bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyses of hypoxia-related risk factors and clinical relevance in breast cancer
Authors: Li Yan , Yu Haiyang , Han Xinghua , Pan Yueyin
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Hypoxia plays an important role in the heterogeneity, relapse, metastasis, and drug resistance of breast cancer. In this study, we explored the hypoxia-related biological signatures in different subtypes of breast cancer and identified the key prognostic factors by bioinformatics methods.

Methods

Based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Breast Cancer datasets, we divided the samples into immune-activated/suppressed populations by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and then used hierarchical clustering to further identify hypoxic/non-hypoxic populations from the immune-suppressed samples. A hypoxia related risk model of breast cancer was constructed.

Results

Nuclear factor interleukin-3 regulated (NFIL3), serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1), FOS, biglycan (BGN), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and sushi-repeat-containing protein, X-linked (SRPX) were identified as key hypoxia-related genes. Margin status, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, hypoxia status, estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor (ER/PR) status, NFIL3, SERPINE1, EGFR, and risk score were identified as independent prognostic indicators for breast cancer patients. The 3- and 5-year survival curves of the model and immunohistochemical staining on the breast cancer microarray verified the statistical significance and feasibility of our model. Among the different molecular types of breast cancer, ER/PR+ and HER2+ patients might have higher hypoxia-related risk scores. ER/PR-negative samples demonstrated more activated immune-related pathways and better response to most anticancer agents.

Discussion

Our study revealed a novel risk model and potential feasible prognostic factors for breast cancer and might provide new perspectives for individual breast cancer treatment.
Clinical and laboratory parameters associated with febrile seizure recurrence within the first 24 h: a ten-year cohort study
Authors: Castellazzi Massimo Luca , La Vecchia Adriano , Scali Martina , Agostoni Carlo , Di Pietro Giada , Milani Gregorio Paolo
Published: March 2024

Introduction

We assessed clinical and laboratory parameters associated with early recurrence of febrile seizure in patients presenting at the Emergency Department with a first episode.

Methods

Case series of patients admitted to the emergency department with the first episode of febrile seizure for ten consecutive years. Exclusion criteria were focal features and prolonged duration (>15 min).

Results

We included 693 patients, 284 (41%) female. Median age of 20 (IQR 15–27) months. Fifty-two (8%) patients had a recurrence within 24 h. At univariate analysis, patients with recurrent seizures had higher use of antipyretics (88% vs. 74%, P = 0.03, OR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1–7.7), higher median maximal body temperature (39.3 °C, IQR 38.9–39.9, vs. 38.9, IQR 38.4–39.3, P < 0.001, OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5–2.6) and presented with a lower proportion of respiratory tract infections (54% vs. 70%, P = 0.02) compared to patients without recurrence. A maximal body temperature equal to or higher than 39 °C was associated with a higher recurrence (11% vs. 4%, P < 0.001, OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.6–5.6). Hyponatremia was not associated with a risk of recurrence. The multivariate analysis confirmed a direct association with body temperature (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5–3.7, P < 0.001), and an inverse association with respiratory tract infections (OR 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2–0.9, P = 0.01), while antipyretic use was not correlated (OR 1.9, 95% CI: 0.8–5.2, P = 0.2).

Conclusions

High body temperature and respiratory tract infections were (directly and inversely) associated with recurrences. Consideration of these conditions might help for anticipating the probability of recurrence.
Exploring inter-ethnic and inter-patient variability and optimal dosing of osimertinib: a physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling approach
Authors: Liang Feng , Zhang Yimei , Xue Qian , Yao Na
Published: March 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to develop and validate a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for osimertinib (OSI) to predict plasma trough concentration (Ctrough) and pulmonary EGFRm+ (T790M and L858R mutants) inhibition in Caucasian, Japanese, and Chinese populations. The PBPK model was also utilized to investigate inter-ethnic and inter-patient differences in OSI pharmacokinetics (PK) and determine optimal dosing regimens.

Methods: Population PBPK models of OSI for healthy and disease populations were developed using physicochemical and biochemical properties of OSI and physiological parameters of different groups. And then the PBPK models were validated using the multiple clinical PK and drug-drug interaction (DDI) study data.

Results: The model demonstrated good consistency with the observed data, with most of prediction-to-observation ratios of 0.8–1.25 for AUC, Cmax, and Ctrough. The PBPK model revealed that plasma exposure of OSI was approximately 2-fold higher in patients compared to healthy individuals, and higher exposure observed in Caucasians compared to other ethnic groups. This was primarily attributed to a lower CL/F of OSI in patients and Caucasian. The PBPK model displayed that key factors influencing PK and EGFRm+ inhibition differences included genetic polymorphism of CYP3A4, CYP1A2 expression, plasma free concentration (fup), albumin level, and auto-inhibition/induction on CYP3A4. Inter-patient PK variability was most influenced by CYP3A4 variants, fup, and albumin level. The PBPK simulations indicated that the optimal dosing regimen for patients across the three populations of European, Japanese, and Chinese ancestry was OSI 80 mg once daily (OD) to achieve the desired range of plasma Ctrough (328–677 nmol/L), as well as 80 mg and 160 mg OD for desirable pulmonary EGFRm+ inhibition (>80%).

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study’s PBPK simulations highlighted potential ethnic and inter-patient variability in OSI PK and EGFRm+ inhibition between Caucasian, Japanese, and Chinese populations, while also providing insights into optimal dosing regimens of OSI.
Moisture content online detection system based on multi-sensor fusion and convolutional neural network
Authors: Yang Taoqing , Zheng Xia , Xiao Hongwei , Shan Chunhui , Zhang Jikai
Published: March 2024

To monitor the moisture content of agricultural products in the drying process in real time, this study applied a model combining multi-sensor fusion and convolutional neural network (CNN) to moisture content online detection. This study built a multi-sensor data acquisition platform and established a CNN prediction model with the raw monitoring data of load sensor, air velocity sensor, temperature sensor, and the tray position as input and the weight of the material as output. The model’s predictive performance was compared with that of the linear partial least squares regression (PLSR) and nonlinear support vector machine (SVM) models. A moisture content online detection system was established based on this model. Results of the model performance comparison showed that the CNN prediction model had the optimal prediction effect, with the determination coefficient (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.9989 and 6.9, respectively, which were significantly better than those of the other two models. Results of validation experiments showed that the detection system met the requirements of moisture content online detection in the drying process of agricultural products. The R2 and RMSE were 0.9901 and 1.47, respectively, indicating the good performance of the model combining multi-sensor fusion and CNN in moisture content online detection for agricultural products in the drying process. The moisture content online detection system established in this study is of great significance for researching new drying processes and realizing the intelligent development of drying equipment. It also provides a reference for online detection of other indexes in the drying process of agricultural products.
Establishment and application of Agrobacterium-delivered CRISPR/Cas9 system for wild tobacco (Nicotiana alata) genome editing
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Zeng Jianmin , Liu Yong , Yu Haiqin , Tong Zhijun , Zhang Jianduo , Gao Qian , Wang Zhong , Sui Xueyi , Xiao Bingguang , Huang Changjun
Published: March 2024

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9) system has been widely applied in cultivated crops, but limited in their wild relatives. Nicotiana alata is a typical wild species of genus Nicotiana that is globally distributed as a horticultural plant and well-studied as a self-incompatibility model. It also has valuable genes for disease resistance and ornamental traits. However, it lacks an efficient genetic transformation and genome editing system, which hampers its gene function and breeding research. In this study, we developed an optimized hypocotyl-mediated transformation method for CRISPR-Cas9 delivery. The genetic transformation efficiency was significantly improved from approximately 1% to over 80%. We also applied the CRISPR-Cas9 system to target the phytoene desaturase (NalaPDS) gene in N. alata and obtained edited plants with PDS mutations with over 50% editing efficiency. To generate self-compatible N. alata lines, a polycistronic tRNA-gRNA (PTG) strategy was used to target exonic regions of allelic S-RNase genes and generate targeted knockouts simultaneously. We demonstrated that our system is feasible, stable, and high-efficiency for N. alata genome editing. Our study provides a powerful tool for basic research and genetic improvement of N. alata and an example for other wild tobacco species.
Formation of HopQ1:14-3-3 complex in the host cytoplasm modulates nuclear import rate of Pseudomonas syringae effector in Nicotiana benthamiana cells
Authors: Rymaszewski Wojciech , Giska Fabian , Piechocki Marcin A. , Zembek Patrycja B. , Krzymowska Magdalena
Published: March 2024

HopQ1, a type three effector from Pseudomonas syringae upon phosphorylation coopts plant 14-3-3 proteins to control its stability and subcellular localization. Mass spectrometry of the cytoplasm-restricted effector revealed that HopQ1 already in this subcellular compartment undergoes phosphorylation at serine 51 within the canonical 14-3-3 binding motif and within the second putative 14-3-3 binding site, 24RTPSES29. Our analyses revealed that the stoichiometry of the HopQ1:14-3-3a complex is 1:2 indicating that both binding sites of HopQ1 are involved in the interaction. Notably, 24RTPSES29 comprises a putative nuclear translocation signal (NTS). Although a peptide containing NTS mediates nuclear import of a Cargo protein suggesting its role in the nuclear trafficking of HopQ1, a deletion of 25TPS27 does not change HopQ1 distribution. In contrast, elimination of 14-3-3 binding site, accelerates nuclear trafficking the effector. Collectively, we show that formation of the HopQ1:14-3-3 complex occurs in the host cytoplasm and slows down the effector translocation into the nucleus. These results provide a mechanism that maintains the proper nucleocytoplasmic partitioning of HopQ1, and at the same time is responsible for the relocation of 14-3-3s from the nucleus to cytoplasm in the presence of the effector.
Deciphering the genetic landscape of seedling drought stress tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) through genome-wide association studies
Authors: Gudi Santosh , Halladakeri Priyanka , Singh Gurjeet , Kumar Pradeep , Singh Satinder , Alwutayd Khairiah Mubarak , Abd El-Moneim Diaa , Sharma Achla
Published: March 2024

Wheat is an important cereal crop constrained by several biotic and abiotic stresses including drought stress. Understating the effect of drought stress and the genetic basis of stress tolerance is important to develop drought resilient, high-yielding wheat cultivars. In this study, we investigated the effects of drought stress on seedling characteristics in an association panel consisting of 198 germplasm lines. Our findings revealed that drought stress had a detrimental effect on all the seedling characteristics under investigation with a maximum effect on shoot length (50.94% reduction) and the minimum effect on germination percentage (7.9% reduction). To gain a deeper understanding, we conducted a genome-wide association analysis using 12,511 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which led to the identification of 39 marker-trait associations (MTAs). Of these 39 MTAs, 13 were particularly noteworthy as they accounted for >10% of the phenotypic variance with a LOD score >5. These high-confidence MTAs were further utilized to extract 216 candidate gene (CGs) models within 1 Mb regions. Gene annotation and functional characterization identified 83 CGs with functional relevance to drought stress. These genes encoded the WD40 repeat domain, Myb/SANT-like domain, WSD1-like domain, BTB/POZ domain, Protein kinase domain, Cytochrome P450, Leucine-rich repeat domain superfamily, BURP domain, Calmodulin-binding protein60, Ubiquitin-like domain, etc. Findings from this study hold significant promise for wheat breeders as they provide direct assistance in selecting lines harboring favorable alleles for improved drought stress tolerance. Additionally, the identified SNPs and CGs will enable marker-assisted selection of potential genomic regions associated with enhanced drought stress tolerance in wheat.
The history of families at-risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer: what are the impacts of genetic counseling and testing?
Authors: Campacci Natalia , Grasel Rebeca Silveira , Galvão Henrique de Campos Reis , Garcia Lucas França , Ribeiro Paula Carvalho , Pereira Kercy Fram de Jesus de Sena , Goldim José Roberto , Ashton-Prolla Patricia , Palmero Edenir Inêz
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Cancer Genetic Counseling (CGC) and genetic testing (GT) assume a paramount role for hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome families. We assessed the effects of CGC and GT on women affected by cancer who are at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer predisposition syndrome (HBOC).

Methods

This study encompasses four time points: before the CGC session, after the CGC session when blood is drawn for GT, after disclosure of GT results, and six months following disclosure of GT results. The impacts of CGC and GT were assessed using psychosocial questionnaires. Additionally, a pedigree, genogram, and ecomap were constructed through a semistructured interview.

Results

A total of sixty women were included in the study. Most participants considered their perception of cancer risk to be equivalent to that of the general population, even among those with pathogenic variants. An increased perception of breast and ovarian cancer risks was associated with a heightened inclination toward religious engagement as a coping mechanism. Patients carrying variants of uncertain significance expressed greater concerns about developing another cancer compared to those who had BRCA1 and BRCA2 wild type or pathogenic variants. Qualitative analysis of the genograms and ecomaps demonstrated that the CGC/GT processes facilitate communication within families. The genogram analyses revealed the impact of CGC and GT processes on families at risk for hereditary cancer. Changes in some family relationships were observed, and an improvement in communication was noted following the GT process.

Discussion

These findings can assist healthcare professionals considering a personalized approaches in clinical practice.
“It doesn’t matter if we’re the most amazing professionals in the world…” A qualitative study of professionals’ perspectives on parent-child interaction assessment with deaf infants
Authors: Curtin Martina , Wakefield Tina , Herman Rosalind , Morgan Gary , Cruice Madeline
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Parent child interaction (PCI) is positively associated with deaf children’s language development. However, there are no known, deaf-specific tools to observe how a parent interacts with their deaf child aged 0–3 years. Without a framework for professionals to use with families, it is unknown how professionals assess PCI, what they assess, why they assess, and how the assessment results relate to case management.

Methods

Eighteen hearing and deaf professionals, who work with deaf and hard of hearing infants aged 0–3 years and their families, attended online focus groups. The aim of the study was to gain insight into the professional assessment of PCI. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Six themes were generated from the dataset. Professionals discussed how central parents were in the support offered to families in the home, the importance of knowing and understanding the individual family, and accounting for and supporting parental wellbeing. Descriptions on how to administer a best practice PCI assessment included which parent behaviors to assess and how to make adaptations for different populations. Professionals shared how the assessment and review process could be used to inform and upskill parents through video reflection and goal setting.

Discussion

This study provides insight into the mechanisms and motivations for professionals assessing the interactive behaviors of parents who have deaf children aged 0–3. Professionals acknowledged that family life is multi-faceted, and that support is most meaningful to families when professionals worked with these differences and incorporated them into assessment, goal setting, and intervention plans.
The impact of characteristic factors of the direct-to-consumer marketing model on consumer loyalty in the digital intermediary era
Authors: Mu Weizhe , Yi Yating
Published: March 2024

In the era of digital intermediaries, the direct-to-consumer (DTC) marketing model is gaining prominence in the retail and brand marketing domains. This model exhibits a distinct advantage over traditional models in cultivating loyalty. Consequently, this study employs a survey-based approach and utilizes the Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) theory to construct a structural equation model and investigate the relationship between the DTC marketing model’s characteristic factors and consumer loyalty. The results indicate that cost-effectiveness and social media marketing directly and positively influence consumer loyalty, while product features indirectly contribute to loyalty through perceived emotional value. Multi-channel integration indirectly influences loyalty through perceived functional value. Additionally, the varying degrees of influence highlight social media marketing as the most impactful factor and product features as the least influential. The research findings underscore the importance of strengthening social media marketing, optimizing product features, reducing information asymmetry, and integrating multiple channels to enhance consumer loyalty. This study enriches the understanding of the DTC theoretical framework in the field of marketing and provides new perspectives for formulating marketing strategies.
Prefrontal engagement predicts the effect of museum visit on psychological well-being: an fNIRS exploration
Authors: Dupuy Emma Gabrielle , Vincent Thomas , Lecchino Catia , Boisvert Annabelle , Trépanier Laurence , Nadeau Sylvie , de Guise Elaine , Bherer Louis
Published: March 2024

Recent research suggests that museum visits can benefit psychological well-being by reducing symptoms of stress and anxiety. However, these reported relaxing effects remain inconsistent between studies. Shedding light on the underlying cerebral mechanisms of museum visits might support a better understanding of how it affects psychological well-being. This study aimed to investigate the prefrontal engagement evoked by artwork analysis during a museum visit and to determine if these prefrontal substrates are associated with the museum’s effect on psychological well-being in older adults. Nineteen adults aged between 65 and 79, toured a Baroque-style exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts for approximately 20 minutes while equipped with a near-infrared spectroscopy system measuring the prefrontal cortex’s hemodynamic activity. For each painting, participants received the instruction to either (1): analyze the painting and produce a personal interpretation of its signification (analytic condition) or (2) visualize the painting without any specific thoughts (visualization condition). Questionnaires measuring stress, anxiety, and well-being were administered before and after the visit. Sixteen older women (71.5 ± 4 years) were included in the analyses. Results showed that, at the group level, the analytic condition was associated with an increased activation pattern in the left ventrolateral prefrontal region, typically related to attentional processes (not observed in the visualization condition). The activation associated with the analytic condition predicted pre-/post-visit reductions in self-reported anxiety and stress in the sample of older women. These observations suggest that the level of engagement of attentional processes during artwork analysis may play a major role in the effect of a museum’s visit on self-reported symptoms of anxiety.
Taking appreciation to heart: appreciation at work and cardiovascular risk in male employees
Authors: Auer Alisa , Semmer Norbert K. , von Känel Roland , Thomas Livia , Zuccarella-Hackl Claudia , Wiest Roland , Wirtz Petra H.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

While perceived appreciation at work has been associated with self-reported health and wellbeing, studies considering biological health markers are lacking. In this study, we investigated whether appreciation at work would relate to coronary heart disease (CHD) risk as well as the specificity of this proposed association.

Methods

Our study comprised a total of 103 male participants, including apparently healthy, medication-free, non-smoking men in the normotensive to hypertensive range (n = 70) as well as medicated hypertensive and CHD patients (n = 33). CHD risk was assessed by blood pressure [mean arterial pressure (MAP)], the diabetes marker glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood lipids [total cholesterol (TC)/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio], coagulation activity (D-dimer and fibrinogen), and inflammation [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP)]. Perceived appreciation at work, as well as potentially confounding psychological factors (social support, self-esteem, and work strain due to a lack of appreciation), were measured by self-report questionnaires.

Results

We found higher appreciation at work to relate to lower overall composite CHD risk (p’s ≤ 0.011) and, in particular, to lower MAP (p’s ≤ 0.007) and lower blood lipids (p’s ≤ 0.031) in medication-free participants as well as all participants. This overall association was independent of confounding factors, including related psychological factors (p’s ≤ 0.049).

Discussion

Our findings indicate that appreciation at work might be an independent health-promoting resource in terms of CHD risk. Implications include that encouraging appreciation at work may help reduce the development and progression of CHD.
The ecosystem of human capital in care homes
Authors: Kejžar Anamarija , Turunen Katri Maria
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This qualitative study addresses the essential yet often overlooked experiences of knowledge transfer within care homes (CH). Conducted in a Slovenian CH in 2020 and 2023, participants, including CH management, staff, and residents with their relatives, shared perceptions of knowledge transfer at various levels. The study aims to explore barriers and facilitators for knowledge transfer crucial for creating new knowledge, services, and enhancing care quality for older individuals.

Methods

Structured focus group interviews were conducted, and data were collected within the CH. The participants’ insights into knowledge transfer were probed, covering various dimensions such as between individuals, groups, organizations, and the community. Transcriptions of recorded interviews were analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Knowledge transfer within the CH was facilitated through continuous training, diverse communication channels, and mentoring. Collaboration with relatives improved understanding of resident preferences, habits, and overall enhanced the quality of care. This collaborative effort allowed mutual learning and knowledge transfer from the CH to the broader community. Despite potential benefits, there is an underutilization of information and communication technology, e-care, and untapped potential for partnerships, partly due to the scarcity of care. Barriers were identified in the form of stereotypical attitudes towards aging and care, further reinforced by negative news coverage on older people’s care.

Conclusion

The multidimensional nature of knowledge in CH centers on resident well-being, emphasizing three key aspects of knowledge transfer: between staff and residents, staff and residents’ families, and between the CH and the community. In the context of age management, creating opportunities for knowledge transfer is crucial, emphasizing a transition from traditional institutional care to an approach prioritizing knowledge about quality care. and involving experts from experiences in care process.
Association between ambient air pollutants and short-term mortality risks during 2015–2019 in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Chen Yuyang , Chen Sili , Zhang Lei , Kang Weishan , Lin Guozhen , Yang Qiaoyuan
Published: March 2024

With the development of technology and industry, the problem of global air pollution has become difficult to ignore. We investigated the association between air pollutant concentrations and daily all-cause mortality and stratified the analysis by sex, age, and season. Data for six air pollutants [fine particulate matter (PM2.5), inhalable particles (PM10), nitric dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO)] and daily mortality rates were collected from 2015 to 2019 in Guangzhou, China. A time-series study using a quasi-Poisson generalized additive model was used to examine the relationships between environmental pollutant concentrations and mortality. Mortality data for 296,939 individuals were included in the analysis. The results showed that an increase of 10 μg/m3 in the concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, SO2, O3, NO2, and CO corresponded to 0.84% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47, 1.21%], 0.70% (0.44, 0.96%), 3.59% (1.77, 5.43%), 0.21% (0.05, 0.36%), 1.06% (0.70, 1.41%), and 0.05% (0.02, 0.09%), respectively. The effects of the six air pollutants were more significant for male individuals than female individuals, the cool season than the warm season, and people 75 years or older than those younger than 75 years. PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NO2 were all associated with neoplasms and circulatory and respiratory diseases. The two-pollutant models found that PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 may independently affect the risk of mortality. The results showed that exposure to PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 may increase the risk of daily all-cause excessive mortality in Guangzhou.
Through each other's eyes: initial results and protocol for the co-design of an observational measure of adolescent-parent interaction using first-person perspective
Authors: Wright Nicky , Pearson Rebecca M. , Crook Danielle , Bond Alice , Jewell Tom
Published: March 2024

Background

Current observational methods to understand adolescent-parent interaction are limited in terms of ecological and content validity. We outline initial results and a protocol for future work from a programme of work to: (1) establish a new method for data capture of adolescent-parent interaction at home using wearable cameras and; (2) develop a new relevant and comprehensive observational micro-coding scheme. In Part 1, we report our completed preliminary work, comprised of an initial scoping review, and public engagement work. In Part 2, we present a protocol for the development of the new measure.

Methods

Part 1—We searched Pubmed for existing observational measures of adolescent-parent interaction for the scoping review. We also undertook public engagement work utilising a mobile research van, taken to multiple locations around Bristol, UK to engage with a variety of populations through interactive methods. Part 2—Our protocol describes plans for: (1) A systematic review of the psychometric properties of observational measures of adolescent-parent interaction; (2) Focussed public engagement workshops; (3) Harmonisation of information from existing coding schemes and literature with information from public engagement with adolescents and parents; (4) A pilot study to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the method; (5) Development of a coding scheme in consultation with expert and lay panels, and through real-life application to recorded videos from a pilot sample.

Results

Scoping review: we identified 21 adolescent-parent observational schemes, of which eight used micro-coding and 13 used globalcoding schemes. The majority of micro-coding schemes were not developed specifically for adolescents. Most studies used conflict or problem-solving tasks, which may not adequately capture positive adolescent-parent interactions. The mobile van event received views from 234 young people and/or parents. Families were positive about taking part in research using headcams. “Trust” and “understanding” were most frequently reported as important adolescent-parent relationship constructs.

Conclusions

This work represents the first attempt to truly co-design a method to assess parenting in adolescence. We hope to develop an observational measure using novel technological methods that can be used across a range of research and therapeutic settings.
Drilling Into Ancient Rock to Learn About Earth’s Past
Authors: Mashele Phumelele , Heubeck Christoph
Published: March 2024

Geologists are curious to learn what the Earth was like when the planet was young. We want to know about temperature, beaches, soils, climate, rivers, meteorite impacts, and volcanic activity because these factors determined how and where early life could exist. Only the oldest sedimentary rocks have this information, but these are usually covered by younger rocks. Old sedimentary rocks that still “tell a good story” about the history of the Earth are rare. We studied some of these. They are an unimaginable 3.2 billion years old and are found in the Makhonjwa Mountains near South Africa’s border with Eswatini. We had to drill into the Earth to get to them because the surface is covered by forest and grassland. Sedimentary rock layers in these mountains do not lie flat anymore but are vertical, and sometimes even flipped over. To drill through as many layers as possible, we had to drill sideways!
Empty sella in somatotropic pituitary adenomas; a series of 23 cases
Authors: Sharifi Guive , Mohammadi Esmaeil , Paraandavaji Elham , Tavangar Seyed Mohammad , Dabbagh Ohadi Mohammad Amin , Jafari Ali , Jahanbakhshi Amin , Akbari Dilmaghani Nader , Davoudi Zahra , Smith Timothy R. , Banihashemi Gelareh , Azadi Masoumeh , Hatami Neda , Zenonos Georgios A. , Mohajeri Tehrani Mohammadreza
Published: March 2024

Purpose

We aimed to investigate empty sella syndrome in somatotrophic pituitary adenoma for possible etiology, complications, and treatment options.

Method

Among over 2,000 skull base masses that have been managed in our center since 2013, we searched for growth hormone-producing adenomas. Clinical, surgical, and imaging data were retrospectively collected from hospital records to check for sella that lacked pituitary tissue on routine imaging.

Result

In 220 somatotrophic adenomas, 23 patients had an empty sella with surgical and follow-up data. The mean age of the sample was 46 years with the same male-to-female ratio. Five cases had partial empty sella and the rest were complete empty sellas. The most common simultaneous hormonal disturbance was high prolactin levels. Six had adenoma invasion into the clivus or sphenoid sinus and 10 had cavernous sinus intrusion. Peri-operative low-flow and high-flow cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks were encountered in one and two patients, respectively, which were successfully sealed by abdominal fat. The majority of cases required growth hormone replacement therapy while it was controlled without any replacement therapy in nine patients. No pituitary hormonal disturbance occurred after transsphenoidal surgery except for hypothyroidism in one patient.

Conclusion

An empty sella filled with fluid can be detected frequently in pituitary adenomas, especially in the setting of acromegaly. The pituitary gland may be pushed to the roof of the sella and might be visible as a narrow rim on imaging or may be detected in unusual places out of the sella. The pathophysiology behind such finding originates from soft and hard tissue changes and CSF pressure alternations during abundant growth hormone production.
Male reproductive phenotypes of genetically altered laboratory mice (Mus musculus): a review based on pertinent literature from the last three decades
Authors: Buranaamnuay Kakanang
Published: March 2024

Laboratory mice (Mus musculus) are preferred animals for biomedical research due to the close relationship with humans in several aspects. Therefore, mice with diverse genetic traits have been generated to mimic human characteristics of interest. Some genetically altered mouse strains, on purpose or by accident, have reproductive phenotypes and/or fertility deviating from wild-type mice. The distinct reproductive phenotypes of genetically altered male mice mentioned in this paper are grouped based on reproductive organs, beginning with the brain (i.e., the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary) that regulates sexual maturity and development, the testis where male gametes and sex steroid hormones are produced, the epididymis, the accessory sex glands, and the penis which involve in sperm maturation, storage, and ejaculation. Also, distinct characteristics of mature sperm from genetically altered mice are described here. This repository will hopefully be a valuable resource for both humans, in terms of future biomedical research, and mice, in the aspect of the establishment of optimal sperm preservation protocols for individual mouse strains.
Therapeutic and immune-regulation effects of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi polysaccharide on pseudorabies in piglets
Authors: Shu Xianghua , Zhang Ying , Zhang Xue , Zhang Ying , Shu Yue , Wang Yulei , Zhang Zhihui , Song Chunlian
Published: March 2024

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) can cause fatal encephalitis in newborn pigs and escape the immune system. While there is currently no effective treatment for PRV, Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi polysaccharides (SGP) and Rodgersia sambucifolia Hemsl flavonoids (RHF) are traditional Chinese herbal medicines with potential preventive and therapeutic effects against PRV infection. In order to explore which one is more effective in the prevention and treatment of PRV infection in piglets. We investigate the therapeutic effects of RHF and SGP in PRV-infected piglets using clinical symptom and pathological injury scoring systems. The immune regulatory effects of RHF and SGP on T lymphocyte transformation rate, cytokines, T cells, and Toll-like receptors were also measured to examine the molecular mechanisms of these effects. The results showed that SGP significantly reduced clinical symptoms and pathological damage in the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys in PRV-infected piglets and the T lymphocyte conversion rate in the SGP group was significantly higher than that in the other treatment groups, this potential dose-dependent effect of SGP on T lymphocyte conversation. Serum immunoglobulin and cytokine levels in the SGP group fluctuated during the treatment period, with SGP treatment showing better therapeutic and immunomodulatory effects in PRV-infected piglets than RHF or the combined SGP + RHF treatment. In conclusion, RHF and SGP treatments alleviate the clinical symptoms of PRV infection in piglets, and the immunomodulatory effect of SGP treatment was better than that of the RHF and a combination of both treatments. This study provides evidence for SGP in controlling PRV infection in piglets.
A Fruit Harvesting Mechanism Capable of Multidimensional Movements: A Preliminary Study on the Integrated Mechanism with a Hexacopter
Authors: Park Hanmin , Kang Hyeongseok , Hwang Bohyun , Joe Seonggun , Kim Byungkyu
Published: March 2024

This study introduces a fruit harvesting mechanism powered by a single motor, designed for integration with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The mechanism performs reciprocating motion by converting linear motion into rotational motion. Consequently, the end-effector can execute multi-dimensional kinematic trajectories, including biaxial and rotational movements, synchronized with the motor’s position. These axial and rotational motions facilitate the gripper’s ability to reach, retrieve, and detach fruit from branches during the harvesting process. Notably, a critical consideration in designing this fruit harvesting mechanism is to generate the necessary torque at the end-effector while minimizing reaction forces and torque that could destabilize the UAV during flight. With these considerations in mind, this preliminary study aimed to harvest a Fuji apple and conduct a dynamic analysis. We constructed a prototype of the single motor-driven fruit harvesting mechanism using a suitable servo motor. To assess its mechanical performance and evaluate its impact on the hexacopter, we developed both a specific test platform featuring a six-spherical-prismatic-spherical parallel structure and a virtual environmental flight simulator. Overall, the results demonstrate the successful harvesting of a Fuji apple weighing approximately 300 g by the single motor-driven fruit harvesting mechanism, with no adverse effects observed on the hexacopter’s operation.
Traditional and Emerging Approaches for Disease Management of Plasmopara viticola, Causal Agent of Downy Mildew of Grape
Authors: Clippinger Jessica I. , Dobry Emily P. , Laffan Ivy , Zorbas Nyla , Hed Bryan , Campbell Michael A.
Published: March 2024

The oomycete Plasmopara viticola, which causes downy mildew, is currently one of the most destructive pathogens affecting grape production. Although native to the eastern United States, P. viticola was introduced into Europe in the mid-to-late 1800s and is now found in virtually every grape-growing region of the world. Since its discovery, much effort has been made to understand the life cycle and infection process of the pathogen to develop more effective management practices. Widespread application of fungicides, especially those which have only one mode of action, has led to an increased occurrence of resistance to these treatments. Thus, with increased fungicide resistance and rising environmental concerns surrounding their use, traditional chemical management practices have begun to fall out of favor. Newer approaches, from targeted breeding utilizing quantitative trait loci to biological control agents, are continually being investigated and adapted to limit the damage caused by downy mildew. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the pathogen and methods of its control and explores potential avenues for future research focused on hypovirulence and biological control agents.
Complex Habitat Deconstruction and Low-Altitude Remote Sensing Recognition of Tobacco Cultivation on Karst Mountainous
Authors: Huang Youyan , Yan Lihui , Zhou Zhongfa , Huang Denghong , Li Qianxia , Zhang Fuxianmei , Cai Lu
Published: March 2024

Rapidly and accurately extracting tobacco plant information can facilitate tobacco planting management, precise fertilization, and yield prediction. In the karst mountainous of southern China, tobacco plant identification is affected by large ground undulations, fragmented planting areas, complex and diverse habitats, and uneven plant growth. This study took a tobacco planting area in Guizhou Province as the research object and used DJI UAVs to collect UAV visible light images. Considering plot fragmentation, plant size, presence of weeds, and shadow masking, this area was classified into eight habitats. The U-Net model was trained using different habitat datasets. The results show that (1) the overall precision, recall, F1-score, and Intersection over Union (IOU) of tobacco plant information extraction were 0.68, 0.85, 0.75, and 0.60, respectively. (2) The precision was the highest for the subsurface-fragmented and weed-free habitat and the lowest for the smooth-tectonics and weed-infested habitat. (3) The weed-infested habitat with smaller tobacco plants can blur images, reducing the plant-identification accuracy. This study verified the feasibility of the U-Net model for tobacco single-plant identification in complex habitats. Decomposing complex habitats to establish the sample set method is a new attempt to improve crop identification in complex habitats in karst mountainous areas.
Evaluating Soil Water–Salt Dynamics under Brackish Water Drip Irrigation in Greenhouses Subjected to Localized Topsoil Compaction
Authors: Lu Peirong , Liu Yaxin , Yang Yujie , Zhu Yu , Jia Zhonghua
Published: March 2024

Localized soil compaction in greenhouses resulting from less frequent tillage operations and frequent trampling by farmers inevitably disturbs the continuity and homogeneity of soil’s hydraulic properties, which impacts the precision of greenhouse cultivation regarding water supply and salinity control. However, predicting water–salt dynamics under partly compacted topsoil is difficult because of the interactions between many factors related to soil properties, including irrigation method and water quality, which are especially subjected to varied compaction sizes and positions. Here, two field treatments were conducted in brackish water (3 g L−1) drip-irrigated plots, with the designed soil compaction region (40 cm width and 30 cm depth) adjacent to (T1) and below (T2) the drip lines. The calibrated and validated HYDRUS-2D model was applied to analyze salt exchanges across the vertical and horizontal interfaces between the compacted and non-compacted zones and the associated solute concentration variations within these two zones. The results indicated that the limited horizontal solute flux under T1 enhanced the subsequent downward flux below the drip lines, whereas, under T2, the restricted downward flux with relatively limited improved horizontal salt spreading resulted in more salt retention in the soil profile. Additional scenario simulations considering the vertical and horizontal extension of soil compaction sizes (ranging from 10 × 10 cm to 40 × 40 cm) were also conducted and revealed that, with the same increment in compaction size, the vertical extension of the compacted zone aggravated salt accumulation compared with that of horizontal extension, while the simulated cumulative water and salt downward fluxes were positive in relation to the compaction sizes in both vertical and horizontal directions under T1, but negative under T2. The findings of this study explore the effect of relative positions between drip lines and the soil compaction zone on salt transports under brackish water irrigation and reveal the potential soil salinization trend as extending compaction regions in the vertical or horizontal direction.
Design and Experiment of Profiling Furrow-Ridge Terrain by Cane Leaf-Chopping and Returning Machine
Authors: Zhang Biao , Gao Cheng , Shen Weimin , Chen Baoshan
Published: March 2024

Conventional straw-returning machines were incompatible with ridge cultivation terrain and unevenly distributed materials, resulting in substandard operations such as insufficient leaf fragmentation, damage to ratoon stumps, and high cutting energy consumption. In this regard, this paper proposes a novel profiling configuration of chopping and returning machine to adapt to the coverage characteristics of cane leaves in furrow-ridge terrain. The leaves piled at furrow sole are intensively collected and fed into the whirling space by the flexible hook teeth assembly, and are cooperatively broken by the unequal-length swing blades densely arranged along the double helix. Based on the measured topographic trends and dynamic analysis of the leaf-shredding process, experimental factors affecting profiling cutting and picking capabilities of the main components were determined. Further, using chopping qualification rate (CQR) and fragmentation degree (CFD) as indicators, field trails were conducted through a response surface method to test the comprehensive crushing performance of the machine. After multi-objective optimization, the optimal structural and operating parameters were determined as: blade length gradient of 1.57 cm, teeth spacing of 6.84 cm and feed speed of 3.2 km/h. With such adaptive configurations, CQR and CFD reached 81.14% and 0.101, respectively, which were significantly improved by 60.50% and 47.99% compared to those of conventional machines. Crushed leaves appeared to be more thoroughly mixed with the soil and more evenly spread in the field. Meanwhile, the traction resistance tended to be stable, with an effective RSM 45.85% lower than the value of higher-level blade gradient, indicating a better overall fit with the irregular terrain. This study can provide a reference for the development of leaf-chopping and returning machines suitable for ridge-type crops.
Management of Seeding Rate and Nitrogen Fertilization for Lodging Risk Reduction and High Grain Yield of Mechanically Direct-Seeded Rice under a Double-Cropping Regime in South China
Authors: Wu Longmei , Yu Keru , Zou Jixiang , Bao Xiaozhe , Yang Taotao , Chen Qingchun , Zhang Bin
Published: March 2024

Precision hill-drop direct seeding using mechanical drilling is a unique direct seeding technique employed in south China that offers advantages such as excellent grain yield and high lodging resistance. Improving yield and lodging-related traits is essential for efforts to improve mechanically direct-seeded rice (MDSR) production. Seeding rates (SR) and nitrogen (N) fertilization rate are two of the main factors affecting grain yield and lodging resistance under MDSR production. However, little information about double-season MDSR production in south China is available. Here, we evaluated yield and lodging risk for two rice cultivars Huanghuazhan, HHZ, lodging-resistant; Xiangyaxiangzhan, XYXZ, lodging-susceptible across two consecutive growing seasons under two under two seeding rates (LSR, 30 cm × 18 cm; HSR, 30 cm × 12 cm) and three N fertilization rates (N1 = 100 kg ha−1, reduced N; N2 = 150 kg ha−1, normal N; and N3 = 200 kg ha−1, enhanced N). We found that increased SR and N fertilization rate improved grain yield and increased lodging risk. SR and N were consistently and positively related to plant height (PH), gravity center height (GCH), the length from the broken basal internode to the panicle tip (SL), the fresh plant weight of the plant part above the broken point (FW), and the length of the two basal internodes. SR and N decreased breaking force (F) and breaking strength (BM), driving increased lodging risk as reflected by increases in lodging index (LI) values. Culm diameter (CD) and culm wall thickness (CWT) did not respond consistently to SR and N treatments. Correlation analysis revealed that PH, GCH, the length of first and second basal internodes, FW, and bending moment for the whole plant (WP) were positively correlated with LI, while F and BM were negatively associated with LI. These findings suggest that the increased lodging risk resulting from high SR could be mitigated by applying appropriate rates of N; that is, this work suggests that grain yield can be maximized and lodging risk minimized by increasing SR while decreasing N fertilization rate. Seasonal differences in the effects of SR and N fertilization should be considered to achieve a high grain yield and maintain high lodging resistance. Our study suggests that increasing SR and decreasing N fertilization can enhance rice grain yield while improving lodging resistance for both varieties. Optimizing grain yield by increasing SR while reducing lodging risk by lowering N application rates may maintain lodging resistance and improve grain yield.