renal replacement therapy (RRT) in patients with concurrent AKI. Survival disparities among the FI_Lab subgroups were estimated with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The association between the FI_Lab index and mortality was examined with Cox proportional risk modeling.

Results

A total of 3273 adult patients aged 18 years and older were enrolled in the study, with 1820 men and 1453 women included. The incidence rates of in-hospital mortality and one-year mortality rate were 0.96 per 1,000 person-days and 263.8 per 1,000 person-years, respectively. Multivariable regression analysis identified baseline FI_Lab > 0.45 as an independent risk factor predicting in-hospital mortality (odds ratio = 3.221, 95% CI 2.341–4.432, p < 0.001) and one-year mortality (hazard ratio=2.152, 95% CI: 1.730-2.678, p < 0.001). In terms of predicting mortality, adding FI_Lab to the six disease severity scores significantly improved the overall performance of the model (all p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We established a positive correlation between the baseline FI_Lab and the likelihood of adverse outcomes in critical CHF patients. Given its potential as a reliable prognostic tool for such patients, further validation of FI_Lab across multiple centers is recommended for future research.
An operating mode control method for photovoltaic (PV) battery hybrid systems
Authors: Zhang Wenping , Wang Yiming , Xu Po , Li Donghui , Liu Baosong
Published: August 2024

Depending on the PV power, load power, and battery status, the system may operate in different modes. The control loop may have to switch between operating modes. In practice, it is difficult to implement control loop switching because the transition and dynamic process are difficult to control. As a result, this paper presents a generalized mode control method that avoids loop switching across modes. First, system structure and topology are introduced. The operating conditions for both grid-connected and off-grid modes are then divided into six sub-cases. Furthermore, the control architecture, control loop, and reference transition for various scenarios are described. Finally, an experimental platform is built, and the results are presented to verify the proposed method.
A study of the driving factors of the intention and behavioral deviations of rural residents in waste classification
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yu Qidong , Chen Qian
Published: August 2024

Introduction: The deviation between the stated intentions and actual actions of rural residents regarding waste classification constitutes a significant impediment to the effective implementation of environmental management strategies in rural areas. It is therefore recommended that steps be taken to reduce the deviation between the stated intentions and actual behaviors of rural residents. Doing so will help to reinforce environmental governance in rural communities and provide the necessary support for rural revitalization.

Methods: This study establishes an analytical framework for examining the deviation between the internal perceived efficacy and external environmental policies among rural residents. The relationship between intention and behavior can be classified into three distinct scenarios: “intention with behavior,” “intention without behavior,” and “no intention with behavior.” Furthermore, an empirical analysis is conducted using survey data collected by Nanjing Agricultural University in the China Land Economic Survey in June and July 2021.

Result: The results show that 1) the perceived efficacy has a significant positive influence on the deviation between the intention and behavior of rural residents in domestic waste classification, while the environmental policy has a significant negative effect on it; 2) the guiding policy has a significant negative moderating effect on the influence of perceived efficacy on the deviation between the intention and behavior of rural residents and the situation of “with intention and without behavior,” while the reward–punishment policy has a significant positive moderating effect on the influence of perceived efficacy on “without intention and behavior;” 3) the perceived efficacy has a masking effect on the impact of environmental policies on the deviation between the intention and behavior or “with intention and without behavior” of rural residents and a partial mediating effect on the impact of the environmental policy on “with intention and behavior” or “without intention and behavior.”

Discussion: In consideration of these findings, the study proposes policy recommendations that emphasize the interconnectivity of the government, village collective organizations, and rural residents. The recommendations include the implementation of environmental policies and initiatives designed to enhance rural residents’ awareness of waste classification.
CffDNA screening for Niemann–pick disease, type C1: a case series
Authors: Lau Sydney A. , Fawaz Romy I. , Rigobello Robert , Bawazeer Shahad , Alajaji Nouf M. , Faqeih Eissa , Li Yanchun , Feng Yanming , Xia Fan , Eng Christine M. , Abedalthagafi Malak
Published: August 2024

Cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) screening is a valuable tool in clinical practice for detecting chromosomal abnormalities and autosomal dominant (AD) conditions. This study introduces a novel proof-of-concept assay designed for autosomal recessive (AR) cffDNA screening, focusing on cases involving the NPC1 gene. We aim to illustrate the significant benefits of AR cffDNA screening in managing high-risk pregnancies, specifically where biallelic pathogenic variants in NPC1 cause Niemann–Pick disease, type C1 (NPC), a disorder marked by progressive neurodegeneration. Three participants for this study were recruited and gave consent to a hospital in Saudi Arabia. These participants were either carriers of NPC or had a first- or second-degree relative affected by the disorder. No specific criteria were set for the age of the participants. All were between 15 and 18 weeks of gestation. Using amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS), we analyzed the zygosity and variants in cffDNA extracted from maternal peripheral blood. After amplicon NGS, analysis was completed by a custom data analysis pipeline that included in-house-built data processing scripts and commonly used software packages. Importantly, the results were not disclosed to the patients. Our findings showed that in all three cases, AR cffDNA screening results were consistent with standard invasive diagnostic testing. This screening method offers several advantages: it provides critical information to families earlier in the pregnancy compared to invasive diagnostic tests, and it helps to alleviate parental anxiety. Moreover, this non-invasive method can determine pregnancy status in the first trimester for known familial variants. Future research may extend this approach to screen for known disease-causing variants in common AR conditions.
Comparative growth kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica on dehydrated enoki and wood ear mushrooms during rehydration and storage
Authors: Salazar Joelle K. , George Josephina , Fay Megan L. , Stewart Diana S. , Ingram David T.
Published: August 2024

Specialty mushrooms have been implicated in foodborne illness outbreaks in the U.S. in recent years. These mushrooms are available to consumers in both their fresh and dried states. Dehydrating mushrooms is a convenient way to increase shelf life. The dehydration process results in a lowered water activity (aw) of the commodity, creating an environment where both spoilage and pathogenic bacteria cannot proliferate. Prior to food preparation and consumption, these mushrooms are typically rehydrated and possibly stored for later use which could lead to increased levels of pathogens. This study examined the survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica on dehydrated enoki and wood ear mushrooms during rehydration and subsequent storage. Mushrooms were heat dehydrated, inoculated at 3 log CFU/g, and rehydrated at either 5 or 25°C for 2 h. Rehydrated mushrooms were stored at 5, 10, or 25°C for up to 14 d. L. monocytogenes and S. enterica survived on enoki and wood ear mushroom types during rehydration at 5 and 25°C, with populations often <2.39 log CFU/g. During subsequent storage, no growth was observed on wood ear mushrooms, regardless of the rehydration or storage temperature, with populations remaining <2.39 log CFU/g for both pathogens. When stored at 5°C, no growth was observed for either pathogen on enoki mushrooms. During storage at 10 and 25°C, pathogen growth rates and populations after 14 d were generally significantly higher on the enoki mushrooms rehydrated at 25°C; the highest growth rate (3.56 ± 0.75 log CFU/g/d) and population (9.48 ± 0.62 log CFU/g) after 14 d for either pathogen was observed by S. enterica at 25°C storage temperature. Results indicate a marked difference in pathogen survival and proliferation on the two specialty mushrooms examined in this study and highlight the need for individual product assessments. Data can be used to assist in informing guidelines for time and temperature control for the safety of rehydrated mushrooms.
Temporal trends, in-hospital outcomes, and risk factors of acute myocardial infarction among patients with epilepsy in the United States: a retrospective national database analysis from 2008 to 2017
Authors: Pan Zhemin , Xu Xi , Wu Shengyong , Chen Xi , Luo Xiao , Chen Chenxin , Yu Peimin , Qin Yingyi , He Jia
Published: August 2024

Background

The relationship between epilepsy and risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is not fully understood. Evidence from the Stockholm Heart Study indicates that the risk of AMI is increased in people with epilepsy. This study aims to analyze the temporal trends in prevalence, adverse clinical outcomes, and risk factors of AMI in patients with epilepsy (PWE).

Methods

Patients aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with epilepsy with or without AMI and hospitalized from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017, were identified from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. The Cochran–Armitage trend test and logistic regressions were conducted using SAS 9.4. Odds ratios (ORs) were generated for multiple variables.

Results

A total of 8,456,098 inpatients were eligible for our analysis, including 181,826 comorbid with AMI (2.15%). The prevalence of AMI diagnosis in PWE significantly increased from 1,911.7 per 100,000 hospitalizations in 2008 to 2,529.5 per 100,000 hospitalizations in 2017 (Ptrend < 0.001). Inpatient mortality was significantly higher in epilepsy patients with AMI compared to those without AMI (OR = 4.61, 95% CI: 4.54 to 4.69). Factors significantly associated with AMI in PWE included age (≥75 years old vs. 18 ~ 44 years old, OR = 3.54, 95% CI: 3.45 to 3.62), atherosclerosis (OR = 4.44, 95% CI: 4.40 to 4.49), conduction disorders (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 2.17 to 2.26), cardiomyopathy (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 2.08 to 2.15), coagulopathy (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.49 to 1.54), dyslipidemia (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.24 to 1.27), peptic ulcer disease (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.33), chronic kidney disease (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.25), smoking (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.21), and weight loss (OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.22).

Conclusion

The prevalence of AMI in PWE increased during the decade. Mortality rates were high among this population, highlighting the need for comprehensive attention to prophylaxis for risk factors and early diagnosis of AMI in PWE by physicians.
Evaluating the real-world usability of BCI control systems with augmented reality: a user study protocol
Authors: Dillen Arnau , Omidi Mohsen , Díaz María Alejandra , Ghaffari Fakhreddine , Roelands Bart , Vanderborght Bram , Romain Olivier , De Pauw Kevin
Published: August 2024

Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) enable users to control devices through their brain activity. Motor imagery (MI), the neural activity resulting from an individual imagining performing a movement, is a common control paradigm. This study introduces a user-centric evaluation protocol for assessing the performance and user experience of an MI-based BCI control system utilizing augmented reality. Augmented reality is employed to enhance user interaction by displaying environment-aware actions, and guiding users on the necessary imagined movements for specific device commands. One of the major gaps in existing research is the lack of comprehensive evaluation methodologies, particularly in real-world conditions. To address this gap, our protocol combines quantitative and qualitative assessments across three phases. In the initial phase, the BCI prototype's technical robustness is validated. Subsequently, the second phase involves a performance assessment of the control system. The third phase introduces a comparative analysis between the prototype and an alternative approach, incorporating detailed user experience evaluations through questionnaires and comparisons with non-BCI control methods. Participants engage in various tasks, such as object sorting, picking and placing, and playing a board game using the BCI control system. The evaluation procedure is designed for versatility, intending applicability beyond the specific use case presented. Its adaptability enables easy customization to meet the specific user requirements of the investigated BCI control application. This user-centric evaluation protocol offers a comprehensive framework for iterative improvements to the BCI prototype, ensuring technical validation, performance assessment, and user experience evaluation in a systematic and user-focused manner.
Acquisition and generalization of emotional and neural responses to faces associated with negative and positive feedback behaviours
Authors: Lin Huiyan , Bruchmann Maximilian , Schindler Sebastian , Straube Thomas
Published: August 2024

Faces can acquire emotional meaning by learning to associate individuals with specific behaviors. Here, we investigated emotional evaluation and brain activations toward faces of persons who had given negative or positive evaluations to others. Furthermore, we investigated how emotional evaluations and brain activation generalize to perceptually similar faces. Valence ratings indicated learning and generalization effects for both positive and negative faces. Brain activation, measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), showed significantly increased activation in the fusiform gyrus (FG) to negatively associated faces but not positively associated ones. Remarkably, brain activation in FG to faces to which emotional meaning (negative and positive) was successfully generalized was decreased compared to neutral faces. This suggests that the emotional relevance of faces is not simply associated with increased brain activation in visual areas. While, at least for negative conditions, faces paired with negative feedback behavior are related to potentiated brain responses, the opposite is seen for perceptually very similar faces despite generalized emotional responses.
Usp14 down-regulation corrects sleep and circadian dysfunction of a Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Favaro Mariavittoria , Mauri Sofia , Bernardo Greta , Zordan Mauro A. , Mazzotta Gabriella M. , Ziviani Elena
Published: August 2024

PD is a complex, multifactorial neurodegenerative disease, which occurs sporadically in aged population, with some genetically linked cases. Patients develop a very obvious locomotor phenotype, with symptoms such as bradykinesia, resting tremor, muscular rigidity, and postural instability. At the cellular level, PD pathology is characterized by the presence of intracytoplasmic neurotoxic aggregates of misfolded proteins and dysfunctional organelles, resulting from failure in mechanisms of proteostasis. Nonmotor symptoms, such as constipation and olfactory deficits, are also very common in PD. They include alteration in the circadian clock, and defects in the sleep–wake cycle, which is controlled by the clock. These non-motor symptoms precede the onset of the motor symptoms by many years, offering a window of therapeutic intervention that could delay—or even prevent—the progression of the disease. The mechanistic link between aberrant circadian rhythms and neurodegeneration in PD is not fully understood, although proposed underlying mechanisms include alterations in protein homeostasis (proteostasis), which can impact protein levels of core components of the clock. Loss of proteostasis depends on the progressive pathological decline in the proteolytic activity of two major degradative systems, the ubiquitin-proteasome and the lysosome-autophagy systems, which is exacerbated in age-dependent neurodegenerative conditions like PD. Accordingly, it is known that promoting proteasome or autophagy activity increases lifespan, and rescues the pathological phenotype of animal models of neurodegeneration, presumably by enhancing the degradation of misfolded proteins and dysfunctional organelles, which are known to accumulate in these models, and to induce intracellular damage. We can enhance proteostasis by pharmacologically inhibiting or down-regulating Usp14, a proteasome-associated deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB). In a previous work, we showed that inhibition of Usp14 enhances the activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), autophagy and mitophagy, and abolishes motor symptoms of two well-established fly models of PD that accumulate dysfunctional mitochondria. In this work we extended the evidence on the protective effect of Usp14 down-regulation, and investigated the beneficial effect of down-regulating Usp14 in a Pink1 Drosophila model of PD that develop circadian and sleep dysfunction. We show that down-regulation of Usp14 ameliorates sleep disturbances and circadian defects that are associated to Pink1 KO flies.
“Prion-like” seeding and propagation of oligomeric protein assemblies in neurodegenerative disorders
Authors: Zampar Silvia , Di Gregorio Sonja E. , Grimmer Gustavo , Watts Joel C. , Ingelsson Martin
Published: August 2024

Intra- or extracellular aggregates of proteins are central pathogenic features in most neurodegenerative disorders. The accumulation of such proteins in diseased brains is believed to be the end-stage of a stepwise aggregation of misfolded monomers to insoluble cross-β fibrils via a series of differently sized soluble oligomers/protofibrils. Several studies have shown how α-synuclein, amyloid-β, tau and other amyloidogenic proteins can act as nucleating particles and thereby share properties with misfolded forms, or strains, of the prion protein. Although the roles of different protein assemblies in the respective aggregation cascades remain unclear, oligomers/protofibrils are considered key pathogenic species. Numerous observations have demonstrated their neurotoxic effects and a growing number of studies have indicated that they also possess seeding properties, enabling their propagation within cellular networks in the nervous system. The seeding behavior of oligomers differs between the proteins and is also affected by various factors, such as size, shape and epitope presentation. Here, we are providing an overview of the current state of knowledge with respect to the “prion-like” behavior of soluble oligomers for several of the amyloidogenic proteins involved in neurodegenerative diseases. In addition to providing new insight into pathogenic mechanisms, research in this field is leading to novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for neurodegenerative diseases.
The vitamin D status in a Chinese osteogenesis imperfecta population and its correlation with bone metabolic markers and bone density
Authors: Jiang Yunyi , Mei Yazhao , Tian Yuan , Shen Li , Xu Shuqin , Zhang Hao , Zhang Zhenlin
Published: August 2024

Objective

Studies on the baseline vitamin D levels in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) patients before medication are scarce. This study assessed the vitamin D status of a population with OI at both the overall level and within different age groups. It correlated baseline 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with other bone-related factors, biochemical markers, and bone density.

Patients and methods

We collected 25(OH)D levels from 95 OI patients in East China (59 under 18 years old and 36 over 18 years old). Postmenopausal women and men over 50 years old are excluded. Measurements included body indicators, biochemical markers, and bone mineral density (BMD) assessed by Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0.

Results

In the overall population, among those under 18 years old, and among those over 18 years old, 87.4, 83.1, and 94.4%, respectively, were vitamin D deficient (<30 ng/mL), while 47.4, 40.7, and 58.3% had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL), respectively. In the overall population and among those under 18 years old, serum 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with age and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and 25(OH)D levels (<10 ng/mL, 10–20 ng/mL, 20–30 ng/mL, >30 ng/mL) showed a negative correlation with BMI. In OI patients under 18 years old, serum 25(OH)D was negatively correlated with serum β-CTX levels. In adult male OI population, 25(OH)D levels were negatively correlated with OI severity (Type I, IV, III). No statistically significant correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and BMD Z-scores.

Conclusion

This study on OI in East China reveals significant vitamin D insufficiency and deficiency in baseline levels among pediatric, adolescent and adult OI patients. It assesses the correlation of 25(OH)D levels with various influencing factors, providing crucial insights into understanding the impact of OI on vitamin D status across different age groups and aiding in better clinical management of OI patients.
Food waste awareness among Italian university students: results of an online survey
Authors: Catalano Federica , Cassano Velia , Pujia Arturo , Sciacqua Angela , Hribal Marta Letizia
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Food waste (FW) represents a significant social and environmental problem, with 1.3 billion tons of food wasted yearly worldwide. Even if consumers are increasingly aware of the phenomenon, it remains relevant, and understanding the behaviors of specific target audience segments appears instrumental to the planning of effective interventions. To this end, we designed an observational study to investigate, throughout an online questionnaire, FW-related habits of university students in a Southern Italian region.

Methods

A representative sample of 431 students from the University of Catanzaro Magna Graecia completed an online survey aimed at investigate FW related behaviors. A descriptive analysis was performed on the whole cohort, and a formal statistical analysis was carried out after excluding responders who had not correctly followed the survey instructions (n = 85). Differences were assessed by chi square (χ2) tests. A food wasting score was generated, and differences in the score values were analyzed by Student T-test. Linear and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify factors contributing to the score.

Results

Overall, the results of our survey show a high prevalence of virtuous behaviors in the food purchasing phase; while, at home, less than 50% of respondents apply easy-to-implement waste prevention rules. The statistical analysis showed that the major determinants of FW were: no direct involvement in grocery shopping and male gender. Indeed, even if we observed several significant differences comparing subgroups based on established or putative determinants of FW behaviors, none survived matching for group size, gender and relevant food managing (shopping, storing, cooking) habits. The only exception was the more appropriate handling of “use by” products by respondents who received structured nutrition teaching, as opposed to students whose academic courses do not include this subject (adjusted p = 0.008).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that young adults are trying to implement strategies to reduce FW, even if there is room for improvement, particularly in the storage phase. Extending nutrition education to all university programs may be helpful in reaching this goal.
The prognostic analysis of further axillary dissection in breast cancer with 1-2 positive sentinel lymph nodes undergoing mastectomy
Authors: Zhao Xueyi , Yang Liu , Cao Congbo , Song Zhenchuan
Published: August 2024

Background

The ACOSOG Z0011 study has shown that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is an option to be considered in patients who had 1-2 metastatic sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) who proceed with breast-conserving along with postoperative radiotherapy. However, there remains controversy regarding the applicability of this approach in patients who had a mastectomy. The aim of our study is to determine the prognostic differences and risk factors associated with the decision to opt for ALND in breast cancer patients who had 1-2 metastatic SLNs who receive a mastectomy.

Methods

The study conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with cT1-2N0 breast cancer and treated at The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University between January 2016 and December 2021, and patients were divided into two cohorts according to whether ALND was performed after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB): SLNB cohort and SLNB + ALND cohort. Outcomes included the locoregional recurrence rate (LRR), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to ensure the balance of variables between the two cohorts. Cox proportional hazard models were employed to ascertain the univariate and multivariate relative risks associated with survival.

Results

There were 812 cases enrolled. After the PSM, 234 receiving ALND and 234 not receiving ALND were matched. A median follow-up period of 56.72 ± 20.29 months was observed. During that time, no significant difference was identified in the DFS and OS in the SLNB + ALND cohort and the SLNB cohort (P = 0.208 and P = 0.102), except for those under 40 years old, SLNB + ALND group showed a reduction in LRR compared to SLNB group (11.1% vs. 2.12%, P = 0.044). Multivariate Cox analysis showed that younger (≤ 40 years), progesterone receptor (PR)-negative, and SLNB alone were independent risk factors for LRR; perineural invasion was a risk factor, while endocrinotherapy was a beneficial prognostic indicator for DFS and OS among patients with positive hormone receptor.

Conclusion

ALND does not impact DFS and OS in patients with 1-2 metastatic SLNs who have completed a mastectomy. Being younger (≤ 40 years), having a negative PR, and undergoing SLNB alone were independent risk factors for LRR. Given this finding, we recommend avoiding axillary treatment such as ALND or radiotherapy in patients without risk factors.
Exploration of the intracellular chiral metabolome in pediatric BCP-ALL: a pilot study investigating the metabolic phenotype of IgH locus aberrations
Authors: Collins Meghan , Gorgoglione Ruggiero , Impedovo Valeria , Pan Xingxin , Chakkarai Sathyaseelan , Yi S. Stephen , Lodi Alessia , Tiziani Stefano
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

Aberrations in the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus are associated with poor prognosis in pediatric precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) patients. The primary objective of this pilot study is to enhance our understanding of the IgH phenotype by exploring the intracellular chiral metabolome.

Materials and methods

Leukemia cells were isolated from the bone marrow of BCP-ALL pediatric patients at diagnosis. The samples’ metabolome and transcriptome were characterized using untargeted chiral metabolomic and next-generation sequencing transcriptomic analyses.

Results

For the first time D- amino acids were identified in the leukemic cells’ intracellular metabolome from the bone marrow niche. Chiral metabolic signatures at diagnosis was indicative of a resistant phenotype. Through integrated network analysis and Pearson correlation, confirmation was obtained regarding the association of the IgH phenotype with several genes linked to poor prognosis.

Conclusion

The findings of this study have contributed to the understanding that the chiral metabolome plays a role in the poor prognosis observed in an exceptionally rare patient cohort. The findings include elevated D-amino acid incorporation in the IgH group, the emergence of several unknown, potentially enantiomeric, metabolites, and insights into metabolic pathways that all warrant further exploration.
The relationship between school bullying victimization and social mindfulness in middle school students: a chain mediating model of self-concept clarity and cognition reappraisal
Authors: Yang Weijing , Hu Dong , Guo Ying
Published: August 2024

Objective

To determine the relationship between school bullying victimization and social mindfulness and its mechanism in light of the interdependence and schema theories.

Method

The Chinese version of the Delaware Bullying Victimization Scale-student, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Self-Concept Clarity Scale and The Social Mindfulness Self-report Scale (SMSRS) were distributed to 553 middle school students.

Results

(1) The correlations of school bullying victimization with social mindfulness, self-concept clarity, and cognition reappraisal were statistically significant. (2) School bullying victimization had a significant effect on social mindfulness. (3) The simple mediating role of self-concept clarity and cognition reappraisal between school bullying victimization and social mindfulness were significant. (4) Self-concept clarity and cognition reappraisal played a chain mediating role between school bullying victimization and social mindfulness.
Sustainable potato farming in Shandong Province, China: a comprehensive analysis of organic fertilizer applications
Authors: Zhang Meiling , Xu Xuanguo , Ning Wenping , Zhang Fuhong , Sarkar Apurbo
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The potato holds the distinction of being the world’s largest non-cereal food crop and ensuring its sustainable production is imperative for global food security. Notably, China leads in both the planting area and output of potatoes globally, cementing its crucial role in the nation’s agricultural economy. A scientific assessment of the effectiveness of organic fertilizers on potato cultivation can significantly contribute to the promotion of sustainable agriculture.

Methods

This study utilizes a Propensity Score Matching (PSM) model and introduces a novel cost-efficiency approach to analyze and evaluate the production efficiency and economic impact of organic fertilizer application among 546 potato growers in Shandong.

Results

The research findings reveal the following: Firstly, compared to the control group without organic fertilizer application, it is evident that the use of organic fertilizers enhances production technology efficiency, labor productivity, land productivity, and net profit per unit by 3.6%, 1588.47 kg/person, 16346.77 kg/ha, and 16135.32 yuan/ha, respectively. Secondly, an examination of cost efficiency among growers with different production scales indicates that those with a planting scale of 0.667-1.333 hectares demonstrate relatively high production efficiency across multiple factors. Additionally, there is an observable inverted U-shaped trend in the relationship between planting scale and production efficiency. Thirdly, the continuous application of organic fertilizers proves advantageous in mitigating inefficiencies in investment techniques, leading to cost savings and efficiency improvements in potato cultivation.

Discussion

Consequently, it is recommended that the government and relevant departments enhance technical support, elevate professional training programs, and optimize the allocation of input factors. These measures aim to encourage farmers to adopt organic fertilizers, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Use of protexin as a probiotic-supplemented feed additive: assessment of growth, digestibility, serum antioxidant enzyme activity, and blood profile in Cirrhinus mrigala
Authors: Riaz Danish , Hussain Syed Makhdoom , Sarker Pallab K. , Ali Shafaqat , Naeem Adan , Naeem Eman , Nazish Nadia , Al-Anazi Khalid Mashay , Farah Mohammad Abul
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Probiotics, one of functional feed additives (FFAs), have emerged as a potential supplement to strengthen fish health and mitigate oxidative stress. The main focus of our research was to explore the benefits of probiotics (protexin) on growth, digestibility, antioxidant enzyme activity, and blood indices of Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings.

Methods

A total of 105 fish (7.42 ± 0.02 g/fish) were used in a 90-day feeding trial. Fish were fed two times a day, and diets were tested in triplicate tanks (15 fingerlings per tank). Moringa oleifera seed meal was chosen as a basal feed ingredient. Seven test diets were formulated: One was control (without supplement), and six diets had different concentrations of probiotics, such as 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 g kg−1.

Results

The results of growth and nutrient absorption were maximum at a probiotic concentration of 2 g kg−1. The optimal serum antioxidant enzyme activity and blood parameters were likewise obtained at a probiotic dose of 2 g kg−1.

Conclusions

Supplementing C. mrigala with 2 g kg−1 probiotics substantially improved their growth, nutrient digestibility, antioxidant enzyme activity, and hematological indices (p < 0.05).
Hypoactivity and neurochemical alterations in the basal ganglia of female Sprague-Dawley rats after repeated exposure to atrazine
Authors: Acevedo-Huergo Triana , Sánchez-Yépez Jonathan , Mendoza-Trejo María Soledad , Hernández-Plata Isela , Giordano Magda , Rodríguez Verónica Mireya
Published: August 2024

The herbicide atrazine (ATR) has been one of the most widely used herbicides worldwide. However, due to its indiscriminate use, it has been considered an environmental contaminant. Several studies have classified ATR as an endocrine disruptor, and it has been found to have neurotoxic effects on behavior, along with alterations in the dopaminergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic systems in the basal ganglia of male rodents. These findings suggest that these neurotransmitter systems are targets of this herbicide. However, there are no studies evaluating the neurotoxicity of ATR in female rodents. Our study aimed to assess the effects of repeated IP injections of 100 mg ATR/kg or a vehicle every other day for 2 weeks (six injections) on the locomotor activity, content of monoamines, GABA, glutamate, and glutamine in the striatum, nucleus accumbens, ventral midbrain, and prefrontal cortex, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein levels in striatum and nucleus accumbens of female rats. Repeated 100 mg ATR/kg injections immediately decreased all the locomotor activity parameters evaluated, and such hypoactivity persisted for at least 48 h after the last ATR administration. The ATR administration increased dopamine and DOPAC content in the nucleus accumbens and the dopamine and DOPAC and serotonin and 5-HIAA content in the ventral midbrain. In contrast, the TH protein levels in the striatum and nucleus accumbens were similar between groups. Meanwhile, GABA, glutamine, and glutamate levels remained unaltered in all brain regions evaluated. The observed behavioral alterations could be associated with the monoamine changes presented by the rats. These data reveal that the nucleus accumbens and ventral midbrain are susceptible to repeated ATR exposure in female rats.
Impact of different formulations of platelet lysate on proliferative and immune profile of equine mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Yaneselli Kevin , Ávila Gimena , Rossi Andrea , Rial Analía , Castro Sabrina , Estradé María José , Suárez Gonzalo , Algorta Agustina
Published: August 2024

Platelet lysate (PL) is investigated as a potential replacement for fetal bovine serum (FBS) in cell culture. However, there is limited research on its impact on the immune profile of equine mesenchymal stromal cells (eMSCs). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different PL formulations on the proliferative capacity, multipotentiality, and immune profile of equine adipose tissue-derived MSCs (eAD-MSCs). In vitro growth kinetics and trilineage differentiation of eAD-MSCs (n = 7) were assessed under three culture conditions: medium-concentration PL (MPL), high-concentration PL (HPL), and FBS as a control. The immune profile was evaluated by studying the expression of immunogenic receptors such as MHC I, MHC II, and immunomodulatory molecules IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α, determined by gene expression, surface marker expression, and cytokine quantification. Both PL formulations, pooled from 5 donors, exhibited 3.3 and 6.5-fold higher platelet counts than baseline plasma for MPL and HPL, respectively. Higher concentrations of TGF-β and PDGF were found in both PL formulations compared to baseline. Furthermore, MPL and HPL subcultures demonstrated proliferative, clonogenic, and multipotent capacities similar to FBS. The immune profile of PL-cultured cells exhibited gene expression levels related to immunogenicity and immunomodulation similar to the reference condition, and the surface antigen presence of MHC II was also similar. However, HPL media exhibited higher IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α concentrations in the culture supernatant. In conclusion, both PL media contained higher concentrations of growth factors compared to FBS, supporting the in vitro culture of eAD-MSCs with proliferative, clonogenic, and multipotent capacity similar to the reference medium. Nonetheless, PL usage led to a variation in the immunomodulatory cytokine microenvironment, with higher concentrations of IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in HPL media compared to MPL and FBS.
In vitro elution of amikacin, cefazolin, gentamicin, ampicillin/sulbactam, and meropenem from a commercially available calcium sulfate delivery kit
Authors: Maxwell Elizabeth A. , Howell Taylor , Mester Rachel , Bennett R. Avery , Cruz-Espindola Crisanta , Boothe Dawn
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The use of implantable antibiotic beads has become a frequent treatment modality for the management of surgical site infections in human and veterinary medicine. The objective of this study is to describe the elution kinetics of five antibiotics from a commercially available calcium sulfate antibiotic delivery kit. A secondary goal was to compare elution concentrations with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for commonly encountered bacteria from the University of Florida’s veterinary microbiology laboratory database.

Methods

Calcium sulfate powder was combined with amikacin, cefazolin, gentamicin, ampicillin/sulbactam, and meropenem. Triplicates of three antibiotic-loaded beads were immersed in 5 mL of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and kept at 37°C under constant agitation. Antibiotic-conditioned PBS was sampled at 14 time points from 1-h to 30 days and analyzed by liquid chromatography to determine the antibiotic concentration.

Results

All beads eluted concentrations of antibiotics for the 30-day sampling period, except for ampicillin/sulbactam, with the most antibiotics being eluted within the first week. The concentration of antibiotics within the eluent within the first 3–9 days (3- and 5-mm beads, respectively) was greater than the MIC of common isolates. The 5 mm bead samples were superior in maintaining higher concentrations for a longer period, compared to the 3-mm beads.

Discussion

CSH beads eluted antibiotics over the 30-day course of the study. Most of the antibiotic elution occurred within the first week and was maintained above the MIC of commonly encountered isolates. This information may be useful for clinical decision making for treatment of local infections encountered in practice.
Novel—and Not So Novel—Inhibitors of the Multifunctional CRM1 Protein
Authors: Aumann Waitman K. , Kazi Rafi , Harrington Amanda M. , Wechsler Daniel S.
Published: August 2024

Chromosome Region Maintenance 1 (CRM1), also known as Exportin 1 (XPO1), is a protein that is critical for transport of proteins and RNA to the cytoplasm through the nuclear pore complex. CRM1 inhibition with small molecule inhibitors is currently being studied in many cancers, including leukemias, solid organ malignancies and brain tumors. We review the structure of CRM1, its role in nuclear export, the current availability of CRM1 inhibitors, and the role of CRM1 in a number of distinct cellular processes. A deeper understanding of how CRM1 functions in nuclear export as well as other cellular processes may allow for the development of additional novel CRM1 inhibitors.
Hierarchical Optimization Framework for Layout Design of Star–Tree Gas-Gathering Pipeline Network in Discrete Spaces
Authors: Lin Yu , Qiu Yanhua , Chen Hao , Zhou Jun , He Jiayi , Du Penghua , Liu Dafan
Published: August 2024

The gas-gathering pipeline network is a critical infrastructure for collecting and conveying natural gas from the extraction site to the processing facility. This paper introduces a design optimization model for a star–tree gas-gathering pipeline network within a discrete space, aimed at determining the optimal configuration of this infrastructure. The objective is to reduce the investment required to build the network. Key decision variables include the locations of stations, the plant location, the connections between wells and stations, and the interconnections between stations. Several equality and inequality constraints are formulated, primarily addressing the affiliation between wells and stations, the transmission radius, and the capacity of the stations. The design of a star–tree pipeline network represents a complex, non-deterministic polynomial (NP) hard combinatorial optimization problem. To tackle this challenge, a hierarchical optimization framework coupled with an improved genetic algorithm (IGA) is proposed. The efficacy of the genetic algorithm is validated through testing and comparison with other traditional algorithms. Subsequently, the optimization model and solution methodology are applied to the layout design of a pipeline network. The findings reveal that the optimized network configuration reduces investment costs by 16% compared to the original design. Furthermore, when comparing the optimal layout under a star–star topology, it is observed that the investment needed for the star–star topology is 4% higher than that needed for the star–tree topology.
Flutter Optimization of Carbon/Epoxy Plates Based on a Fast Tree Algorithm
Authors: Dinulović Mirko , Bengin Aleksandar , Krstić Branimir , Dodić Marjan , Vorkapić Miloš
Published: August 2024

This study focuses on optimizing carbon/epoxy laminate configurations to maximize the flutter speed of composite structures using a Fast Tree Regression algorithm. Initially, a seed dataset was created, using finite element method (FEM) modal analysis for common stack-ups used in composite fins and UAV components. The FEM analysis, based on the Lanczos algorithm for extracting modal frequencies in bending and torsion, was verified through experimental modal analysis using an AS-4/3501-6 composite system. Custom software was developed to interface with the FEA modal software, enabling the generation and augmentation of laminate dataset scenarios. The seed dataset was expanded until the coefficient of determination (R2) reached at least 0.95. Various regression algorithms, including Fast Forest Regression, Fast Tree Regression, Sdca Regression, and Lbfgs Poisson Regression, were evaluated. The Fast Tree Regression algorithm was selected for further analysis due to its superior performance. This algorithm was applied to a design space of nearly 2000 potential laminate candidates, focusing on symmetric lay-ups to avoid undesirable coupling between bending and torsion in UAV and missile control surfaces. The final optimized lay-ups, exhibit the highest Delta function values (the squared difference of modal frequencies in torsion and bending), indicating the expected highest flutter speeds. The results demonstrate the efficacy of tailored composite materials in achieving specific aerodynamic performance goals.
Optimization of Operation Parameters and Performance Prediction of Paddy Field Grader Based on a GA-BP Neural Network
Authors: Liu Min , Ma Xuejie , Feng Weizhi , Jing Haiyang , Shi Qian , Wang Yang , Huang Dongyan , Wang Jingli
Published: August 2024

Paddy field leveling is an essential step before rice transplanting. During the operation of a paddy field grader, a common issue is the wrapping of rice straw around the blades, resulting in a low rice straw burial rate. This study focused on analyzing the operating parameters of a disc spring–tooth-combined paddy field grader. A soil–straw mechanism simulation model was created using EDEM 2021 software to simulate the field operation status. Firstly, the single-factor test was carried out, with the working speed, the working depth of the disc cutter roller, and the rotation speed of the cutter roller as the factors and the straw-buried rate (SBR) and the machine forward resistance (MFR) as the test indexes, and the parameter range was optimized. The parameters were optimized by the response surface method (RSM) and machine learning algorithms. The results indicated that the genetic algorithm–back propagation (GA-BP) neural network outperformed other optimization models in terms of prediction accuracy and stability. By utilizing the GA-BP regression model and RSM model for regression fitting, two sets of optimal parameter combinations were obtained. Verification experiments were carried out using two sets of parameter combinations. Taking the average of the experimental results, the simulation results showed that the straw burial rate was 93.47% and the forward resistance was 6487 N for the parameter combinations of RSM, and the straw burial rate was 94.86% and the forward resistance was 6352 N for the parameter combinations of GA-BP; the field experiments showed that the straw burial rate was 92.86% and the forward resistance was 6518 N for the parameter combinations of RSM, and the straw burial rate was 95.17% and the forward resistance was 6249 N for the parameter combinations of GA-BP. The results demonstrated that the GA-BP prediction model exhibited better predictive capabilities compared to the traditional RSM, providing more accurate predictions of the paddy field grader’s field operation performance.