bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Post-transcriptional regulation of 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) biosynthesis pathway, silicon, and heavy metal transporters in response to Zn in fragrant rice
Authors: Imran Muhammad , Shafiq Sarfraz , Ilahi Sara , Ghahramani Alireza , Bao Gegen , Dessoky Eldessoky S. , Widemann Emilie , Pan Shenggang , Mo Zhaowen , Tang Xiangru
Published: August 2022

Fragrant rice (Oryza sativa L.) has a high economic and nutritional value, and the application of micronutrients regulates 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) production, which is responsible for aroma in fragrant rice. Alternative splicing (AS) is an important post-transcriptional regulatory mechanism to generate transcript variability and proteome diversity in plants. However, no systematic investigation of AS events in response to micronutrients (Zn) has been performed in fragrant rice. Furthermore, the post-transcriptional regulation of genes involved in 2-AP biosynthesis is also not known. In this study, a comprehensive analysis of AS events under two gradients of Zn treatment in two different fragrant rice cultivars (Meixiangzhan-2 and Xiangyaxiangzhan) was performed based on RNA-seq analysis. A total of 386 and 598 significant AS events were found in Meixiangzhan-2 treated with low and high doses of Zn, respectively. In Xiangyaxiangzhan, a total of 449 and 598 significant AS events were found in low and high doses of Zn, respectively. Go analysis indicated that these genes were highly enriched in physiological processes, metabolism, and cellular processes in both cultivars. However, genotype and dose-dependent AS events were also detected in both cultivars. By comparing differential AS (DAS) events with differentially expressed genes (DEGs), we found a weak overlap among DAS and DEGs in both fragrant rice cultivars indicating that only a few genes are post-transcriptionally regulated in response to Zn treatment. We further report that Zn differentially regulates the expression of 2-AP biosynthesis-related genes in both cultivars and Zn treatment altered the editing frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) in the genes involved in 2-AP biosynthesis. Finally, we showed that epigenetic modifications associated with active gene transcription are generally enriched over 2-AP biosynthesis-related genes. Similar to the 2-AP pathway, we found that heavy metal transporters (genes related to silicon, iron, Zn and other metal transport) are also regulated at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels in response to Zn in fragrant rice. Taken together, our results provide evidence of the post-transcriptional gene regulation in fragrant rice in response to Zn treatment and highlight that the 2-AP biosynthesis pathway and heavy metal transporters may also be regulated through epigenetic modifications. These findings will serve as a cornerstone for further investigation to understand the molecular mechanisms of 2-AP biosynthesis and regulation of heavy metal transporters in fragrant rice.
Morpho-histology, endogenous hormone dynamics, and transcriptome profiling in Dacrydium pectinatum during female cone development
Authors: Wang Enbo , Lu Wenju , Liang Haiying , Zhang Xumeng , Huo Shaojie , Song Xiqiang , Wang Jian , Zhao Ying
Published: August 2022

Dacrydium pectinatum de Laubenfels is a perennial dioeciously gymnosperm species dominant in tropical montane rain forests. Due to deforestation, natural disasters, long infancy, and poor natural regeneration ability, the population of this species has been significantly reduced and listed as an endangered protected plant. To better understand the female cone development in D. pectinatum, we examined the morphological and anatomical changes, analyzed the endogenous hormone dynamics, and profiled gene expression. The female reproductive structures were first observed in January. The morpho-histological observations suggest that the development of the D. pectinatum megaspore can be largely divided into six stages: early flower bud differentiation, bract primordium differentiation, ovule primordium differentiation, dormancy, ovule maturity, and seed maturity. The levels of gibberellins (GA), auxin (IAA), abscisic acid (ABA), and cytokinin (CTK) fluctuate during the process of female cone development. The female cones of D. pectinatum need to maintain a low level of GA3-IAA-ABA steady state to promote seed germination. The first transcriptome database for female D. pectinatum was generated, revealing 310,621 unigenes. Differential expression analyses revealed several floral (MADS2, AGL62, and LFY) and hormone biosynthesis and signal transduction (CKX, KO, KAO, ABA4, ACO, etc.) genes that could be critical for female cone development. Our study provides new insights into the cone development in D. pectinatum and the foundation for female cone induction with hormones.
The relationship between negative peer relationship and non-suicidal self-injury in Chinese adolescents: A moderated-mediation model
Authors: Xu Jia-bin , Jiang Na , Qin Qin , Jiang Qin
Published: August 2022

Objective

The objective of the study was to investigate the mediating effect of regulatory emotional self-efficacy (RESE) between negative peer relationship and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), as well as the moderating effect of gender difference.

Methods

A study of 578 Chinese adolescents (46.9% males, mean age = 16.32 years, SD =0.54) was conducted using the Child and Adolescent Peer Relationship Inventory, Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Adolescent Self-Injury Questionnaire.

Results

Negative peer relationship was positively correlated with NSSI, and RESE was negatively correlated with negative peer relationship and NSSI. RESE mediated the association between negative peer relationship and NSSI. The first stage(predicting the effect of negative peer relationship on RESE) and the second stage (predicting the effect of RESE on NSSI) of the mediation effect of RESE were both moderated by gender. Specifically, compared with boys, the effect of negative peer relationship on RESE was stronger for girls, and the effect of RESE on NSSI was stronger for girls than boys.

Conclusion

Negative peer relationships may influence NSSI of adolescents through the mediating effect of RESE and the moderating role of gender.
Influence of personality traits on online self-disclosure: Considering perceived value and degree of authenticity separately as mediator and moderator
Authors: Lv Yuxiang , Fang Gege , Zhang Xiaoxue , Wang Yafei , Wang Yihuan
Published: August 2022

The Chinese have been spending significantly more time on the Internet during post-pandemic time. When people are confined indoors, there is a greater need to construct an identity and socialize online. Personality traits and perceived value of the media are important factors that affect users' online self-disclosure. This study involved the construction of a mediation model and a moderator model to evaluate the influence of personality traits on self-disclosure on social media. Perceived value was regarded as the mediator while the degree of authenticity was regarded as the moderator. Using a quota sampling method, 1,075 Chinese netizens were surveyed in July and August 2021. The results showed that: (1) The depth of self-disclosure of subjects with extroverted personality was significantly higher than that of those with introverted personality, that is, personality traits affect the depth of self-disclosure; (2) perceived value plays a mediating role in online self-disclosure; (3) The degree of authenticity is a significant moderator in the relationship between personality and self-disclosure. In all, the results from this study contribute to our understanding of how personality traits affect perceived value of media and self-disclosure. This study tested the credibility and validity of the proposed model in the context of the recent COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in China, and the study is a novel approach in that area of research.
Why teaching innovation matters: Evidence from a pre- versus peri-COVID-19 pandemic comparison of student evaluation data
Authors: Lin Pei-Hsin , Huang Lee-Rong , Lin Sheng-Hsiang
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has robustly affected global education environments, so higher education institutions need to emphasize innovation and creativity in educational methods for teachers to improve their teaching performance as well as enhance the engagement and motivation of students in this changing environment. Accordingly, it is essential to discuss the role of teaching innovation in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. The aim of this study is to empirically validate the importance of teaching innovation in student evaluation of teaching before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected from the medical college of a comprehensive university in Taiwan and were subjected to t-tests and multiple linear regression analysis. Findings from a quantitative study with 44 teachers revealed that teaching innovation was positively correlated to student evaluation of teaching. We also found that teachers who implemented teaching innovation strategies performed better than those teachers who used conventional teaching strategies on student evaluation of teaching. In particular, teaching innovative teachers had improvement in student evaluation of teaching during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, but not non-teaching innovative teachers. The evidence from this study suggests that teaching innovation can not only enhance teachers’ teaching development and performance but also boost students’ motivation for learning, especially in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings have important implications for future research on teaching innovation and for higher education institutions and faculty wishing to provide high-quality learning environments to their students.
The association between social capital indicators and psychological distress in Catalan adolescents
Authors: Carrillo-Alvarez Elena , Andrés Ana , Riera-Romaní Jordi , Novak Dario , Rodriguez-Monforte Míriam , Costa-Tutusaus Lluís , Guerra-Balic Myriam
Published: August 2022

According to the WHO, globally, one in seven adolescents experiences a mental disorder, being in a detrimental situation toward educational achievement, social cohesion, future health and life chances. Calls to identify risk and resilience factors to develop effective preventive actions have been made. Following a systemic approach, we conducted a cross-sectional study on the relationship between social capital and psychological distress in a sample of Catalan adolescents in Barcelona, taking into account a range of other relevant aspects at different levels influencing mental health, including gender, age, migrant status, family background, lifestyle factors, body mass index, and self-rated health. Data were collected through validated questionnaires in December 2016 from 646 of 14- to 18-year-old adolescents from three public and private high schools in Barcelona (Spain). Data analysis included descriptive analysis, a correlational study and logistic regression to obtain the odds ratio for social capital indicators to be associated with psychological distress. Our results suggest that reporting higher levels of family support and higher levels of teacher-student trust reduce the likelihood of suffering psychological distress. Higher levels of neighborhood informal control were associated with mental health, but a possible detrimental effect cannot be ruled out. Being a girl, reporting low self-rated health or higher media use was also associated with higher likelihood of psychological distress. Current results may encourage interventions that focus on social capital as a means to reduce psychological distress and foster well-being in youth.
Development of a pronunciation teaching perception scale (PTPS) for preservice English language teachers
Authors: Ercan Halil , Gilanlioglu Ilkay
Published: August 2022

The aim of this present research was to develop a valid and reliable scale to determine preservice teachers' perceptions regarding pronunciation teaching. The research sample consisted of 174 preservice teachers in their fourth year studying in English Language Teaching (ELT) departments in eight different universities in North Cyprus in 2021–2022 the academic year. The data collected within the scope of this study were analyzed through SPSS (ver.24) and SPSS Amos software (ver.24) programs to create a valid and reliable measurement tool for the ELT field. The conducted Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed that the scale consisted of 5 factors and 19 items. Moreover, the Confirmatory Factor Analysis results confirmed the five-factor structure. All the dimensions and the overall scale proved to be highly reliable and fit to be applied in the identification of ELT preservice teachers' pronunciation teaching perceptions. Finally, it is hoped that this new scale will help researchers to investigate pronunciation teaching perceptions in various contexts more reliably.
The relationship amid land finance and economic growth with the mediating role of housing prices in China
Authors: Sun Qian , Feng Yan , Tang Yong , Kuang Wen , Javeed Sohail Ahmad
Published: August 2022

Taking cities at prefecture-level and above in China as the research object, we theoretically analyze the effects of land finance on housing prices and economic growth as well as the effects of housing prices on economic growth, consider the mediating role of housing prices, and construct a random-effects model of land finance affecting economic growth. It is of great significance to make rational use of land finance to promote the economic development and formulate the “city specific policies” plan for the real estate market. The 278 resource-based cities with relatively well-developed land and real estate markets in China are selected to test the mediating effect of housing prices on land finance affecting economic growth in resource-based cities by type based on panel data from 2011–2019. The results show that (1) land finance significantly and positively affects economic growth and housing prices in cities at the prefecture-level and above nationwide, but there is some variability in the degree of influence. The central region has the smallest impact on economic growth but the largest impact on housing prices; the eastern region has the deepest impact on economic growth; and the western region has the smallest impact on housing prices. (2) In the national sample cities and cities in the northeast region, housing prices have a significant partial mediating effect at the 1% level on economic growth affected by land finance, accounting for 22.03 and 2.84%, respectively. The mediating effect of urban housing prices on land finance affects economic growth in the eastern, central, and western regions is not significant.
Cooperative Extension professionals' knowledge and attitudes toward the opioid epidemic: Implications for capacity development and outreach
Authors: Washburn Lisa T. , Franck Karen L. , Upendram Sreedhar , Yenerall Jackie N.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Worsening of the opioid epidemic amplifies calls for involvement of the nationwide Cooperative Extension System (Extension) in addressing this crisis. Understanding knowledge and attitudes among Extension professionals who directly interact with communities is critical given identified needs for increased capacity and substantial federal investments supporting Extension's opioid response. This study explored opioid knowledge and attitudes among Extension professionals in one state to identify attitudes and perceptions that may influence community-level efforts.

Methods

An online survey including 25 Likert scale questions about attitudes and beliefs related to substance use was administered to Extension professionals. Questions were categorized into five concept areas: treatment and community support, legal and punitive approaches, substance use as an illness, external causes of substance use, and personal causes of substance use. Descriptive statistics and response frequencies for all variables were calculated. One-way ANOVAs were used to calculate geographic differences between the state's three Extension regions.

Results

Survey responses (n = 236) indicated respondents recognized the complexity of the opioid crisis and had favorable attitudes toward treatment and community support approaches. Support for legal and punitive approaches was mixed, as were attitudes toward external and personal causes of substance use. Most indicated needing better resources and more knowledge to engage in work locally.

Conclusion

Increased capacity is needed in Extension to adequately support families and communities dealing with substance use disorder. Findings suggest areas of focus and provide insight for others seeking to develop capacity in opioid response by engaging Extension professionals or other community outreach workers in substance use prevention efforts.
Case report: Chronological symptom profile after cessation of overdose zolpidem in a patient with comorbid bipolar disorder—from anxiety, craving, paresthesia and influenza-like symptoms to seizures and hallucinations
Authors: Mao Zi-xin , Yang Xia , Wang Hui-yao , Guo Wan-jun
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Insomnia is a major public health problem that determines the quality of life. Among the many causes of insomnia, psychological factors have an important influence on the process, duration of insomnia, help-seeking behavior, and treatment choice. Regarding medical treatment, zolpidem is always chosen to treat acute and transient insomnia due to its few side effects. Although some randomized controlled trials have verified its safety, zolpidem abuse and withdrawal reactions have been reported in recent years.

Case report

A 25-year-old unmarried man with a college degree who worked as a graphic designer was referred and admitted to the inpatient ward for a chief complaint of “alternative episodes of lowering and elevation of mood for 10 years, overdosage use of zolpidem for two years.” He underwent a time-dependent withdrawal reaction after admission. It was characterized by rebound insomnia, anxiety, craving, skin paresthesia, influenza-like symptoms, tonic-clonic-type seizures, and hallucinations. At the 1-year follow-up, he did not exhibit any remaining withdrawal symptoms.

Discussion

The acute cessation of overdosage zolpidem use causes a series of withdrawal symptoms that manifest in chronological order. Additionally, long-term benzodiazepine exposure has potential influences on zolpidem dependence/tolerance. However, patients with a history of abuse or dependence, or mental disorders seem to be at risk of drug abuse. Clinicians should be alert to the potential for zolpidem dependence and addiction. Once the acute cessation of overdosage zolpidem use occurs, the potential of the withdrawal reaction needs to be considered and addressed properly.
Does health literacy promote COVID-19 awareness? Evidence from Zhejiang, China
Authors: Chen Chun , Xu Tingke , Chen Youli , Xu Yue , Ge Lizheng , Yao Dingming , Zhang Xuehai
Published: August 2022

Background

Health literacy (HL) is considered a crucial determinant of disease prevention and control. However, the role of HL in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has not been studied using provincial representative data among Chinese residents. This study aimed to assess the association between HL and COVID-19 awareness among Zhejiang residents based on the 2020 China Health Literacy Survey (CHLS).

Methods

The study was conducted among 5,596 residents aged 15–69 in Zhejiang using multistage, stratified, and probability proportional to size sampling. COVID-19 awareness and HL were assessed using the “Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire (2020)” in Zhejiang. The covariates were divided into predisposing factors, enabling factors, and need factors according to Anderson's model. Data were analyzed by the chi-square test and logistic regression.

Results

The study showed that HL and COVID-19 awareness levels of residents were 24.84% and 8.06%, respectively, in Zhejiang in 2020. After adjusting for covariates, residents with adequate HL were more likely to have better COVID-19 awareness (odds ratio [OR] = 5.22, 95% CI = 4.13–6.59, p < 0.001). Three dimensions of HL (knowledge and attitudes, behavior and lifestyle, and health-related skills) were associated with COVID-19 awareness. Additionally, COVID-19 awareness was associated with age, occupation, family size, annual household income, and chronic conditions.

Conclusion

COVID-19 awareness is significantly associated with HL, suggesting that promoting HL is an important component of health education, disease prevention, and health promotion in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and even possible public health emergencies in the future.
Association of family wellbeing with forwarding and verifying COVID-19-related information, and mediation of family communication quality
Authors: Wong Bonny Yee-Man , Ho Sai Yin , Sit Shirley Man Man , Gong Wei Jie , Lai Agnes Yuen Kwan , Wang Man Ping , Lam Tai Hing
Published: August 2022

Objective

We assessed the associations of family wellbeing with verifying and subsequently forwarding COVID-19-related information to family members and the mediating effect of the quality of family communication on these associations among Chinese adults in Hong Kong.

Methods

Under the Jockey Club SMART Family-Link Project, we conducted an online population-based survey, using Family wellbeing Scale and questions related to the family communication quality and forwarding and verifying COVID-19 information. Data were collected from 4,891 adults in May 2020. Prevalence estimates of forwarding and verifying COVID-19 information were weighted by sex, age, and education of the general population, and their associations with family wellbeing (ranged 0–10) were analyzed using generalized linear models with mutual adjustment. Their interactive effects on family wellbeing and the mediating effects of family communication quality were examined.

Results

In total, 53.9% of respondents usually/always forwarded COVID-19 information related to their family, 68.7% usually/always verified it before forwarding, and 40.9% did both. Greater family wellbeing was associated with usually/always forwarding [adjusted β (95% CI): 0.82 (0.72–0.92)] and usually/always verifying [0.43 (0.32–0.55)] (both P < 0.001) the information. Forwarding and verifying such information showed an additive effect on family wellbeing [1.25 (1.11–1.40)]. Family communication quality mediated the associations of family wellbeing with forwarding (83.7%) and verifying (86.6%) COVID-19-related information.

Conclusion

Forwarding COVID-19 information to family, verifying such information, and especially doing both, were associated with greater family wellbeing, being strongly mediated by the quality of family communication. Individuals should be encouraged to verify COVID-19-related information before forwarding it to family members amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
The adaption of the Chinese version of the COVID Stress Scales as a screening instrument of stress: Psychometric properties during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Xia Lu , Lian Qiaoping , Yang Haibo , Wu Daxing
Published: August 2022

The COVID Stress Scales (CSS) was used to access related distress concerning Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Based on China's epidemic prevention and control policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, the adaption of the Chinese version of the CSS was developed. Our study evaluated the reliability and validity of the Chinese adapted version of the CSS during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online survey was employed to construct a national sample of 2,116 participants in Chinese mainland. We examined the factor structure, internal consistency, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and concurrent validity. The results demonstrated that the six-factor solution for the Chinese adaptation of the CSS proved a good fit with the data after comparing the factor structure with the five-factor model. The six-factor model had good reliability and supported good convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity of the CSS Chinese adaption. Overall, our findings supported the Chinese adapted version of the CSS as a psychometrically sound measure of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.
Odor recognition of deteriorated mineral oils using an odor-sensing array
Authors: Liu Yuanchang , Akagawa Sosuke , Yatabe Rui , Onodera Takeshi , Fujiwara Nobuyuki , Takeda Hidekazu , Toko Kiyoshi
Published: August 2022

The deterioration or oxidation of the mineral oil in transformers poses the risk of short circuits. Convenient and effective methods are expected to be developed. Carbon-based sensor arrays were used in this study to identify the quality variations of mineral oil for oil-filled transformers by odors. The sensitive layers of the odor-sensing system consisted of different types of GC stationary phase materials and carbon black (CB) mixtures. We made a targeted selection of GC materials by utilizing the polarities to make a sensor array based on the distinct components of mineral oil such as alkanes and xylenes by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. The response characteristics of the sensitive layers were used to recognize the mineral oil odors by machine learning. With laboratory air as the carrier gas, the system could distinguish mineral oil that has been in use for over 20 years from new mineral oil with an accuracy of about 93.8%. The identification accuracy achieved was about 60% for three different concentrations of unused mineral oil and the oxidized mineral oil created by the transformer’s leakage. When detecting the oxidized mineral oil with a concentration of more than 50%, the accuracy rate reached more than 80%. The odor-sensing system in this study will help inspect mineral oils in the transformer and make leakage judgments in a short time.
Reliability of point-of-care shoulder ultrasound measurements for subacromial impingement in asymptomatic participants
Authors: Yuan Xiaoning , Lowder Ryan , Aviles-Wetherell Kathelynn , Skroce Christian , Yao Katherine V. , Soo Hoo Jennifer
Published: August 2022

Background

Rehabilitation is the key to management of patients with subacromial impingement syndrome to prevent disability and loss of function. While point-of-care musculoskeletal ultrasound aids clinical diagnosis of subacromial impingement syndrome, many patients do not demonstrate the classic findings of dynamic supraspinatus tendon impingement beneath the acromion on ultrasound. The objective of this study was to establish the most reliable shoulder ultrasound measurements for subacromial impingement, by evaluating the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of measurements in asymptomatic participants.

Methods

Eighteen participants (9 women, 9 men, mean ± standard deviation: 34.6 ± 7.9 years of age) underwent bilateral shoulder ultrasound evaluations with measurements for subacromial impingement (acromiohumeral distance, acromion-greater tuberosity distance, supraspinatus tendon, subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, and subacromial-subdeltoid bursal fluid thickness) performed by two sports medicine physicians. Intra-class coefficients were calculated to determine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of shoulder ultrasound images and measurements.

Results

Intra-rater reliability for acromiohumeral distance (0.76–0.79), supraspinatus tendon (0.91–0.95), subacromial-subdeltoid bursa (0.76–0.84), and subacromial-subdeltoid bursal fluid thickness (0.75–0.81) was found to be good to excellent, whereas inter-rater reliability ranged from poor to moderate.

Conclusions

Acromiohumeral distance in neutral position and short axis ultrasound measurements of supraspinatus tendon, subacromial-subdeltoid bursa, and subacromial-subdeltoid bursal fluid thickness in the modified Crass position were the most reliable for subacromial impingement in asymptomatic participants. We recommend validation of these measurements in a symptomatic population to aid diagnosis and direct rehabilitation of patients with suspected subacromial impingement, and to increase point-of-care ultrasound uptake, availability, and training among rehabilitation professionals across health systems.
Improved depression screening and treatment among low-income pregnant and postpartum women following Medicaid expansion in the U.S
Authors: Yoon Jangho , Harvey S. Marie , Luck Jeff
Published: August 2022

Objective

This study examined the effect of Medicaid expansion in Oregon under the Affordable Care Act on depression screening and treatment among pregnant and postpartum women who gave Medicaid-financed births.

Methods

Oregon birth certificates were linked to Medicaid enrollment and claims records for 2011–2016. The sample included a policy group of 1,368 women (n = 2,831) who gave births covered by pregnancy-only Medicaid in the pre-expansion period (before 2014) and full-scope Medicaid in the post-expansion period, and the comparison group of 2,229 women (n = 4,580) who gave births covered by full-scope Medicaid in both pre- and post-expansion periods. Outcomes included indicators for depression screening, psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and combined psychotherapy-pharmacotherapy, separately for the first, second, and third trimesters, and 2 and 6 months postpartum. This study utilized a difference-in-differences approach that compared pre-post change in an outcome for the policy group to a counterfactual pre-post change from the comparison group.

Results

Medicaid expansion led to a 3.64%-point increase in the rate of depression screening 6 months postpartum, 3.28%-point increase in the rate of psychotherapy 6 months postpartum, and 2.3 and 1%-point increases in the rates of pharmacotherapy and combined treatment in the first trimester, respectively. The relationships were driven by disproportionate gains among non-Hispanic whites and urban residents.

Conclusions

Expanding Medicaid eligibility may improve depression screening and treatment among low-income women early in pregnancy and/or beyond the usual two-month postpartum period. However, it does not necessarily reduce racial/ethnic and regional gaps in depression screening and treatment.
Transition life cycle assessment: A new method to face ecological transition
Authors: Ventura Anne
Published: August 2022

Transition can be defined as deep-structural changes in interrelated economic sectors. Climate change issue calls for a transition in which all actors can be involved and where the aim is the global interest rather than individual ones. LCA should be used to assess the environmental impacts of transition solutions, however, existing LCAs are not adapted mainly because they are conducted at product-level and rely upon economic assumptions that are unsuitable for a transition context. First typologies of LCAs are redefined, based on general system theory, according to the object under study and their model structures. A new type of LCA, called transition LCA is conceptually described. It aims at studying transition scenarios in a geographical context, and that can be relied to various technological paths. Differences with existing LCAs is that several functional units with varying amounts can be included, and that its results concern the changes of the system itself rather than the individual impacts of products. Transition LCA is also related to a specific geographical context in order to account for existing limits of resources and especially constraint resources such as waste, and to account for the match of flows between production and demand which determines the size of the geographical area. This type of modeling can be reached by coupling LCA with MFA at the suitable geographical scale. Transition LCA also requires specific interpretation steps dedicated to the identification of preferable scenarios and action levers hold by each involved actor. This interpretation requires integrating actors' identification and their decision models as mechanisms inside the system model. It also requires additional methods to systematically generate all actions possibilities and to conduct suitable sensitivity analysis. This method has presently been applied by parts but not as a whole and not as a single numerical tool. These parts are currently being developed in a single computing Python language, in order to become compatible with Brightway 2.
Predicting high-frequency nutrient dynamics in the Danube River with surrogate models using sensors and Random Forest
Authors: Tran Yen Binh , Arias-Rodriguez Leonardo F. , Huang Jingshui
Published: August 2022

Nutrient dynamics play an essential role in aquatic ecosystems. Despite advances in sensor technology, nutrient concentrations are difficult and expensive to monitor in-situ and in real-time. Emerging data-driven methods may provide surrogate measures for nutrient concentrations. In this work, we use 4-years of water quality data with high-frequency (15-min) intervals acquired at 2 automatic stations in the German Danube River to train data-driven algorithms and build surrogate measures for nitrate (NO3--N), ammonium (NH4+-N), and orthophosphate (PO43--P). Pre-processing of the data included removing outliers and filling missing values by linear interpolation. Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and Random Forest (RF) are trained, cross-validated, and tested using dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature (Temp), conductivity (EC), pH, discharge rate (Q), and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) as input futures. Additionally, we used time-series data to develop cyclical features to test improvements in the underlying relationship between data. This work presents a thorough description of the modeling workflow, including intermediate steps for feature engineering, feature selection, and hyperparameter optimization. In total, 12 surrogate models (2 algorithms * 3 constituents * 2 stations) are compared with R2 and RMSE as error metrics. The results show that RF outperforms MLR when adding at least three predictors for all the surrogate models. The MLR models give R2-values for NO3--N 0.67 and 0.89, NH4+-N 0.39 and 0.40, PO43--P 0.34 and 0.54 of Pfelling station and Jochenstein station, respectively. RF models produce accurate predictions and low error performances for all the targets NO3--N (R2 = 0.99 and 0.99), NH4+-N (R2 = 0.98 and 0.99), PO43--P (R2 = 0.96 and 0.96). The percentage improvement of RMSE for RF compared to MLR in prediction nutrients ranges from 73 to 92%. This work demonstrates the usefulness of surrogate models using the RF algorithm when reproducing nutrient dynamics and serving as soft sensors for monitoring nutrient concentrations.
Intestinal obstruction due to idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis colitis: A case report
Authors: Shan Jiaqi , Chen Fangci , Yu Panpan
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Idiopathic mesenteric phlebosclerosis colitis (IMP) is a rare condition that impairs colonic venous blood return owing to mesenteric venous sclerosis and fibrosis. At present, many studies have suggested that long-term intake of Chinese herbal medicines is associated with its pathogenesis. IMP has no characteristic clinical manifestations, and most patients with IMP present with acute intestinal obstruction. As a rare disease, the etiology, pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and treatment of IMP are being explored and studied.

Case Description

A 60-year-old Chinese male patient with IMP was admitted to our hospital for acute intestinal obstruction, received subtotal colectomy and ileostomy after 10 days of ineffective conservative treatment, and was discharged after postoperative supportive treatment for 1 month.

Conclusion

There are many causes of intestinal obstruction, and we report a relatively rare one. After failure of conservative treatment, it is necessary to surgically resect part of the diseased bowel.
Robotic multiquadrant colorectal procedures: A single-center experience and a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Bianchi Giorgio , Gavriilidis Paschalis , Martínez-Pérez Aleix , de’Angelis Gian Luigi , Uzzan Mathieu , Sobhani Iradj , Coccolini Federico , Schena Carlo Alberto , Carra Maria Clotilde , Spinoglio Giuseppe , de’Angelis Nicola
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Robotic surgery has been progressively implemented for colorectal procedures but is still limited for multiquadrant abdominal resections. The present study aims to describe our experience in robotic multiquadrant colorectal surgeries and provide a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature investigating the outcomes of robotic total proctocolectomy (TPC), total colectomy (TC), subtotal colectomy (STC), or completion proctectomy (CP) compared to laparoscopy.

Methods

At our institution 16 consecutive patients underwent a 2- or 3-stage totally robotic total proctocolectomy (TPC) with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. A systematic review of the literature was performed to select studies on robotic and laparoscopic multiquadrant colorectal procedures. Meta-analyses were used to compare the two approaches.

Results

In our case series, 14/16 patients underwent a 2-stage robotic TPC for ulcerative colitis with a mean operative time of 271.42 (SD:37.95) minutes. No conversion occurred. Two patients developed postoperative complications. The mean hospital stay was 8.28 (SD:1.47) days with no readmissions. Mortality was nil. All patients underwent loop-ileostomy closure, and functional outcomes were satisfactory. The literature appraisal was based on 23 retrospective studies, including 736 robotic and 9,904 laparoscopic multiquadrant surgeries. In the robotic group, 36 patients underwent STC, 371 TC, 166 TPC, and 163 CP. Pooled data analysis showed that robotic TC and STC had a lower conversion rate (OR = 0.17;95% CI, 0.04–0.82; p = 0.03) than laparoscopic TC and STC. The robotic approach was associated with longer operative time for TC and STC (MD = 104.64;95% CI, 18.42–190.87; p = 0.02) and TPC and CP (MD = 38.8;95% CI, 18.7–59.06; p = 0.0002), with no differences for postoperative complications and hospital stay. Reports on urological outcomes, sexual dysfunction, and quality of life were missing.

Conclusions

Our experience and the literature suggest that robotic multiquadrant colorectal surgery is safe and effective, with low morbidity and mortality rates. Nevertheless, the overall level of evidence is low, and functional outcomes of robotic approach remain largely unknown.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42022303016.
Martian Combustion-Powered Fixed-Wing UAVs: An Introductory Investigation and Analysis
Authors: Ross Samuel A. , White Amanda E. , Andresen Adam , Alam Shah Saud , Depcik Christopher
Published: August 2022

The Martian topography needs to be investigated in greater detail for human habitations, and this can be accomplished faster using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). In this regard, the RQ-11B Raven appears suitable for remote sensing and topography-mapping applications on Mars, due to its popularity in surveillance and reconnaissance applications on Earth. As a result, this study investigates the flight of this UAV in the Martian atmosphere with the assumptions that it employs an NACA S7012 airfoil and its electric propulsion technology is replaced with a four-stroke oxy-methane fueled Saito FG-11 internal combustion engine (ICE). This ICE is estimated to supply 367.8 W resulting in an engine speed of 6891 revolutions per minute. Based on this speed, the UAV must fly at least 72 m/s (Re = 18,100) at a 5° angle of attack to support flight under calm conditions. To achieve this speed will be difficult; thus, a weather balloon or German V1-style launch system should be employed to launch the UAV successfully. Furthermore, the UAV must operate below 165 m/s (Re = 41,450) to prevent transonic conditions. Finally, the vehicle’s fuel and oxidizer tanks can be refueled using an in situ methane and oxygen production system, enabling its sustainable use on Mars.
Assessing the Performance of Hypersonic Inlets by Applying a Heat Source with the Throttling Effect
Authors: Zahrolayali Nurfathin , Saad Mohd Rashdan , Idris Azam Che , Rahman Mohd Rosdzimin Abdul
Published: August 2022

Utilization of a heat source to regulate the shock wave–boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) of hypersonic inlets during throttling was computationally investigated. A plug was installed at the intake isolator’s exit, which caused throttling. The location of the heat source was established by analysing the interaction of the shockwave from the compression ramp and the contact spot of the shockwave with that of the inlet cowl. Shockwave interaction inside the isolator was investigated using steady and transient cases. The present computational work was validated using previous experimental work. The flow distortion (FD) and total pressure recovery (TPR) of the inflows were also studied. We found that varying the size and power of the heat source influenced the shockwaves that originated around it and affected the SWBLI within the isolator. This influenced most of the performance measures. As a result, the TPR increased and the FD decreased when the heat source was applied. Thus, the use of a heat source for flow control was found to influence the performance of hypersonic intakes.
Bacterial Community and Chemical Composition of Mixed Fresh Cactus Forage and Buffel Grass Hay during Aerobic Exposure
Authors: Santos Daiane dos , Araújo Gherman de , Santos Edson Mauro , Oliveira Juliana de , Lambais Érica , Lambais George , Nagahama Hideo , Zanine Anderson , Santos Francisco Naysson , Soares Rafael , Sobral Gilberto , Justino Evandra , Lemos Mateus , de Oliveira Celso José
Published: August 2022

The chemical composition of cactus forage becomes a favorable culture medium for accelerated microbial activity when exposed to air, as it contains high content of non-fiber carbohydrates and water. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial community dynamics of different mixtures, using fresh forage of cactus and buffel grass hay as a function of the period of exposure to air. The experimental design used was a 5 × 5 factorial completely randomized (five levels of cactus forage × five times of exposure to air), with five replications. The peak of Escherichia coli population growth was after 16.06 h of exposure to air, observed in treatments of 90% and 100% cactus forage. There was an increase in microbial richness and uniformity of all treatments after six hours. The most abundant genera were Weissella, Lactobacillus, Bacteroides, Pseudomonas, Sphingobacterium, and Sphingomonas. The diet with 100% cactus forage showed a predominance of Weissella, Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc. With 20% cactus forage, there was a greater apparent abundance of Pseudomonas, Sphingomonas, and Sphingobacterium. Aerobic exposure of mixtures of cactus forage with buffel grass hay increases the proliferation of microorganisms with pathogenic potential in the diet. Aerobic exposure of mixtures of cactus forage with buffel grass hay increases the proliferation of microorganisms with pathogenic potential in the diet. Therefore, an exposure period of fewer than six hours with 20% cactus forage is recommended to minimize levels of E. coli. Avoiding negative effects of the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms on animal and human health.
Essential Oils and Melatonin as Functional Ingredients in Dogs
Authors: Ruiz-Cano Domingo , Sánchez-Carrasco Ginés , El-Mihyaoui Amina , B. Arnao Marino
Published: August 2022

The use of nutraceuticals or functional ingredients is increasingly widespread in human food; their use is also widespread in animal feed. These natural compounds generally come from plant materials and comprise a wide range of substances of a very diverse chemical nature. In animals, these compounds, so-called phytogenics, are used to obtain improvements in feed production/stability and also as functional components with repercussions on animal health. Along with polyphenols, isoprenoid compounds represent a family of substances with wide applications in therapy and pet nutrition. Essential oils (EOs) are a group of complex substances with fat-soluble nature that are widely used. Melatonin is an indolic amine present in all living with amphiphilic nature. In this work, we present a review of the most relevant phytogenics (polyphenol, isoprenoid, and alkaloid compounds), their characteristics, and possible uses as nutraceuticals in dogs, with special emphasis on EOs and their regulatory aspects, applied in foods and topically. Additionally, a presentation of the importance of the use of melatonin in dogs is developed, giving physiological and practical aspects about its use in dog feeding and also in topical application, with examples and future projections. This review points to the combination of EOs and melatonin in food supplements and in the topical application as an innovative product and shows excellent perspectives aimed at addressing dysfunctions in pets, such as the treatment of stress and anxiety, sleep disorders, alopecia, and hair growth problems, among others.
Grazing Cattle, Sheep, and Goats Are Important Parts of a Sustainable Agricultural Future
Authors: Grandin Temple
Published: August 2022

Many people believe that animal agriculture should be phased out and replaced with vegetarian substitutes. The livestock industry has also been attacked because it uses vast amounts of land. People forget that grazing cattle or sheep can be raised on land that is either too arid or too rough for raising crops. At least 20% of the habitable land on Earth is not suitable for crops. Rotational grazing systems can be used to improve both soil health and vegetation diversity on arid land. Grazing livestock are also being successfully used to graze cover crops on prime farmland. Soil health is improved when grazing on a cover crop is rotated with conventional cash crops, such as corn or soybeans. It also reduces the need for buying fertilizer. Grazing animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, or bison, should be used as part of a sustainable system that will improve the land, help sequester carbon, and reduce animal welfare issues.
Prediction of 24-h and 6-h Periods before Calving Using a Multimodal Tail-Attached Device Equipped with a Thermistor and 3-Axis Accelerometer through Supervised Machine Learning
Authors: Higaki Shogo , Matsui Yoshitaka , Sasaki Yosuke , Takahashi Keiko , Honkawa Kazuyuki , Horii Yoichiro , Minamino Tomoya , Suda Tomoko , Yoshioka Koji
Published: August 2022

In this study, we developed calving prediction models for 24-h and 6-h periods before calving using data on physiological (tail skin temperature) and behavioral (activity intensity, lying time, posture change, and tail raising) parameters obtained using a multimodal tail-attached device (tail sensor). The efficiencies of the models were validated under tethering (tie-stall) and untethering (free-stall and individual pen) conditions. Data were collected from 33 and 30 pregnant cattle under tethering and untethering conditions, respectively, from approximately 15 days before the expected calving date. Based on pre-calving changes, 40 features (8 physiological and 32 behavioral) were extracted from the sensor data, and one non-sensor-based feature (days to the expected calving date) was added to develop models using a support vector machine. Cross-validation showed that calving within the next 24 h under tethering and untethering conditions was predicted with a sensitivity of 97% and 93% and precision of 80% and 76%, respectively, while calving within the next 6 h was predicted with a sensitivity of 91% and 90% and precision of 88% and 90%, respectively. Calving prediction models based on the tail sensor data with supervised machine learning have the potential to achieve effective calving prediction, irrespective of the cattle housing conditions.