bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alterations in the intestinal microbiome and metabolic profile of patients with cirrhosis supplemented with lactulose, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium longum infantis: a randomized placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Lu Haifeng , Zhu Xiaofei , Wu Lingyun , Lou Xiaobin , Pan Xiaxia , Liu Bowen , Zhang Hua , Zhu Lingxiao , Li Lanjuan , Wu Zhongwen
Published: April 2023

Background

Liver cirrhosis is commonly accompanied by intestinal dysbiosis and metabolic defects. Many clinical trials have shown microbiota-targeting strategies represent promising interventions for managing cirrhosis and its complications. However, the influences of the intestinal metagenomes and metabolic profiles of patients have not been fully elucidated.

Methods

We administered lactulose, Clostridium butyricum, and Bifidobacterium longum infantis as a synbiotic and used shotgun metagenomics and non-targeted metabolomics to characterize the results.

Results

Patients treated with the synbiotic for 12 weeks had lower dysbiosis index (DI) scores than placebo-treated patients and patients at baseline (NIP group). We identified 48 bacterial taxa enriched in the various groups, 66 differentially expressed genes, 18 differentially expressed virulence factor genes, 10 differentially expressed carbohydrate-active enzyme genes, and 173 metabolites present at differing concentrations in the Synbiotic versus Placebo group, and the Synbiotic versus NIP group. And Bifidobacteria species, especially B. longum, showed positive associations with many differentially expressed genes in synbiotic-treated patients. Metabolites pathway enrichment analysis showed that synbiotic significantly affected purine metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis. And the purine metabolism and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis were no longer significant differences in the Synbiotic group versus the healthy controls group. In conclusion, although littles influence on clinical parameters in the early intervention, the synbiotic showed a potential benefit to patients by ameliorating intestinal dysbiosis and metabolic defects; and the DI of intestinal microbiota is useful for the evaluation of the effect of clinical microbiota-targeting strategies on cirrhotic patients.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifiers NCT05687409.
Restorative effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 on the gut microbiota, barrier integrity, and 5-HT metabolism in reducing feather-pecking behavior in laying hens with antibiotic-induced dysbiosis
Authors: Huang Chenxuan , Yue Qiaoxian , Sun Li , Di Keqian , Yang Duanli , Hao Erying , Wang Dehe , Chen Yifan , Shi Lei , Zhou Rongyan , Zhao Guoxian , Chen Hui
Published: April 2023

The development of abnormal feather-pecking (FP) behavior, where laying hens display harmful pecks in conspecifics, is multifactorial and has been linked to the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Antibiotics affect the gut microbial composition, leading to gut-brain axis imbalance and behavior and physiology changes in many species. However, it is not clear whether intestinal dysbacteriosis can induce the development of damaging behavior, such as FP. The restorative effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 against intestinal dysbacteriosis-induced alternations need to be determined either. The current investigation aimed to induce intestinal dysbacteriosis in laying hens by supplementing their diet with the antibiotic lincomycin hydrochloride. The study revealed that antibiotic exposure resulted in decreased egg production performance and an increased tendency toward severe feather-pecking (SFP) behavior in laying hens. Moreover, intestinal and blood-brain barrier functions were impaired, and 5-HT metabolism was inhibited. However, treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 following antibiotic exposure significantly alleviated the decline in egg production performance and reduced SFP behavior. Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 supplementation restored the profile of the gut microbial community, and showed a strong positive effect by increasing the expression of tight junction proteins in the ileum and hypothalamus and promoting the expression of genes related to central 5-HT metabolism. The correlation analysis revealed that probiotic-enhanced bacteria were positively correlated, and probiotic-reduced bacteria were negatively correlated with tight junction-related gene expression, and 5-HT metabolism, and butyric acid levels. Overall, our findings indicate that dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus LR-32 can reduce antibiotic-induced FP in laying hens and is a promising treatment to improve the welfare of domestic birds.
Influence of bacterial and alveolar cell co-culture on microbial VOC production using HS-GC/MS
Authors: Fenn Dominic , Ahmed Waqar M. , Lilien Thijs A. , Kos Renate , Tuip de Boer Anita M. , Fowler Stephen J. , Schultz Marcus J. , Maitland-van der Zee Anke H. , Brinkman Paul , Bos Lieuwe D. J.
Published: April 2023

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in exhaled breath continue to garner interest as an alternative diagnostic tool in pulmonary infections yet, their clinical integration remains a challenge with difficulties in translating identified biomarkers. Alterations in bacterial metabolism secondary to host nutritional availability may explain this but is often inadequately modelled in vitro. The influence of more clinically relevant nutrients on VOC production for two common respiratory pathogens was investigated. VOCs from Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P.aeruginosa) cultured with and without human alveolar A549 epithelial cells were analyzed using headspace extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Untargeted and targeted analyses were performed, volatile molecules identified from published data, and the differences in VOC production evaluated. Principal component analysis (PCA) could differentiate alveolar cells from either S. aureus or P. aeruginosa when cultured in isolation based on PC1 (p = 0.0017 and 0.0498, respectively). However, this separation was lost for S. aureus (p = 0.31) but not for P. aeruginosa (p = 0.028) when they were cultured with alveolar cells. S. aureus cultured with alveolar cells led to higher concentrations of two candidate biomarkers, 3-methyl-1-butanol (p = 0.001) and 3-methylbutanal (p = 0.002) when compared to S. aureus, alone. P. aeruginosa metabolism resulted in less generation of pathogen-associated VOCs when co-cultured with alveolar cells compared to culturing in isolation. VOC biomarkers previously considered indicative of bacterial presence are influenced by the local nutritional environment and this should be considered when evaluating their biochemical origin.
Aging effect of cross-modal interactions during audiovisual detection and discrimination by behavior and ERPs
Authors: Ren Yanna , Li Yan , Xu Zhihan , Luo Rui , Qian Runqi , Duan Jieping , Yang Jiajia , Yang Weiping
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Numerous studies have shown that aging greatly affects audiovisual integration; however, it is still unclear when the aging effect occurs, and its neural mechanism has yet to be fully elucidated.

Methods

We assessed the audiovisual integration (AVI) of older (n = 40) and younger (n = 45) adults using simple meaningless stimulus detection and discrimination tasks. The results showed that the response was significantly faster and more accurate for younger adults than for older adults in both the detection and discrimination tasks. The AVI was comparable for older and younger adults during stimulus detection (9.37% vs. 9.43%); however, the AVI was lower for older than for younger adults during stimulus discrimination (9.48% vs. 13.08%) behaviorally. The electroencephalography (EEG) analysis showed that comparable AVI amplitude was found at 220–240 ms for both groups during stimulus detection and discrimination, but there was no significant difference between brain regions for older adults but a higher AVI amplitude in the right posterior for younger adults. Additionally, a significant AVI was found for younger adults in 290–310 ms but was absent for older adults during stimulus discrimination. Furthermore, significant AVI was found in the left anterior and right anterior at 290–310 ms for older adults but in the central, right posterior and left posterior for younger adults.

Discussion

These results suggested that the aging effect of AVI occurred in multiple stages, but the attenuated AVI mainly occurred in the later discriminating stage attributed to attention deficit.
Dilation of the superior sagittal sinus detected in rat model of mild traumatic brain injury using 1 T magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Burns Jennie M. , Kalinosky Benjamin T. , Sloan Mark A. , Cerna Cesario Z. , Fines David A. , Valdez Christopher M. , Voorhees William B.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common injury that can lead to temporary and, in some cases, life-long disability. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used to diagnose and study brain injuries and diseases, yet mTBI remains notoriously difficult to detect in structural MRI. mTBI is thought to be caused by microstructural or physiological changes in the function of the brain that cannot be adequately captured in structural imaging of the gray and white matter. However, structural MRIs may be useful in detecting significant changes in the cerebral vascular system (e.g., the blood-brain barrier (BBB), major blood vessels, and sinuses) and the ventricular system, and these changes may even be detectable in images taken by low magnetic field strength MRI scanners (<1.5T).

Methods

In this study, we induced a model of mTBI in the anesthetized rat animal model using a commonly used linear acceleration drop-weight technique. Using a 1T MRI scanner, the brain of the rat was imaged, without and with contrast, before and after mTBI on post-injury days 1, 2, 7, and 14 (i.e., P1, P2, P7, and P14).

Results

Voxel-based analyses of MRIs showed time-dependent, statistically significant T2-weighted signal hypointensities in the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and hyperintensities of the gadolinium-enhanced T1-weighted signal in the superior subarachnoid space (SA) and blood vessels near the dorsal third ventricle. These results showed a widening, or vasodilation, of the SSS on P1 and of the SA on P1–2 on the dorsal surface of the cortex near the site of the drop-weight impact. The results also showed vasodilation of vasculature near the dorsal third ventricle and basal forebrain on P1–7.

Discussion

Vasodilation of the SSS and SA near the site of impact could be explained by the direct mechanical injury resulting in local changes in tissue function, oxygenation, inflammation, and blood flow dynamics. Our results agreed with literature and show that the 1T MRI scanner performs at a level comparable to higher field strength scanners for this type of research.
Anti-LGI1 encephalitis with initiating symptom of seizures in children
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhang Dongqing , Tong Lili , Yang Lu , Yin Ping , Li Jun , Lei Gefei , Yang Xiaofan , Li Baomin
Published: April 2023

Background

Anti-leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) encephalitis is infrequently reported but more and more recognizable in children. Here we give detailed description of the clinical features and long-term outcome of three cases of childhood onset anti-LGI1 encephalitis.

Methods

Three anti-LGI1 encephalitis patients were hospitalized in the Department of Pediatrics at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University. Data about the clinical manifestations, treatments and long-term follow-up outcomes were described in detail.

Results

Case 1 showed an adolescent girl with initiating symptom of acute-onset frequent focal seizures. Her serum LGI1-antibody test was positive, and she had a good response to antiseizure medication (ASM) and IVIG. Case 2 showed a preschool-age boy with long-period refractory focal seizures and recent behavioral change. Both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tests of LGI1-antibody were positive, and the MRI showed progressive atrophy in the left hemisphere. The symptoms got improved after receiving second-line immunotherapy initially but there are still the sequelae of drug-resistant epilepsy and mild to moderate intellectual disability. Case 3 showed an adolescent boy with initiating symptom of acute-onset frequent focal seizures. Both serum and CSF tests of LGI1-antibody were positive, and he had a good response to immunotherapy. By analyzing all literature-reported 19 pediatric cases, we found pediatric anti-LGI1 encephalitis is more common in female and adolescent. Seizures and behavioral changes were the most common symptoms. CSF pleocytosis and LGI1-antibodies results were mostly negative. Most patients showed good response to immunotherapy.

Conclusion

Childhood onset anti-LGI1 encephalitis is a heterogeneous clinical syndrome, ranging from typical limbic encephalitis to isolating focal seizures. It is important to test autoimmune antibodies when encountering similar cases and repeat antibody testing if necessary. Timely recognition leads to earlier diagnosis and more rapid initiation of effective immunotherapy and potentially better outcomes.
Physician-defined severe toxicities occurring during and after cancer treatment: Modified consensus definitions and clinical applicability in the evaluation of cancer treatment
Authors: Nielsen Camilla Grud , Thomsen Birthe Lykke , Als-Nielsen Bodil , Conyers Rachel , Jeha Sima , Mateos Marion K. , Mlynarski Wojciech , Pieters Rob , Rathe Mathias , Schmiegelow Kjeld , Andrés-Jensen Liv
Published: April 2023

Overall survival after cancer is increasing for the majority of cancer types, but survivors can be burdened lifelong by treatment-related severe toxicities. Integration of long-term toxicities in treatment evaluation is not least important for children and young adults with cancers with high survival probability. We present modified consensus definitions of 21 previously published physician-defined Severe Toxicities (STs), each reflecting the most serious long-term treatment-related toxicities and representing an unacceptable price for cure. Applying the Severe Toxicity (ST) concept to real-world data required careful adjustments of the original consensus definitions, translating them into standardized endpoints for evaluating treatment-related outcomes to ensure that (1) the STs can be classified uniformly and prospectively across different cohorts, and (2) the ST definitions allow for valid statistical analyses. The current paper presents the resulting modified consensus definitions of the 21 STs proposed to be included in outcome reporting of cancer treatment.
Gastric juice non-coding RNAs as potential biomarkers for gastric cancer
Authors: Gareev Ilgiz , Ahmad Aamir , Wang Jiaqi , Beilerli Aferin , Ilyasova Tatiana , Sufianov Albert , Beylerli Ozal
Published: April 2023

Gastric cancer (GC), being one of the most common malignant human tumors, occupies the second position in the structure of mortality in men and women. High rates of morbidity and mortality in this pathology determine its extremely high clinical and social significance. Diagnosis and timely treatment of precancerous pathology is the main way to reduce morbidity and mortality, and early detection of GC and its adequate treatment improve prognosis. The ability to accurately predict the development of GC and start treatment on time, as well as the ability to determine the stage of the disease if the diagnosis is confirmed - non-invasive biomarkers can become the key to solving these and many other problems of modern medicine. One of the promising biomarkers being studied are non-coding RNAs, namely, miсroRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). They are involved in a wide range of processes, including apoptosis, proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, which play a critical role in the development of GC oncogenesis. In addition, they are quite specific and stable due to their carriers (extracellular vesicles or Argonaute 2 protein) and can be detected in various human biological fluids, in particular gastric juice. Thus, miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs isolated from the gastric juice of GC patients are promising preventive, diagnostic and prognostic non-invasive biomarkers. This review article presents the characteristics of circulating or extracellular miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs in gastric juice, allowing their use in the GC preventive, diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring therapy.
Conservation and divergence of expression of GA2-oxidase homeologs in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.)
Authors: Zhang Songwen , Gottschalk Christopher , van Nocker Steve
Published: April 2023

In domesticated apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.) and other woody perennials, floral initiation can be repressed by gibberellins (GAs). The associated mechanism is a major unanswered question in plant physiology, and understanding organismal aspects of GA signaling in apple has important commercial applications. In plants, the major mechanism for elimination of GAs and resetting of GA signaling is through catabolism by GA2-oxidases (GA2ox). We found that the GA2ox gene family in apple comprises 16 genes representing eight, clearly defined homeologous pairs, which were named as MdGA2ox1A/1B to MdGA2ox8A/8B. Expression of the genes was analyzed in the various structures of the spur, where flowers are initiated, as well as in various structures of seedlings over one diurnal cycle and in response to water-deficit and salt stress. Among the results, we found that MdGA2ox2A/2B dominated expression in the shoot apex and were strongly upregulated in the apex after treatment with exogenous GA3, suggesting potential involvement in repression of flowering. Several MdGA2ox genes also showed preferential expression in the leaf petiole, fruit pedicel, and the seed coat of developing seeds, potentially representing mechanisms to limit diffusion of GAs across these structures. In all contexts studied, we documented both concerted and distinct expression of individual homeologs. This work introduces an accessible woody plant model for studies of GA signaling, GA2ox gene regulation, and conservation/divergence of expression of homeologous genes, and should find application in development of new cultivars of apple and other tree fruits.
Vitis vinifera genotyping toolbox to highlight diversity and germplasm identification
Authors: Tympakianakis Stylianos , Trantas Emmanouil , Avramidou Evangelia V. , Ververidis Filippos
Published: April 2023

The contribution of vine cultivation to human welfare as well as the stimulation of basic social and cultural features of civilization has been great. The wide temporal and regional distribution created a wide array of genetic variants that have been used as propagating material to promote cultivation. Information on the origin and relationships among cultivars is of great interest from a phylogenetics and biotechnology perspective. Fingerprinting and exploration of the complicated genetic background of varieties may contribute to future breeding programs. In this review, we present the most frequently used molecular markers, which have been used onVitisgermplasm. We discuss the scientific progress that led to the new strategies being implemented utilizing state-of-the-art next generation sequencing technologies. Additionally, we attempted to delimit the discussion on the algorithms used in phylogenetic analyses and differentiation of grape varieties. Lastly, the contribution of epigenetics is highlighted to tackle future roadmaps for breeding and exploitation ofVitisgermplasm. The latter will remain in the top of the edge for future breeding and cultivation and the molecular tools presented herein, will serve as a reference point in the challenging years to come.
Wide-genome selection of lactic acid bacteria harboring genes that promote the elimination of antinutritional factors
Authors: Pham Hai-Ha-Thi , Kim Do-Hyung , Nguyen Thanh Luan
Published: April 2023

Anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) substances in plant products, such as indigestible non-starchy polysaccharides (α-galactooligosaccharides, α-GOS), phytate, tannins, and alkaloids can impede the absorption of many critical nutrients and cause major physiological disorders. To enhance silage quality and its tolerance threshold for humans as well as other animals, ANFs must be reduced. This study aims to identify and compare the bacterial species/strains that are potential use for industrial fermentation and ANFs reduction. A pan-genome study of 351 bacterial genomes was performed, and binary data was processed to quantify the number of genes involved in the removal of ANFs. Among four pan-genomes analysis, all 37 tested Bacillus subtilis genomes had one phytate degradation gene, while 91 out of 150 Enterobacteriacae genomes harbor at least one genes (maximum three). Although, no gene encoding phytase detected in genomes of Lactobacillus and Pediococcus species, they have genes involving indirectly in metabolism of phytate-derivatives to produce Myo-inositol, an important compound in animal cells physiology. In contrast, genes related to production of lectin, tannase and saponin degrading enzyme did not include in genomes of B. subtilis and Pediococcus species. Our findings suggest a combination of bacterial species and/or unique strains in fermentation, for examples, two Lactobacillus strains (DSM 21115 and ATCC 14869) with B. subtilis SRCM103689, would maximize the efficiency in reducing the ANFs concentration. In conclusion, this study provides insights into bacterial genomes analysis for maximizing nutritional value in plant-based food. Further investigations of gene numbers and repertories correlated to metabolism of different ANFs will help clarifying the efficiency of time consuming and food qualities.
Genome-wide identification of terpenoid synthase family genes in Gossypium hirsutum and functional dissection of its subfamily cadinene synthase A in gossypol synthesis
Authors: Wen Tianyang , Xu Xiao , Ren Aiping , Zhao Ge , Wu Jiahe
Published: April 2023

Plant terpenoid synthase (TPS) family genes participate in metabolite synthesis, hormones, gossypol, etc. Here, we genome-widely identified TPS family genes in 12 land plant species. Four hundred and thirty TPS-related genes were divided into seven subfamilies. The TPS-c in Bryophytes was suggested to be the earliest subfamily, followed by the TPS-e/f and TPS-h presence in ferns. TPS-a, the largest number of genes, was derived from monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Collinearity analysis showed that 38 out of the 76 TPS genes in G. hirsutum were collinear within G. arboreum and G. raimondii. Twenty-one GhTPS-a genes belong to the cadinene synthase (GhCDN) subfamily and were divided into five groups, A, B, C, D, and E. The special cis-elements in the promoters of 12 GhCDN-A genes suggested that the JA and ethylene signaling pathways may be involved in their expression regulation. When 12 GhCDN-A genes were simultaneously silenced through virus-induced gene silencing, the glandular color of GhCDN-A-silenced plants was lighter than that of the control, supported by a gossypol content decrease based on HPLC testing, suggesting that GhCDN-A subgroup genes participate in gossypol synthesis. According to RNA-seq analysis, gossypol synthesis-related genes and disease-resistant genes in the glandular variety exhibited upregulated expression compared to the glandless variety, whereas hormone signaling-related genes were downregulated. All in all, these results revealed plant TPS gene evolution rules and dissected the TPS subfamily, GhCDN-A, function in gossypol synthesis in cotton.
When narratives speak louder than numbers: the effects of narrative persuasion across the stages of behavioural change to reduce air pollution
Authors: Bosone Lucia , Chevrier Marie , Martinez Frédéric
Published: April 2023

Is narrative persuasion effective when promoting new behaviours in favour of the environment? Does this effectiveness vary depending on whether individuals are already thinking about changing? This paper has two main objectives: (1) to explore how individuals at different stages of the behavioural change process perceive air pollution, focussing on the perceived psychological distance of its environmental risks (Study 1); and (2) to test whether the effects of presenting the risks of air pollution in a narrative vs. statistical format on pro-environmental intentions vary depending on the individuals’ stage of behavioural change (Study 2). Study 1 (N = 263) is based on a survey measuring individuals’ perceived psychological distance of the environmental risks of air pollution, and the perceived effectiveness of different pro-environmental behaviours. Results suggest that perceived distance and perceived effectiveness vary across different stages of behavioural change. Study 2 (N = 258) presents a 2(Format: narrative vs. statistical) × 3(Stages of change) protocol, testing the effectiveness of a narrative format depending on individuals’ stage of behavioural change. Results suggest that proximising a threat through a narrative format of communication is more effective especially for individuals in the pre-action stage of change. We also present a moderated mediation model explaining the influence of the interaction between the message format and the stage of behavioural change on behavioural intentions and on efficacy appraisal via narrative engagement. Findings are discussed with regards to the stage model and narrative persuasion.
Tri-process model of interpersonal mindfulness: theoretical framework and study protocol
Authors: Khoury Bassam , Manova Viktoriya , Adel Lena , Dumas Guillaume , Lifshitz Michael , Vergara Rodrigo C. , Sekhon Harmehr , Rej Soham
Published: April 2023

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, over 14% of the US population practice mindfulness meditation. The effects of mindfulness training on physical and mental health have been consistently documented, but its effects on interpersonal relationships are not yet fully understood or investigated. Interpersonal relationships play a crucial role in the wellbeing of individuals and society, and therefore, warrants further study. The aim of this paper is to present a tri-process theoretical model of interpersonal mindfulness and a study protocol to validate the proposed model. Specifically, according to the proposed model, mindfulness meditation training increases the self-awareness, self-regulation, and prosociality of those receiving the training, which ameliorates the quality of interpersonal interactions and the socioemotional support provided to other individuals. Finally, better socioemotional support increases the support receiver’s ability to regulate their emotions. Using a multiphasic longitudinal design involving 640 participants randomized into 480 dyads, the proposed protocol aims to validate the tri-process model and to investigate its mechanisms of actions. The proposed study has important theoretical and social implications and will allow devising new and more effective interpersonal mindfulness programs with applications in multiple fields.
The underpinning of meaningful activities by brain correlates: a systematic review
Authors: Cruyt Ellen , De Vriendt Patricia , De Geyter Nele , Van Leirsberghe Janne , Santens Patrick , De Baets Stijn , De Letter Miet , Vlerick Peter , Calders Patrick , De Pauw Robby , Oostra Kristine , Van de Velde Dominique
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Engaging in meaningful activities contributes to health and wellbeing. Research identifies meaningfulness by analysing retrospective and subjective data such as personal experiences in activities. Objectively measuring meaningful activities by registering the brain (fNIRS, EEG, PET, fMRI) remains poorly investigated.

Methods

A systematic review using PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library.

Findings

Thirty-one studies investigating the correlations between daily activities in adults, their degree of meaningfulness for the participant, and the brain areas involved, were identified. The activities could be classified according to the degree of meaningfulness, using the attributes of meaningfulness described in the literature. Eleven study activities contained all attributes, which means that these can be assumed to be meaningful for the participant. Brain areas involved in these activities were generally related to emotional and affective processing, motivation, and reward.

Conclusion

Although it is demonstrated that neural correlates of meaningful activities can be measured objectively by neurophysiological registration techniques, “meaning” as such has not yet been investigated explicitly. Further neurophysiological research for objective monitoring of meaningful activities is recommended.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses on major depressive disorder: a bibliometric perspective
Authors: Chen Pan , Feng Yuan , Li Xiao-Hong , Li Jia-Xin , Wang Yue-Ying , Zheng Wan-Ying , Su Zhaohui , Cheung Teris , Ungvari Gabor S. , Ng Chee H. , Sha Sha , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: April 2023

Background

There is a vast amount of evidence-based medicine research on the major depressive disorder (MDD) available in the literature, however, no studies on the overall performance, productivity and impact of such research have been published to date. This study explored and mapped the research outputs of MDD-related systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SR/MA) from a bibliometric perspective.

Methods

Relevant data were retrieved with search terms on MDD, systematic review and meta-analysis.

Results

A total of 4,870 papers with 365,402 citations published from 1983 to 2022 were included in the analysis. The publication output has grown steadily over time with the most publications originating from the USA (1,020; 20.94%), the UK (516; 10.60%) and China (448; 9.20%). The research collaborations between countries were most frequent between the USA and UK (266; 5.46%). Journal of Affective Disorders (379; 7.78%) was the most productive journal, while Cuijpers P was the most productive author (121; 2.48%), and University of Toronto (569; 11.78%) was the most productive institution. The top 10 most cited articles on MDD-related SR/MA had citations ranging from 1,806 to 3,448. The high-frequency keywords were mainly clustered into four themes, including psychiatric comorbidities, clinical trials, treatment, and brain stimulation in MDD.

Conclusion

The rapid increase in the number of SR/MA of MDD in recent years highlights the importance of this research field. Psychiatric comorbidities, clinical interventions, and treatment of MDD have been identified as hot topics, while biological mechanisms in MDD are likely to be an emerging research priority.
Prevalence and correlators of burnout among health professionals during different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in China
Authors: Qin Zhengshan , He Zhehao , Yang Qinglin , Meng Zeyu , Lei Qiuhui , Wen Jing , Shi Xiuquan , Liu Jun , Wang Zhizhong
Published: April 2023

Background

Persistently increased workload and stress occurred in health professionals (HPs) during the past 3 years as the COVID-19 pandemic continued. The current study seeks to explore the prevalence of and correlators of HPs' burnout during different stages of the pandemic.

Methods

Three repeated online studies were conducted in different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic: wave 1: after the first peak of the pandemic, wave 2: the early period of the zero-COVID policy, and wave 3: the second peak of the pandemic in China. Two dimensions of burnout, emotional exhaustion (EE) and declined personal accomplishment (DPA), were assessed using Human Services Survey for Medical Personnel (MBI-HSMP), a 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and a 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) to assess mental health conditions. An unconditional logistic regression model was employed to discern the correlators.

Results

There was an overall prevalence of depression (34.9%), anxiety (22.5%), EE (44.6%), and DPA (36.5%) in the participants; the highest prevalence of EE and DPA was discovered in the first wave (47.4% and 36.5%, respectively), then the second wave (44.9% and 34.0%), and the third wave had the lowest prevalence of 42.3% and 32.2%. Depressive symptoms and anxiety were persistently correlated with a higher prevalence risk of both EE and DPA. Workplace violence led to a higher prevalence risk of EE (wave 1: OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.16–1.63), and women (wave 1: OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.00–1.42; wave 3: OR =1.20, 95% CI:1.01–1.44) and those living in a central area (wave 2: OR = 1.66, 95% CI: 1.20–2.31) or west area (wave 2: OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.26–1.87) also had a higher prevalence risk of EE. In contrast, those over 50 years of age (wave 1: OR = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.39–0.96; wave 3: OR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.38–0.95) and who provided care to patients with COVID-19 (wave 2: OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.57–0.92) had a lower risk of EE. Working in the psychiatry section (wave 1: OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.01–1.89) and being minorities (wave 2: OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04–1.58) had a higher risk of DPA, while those over 50 years of age had a lower risk of DPA (wave 3: OR = 0.56, 95% CI: 0.36–0.88).

Conclusion

This three-wave cross-sectional study revealed that the prevalence of burnout among health professionals was at a high level persistently during the different stages of the pandemic. The results suggest that functional impairment prevention resources and programs may be inadequate and, as such, continuous monitoring of these variables could provide evidence for developing optimal strategies for saving human resources in the coming post-pandemic era.
Depression and anxiety among Macau residents during the COVID-19 outbreak: A network analysis perspective
Authors: Sun He-Li , Chen Pen , Feng Yuan , Si Tong Leong , Lam Mei Ieng , Lok Ka-In , Chow Ines Hang Iao , Su Zhaohui , Cheung Teris , Tang Yi-Lang , Jackson Todd , Sha Sha , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: April 2023

Background

The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak affected people’s lifestyles and increased their risk for depressive and anxiety symptoms (depression and anxiety, respectively hereafter). We assessed depression and anxiety in residents of Macau during “the 6.18 COVID-19 outbreak” period and explored inter-connections of different symptoms from the perspective of network analysis.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 1,008 Macau residents completed an online survey comprising the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and seven-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) to measure depression and anxiety, respectively. Central and bridge symptoms of the depression-anxiety network model were evaluated based on Expected Influence (EI) statistics, while a bootstrap procedure was used to test the stability and accuracy of the network model.

Results

Descriptive analyses indicated the prevalence of depression was 62.5% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 59.47–65.44%], the prevalence of anxiety was 50.2% [95%CI = 47.12–53.28%], and 45.1% [95%CI = 42.09–48.22%] of participants experienced comorbid depression and anxiety. “Nervousness-Uncontrollable worry” (GADC) (EI = 1.15), “Irritability” (GAD6) (EI = 1.03), and “Excessive worry” (GAD3) (EI = 1.02) were the most central symptoms, while “Irritability” (GAD6) (bridge EI = 0.43), “restlessness” (GAD5) (bridge EI = 0.35), and “Sad Mood” (PHQ2) (bridge EI = 0.30) were key bridge symptoms that emerged in the network model.

Conclusion

Nearly half of residents in Macau experienced comorbid depression and anxiety during the 6.18 COVID-19 outbreak. Central and bridge symptoms identified in this network analysis are plausible, specific targets for treatment and prevention of comorbid depression and anxiety related to this outbreak.
Reinfections and Cross-Protection in the 1918/19 Influenza Pandemic: Revisiting a Survey Among Male and Female Factory Workers
Authors: Matthes Katarina L. , Le Vu Mathilde , Bhattacharyya Urmila , Galliker Antonia , Kordi Maryam , Floris Joël , Staub Kaspar
Published: April 2023

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic highlights questions regarding reinfections and immunity resulting from vaccination and/or previous illness. Studies addressing related questions for historical pandemics are limited.

Methods: We revisit an unnoticed archival source on the 1918/19 influenza pandemic. We analysed individual responses to a medical survey completed by an entire factory workforce in Western Switzerland in 1919.

Results: Among the total of n = 820 factory workers, 50.2% reported influenza-related illness during the pandemic, the majority of whom reported severe illness. Among male workers 47.4% reported an illness vs. 58.5% of female workers, although this might be explained by varied age distribution for each sex (median age was 31 years old for men, vs. 22 years old for females). Among those who reported illness, 15.3% reported reinfections. Reinfection rates increased across the three pandemic waves. The majority of subsequent infections were reported to be as severe as the first infection, if not more. Illness during the first wave, in the summer of 1918, was associated with a 35.9% (95%CI, 15.7–51.1) protective effect against reinfections during later waves.

Conclusion: Our study draws attention to a forgotten constant between multi-wave pandemics triggered by respiratory viruses: Reinfection and cross-protection have been and continue to be a key topic for health authorities and physicians in pandemics, becoming increasingly important as the number of waves increases.
Method for Classifying Apple Leaf Diseases Based on Dual Attention and Multi-Scale Feature Extraction
Authors: Ding Jie , Zhang Cheng , Cheng Xi , Yue Yi , Fan Guohua , Wu Yunzhi , Zhang Youhua
Published: April 2023

Image datasets acquired from orchards are commonly characterized by intricate backgrounds and an imbalanced distribution of disease categories, resulting in suboptimal recognition outcomes when attempting to identify apple leaf diseases. In this regard, we propose a novel apple leaf disease recognition model, named RFCA ResNet, equipped with a dual attention mechanism and multi-scale feature extraction capacity, to more effectively tackle these issues. The dual attention mechanism incorporated into RFCA ResNet is a potent tool for mitigating the detrimental effects of complex backdrops on recognition outcomes. Additionally, by utilizing the class balance technique in conjunction with focal loss, the adverse effects of an unbalanced dataset on classification accuracy can be effectively minimized. The RFB module enables us to expand the receptive field and achieve multi-scale feature extraction, both of which are critical for the superior performance of RFCA ResNet. Experimental results demonstrate that RFCA ResNet significantly outperforms the standard CNN network model, exhibiting marked improvements of 89.61%, 56.66%, 72.76%, and 58.77% in terms of accuracy rate, precision rate, recall rate, and F1 score, respectively. It is better than other approaches, performs well in generalization, and has some theoretical relevance and practical value.
Study on Pulling Dynamic Characteristics of White Radish and the Optimal Design of a Harvesting Device
Authors: Yan Kehong , Yao Shuai , Huang Yicheng , Zhao Zhan
Published: April 2023

The loss rate is an important index to evaluate the harvesting performance of white radish. To reduce the loss rate, it is necessary to analyze the pulling dynamic characteristics of white radish and then optimize the structure and operating parameters of the harvesting device. In this paper, according to the growth characteristics of white radish in the field, the discrete element method (DEM) was used to simulate the pulling process. The pulling force was calculated using the Edinburgh elasto-plastic adhesion model (EEPA), and the effects of soil bed compactness, pulling speed and angle on the pulling force were analyzed. The tests on pulling mechanics were carried out in the laboratory to verify the accuracy of DEM simulation results. The results showed that in the soft soil bed with compactness less than 2.8 MPa, the pulling force of radish is generally smaller than the leaf breaking force, and it is feasible to pull the radish out directly. While in a soil bed with high compactness, it is necessary to install a loosening shovel to reduce the pulling force thus reducing the loss rate due to leaf breakage. The structure and operating parameters of the harvesting device were designed according to the pulling dynamic characteristics, and the white radish harvesting tests were carried out in different fields. Statistical results show that when the soil compaction was increased from 1.47 MPa to 2.21 MPa, the average loss rate increased from 0.68% to 1.75%, and the average damage rate increased from 2.41% to 2.70%. Similarly, when the forward speed was increased from 0.18 to 0.47 m/s, the average loss rate increased from 1.08% to 1.30%, and the average damage rate increased from 2.34% to 2.74%. Overall, the maximum loss rate and the maximum damage rate could be controlled below 2.0% and 3.0%, respectively. In the hard soil bed, the loss rate can be effectively reduced from 15% to 2.5% by installing a loosening shovel.
Animal Nutrition and Productions
Authors: Simeanu Daniel , Radu-Rusu Răzvan-Mihail
Published: April 2023

Animal nutrition and feeding, along with other sciences (reproduction, genetics, hygiene, management, etc [...]
Recent Developments in Rice Molecular Breeding for Tolerance to Heavy Metal Toxicity
Authors: Haider Zulqarnain , Ahmad Irshan , Zia Samta , Gan Yinbo
Published: April 2023

Heavy metal toxicity generally refers to the negative impact on the environment, humans, and other living organisms caused by exposure to heavy metals (HMs). Heavy metal poisoning is the accumulation of HMs in the soft tissues of organisms in a toxic amount. HMs bind to certain cells and prevent organs from functioning. Symptoms of HM poisoning can be life-threatening and not only cause irreversible damage to humans and other organisms; but also significantly reduce agricultural yield. Symptoms and physical examination findings associated with HM poisoning vary depending on the metal accumulated. Many HMs, such as zinc, copper, chromium, iron, and manganese, are present at extremely low levels but are essential for the functioning of plants. However, if these metals accumulate in the plants in sufficient concentrations to cause poisoning, serious damage can occur. Rice is consumed around the world as a staple food and incidents of HM pollution often occur in rice-growing areas. In many rice-producing countries, cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) have been recognized as commonly widespread HMs contaminating rice fields worldwide. In addition to mining and irrigation activities, the use of fertilizers and pesticides has also contributed significantly to HM contamination of rice-growing soils around the world. A number of QTLs associated with HM stress signals from various intermediary molecules have been reported to activate various transcription factors (TFs). Some antioxidant enzymes have been studied which contribute to the scavenging of reactive oxygen species, ultimately leading to stress tolerance in rice. Genome engineering and advanced editing techniques have been successfully applied to rice to improve metal tolerance and reduce HM accumulation in grains. In this review article, recent developments and progress in the molecular science for the induction of HM stress tolerance, including reduced metal uptake, compartmentalized transportation, gene-regulated signaling, and reduced accumulation or diversion of HM particles to plant parts other than grains, are discussed in detail, with particular emphasis on rice.
Carbon-Emission Density of Crop Production in China: Spatiotemporal Characteristics, Regional Disparities, and Convergence
Authors: Wu Haoyue , Yan Wanqi , Zheng Xiangjiang , Zhou Lei , Ma Jinshan , Liu Lu , Meng Yue
Published: April 2023

An analysis of carbon emissions of crop production provides paths for global warming mitigation. Existing studies have focused on the magnitude of the carbon emissions from crop production, which is unreasonable for inter-location comparison due to neglecting regional variations in cultivation technologies and planting scale. Different from the conventional idea, this paper estimated the carbon-emission density of crop production (CEDCP) based on carbon emissions per hectare of crop production. With the 30 Chinese provinces between 2000 and 2020 as the study area, temporal dynamics and spatial patterns of the CEDCP were explored, regional disparities of the CEDCP were discussed based on the Theil index, and the possibility of regional coordinated optimization for the CEDCP was explored by relying on the convergence tests. The results show that the average annual CEDCP in China was 1.462 t/hm2, reaching a peak of 1.576 t/hm2 in 2015. The national carbon-emission densities of agricultural materials, rice fields, soil management, and straw burning were 0.492 t/hm2, 0.390 t/hm2, 0.189 t/hm2, and 0.391 t/hm2, respectively. In many provinces, the CEDCP increased first and then decreased, presenting a spatial pattern of high in the eastern region and low in the western region. Regional disparities of CEDCP shrank early but expanded later, and the disparities within the western region had always contributed considerably to the overall disparities. The CEDCP had shown σ- and β- convergence in both national and regional scales, and the convergence process had positive spillover effects. These findings suggest that inter-provincial cooperation may facilitate the CEDCP to converge.
Traits Related to Heat Stress in Phaseolus Species
Authors: Tene Thierry Michel , Sari Hatice , Canci Huseyin , Maaruf Amar , Eker Tuba , Toker Cengiz
Published: April 2023

Traits related to heat stress in bean species (Phaseolus spp.) have been insufficiently explored to date, yet studies of these traits are needed given that heat stress is predicted to become more frequent and severe in many parts of the world because of climate change. In order to detect agro-morphological and physiological traits related to heat stress and selection for resistance to heat stress, a total of 196 bean genotypes including eight genotypes of tepary bean (P. acutifolius L.), five genotypes of scarlet runner bean (P. coccineus A. Gray), two genotypes of year bean (P. dumosus Macfady), five genotypes of lima bean (P. lunatus L.), and 176 genotypes of common bean (P. vulgaris L.) were evaluated in 2019 and 2020 under moderate (field) and extreme heat stress (greenhouse) conditions. Although most genotypes of P. acutifolius, P. lunatus, and P. coccineus were found to be more resistant to heat stress than most genotypes of common bean, some genotypes of common bean were shown to perform as well as P. acutifolius, P. lunatus, and P. coccineus. Biomass among agronomical traits had the highest significant direct effects on the resistance to heat stress score. The maximum quantum efficiency of PSII and SPAD values among physiological traits showed significant direct effects on the resistance to heat stress score. Biomass, leaflet size, the SPAD value and maximum quantum efficiency of PSII can be considered as heat stress-related traits, and, P. acutifolius, P. lunatus, P. coccineus, and some genotypes of P. vulgaris can be considered for exploitation in a heat stress tolerance breeding program.
Integrated Crop Management in Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Hussain Mubshar , Ul-Allah Sami , Farooq Shahid
Published: April 2023

Integrated crop management (ICM) aims to balance economic, environmental, and social factors in crop production [...]