bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The diagnostic performance of the one-step nucleic acid amplification assay for the detection of sentinel lymph node metastases in cytokeratin 19-positive breast cancer: a PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Meirong , Wang Weihua , Wang Yufang
Published: September 2024

Background

The status of the sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) is an important prognostic factor for many different types of cancer. The one-step nucleic acid amplification (OSNA) assay has emerged as a rapid intraoperative molecular diagnostic tool for LN metastasis detection. We aimed to evaluate and summarize the value of the OSNA assay for the diagnosis of SLN metastasis in cytokeratin 19 (CK19)-positive breast cancer.

Methods

To evaluate the diagnostic value, the sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), and area under the curve (AUC) were pooled. The threshold effect, followed by subgroup analysis, was performed to explore the source of heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the stability of this meta-analysis model. Fagan plots and likelihood ratio scattergrams were used to explore the potential clinical significance.

Results

A total of 29 eligible studies, which consisted of 5,331 patients with 10,343 SLNs, were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, and DOR were 0.86 (95% CI: 0.85–0.88), 0.94 (95% CI, 0.94–0.95), 18.00 (95% CI, 13.54–23.92), 0.13 (95% CI, 0.10–0.17), and 138.99 (95% CI, 86.66–222.92), respectively. The AUC was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.98). Sensitivity analysis showed that four studies had an impact on the pooled results and mainly contributed to the heterogeneity. Fagan's nomogram revealed that the prior probability was 50%, the post-probability positive was 95%, and the post-probability negative was 11%.

Discussion

Our results suggested that OSNA can predict the occurrence of SLN metastasis in CK19-positive breast cancer. However, more well-designed and multicenter diagnostic tests are needed to validate our results.
Soil and root microbiome analysis and isolation of plant growth-promoting bacteria from hybrid buffaloberry (Shepherdia utahensis ‘Torrey’) across three locations
Authors: Devkota Ananta Raj , Wilson Ty , Kaundal Amita
Published: September 2024

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly hazardous for our ecosystem. Climate resilient landscaping, which promotes the use of native plants, has the potential to simultaneously decrease the rate of climate change, enhance climate resilience, and combat biodiversity losses. Native plants and their associated microbiome form a holo-organism; interaction between plants and microbes is responsible for plants’ growth and proper functioning. In this study, we were interested in exploring the soil and root microbiome composition associated with Shepherdia utahensis, a drought hardy plant proposed for low water use landscaping, which is the hybrid between two native hardy shrubs of Utah, S. rotudifolia and S. argentea. The bulk soil, rhizosphere, root, and nodule samples of the hybrid Shepherdia plants were collected from three locations in Utah: the Logan Campus, the Greenville farm, and the Kaysville farm. The microbial diversity analysis was conducted, and plant growth-promoting bacteria were isolated and characterized from the rhizosphere. The results suggest no difference in alpha diversity between the locations; however, the beta diversity analysis suggests the bacterial community composition of bulk soil and nodule samples are different between the locations. The taxonomic classification suggests Proteobacteria and Actinobacteriota are the dominant species in bulk soil and rhizosphere, and Actinobacteriota is solely found in root and nodule samples. However, the composition of the bacterial community was different among the locations. There was a great diversity in the genus composition in bulk soil and rhizosphere samples among the locations; however, Frankia was the dominant genus in root and nodule samples. Fifty-nine different bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere and tested for seven plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, such as the ability to fix nitrogen, phosphates solubilization, protease activity, siderophore, Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) and catalase production, and ability to use ACC as nitrogen source. All the isolates produced some amount of IAA. Thirty-one showed at least four PGP traits and belonged to Stenotrophomonas, Chryseobacterium, Massilia, Variovorax, and Pseudomonas. We shortlisted 10 isolates that showed all seven PGP traits and will be tested for plant growth promotion.
The impact of kaolin mining activities on bacterial diversity and community structure in the rhizosphere soil of three local plants
Authors: Gao Wei , Chen Xiaodie , He Jing , Sha Ajia , Ren Yuanhang , Wu Peng , Li Qiang
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Thus far, the impact of kaolin mining activities on the surrounding native plants and rhizosphere microecology has not been fully understood.

Methods

In this study, we used 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing to examine the impact of kaolin mining on the rhizosphere bacterial communities and functions of three local plant species: Conyza bonariensis, Artemisia annua, and Dodonaea viscosa.

Results

The results showed that kaolin mining significantly reduced the diversity of rhizosphere bacteria in these plants, as indicated by the Shannon, Simpson, Chao1, and observed species indices (p < 0.05). Kaolin mining had an impact on the recruitment of three rhizosphere bacteria native to the area: Actinoplanes, RB41, and Mycobacterium. These bacteria were found to be more abundant in the rhizosphere soil of three local plants than in bulk soil, yet the mining of kaolin caused a decrease in their abundance (p < 0.05). Interestingly, Ralstonia was enriched in the rhizosphere of these plants found in kaolin mining areas, suggesting its resilience to environmental stress. Furthermore, the three plants had different dominant rhizosphere bacterial populations in kaolin mining areas, such as Nocardioides, Pseudarthrobacter, and Sphingomonas, likely due to the unique microecology of the plant rhizosphere. Kaolin mining activities also caused a shift in the functional diversity of rhizosphere bacteria in the three local plants, with each plant displaying different functions to cope with kaolin mining-induced stress, such as increased abundance of the GlpM family and glucan-binding domain.

Discussion

This study is the first to investigate the effects of kaolin mining on the rhizosphere microecology of local plants, thus contributing to the establishment of soil microecological health monitoring indicators to better control soil pollution in kaolin mining areas.
Molecular cross-talk among human intestinal bifidobacteria as explored by a human gut model
Authors: Rizzo Sonia Mirjam , Alessandri Giulia , Tarracchini Chiara , Bianchi Massimiliano G. , Viappiani Alice , Mancabelli Leonardo , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Milani Christian , Bussolati Ovidio , van Sinderen Douwe , Ventura Marco , Turroni Francesca
Published: September 2024

Bifidobacteria are well known as common and abundant colonizers of the human gut and are able to exert multiple beneficial effects on their host, although the cooperative and competitive relationships that may occur among bifidobacterial strains are still poorly investigated. Therefore, to dissect possible molecular interactions among bifidobacterial species that typically colonize the human gut, three previously identified bifidobacterial prototypes, i.e., B. bifidum PRL2010, B. breve PRL2012, and B. longum PRL2022 were cultivated individually as well as in bi- and tri-association in a human gut-simulating medium. Transcriptomic analyses of these co-associations revealed up-regulation of genes predicted to be involved in the production of extracellular structures including pili (i.e., flp pilus assembly TadE protein gene), exopolysaccharides (i.e., GtrA family protein gene) and teichoic acids (i.e., ABC transporter permease), along with carbohydrate, amino acid and vitamin metabolism-related genes (i.e., exo-alpha-sialidase; beta-galactosidase and pyridoxamine kinase), suggesting that co-cultivation of bifidobacteria induces a response, in individual bifidobacterial strains, aimed at enhancing their proliferation and survival, as well as their ability to cooperate with their host to promote their persistence. Furthermore, exposure of the selected prototypes to human cell line monolayers unveiled the ability of the bifidobacterial tri-association to communicate with their host by increasing the expression of genes involved in adherence to/interaction with intestinal human cells. Lastly, bifidobacterial tri-association promoted the transcriptional upregulation of genes responsible for maintaining the integrity and homeostasis of the intestinal epithelial barrier.
Predicting superagers: a machine learning approach utilizing gut microbiome features
Authors: Kim Ha Eun , Kim Bori R. , Hong Sang Hi , Song Seung Yeon , Jeong Jee Hyang , Kim Geon Ha
Published: September 2024

Objective

Cognitive decline is often considered an inevitable aspect of aging; however, recent research has identified a subset of older adults known as “superagers” who maintain cognitive abilities comparable to those of younger individuals. Investigating the neurobiological characteristics associated with superior cognitive function in superagers is essential for understanding “successful aging.” Evidence suggests that the gut microbiome plays a key role in brain function, forming a bidirectional communication network known as the microbiome-gut-brain axis. Alterations in the gut microbiome have been linked to cognitive aging markers such as oxidative stress and inflammation. This study aims to investigate the unique patterns of the gut microbiome in superagers and to develop machine learning-based predictive models to differentiate superagers from typical agers.

Methods

We recruited 161 cognitively unimpaired, community-dwelling volunteers aged 60 years or from dementia prevention centers in Seoul, South Korea. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 115 participants were included in the study. Following the removal of microbiome data outliers, 102 participants, comprising 57 superagers and 45 typical agers, were finally analyzed. Superagers were defined based on memory performance at or above average normative values of middle-aged adults. Gut microbiome data were collected from stool samples, and microbial DNA was extracted and sequenced. Relative abundances of bacterial genera were used as features for model development. We employed the LightGBM algorithm to build predictive models and utilized SHAP analysis for feature importance and interpretability.

Results

The predictive model achieved an AUC of 0.832 and accuracy of 0.764 in the training dataset, and an AUC of 0.861 and accuracy of 0.762 in the test dataset. Significant microbiome features for distinguishing superagers included Alistipes, PAC001137_g, PAC001138_g, Leuconostoc, and PAC001115_g. SHAP analysis revealed that higher abundances of certain genera, such as PAC001138_g and PAC001115_g, positively influenced the likelihood of being classified as superagers.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate the machine learning-based predictive models using gut-microbiome features can differentiate superagers from typical agers with a reasonable performance.
Association between composite dietary antioxidant index and migraine in American young women: insights from NHANES 1999–2004 cross-sectional data
Authors: Li Zeyan , Zhang Xinyu , Kong Simin , Fu Chuan-Chuan , Lv Tian-Qi , Xiao Bin
Published: September 2024

Background

Excessive oxidative stress is one of the key pathophysiological mechanisms underlying migraine, and increasing antioxidant intake has proven to be an effective strategy for the prevention and improvement of migraine symptoms. To explore the relationship between the composite dietary antioxidant index (CDAI) and the occurrence of migraine attacks.

Methods

Cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 1999–2004 were utilized. Logistic regression, stratified analysis, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were employed to investigate the association between CDAI and migraine attacks.

Results

A total of 8,137 adults aged ≥20 were enrolled, comprising 1,610 patients with migraine and 6,527 non-migraine individuals. After adjusting for all covariates, CDAI was negatively correlated with migraine. In the overall participants, compared with the CDAI Q1 (−5.83 to −2.14) group, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for migraine in Q3 (−0.59 to 1.53) and Q4 (1.53–44.63) groups were 0.71 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.54–0.92, p = 0.011] and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.47–0.87, p = 0.005), respectively. After stratifying by age and gender, the protective effect was more pronounced in females aged 20–50, with adjusted OR for Q3 (−0.59 to 1.53) and Q4 (1.53–44.63) groups of 0.60 (95% CI: 0.40–0.90, p = 0.013) and 0.48 (95% CI: 0.30–0.78, p = 0.003), respectively. The RCS curve indicated a nonlinear relationship between CDAI and migraine in females aged 20–50, with a threshold of 0.006.

Conclusion

CDAI is negatively correlated with migraine attacks, and a higher CDAI may be an effective protective factor in preventing migraine attacks, especially in women aged 20–50.
Observations on the efficacy of edaravone dexborneol in preventing post-stroke depression and its inflammatory mechanism: a prospective, randomized, control trial
Authors: Xu Mingyuan , Li Lan , Xu Bu , Yuan Shanfang , Zheng Qin , Sun Wenjun
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aimed to observe the effect of edaravone dexborneol (EDB) on the incidence of early post-stroke depression (PSD) and explore its inflammatory mechanisms.

Methods

A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted from January 2022 to June 2023, involving patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) at the Neurology Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The control group received routine treatment, while the experimental group received routine combined EDB treatment. The main outcome measures included PSD incidence, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores on days 14 and 30, and inflammatory factor levels on day 14.

Results

A total of 93 patients were included in the study, 51 in the experimental group and 42 in the control group. On day 14, the PSD incidence was 13.7% in the experimental group, lower than 31.0% in the control group (95%CI 0.127–0.996; p = 0.044). Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed significantly lower concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (95%CI 3.353–5.184), IL-6 (95%CI 2.694–3.426), TNF-α (95%CI 4.985–12.196), IFN-γ (95%CI 0.163–0.451), MCP-1 (95%CI 0.335–0.787), IL-17A (95%CI 0.543–1.024), and IL-23p19 (95%CI 1.677–1.959) (all p < 0.001), and higher levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 (95%CI −1.087 to −0.941), IL-10 (95%CI −6.125 to −1.662), and IL-13 (95%CI −6.078 to −2.953) (all p ≤ 0.001). On day 30, the PSD incidence in the experimental group was 15.7%, lower than 40.5% in the control group (95%CI 0.103–0.725; p = 0.007). Compared with the control group, the experimental group had lower PHQ-9 scores on day 14 (95%CI 0.034–1.577; p = 0.041) and day 30 (95%CI 0.018–1.573; p = 0.045), and also had lower HAMD scores on day 14 (95% CI 0.281–2.856; p = 0.018) and day 30 (95% CI 0.647–3.482; p = 0.005).

Conclusion

EDB could reduce the incidence of early PSD, reduce pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and elevate anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, which was possibly related to the anti-inflammatory mechanism of EDB.

Clinical trial registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier [ChiCTR2300067750].
The association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the mediating role of dietary inflammatory index
Authors: Wu Ruying , Gong Hongyang
Published: September 2024

Background

Numerous studies have indicated a potential correlation between COPD, lipid metabolism, and dietary inflammation. However, the exact mechanisms by which dietary inflammation regulates the pathological processes of COPD related to lipid metabolism remain unclear. NHHR is a novel composite index of atherosclerotic lipid profiles, while the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) measures diet-induced inflammation. This study explores the relationship between NHHR and COPD and evaluates whether DII mediates this association.

Methods

We employed multivariable logistic regression, smooth curve fitting, threshold effect analysis, and subgroup analysis to explore the relationship between NHHR and the incidence of COPD. Additionally, we conducted a mediation analysis to explore the potential relationship between dietary inflammatory index (DII) levels and the relationship between NHHR and COPD.

Results

This analysis encompassed 13,452 participants, with 2,332 reporting incidents of COPD. Following adjustment for all covariates using multivariable logistic regression, each unit increase in NHHR level and DII level was associated with a 10% (OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.16) and 8% (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.13) increase, respectively, in the incidence rate of COPD. Furthermore, compared to the lowest quartile, the highest quartile of NHHR level and DII level was associated with a 47% (p < 0.001) and 50% (p < 0.001) increase, respectively, in the incidence rate of COPD. Smooth curve fitting and threshold effect analysis revealed a nonlinear relationship between NHHR and the risk of COPD, with a breakpoint at 2.60. Mediation analysis indicated that DII mediated 7.24% of the association between NHHR and COPD (p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Higher NHHR levels are associated with an increased prevalence of COPD. Moreover, this association is mediated by DII, suggesting that an anti-inflammatory diet may be beneficial.
The alternative value of thyroid stimulating hormone instead of thyroglobulin in differentiation of follicular thyroid neoplasm in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Authors: Liu Jinyue , Kuang Jie , Sun Hanxing , Chen Lingxie , Li Qinyu , Zhan Ling , Hong Ri , Li Rui , Yan Jiqi , Qiu Weihua , Liu Zhuoran
Published: September 2024

Purposes

To provide novel aspects for the preoperative diagnosis and appropriate differentiation strategies for follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA).

Methods

Among 25,765 cases, a total of 326 patients with follicular thyroid neoplasms between 2013 and 2019 were enrolled. Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, surgical profiles and oncologic outcomes were collected and analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences in preoperative ultrasound findings between FTA and FTC patients. The true positive rate (sensitivity) and true negative rate (specificity) of fine needle aspiration (FNA) for FTA patients were 0.6956 and 0.5000, respectively, and those for FTC patients were 0.0714 and 0.9348, respectively. Patients with FTC presented significantly higher serum thyroglobulin (TG) levels than patients with FTA. Preoperative TG level was positively related to tumor invasiveness and recurrence or distant metastases in FTC patients. There were 55 patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), accounting for 16.87% of enrolled patients. HT patients had significantly lower serum TG concentrations than antibody-negative patients. Among HT patients, no significant differences were observed in TG levels between the FTA and FTC groups. Instead, FTA patients had significantly higher serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and lower serum T3 (Triiodothyronine) levels compared to FTC patients. Serum TSH level >1.736U/L was associated with benign follicular neoplasms in HT patients according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Conclusion

Distinguishing FTC from FTA remains a challenge for ultrasonography and FNA. Serum TG should be measured as a risk factor of FTC. However, in HT patients, serum TSH levels can serve as a more reliable indicator for differentiating FTC from FTA preoperatively.
Lonicerae Japonicae Flos with the homology of medicine and food: a review of active ingredients, anticancer mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, quality control, toxicity and applications
Authors: Ma Ping , Yuan Ling , Jia Shumin , Zhou Ziying , Xu Duojie , Huang Shicong , Meng Fandi , Zhang Zhe , Nan Yi
Published: September 2024

Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (LJF, called Jinyinhua in China), comes from the dried flower buds or flowers to be opened of Lonicera japonica Thunb. in the Lonicera family. It has a long history of medicinal use and has a wide range of application prospects. As modern research advances, an increasing number of scientific experiments have demonstrated the anticancer potential of LJF. However, there is a notable absence of systematic reports detailing the anti-tumor effects of LJF. This review integrates the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with contemporary pharmacological techniques, drawing upon literature from authoritative databases such as PubMed, CNKI, and WanFang to conduct a comprehensive study of LJF. Notably, a total of 507 compounds have been isolated and characterized from the plant to date, which include volatile oils, organic acids, flavonoids, iridoids, triterpenes and triterpenoid saponins. Pharmacological studies have demonstrated that LJF extract, along with components such as chlorogenic acid, luteolin, rutin, luteoloside, hyperoside and isochlorogenic acid, exhibits potential anticancer activities. Consequently, we have conducted a comprehensive review and summary of the mechanisms of action and clinical applications of these components. Furthermore, we have detailed the pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicity of LJF, while also discussing its prospective applications in the fields of biomedicine and preventive healthcare. It is hoped that these studies will provide valuable reference for the clinical research, development, and application of LJF.
Oral feeding challenges of infants of diabetic mothers
Authors: Dietrich Leslie-Anne J.
Published: September 2024

Objective

The presence of diabetes before or during pregnancy can increase perinatal mortality and morbidities. It is well known an infant of a diabetic mother (IDM) may experience complications such as macrosomia, hypoglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome, cardiac anomalies, and other abnormalities of organogenesis. Medical providers including physicians, nurses, and speech therapists have experienced challenges with helping IDMs orally feed. Challenges with oral feeding can lead to prolonged hospital stays and placement of supplemental feeding devices. The etiology of an IDM's oral feeding delays is not well understood and does not necessarily affect all infants.

Study design

This descriptive review explores what is known about potential contributing factors to feeding difficulty in IDMs, including differences in infant behavior and swallowing mechanics.

Results

Some IDMs are unable to maintain active alert states and have decreased autonomic regulation and motor control. Studies of sucking and swallowing demonstrate reduced sucking pressure, fewer sucking bursts, and slowing of esophageal sphincter function.

Conclusion

The increasing prevalence of diabetes during pregnancy makes further investigations into the characteristics and trajectories of state, behavior, and oral feeding of IDMs imperative.
Combining systems pharmacology, metabolomics, and transcriptomics to reveal the mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza-Cortex moutan herb pair for the treatment of ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhao Chao , Bai Xiaodan , Ding Yi , Wen Aidong , Fu Qiang
Published: September 2024

Ischemic stroke (IS), predominantly triggered by blockages in cerebral blood flow, is increasingly recognized as a critical public health issue. The combination of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) and Cortex moutan (CM), traditional herbs in Eastern medicine, are frequently used for managing heart and brain vascular conditions. However, the exact mechanisms by which this herb pair (SC) combats IS remain largely unexplored. This investigation focuses on pinpointing the active constituents in SC that contribute to its protective role and deciphering the mechanisms countering cerebral ischemia, particularly in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rat model. We employed UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS alongside network pharmacology for predicting SC’s target actions against IS. Key ingredients were examined for their interaction with principal targets using molecular docking. The therapeutic impact was gauged through H&E, TUNEL, and Nissl staining, complemented by transcriptomic and metabolomic integration for mechanistic insights, with vital genes confirmed via western blot. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis revealed that the main components of SC included benzoylpaeoniflorin, salvianolic acid B, oxypaeoniflora, salvianolic acid A, and others. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that SC’s mechanism in treating IS primarily involves inflammation, angiogenesis, and cell apoptosis-related pathways, potentially through targets such as AKT1, TNF, PTGS2, MMP9, PIK3CA, and VEGFA. Molecular docking underscored strong affinities between these constituents and their targets. Our empirical studies indicated SC’s significant role in enhancing neuroprotection in IS, with transcriptomics suggesting the involvement of the VEGFA/PI3K/AKT pathway and metabolomics revealing improvements in various metabolic processes, including amino acids, glycerophospholipids, sphingomyelin, and fatty acids metabolisms.
The evolutionary ecology of inbreeding depression in wild plant populations and its impact on plant mating systems
Authors: Cheptou Pierre-Olivier
Published: September 2024

Inbreeding depression, the reduced fitness of inbred relative to outbred individuals was described more than two centuries ago, long before the development of population genetics. Its impact is central to evolutionary ecology and the evolution of mating systems, in particular self-fertilization in hermaphrodites. In the first half of the 20th century, population genetics revealed a mechanism for inbreeding depression through homozygosity. Numerous theoretical studies have modeled inbreeding depression as a function of genetic architecture and analyzed how it varies with population selfing rates. A major concept in these models is purging, i.e., the purging of recessive deleterious mutations through inbreeding. Consequently, inbreeding depression is expected to decrease with increasing population selfing rates. Along with these theoretical studies, many experimental studies, particularly on plants, have measured inbreeding depression using experimental crosses or directly in the field. The results of these studies have revealed that the evolutionary ecology of inbreeding depression is difficult to capture and that empirical data do not exactly match model predictions, specifically purging efficacy. In addition, the lability of inbreeding depression in natural populations can qualitatively affect the selective role of inbreeding depression in the evolution of mating systems. Recently, several studies have demonstrated the role of epigenetics in shedding new light on the dynamics of inbreeding depression in natural populations. This review provides a general overview of the studies on inbreeding depression and how various angles can help capture its selective role in natural populations.
Responses of soil fungal community composition and function to wetland degradation in the Songnen Plain, northeastern China
Authors: Yan Zhizhi , Yang Shuhan , Chen Lei , Zou Yu , Zhao Yupeng , Yan Guang , Wang He , Wu Yining
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Wetlands are ecosystems that have a significant impact on ecological services and are essential for the environment. With the impacts of rapid population growth, wetland reclamation, urbanization, and land use change, wetlands have undergo severe degradation or loss. However, the response of soil fungal communities to wetland degradation remains unknown. It is crucial to comprehend how the diversity and population dynamics of soil fungi respond to varying levels of degradation and ecological progression in the wetlands of the Songnen Plain.

Methods

In this study, high- throughput sequencing technology to analyze the variety and abundance of soil fungi in the undegraded (UD), light degraded (LD), moderate degraded (MD), and severe degraded (SD) conditions in the Halahai Nature Reserve of Songnen Plain. This study also explored how these fungi are related to the soil’s physicochemical properties in wetlands at various degradation levels.

Results

The findings indicated that Basidiomycota and Ascomycota were the primary phyla in the Songnen Plain, with Ascomycota increasing and Basidiomycota decreasing as wetland degradation progressed. Significant differences were observed in soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN),and soil total potassium (TK) among the succession degradation stages. With the deterioration of the wetland, there was a pattern of the Shannon and Chao1 indices increasing and then decreasing. Non-metric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) analysis indicated that the fungal community structures of UD and LD were quite similar, whereas MD and SD exhibited more distinct differences in their fungal community compositions. Redundancy analysis (RDA) results indicated that Soil Water content (SWC) and total nitrogen (TN) were the primary environmental factors influencing the dominant fungal phylum. According to the FUNGuild prediction, Ectomycorrhizal and plant pathogens gradually declining with wetland degradation.

Discussion

In general, our findings can offer theoretical support develop effective solutions for the preservation and rehabilitation of damaged wetlands.
Trait-based community assembly and functional strategies across three subtropical karst forests, Southwestern China
Authors: Jiang Yong , Chen Zhenqing , Lin Haili , Deng Rongxin , Liang Zhihui , Li Yuling , Liang Shichu
Published: September 2024

Background

Variations in community-level plant functional traits are widely used to elucidate vegetation adaptation strategies across different environmental gradients. Moreover, studying functional variation among different forest types aids in understanding the mechanisms by which environmental factors and functional strategies shift community structure.

Methods

Based on five plant functional traits, including four leaf and one wood trait, for 150 woody species, we analyzed shifts in the community-weighted mean trait values across three forest types in a karst forest landscape: deciduous, mixed, and evergreen forests. We also assessed the relative contributions of stochastic processes, environmental filtering, and niche differentiation to drive community structure using a trait-based null model approach.

Results

We found marked changes in functional strategy, from resource acquisition on dry, fertile soil plots in deciduous forests to resource conservation on moist, infertile soil conditions in evergreen forests. The trait-based null model showed strong evidence of environmental filtering and convergent patterns in traits across three forest types, as well as low niche differentiation in most functional traits. Some evidence of overdispersion of LDMC and LT occurred to partially support the recent theory of Scheffer and Van Nes that competition could result in a clumped pattern of species along a niche axis.

Discussion

Our findings suggest a change in environmental gradient from deciduous to evergreen forest, together with a shift from acquisitive to conservative traits. Environmental filtering, stochastic processes, niche differentiation, and overdispersion mechanisms together drive community assembly in karst forest landscapes. These findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the changes in functional traits among karst plants and their adaptive strategies, with important implications for understanding other community assemblies in subtropical forest systems.
Development and validation of the job stressor scale for specialty nurses
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Lin Wenqiong , Li Songyao , Li Yaru , Wei Jili , Zhang Huiyi , Zhang Bo , Fang Ziru , Guo Rui , Zhang Hongmei
Published: September 2024

Objectives

Specialty nurses play a crucial role in specialized nursing practice, teaching, management, and research. These nurses often face significant work pressure; therefore, scientifically and effectively assessing their job stress and its sources is vital for enhancing the quality of their work. However, there is currently a dearth of verified assessment tools for measuring job stressors among specialty nurses. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and test an instrument to assess the job stressors applicable to specialty nurses.

Methods

We conducted a multiphase mixed-methods study. The initial scale items were developed from a literature review and structured interviews. The scale was then refined through two rounds of expert consultation (N = 14) and a primary test (N = 20). A main survey (N = 552) was then conducted to evaluate the scale’s construct validity and reliability using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA).

Results

The final scale comprises four dimensions with 27 items. The factors included “specialized nursing and work,” “workload and time allocation,” “patient care,” and “work resources and environment.” The EFA explained 69.10% of the variance, while the CFA confirmed a good model fit. The content validity index was 0.980 at the scale level and 0.790–1.000 at the item level. The scale’s reliability was supported by its high Cronbach’s α (0.958), test–retest reliability (0.946), and split-half reliability (0.868).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the job stressor scale developed in this study is valid and reliable, and is recommended for use among specialty nurses to assess their stressors.
Effects of sodium benzoate on cognitive function in neuropsychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liang Chun-Wei , Cheng Hsiao-Yi , Tseng Mei-Chih Meg
Published: September 2024

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on sodium benzoate’s effects on cognitive function and other psychiatric symptoms in individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and PsychInfo databases until September 2023. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed within a frequentist framework. To investigate the potential sources of heterogeneity, we performed subgroup analyses based on sex, dose, diagnosis, and risk of bias of the included studies. Trial sequential analyses were performed to investigate the statistical power of the synthesized studies. The certainty in evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. A total of 10 studies were included in the analysis. Sodium benzoate demonstrated a small-to-moderate positive effect on global cognitive function compared with placebo (standardized mean difference 0.40, 95% confidence interval 0.20 to 0.60, high certainty). Subgroup analyses suggested more pronounced effects in women; individuals receiving doses >500 mg/day; and individuals with early-phase Alzheimer’s disease, chronic schizophrenia, or major depressive disorder. Sodium benzoate also demonstrated potential efficacy in enhancing the speed of processing, working memory, verbal learning and memory, visual learning and memory, and reasoning and problem solving. Furthermore, sodium benzoate was effective for positive psychotic symptoms but not for negative psychotic and depressive symptoms with moderate certainty. The current evidence strongly supports the positive effects of sodium benzoate on cognitive function in neuropsychiatric disorders. Further research is required to confirm its efficacy across different subtypes or stages of neurocognitive disorders and within specific cognitive domains.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023457462
Incidence and risk factors of severe acute high-altitude illness in healthy adults first entering the northern Tibetan Plateau of over 5,000 m
Authors: Gao Chun , Qi Guo-Dong , Wang Dan , Zhang Zhao-Hui , Liu Zhong-Xing , Ge Rui-Dong , Yong Zong , Yan Li-E
Published: September 2024

Background

Our study was designed to determine the incidence and risk factors of severe acute high-altitude illness (AHAI) in healthy adults first entering the northern Tibetan Plateau of over 5,000 m.

Methods

In our prospective observational study, we enrolled 500 people who were scheduled for fast ascension to the northern Tibetan Plateau. The primary outcome variable was severe AHAI, defined as the presence of serious symptoms that could not be ameliorated by general treatment and required evacuation to lower altitudes. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a cohort of 383 healthy people was included in the statistical analysis. We calculated the incidence of severe AHAI, identified the risk factors, and the differences in the most severe symptoms experienced.

Results

Sixty-eight people were diagnosed with severe AHAI, and the incidence was 17.8%. Compared to individuals without severe AHAI, those with severe AHAI were more likely to be over the age of 40 years, of Han Chinese nationality, and living at an altitude of <1,500 m. They were less likely to belong to the Yi nationality, had a lower altitude of permanent residence, and exhibited decreased levels of lymphocyte count and hemoglobin concentration. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the mean altitude of permanent residence [per kilometer, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.464; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.304–0.708; p < 0.001] and lymphocyte count (AOR = 0.606; 95% CI, 0.378–0.970; p = 0.037) were the independent risk factors. Headache and dyspnea ranked in the top two of the most severe symptoms for people with severe AHAI.

Conclusion

Living at lower altitudes and having a decreased lymphocyte level were the risk factors of severe AHAI in healthy adults first entering the plateau of over 5,000 m.
Predictors of delayed health seeking for febrile children: multi-level analysis of cross-sectional study data from southern Ethiopia
Authors: Chisha Yilma , Feleke Tesfaye , Zeleke Eshetu Andarge , Aschalew Zeleke , Abate Zeleke Girma , Haile Yosef , Dalbo Mulugeta , Endriyas Misganu
Published: September 2024

Background

Febrile illnesses are commonly reported as a primary reason for seeking healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa. Timely diagnosis and getting prompt treatment within 24 h of fever onset is crucial to avert the risk of developing severe complications and death. Understanding factors contributing to delayed health seeking is important for public health interventions. Hence, this study aimed to assess individual- and contextual-level factors associated with the delay in seeking prompt treatment for children with fever.

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2022 to June 2023 in Gamo zone, southern Ethiopia. Three districts were chosen, and then, from each district, six clusters or kebeles were chosen by simple random sampling. A total of 820 caregivers were randomly selected. A two-level mixed-effects logistic regression model was employed to identify factors associated with the delay in seeking prompt treatment. The associations were measured by an adjusted odds ratio (AOR), and statistical significance was declared at a 5% level of significance.

Result

The prevalence of the delay in seeking prompt care was 47.8%. Factors contributing to the delay were caregivers who were aged 30 years and above [AOR 0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.10–0.52], caregivers who followed the Protestant religion (AOR 3.67, 95% CI: 2.08–6.48), caregivers unable to read and write (AOR 5.32, 95% CI: 6.80–11.70), merchant caregivers (AOR 6.63, 95% CI: 2.75–15.97), caregivers who were exposed to only one media source (AOR 9.3, 95% CI: 8.43–15.60), caregivers with the experience of child death (AOR 0.05, 95% CI: 0.01–0.22), and caregivers seeking permission from their partners to access healthcare (AOR 12.64, 95% CI: 6.98–22.89).

Conclusion and recommendations

There was a high level of delay in seeking healthcare. Targeted community education through mass media, healthcare facilities, and community-level awareness campaigns should be strengthened to improve early treatment seeking and lessen the consequences of delayed treatment seeking.
Underweight and associated factors among children under age of five in low and lower-middle income African countries: hierarchical analysis of demographic and health survey data
Authors: Tamir Tadesse Tarik , Zegeye Alebachew Ferede , Workneh Belayneh Shetie , Mekonen Enyew Getaneh
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Globally, nearly half of all deaths among children under the age of five are linked to undernutrition. These tragic outcomes are most prevalent in low- and middle-income countries. The far-reaching impact of malnutrition affects not only individuals but also their families, communities, and entire nations. By examining underweight, we gain valuable insights into the intricate network of factors influencing child health. Therefore, this study aims to assess underweight prevalence and its associated factors among under-five children in low and lower-middle-income African countries.

Method

We conducted a secondary analysis of standard demographic and health surveys in 30 low and lower-middle-income African countries spanning from 2012 to 2022. Our analysis included a total sample of 200,655 children under the age of 5 years. We employed a three-level hierarchical model to assess the determinants of underweight among children in this age group. Measures of association were evaluated using adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval. Explanatory variables with a p-value less than the level of significance (0.05) were considered statistically significant.

Result

The pooled prevalence of underweight among children under the age of five in low and lower-middle income African countries was estimated at 17.60%, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 17.44 to 17.77%. The hierarchical analysis identified several factors significantly associated with underweight, including male gender, birth size, maternal body mass index, maternal educational level, household wealth index, antenatal care (ANC) visits, community poverty level, and income level of countries.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of underweight among children under the age of five in low and lower-middle income African countries underscores the need for targeted interventions. By addressing individual, community, and country-level factors, we can work toward improving child nutrition and well-being.
Development of a RPA-CRISPR/Cas12a based rapid visual detection assay for Porcine Parvovirus 7
Authors: Wen Shubo , She Lemuge , Dang Sheng , Liao Ao , Li Xiaorui , Zhang Shuai , Song Yang , Li Xiangyang , Zhai Jingbo
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Porcine Parvovirus (PPV) is a significant pathogen in the pig industry, with eight genotypes, including PPV7, identified since its emergence in 2016. Co-infections with viruses such as Porcine Circovirus 2 (PCV2) and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) pose serious risks to swine health. Thus, there is an urgent need for rapid, sensitive, and specific detection methods suitable for use in field settings or laboratories with limited resources.

Methods

We developed a CRISPR/Cas12a-based assay combined with recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) for the rapid detection of PPV7. Specific RPA primers and five CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) were designed to target a highly conserved region within the NS1 gene of PPV7. Optimization of crRNA and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) concentrations was performed to enhance the assay’s performance.

Results

CrRNA optimization identified crRNA-05 as the optimal candidate for Cas12a-based detection of PPV7, as all synthesized crRNAs demonstrated similar performance. The optimal crRNA concentration was determined to be 200 nM, yielding consistent results across tested concentrations. For ssDNA optimization, the strongest fluorescence signal was achieved with 500 nM of the FAM-BHQ ssDNA receptor. The assay showed a minimal detection limit of 100copies/μl for PPV7, confirmed through fluorescence and lateral flow detection methods. Specificity testing indicated that only PPV7 DNA samples returned positive results, confirming the assay’s accuracy. In tests of 50 lung tissue samples from diseased pigs, the RPA-Cas12a assay identified 29 positive samples (58%), surpassing the 22 positive samples (44%) detected by conventional PCR. This highlights the RPA-Cas12a method’s enhanced detection capability and its potential utility in clinical surveillance and management of PPV7 in swine populations.

Discussion

The RPA-Cas12a assay effectively detects PPV7 in clinical samples, enhancing disease surveillance and control in pigs. Its adaptability to resource-limited settings significantly improves PPV7 management and prevention strategies, thereby supporting the overall health and development of the pig industry.
The Multiple Advantages of Self-Leadership in Higher Education: The Role of Health-Promoting Self-Leadership among Executive MBA Students
Authors: Bjerke Rune
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this conceptual and explorative study is to document the advantages of health-promoting self-leadership practice. Professional certification programs are criticized due to a lack of practice among participants, involvement, and short duration. This study is based on self-leadership practices over several weeks of two executive MBA student classes from spring 2020 and 2021. A preliminary theoretical framework is developed suggesting that health-promoting self-leadership, which includes three orientations, has an impact on self-efficacy, mental fitness, and performance. Two different self-leadership classes with managers from the public and private sectors went through a self-development process as a semester project. The content analyses of 112 student reports unfolded students’ self-development processes and results identified in diaries, notes, tables, training schedules, and reflections. The findings, based on two different samples and aggregated data, support the theoretical framework. Moreover, the processes of self-development and self-leadership seem to be advantageous for almost all managers. The health-promoting self-leadership practice improved managers’ mental and physical fitness, energy balance, self-efficacy beliefs, and performance. These outcomes were achieved through physical activity, self-talk, meditative exercises, reward systems, visualizing, diet programs, and routines. The findings underscore the importance of self-development processes amongst managers, and that health-promoting self-leadership courses should last over several weeks.