bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerating thermokarst lake changes on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhou Guanghao , Liu Wenhui , Xie Changwei , Zhang Qi , Li Qingpeng , Liu Guangyue , Li Qing , Luo Bingnan
Published: July 2023

As significant evidence of ice-rich permafrost degradation due to climate warming, thermokarst lake was developing and undergoing substantial changes. Thermokarst lake was an essential ecosystem component, which significantly impacted the global carbon cycle, hydrology process and the stability of the Qinghai-Tibet Engineering Corridor. In this paper, based on Sentinel-2 (2021) and Landsat (1988-2020) images, thermokarst lakes within a 5,000 m range along both sides of Qinghai-Tibet Highway (QTH) were extracted to analyse their spatio-temporal variations. The results showed that the number and area of thermokarst lake in 2021 were 3,965 and 4,038.6 ha (1 ha = 10,000 m2), with an average size of 1.0186 ha. Small thermokarst lakes (<1 ha) accounted for 85.65% of the entire lake count, and large thermokarst lakes (>10 ha) occupied for 44.92% of the whole lake area. In all sub-regions, the number of small lake far exceeds 75% of the total lake number in each sub-region. R1 sub-region (around Wudaoliang region) had the maximum number density of thermokarst lakes with 0.0071, and R6 sub-region (around Anduo region) had the minimum number density with 0.0032. Thermokarst lakes were mainly distributed within range of 4,300 m~5,000 m a.s.l. (94.27% and 97.13% of the total number and size), on flat terrain with slopes less than 3° (99.17% and 98.47% of the total number and surface) and in the north, south, and southeast aspects (47.06% and 32.99% of the total number and area). Thermokarst lakes were significantly developed in warm permafrost region with mean annual ground temperature (MAGT) > -1.5°C, accounting for 47.39% and 54.38% of the total count and coverage, respectively. From 1988 to 2020, in spite of shrinkage or even drain of small portion of thermokarst lake, there was a general expansion trend of thermokarst lake with increase in number of 195 (8.58%) and area of 1,160.19 ha (41.36%), which decreased during 1988-1995 (-702 each year and -706.27 ha/yr) and then increased during 1995-2020 (184.96-702 each year and 360.82 ha/yr). This significant expansion was attributed to ground ice melting as rising air temperature at a rate of 0.03~0.04℃/yr. Followed by the increasing precipitation (1.76~3.07 mm/yr) that accelerated the injection of water into the lake.
Sex-stratified patterns of emergency cardiovascular admissions prior and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gajewski Piotr , Błaziak Mikołaj , Urban Szymon , Garus Mateusz , Braunschweig Freider , Caldeira Daniel , Gawor Antoni , Greenwood John P , Guzik Mateusz , Halfwerk Frank R , Iwanek Gracjan , Jarocki Michał , Jura Maksym , Krzystek-Korpacka Małgorzata , Lewandowski Łukasz , Lund Lars H. , Matysiak Michał , Pinto Fausto , Sleziak Jakub , Wietrzyk Weronika , Sokolski Mateusz , Biegus Jan , Ponikowski Piotr , Zymliński Robert
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on global public health, with long-term consequences that are still largely unknown. This study aimed to assess the data regarding acute cardiovascular hospital admissions in five European centers before and during the pandemic. A multicenter, multinational observational registry was created, comparing admissions to the emergency departments (ED) during a 3-month period in 2020 (during the pandemic) with the corresponding period in 2019 (pre-pandemic). Data on patient demographics, COVID-19 test results, primary diagnosis, comorbidities, heart failure profile, medication use, and laboratory results were collected. A total of 8,778 patients were included in the analysis, with 4,447 patients in 2019 and 4,331 patients in 2020. The results showed significant differences in the distribution of cardiovascular diseases between the two years. The frequency of pulmonary embolism (PE) increased in 2020 compared to 2019, while acute heart failure (AHF) and other cardiovascular diseases decreased. The odds of PE incidence among hospitalized patients in 2020 were 1.316-fold greater than in 2019. The incidence of AHF was 50.83% less likely to be observed in 2020, and the odds for other cardiovascular diseases increased by 17.42% between the two years. Regarding acute coronary syndrome (ACS), the distribution of its types differed between 2019 and 2020, with an increase in the odds of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in 2020. Stratification based on sex revealed further insights. Among men, the incidence of AHF decreased in 2020, while other cardiovascular diseases increased. In women, only the incidence of STEMI showed a significant increase. When analyzing the influence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-positive patients had a higher incidence of PE compared to COVID-negative patients. COVID-positive patients with ACS also exhibited symptoms of heart failure more frequently than COVID-negative patients. These findings provide valuable information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on acute cardiovascular hospital admissions. The increased incidence of PE and changes in the distribution of other cardiovascular diseases highlight the importance of monitoring and managing cardiovascular health during and post pandemic period. The differences observed between sexes emphasize the need for further research to understand potential sex-specific effects of COVID-19 on cardiovascular outcomes.
Decreased Max-value Entropy Search for Multi-fidelity Bayesian Optimization
Authors: Gong Zhuo , Wang Binglin , Duan Xiaojun , Chen Jiangtao , Yan Liang
Published: July 2023

Bayesian Optimization is a widely applied efficient framework for updating the surrogate model sequentially. To improve the efficiency, multi-fidelity Bayesian Optimization is developed to combine the information of samples in different fidelity levels. However, the multi-fidelity levels brings the challenge for sequential sampling. In multi-fidelity Bayesian Optimization, the sampling strategy is applied to determine not only the sample location but also the sample fidelity level for updating the model. To balance the benefit and the experiment cost, it is vital to measure the potential effect of each fidelity sample. Some sampling strategies, which is categorized as direct-type methods, can measure the potential effect of different samples in a easy way, but they cannot figure out the difference of samples that has little uncertainty and it has the risk for redundant sampling. Some other strategies, which is categorized as direct-type methods, can measure the potential effect appropriately, but the calculation of them are much complicated and time-consuming. In this paper, a new type method combining the direct-type and indirect-type methods is presented for measuring the potential effect of different fidelity sample. It is convenient enough and can avoid the problems occurring in the direct-type method. Based on this paradigm, a sampling strategy named decreased max-value entropy search(DMES) is proposed and applied in the multi-fidelity Bayesian Optimization framework. The characteristics of DMES and how it is different from direct-type method are detailed in some examples. Besides, two numerical experiments and one simulation experiment demonstrate the efficiency of DMES.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers towards healthcare- associated infections in Jimma University Medical Center, southwestern Ethiopia: using structural equation model
Authors: Shacho Etagegn , Ambelu Argaw , Yilma Daniel
Published: July 2023

Background:
Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a common challenge faced in healthcare facilities, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Evaluating the level of KAP among healthcare personnel regarding HCAI prevention and identifying the relevant factors is important for handling and controlling these infections. Therefore, this study aimed to know the direct and indirect effects of knowledge, attitude, and practices of HCWs towards HCAIs prevention in Jimma University medical center (JUMC).
Method:
The primary data was collected from the sampled health professionals. The total sample size was 262 from 1354 health professionals working in JUMC using the population proportion stratified random sampling method. An institutional cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April 2022. The data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to identify the direct and indirect effects of KAP of HCWs on HCAIs.
Results:
The study shows that 55% (144 respondents) were nurses and 52.7% were female participants. The goodness of fit indices for the hypothetical model specification and selection proved that the model was appropriate to analyze the data. The study findings indicated that the standardized direct effects of HCW occupational skill in HCAIs prevention on knowledge and attitudes were significant effect (βosk=1.43, Posk=0.004 and βosa=0.65, Posa=0.004).Whereas HCWs’ practice on HCAIs had an effect (βosp=-0.79, Posp=0.004). The attitude of HCWs towards HCAIs prevention practice and knowledge were significant effect with p-value Pap=.002 and Pak=.003 respectively. On the other hand mediating effect showed that the attitude of HCWs toward their knowledge through practice towards HCAIs prevention was significant effects (γak=.426, Pak=.003). At the same time occupational skills of HCWs towards practice of HCAIs prevention through attitude was a significant effect (γosp=.523, Posp=.002).
Conclusion:
The study results indicated that both attitude and occupational skills can be improved through practice which finally brings a statistically significant improvement in the knowledge of HCWs about HCAIs prevention.
In vivo RNA interactome profiling reveals 3’UTR-processed small RNA targeting a central regulatory hub
Authors: Chao Yanjie , Liu Fang , Chen Ziying , Zhang Shuo , Wu Kejing , Bei Cheng , Wang Chuan
Published: July 2023

Small noncoding RNAs (sRNAs) are crucial regulators of gene expression in bacteria. Acting in concert with major RNA chaperones such as Hfq or ProQ, sRNAs directly base-pair with multiple target mRNAs, together forming a large and complex RNA-RNA interaction network. To systematically investigate the RNA-RNA interactome in living cells, we have developed a streamlined in vivo approach LiRIP-seq (LiRIP-seq, ligation RIP-seq). This generic approach is highly robust, illustrating the dynamic sRNA interactomes in Salmonella enterica across multiple stages of growth. Strikingly, we have identified the OmpD porin mRNA as a central regulatory hub that is targeted by more than a dozen sRNAs. These include a novel sRNA FadZ that is processed from the conserved 3’ UTR of fadBA mRNA by RNase E. Our results show that both ompDand its regulator FadZ are activated by the same transcription factor upstream, constituting a type I incoherent feed-forward loop in the fatty acid metabolism pathway. Altogether, we have established a novel approach to profile RNA-RNA interactomes in live cells, providing insights into the complexity of post-transcriptional regulatory hubs in RNA interaction networks.
Ears Wide Shut: A Complete Failure to Recognize Relevant Acoustic Stimuli
Authors: Stickgold Robert , Okamoto Cynthia , Hon Katrina , Denis Dan
Published: July 2023

The filtering out of apparently extraneous and redundant stimuli is critical for the effective processing of novel and relevant sensory information. But brain mechanisms that evolved to perform this function are necessarily less than perfect, in some cases failing to filter out irrelevant stimuli and in others filtering out important information. We report here on a stimulus from everyday life—the sound made by an arriving elevator, which contains information indicating the car’s direction of movement—that not one of over 1,100 study participants was aware of, despite encountering this information repeatedly throughout their lives. Evidence of implicit knowledge of this information was also absent, suggesting that this valuable information is filtered out at an early stage of sensory processing.
Colorimetric pH Sensitive Smart Film Based on Carrageenan Containing Quercetin or Eucalyptus Extract for Freshness Monitoring of Chicken Meat
Authors: Mirzaei Akbar , Jorshari Yashar Bina , Javanshir Shahrzad , Noori Milad , Mahdavi Mohammad
Published: July 2023

Utilizing natural flavonoid indicators in marine-derived biopolymers to develop new biomaterials for food packaging that provide information about the quality of food products can inform the customer about food safety and diminish food waste. Herein, two novel smart pH-sensitive hydrogel films composed of κ-carrageenan (CG) combined with quercetin (QUE) or eucalyptus leaf extract (ELE) were extended for freshness information of chicken meat at room temperature. As quality indicators, the color changes of the hydrogel films through colorimetric and UV-Vis spectroscopy at pH 1–12 and TVB-N (total volatile basic nitrogen) were investigated. The films’ transparency, mechanical, antibacterial activity, and morphology were investigated. The results showed that the CG film with 0.3% QUE performs best. The CG film containing QUE or ELE had good antibacterial activity and preserved and controlled the freshness of chicken meat. In the case of engaging CG films, they showed visible color changes in informing the freshness of the chicken. The comparison of the film containing QUE and the ELE states that the film containing the ELE had a greater effect in preventing chicken spoilage and revealed distinguished pH-responsive color changes.
Acute Stanford type A aortic dissection with the “giant R wave” electrocardiogram pattern: a case report
Authors: Su Tingting , Liu Zhaohui , Wu Dedi , Yang Yong
Published: July 2023

Background: Stanford type A aortic dissection (TAAD) is a life-threatening cardiovascular event with a significantly high mortality rate if not promptly treated. The “giant R wave” electrocardiogram(ECG) pattern is a dangerous ECG pattern associated with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI), most commonly involving occlusion of the left main coronary artery, which carries a high risk of cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, and ventricular fibrillation. The concurrence of acute TAAD and MI with the “giant R wave” ECG pattern is an extremely rare condition.
Case presentation: A 47-year-old male admitted to the emergency department (ED) with complaints of sudden severe pain behind the sternum, which was diagnosed as acute TAAD, with coronary artery involved, and the ECG shows "giant R wave" pattern accompanied by ST-segment elevation in I, aVL, V2-5 leads. The management should be aggressive with reperfusion via percutaneous intervention in order to race against time for subsequent surgery of TAAD. However, the patient’s condition rapidly deteriorated, presenting with cardiovascular events including cardiogenic shock and cardiac arrest. Despite prompt intervention, the patient unfortunately succumbed to his condition.
Conclusions: TAAD with coronary artery involvement is a dangerous condition with high mortality, TTE or computed tomography angiography are important examinations especially when patient with high D-dimer levels, they can help to reduce misdiagnosis. In such case, aggressive with reperfusion via percutaneous intervention to obtain stable vital signs, in order to race against time for subsequent surgery of TAAD maybe the first-line choice.
Proximate Composition of Vitex Doniana and Saba Comorensis Fruits
Authors: Charles Dominic , MGINA CLARENCE
Published: July 2023

The fruits of V. doniana and S. comorensis were randomly collected from Pwani and Tanga regions. Laboratory analysis was done using the methods described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists AOAC (1995 and 2000). The amount of protein was 7.13 ± 0.04% and 21.73 ± 0.02% in V. doniana fruits while the fat contents were 2.4 ± 0.00% and 1.9 ± 0.10% in V. doniana fruits. The amount of fats in S. comorensis fruits ranged from 0.00–0.01% for the fruit samples from both Pwani and Tanga regions, however the differences was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The amounts of carbohydrates in V. doniana 23.98 ± 0.20% and in S. comorensis fruit samples (23.81 ± 0.38%) from Pwani Region were not statistically difference. The differences can be attributed to environmental and soil factors. S. comorensis fruit samples from Tanga had ash 4.20 ± 0.01% and moisture content 70.97 ± 0.04%. These values were higher than those observed for S. comorensis fruit samples from Pwani. The amount of ash is indicative of potential elements like sodium and potassium which are beneficial in human health for the development of bones. These fruits have significant amounts of carbohydrate and protein and hence healthy for consumption as part of human diet.
Acute aortic syndrome risk stratification score: A new risk assessment tool
Authors: Fu Fengxia , Wang Xinyan , Shi Meng , Li Yong , Xiao Ziya , Xu Xin , Jing Liufang , Meng Fanliang
Published: July 2023

Background To construct a risk stratification score for acute aortic syndrome (AAS) with high predictive value for AAS. Methods Patients suspected of having AAS who visited the emergency department of the Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University between August 2019 and July 2022 were enrolled. The patients were divided into AAS and non-AAS groups according to the AAS diagnostic criteria. The independent risk factors for AAS were analyzed by binary logistic regression analysis, the AAS risk stratification score (AAS-RSS) was constructed, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the AAS-RSS. Results A total of 23 variables were effectively integrated into the AAS-RSS according to the size of the logistic regression analysisBvalue and were combined with the ADD-RS score. AAS-RSS and ADD-RS predicted that the areas under the AAS curve were 0.919(0.898 ~ 0.941) and 0.734 (0.694 ~ 0.773), respectively. Conclusions The AAS-RSS has high predictive value for risk stratification of AAS.
WITHDRAWN: Study on the Flexural Behavior of Ferro-Geopolymer Panels
Authors: radhakrishnan Sankaranarayanan , Soundarapandian Nagan
Published: July 2023

Ferro-Geopolymer (FG) panels, which combine wire mesh as the skeleton with geopolymer mortar as the matrix, have gained popularity in recent years. The goal of the current study is to determine how well FG panels function when hybrid fibres are included into the binder matrix, which gives the matrix a synergetic flexural behaviour. Steel and Poly-Vinyl Alcohol (PVA) fibres were utilized, with a maximum of 2% by the volume of mortar. Additionally, in place of the traditional Fly Ash (FA), Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) is used to make the binder matrix air set. The percentage of FA that was replaced with GGBS ranged from 10–100%, with a 10% increase. The geopolymer mortar used GGBS and fibres in various proportions. The compressive and flexural strengths of the geopolymer mortar with various proportions of GGBS and fibres were evaluated, and it was discovered that the geopolymer mortar with 40% of GGBS showed the best strength response. The above-optimal matrix mix and fibres were used to build the FG panels, which were evaluated under two-point loading. The hybrid fibre specimens, which contained 0.5 percent PVA fibre and 1.5 percent steel fibre, demonstrated improved stiffness, ductility, and load bearing ability.
Accelerated Failure Time (AFT) and Weighted Least Square Estimation (WLSE) With Five Different Underlying Distributions: A Model Comparison to the Application of Cancer Survival Data Analysis
Authors: Hasim Sherhana A. , Nads Azman A. , Jal-Usman Ebni A.
Published: July 2023

Survival data have been extensively analyzed using the parametric model. As cited in the literature in the statistical area of survival analysis, an alternative to the widely used cox proportional hazard (PH) model is the accelerated failure time (AFT) model, which is parametric model. If the model imposed distribution and homoscedasticity assumption are met, the AFT model is more effective and comprehensible than the cox PH model. However, most of the real datasets are heteroscedastic which violate the fundamental assumption. The weighted least square estimation (WLSE), a method that is just developed recently, is a semi-parametric methodology that can handle homoscedastic and heteroscedastic data. Furthermore, a valid inference can be obtained from the WLSE. In this paper, we used AFT with the application of WLSE method to a real dataset specifically on cancer data. The findings show that among the different distributions that were generated, the Weibull having the lowest AIC and BIC values, made the best fit of the model which further determine the factor associated on cancer data. With the use of homoscedasticity test, the data was found to be homoscedastic. The finding also show that, in case of homoscedastic data, the Weibull AFT outperformed in terms of generating more significant effects and more precise estimations of covariates effect than the WLSE method. Thus, it is recommended to use AFT model rather than the WLSE when the homoscedasticity assumption is met.
Climates and associated factors for evidence-based practice implementation among nurses: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Peng Mengting , He Mei , Du Meijie , Jiang Mengyao , Cui Mengying , Cai Yue , Yan Qi , Wang Ying
Published: July 2023

Background: The organizational climate that promotes and supports the implementation of evidence is one of the key factors affecting the effective implementation of evidence-based practice (EBP). As the largest group of medical staff, nurses are confirmed in implementing EBP. However, nurses’ perception of the climate for implementing EBP in their organizations is unknown, especially among the Chinese nurses.
Aims: To clarify the implementation climate of EBP among Chinese nurses and identify the associated factors for implementing and developing evidence-based nursing practices.
Methods: This study used a descriptive cross-sectional study design. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) was used to reporting the study. In March 2023, nurses (n=1260) from 2 Tertiary care hospitals in Central China were selected and surveyed by social-demographic questionnaire and Implementation Climate Scale (ICS). Multiple linear stepwise regression analysis was conducted to determine the predictors of implementation climate.
Results: The nurses’ mean score on ICS was 59.10±11.22 and the mean scores of each sub-dimension and item were more than 3 points. Satisfaction with current income, the unit having undertaken evidence-based nursing practice project(s), experience of evidence-based nursing practice during working life, and specific training or courses in evidence-based nursing practice were predictors of ICS.
Conclusion: The climate for implementing EBP in Chinese nursing organizations was relatively strong. Nursing managers can enhance the climate for implementing EBP in their organizations by actively improving salary and enhancing EBP-related trainings and practices.
Relevance to Clinical Practice: Understanding nurses’ perceptions of the EBP implementation climate in their organizations can help to identify specific barriers and facilitators to the development of EBP and facilitate its successful implementation.
Patient or Public Contribution: Clinical nurses were involved in data collection and completed the questionnaires on EBP implementation climate.
Pediatric Craniopharyngioma: A 20-year study on epidemiological features, clinical presentation, and survival outcomes in a tertiary care center from LMIC
Authors: Memon Fozia , Humayon Khadija Nuzhat , Riaz Quratulain , Arif Muzna , Huda Noor ul , Laghari Altaf Ali , Hilal Kiran , mushtaq naureen
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Craniopharyngioma constitutes approximately 10% of primary brain tumors in children. It can cause considerable morbidity and mortality due to the local aggressiveness of the tumor itself or its management affecting the hypothalamus-pituitary axis and optic pathway involvement. There is very scarce data available from LMIC which makes the management controversial where multidisciplinary teams are already not available in most of the centers. This is a single-center cross-sectional retrospective review of 20 years record of 49 patients with craniopharyngioma treated between 2001 to 2020 at Aga Khan University, hospital a tertiary care center in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods: We have assessed the epidemiological data of children presenting with the diagnosis of craniopharyngioma, treatment modalities used, and neurological, endocrine, and hypothalamic complications in these patients. The assessment involved a retrospective review of medical records and medical follow-up.
Results: Out of a total of 49 patients, 26(53%) were male, and 23 (46.9%) were female. The mean age was 9.5 years SD ±4.5 years. Most common symptoms at initial presentation were headache 41(83.6%), visual deficit 40(81.6%), nausea vomiting 26(53%), and endocrine abnormalities 16(32%). Treatment modalities used at our center include gross total resection 23(46.9%), subtotal resection without radiotherapy 14(28.5), and subtotal resection with radiation 12(24%) while 6(12.2%) patients received intracystic interferon. Histopathologic findings of the majority of patients- 40 (81%) revealed an adamantinomatous type of tumor Only 23(46.9%) children followed in clinic post-op Median follow-up after craniopharyngioma presentation was 5 years (±2.1SD, range: 2-10 years) Pituitary hormone deficiencies (98%), and visual disturbances (75%), were the most common long-term health conditions observed.
Conclusions: Since Pituitary hormone deficiencies and visual disturbance were the most common long-term health conditions observed in our study, these patients require a multidisciplinary team follow-up to improve their quality of life.
Diatom phytochromes integrate the entire visible light spectra for photosensing in marine environments
Authors: Jaubert Marianne , Duchene Carole , Bouly Jean-Pierre , Karlusich Juan Pierella , Selles Julien , Bailleul Benjamin , Bowler Chris , d’Alcalà Maurizio Ribera , Falciatore Angela
Published: July 2023

Aquatic life is strongly structured by the distribution of light which, besides attenuation in intensity, exhibits a continuous change in the spectrum with depth. The extent to which light changes are perceived by phytoplankton is largely unknown. By focusing on marine diatoms, we here provide the first in vivo quantitative assessment of responses to spectral variations mediated by a marine phytochrome photoreceptor. Our findings reveal that diatom Phytochromes (DPH) display widely conserved R/FR absorption spectra but trigger photoreversible responses across the entire light spectrum, which results in activation of phytochrome responses by the blue/green light found at depth (400-520 nm) and inactivation by longer wavelengths (520-700 nm) at surface. This response to the spectral changes in aquatic systems makes DPH an ideal detector of optical depth, which responds in the opposite way to expectations based on the sole response to red and far-red light. Taken together our results provide a completely novel view on how information embedded in the underwater light field could be successfully exploited throughout the photic zone.
Genome-wide identification and analysis of ACP gene family in Brassica species in the Triangle of U model
Authors: Qian Fang , Zuo Dan , Feng Qun , Zhou Lizhou , Pang Biao , Hu Mingyang , Li Pengfei , Gu Lei , Wang Hongcheng , Du Xuye , Zhu Bin
Published: July 2023

Background
Acyl carrier proteins (ACP), which have been verified to be involved in a variety of biological processes related to plant growth and development and play a vital role in resisting biotic and abiotic stresses, are widely found in animals, plants, and microbial cells. The Brassica species in the Triangle of U model are not only widely cultivated crops for oilseed and vegetables but also serve as an ideal model for allopolyploid evolutionary analysis. However, the ACP gene family has been largely unknown in Brassica until now. Therefore, comprehensive identification and analysis of this gene family are necessary.
Results
Based on phylogenetic features and sequence similarity, we identified 26, 27, and 30 ACP genes in the allotetraploid B. juncea (2n = 4x = 36, AABB), B. napus (2n = 4x = 38, AACC), and B. carinata (2n = 4x = 34, BBCC), respectively. Additionally, we identified 14, 10, and 13 ACP genes in the A genome donor B. rapa (2n = 2x = 20, AA), B genome donor B. nigra (2n = 2x = 16, BB), and the C genome donor B. oleracea (2n = 2x = 18, C), respectively. The identified ACP genes (120) in the six Brassica species were classified into six clades. These genes were then chosen for investigation of gene structure and chromosome placement. The findings indicated that the majority of ACP genes maintained consistent gene structures and relatively stable positions on chromosomes. This finding suggests a high level of DNA-level conservation of ACP genes in the six Brassica species following polyploidization. Furthermore, collinearity analysis revealed that the expansion of most Brassica ACPs occurred primarily through segmental duplication during heterotetraploidization, with only a few genes undergoing whole-genome triplication (WGT). Subcellular localization predictions indicated that the ACP gene family of Brassica predominantly localizes to chloroplasts and mitochondria. Additionally, our tobacco transient expression system confirmed that these BnaACPs genes primarily localize to chloroplasts. Furthermore, the analysis of cis-acting regulatory elements revealed the association of these ACP genes with stress tolerance. Additionally, we demonstrated that certain BnaACPs genes exhibited high expression levels in response to salt stress, suggesting their significant role in salt stress response in Brassica species.
Conclusion
The aforementioned results provide a comprehensive understanding of the ACP genes in Brassica species within the Triangle of U model. Furthermore, our results can serve as a theoretical foundation for further analysis of the functions of ACP genes in Brassica plants.
Characterization of pressmud, and evaluating the growth, yield and metal uptake response of wheat to pressmud and phosphate fertilizer application on a metal-contaminated soil
Authors: Haider Basit , Imran Muhammad , Ashraf Muhammmad , Mahmood Sajid , Akram M. Ahmad , Arif Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Use of industrial and municipal wastewater for crop irrigation adds toxic metals to soils. This causes a decline in crop productivity and metal contamination of food crops. This study characterized pressmud (PM), and evaluated growth, yield and grain metal accumulation response of wheat to PM and single super phosphate (SSP) application on a metal-contaminated soil. The mean values of different parameters of eight PM samples collected different sugar industries were; EC 4.81 dS cm-1, pH 5.74, cation exchange capacity 66 meq 100 g-1, nitrogen 2.1%, P2O52.90%, K2O (0.87%),organic carbon 35.09%, lead 1.32 mg kg-1and cadmium 8 µg kg-1. Furthermore, a preliminary soil survey conducted on eight fields continuously irrigated with wastewater, and the soil having highest DTPA extractable lead (5.022 mg lead kg-1) and cadmium (0.26 mg cadmium kg-1) concentration was selected for pot experiment. PM (control, 10 and 20 g kg-1soil) and SSP (0 and 250 mg kg-1soil) were uniformly mixed with soil. PM at both levels exhibited similar improvement in growth and yield attributes of wheat. The highest increases of 38, 37 and 131% in tillers, straw biomass and grain yield were observed with PM addition than control. The application of SSP improved yield at par as recorded with PM. Applying SSP in combination with PM did not exhibited added benefit in terms of increase in growth and yield. The increase grain yield on PM-amended soil was linked to improved nutrient acquisition and decreased metal accumulation. PM-amended soil had higher available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentration than control, which subsequently resulted in 2.96. 1.85 and 2.42-fold respective increase in their uptake by grains. The plants showed clear metal toxicity symptoms on leaves, while addition of PM alleviated those symptoms. Moreover, PM decreased accumulation of Cd and Pd in grains by 48 and 56%, respectively than control, while SSP effect was non-significant. Thus, PM improves wheat productivity through enhancing nutrient uptake and lessening metal absorption on a metal-contaminated soil.
Metformin inhibits the growth of pancreatic cancer cells by inducing degradation of mutant p53 protein
Authors: Wu Guangbo , Zhang Meichao , Meng Yiling , Ying Yingxia , Zhang Suning , Chen Min , Li Dong , Yang Sunhu , Luo Meng
Published: July 2023

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignant tumors, which usually carries p53 gene mutation. Metformin has been reported to lower the risk of pancreatic cancer among diabetics. However, the underlying mechanism of the anti-tumor effects of metformin in pancreatic cancer is not fully elucidated. In our study, we observed that metformin had anti-tumor effects on pancreatic cancer cells with mutation of p53 gene. After administration of metformin in vitro, the cell cycle was induced to arrest at G0/G1 phase and apoptosis was significantly increased in PANC-1 and BxPc-3 cells. Meanwhile, the activity of SIRT1 was enhanced by metformin, resulting in the deacetylation and degradation of mutant p53 protein. Notably, knockdown of mutant p53 had similar effects to metformin, which inhibited the tumor growth and alleviated the suppression of p53 target genes in pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that metformin regulated the deacetylase activity of SIRT1 through AMPK and mTOR signaling pathways, which was the underlying molecular mechanism for its anti-tumor effects. These results provide new evidence that the anti-tumor effects of metformin may exert by inducing the degradation of mutant p53 in pancreatic cancer cells.
Effect of dietary phytase and protease supplementation on the growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility in juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) fed fish meal-free and phosphorus limiting diets
Authors: Coelho Rafael , Tacon Albert G. J. , Lemos Daniel
Published: July 2023

This study investigated the effects of exogenous enzyme supplementation, specifically phytase and protease, in fish meal-free and phosphorus-limited diets for juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei through two feeding trials The trials aimed to assess shrimp growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility simultaneously in a clear-water recirculating tank system (34 ppt, 30°C) employing a continuous feeding regime, with feces being collected on a daily basis throughout the feeding trials. In the first feeding 50-day feeding trial shrimp (3.4 g initial body weight) were fed diets supplemented with phytase (1000 and 2000 FTU/kg) and phytase together with protease (1000 FTU/kg + protease and 2000 FTU/kg + protease), in addition to animals fed a positive control (supplemented inorganic phosphate) and a negative control diet without supplementation. In the second shrimp feeding trial (4.3 g initial body weight), in addition to negative and positive controls, shrimp were fed increasing levels of phytase (1000, 2000, 3000, 4000 and 8000 FTU/kg) over a 42-day experimental period. Both feeding trials showed beneficial effects phytase addition compared to the negative control, with significant improvements (P < 0.05) observed at dietary phytase levels of 2000 FTU/kg and above. Gains were obtained in growth performance (observed weekly growth of 1.46 and 1.86 g/week for shrimp fed the negative control and diet supplemented with 3000 FTU/kg, respectively), and apparent phosphorus digestibility increasing from 41.7% in animals fed the negative control diet to 52.9% in animals fed the 3000 FTU/kg supplemented. Results indicated that phytase supplementation yielded significant improvements in shrimp growth performance and phosphorus digestibility compared to the negative control. Notably, the observed benefits were evident at specific dietary phytase levels. However, the addition of protease supplements did not demonstrate any discernible effects on shrimp performance under the experimental conditions. Overall, these findings underscore the potential of phytase supplementation as a means to enhance nutrient utilization and promote optimal growth in Litopenaeus vannamei. Further investigations are warranted to explore the full range of benefits and mechanisms associated with protease supplementation in shrimp diets.
Envirotype approach for soybean genotype selection through the integration of georeferenced climate and genetic data using artificial neural networks
Authors: Leichtweis Bruno Grespan , Silva Letícia de Faria , Peixoto Marco Antônio , Peternelli Luiz Alexandre , Silva Felipe Lopes da
Published: July 2023

The selection of better-evaluated genotypes for a target region depends on the characterization of the climate conditions of the environment. With the advancement of computer technology and daily available information about the weather, integrating such information in selection and interaction genotype x environment studies has become a challenge. This article presents the use of the technique of artificial neural networks associated with reaction norms for the processing of climate and geo-referenced data for the study of genetic behaviors and the genotype-environment interaction of soybean genotypes. The technique of self-organizing maps (SOM) consists of competitive learning between two layers of neurons; one is the input, which transfers the data to the map, and the other is the output, where the topological structure formed by the competition generates weights, which represent the dissimilarity between the neural units. The methodologies used to classify these neurons and form the target populations of environments (TPE) were the discriminant analysis (DA) and the principal component analysis (PCA). To study soybean genetic behavior within these TPEs, the random regression model was adopted to estimate the components of variance, and the reaction norms were adjusted through the Legendre polynomials. The SOM methodology allowed for an explanation of 99% of the variance of the climate data and the formation of well-structured TPEs, with the membership probability of the regions within the TPEs above 80%. The formation of these TPEs allowed us to identify and quantify the response of the genotypes to sensitive changes in the environment.
Determinants of the tax compliance and fairness perceptions of taxpayers on the online tax system. A case of Ghana
Authors: Agyekum Crentsil Kofi , Arkoh Isaac , Ibrahim Safia , Hudu Hamdia B.
Published: July 2023

In the face of the growing digital economy of Ghana, the Ghana revenue authority as part of its goal to increase domestic revenue mobilization has introduced an online tax system. The objective of the study is to determine the determinants of taxpayers’ perception of the fairness of the tax system and the determinants of their tax compliance. Data were collected using questionnaires from 380 respondents and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and Stata version 14. Results showed that there is a negative relationship between tax compliance and tax complexity. Educational level and income levels have a positive relationship with tax compliance. The people of Winneba generally have a poor perception of the fairness of the tax structure. Tax knowledge, compliance cost, and tax usage were significant determinants of the fairness perception of the people of Winneba. In this regard, the study recommends that policymakers should direct policy drafting to ease the resource cost the tax structure poses on the taxpayers, intensify tax education, and also further simplify the tax complexity.
JEL Classification code
E00 Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics: General
E42 Monetary Systems; Standards; Regimes; Government and the Monetary System; Payment Systems
H26 Tax Evasion and Avoidance
Utility of the 21-Month Neurodevelopmental Outcome for Predicting Neurodevelopmental Impairment at 36 Months for Preterm Infants <29 Weeks Gestation
Authors: Lodha Abhay , Doucette Stefani , Tang Selphee , Kehler Heather , Creighton Dianne
Published: July 2023

Objective
To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the 21-month neurodevelopmental outcome for predicting the presence of neurodevelopmental impairment at 36 months corrected age in a population of preterm infants under 29 weeks gestation.
Study Design
This is a retrospective observational cohort study. Preterm infants born under 29 weeks gestation who were followed up at both 18–21 months and 36 months corrected age with outcome data available were enrolled.
Results
Overall, 713 preterm infants < 29 weeks gestation and were included in the final analysis. The specificity of the 21-month assessment for predicting neurodevelopmental impairment at 36 months corrected age was 66% (95% confidence interval[CI] 62–71%) with a positive predictive value of 61% (95% CI 56–66%).
Conclusion
In preterm neonates born < 29 weeks gestation, the 18–21 months corrected neurodevelopmental outcome had low specificity and positive predictive value for predicting the presence of neurodevelopmental impairment at 36 months corrected age.
A Nomogram Model and Therapeutic Efficacy Assessment for Geriatric Patient with Gastric Cancer: A SEER Database and External validation Study
Authors: An Wenxiu , Sun Xiaowan , Bao Lijie , Wang Weiguang , Zhao Yan
Published: July 2023

Purpose
This research has delineated an all-encompassing survival prognostication model for geriatric patients afflicted by gastric cancer, elucidating the influence of diverse therapeutic modalities on the patient's prognosis. The primary aim herein is to aid clinical practitioners in the discernment of patient states and the judicious selection of apt therapeutic interventions.
Methods
In this investigation, the esteemed SEER database served as the foundation. We employed Cox regression analysis to identify pivotal risk factors governing overall survival (OS) in the venerable cohort afflicted by gastric cancer. Subsequently, we crafted a meticulous Nomogram model, subjecting it to the crucible of external validation data, with unwavering attention to the metrics of predictive accuracy, notably the concordance index (c-index), and the calibration curve. Lastly, we delved into the impact of diverse therapeutic modalities on patient OS, intimately scrutinizing the results through the lens of Kaplan-Meier curves.
Results
A total of 9,222 patients from the SEER database, alongside 209 validation cases from Liaoning Cancer Hospital, constituted our cohort. Cox regression analysis revealed several favorable independent prognostic factors, including being female, younger age at initial diagnosis, lower tumor grade, undergoing surgery, receiving chemotherapy, and having a single primary malignancy. The Nomogram's C-index garnered 0.723 from the SEER modeling data and 0.719 from the external validation data, with the calibration curve attesting to the commendable congruence between the predicted and observed survival rates of overall survival (OS). Through the discerning lens of Kaplan-Meier analysis, surgery emerged as the preeminent single treatment modality, generously benefitting patients across various tumor stages. Meanwhile, the elegant interplay of surgery and chemotherapy assumed the mantle of the most efficacious combined therapeutic approach. Indeed, this amalgamation exhibited superior efficacy, outperforming the solitary pursuit of surgery alone.
Conclusion
We established an OS nomogram prediction model for geriatric patients with gastric cancer, which may assist physicians in evaluating patient conditions. Surgery plus chemotherapy may be the most recommended form of treatment.
Flexible Dissolving Microneedle Array for Efficient DNA Vaccination by Electroporation-assisted Transdermal Immunization
Authors: Zhao Huiting , Wang Xu , Geng Zhanhui
Published: July 2023

DNA vaccination has emerged as an innovative approach for preventing and treating different diseases, including infectious diseases, cancer and autoimmune diseases. Although the results of ongoing clinical trials are promising, several limitations compromise the immunogenicity of these vaccines. Here, we present a novel immune strategy that combines transdermal immunization with skin electroporation to enhance the immunogenicity of the DNA vaccine. A flexible dissolving microneedle array (FDMNA) which contains 400 microneedles was developed. Each microneedle consists of a dissolving needle for delivering DNA vaccine and a flexible needle substrate for good tissue surface coverage. The FDMNA completely dissolve within 10 minutes after being inserted into the skin and transported the DNA into the immune-cell-rich epidermis and dermis layer. In vivo immunity tests were performed to observe the ability of FDMNA-mediated transdermal electroporation to induce immune response after the delivery of DNA. The result showed that, compared with the conventional immune method, the FDMNA induced nearly 16-fold higher levels of antibody immune response against ovalbumin in mice, providing sufficient immune protection. These findings suggest the potential utility of an FDMNA-based immune strategy for enhanced DNA vaccination