bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus: An important factor affecting bacterial community composition and Wolbachia titers in Asian citrus psyllid
Authors: Jiang Rui-Xu , Shang Feng , Jiang Hong-Bo , Dou Wei , Cernava Tomislav , Wang Jin-Jun
Published: February 2023

Endosymbionts play crucial roles in various physiological activities within insect hosts. The Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is an important vector for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), a fatal pathogenic bacterial agent causing the disease Huanglongbing in the citrus industry. This study combines high-throughput sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA amplicons to explore how CLas affects the bacterial community in different color morphs (blue, gray), genders, and tissues (cuticle, gut, mycetome, Malpighian tubule, ovary, and testis) of ACP. We found that there was no significant differences in the bacterial community diversity and CLas acquired ratio between the different color morphs and genders of ACP adults. However, acquiring CLas could promote the adult bacterial community’s diversity and richness more than in the uninfected condition. The presence of CLas could increase the Wolbachia and unclassified_Enterobacteriaceae proportions more than in the uninfected condition. The bacterial community diversity in the CLas infected tissues of ovary and cuticle, was lower than the uninfected condition, but the richness of all tissues was not different between the infected and uninfected conditions. CLas could also change the bacterial structure in different tissues and make the bacterial relationship network simpler than it is in an uninfected condition. Furthermore, we used quantitative real-time PCR to assess the dynamic changes of Wolbachia in CLas uninfected and infected color morphs and tissues of ACP. The results showed that Wolbachia titers were significantly higher in CLas infected adults than in uninfected adults. In different tissues, the Wolbachia titers in the testis, ovary, and Malpighian tubule were higher than their uninfected counterparts. Our results provide essential knowledge for understanding the symbionts of the ACP and how CLas affects the bacterial community of the ACP.
Evaluation of PIK3CA mutations in advanced ER+/HER2-breast cancer in Portugal – U-PIK Project
Authors: Peixoto Ana , Cirnes Luís , Carvalho Ana Luísa , Andrade Maria João , Brito Maria José , Borralho Paula , Coimbra Nuno , Borralho Pedro M. , Carneiro Ana Sofia , Castro Lisandra , Correia Lurdes , Dionísio Maria Rita , Faria Carlos , Figueiredo Paulo , Gomes Ana , Paixão Joana , Pinheiro Manuela , Prazeres Hugo , Ribeiro Joana , Salgueiro Natália , Schmitt Fernando C. , Silva Fátima , Silvestre Ana Rita , Sousa Ana Carla , Almeida-Tavares Joana , Teixeira Manuel R. , André Saudade , Machado José Carlos
Published: February 2023

Background: Around 40% of ER+/HER2-breast carcinomas (BC) present mutations in the PIK3CA gene. Assessment of PIK3CA mutational status is required to identify patients eligible for treatment with PI3Kα inhibitors, with alpelisib currently the only approved tyrosine kinase inhibitor in this setting. U-PIK project aimed to conduct a ring trial to validate and implement the PIK3CA mutation testing in several Portuguese centers, decentralizing it and optimizing its quality at national level.

Methods: Eight Tester centers selected two samples of patients with advanced ER+/HER2- BC and generated eight replicates of each (n = 16). PIK3CA mutational status was assessed in two rounds. Six centers used the cobas®PIK3CA mutation test, and two used PCR and Sanger sequencing. In parallel, two reference centers (IPATIMUP and the Portuguese Institute of Oncology [IPO]-Porto) performed PIK3CA mutation testing by NGS in the two rounds. The quality of molecular reports describing the results was also assessed. Testing results and molecular reports were received and analyzed by U-PIK coordinators: IPATIMUP, IPO-Porto, and IPO-Lisboa.

Results: Overall, five centers achieved a concordance rate with NGS results (allele frequency [AF] ≥5%) of 100%, one of 94%, one of 93%, and one of 87.5%, considering the overall performance in the two testing rounds. NGS reassessment of discrepancies in the results of the methods used by the Tester centers and the reference centers identified one probable false positive and two mutations with low AF (1–3%, at the analytical sensitivity threshold), interpreted as subclonal variants with heterogeneous representation in the tissue sections processed by the respective centers. The analysis of molecular reports revealed the need to implement the use of appropriate sequence variant nomenclature with the identification of reference sequences (HGVS-nomenclature) and to state the tumor cell content in each sample.

Conclusion: The concordance rates between the method used by each tester center and NGS validate the use of the PIK3CA mutational status test performed at these centers in clinical practice in patients with advanced ER+/HER2- BC.
A dual-task gait test detects mild cognitive impairment with a specificity of 91.2%
Authors: Wang Yuxin , Yang Qing , Tian Chong , Zeng Jing , Yang Mengshu , Li Jie , Mao Jing
Published: February 2023

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a valuable intervention window in the progress of senile dementia, but the question of how to easily and conveniently detect MCI in the community remains unanswered. Gait performance reflects cognitive function, but how to reliably detect MCI through gait testing is still being explored.

Objective

To develop a dual-task gait testing method that could reliably detect MCI in the community.

Methods

A cross-sectional diagnostic study was conducted in 111 older adults (mean age = 72.14 ± 6.90 years) from five communities in Wuhan, China. A novel dual-task gait testing method, walking while identifying animals in pictures (AniP-DT gait test), was developed. The participants were classified into MCI or cognitively intact based on their performance on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). Gait performance was assessed using both single-task and the AniP-DT gait test. Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression were used to model the association between gait speed and cognitive status, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the discrimination ability.

Results

Compared to the cognitively intact group, the gait speed of the MCI group was lower in both single-task and the AniP-DT gait tests. The gait speed of the AniP-DT gait test was significantly associated with MoCA scores after adjusting the covariates and exhibited good discrimination ability in MCI detection (AUC = 0.814), with a specificity of 91.2%. ROC analysis of the logistic models revealed better discrimination ability of dual-task gait velocity when adjusted with age and years of education (AUC = 0.862).

Conclusion

The evidence in this study suggested that the AniP-DT gait test could be an easy and reliable screening tool for MCI in community older adults.
MyopiaDETR: End-to-end pathological myopia detection based on transformer using 2D fundus images
Authors: Li Manyu , Liu Shichang , Wang Zihan , Li Xin , Yan Zezhong , Zhu Renping , Wan Zhijiang
Published: February 2023

Background

Automated diagnosis of various retinal diseases based on fundus images can serve as an important clinical decision aid for curing vision loss. However, developing such an automated diagnostic solution is challenged by the characteristics of lesion area in 2D fundus images, such as morphology irregularity, imaging angle, and insufficient data.

Methods

To overcome those challenges, we propose a novel deep learning model named MyopiaDETR to detect the lesion area of normal myopia (NM), high myopia (HM) and pathological myopia (PM) using 2D fundus images provided by the iChallenge-PM dataset. To solve the challenge of morphology irregularity, we present a novel attentional FPN architecture and generate multi-scale feature maps to a traditional Detection Transformer (DETR) for detecting irregular lesion more accurate. Then, we choose the DETR structure to view the lesion from the perspective of set prediction and capture better global information. Several data augmentation methods are used on the iChallenge-PM dataset to solve the challenge of insufficient data.

Results

The experimental results demonstrate that our model achieves excellent localization and classification performance on the iChallenge-PM dataset, reaching AP50 of 86.32%.

Conclusion

Our model is effective to detect lesion areas in 2D fundus images. The model not only achieves a significant improvement in capturing small objects, but also a significant improvement in convergence speed during training.
The gut microbiota: A new perspective for tertiary prevention of hepatobiliary and gallbladder diseases
Authors: Huang Xiaoyu , Yang Yi , Li Xueli , Zhu Xiaoya , Lin Dan , Ma Yueran , Zhou Min , Cui Xiangyi , Zhang Bingyu , Dang Dongmei , Lü Yuhong , Yue Changwu
Published: February 2023

The gut microbiota is a complex ecosystem that has coevolved with the human body for hundreds of millions of years. In the past 30 years, with the progress of gene sequencing and omics technology, the research related to gut microbiota has developed rapidly especially in the field of digestive system diseases and systemic metabolic diseases. Mechanical, biological, immune, and other factors make the intestinal flora form a close bidirectional connection with the liver and gallbladder, which can be called the “gut–liver–biliary axis.” Liver and gallbladder, as internal organs of the peritoneum, suffer from insidious onset, which are not easy to detect. The diagnosis is often made through laboratory chemical tests and imaging methods, and intervention measures are usually taken only when organic lesions have occurred. At this time, some people may have entered the irreversible stage of disease development. We reviewed the literature describing the role of intestinal flora in the pathogenesis and biotherapy of hepatobiliary diseases in the past 3–5 years, including the dynamic changes of intestinal flora at different stages of the disease, as well as the signaling pathways involved in intestinal flora and its metabolites, etc. After summarizing the above contents, we hope to highlight the potential of intestinal flora as a new clinical target for early prevention, early diagnosis, timely treatment and prognosis of hepatobiliary diseases.
Grain color formation and analysis of correlated genes by metabolome and transcriptome in different wheat lines at maturity
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Hui , Liu Junna , Huang Tingzhi , Zhang Xuesong , Xie Heng , Guo Yirui , Wang Qianchao , Zhang Ping , Qin Peng
Published: February 2023

Colored wheat has been recognized broadly for its nutritional value because of its natural content of the colorant anthocyanin. To investigate the reasons for the formation of the wheat grain color at maturity, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses were performed on three different grain colors of wheat. Through metabolome analysis, 628 metabolites were identified. Of the 102 flavonoids, there are 9 kinds of anthocyanins related to color formation, mainly cyanidin and peonidin, and their metabolite content was the lowest in white-grain wheat. Among the genes associated with color formation, the structural gene TraesCS2D02G392900 in F3H with the bHLH transcription factor could elucidate the origin of wheat coloration. Multi-omics analysis showed that color formation is mainly influenced by the regulation of genes affecting anthocyanin and related synthesis. The results of this study may provide a theoretical basis for grain color formation at maturity and the nutritional and product development potential of colored wheat lines.
Associations between dietary fatty acid patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in typical dietary population: A UK biobank study
Authors: Tian Aowen , Sun Zewen , Zhang Miaoran , Li Jiuling , Pan Xingchen , Chen Peng
Published: February 2023

Background and Aims

Dietary fatty acid composition is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Few evidence had identified a clear role of dietary fatty acid composition of typical diet in NAFLD. We aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and NAFLD in populations with typical diets and to explore the effect of fatty acid composition in dietary patterns on NAFLD.

Methods

Principal component analysis was used to identify 4 dietary patterns in UK Biobank participants. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between dietary patterns and NAFLD. Mediation analysis was performed to evaluate the extent to which the relationship between dietary patterns and NAFLD was explained by dietary fatty acid combinations, as surrogated by serum fatty acids measured by nuclear magnetic resonance.

Results

A dietary fatty acid pattern (DFP1) characterized by “PUFA enriched vegetarian” was negatively associated with NAFLD risk. Serum fatty acids were significantly associated with DFP1 and NAFLD. Mediation analysis showed SFA (27.8%, p < 0.001), PUFA (25.1%, p < 0.001), ω-6 PUFA (14.3%, p < 0.001), LA (15.6%, p < 0.001) and DHA (10%, p < 0.001) had a significant indirect effect on the association between DFP1 and NAFLD. A dietary pattern characterized by “PUFA enriched carnivore” (DFP2) was not associated with NAFLD risk.

Conclusion

A “PUFA enriched vegetarian” dietary pattern with increased LA and DHA, may be beneficial for the treatment or prevention of NAFLD, while a “PUFA enriched carnivore” dietary pattern may not be harmful to NAFLD.
Effectiveness and safety of pembrolizumab for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer in real-world studies and randomized controlled trials: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Beibei , Wang Bing , Chen Yongbang , Wan Ning , Xie Fei , Yang Ning , Lu Liqing , Xiao Weibin , Yuan Jin , Li Jian , Xie Bo , Ji Bo
Published: February 2023

Background

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have confirmed the favorable clinical benefit of pembrolizumab in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, considering the strict inclusion and exclusion criteria in clinical research, there are certain differences between patients in the real-world, it is unclear whether the findings of clinical trials are fully representative of the treatment efficacy in patients who will eventually use it. Therefore, to further comprehensively assess the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab in NSCLC, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis based on the latest RCTs and real-world studies (RWSs).

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, The Web of Science, and clinical trials.gov as of December 2021. RCTs and RWSs of patients receiving pembrolizumab monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC were included.

Results

The meta-analysis ultimately included 11 RCTs and 26 RWSs with a total of 10,695 patients. The primary outcomes of this study were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), serious adverse events (SAEs), the incidence of severe pneumonia reactions, and drug-related mortality. Direct meta-analysis results showed that in RCTs, pembrolizumab in combination with chemotherapy was superior to chemotherapy in terms of OS (HR=0.60, 95%CI:0.50-0.73), PFS (HR=0.47, 95%CI:0.38-0.58) and ORR (OR=3.22, 95%CI:2.57-4.03); pembrolizumab monotherapy was superior to chemotherapy in terms of OS (HR=0.73, 95%CI:0.66-0.80) and ORR (OR=1.90, 95%CI:1.17-3.09), but comparable to chemotherapy in terms of PFS (HR=0.83, 95%CI:0.66-1.04). The ORR values in retrospective single-arm studies were 45% (40%-51%).

Conclusion

In RCTs, pembrolizumab monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy is more effective and safer than chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC. In RWSs, ECOG PS 0-1 was shown to correlate with PFS and OS for patients with NSCLC.
Research progress on molecular biomarkers of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Yin Pei-Yuan , Wang Rui-Wen , Jing Rui , Li Xing , Ma Jing-Hua , Li Kai-Min , Wang Hua
Published: February 2023

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common type of adult acute leukemia. The pathophysiology of the disease has been studied intensively at the cellular and molecular levels. At present, cytogenetic markers are an important basis for the early diagnosis, prognostic stratification and treatment of AML. However, with the emergence of new technologies, the detection of other molecular markers, such as gene mutations and epigenetic changes, began to play important roles in evaluating the occurrence and development of diseases. Recent evidence shows that identifying new AML biomarkers contributes to a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of the disease and is essential for AML screening, diagnosis, prognosis monitoring, and individualized treatment response. In this review, we summarized the promising AML biomarkers from four aspects, which contributing to a better understanding of the disease. Of course, it must be soberly aware that we have not listed all biomarkers of AML. Anyway, the biomarkers we mentioned are representative. For example, mutations in TP53, FLT3, and ASXL1 suggest poor prognosis, low remission rate, short survival period, and often require allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The CEBPA double mutation, NPM1 and CBF mutation suggest that the prognosis is good, the remission rate is high, the survival period is long, and the effect of chemotherapy or autotherapy is good. As for other mutations mentioned in the article, they usually predict a moderate prognosis. All in all, we hope it could provide a reference for the precise diagnosis and treatment of AML.
Hepatitis B virus-infection related cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Clinical manifestations and the effect of antiviral therapy: A review of the literature
Authors: Mazzaro Cesare , Bomben Riccardo , Visentini Marcella , Gragnani Laura , Quartuccio Luca , Saccardo Francesco , Sebastiani Marco , Filippini Davide , Lauletta Gianfranco , Monti Giuseppe , Gattei Valter
Published: February 2023

Objective

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, about 20% of the patients develop extrahepatic manifestations such as cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV), polyarteritis nodosa, non-rheumatoid arthritis, glomerulonephritis and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This review analyzed literature data on clinical manifestations of HBV-related CV and the impact of antiviral therapy with analoques nucleotide.

Methods

A PubMed search was performed to select eligible studies in the literature, up to July 2022.

Results

Some studies have analyzed clinical manifestations in HBV-related CV and have investigated the role of antiviral therapy with nucleotides analogues (NAs). Clinical manifestations of CV vary from mild to moderate (purpura, asthenia and arthralgias) to severe (leg ulcers, peripheral neuropathy, glomerulonephritis, and non-Hodking lymphoma). NAs therapy leads to suppression of HBV-DNA; therefore, it is capable of producing clinical response in the majority of patients with mild to moderate symptoms.

Conclusion

Antiviral therapy with NAs is the first choice for HBV suppression and control of mild to moderate disease. In severe vasculitis (glomerulonephritis, progressive peripheral neuropathy and leg ulcers), rituximab alone or with plasma-exchange is always indicated in combination with antiviral therapy.
Adolescent pregnancy: An important issue for paediatricians and primary care providers—A position paper from the European academy of paediatrics
Authors: Vieira Martins Miguel , Karara Nora , Dembiński Lukasz , Jacot-Guillarmod Martine , Mazur Artur , Hadjipanayis Adamos , Michaud Pierre-André
Published: February 2023

Adolescent pregnancy and childbearing, remain a widespread health-related problem with potential short and long-term consequences. Comprehensive social, economic, environmental, structural, and cultural factors heavily impact on adolescents' sexual and reproductive health and early pregnancy. Health professionals can play a pivotal role in the prevention of unplanned pregnancy. Improved access to family planning, sexuality education in schools, community-based interventions, and policies contribute greatly to reduce the risk of adolescent pregnancy and the adoption of respectful and responsible sexual behaviour. Additionally, health care professionals can support pregnant adolescents in making decisions under these circumstances and provide adequate health care. This review highlights actions that can guide healthcare professionals in empowering young adolescents to become more aware and capable of making informed decisions about their sexual life, health, and future.
Psychiatric and non-psychiatric polypharmacy among older adults with schizophrenia: Trends from a population-based study between 2000 and 2016
Authors: Lunghi Carlotta , Rochette Louis , Massamba Victoria , Tardif Isabelle , Ouali Amina , Sirois Caroline
Published: February 2023

Background: Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder associated with multiple psychiatric and non-psychiatric comorbidities. As adults with schizophrenia age, they may use many medications, i.e., have polypharmacy. While psychiatric polypharmacy is well documented, little is known about trends and patterns of global polypharmacy. This study aimed to draw a portrait of polypharmacy among older adults with schizophrenia from 2000 to 2016.

Methods: This population-based cohort study was conducted using the data of the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System of the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec to characterize recent trends and patterns of medication use according to age and sex. We identified all Quebec residents over 65 years with an ICD-9 or ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia between 2000 and 2016. We calculated the total number of medications used by every individual each year and the age-standardized proportion of individuals with polypharmacy, as defined by the usage of 5+, 10+, 15+, and 20+ different medications yearly. We identified the clinical and socio-demographic factors associated with polypharmacy using robust Poisson regression models considering the correlation of the responses between subjects and analyzed trends in the prevalence of different degrees of polypharmacy.

Results: From 2000 to 2016, the median number of medications consumed yearly rose from 8 in 2000 to 11 in 2016. The age-standardized proportion of people exposed to different degrees of polypharmacy also increased from 2000 to 2016: 5+ drugs: 76.6%–89.3%; 10+ drugs: 36.9%–62.2%; 15+: 13.3%–34.4%; 20+: 3.9%–14.4%. Non-antipsychotic drugs essentially drove the rise in polypharmacy since the number of antipsychotics remained stable (mean number of antipsychotics consumed: 1.51 in 2000 vs. 1.67 in 2016). In the multivariate regression, one of the main clinically significant factor associated with polypharmacy was the number of comorbidities (e.g., Polypharmacy-10+: RR[2 VS. 0–1] = 1.4; 99% IC:1.3–1.4, RR[3–4] = 1.7 (1.7–1.8); RR[5+] = 2.1 (2.1–2.2); Polypharmacy-15+: RR[2 VS 0–1] = 1.6; 99% IC:1.5–1.7, RR[3–4] = 2.5 (2.3–2.7); RR[5+] = 4.1 (3.8–4.5).

Conclusion: There was a noticeable increase in polypharmacy exposure among older adults with schizophrenia in recent years, mainly driven by non-antipsychotic medications. This raises concerns about the growing risks for adverse effects and drug-drug interactions in this vulnerable population.
Promotion of colorectal cancer cell death by ezetimibe via mTOR signaling-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan , Yang Wenjuan , Jia Yewei , Ji Jie , Wu Liwei , Feng Jiao , Li Yan , Cheng Ziqi , Zhang Jie , Li Jingjing , Dai Weiqi , Xu Xuanfu , Wu Jianye , Zhou Yingqun , Guo Chuanyong
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cancer worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality rates. In recent years, high-fat diet has been shown to increase CRC morbidity, highlighting the possibility of the application of hypolipidemic drugs for CRC treatment. In this study, we preliminarily evaluated the effects and mechnisms of ezetimibe against CRC through the blockage of lipid absorption in small intesine.

Methods: In this study, CRC cell proliferation, invasion, apoptosis, and autophagy were evaluated using cellular and molecular assays. Fluorescent microscopy, and a flow cytometric assay were used to assess mitochondrial activity in vitro. A subcutaneous xenograft mouse model was used to evaluate the effects of ezetimibe in vivo.

Results: We found that ezetimibe inhibited CRC cell proliferation, and migration, and facilitated autophage-associated apoptosis in HCT116 and Caco2 cells. Ezetimibe-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in CRC cells was found to be correlated with mTOR signaling activity.

Discussion: Ezetimibe exhibits effects against CRC through the promotion of cancer cell death via mTOR signaling-dependent mitochondrial dysfunction, highlighting its potential value in CRC therapy.
Optimum design of acoustic stealth shape of underwater vehicle model with conning tower
Authors: Tang Yuhang , Wang Xueren , Miao Xuhong , Gao Shengyao , Li Bing , Peng Zilong
Published: February 2023

We present an optimization algorithm for achieving optimal acoustic stealth performance during designing an underwater vehicle shape in the free field using COMSOL-MATLAB integrated software. A component superposition method based on phase interference is adopted to simplify and decompose a nonaxisymmetric complex underwater vehicle model into two main parts: the hull and the conning tower. The shape of underwater vehicle hull is described mathematically with a sequence of undetermined coefficients for optimization. The basic mathematical principle of the proposed method is Kirchhoff approximation, also called planar element method (PEM). Additionally, some examples and experimental results show that this method can realize the automatic optimization design of acoustic stealth shapes for underwater vehicle model in a given frequency band and acoustic incident angle range. The underwater vehicle design has a smooth appearance with low target strength (TS) or angle detection rate for most detection angles and frequency bands after optimized.
Effects of demand-feeding and dietary protein level on nitrogen metabolism and symbiont dinitrogen gas production of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, L.)
Authors: Mes Wouter , Kersten Philippe , Maas Roel M. , Eding Ep H. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Siepel Henk , Lücker Sebastian , Gorissen Marnix , Van Kessel Maartje A. H. J.
Published: February 2023

Ammonia accumulation is a major challenge in intensive aquaculture, where fish are fed protein-rich diets in large rations, resulting in increased ammonia production when amino acids are metabolized as energy source. Ammonia is primarily excreted via the gills, which have been found to harbor nitrogen-cycle bacteria that convert ammonia into dinitrogen gas (N2) and therefore present a potential in situ detoxifying mechanism. Here, we determined the impact of feeding strategies (demand-feeding and batch-feeding) with two dietary protein levels on growth, nitrogen excretion, and nitrogen metabolism in common carp (Cyprinus carpio, L.) in a 3-week feeding experiment. Demand-fed fish exhibited significantly higher growth rates, though with lower feed efficiency. When corrected for feed intake, nitrogen excretion was not impacted by feeding strategy or dietary protein, but demand-fed fish had significantly more nitrogen unaccounted for in the nitrogen balance and less retained nitrogen. N2 production of individual fish was measured in all experimental groups, and production rates were in the same order of magnitude as the amount of nitrogen unaccounted for, thus potentially explaining the missing nitrogen in the balance. N2 production by carp was also observed when groups of fish were kept in metabolic chambers. Demand feeding furthermore caused a significant increase in hepatic glutamate dehydrogenase activities, indicating elevated ammonia production. However, branchial ammonia transporter expression levels in these animals were stable or decreased. Together, our results suggest that feeding strategy impacts fish growth and nitrogen metabolism, and that conversion of ammonia to N2 by nitrogen cycle bacteria in the gills may explain the unaccounted nitrogen in the balance.
Study of the suitable climate factors and geographical origins traceability of Panax notoginseng based on correlation analysis and spectral images combined with machine learning
Authors: Liu Chunlu , Zuo Zhitian , Xu Furong , Wang Yuanzhong
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The cultivation and sale of medicinal plants are some of the main ways to meet the increased market demand for plant-based drugs. Panax notoginseng is a widely used Chinese medicinal material. The growth and accumulation of bioactive constituents mainly depend on a satisfactory growing environment. Additionally, the occurrence of market fraud means that care should be taken when purchasing.

Methods

In this study, we report the correlation between saponins and climate factors based on high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and evaluate the influence of climate factors on the quality of P. notoginseng. In addition, the synchronous two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2D-COS) images of near infrared (NIR) data combined with the deep learning model were applied to traceability of geographic origins of P. notoginseng at two different levels (district and town levels).

Results

The results indicated that the contents of saponins in P. notoginseng are negatively related to the annual mean temperature and the temperature annual range. A lower annual mean temperature and temperature annual range are favorable for the content accumulation of saponins. Additionally, high annual precipitation and high humidity are conducive to the content accumulation of Notoginsenoside R1 (NG-R1), Ginsenosides Rg1 (G-Rg1), and Ginsenosides Rb1 (G-Rb1), while Ginsenosides Rd (G-Rd), this is not the case. Regarding geographic origins, classifications at two different levels could be successfully distinguished through synchronous 2D-COS images combined with the residual convolutional neural network (ResNet) model. The model accuracy of the training set, test set, and external validation is achieved at 100%, and the cross-entropy loss function curves are lower. This demonstrated the potential feasibility of the proposed method for P. notoginseng geographic origin traceability, even if the distance between sampling points is small.

Discussion

The findings of this study could improve the quality of P. notoginseng, provide a reference for cultivating P. notoginseng in the future and alleviate the occurrence of market fraud.
Genetic mapping of a single nuclear locus determines the white flesh color in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.)
Authors: Yi Licong , Zhou Wei , Zhang Yi , Chen Zibiao , Wu Na , Wang Yunqiang , Dai Zhaoyi
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Flesh color is an important trait in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.). Several flesh color genes have been identified in watermelon; however, the inheritance of and the molecular basis underlying the white flesh trait remain largely unknown.

Methods

In this study, segregation populations were constructed by crossing the canary yellow flesh line HSH-F with the white flesh line Sanbai to fine-map the white flesh gene in watermelon.

Results

Genetic analysis indicated that the white flesh trait is controlled by a single recessive locus, termed Clwf2. Map-based cloning delimited the Clwf2 locus to a 132.3-kb region on chromosome 6. The candidate region contains 13 putative genes, and four of them—Cla97C06G121860, Cla97C06G121880, Cla97C06G121890, and Cla97C06G121900—were significantly downregulated in the white flesh compared to the canary yellow flesh watermelon fruits. The Cla97C06G121890 gene, which encodes a tetratricopeptide repeat protein, showed almost no expression in the white flesh fruit before maturity, whereas it had a very high expression in the canary yellow flesh fruit at 18 days after pollination. Transmission electron microscopy revealed rounded and regularly shaped chromoplasts in both the canary yellow and white flesh fruits. Further quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression levels of several key plastid division genes and almost the entire carotenoid biosynthesis pathway genes were downregulated in the white flesh compared to the canary yellow flesh fruits.

Discussion

This study suggests that the proliferation inhibition of chromoplasts and downregulation of the CBP genes block the accumulation of carotenoids in watermelon and lead to white flesh. These findings advance and extend the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying white flesh trait formation and carotenoid biosynthesis in watermelon.
Jasmonic acid negatively regulates branch growth in pear
Authors: Cheng Yuanyuan , Liang Chenglin , Qiu Zhiyun , Zhou Siqi , Liu Jianlong , Yang Yingjie , Wang Ran , Yin Jie , Ma Chunhui , Cui Zhenhua , Song Jiankun , Li Dingli
Published: February 2023

The quality of seedlings is an important factor for development of the pear industry. A strong seedling with few branches and suitable internodes is ideal material as a rootstock for grafting and breeding. Several branching mutants of pear rootstocks were identified previously. In the present study, ‘QAU-D03’ (Pyrus communis L.) and it’s mutants were used to explore the mechanism that affects branch formation by conducting phenotypic trait assessment, hormone content analysis, and transcriptome analysis. The mutant plant (MP) showed fewer branches, shorter 1-year-old shoots, and longer petiole length, compared to original plants (OP), i.e., wild type. Endogenous hormone analysis revealed that auxin, cytokinin, and jasmonic acid contents in the stem tips of MP were significantly higher than those of the original plants. In particular, the jasmonic acid content of the MP was 1.8 times higher than that of the original plants. Transcriptome analysis revealed that PcCOI1, which is a transcriptional regulatory gene downstream of the jasmonic acid signaling pathway, was expressed more highly in the MP than in the original plants, whereas the expression levels of PcJAZ and PcMYC were reduced in the MP compared with that of the original plants. In response to treatment with exogenous methyl jasmonate, the original plants phenotype was consistent with that of the MP in developing less branches. These results indicate that jasmonic acid negatively regulates branch growth of pear trees and that jasmonic acid downstream regulatory genes play a crucial role in regulating branching.
Systematic literature review of the use of Staff Attitudes to Coercion Scale (SACS)
Authors: Husum Tonje Lossius , Siqveland Johan , Ruud Torleif , Lickiewicz Jakub
Published: February 2023

Objective

Staff’s attitudes to the use of coercion may influence the number of coercive interventions employed and staff willingness to engage in professional development projects aimed at reducing the use of coercion itself. The Staff Attitude to Coercion Scale (SACS) was developed to assess the attitudes of mental healthcare staff to the use of coercion in 2008 and has been employed subsequently. This global study systematically reviews and summarizes the use of the scale in research.

Methods

Seven databases were searched for studies using SACS in articles published in peer reviewed journals and gray literature. In addition, researchers who have asked for permission to use the scale since its development in 2008 were contacted and asked for their possible results. Extracting of data from the papers were performed in pairs of the authors.

Results

Of the 82 identified publications, 26 papers with 5,838 respondents were selected for review. A review of the research questions used in the studies showed that the SACS questionnaire was mostly used in studies of interventions aimed at reducing coercion and further explain variation in the use of coercion.

Conclusion

SACS is, to our best of knowledge, the only questionnaire measuring staff’s attitudes to the use of coercive interventions in mental health services. Its widespread use indicates that the questionnaire is perceived as feasible and useful as well as demonstrating the need for such a tool. However, further research is needed as the relationship between staff attitudes to coercion and the actual use of coercion remains unclear and needs to be further investigated. Staff attitudes to coercion may be a prerequisite for leaders and staff in mental healthcare to engage in service development and quality improvement projects.
Mechanisms of action and processes of yoga-based group intervention for inpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders–A longitudinal qualitative study
Authors: Töbelmann Laura , Hahne Inge , Schulze Theresa , Bergmann Niklas , Fuchs Lukas , Zierhut Marco , Hahn Eric , Böge Kerem
Published: February 2023

Background

Research exploring the effects of yoga therapy (YT) on individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) is scarce. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore possible mechanisms of actions and processes, as well as adverse effects of a novel yoga-based group intervention (YoGI) for in-patients with SSD in a German university hospital setting.

Material and methods

A longitudinal qualitative study was integrated into a rater-blinded randomized controlled trial, exploring the impact of a 4-week YoGI as add-on treatment. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants receiving YoGI (n = 19) in addition to treatment as usual (TAU) and a control group (n = 14) which only received TAU. Interviews were conducted at baseline (n = 33) and 4 weeks post-intervention (N = 28) to assess the participant’s experiences and how they changed over time. The interviews (N = 61) were audio-taped, translated, coded, and analyzed by means of inductive thematic analysis. Separate case summaries were prepared for each participant to analyze longitudinal changes within subjects. The research team members collaboratively discussed the final list of themes and subcodes. Rater-based questionnaires, such as the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), and Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP) were administered at baseline to assess clinical outcomes.

Results

At baseline, participants reported a desire to improve their stress- and symptom management. A minority of participants expressed reservations toward yoga, and several psychosocial barriers were named, including worries about symptom exacerbation. At post-intervention, four mechanisms of change became evident from the interviews: (1) acquiring competence in relaxation, (2) increased interoceptive awareness, (3) feeling connected, and (4) a sense of spiritual wellbeing. A small number of participants reported difficulties with YoGI.

Conclusion

Generally, YoGI positively influenced participants’ experiences of their inpatient stay, regarding distress, self- and body awareness, social connectedness, and spiritual wellbeing. However, participants also illuminated necessary adjustments to improve the intervention. YoGI will therefore be adapted and further developed in an iterative process based on a participant involvement approach. The efficacy regarding outcomes and processes needs to be investigated in a future larger-scaled randomized controlled trial.
Dynamic analysis of NGO emergency relief goods supply: 2020 Hubei COVID-19 as a case
Authors: Lu Yi , Wang Yuhang
Published: February 2023

Intention

Global emergencies cause significant damage to lives, assets, and the economy. Therefore, the supply of relief goods is essential in emergency relief contexts, which is generally the function of non-government organizations (NGOs) as they have unique relief goods supply advantages. However, few studies have explored the influencing factors on NGO relief goods supply efficiency. To systematically explore the factors affecting supply efficiency, we aim to develop a supply chain model for simulating and providing policy suggestions.

Method

Taking the 2020 Hubei COVID-19 as case study, this research developed a system dynamic (SD) model for the NGO relief supply system to evaluate and quantify the impact of factor changes on relief supplies.

Conclusion

It was found that transportation and information delays aggravated the NGO emergency supply chain bullwhip effect and caused large supply fluctuations. The initial relief goods inventory was found to be a decisive factor in reducing shortages in disaster areas; however, government support was found to play only a limited role in reducing information and transportation delays.

Value

This study enriches NGO emergency supply chain literature and provides suggestions for guiding NGO relief goods supplies in the future.
Perceived social cohesion and depressive symptoms among internal migrants in China: The mediating role of social adaptation
Authors: Qu Xiaomin , Qi Xiang , Wu Bei , Yu Jiaojiao , Zhang Haidong
Published: February 2023

Background

Internal migrants are exposed to higher risks of depressive symptoms due to migration-related stress. It has been recognized that perceived neighborhood social cohesion has direct and indirect associations with depressive symptoms. However, the pathway from perceived social cohesion to internal migrants' depressive symptoms was less discussed.

Objectives

To assess mental health disparities among internal migrants. To investigate the association between social cohesion and depressive symptoms among urban-to-urban and rural-to-urban migrants and to examine the mediating role of social adaptation.

Methods

Data from the “2017 Urbanization and New Migrant Survey” was used, including 2,584 internal migrants age 18–65 from 10 cities in China. Social cohesion was measured by a six-item modified Community-level Cohesion Scale. Depressive symptoms was measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and social adaptation was assessed by a single-item question of migrants' adaptation to local life. Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the association between social cohesion and depressive symptoms. Baron and Kenny's mediation tests were conducted to examine the mediating role of social adaptation on the association. All analyses were adjusted using sampling weights to account for this survey's sampling design.

Results

Rural-to-urban migrants were found to have more clinically significant depressive symptoms, lower perceived social cohesion, and fair or low social adaptation than urban-to-urban migrants (all p < 0.001). Being rural-to-urban migrants as compared with urban-to-urban migrants [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.46, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.456, 1.461, p < 0.001], had lower perceived social cohesion (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.458, 1.463, p < 0.001), and poorer social adaptation (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.932, 1.941, p < 0.001), are associated with higher odds of having clinically significant depressive symptoms. Social adaptation partially mediated the association between social cohesion and depressive symptoms by explaining 15.39% of its effect for urban-to-urban migrants and 18.97% for rural-to-urban migrants.

Conclusions

Findings from this study reveal mental health inequalities among internal migrants and demonstrate the importance of social adaption on the association between social cohesion and depressive symptoms. Social strategies and public policies are needed to build a more cohesive community that serves both local residents and internal migrants, especially rural-to-urban migrants.
Modeling COVID-19 infection dynamics and mitigation strategies for in-person K-6 instruction
Authors: Morrison Douglas E. , Nianogo Roch , Manuel Vladimir , Arah Onyebuchi A. , Anderson Nathaniel , Kuo Tony , Inkelas Moira
Published: February 2023

Background

U.S. school closures due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to extended periods of remote learning and social and economic impact on families. Uncertainty about virus dynamics made it difficult for school districts to develop mitigation plans that all stakeholders consider to be safe.

Methods

We developed an agent-based model of infection dynamics and preventive mitigation designed as a conceptual tool to give school districts basic insights into their options, and to provide optimal flexibility and computational ease as COVID-19 science rapidly evolved early in the pandemic. Elements included distancing, health behaviors, surveillance and symptomatic testing, daily symptom and exposure screening, quarantine policies, and vaccination. Model elements were designed to be updated as the pandemic and scientific knowledge evolve. An online interface enables school districts and their implementation partners to explore the effects of interventions on outcomes of interest to states and localities, under a variety of plausible epidemiological and policy assumptions.

Results

The model shows infection dynamics that school districts should consider. For example, under default assumptions, secondary infection rates and school attendance are substantially affected by surveillance testing protocols, vaccination rates, class sizes, and effectiveness of safety education.

Conclusions

Our model helps policymakers consider how mitigation options and the dynamics of school infection risks affect outcomes of interest. The model was designed in a period of considerable uncertainty and rapidly evolving science. It had practical use early in the pandemic to surface dynamics for school districts and to enable manipulation of parameters as well as rapid update in response to changes in epidemiological conditions and scientific information about COVID-19 transmission dynamics, testing and vaccination resources, and reliability of mitigation strategies.
A PESTEL and SWOT impact analysis on renewable energy development in Togo
Authors: Kansongue Nanimpo , Njuguna James , Vertigans Stephen
Published: February 2023

Similar to most developing countries, Togo continues to rely on the use of traditional forms of biomass energy which causes tremendous socio-economic, environmental, and health hazards. In addition, the imbalanced distribution and use of electricity, petroleum, and liquid gas reflect the disproportion in income and quality of life. This paper plans to highlight the development that renewable energy had in the past decade and the challenges facing the Togolese government, using a framework approach that will best address them. Framework approaches such as PESTEL and SWOT analyses are utilized to access both the internal and external factors in relation to renewable energy development and its impact on Togo. This will provide a better understanding of the sustainability issues facing Togo and provide solutions on the best methods that will lead to greater impact and development. The result shows that renewable energy development in Togo has improved in the past decade and had some impact on socio-economic development. However, better development will be achieved if approaches are introduced to provide a long-term solution to the high capital costs of the technologies, institutional sustainability is incorporated, the number of trained personnel/technical expertise is increased and the Government engagement with funding bodies to secure funds that will favor off-grid and poorest communities is increased. There is also a need to include local participation in the design and operation of projects and introduce a cross-subsidization tariff scheme that covers the operation and maintenance costs of off-grid solar PV users that will favor poor households. Finally, liberalization of the energy sector is needed as well as the government's support to help private investment in rural electrification via Build-Own-Operate arrangements.