bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic markers and tree properties predicting wood biorefining potential in aspen (Populus tremula) bioenergy feedstock
Authors: Escamez Sacha , Robinson Kathryn M. , Luomaranta Mikko , Gandla Madhavi Latha , Mähler Niklas , Yassin Zakiya , Grahn Thomas , Scheepers Gerhard , Stener Lars-Göran , Jansson Stefan , Jönsson Leif J. , Street Nathaniel R. , Tuominen Hannele
Published: April 2023

Background

Wood represents the majority of the biomass on land and constitutes a renewable source of biofuels and other bioproducts. However, wood is recalcitrant to bioconversion, raising a need for feedstock improvement in production of, for instance, biofuels. We investigated the properties of wood that affect bioconversion, as well as the underlying genetics, to help identify superior tree feedstocks for biorefining.

Results

We recorded 65 wood-related and growth traits in a population of 113 natural aspen genotypes from Sweden (https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.gtht76hrd). These traits included three growth and field performance traits, 20 traits for wood chemical composition, 17 traits for wood anatomy and structure, and 25 wood saccharification traits as indicators of bioconversion potential. Glucose release after saccharification with acidic pretreatment correlated positively with tree stem height and diameter and the carbohydrate content of the wood, and negatively with the content of lignin and the hemicellulose sugar units. Most of these traits displayed extensive natural variation within the aspen population and high broad-sense heritability, supporting their potential in genetic improvement of feedstocks towards improved bioconversion. Finally, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) revealed 13 genetic loci for saccharification yield (on a whole-tree-biomass basis), with six of them intersecting with associations for either height or stem diameter of the trees.

Conclusions

The simple growth traits of stem height and diameter were identified as good predictors of wood saccharification yield in aspen trees. GWAS elucidated the underlying genetics, revealing putative genetic markers for bioconversion of bioenergy tree feedstocks.
Distinct CSF biomarker-associated DNA methylation in Alzheimer’s disease and cognitively normal subjects
Authors: Zhang Wei , Young Juan I. , Gomez Lissette , Schmidt Michael A. , Lukacsovich David , Varma Achintya , Chen X. Steven , Martin Eden R. , Wang Lily
Published: April 2023

Background

Growing evidence has demonstrated that DNA methylation (DNAm) plays an important role in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and that DNAm differences can be detected in the blood of AD subjects. Most studies have correlated blood DNAm with the clinical diagnosis of AD in living individuals. However, as the pathophysiological process of AD can begin many years before the onset of clinical symptoms, there is often disagreement between neuropathology in the brain and clinical phenotypes. Therefore, blood DNAm associated with AD neuropathology, rather than with clinical data, would provide more relevant information on AD pathogenesis.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive analysis to identify blood DNAm associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pathological biomarkers for AD. Our study included matched samples of whole blood DNA methylation, CSF Aβ42, phosphorylated tau181 (pTau181), and total tau (tTau) biomarkers data, measured on the same subjects and at the same clinical visits from a total of 202 subjects (123 CN or cognitively normal, 79 AD) in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort. To validate our findings, we also examined the association between premortem blood DNAm and postmortem brain neuropathology measured on a group of 69 subjects in the London dataset.

Results

We identified a number of novel associations between blood DNAm and CSF biomarkers, demonstrating that changes in pathological processes in the CSF are reflected in the blood epigenome. Overall, the CSF biomarker-associated DNAm is relatively distinct in CN and AD subjects, highlighting the importance of analyzing omics data measured on cognitively normal subjects (which includes preclinical AD subjects) to identify diagnostic biomarkers, and considering disease stages in the development and testing of AD treatment strategies. Moreover, our analysis revealed biological processes associated with early brain impairment relevant to AD are marked by DNAm in the blood, and blood DNAm at several CpGs in the DMR on HOXA5 gene are associated with pTau181 in the CSF, as well as tau-pathology and DNAm in the brain, nominating DNAm at this locus as a promising candidate AD biomarker.

Conclusions

Our study provides a valuable resource for future mechanistic and biomarker studies of DNAm in AD.
Plasma NfL is associated with the APOE ε4 allele, brain imaging measurements of neurodegeneration, and lower recall memory scores in cognitively unimpaired late-middle-aged and older adults
Authors: Malek-Ahmadi Michael , Su Yi , Ghisays Valentina , Luo Ji , Devadas Vivek , Chen Yinghua , Lee Wendy , Protas Hillary , Chen Kewei , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Caselli Richard J. , Reiman Eric M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Plasma neurofilament light (NfL) is an indicator of neurodegeneration and/or neuroaxonal injury in persons with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and a wide range of other neurological disorders. Here, we characterized and compared plasma NfL concentrations in cognitively unimpaired (CU) late-middle-aged and older adults with two, one, or no copies of the APOE ε4 allele, the major genetic risk factor for AD. We then assessed plasma NfL associations with brain imaging measurements of AD-related neurodegeneration (hippocampal atrophy and a hypometabolic convergence index [HCI]), brain imaging measurements of amyloid-β plaque burden, tau tangle burden and white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), and delayed and total recall memory scores.

Methods

Plasma NfL concentrations were measured in 543 CU 69 ± 9 year-old participants in the Arizona APOE Cohort Study, including 66 APOE ε4 homozygotes (HM), 165 heterozygotes (HT), and 312 non-carriers (NC). Robust regression models were used to characterize plasma NfL associations with APOE ε4 allelic dose before and after adjustment for age, sex, and education. They were also used to characterize plasma NfL associations with MRI-based hippocampal volume and WMHV measurements, an FDG PET-based HCI, mean cortical PiB PET measurements of amyloid-β plaque burden and meta-region-of-interest (meta-ROI) flortaucipir PET measurements of tau tangle burden, and Auditory Verbal Learning Test (AVLT) Delayed and Total Recall Memory scores.

Results

After the adjustments noted above, plasma NfL levels were significantly greater in APOE ε4 homozygotes and heterozygotes than non-carriers and significantly associated with smaller hippocampal volumes (r =  − 0.43), greater tangle burden in the entorhinal cortex and inferior temporal lobes (r = 0.49, r = 0.52, respectively), and lower delayed (r =  − 0.27), and total (r =  − 0.27) recall memory scores (p < 0.001). NfL levels were not significantly associated with PET measurements of amyloid-β plaque or total tangle burden.

Conclusions

Plasma NfL concentrations are associated with the APOE ε4 allele, brain imaging biomarkers of neurodegeneration, and less good recall memory in CU late-middle-aged and older adults, supporting its value as an indicator of neurodegeneration in the preclinical study of AD.
Mori fructus aqueous extracts attenuates liver injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Wei Yuanyuan , Gao Chen , Wang Huiru , Zhang Yannan , Gu Jinhua , Zhang Xiuying , Gong Xuhao , Hao Zhihui
Published: April 2023

Background

Liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinogenesis secondary to liver fibrosis are serious liver diseases with no effective treatments. Mori fructus aqueous extracts (MFAEs) have served as successful treatments for many types of liver injury including fibrosis although the molecular mechanisms are unknown at present.

Purpose

To investigate the effect of MFAEs in alleviating acute and chronic liver injury and tried to decipher the underlying mechanism.

Methods and results

Mice were divided into 5 groups (n = 8) for acute (groups: control, 0.3% CCl4, bifendate (BD), 100 and 200 mg/kg MFAEs, 7 d) and chronic (groups: control, 10% CCl4, BD, 100 and 200 mg/kg MFAEs, 4 weeks) liver injury study. Each mouse was injected intraperitoneally with 10 µL/g corn oil containing CCl4 expect the control group. HepG2 cells were used in vitro study. Eighteen communal components were identified by UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS. We utilized a mouse model for acute and chronic liver injury using CCl4 and MFAEs administration effectively blocked fibrosis and significantly inhibited inflammation in the liver. MFAEs activated the nuclear factor erythroid derived 2 like 2/heme oxygenase 1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway and promoted the synthesis of the antioxidants glutathione (GSH), superoxidedismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) that resulted in reduced levels of CCl4-induced oxidative stress molecules including reactive oxygen species. These extracts administered to mice also inhibited ferroptosis in the liver by regulating the expression of Acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), thus reducing the occurrence of liver fibrosis. Both in vivo and in vitro tests indicated that the mechanism of MFAEs protection against liver fibrosis was linked to activation of Nrf2 signaling. These effects were blocked in vitro by the addition of a specific Nrf2 inhibitor.

Conclusion

MFAEs inhibited oxidative stress, ferroptosis and inflammation of the liver by activating Nrf2 signal pathway and provided a significant protective effect against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis.

Graphical Abstract
Improved eukaryotic detection compatible with large-scale automated analysis of metagenomes
Authors: Bazant Wojtek , Blevins Ann S. , Crouch Kathryn , Beiting Daniel P.
Published: April 2023

Background

Eukaryotes such as fungi and protists frequently accompany bacteria and archaea in microbial communities. Unfortunately, their presence is difficult to study with “shotgun” metagenomic sequencing since prokaryotic signals dominate in most environments. Recent methods for eukaryotic detection use eukaryote-specific marker genes, but they do not incorporate strategies to handle the presence of eukaryotes that are not represented in the reference marker gene set, and they are not compatible with web-based tools for downstream analysis.

Results

Here, we present CORRAL (for Clustering Of Related Reference ALignments), a tool for the identification of eukaryotes in shotgun metagenomic data based on alignments to eukaryote-specific marker genes and Markov clustering. Using a combination of simulated datasets, mock community standards, and large publicly available human microbiome studies, we demonstrate that our method is not only sensitive and accurate but is also capable of inferring the presence of eukaryotes not included in the marker gene reference, such as novel strains. Finally, we deploy CORRAL on our MicrobiomeDB.org resource, producing an atlas of eukaryotes present in various environments of the human body and linking their presence to study covariates.

Conclusions

CORRAL allows eukaryotic detection to be automated and carried out at scale. Implementation of CORRAL in MicrobiomeDB.org creates a running atlas of microbial eukaryotes in metagenomic studies. Since our approach is independent of the reference used, it may be applicable to other contexts where shotgun metagenomic reads are matched against redundant but non-exhaustive databases, such as the identification of bacterial virulence genes or taxonomic classification of viral reads.
Environmental determinants of access to shared sanitation in informal settlements: a cross-sectional study in Abidjan and Nairobi
Authors: Pessoa Colombo Vitor , Chenal Jérôme , Orina Fred , Meme Hellen , Koffi Jeanne d’Arc Amoin , Koné Brama , Utzinger Jürg
Published: April 2023

Background

Universal access to basic sanitation remains a global challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Efforts are underway to improve access to sanitation in informal settlements, often through shared facilities. However, access to these facilities and their potential health gains—notably, the prevention of diarrheal diseases—may be hampered by contextual aspects related to the physical environment. This study explored associations between the built environment and perceived safety to access toilets, and associations between the latter and diarrheal infections.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out between July 2021 and February 2022, including 1714 households in two informal settlements in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) and two in Nairobi (Kenya). We employed adjusted odds ratios (aORs) obtained from multiple logistic regressions (MLRs) to test whether the location of the most frequently used toilet was associated with a perceived lack of safety to use the facility at any time, and whether this perceived insecurity was associated with a higher risk of diarrhea. The MLRs included several exposure and control variables, being stratified by city and age groups. We employed bivariate logistic regressions to test whether the perceived insecurity was associated with settlement morphology indicators derived from the built environment.

Results

Using a toilet outside the premises was associated with a perceived insecurity both in Abidjan [aOR = 3.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–8.70] and in Nairobi (aOR = 57.97, 95% CI: 35.93–93.53). Perceived insecurity to access toilets was associated with diarrheal infections in the general population (aOR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.29–2.79 in Abidjan, aOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.22–2.34 in Nairobi), but not in children below the age of 5 years. Several settlement morphology features were associated with perceived insecurity, namely, buildings’ compactness, the proportion of occupied land, and angular deviation between neighboring structures.

Conclusions

Toilet location was a critical determinant of perceived security, and hence, must be adequately addressed when building new facilities. The sole availability of facilities may be insufficient to prevent diarrheal infections. People must also be safe to use them. Further attention should be directed toward how the built environment affects safety.

Graphical Abstract
Investigation of the deterioration mechanisms induced by moisture and soluble salts in the necropolis of Porta Nocera, Pompeii (Italy)
Authors: Kilian Ralf , Borgatta Léo , Wendler Eberhard
Published: April 2023

This paper focuses on the diagnosis of damage processes of decorative Roman renders of a group of tombs in the Porta Nocera necropolis in the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy. Unprotected from various climatic events, the tombs keep on deteriorating since they were first excavated in 1954. Extensive on-site and laboratory diagnostics using non-destructive and low-destructive techniques have been able to demonstrate that soluble salts are among the major agents of deterioration, causing damage in the form of render delamination. Gypsum is formed on the surface of the materials by the deposition of sulfur dioxide, resulting in reduced porosity and hardening of the surface. Soluble salts of nitrates and chlorides that penetrate the tombs’ masonry from the ground and are transported through the render layers tend to crystallize in subsurface. The crystallization—dilution cycles of the soluble salts cause major mechanical pressures, leading to the progressive destruction of the renders. Past conservation strategies to secure plasters have shown only limited effectiveness. In light of the data collected regarding salt decay, the authors propose new strategies, questioning the systematic use of grouts and restoration mortars for conservation treatments and focusing on preventive conservation and maintenance to ensure the long-term preservation of masonry and decorative surfaces of the tombs.
A new hybrid method with data-characteristic-driven analysis for artificial intelligence and robotics index return forecasting
Authors: Zhang Yue-Jun , Zhang Han , Gupta Rangan
Published: April 2023

Forecasting returns for the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Index is of great significance for financial market stability, and the development of the artificial intelligence industry. To provide investors with a more reliable reference in terms of artificial intelligence index investment, this paper selects the NASDAQ CTA Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (AIRO) Index as the research target, and proposes innovative hybrid methods to forecast returns by considering its multiple structural characteristics. Specifically, this paper uses the ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) method and the modified iterative cumulative sum of squares (ICSS) algorithm to decompose the index returns and identify the structural breakpoints. Furthermore, it combines the least-square support vector machine approach with the particle swarm optimization method (PSO-LSSVM) and the generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) type models to construct innovative hybrid forecasting methods. On the one hand, the empirical results indicate that the AIRO index returns have complex structural characteristics, and present time-varying and nonlinear characteristics with high complexity and mutability; on the other hand, the newly proposed hybrid forecasting method (i.e., the EEMD-PSO-LSSVM-ICSS-GARCH models) which considers these complex structural characteristics, can yield the optimal forecasting performance for the AIRO index returns.
Market access and seaport efficiency: the case of container handling in Norway
Authors: Rødseth Kenneth Løvold , Holmen Rasmus Bøgh , Kuosmanen Timo , Schøyen Halvor
Published: April 2023

Comprehensive studies on the impact of market access on port efficiency are scarce, and the problem that market access indicators are potentially endogenous lacks treatment in maritime economics. This paper offers both theoretical and empirical advances to fill these research gaps. First, it pioneers in the use of Stochastic semi-Nonparametric Envelopment of Z variables Data for measuring port efficiency, and further develops the methodology for panel data and proposes an instrumental variable extension for dealing with endogenous market access indicators. Second, it advances the empirical port literature by developing a unique panel dataset on Norwegian container ports encompassing a comprehensive set of foreland and hinterland connectivity measures. Our comprehensive assessment suggests that the role of market access in determining port efficiency is uncertain.
Decarbonization technology responsibility to gender equality in the shipping industry: a systematic literature review and new avenues ahead
Authors: Di Vaio Assunta , Zaffar Anum , Balsalobre-Lorente Daniel , Garofalo Antonio
Published: April 2023

This study investigates existing literature on decarbonization technology responsibility for sustainable business models in the shipping industry. Specifically, it considers the relationship between responsible innovation from green technology adoption in decarbonization management practices and gender equality to precisely target how decarbonization technology relates to gender mainstreaming, a key element of Sustainable Development Goal 5 in the UN 2030 Agenda. From the institutional theory perspective, this study conducted a systematic review of 114 articles published in the ISI Web of Science and Scopus databases from 1990 to 2022. The results highlight that green technology adoption can support low-carbon practices and gender equality in the shipping industry by contributing to decarbonization technology responsibility, sustainable business models, and responsible innovation. Ultimately, this study suggests that shipping management should provide training and workshops for women on technology adoption in decarbonization operational processes to support gender quality and technological development. It also presents a new conceptual framework and research propositions on significant issues that are currently neglected. The proposed framework may be treated as a decarbonization technology responsibility guideline in shipping management that can reshape the organizational culture to promote gender equality.
The Uses and Advantages of Kirchhoff’s Laws vs. Differential Equations in Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, and (Even) Chemistry
Authors: Benet Leslie Z. , Sodhi Jasleen K.
Published: April 2023

In chemistry, rate processes are defined in terms of rate constants, with units of time−1, and are derived by differential equations from amounts. In contrast, when considering drug concentrations in biological systems, particularly in humans, rate processes must be defined in terms of clearance, with units of volume/time, since biological volumes, which are highly dependent on drug partition into biological tissues, cannot be easily determined. In pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and in making drug dosing decisions, drug clearance and changes in drug clearance are paramount. Clearance is defined as the amount of drug eliminated or moved divided by the exposure driving that elimination or movement. Historically, all clearance derivations in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics have been based on the use of differential equations in terms of rate constants and amounts, which are then converted into clearance equations when multiplied/divided by a hypothesized volume of distribution. Here, we show that except for iv bolus dosing, multiple volumes may be relevant. We have recently shown that clearance relationships, as well as rate constant relationships, may be derived independent of differential equations using Kirchhoff’s Laws from physics. Kirchhoff’s Laws may be simply translated to recognize that when two or more rate-defining processes operate in parallel, the total value of the overall reaction parameter is equal to the sum of those rate-defining processes. In contrast, when two or more rate-defining processes operate in series, the inverse of the total reaction parameter is equal to the sum of the inverse of those rate-defining steps.

Graphical Abstract
Whole-Body and Forearm Muscle Protein Metabolism in Patients With Acromegaly Before and After Treatment
Authors: Arlien-Søborg Mai C , Dal Jakob , Madsen Michael Alle , Høgild Morten Lyng , Pedersen Steen B , Jessen Niels , Jørgensen Jens O L , Møller Niels
Published: April 2023

Background

Active acromegaly is characterized by increased lean body mass, but the mechanisms underlying the protein anabolic effect are unclear.

Aim

To study if active acromegaly induces reversible changes in whole-body and skeletal muscle protein kinetics.

Patients and Methods

Eighteen patients with acromegaly were investigated before and 47 ± 10 weeks after disease control by surgery (n = 8) and/or medical treatment (n = 10). Labeled phenylalanine and tyrosine tracers were employed to assess whole-body and regional forearm muscle protein kinetics. Intramyocellular protein signaling was assessed in skeletal muscle biopsies, and whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scan and indirect calorimetry assessed lean body mass (LBM) and resting energy expenditure, respectively.

Results

Disease control induced a 7% decrease in lean body mass (P < .000) and a 14% decrease in LBM-adjusted energy expenditure. Whole-body phenylalanine breakdown decreased after disease control (P = .005) accompanied by a decrease in the degradation of phenylalanine to tyrosine (P = .005) and a decrease in whole-body phenylalanine synthesis (P = .030). Skeletal muscle protein synthesis tended to decrease after disease control (P = .122), whereas the muscle protein breakdown (P = .437) and muscle protein loss were unaltered (P = .371). Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 phosphorylation, an activator of protein breakdown, increased after disease control (P = .042).

Conclusions

Active acromegaly represents a reversible high flux state in which both whole-body protein breakdown and synthesis are increased, whereas forearm muscle protein kinetics are unaltered. Future studies are needed to decipher the link between protein kinetics and the structure and function of the associated growth hormone-induced increase in lean body mass.
How Gender Segregation in Higher Education Contributes to Gender Segregation in the U.S. Labor Market
Authors: Zheng Haowen , Weeden Kim A.
Published: April 2023

What is the relationship between gender segregation in higher education and gender segregation in the labor market? Using Fossett's (2017) difference-of-means method for calculating segregation indices and data from the American Community Survey, we show that approximately 36% of occupational segregation among college-educated workers is associated with gender segregation across 173 fields of study, and roughly 64% reflects gender segregation within fields. A decomposition analysis shows that fields contribute to occupational segregation mainly through endowment effects (men's and women's uneven distribution across fields) than through the coefficient effects (gender differences in the likelihood of entering a male-dominated occupation from the same field). Endowment effects are highest in fields strongly linked to the labor market, suggesting that educational segregation among fields in which graduates tend to enter a limited set of occupations is particularly consequential for occupational segregation. Within-field occupational segregation is higher among heavily male-dominated fields than other fields, but it does not vary systematically by fields' STEM status or field–occupation linkage strength. Assuming the relationship between field segregation and occupational segregation is at least partly causal, these results imply that integrating higher education (e.g., by increasing women's representation in STEM majors) will reduce but not eliminate gender segregation in labor markets.
Minimizing Intracranial Disease Before Stereotactic Radiation in Single or Solitary Brain Metastases
Authors: Bhave Varun M. , Lamba Nayan , Aizer Ayal A. , Bi Wenya Linda
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in multiple fractions (typically ≤5) can effectively treat a wide range of brain metastases, including those less suitable for single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Prior prospective studies on surgical resection with stereotactic radiation have focused exclusively on SRS, and retrospective studies have shown equivocal results regarding whether surgery is associated with improved outcomes compared with SRT alone. We compared resection with postoperative cavity SRT or SRS to SRT alone in patients with 1 brain metastasis, while including patients receiving SRS alone as an additional reference group.

METHODS:

We studied 716 patients in a retrospective, single-institution cohort diagnosed with single or solitary brain metastases from 2007 to 2020. Patients receiving whole-brain radiotherapy were excluded. Cox proportional hazards models were constructed for overall survival and additional intracranial outcomes.

RESULTS:

After adjustment for potential confounders, surgery with cavity SRT/SRS was associated with decreased all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.39, 95% CI [0.27-0.57], P = 1.52 × 10−6) compared with SRT alone, along with lower risk of neurological death attributable to intracranial tumor progression (HR: 0.46, 95% CI [0.22-0.94], P = 3.32 × 10−2) and radiation necrosis (HR: 0.15, 95% CI [0.06-0.36], P = 3.28 × 10−5). Surgery with cavity SRS was also associated with decreased all-cause mortality (HR: 0.52, 95% CI [0.35-0.78], P = 1.46 × 10−3), neurological death (HR: 0.30, 95% CI [0.10-0.88], P = 2.88 × 10−2), and radiation necrosis (HR: 0.14, 95% CI [0.03-0.74], P = 2.07 × 10−2) compared with SRS alone. Surgery was associated with lower risk of all-cause mortality and neurological death in cardinality-matched subsets of the cohort. Among surgical patients, gross total resection was associated with extended overall survival (HR: 0.62, 95% CI [0.40-0.98], P = 4.02 × 10−2) along with lower risk of neurological death (HR: 0.31, 95% CI [0.17-0.57], P = 1.84 × 10−4) and local failure (HR: 0.34, 95% CI [0.16-0.75], P = 7.08 × 10−3).

CONCLUSION:

In patients with 1 brain metastasis, minimizing intracranial disease specifically before stereotactic radiation is associated with improved oncologic outcomes.
Study of the functional implications of affinity maturation for the ontogeny and evolution of B cell lymphomas through combined NGS immunogenetics and IG 3D analysis
Authors: Ζαραγόζα-Ινφάντε Λάουρα
Published: April 2023

Τα λεμφώματα των ώριμων Β κυττάρων είναι μια ετερογενής ομάδα νεοπλασματικών νοσημάτων που προέρχονται από τον νεοπλασματικό μετασχηματισμό ώριμων, διαφοροποιημένων Β κυττάρων. Είναι ενδιαφέρον ότι τόσο τα κακοήθη Β κύτταρα όσο και τα φυσιολογικά αντίστοιχα εξαρτώνται από τις αλληλεπιδράσεις με το μικροπεριβάλλον που προάγουν την επιβίωση και τον πολλαπλασιασμό των κυττάρων. Αυτές οι αλληλεπιδράσεις συμβαίνουν μέσω διαφορετικών υποδοχέων που υπάρχουν στην επιφάνεια των κακοήθων κυττάρων, με τον υποδοχέα Β κυττάρων (BcR) να είναι ένας από τους πιο σημαντικούς. Η BcR ανοσοσφαιρίνη (BcR IG) είναι βασικό συστατικό του BcR και είναι υπεύθυνη για την αναγνώριση αντιγόνου που κατευθύνει την ωρίμανση και τη διαφοροποίηση των φυσιολογικών Β κυττάρων. Τα Β-κύτταρα που έχουν έρθει σε επαφή με αντιγόνο υφίστανται ωρίμανση συγγένειας, μια διαδικασία μέσω της οποίας η BcR IG αποκτά καλύτερη ικανότητα σύνδεσης με το αντίστοιχο αντιγόνο. Δεδομένης της ειδικότητας αυτής της διαδικασίας, η πιθανότητα, δύο ανεξάρτητα Β κύτταρα, να καταλήξουν να εκφράζουν την ίδια BcR IG είναι πρακτικά αμελητέα.Τα περισσότερα λεμφώματα ώριμων Β κυττάρων προέρχονται από κλωνικές αναπτύξεις ώριμων Β κυττάρων που έχουν αλληλεπιδράσει με αντιγόνα. Δεδομένου ότι τα κακοήθη Β κύτταρα είναι κλωνικά, εκφράζουν την ίδια BcR IG στην επιφάνειά τους. Για το λόγο αυτό, η κλωνοτυπική BcR IG μπορεί να θεωρηθεί ως μοναδική μοριακή ταυτότητα για κάθε κλώνο. Έτσι, ο ανοσογενετικός χαρακτηρισμός της BcR IG, σε βάθος μέσω αλληλουχίας υψηλής απόδοσης και τρισδιάστατης ανάλυσης, με έμφαση στις διαδικασίες ωρίμανσης συγγένειας όπως η σωματική υπερμετάλλαξη (SHM) και η ενδοκλωνική διαφοροποίηση (ID), μπορεί να βελτιώσει την κατανόησή μας για την οντογένεση και την εξέλιξη των λεμφωμάτων από Β κύτταρα, όπως η χρόνια λεμφοκυτταρική λευχαιμία (ΧΛΛ) και το λέμφωμα της οριακής ζώνης του σπλήνα (SMZL) αλλά και οι προλεμφωματώδεις καταστάσεις όπως η μονοκλωνική Β λεμφοκυττάρωση.
Evaluation and economic analysis of ecofriendly biological approaches for the management of shoot and fruit borer (Earias vittella F.) of okra
Authors: Halder Jaydeep , Pandey K. K. , Behera T. K.
Published: April 2023

During the years 2020 and 2021, the effects of various biopesticides and the egg parasitoid Trichogramma chilonis on the okra shoot and fruit borer were investigated in open fields. All interventions outperformed over the untreated control. The entomopathogenic bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis was the most promising biopesticide tested, with the lowest shoot (5.49% and 6.87% in 2020 and 2021, respectively) and fruit damage (4.95% and 5.65% in 2020 and 2021, respectively), followed by the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana (7.08%, 8.04% shoot damage and 6.78% and 6.73% fruit damage during 2020 and 2021, respectively). Interestingly, all biopesticides evaluated were shown to be safe for the polyphagous predators occurring in the okra habitat, such as the ladybird beetles Menochilus sexmaculatus and Micraspis discolour and the spiders Marpissa spp. and Oxyopes lineatipes. However, emamectin benzoate 5% SG was the most effective treatment in terms of minimizing okra shoot and fruit damage, resulting in a maximum percent reduction over control (PROC) (85.54 and 80.90 against shoot damage and 76.60 and 71.33 against fruit damage during 2020 and 2021, respectively). Each treatment's economics were also analysed. The experimental plots treated with emamectin benzoate had the highest cost:benefit ratio (1:11.16), while B. thuringiensis had the highest (1:7.06) among the biopesticide / parasitoid releasing plots.
Ecobiology of Danaus chrysippus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae, Danainae) throughout the autumn – early winter breeding period on Rodos Island, Greece
Authors: Galanos Christos
Published: April 2023

The present study is focused on the biology and ecology of Danaus chrysippus on Rodos Island, Greece, contributing on the knowledge of its life cycle in nature throughout the autumn – early winter breeding period, which is described and illustrated here for the first time for the country. Distribution range, habitat requirements and larval hostplant preferences, which are closely related with specific microclimatic conditions and the availability of milkweed resources in the region, are discussed.
Usefulness of controlled breathing in psychiatry. A review of recent findings. Part 1 – Eastern approach
Authors: Klasa Katarzyna , Sobański Jerzy , Rutkowski Krzysztof
Published: April 2023

Tematem niniejszej pracy jest kliniczna użyteczność w psychiatrii technik kontrolowanego oddychania, opartych na tradycjach Wschodu, mających na celu przywrócenie równowagi układu autonomicznego. Choć techniki takie mają długą tradycję jako „metody relaksacyjne”, nabierają dodatkowego znaczenia w kontekście obecnej pandemii Covid-19 i wynikającego z niej długotrwałego stresu. Niniejszy przegląd koncentruje się na ustaleniach z ostatnich lat odnoszących się do populacji klinicznych, nie ograniczając się do kontekstu pandemii Covid-19. Zawarto w nim również podstawowe informacje dotyczące biologicznych mechanizmów oddychania i związanych z nimi markerów (częstotliwość oddychania – respiratory rate, RR i zmienność rytmu serca - heart rate variability, HRV) oraz ich zastosowania jako wskaźników efektów w badaniach odnoszących się do populacji pacjentów z zaburzeniami psychicznymi. Na podstawie dostępnych danych z badań empirycznych oraz poprzednich przeglądów systematycznych i narracyjnych wskazać można na możliwe korzyści wynikające z zastosowania technik opartych na kontrolowanym oddychaniu jako metody uzupełniającej w leczeniu szeregu zaburzeń zdrowia psychicznego. Omówiono również możliwe efekty niepożądane związane z proponowanymi technikami.
Burden of caregivers of people suffering from schizophrenia versus symptom severity, social functioning and treatment satisfaction of patients treated by a CMHT
Authors: Cechnicki Andrzej , Nowak Agnieszka , Arciszewska-Leszczuk Aleksandra , Stankiewicz Przemysław , Kalisz Aneta , Hat Marta
Published: April 2023

Cel pracy

Celem badania była ocena obciążenia opiekunów osób z rozpoznaniem schizofrenii, leczonych w zespołach leczenia środowiskowego (ZLŚ) i jego związku z demograficzną, kliniczną i społeczną charakterystyką pacjentów, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem ich satysfakcji z opieki oraz ocena związków wybranych cech opiekunów z poziomem ich obciążenia.

Metoda

Badaniem objęto 65 opiekunów i 65 pacjentów, będących w leczeniu domowym. Opiekunów oceniano za pomocą kwestionariuszy demograficznych oraz inwentarza brzemienia dla osoby sprawującej opiekę (CBI). Pacjentów oceniano za pomocą skali objawów pozytywnych i negatywnych (PANSS), Skali Werońskiej oceny satysfakcji z leczenia (VSSS-54), kwestionariuszami oceny niepełnosprawności (WHODAS 2.0), wskaźnika sieci społecznej (SNI) oraz skali samotności (UCLA Loneliness Scale). Do analizy wykorzystano liniową regresję wielokrotną.

Wyniki

Podwyższone obciążenie opiekunów związane było: z większym nasileniem objawów pacjenta, niższą satysfakcją z profesjonalizmu personelu, a także z wysokim poziomem nasilenia emocji w relacjach. Najlepiej wyjaśniany model, 57% wyjaśnionej wariancji, dotyczył obciążenia emocjonalnego opiekunów i składał się z czterech czynników: nasilonego syndromu pozytywnego pacjenta, pozostawania przez niego w związku uczuciowym, płci (opiekunki mężczyzn odczuwały wyższe brzemię) oraz mniejszej sieci społecznej.

Wnioski

Nasilenie obciążenia opiekunów związane jest z socjodemograficzną, kliniczną i społeczną charakterystyka pacjentów i ich satysfakcją z leczenia. Znaczenie mają: większe nasilenie objawów, szczególnie syndromu pozytywnego dla obciążenia emocjonalnego opiekunów, mniejsze zadowolenie pacjentów z profesjonalizmu personelu, duża ekspresyjność emocji w relacjach rodzinnych. Istotne znaczenie mają również płeć i poziom wykształcenia pacjenta i opiekuna, stopień niepełnosprawności pacjenta, pozostawanie przez nich w związku oraz wielkość sieci wsparcia społecznego.
Uncertainty and Flexibility: Midwifery students' experience during the COVID-19 pandemic in Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Jackson Talei , Gilkison Andrea , McAra-Couper Judith , Miller Suzanne , Dixon Lesley , Tamati-Elliffe Jeanine , Griffiths Christine
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The initial COVID-19 lockdown in Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa NZ) in 2020, likely resulted in significant disruption to maternity care and midwifery education. Therefore, we asked the question, “What was the experience of student midwives studying and providing maternity care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Aotearoa NZ?” Aim: Our aim was to explore the impact of the 2020 lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic for student midwives in Aotearoa NZ. Method: This qualitative descriptive study used semi-structured interviews to explore the impact of alert levels 3 and 4 COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify codes and generate themes and sub-themes from the interview transcripts. Findings: Seven midwifery students described their experiences from which two overall themes were identified. The first of these was Uncertainty in which participants described insecurity, loss of control, isolation and constant worry. On the positive side they described Flexibility and Resilience – the ability to be flexible as they moved to more frequent use of online platforms, which provided connection with their peers; and resilience where the pandemic was considered beneficial by some for the future as it built their ability to face unanticipated challenges in their midwifery practice. Conclusion: During a pandemic, anxiety, isolation and insecurity are common and our participants felt additional institutional support for student midwives was required. We concluded that it is essential to acknowledge the anxiety and individual needs of all students and check in with them regarding their physical and mental wellbeing. Setting up online platforms and facilitating connections between tutors and peers may provide more structural support.
A Meta-analysis of Parent Training Program in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder for Digital Therapeutics
Authors: Jeong Pil Yeon , Yeon Seok Jeong , Hong Ki-Hyung
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this meta-analysis study was to systematically investigate the extant literature on parent training and to evaluate its effectiveness on children’s language and communication skills, and to identify the difference of effect sizes between tele-therapy and in person therapy.Methods: Seven electronic databases, RISS, DBpia, Academic Search Complete, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, ERIC, PsyINFO, and PudMed were searched through to July 2022 for analysis. Using Meta-Analysis (CMA3: comprehensive meta-analysis version 3, 2022), a systematic literature review approach was taken to analyze 21 studies which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of our research. Effect sizes for children’s language and communicative skills were analyzed via the random effect model.Results: There were three main findings. First, parent training programs had a small effect size on language ability in children with ASD. Second, tele-therapy had higher effect size than inperson therapy. Lastly, two intervention models, Pivotal Response Treatment and ABA, showed large treatment effects.Conclusion: The results from the present study suggest that parent training programs are helpful for children with ASD in increasing language ability. Tele-therapy showed more efficacy than the in-person therapy. These findings support the efficacy of tele-therapy compared with in-person therapy. Therefore, this study provides preliminary evidence for the use of a digital therapeutics.
Gratitude as a protective factor against burnout in healthcare professionals: a systematic review
Authors: Burke Jolanta , O'Donovan Roisin
Published: April 2023

Burnout is one of the most insidious challenges for healthcare professionals, and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Gratitude is emerging as an intervention to reduce burnout. However, to the authors' best knowledge, no systematic review has previously been carried out to explore the impact of gratitude on burnout among healthcare professionals. The present study aimed to address this gap. A total of 95 publications were identified, of which 13 were included in the review. These studies provide preliminary evidence for the inverse association between gratitude and burnout, and the effectiveness of gratitude interventions in reducing burnout among healthcare professionals. Limitations of the current research and future directions are discussed, along with the implications for practice.
Injury Survey at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Soweto, South Africa
Authors: Khan Nazia , Mabongo Mzubanzi , Kolisa Yoland Malele
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Globally injuries constitute a major public health problem. In 2007, South Africa was listed as one of the most violent countries in the world, with more than 30 000 trauma-related deaths recorded annually. Objective: Analysis of 5 371 trauma patients seen over a three-month period at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital’s trauma unit was conducted. Objectives of the survey were to: Describe the patients socio-demographic profile ; Assess the frequency, distribution and types of injuries sustained; Determine the severity of injuries; Determine patient outcomes after initial treatment; and Determine factors related to traumatic injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional study. Patients were admitted assessed and records were reviewed. Results: A male to female ratio of 2:1 was recorded. Only 22.69% of the patients reported been employed. The median age was 28 years (interquartile range 14-40 years). The predominant mechanism of injury was due to falls (32.37%), followed by assault (27.44%). Transport-related injuries accounted 22.52%, while burn injuries accounted for 8.01%. Males were more likely to suffer any form of injury compared to females (p<0.05). Assault injuries were 4.23 times more likely to result in head and neck injuries compared to any other mechanism of injury (OR:4.23, CI 3.52-5.08, p <0.00). Upon initial admission to the unit, 43.04% of patients were discharged home after initial treatment, while 41.54% were transferred to the orthopedic unit. Conclusion: Sex, employment status, age and area of residence influenced the pattern of traumatic injuries. Falls injuries and assault were the predominant mechanisms of injury. Males were more likely to suffer from any form of injury than females. Assault injuries were more than four times more likely to result in head and neck injuries than any other mechanism of injury. Therefore, ongoing surveillance and education campaigns are recommended. Keywords: Surveillance; Trauma; Injuries.
Novel Adaptation of Suture Bridge Technique for Greater Tuberosity Redisplacement Post ORIF With PHILOS- A Technical Note
Authors: Kunheen Khayas Omer , Tomichan MC , PB Rajeev , Bhat Adarsh Krishna K
Published: April 2023

Isolated Greater tuberosity (GT) fractures still pose a therapeutic challenge due to the wide variety of treatment options and lack of proper comparative studies on outcome. Plating still remains a valid option but has several unfavorable effects. One among them is redisplacement of tuberosity postoperatively especially in cases with comminution which may easily be missed in regular plain radiographs. Conventional techniques of fixation may remain insufficient in such scenarios. We hereby propose an adaptation of a described technique, in a 45-year-old male presenting with redisplacement of GT post plate fixation. Open double-row suture bridge construct was used to fix the displaced fragment maintaining the plate insitu and the patient had an excellent functional and radiological outcome on follow-up. Keywords: Greater tuberosity fracture; Comminution; Double-row fixation; Suture anchor; Suture Bridge technique; PHILOS; Redisplacement.
Ridiculing the artificial boss: organisational technocultures and the humorous criticism of AI at work
Authors: Schaupp Simon
Published: April 2023

Drawing on ethnographic data, this article analyses employees’ cultural appropriation of AI systems within delivery platforms and manufacturing in Germany. Cultures of technology appropriation in workplaces emerge in a context of domination. Deviant forms of appropriation thus constitute a form of organisational misbehaviour for which employees must assume repercussions. Employees’ criticism of AI systems at their workplaces therefore differs strongly depending on whether management is present or not. In those cases studied here, the dysfunctionalities and disciplining functions of AI systems were criticised openly in settings where management was absent, while in situations of co-presence this criticism predominantly took the form of subversive humour. Systematically, employees ascribed absurd identities to technologies; this functioned as a low-risk form of criticism and provided continual mutual affirmation of a shared critical stance towards specific technologies. It thus established a critical organisational technoculture. Such practices of subversive humour are indicative of the critical lucidity of employees, but also signify a relative inability to influence workplaces and their technological infrastructures. In some cases, however, subversive humour laid the cultural basis for more practical forms of technological misbehaviour including the manipulation of algorithms and even sabotage.
Initial probe function construction in ptychography based on zone-plate optics
Authors: Qin Zeping , Xu Zijian , Li Ruoru , Liu Haigang , Liu Shilei , Wen Qingcao , Chen Xing , Zhang Xiangzhi , Tai Renzhong
Published: April 2023

X-ray ptychography is a popular variant of coherent diffraction imaging that offers ultrahigh resolution for extended samples. In x-ray ptychography instruments, the Fresnel zone-plate (FZP) is the most commonly used optical probe system for both soft x-ray and hard x-ray. In FZP-based ptychography with a highly curved defocus probe wavefront, the reconstructed image quality can be significantly impacted by the initial probe function form, necessitating the construction of a suitable initial probe for successful reconstruction. To investigate the effects of initial probe forms on FZP-based ptychography reconstruction, we constructed four single-mode initial probe models (IPMs) and three multi-mode IPMs in this study, and systematically compared their corresponding simulated and experimental reconstructions. The results show that the Fresnel IPM, spherical IPM, and Fresnel-based multi-mode IPMs can result in successful reconstructions for both near-focus and defocus cases, while random IPMs and constant IPMs work only for near-focus cases. Consequently, for FZP-based ptychography, the elaborately constructed IPMs that closely resemble real probes in wavefront phase form are more advantageous than natural IPMs such as the random or constant model. Furthermore, these IPMs with high phase similarity to the high-curvature large-sized probe adopted in experiments can help greatly improve ptychography experiment efficiency and decrease radiation damage to samples.