bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drone-based monitoring of intertidal blue mussel beds in the Wadden Sea – comparison of a threshold and two machine learning approaches
Authors: Schnurawa Marc , Mueller Jasmin S. , Schade Hanna , Nehls Georg
Published: April 2024

In the Wadden Sea, intertidal mussel beds of the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) and the Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) form distinct epibenthic communities and local hotspots of high biomass and biodiversity. To detect and evaluate natural and anthropogenic processes, a ground-based monitoring program started over 25 years ago in the German Wadden Sea. In this study, we describe the potential of drones and machine learning approaches for a remote sensing-based integration into an existing monitoring program of intertidal mussel beds. A fixed wing drone was used to cover an area of up to 39ha in a single flight, with an overall time saving potential of 50%. Applying machine learning approaches, a detailed extraction of the intertidal blue mussel bed coverage with an overall accuracy (OA) up to 95.6% was reached, applying a Support Vector Machine (SVM). The application of a multispectral sensor improved the classification performance. Compared to ground-based monitoring, the drone-based method provided significantly more information on the area extension, coverage, and associated algae of the mussel beds. The results show that drones can provide a non-invasive way to survey large and difficult to access areas providing detailed maps of mussel beds and their internal structures.
Effects of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on early postoperative pain and recovery: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tan Shi-Yan , Jiang Hua , Ma Qiong , Ye Xin , Fu Xi , Ren Yi-Feng , You Feng-Ming
Published: April 2024

Background

Previous studies have indicated beneficial outcomes of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), but high-quality and comprehensive meta-analyses are lacking. The aim was to quantitatively analyze the efficacy and safety of perioperative TEAS on postoperative pain and recovery.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched through July 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the perioperative application of TEAS in adults compared with sham-TEAS and/or non-TEAS were eligible. Cumulative analgesic consumption within 24 h and rest pain scores at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h postoperatively were the two co-primary outcomes.

Results

Seventy-six RCTs (n = 9,665 patients) were included. Patients treated with TEAS experienced a reduction in clinical importance in cumulative analgesic (morphine equivalent) consumption (WMD: −14.60 mg, 97.5% CI: −23.60 to −5.60; p < 0.001) and a reduction in statistical importance in rest pain scores at multiple time points within the first 24 postoperative hours. The secondary outcome analysis also identified clinically significant recovery benefits to TEAS during the first 24 h after surgery. Furthermore, TEAS could effectively reduce opioid-related side effects and did not increase serious side effects.

Conclusion

This article describes current evidence about TEAS intervention on early postoperative pain and recovery. The results support the effectiveness of TEAS, but more high-quality evidence of clinical applicability is also needed.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO (CRD42021249814).
Enhancing fetal outcomes in GCK-MODY pregnancies: a precision medicine approach via non-invasive prenatal GCK mutation detection
Authors: Schwitzgebel Valérie M. , Blouin Jean-Louis , Dehos Barbara , Köhler-Ballan Bettina , Puder Jardena J. , Rieubland Claudine , Triantafyllidou Maria , Zanchi Anne , Abramowicz Marc , Nouspikel Thierry
Published: April 2024

Background

Mutations in the GCK gene cause Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (GCK-MODY) by impairing glucose-sensing in pancreatic beta cells. During pregnancy, managing this type of diabetes varies based on fetal genotype. Fetuses carrying a GCK mutation can derive benefit from moderate maternal hyperglycemia, stimulating insulin secretion in fetal islets, whereas this may cause macrosomia in wild-type fetuses. Modulating maternal glycemia can thus be viewed as a form of personalized prenatal therapy, highly beneficial but not justifying the risk of invasive testing. We therefore developed a monogenic non-invasive prenatal diagnostic (NIPD-M) test to reliably detect the transmission of a known maternal GCK mutation to the fetus.

Methods

A small amount of fetal circulating cell-free DNA is present in maternal plasma but cannot be distinguished from maternal cell-free DNA. Determining transmission of a maternal mutation to the fetus thus implies sequencing adjacent polymorphisms to determine the balance of maternal haplotypes, the transmitted haplotype being over-represented in maternal plasma.

Results

Here we present a series of such tests in which fetal genotype was successfully determined and show that it can be used to guide therapeutic decisions during pregnancy and improve the outcome for the offspring. We discuss several potential hurdles inherent to the technique, and strategies to overcome these.

Conclusion

Our NIPD-M test allows reliable determination of the presence of a maternal GCK mutation in the fetus, thereby allowing personalized in utero therapy by modulating maternal glycemia, without incurring the risk of miscarriage inherent to invasive testing.
Visual trends and hot research on the relationship between intestinal microbiota and major lipids: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Sun Weiming , Wan Keqi , Gui Jiawei , Jin Guoqiang , Shuai Lang
Published: April 2024

Objective

The association between intestinal microbiota and lipids has garnered significant scholarly interest. This study analyzes pertinent literature on intestinal microbiota and lipids to offer scientific guidance for future advancements and research directions.

Methods

Articles focusing on intestinal microbiota and lipids were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Following a rigorous screening process, 12,693 articles were included in the study. The collected data was processed comprehensively and visually analyzed using various academic tools such as CiteSpace, VOSviewer, R software, and Scimago Graphica.

Results

The field of intestinal microbiota and its relationship with major lipids has witnessed a significant surge in scholarly attention, as indicated by the upward trend observed in related articles. Among countries, China had emerged as the leading contributor in publication output, with Chinese Acad Sci being the most prolific institution in this field. Notably, Nutrients and Nature were the prominent journals that published many articles and garnered the highest number of co-citations. Scholars have widely recognized Patrice D Cani's notable contributions in this field. Current research endeavors have focused on obesity, insulin resistance, metabolism, growth performance, the gut-brain axis, and others.

Conclusions

Our analysis identified four primary research trends: “biochemical pathways,” “exploration of diseases,” “intervention and effect,” and “health and diet.” Future scholars must devote more attention to intestinal microbiota and major lipids to advance our understanding of human health.
Genome-based analysis of the family Paracoccaceae and description of Ostreiculturibacter nitratireducens gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from an oyster farm on a tidal flat
Authors: Huang Zhaobin , Li Meiqin , Oren Aharon , Lai Qiliang
Published: April 2024

Two bacterial strains, designated FR2A1T and MT2-5-38, were isolated from the surface sediments of an oyster farm on a tidal flat in Quanzhou Bay, China. Both strains were Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, aerobic, catalase-positive, and oxidase-positive. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of the two strains were 100% identical and had the highest similarity (97.1%) with Phaeovulum vinaykumarii JA123T. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) value and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) value indicated that the two strains belonged to a single species. Gene annotation revealed that the two strains contained a gene cluster for nitrate reduction and a gene cluster for sulfur oxidation, indicating a possible role in N and S cycling in the tidal flat sediment. The phylogeny inferred from the 16S rRNA gene and 120 conserved proteins indicated that the two strains formed a distinct monophyletic clade within the family Paracoccaceae. The respiratory quinone was Q-10. The major fatty acids consisted of summed feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c) and C18:0. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and several unidentified phospholipids. Based on the above characteristics, strains FR2A1T and MT2-5-38 represent a novel genus and a novel species, for which we propose the name Ostreiculturibacter nitratireducens gen. nov., sp. nov. The type strain is FR2A1T (=MCCC 1K08809T = KCTC 8317T). Phylogenomic analysis of 1,606 high-quality genomes of the family Paracoccaceae, including type strains, non-type strains, and uncultivated bacteria, was performed using the Genome Taxonomic Database Toolkit (GTDB-Tk), and the average amino acid identity (AAI) value of the phylogenetic clade was estimated. We found that 35 species of the family Paracoccaceae needed re-classification, and an AAI value of 70% was chosen as the genus boundary within the family Paracoccaceae.
Location matters: altered interhemispheric homotopic connectivity in post-stroke dyskinesia
Authors: Zhao Changjiang , Zhang Can , Zhu Li , Chen Long , Xiong Xiong , Pan Junlong , Chen Jiangjin , Gao Lei , Yu Chengxin , Xu Haibo
Published: April 2024

Background

Motor impairment is the most prevalent consequence following a stroke. Interhemispheric homotopic connectivity, which varies regionally and hierarchically along the axis of the somatomotor-association cortex, plays a critical role in sustaining normal motor functions. However, the impact of strokes occurring in various locations on homotopic connectivity is not fully understood. This study aimed to explore how motor deficits resulting from acute strokes in different locations influence homotopic connectivity.

Methods

Eighty-four acute ischemic stroke patients with dyskinesia were recruited and divided into four demographically-matched subgroups based on stroke locations: Group 1 (G1; frontoparietal, n = 15), Group 2 (G2; radiation coronal, n = 16), Group 3 (G3; basal ganglia, n = 30), and Group 4 (G4; brain stem, n = 23). An additional 37 demographically-matched healthy controls were also recruited in the study. Multimodal MRI data, motor function assessments, and cognitive tests were gathered for analysis. Interhemispheric homotopic functional and structural connectivity were measured using resting-state functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging, respectively. These measurements were then correlated with motor function scores to investigate the relationships.

Results

Voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) analysis showed that strokes in the frontoparietal and basal ganglia regions led to diminished homotopic connectivity in the somatosensory/motor cortex. In contrast, strokes in the radiation coronal and brainstem regions affected subcortical motor circuits. Structural homotopic connectivity analysis using diffusion tensor imaging showed that frontoparietal and basal ganglia strokes predominantly affected association fibers, while radiation coronal and brainstem strokes caused widespread disruption in the integrity of both cortical-cortical and cortical-subcortical white matter fibers. Correlation analyses demonstrated significant associations between the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores with the VMHC in the inferior temporal gyrus for G1 (G1; r = 0.838, p < 0.001; r = 0.793, p < 0.001; and r = −0.834, p < 0.001, respectively). No statistically significant associations were observed in Groups 2, 3, and 4.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that motor deficits following strokes in various regions involve distinct pathways from cortical to subcortical areas. Alterations in lesion topography and regional functional homotopy provide new insights into the understanding of neural underpinnings of post-stroke dyskinesia.
The relationship between perihematomal edema and hematoma expansion in acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: an exploratory radiomics analysis study
Authors: Zhou Zhiming , Wu Xiaojia , Chen Yuanyuan , Tan Yuanxin , Zhou Yu , Huang Tianxing , Zhou Hongli , Lai Qi , Guo Dajing
Published: April 2024

Background

The relationship between early perihematomal edema (PHE) and hematoma expansion (HE) is unclear. We investigated this relationship in patients with acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), using radiomics.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective study, we analyzed 490 patients with spontaneous ICH who underwent non-contrast computed tomography within 6 h of symptom onset, with follow-up imaging at 24 h. We performed HE and PHE image segmentation, and feature extraction and selection to identify HE-associated optimal radiomics features. We calculated radiomics scores of hematoma (Radscores_HEA) and PHE (Radscores_PHE) and constructed a combined model (Radscore_HEA_PHE). Relationships of the PHE radiomics features or Radscores_PHE with clinical variables, hematoma imaging signs, Radscores_HEA, and HE were assessed by univariate, correlation, and multivariate analyses. We compared predictive performances in the training (n = 296) and validation (n = 194) cohorts.

Results

Shape_VoxelVolume and Shape_MinorAxisLength of PHE were identified as optimal radiomics features associated with HE. Radscore_PHE (odds ratio = 1.039, p = 0.032) was an independent HE risk factor after adjusting for the ICH onset time, Glasgow Coma Scale score, baseline hematoma volume, hematoma shape, hematoma density, midline shift, and Radscore_HEA. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of Radscore_PHE in the training and validation cohorts were 0.808 and 0.739, respectively. After incorporating Radscore_PHE, the integrated discrimination improvements of Radscore_HEA_PHE in the training and validation cohorts were 0.009 (p = 0.086) and −0.011 (p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusion

Radscore_PHE, based on Shape_VoxelVolume and Shape_MinorAxisLength of PHE, independently predicts HE, while Radscore_PHE did not add significant incremental value to Radscore_HEA.
Assessing translational applicability of perineuronal net dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease across species
Authors: Hendrickson Aarun S. , Francis Kendra L. , Kumar Asmit , Le Jaden P. , Scarlett Jarrad M. , Keene C. Dirk , Tovar David A. , Alonge Kimberly M.
Published: April 2024

In the context of aging and age-associated neurodegenerative disorders, the brain’s extracellular matrix (ECM) serves as a critical regulator for neuronal health and cognitive function. Within the extracellular space, proteoglycans and their glycosaminoglycan attachments play essential roles in forming, stabilizing, and protecting neural circuits throughout neurodevelopment and adulthood. Recent studies in rodents reveal that chondroitin sulfate-glycosaminoglycan (CS-GAG) containing perineuronal nets (PNNs) exhibit both structural and compositional differences throughout the brain. While animal studies are illuminating, additional research is required to translate these interregional PNN/CS-GAG variations to human brain tissue. In this perspective article, we first investigate the translational potential for interregional CS-GAG variances across species as novel targets for region-specific therapeutic development. We specifically focus on the observation that alterations in brain PNN-associated CS-GAGs have been linked with the progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) neuropathology in humans, but these changes have not been fully recapitulated in rodent models of this disease. A second highlight of this perspective article investigates whether AD-associated shifts in CS-GAGs in humans may be dependent on region-specific baseline differences in CS-GAG sulfation patterning. The current findings begin to disentangle the intricate relationships between the interregional differences in brain PNN/CS-GAG matrices across species, while emphasizing the need to better understand the close relationship between dementia and changes in brain CS-GAG sulfation patterns in patients with AD and related dementias.
Caffeine improves mitochondrial dysfunction in the white matter of neonatal rats with hypoxia-ischemia through deacetylation: a proteomic analysis of lysine acetylation
Authors: Zhang Yajun , Wang Yuqian , Dou Haiping , Wang Shanshan , Qu Danyang , Peng Xin , Zou Ning , Yang Liu
Published: April 2024

Aims

White matter damage (WMD) is linked to both cerebral palsy and cognitive deficits in infants born prematurely. The focus of this study was to examine how caffeine influences the acetylation of proteins within the neonatal white matter and to evaluate its effectiveness in treating white matter damage caused by hypoxia-ischemia.

Main methods

We employed a method combining affinity enrichment with advanced liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to profile acetylation in proteins from the white matter of neonatal rats grouped into control (Sham), hypoxic-ischemic (HI), and caffeine-treated (Caffeine) groups.

Key findings

Our findings included 1,999 sites of lysine acetylation across 1,123 proteins, with quantifiable changes noted in 1,342 sites within 689 proteins. Analysis of these patterns identified recurring sequences adjacent to the acetylation sites, notably YKacN, FkacN, and G *** GkacS. Investigation into the biological roles of these proteins through Gene Ontology analysis indicated their involvement in a variety of cellular processes, predominantly within mitochondrial locations. Further analysis indicated that the acetylation of tau (Mapt), a protein associated with microtubules, was elevated in the HI condition; however, caffeine treatment appeared to mitigate this over-modification, thus potentially aiding in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation in the nervous system, and improving mitochondrial health. Caffeine inhibited acetylated Mapt through sirtuin 2 (SITR2), promoted Mapt nuclear translocation, and improved mitochondrial dysfunction, which was subsequently weakened by the SIRT2 inhibitor, AK-7.

Significance

Caffeine-induced changes in lysine acetylation may play a key role in improving mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibiting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Origin of the neonatal gut microbiota and probiotic intervention: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Zhe , Zhang Yiwen , Tan Xiaozhi , Kian Deng Tye , Gao Qian , Xiao Xiaomin , Xu Chengfang
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the origin of the neonatal gut microbiota on the 14th day and probiotic intervention in the third trimester.

Methods

Samples were obtained from a total of 30 pregnant individuals and their offspring, divided into a control group with no intervention and a probiotic group with live combined Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus tablets, analyzing by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of the V4 region to evaluate the composition of them. Non-metric multidimensional scaling and SourceTracker were used to evaluate the origin of neonatal gut microbiota.

Results

We found that the microbiota in the neonatal gut at different times correlated with that in the maternal microbiota. The placenta had more influence on meconium microbiota. Maternal gut had more influence on neonatal gut microbiota on the 3rd day and 14th day. We also found that the maternal gut, vaginal, and placenta microbiota at full term in the probiotic group did not have a significantly different abundance of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, or Streptococcus. However, some other bacteria changed in the maternal gut and their neonatal gut in the probiotic group.
The causal effects of genetically determined immune cells on gynecologic malignancies: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li Yan , Liu Jingting , Wang Qiandan , Zhou Yawei , Zhang Chunhua , Pei Jianying
Published: April 2024

Background

Evidence from observational studies suggested a connection between immune cells and gynecologic malignancies. To investigate potential causative associations between immunophenotype traits and gynecologic malignancies, we used a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis.

Methods

The genetic instrumental variables of 731 immunophenotypes of peripheral blood were obtained by the GWAS database; the GWAS data of common gynecologic cancers were obtained from FinnGen study. The main statistic method was the inverse-variance weighted method. We also used the weighted mode, weighted median, and MR Egger for evaluations. The MR Steiger directionality test was further used to ascertain the reverse causal relationship between immune cells and gynecologic cancers.

Results

We identified 50 highly probable immunophenotypes and 65 possible ones associated with gynecologic malignancies. The majority of the B cell panel was protective factors in cervical cancer. However, there was a correlation found in the B cells panel with a probable factor associated with an elevated risk of endometrial cancer. Immunophenotypes in the monocyte panel were linked to a lower probability of ovarian cancer and vulvar cancer. All of the gynecologic cancers in our study had no statistically significant impact on immune cells, according to reverse MR analysis.

Conclusion

Our study firstly emphasized the genetically predicted causality between immune cells and gynecologic malignancies. This knowledge will be critical to formulating the measures to prevent malignancies in female at risk in future clinical practice.
Natural products for managing metabolic syndrome: a scoping review
Authors: Abdulghani Mohammed Faris , Al-Fayyadh Sadeq
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Metabolic syndrome comprises a collection of metabolic disorders stemming from factors like genetic predisposition, inadequate nutrition, stress, decreased physical activity, aging, and ethnicity. Although traditional pharmaceutical treatments exist for metabolic syndrome, their limited popularity is attributed to high costs and adverse effects. Consequently, natural products with fewer side effects have been explored for managing this condition. This literature review aims to explore the role of natural products including herbs, botanicals, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and dietary supplements in managing metabolic syndrome.

Methods

This scoping review was conducted in five steps, involving the formulation of a research question, the retrieval and extraction of relevant studies, the selection of pertinent studies, the organization of information into tables, and the reporting of results. Data was collected from various databases including Embase, Science Direct, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, with a focus on studies published from 2010 to the present, available in English and with full-text accessibility.

Results

We identified 1,259 articles, screened their titles, abstracts, and full texts, ultimately incorporating 169 pertinent articles into this review (comprising 90 review articles, 32 trial articles, 6 in vitro articles, 38 in vivo articles, 1 experimental article and 2 observational articles). The study’s outcomes revealed that natural products, encompassing plants and their derivatives, vitamins and supplements, as well as probiotics, can exert a beneficial influence on metabolic syndrome by regulating blood sugar, blood pressure, lipid profiles, obesity, and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Conclusion

The current study underscores the significance of natural products in addressing metabolic syndrome. Consequently, it is advisable to conduct further extensive research to assess the efficacy of these products, potentially integrating them into treatment regimens for individuals with metabolic syndrome.
Effects of Alhagi camelorum Fisch polysaccharide from different regions on growth performance and gastrointestinal microbiota of sheep lambs
Authors: Manafu Zulikeyan , Zhang Zhenping , Malajiang Xieraili , Abula Saifuding , Guo Qingyong , Wu Yi , Wusiman Adelijaing , Bake Batur
Published: April 2024

Polysaccharides derived from Alhagi camelorum Fisch possess diverse activities, making them a potential prebiotic candidates for enhancing lamb health. This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of Alhagi camelorum Fisch polysaccharides from Aksu (AK) and Shanshan (SS) regions on sheep lambs. The results showed that sheep lambs in the SS group exhibited significantly increased (p < 0.05) average daily gain, levels of growth hormone (GH), insulin (INS), IgA and IgM, and cytokines IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, TNF-α and IFN-γ compared to those in the control check (CK) group. Moreover, the SS treatment significantly increased the diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria, while concurrently diminishing the prevalence of harmful bacteria. Additionally, it modulated various metabolic pathways, promoted lamb growth, improved immunity, reduced the risk of gastrointestinal disease and improved the composition of gastrointestinal microbiota. In summary, our findings highlight the potential of SS treatment in enhancing gastrointestinal health of sheep lambs by improving intestinal function, immunity, and gut microbiome. Consequently, these results suggest that Alhagi camelorum Fisch polysaccharides derived from Shanshan regions holds promising potential as a valuable intervention for optimizing growth performance in sheep lambs.
Hemoglobin concentration and blood shift during dry static apnea in elite breath hold divers
Authors: Kjeld Thomas , Krag Thomas O. , Brenøe Anders , Møller Ann Merete , Arendrup Henrik Christian , Højberg Jens , Fuglø Dan , Hancke Søren , Tolbod Lars Poulsen , Gormsen Lars Christian , Vissing John , Hansen Egon Godthaab
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Elite breath-hold divers (BHD) enduring apneas of more than 5 min are characterized by tolerance to arterial blood oxygen levels of 4.3 kPa and low oxygen-consumption in their hearts and skeletal muscles, similar to adult seals. Adult seals possess an adaptive higher hemoglobin-concentration and Bohr effect than pups, and when sedated, adult seals demonstrate a blood shift from the spleen towards the brain, lungs, and heart during apnea. We hypothesized these observations to be similar in human BHD. Therefore, we measured hemoglobin- and 2,3-biphosphoglycerate-concentrations in BHD (n = 11) and matched controls (n = 11) at rest, while myocardial mass, spleen and lower extremity volumes were assessed at rest and during apnea in BHD.

Methods and results

After 4 min of apnea, left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMM) determined by 15O-H2O-PET/CT (n = 6) and cardiac MRI (n = 6), was unaltered compared to rest. During maximum apnea (∼6 min), lower extremity volume assessed by DXA-scan revealed a ∼268 mL decrease, and spleen volume, assessed by ultrasonography, decreased ∼102 mL. Compared to age, BMI and VO2max matched controls (n = 11), BHD had similar spleen sizes and 2,3- biphosphoglycerate-concentrations, but higher total hemoglobin-concentrations.

Conclusion

Our results indicate: 1) Apnea training in BHD may increase hemoglobin concentration as an oxygen conserving adaptation similar to adult diving mammals. 2) The blood shift during dry apnea in BHD is 162% more from the lower extremities than from the spleen. 3) In contrast to the previous theory of the blood shift demonstrated in sedated adult seals, blood shift is not towards the heart during dry apnea in humans.
Understanding the dynamic interactions of root-knot nematodes and their host: role of plant growth promoting bacteria and abiotic factors
Authors: Habteweld Alemayehu , Kantor Mihail , Kantor Camelia , Handoo Zafar
Published: April 2024

Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp., RKN) are among the most destructive endoparasitic nematodes worldwide, often leading to a reduction of crop growth and yield. Insights into the dynamics of host-RKN interactions, especially in varied biotic and abiotic environments, could be pivotal in devising novel RKN mitigation measures. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) involves different plant growth-enhancing activities such as biofertilization, pathogen suppression, and induction of systemic resistance. We summarized the up-to-date knowledge on the role of PGPB and abiotic factors such as soil pH, texture, structure, moisture, etc. in modulating RKN-host interactions. RKN are directly or indirectly affected by different PGPB, abiotic factors interplay in the interactions, and host responses to RKN infection. We highlighted the tripartite (host-RKN-PGPB) phenomenon with respect to (i) PGPB direct and indirect effect on RKN-host interactions; (ii) host influence in the selection and enrichment of PGPB in the rhizosphere; (iii) how soil microbes enhance RKN parasitism; (iv) influence of host in RKN-PGPB interactions, and (v) the role of abiotic factors in modulating the tripartite interactions. Furthermore, we discussed how different agricultural practices alter the interactions. Finally, we emphasized the importance of incorporating the knowledge of tripartite interactions in the integrated RKN management strategies.
Identification and characterization of ACR gene family in maize for salt stress tolerance
Authors: Fang Hui , Shan Tingyu , Gu Haijing , Chen Junyu , Qi Yingxiao , Li Yexiong , Saeed Muhammad , Yuan Jinchao , Li Ping , Wang Baohua
Published: April 2024

Background

Members of the ACR gene family are commonly involved in various physiological processes, including amino acid metabolism and stress responses. In recent decades, significant progress has been made in the study of ACR genes in plants. However, little is known about their characteristics and function in maize.

Methods

In this study, ACR genes were identified from the maize genome, and their molecular characteristics, gene structure, gene evolution, gene collinearity analysis, cis-acting elements were analyzed. qRT-PCR technology was used to verify the expression patterns of the ZmACR gene family in different tissues under salt stress. In addition, Ectopic expression technique of ZmACR5 in Arabidopsis thaliana was utilized to identify its role in response to salt stress.

Results

A total of 28 ZmACR genes were identified, and their molecular characteristics were extensively described. Two gene pairs arising from segmented replication events were detected in maize, and 18 collinear gene pairs were detected between maize and 3 other species. Through phylogenetic analysis, three subgroups were revealed, demonstrating distinct divergence between monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. Analysis of ZmACR cis-acting elements revealed the optional involvement of ZmACR genes in light response, hormone response and stress resistance. Expression analysis of 8 ZmACR genes under salt treatment clearly revealed their role in the response to salt stress. Ectopic overexpression of ZmACR5 in Arabidopsis notably reduced salt tolerance compared to that of the wild type under salt treatment, suggesting that ZmACR5 has a negative role in the response to salt stress.

Conclusion

Taken together, these findings confirmed the involvement of ZmACR genes in regulating salt stress and contributed significantly to our understanding of the molecular function of ACR genes in maize, facilitating further research in this field.
Demographic differences in access to health/therapeutic services over first year of the pandemic: a SPARK COVID-19 impact survey analysis
Authors: Tsai J.-M. , Bhat A. N.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

This analysis examined changes in services received and service recovery one-year post-pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels in children with ASD aged between 19 months and 17 years in various subgroups based on factors such as age, income, race/ethnicity, geographic location, and sex.

Methods

An online, parent report survey was completed by the parents of children with ASD in the SPARK study cohort (N = 6,393). Descriptive statistics, chi-square analyses, and Spearman correlations were performed to study associations between various factors and service access, pre-pandemic and one-year, post-pandemic.

Results

One year after pandemic, the lag in service recovery in children with ASD was greatest for PT/OT services followed by SLT. ABA services only recovered in half of the subgroups. In contrast, SES fully recovered and MH and MED services superseded pre-pandemic levels. Across majority of the timepoints, younger children received more SLT, PT/OT, and ABA services whereas older children received more SES, MH, and MED services. Higher income families accessed more SES, SLT, and ABA whereas lower income families received more MH services. White families received less SLT compared to non-white families. Hispanic families received more SLT services compared to non-Hispanic families. Compared to rural families, urban families received more ABA services at baseline which also recovered one year after the pandemic. Certain counterintuitive findings may be attributed to home/remote schooling leading to reduced access to related services.

Conclusions

Future research and policy changes are needed to address the American healthcare vulnerabilities when serving children with ASD by enhancing the diversity of healthcare formats for continued service access during future pandemics and other similar crises.
Deep Q-Network Algorithm-Based Cyclic Air Braking Strategy for Heavy-Haul Trains
Authors: Zhang Changfan , Zhou Shuo , He Jing , Jia Lin
Published: April 2024

Cyclic air braking is a key element for ensuring safe train operation when running on a long and steep downhill railway section. In reality, the cyclic braking performance of a train is affected by its operating environment, speed and air-refilling time. Existing optimization algorithms have the problem of low learning efficiency. To solve this problem, an intelligent control method based on the deep Q-network (DQN) algorithm for heavy-haul trains running on long and steep downhill railway sections is proposed. Firstly, the environment of heavy-haul train operation is designed by considering the line characteristics, speed limits and constraints of the train pipe’s air-refilling time. Secondly, the control process of heavy-haul trains running on long and steep downhill sections is described as the reinforcement learning (RL) of a Markov decision process. By designing the critical elements of RL, a cyclic braking strategy for heavy-haul trains is established based on the reinforcement learning algorithm. Thirdly, the deep neural network and Q-learning are combined to design a neural network for approximating the action value function so that the algorithm can achieve the optimal action value function faster. Finally, simulation experiments are conducted on the actual track data pertaining to the Shuozhou–Huanghua line in China to compare the performance of the Q-learning algorithm against the DQN algorithm. Our findings revealed that the DQN-based intelligent control strategy decreased the air braking distance by 2.1% and enhanced the overall average speed by more than 7%. These experiments unequivocally demonstrate the efficacy and superiority of the DQN-based intelligent control strategy.
Wide-TSNet: A Novel Hybrid Approach for Bitcoin Price Movement Classification
Authors: Yamak Peter Tettey , Li Yujian , Zhang Ting , Gadosey Pius K.
Published: April 2024

In this paper, we introduce Wide-TSNet, a novel hybrid approach for predicting Bitcoin prices using time-series data transformed into images. The method involves converting time-series data into Markov transition fields (MTFs), enhancing them using histogram equalization, and classifying them using Wide ResNets, a type of convolutional neural network (CNN). We propose a tripartite classification system to accurately represent Bitcoin price trends. In addition, we demonstrate the effectiveness of Wide-TSNet through various experiments, in which it achieves an Accuracy of approximately 94% and an F1 score of 90%. It is also shown that lightweight CNN models, such as SqueezeNet and EfficientNet, can be as effective as complex models under certain conditions. Furthermore, we investigate the efficacy of other image transformation methods, such as Gramian angular fields, in capturing the trends and volatility of Bitcoin prices and revealing patterns that are not visible in the raw data. Moreover, we assess the effect of image resolution on model performance, emphasizing the importance of this factor in image-based time-series classification. Our findings explore the intersection between finance, image processing, and deep learning, providing a robust methodology for financial time-series classification.
ADHD Patients with Suicidal Behaviour: Risk Factors, Comorbidities, and Clinical Profile: A Naturalistic Exploratory Study
Authors: Diaz-Piedra Bryan , Sadek Joseph
Published: April 2024

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that disrupts brain functioning and is characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. With varying presentations and complex etiological factors contributing to the development of ADHD, along with its persistence into adulthood, ADHD must be studied. Researchers have taken an interest in the relationship between ADHD and suicide, which is a serious public health concern with increasing prevalence rates in the Americas. The current literature reveals conflicting views on the importance of psychiatric comorbidities in the development of suicidal behaviours in ADHD patients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether there were significant differences between adult ADHD patients with suicide risk and adult ADHD patients without suicide risk. This study was a naturalistic retrospective chart review pilot study that used a sample of adults with a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD from January 2023 to August 2023. Using convenience sampling and sets of inclusion and exclusion criteria, patient data were sequentially collected from Med Access electronic medical records. The control and experimental groups each consisted of 50 patients (100) ranging from 19 to 58 years old. Our quantitative data were analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests, including the Chi-Square test and the Mann–Whitney U test. The results showed significant associations between ADHD patients with suicide risk and (1) borderline personality disorder; (2) binge eating disorder; (3) seven specific psychosocial risk factors; and (4) a higher number of antidepressant medication trials. No significant associations were found with other psychiatric disorders; however, there are important sex differences in terms of the risk factors. Our pilot study reveals several significant differences between adult ADHD patients with suicide risk and those without suicide risk. However, given our limited sample size and limitations, we hope our study encourages larger-scale studies to further investigate this relationship to improve its generalizability.
DysDiTect: Dyslexia Identification Using CNN-Positional-LSTM-Attention Modeling with Chinese Dictation Task
Authors: Liu Hey Wing , Wang Shuo , Tong Shelley Xiuli
Published: April 2024

Handwriting difficulty is a defining feature of Chinese developmental dyslexia (DD) due to the complex structure and dense information contained within compound characters. Despite previous attempts to use deep neural network models to extract handwriting features, the temporal property of writing characters in sequential order during dictation tasks has been neglected. By combining transfer learning of convolutional neural network (CNN) and positional encoding with the temporal-sequential encoding of long short-term memory (LSTM) and attention mechanism, we trained and tested the model with handwriting images of 100,000 Chinese characters from 1064 children in Grades 2–6 (DD = 483; Typically Developing [TD] = 581). Using handwriting features only, the best model reached 83.2% accuracy, 79.2% sensitivity, 86.4% specificity, and 91.2% AUC. With grade information, the best model achieved 85.0% classification accuracy, 83.3% sensitivity, 86.4% specificity, and 89.7% AUC. These findings suggest the potential of utilizing machine learning technology to identify children at risk for dyslexia at an early age.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Primary Refractory Tinnitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Basner Landon , Smit Jasper V. , Zeitler Daniel M. , Schwartz Seth R. , Krause Katie , Bansal Aiyush , Farrokhi Farrokh
Published: April 2024

Background: tinnitus is a common and often debilitating condition with limited evidence-based treatment options. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an approved treatment modality for certain neurological conditions; its experimental use as a treatment modality for severe tinnitus is novel and beginning to show promise. This systematic review focuses on the current evidence for the safety and efficacy of DBS for treatment of refractory tinnitus. Methods: a systematic search in PubMed and EMBASE was performed to identify peer-reviewed studies on DBS of non-cortical structures for the primary indication of tinnitus treatment. Three studies were identified as meeting these criteria, one of which had two related sub-studies. Results: seven patients with available data who underwent DBS for tinnitus were identified. DBS targets included nucleus accumbens (NAc), ventral anterior limb of the internal capsule (vALIC), caudate nucleus, and the medial geniculate body (MGB) of the thalamus. All studies used the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI) as a primary outcome measure. DBS of the caudate was most commonly reported (n = 5), with a mean TFI improvement of 23.3 points. Only one subject underwent DBS targeting the NAc/vALIC (extrapolated TFI improvement 46.8) and one subject underwent DBS targeting the MGB (TFI improvement 59 points). Conclusions: DBS is a promising treatment option for refractory subjective tinnitus, with early data, from small patient cohorts in multiple studies, suggesting its safety and efficacy. Further studies with a larger patient population are needed to support this safety and efficacy before implementing this treatment to daily practice.
Pre-Service Teachers’ GenAI Anxiety, Technology Self-Efficacy, and TPACK: Their Structural Relations with Behavioral Intention to Design GenAI-Assisted Teaching
Authors: Wang Kai , Ruan Qianqian , Zhang Xiaoxuan , Fu Chunhua , Duan Boyuan
Published: April 2024

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has taken educational settings by storm in the past year due to its transformative ability to impact school education. It is crucial to investigate pre-service teachers’ viewpoints to effectively incorporate GenAI tools into their instructional practices. Data gathered from 606 pre-service teachers were analyzed to explore the predictors of behavioral intention to design Gen AI-assisted teaching. Based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, this research integrates multiple variables such as Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), GenAI anxiety, and technology self-efficacy. Our findings revealed that GenAI anxiety, social influence, and performance expectancy significantly predicted pre-service teachers’ behavioral intention to design GenAI-assisted teaching. However, effort expectancy and facilitating conditions were not statistically associated with pre-service teachers’ behavioral intentions. These findings offer significant insights into the intricate relationships between predictors that influence pre-service teachers’ perspectives and intentions regarding GenAI technology.
Study on the Properties and Hydration Mechanism of Calcium Carbide Residue-Based Low-Carbon Cementitious Materials
Authors: Wang Qing , Wang Ying , Gu Xiaowei , Liu Jianping , Xu Xiaochuan
Published: April 2024

Alkali-activated cementitious materials, as an environmentally friendly cementitious material, can effectively reduce carbon emissions and improve the utilisation of solid wastes. However, traditional strong alkali activators have limitations such as high carbon emissions and poor safety. In order to overcome the defects of traditional strong alkaline activators and realise the high value-added use of calcium carbide residue (CCR), this paper adopts CCR as an alkaline activator to activate granulated blast furnace slag (GBFS)-steel slag (SS) cementitious systems for the preparation of alkaline-activated cementitious materials. The effects of CCR content and SS content on the compressive strength and working performance of CCR-GBFS-SS cementitious systems are analysed, along with the hydration process of CCR-GBFS-SS cementitious systems and the mechanism of action through the hydration products, their chemical structure and their microscopic morphology. The research results show that CCR-GBFS-SS cementitious systems have a 28-day compressive strength of 41.5 MPa and they can be controlled by the setting time; however, the flow performance is poor. The SS content can be increased to improve the flow performance; however, this will reduce the compressive strength. In CCR-GBFS-SS cementitious systems, CCR is the main driving force of hydration reactions, GBFS mainly provides active silica and aluminium and the amorphous C-(A)-S-H gel and ettringite formed by the synergistic action of multiple solid wastes are the main sources of compressive strength. With the extension of the curing time, the amount of hydration products in the cementitious systems gradually increases and the matrix of the cementitious systems gradually becomes denser. This study will provide a reference for the consumption of low-value solid waste such as CCR and the preparation of low-carbon cementitious materials from multi-component solid wastes.
Long-Term Results of Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Patients with at Least 10 Brain Metastases at Diagnosis
Authors: Kinj Rémy , Hottinger Andreas Felix , Böhlen Till Tobias , Ozsahin Mahmut , Vallet Véronique , Dunet Vincent , Bouchaab Hasna , Peters Solange , Tuleasca Constantin , Bourhis Jean , Schiappacasse Luis
Published: April 2024

Purpose: to evaluate an SRT approach in patients with at least 10 lesions at the time of BM initial diagnosis. Methods: This is a monocentric prospective cohort of patients treated by SRT, followed by a brain MRI every two months. Subsequent SRT could be delivered in cases of new BMs during follow-up. The main endpoints were local control rate (LCR), overall survival (OS), and strategy success rate (SSR). Acute and late toxicity were evaluated. Results: Seventy patients were included from October 2014 to January 2019, and the most frequent primary diagnosis was non-small-cell lung cancer (N = 36, 51.4%). A total of 1174 BMs were treated at first treatment, corresponding to a median number of 14 BMs per patient. Most of the patients (N = 51, 72.6%) received a single fraction of 20–24 Gy. At 1 year, OS was 62.3%, with a median OS of 19.2 months, and SSR was 77.8%. A cumulative number of 1537 BM were treated over time, corresponding to a median cumulative number of 16 BM per patient. At 1-year, the LCR was 97.3%, with a cumulative incidence of radio-necrosis of 2.1% per lesion. Three patients (4.3%) presented Grade 2 toxicity, and there was no Grade ≥ 3 toxicity. The number of treated BMs and the treatment volume did not influence OS or SSR (p > 0.05). Conclusions: SRT was highly efficient in controlling the BM, with minimal side effects. In this setting, an SRT treatment should be proposed even in patients with ≥10 BMs at diagnosis.