bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of β-blockers on in-hospital mortality in patients with heart failure: a retrospective propensity-score matched analysis based on MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhang Yuzhu , Xia Jiangling , Xu Hongyu , Zhang Lu , Feng Nianhai , An Xiaona
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This study assessed the relationship between β-blockers treatment and in-hospital mortality among individuals diagnosed with heart failure (HF).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out on 9,968 HF patients sourced from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to balance the baseline differences. A multivariate regression analysis was utilized to evaluate the impact of β-blockers therapy on in-hospital mortality.

Results

Among the 9,968 patients, 6,439 (64.6%) were β-blockers users. Before matching, the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 12.2% (1,217/9,968). Following PSM, a total of 3,212 patient pairs were successfully matched. The analysis revealed a correlation between β-blockers therapy and decreased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.51 [0.43–0.60], P < 0.001), as well as shorter Los (length of stay) hospital (β −1.43 [−1.96∼−0.09], P < 0.001). Notably, long-acting β-blockers treatment was linked to a decreased risk of in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.55 [0.46–0.65], P < 0.001) and a shorter Los hospital (β −1.21 [−1.80∼−0.63], P < 0.001). Conversely, the research results did not show a notable decrease in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 0.66 [0.44–1.01], P = 0.051) or Los hospital (β −1.01 [−2.2∼−0.25], P = 0.117) associated with short-acting β-blocker therapy.

Discussion

β-blockers therapy in the intensive care unit demonstrates potential benefits in lowering the risk of in-hospital mortality and reducing the duration of hospitalization among patients with HF. Specifically, long-acting β-blockers exhibit a protective effect by significantly decreasing both in-hospital mortality and Los hospital. Conversely, the study did not observe a substantial impact on in-hospital mortality or Los hospital duration in this cohort of patients following the administration of short-acting β-blockers.
Spectral shapes of second-forbidden single-transition nonunique β decays assessed using the nuclear shell model
Authors: Ramalho Marlom , Suhonen Jouni , Neacsu Andrei , Stoica Sabin
Published: August 2024

Experimental and theoretical studies of β electrons (electrons emitted in β−-decay transitions) and their β-electron spectra have recently experienced a rapid expansion. These β spectral shapes have been used to study total β spectra of fission-product nuclei in the quest for explanation of the reactor-flux anomalies, and individual β transitions in search for β spectral shapes sensitive to the effective value of the weak axial coupling gA. In the former case the TAGS (total absorption gamma-ray spectroscopy) can be efficiently used to measure the total β spectral shapes and in the latter case dedicated measurements of the involved forbidden nonunique β transitions have been deployed. The fourth-forbidden nonunique decay transitions 113Cd(1/2g.s.+)→113In(9/2g.s.+) and 115In(9/2g.s.+)→115Sn(1/2g.s.+) represent theoretically and experimentally much-studied cases where the total β spectra consist of these single transitions. In these particular cases the TAGS method could be used to assess the effective value of gA. In the present work we have identified five more interesting cases where a total β spectrum consists of a single transition. These spectra correspond to second-forbidden nonunique transitions and are gA and/or sNME dependent, where sNME denotes the so-called small relativistic vector nuclear matrix element. These studies have been performed using the nuclear shell model with well established effective Hamiltonians. With this we target to β transitions that would potentially be of high interest for the TAGS and present and future dedicated β-spectrum experiments.
Effects of a maintenance period on ambulatory blood pressure and morning blood pressure surge in young normotensives post isometric training
Authors: Baross A. W. , Baxter B. A. , Wright B. H. , Kay A. D.
Published: August 2024

Isometric resistance training (IRT) has emerged as an efficacious therapeutic intervention to reduce ambulatory blood pressure (BP), and BP diurnal variability. However, once the required decreases in BP have been achieved the efficacy of implementing a reduced maintenance dose is not understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an 8-week maintenance period (8-week) following the cessation of the prescribed 8-week IRT in young normotensives. Twenty-two recreationally active, not resistance trained, normotensive (24-h ambulatory SBP, ≥130 mmHg) young adults were randomly assigned to a training-maintenance [TG-MT; n = 13 (female = 5); age 21 ± 2 years] or a non-training control [CON; n = 9 (female = 4); age 23 ± 3 years] group. Ambulatory BP, morning BP surge (MBPS) and average real variability (ARV) were measured prior to, after 8 weeks of bilateral leg IRT (4x2-minute contractions at 20% MVC with 2-min rest periods, 3 days/week) and following an 8-week (once per week) maintenance period. On completion of the maintenance period the significant reductions seen following the IRT were maintained within the TG-MT group in 24-h ambulatory SBP (6 ± 4 mmHg, p < 0.001), daytime (5 ± 5 mmHg, p = 0.002), MBPS (7 ± 10 mmHg, p = 0.019) and 24-h SBP ARV (2.03 ± 1.44 mmHg, p = 0.001), daytime SBP ARV (2.04 ± 1.78 mmHg, p = 0.003). These results show that reductions in ambulatory BP (24-h SBP and daytime SBP), in addition to BP diurnal variations (MBPS, 24-h SBP ARV and daytime SBP AVR) are maintained following an 8-week maintenance dose in young adults and add further weight to the growing body of evidence promoting IRT as an efficacious therapeutic exercise intervention to prevent or reduce BP.
Assessing performance of simplified bioassays for soil-borne pathogens in smallholder systems of western Kenya
Authors: Mutai Joyce C. , Stewart Jane E. , Medvecky Beth , Dobbs John T. , Vanek Steven J. , Ojiem John , Chege Gabriel , Fonte Steven J.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Soil-borne pathogens cause considerable crop losses and food insecurity in smallholder systems of sub-Saharan Africa. Soil and crop testing is critical for estimating pathogen inoculum levels and potential for disease development, understanding pathogen interactions with soil nutrient and water limitations, as well as for developing informed soil health and disease management decisions. However, formal laboratory analyses and diagnostic services for pathogens are often out of reach for smallholder farmers due to the high cost of testing and a lack of local laboratories.

Methods

To address this challenge, we assessed the performance of a suite of simplified soil bioassays to screen for plant parasitic nematodes (e.g., Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus) and other key soil-borne pathogens (Pythium and Fusarium). We sampled soils from on-farm trials in western Kenya examining the impact of distinct nutrient inputs (organic vs. synthetic) on bean production. Key soil health parameters and common soil-borne pathogens were evaluated using both simple bioassays and formal laboratory methods across eleven farms, each with three nutrient input treatments (66 samples in total).

Results and Discussion

The soil bioassays, which involved counting galls on lettuce roots and lesions on soybean were well correlated with the abundance of gall forming (Meloidogyne) and root lesion nematodes (e.g., Pratylenchus) recovered in standard laboratory-based extractions. Effectiveness of a Fusarium bioassay, involving the counting of lesions on buried bean stems, was verified via sequencing and a pathogenicity test of cultured Fusarium strains. Finally, a Pythium soil bioassay using selective media clearly distinguished pathogen infestation of soils and infected seeds. When examining management impact on nematode communities, soils amended with manure had fewer plant parasites and considerably more bacterivore and fungivore nematodes compared to soils amended with synthetic N and P. Similarly, Pythium presence was 35% lower in soils amended with manure, while the Fusarium assays indicated 23% higher Fusarium infection in plots with amended manure. Our findings suggest that relatively simple bioassays can be used to help farmers assess soil-borne pathogens in a timely manner, with minimal costs, thus enabling them to make informed decisions on soil health and pathogen management.
Study of resistance mechanism of Alternaria blight (Alternaria brassicicola) by biochemical markers in Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L. Czern. &Coss.)
Authors: Mishra Anurag , Khan Nawaz Ahmad , Jha Ratnesh Kumar , Murugesh Tamilarasi , Singh Ashutosh
Published: August 2024

Indian mustard (Brassica juncea) is an important oilseed crop in India. Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria blight) is incited by the fungus Alternaria brassicicola. It majorly affects crop production leading to a yield loss of up to 70%. To circumvent this problem, the study of the resistance mechanism and identification of biochemical markers is one of the important strategies for its management. In the present study, a total of 219 genotypes of Indian mustard with check were screened for Alternaria blight over two seasons. Based on the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) scores, ten consistently performing genotypes were selected for the screening of biochemical and yield attributes under artificial inoculated conditions of Alternaria brassicicola (Berk) Sacc. The result showed a negative correlation between disease and yield attributes. The catalase (CAT) activity was significantly increased in resistant genotypes compared to susceptible ones, indicating the crucial role of CAT in the resistance mechanism. Pathogen infection also increases the total protein content and the Alternaria-resistant genotype showed the highest total soluble protein while the susceptible genotype showed the lowest total soluble protein. The ten genotypes were categorized by SSI (stress susceptibility index) and Varuna was identified as a tolerant genotype and Giriraj as a susceptible genotype for Alternaria brassicicola (Berk) Sacc. Varuna and Giriraj were chosen for quantitative analysis of methionine and tryptophan amino acids from seeds using RP-HPLC (Reverse Phase-High Performance Liquid Chromatography) and there were significant differences in the levels of methionine and tryptophan between the Varuna and Giriraj genotypes. Varuna showed higher methionine and tryptophan content compared to the Giriraj genotype. Higher protein content demonstrated an increase in biotic stress-responsive amino acids, such as methionine and tryptophan, suggesting increased resistance to Alternaria diseases in these high-protein genotypes. These amino acids could be used as biochemical markers for Alternaria resistance of mustard.
Genome-wide identification of the WRKY gene family in blueberry (Vaccinium spp.) and expression analysis under abiotic stress
Authors: Lei Lei , Dong Kun , Liu Siwen , Li Yadong , Xu Guohui , Sun Haiyue
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The WRKY transcription factor (TF) family is one of the largest TF families in plants and is widely involved in responses to both biotic and abiotic stresses.

Methods

To clarify the function of the WRKY family in blueberries, this study identified the WRKY genes within the blueberry genome and systematically analyzed gene characteristics, phylogenetic evolution, promoter cis-elements, expression patterns, and subcellular localization of the encoded products.

Results

In this study, 57 VcWRKY genes were identified, and all encoding products had a complete WRKY heptapeptide structure and zinc-finger motif. The VcWRKY genes were divided into three subgroups (I-III) by phylogenetic analysis. Group II was divided into five subgroups: IIa, IIb, IIc, IId, and IIe. 57 VcWRKY genes were distributed unevenly across 32 chromosomes. The amino acids ranged from 172 to 841, and molecular weights varied from 19.75 to 92.28 kD. Intra-group syntenic analysis identified 12 pairs of duplicate segments. Furthermore, 34 cis-element recognition sites were identified in the promoter regions of VcWRKY genes, primarily comprising phytohormone-responsive and light-responsive elements. Comparative syntenic maps were generated to investigate the evolutionary relationships of VcWRKY genes, revealing the closest homology to dicotyledonous WRKY gene families. VcWRKY genes were predominantly expressed in the fruit flesh and roots of blueberries. Gene expression analysis showed that the responses of VcWRKY genes to stress treatments were more strongly in leaves than in roots. Notably, VcWRKY13 and VcWRKY25 exhibited significant upregulation under salt stress, alkali stress, and saline-alkali stress, and VcWRKY1 and VcWRKY13 showed notable induction under drought stress. Subcellular localization analysis confirmed that VcWRKY13 and VcWRKY25 function within the nucleus.

Conclusion

These findings establish a foundation for further investigation into the functions and regulatory mechanisms of VcWRKY genes and provide guidance for selecting stress-tolerant genes in the development of blueberry cultivars.
Linking alcohol-involved sexual assault to negative emotional outcomes: the relative mediating roles of shame, self-compassion, fear of self-compassion, and self-blame
Authors: Stewart Sherry H. , Strickland Noelle , Noguiera-Arjona Raquel , Wekerle Christine
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Alcohol-involved sexual assault (AISA) survivors who were drinking at the time of the assault may be at risk of internalizing victim-blaming myths and stigma. Cognitive-behavioral models posit the link between AISA and negative emotional outcomes may be explained through maladaptive appraisals and coping – i.e., characterological and behavioral self-blame, shame, low self-compassion (i.e., high self-coldness, low self-caring), and fear of self-compassion.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional design and community sample of younger adults (N = 409 Canadians, M = 28.2 years old, 51.3% women), we examined these mechanisms’ unique effects in mediating the associations between AISA and posttraumatic stress, general anxiety, and depressive symptoms, respectively.

Results

In terms of gender differences, AISA was more common, self-coldness higher, and general anxiety symptoms more frequent in women, and fear of self-compassion was higher in men. Using structural equation modeling that controlled for gender and the overlap between outcomes, shame emerged as the strongest mediator linking AISA with all emotional outcomes. Fear of self-compassion also partially mediated the AISA-posttraumatic stress symptom association, self-coldness partially mediated the AISA-general anxiety symptom association, and characterological self-blame fully mediated the AISA-depressive symptom association.

Conclusion

Avoidance-based processes, ruminative−/worry-based cognitions, and negative self-evaluative cognitions may be distinctly relevant for AISA-related posttraumatic stress, general anxiety, and depressive symptoms, respectively, after accounting for the overarching mediation through shame. These internalized stigma-related mechanisms may be useful to prioritize in treatment to potentially reduce AISA-related negative emotional outcomes, particularly for AISA survivors with posttraumatic stress, general anxiety, and/or depressive symptoms.
Psychological wellbeing of Italian students and clinical assessment tools at university counseling services during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review
Authors: Celia Giovanna , Serio Gianluigi , Trotta Eugenio , Tessitore Francesca , Cozzolino Mauro
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about unprecedented problems for contemporary society. Among the numerous challenges faced following the spread of the virus, the need to provide assessment tools and remote psychological assistance certainly deserves particular attention. Indeed, this profound paradigm shift in psychological assessment and care occurred during a period of fragility for people already suffering from the restrictions imposed to stem the spread of the virus. One population particularly affected by the pandemic was students, including university students. The latter faced the pandemic in a particularly critical formative period.

Methods

For these reasons, our systematic review has two main objectives: (i) identify the assessment tools and psychological dimensions most used/investigated during the pandemic in Italian university students; (ii) systematize and deepen our knowledge about the impact of the pandemic on the psychological wellbeing of Italian university students. Our search used PRISMA 2020 guidelines on Web of Science, Pubmed, Scopus, and EBSCOHost.

Results

The results indicated that the psychological dimensions most investigated in university students during the pandemic were anxiety and depression. At the same time, the most used assessment instruments were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y) and the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Furthermore, it is clear from the results that the pandemic has harmed the psychological wellbeing of university students. Finally, we dedicated a section to discuss the interventions implemented by university counseling services during the pandemic.

Discussion

This review could improve the work of university counseling services in this post-pandemic period and contribute to developing specific screening and assessment programs for future emergencies.
Prevalence and predictors of persistent cognitive and psychological symptoms in non-hospitalized post-COVID-19 patients seeking care at an outpatient post-COVID-19 clinic
Authors: Claessens Gisela , Gerritzen Iris , van Osch Frits , van den Bergh Joop P. , Verberne Daan , Gach Debbie , van Balen Eric , van Heugten Caroline M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

There is still much uncertainty about why some people develop persistent cognitive and mental health problems after SARS-CoV-2 infection and require additional care while others do not. In this study, we investigated the cognitive and psychological outcomes of non-hospitalized post-COVID-19 patients referred to an outpatient post-COVID-19 clinic for persistent symptoms more than 3 months after infection. Additionally, we aimed to explore the influence of demographic, physical, and personal factors on these outcomes.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted at an outpatient post-COVID-19 clinic located at a prominent clinical teaching hospital in the Netherlands. Participants included non-hospitalized patients referred between 2020 and 2022, more than 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, experiencing persistent symptoms. Main outcome measures included levels of anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) (Post-traumatic Stress Symptoms Checklist 14), and cognitive symptoms (Checklist for Cognitive and Emotional Consequences). Data analysis employed Spearman correlation and hierarchical multiple regression analyses.

Results

A total of 265 patients (61% female; mean age of 51.7 ± 13.7 years) were included in the study, with an average of 7.6 ± 4.5 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among them, 104 patients (40%) reported high levels of anxiety, 111 patients (43%) showed high levels depressive symptoms, and 71 patients (31%) demonstrated high levels of PTSS. Additionally, 200 patients (79%) reported experiencing more than 2 cognitive symptoms. Bivariate analyses indicated associations between psychiatric history and increased cognitive and psychological symptoms. Multivariate analyses revealed positive associations between physical symptoms and cognitive and psychological symptoms, and catastrophizing thoughts were associated with higher anxiety levels (β = 0.217, p < 0.001). Conversely, positive refocusing was associated with lower depressive symptoms (β = −0.325, p < 0.001), PTSS (β = −0.290, p < 0.001), and cognitive symptoms (β = −0.220, p < 0.001).

Discussion

Among non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients seeking care for persistent symptoms, approximately one-third reported high levels of psychological symptoms, and more than three-quarter experienced cognitive symptoms. Physical symptoms, psychiatric history, and a tendency to catastrophize were identified as potential risk factors for persistent psychological and cognitive symptoms. Conversely, positive refocusing demonstrated a protective effect. These findings contribute to the understanding of long-term COVID-19 outcomes and emphasize the importance of integrating a biopsychosocial perspective into treatment approaches.
Resilience, sleep quality and sleepiness in Peruvian medical students: a multicenter study
Authors: Zila-Velasque Jean Pierre , Grados-Espinoza Pamela , Chuquineyra Brenda Sofia-Caira , Diaz-Vargas Mills , Sierra Calderón Gabriela Stefanie , Choquegonza Sthefanny , Temoche-Rivas Mario S. , Siguas Peixoto Karina , Valladares-Garrido Mario J. , Failoc-Rojas Virgilio E.
Published: August 2024

Background

Resilience can mitigate the negative impact produced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical students endure significant academic stress, so adjusting to sudden changes can present greater mental health challenges. The aim is to identify the level and prevalence of resilience and to know what are the educational variables and is sleep quality associated with resilience.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire. The survey was elaborated in Google Forms and shared through social networks. The outcome was resilience, measured with the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale. Its association was assessed with sleep quality (measured with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), daytime sleepiness (measured with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale), and selected academic/sociodemographic variables. Generalized linear models were used to identify the association between the variables.

Results

Of 1277 participants, 35.7% experienced high resilience. Poor sleep quality and sleepiness were present in 88.4% and 36.0% of students, respectively. High resilience was associated with good sleep quality (PR:1.56; 95%CI: 1.34 - 1.83; p-value<0.001), absent sleepiness (PR:1.59; 95%CI: 1.32–1.91; p-value<0.001), male sex (PR: 1.21; 95%CI: 1.05–1.39; p-value 0.006), working (PR:1.14), having family responsibilities (PR: 1.36; 95%CI: 1.09–1.70; p-value 0.005) and spending more than 6 hours studying (PR: 1.35; 95%CI: 1.17–1.54; p-value<0.001).

Conclusion

4 out of 10 students presented high levels of resilience. The development of resilience depended on multiple individual and sociodemographic factors. These findings are important to support universities in developing resilience-building measures and strategies that can be implemented to mitigate the adverse pandemic event.
A novel framework for ketamine-assisted couple therapy
Authors: Khalifian C. , Rashkovsky K. , Mitchell E. , Bismark A. , Wagner A. C. , Knopp K. C.
Published: August 2024

Intimate relationship distress is prevalent and is associated with poorer health, mental health, and mortality outcomes. Evidence-based couple therapies target cognitive, behavioral, and emotional processes that underlie relationship dysfunction. Increasing research and clinical evidence supports the efficacy of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) for addressing clinical mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, and more. The purported mechanisms of KAP are also likely to improve psychosocial and relational functioning for patients and may be useful for supporting change mechanisms in couple therapy. This paper reviews the current evidence for therapeutic ketamine and KAP and outlines how the mechanisms of ketamine therapy may also augment the cognitive, behavioral, and emotional interventions in the most commonly used evidence-based couple therapies. Key mechanisms include increased neuroplasticity, changes in functional connectivity, adaptive dissociation, decreased inhibition, and reduced avoidance. Given the reciprocal interaction between relationship dysfunction and mental health problems, ketamine may also help alleviate relationship distress by directly treating clinical mental health symptoms. We then outline a proposed framework for ketamine-assisted couple therapy, addressing the application of KAP preparation, dosing, and integration to a dyadic intervention framework in a way that can be applied to different couple therapy modalities. This clinical framework for couples’ KAP may be useful for clinicians and researchers working to improve the efficacy of couple therapy, particularly when one or both partners has accompanying mental health concerns.
How traditional Chinese exercise (Daoyin) can help COVID-19 patients relieve psychological symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Duan Naifan , Chen Feng , Li Yalan , Zhou Linqiong , Zhang Xing , Xu Guihua , Zhang Wei
Published: August 2024

Objective

The mental health issues of individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are currently widespread. Traditional Chinese exercise (Daoyin) plays an important role in relieving patients’ psychological problems. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Daoyin in mitigating mental health issues among individuals diagnosed with COVID-19.

Methods

PubMed, the Cochrane library, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP database, and SinoMed were searched from their inception to October 2023. Two researchers independently selected the eligible studies. The analysis and presentation of the findings were conducted using Review Manager 5.2 software. The data were analyzed using mean difference (MD), inverse variance, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of 12 studies (N = 1291) were included in this study. The results showed that Daoyin can significantly reduce the scores of the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS: MD = −13.03, 95% CI −19.56 to −6.49, P<.49,yca Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS: MD = −11.13, 95% CI −14.56 to −7.71, P<.71,sion Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI: MD = −2.00, 95% CI −5.43 to 1.43, P = 0.25), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA: MD = −2.42, 95% CI −5.25 to 0.41, P = 0.09), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD: MD = −11.17, 95% CI −25.5 to 3.15, P = 0.13).

Conclusion

In COVID-19 patients, Daoyin can alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as improve sleep quality. The use of Daoyin has no adverse effects and side effects and can reduce the cost of medication. Therefore, Daoyin can be widely promoted. Further research is warranted to analyze the effect of Daoyin on mental health.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/#recordDetails, identifier CRD42023391845.
Nonsuicidal self-injury as the gateway and consequence of suicidal ideation among adolescents: a cross-lagged regression analysis
Authors: Xu Zhansheng , Li Nianqin , Kong Yaxin , Lin Lin , Liu Yu , Zhang Huan , He Yunfeng , Zhao Song
Published: August 2024

Background

There is a consensus that both nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal ideation as risk factors for suicidal behavior have a strong connection. However, a lack of longitudinal information has limited the clarification of the concrete relationship between them.

Aims

This study aimed to examine the specific mechanism between NSSI and suicidal ideation over time, during adolescence.

Method

A longitudinal study was conducted with 193 Chinese adolescents. NSSI and suicidal ideations were examined over the course of a 1year followed-up, and three waves of data were collected.

Results

The NSSI at time T1 significantly positively predicted suicidal ideation at time T2; Suicidal ideation at time T2 also significantly positively predicted NSSI at time T3.

Limitations

Given that the small number of participants with suicidal ideation and NSSI, the findings of the study should be interpreted with caution and a lager sample is needed in the future.

Conclusion

It was suggested that NSSI may occur before suicidal ideation, which in turn would strengthen NSSI, so interventions should be carried out from two aspects (behaviors and thoughts) to improve adolescents’ mental health.
Empirical analysis of health-related behaviors among older Hakka adults: a latent class analysis
Authors: Cai Longhua , Zhang Lingling , Liu Xiaojun
Published: August 2024

Background

Little is known about health-related behaviors of the older Hakka population in China. We aimed to explore the characteristics and correlates of health-related behaviors among older Hakka adults.

Methods

We used data from the China’s Health-Related Quality of Life Survey for Older Adults 2018. Latent class analysis (LCA) defined latent classes of health-related behaviors for 1,262 older Hakka adults aged 60 and above. Generalized linear regression and multinomial logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors influencing the number and the latent classes of health-related behaviors, respectively.

Results

The LCA showed that the latent classes could be stratified as the risk group (14.82%), healthy group (55.71%), and inactive group (29.48%). Sex, age, years of education, current residence, living arrangement, average annual household income, and currently employed were associated with the number of healthy behaviors. Compared with the participants in the healthy group, widowed/others (OR = 5.85, 95% CI = 3.27, 10.48), had 15,001–30,000 (OR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.21, 3.47) and 60,001 or higher (OR = 3.78, 95% CI = 1.26, 11.36) average annual household income, and currently employed (OR = 3.40, 95% CI = 1.99, 5.81) were highly associated with risk group. Additionally, the participants who are widowed/others (OR = 4.30, 95% CI = 2.70, 6.85) and currently employed (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.27, 2.98) were highly associated with the inactive group.

Conclusion

This study identified factors specifically associated with older Hakka adults’ health-related behaviors from an LCA perspective. The findings indicate that policymakers should give more attention to older adults living alone and implement practical interventions to promote health-related behaviors among them.
Deadly triangle: honey bees, mites, and viruses
Authors: Lamas Zachary S. , Evans Jay D.
Published: August 2024

Honey bees are managed by humans on all continents except Antarctica, leading to an exceptional database of colony growth and survival. Honey bee colony losses in the United States are approximately 50% annually, and losses in other countries range from 10% to 60%. These losses reflect chemical, climatic, and nutritional stresses alongside immense pressure from diverse parasites and pathogens. The combination of RNA viruses and parasitic mites that vector these viruses plays a primary role in colony losses. Here, we discuss virus infection with and without mite vectors, bee defenses, colony vulnerabilities, and the roles of managed beekeeping in mitigating and aggravating the impacts of Varroa mites and viral disease.
Comparative SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.5 variant and D614G-Wuhan strain infections in ferrets: insights into attenuation and disease progression during subclinical to mild COVID-19
Authors: Barroso-Arévalo Sandra , Sánchez-Morales Lidia , Porras Néstor , Díaz-Frutos Marta , Barasona Jose A. , Isla Julio , López Débora , Gortázar Christian , Domínguez Lucas , Sánchez-Vizcaíno Jose M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

As the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve and new variants emerge, it becomes crucial to understand the comparative pathological and immunological responses elicited by different strains. This study focuses on the original Wuhan strain and the Omicron variant, which have demonstrated significant differences in clinical outcomes and immune responses.

Methods

We employed ferrets as an experimental model to assess the D614G variant (a derivative of the Wuhan strain) and the Omicron BA.5 variant. Each variant was inoculated into separate groups of ferrets to compare disease severity, viral dissemination, and immune responses.

Results

The D614G variant induced more severe disease and greater viral spread than the Omicron variant. Notably, ferrets infected with the D614G variant exhibited a robust neutralizing antibody response, whereas those infected with the Omicron variant failed to produce a detectable neutralizing antibody response. Despite the clearance of the virus from nearly all tissues by 7 days post-infection, an increase in pathological lesions was observed from 14 to 21 days, particularly in those infected with the D614G variant, suggesting a sustained immune response even after viral clearance.

Discussion

These findings underscore the adaptability of SARS-CoV-2 and illuminate how susceptibility and clinical manifestations vary across different strains and species. The results emphasize the necessity of considering both the direct effects of viral infection and the indirect, often prolonged, impacts of the immune response in evaluating the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
The Effect of 0–8 MPa Environmental Pressure on the Ignition and Combustion Process of CL20/NEPE Solid Propellant
Authors: Cai Wenxiang , Li Wei , Wang Zhixiang
Published: August 2024

In order to study the effect of pressure on the ignition and combustion process of CL-20/NEPE solid propellant, the ignition delay, burning rate, and maximum combustion temperature of different solid propellant formulations with an ambient pressure of 0.1~8.0 MPa were measured experimentally by a solid propellant laser ignition experiment system, and the agglomeration process and the characteristics of condensed phase combustion products were analyzed. The experimental results show that, with the increase of pressure, the ignition-delay time decreases, and the burning rate and the maximum combustion temperature increase. With the increase of pressure, the influence on propellant ignition and combustion characteristics becomes smaller. In the experiment, the dynamic agglomeration phenomenon of aluminum particles in the propellant was recorded by a high-speed camera combined with a microscopic camera lens, and the dynamic agglomeration phenomenon of the combustion surface of the propellant and the dynamic agglomeration phenomenon, after the initial agglomeration was separated from the surface, were analyzed and expounded. Based on the experiment and combined with the agglomeration phenomenon, a mathematical model capable of predicting the particle size of aluminum aggregates was proposed.
Effects of Harvest Date and Ensiling Additives on the Optimized Ensiling of Silphium Perfoliatum to Prevent Faulty Fermentation
Authors: Baumgart Marian , Hülsemann Benedikt , Sailer Gregor , Oechsner Hans , Müller Joachim
Published: August 2024

Silphium perfoliatum, an energy crop with a high fiber content but low concentrations of fermentable carbohydrates, presents challenges for complete fermentation in biogas production. To overcome this, a bioeconomic approach proposes the use of the fibers for paper and board production, which requires high-quality silage with minimal butyric acid, which affects the marketability of the fibers. This study aims to optimize the silaging process of Silphium perfoliatum by investigating the effects of harvest date, bacterial cultures and additives on fermentation results. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of three harvest dates on fermentation acid composition, with a focus on increasing lactic acid production to inhibit butyric acid formation. Results indicate that an early harvest date (early September) is critical for achieving stable fermentation and minimizing ensiling losses. The addition of sugar-rich additives, such as syrup, was found to be essential, especially for later harvest dates. Despite these interventions, a late harvest (early November) consistently resulted in suboptimal fermentation. The results suggest that optimizing harvest timing and incorporating appropriate additives are key strategies for producing high quality silage and ensuring the suitability of Silphium perfoliatum fibers for industrial applications.
Effects of Plastic Mulch Residue on Soil Fungal Communities in Cotton
Authors: Song Wenyue , Wu Hongqi , Xiang Zequn , Fan Yanmin , Wang Shuaishuai , Guo Jia
Published: August 2024

Plastic mulch plays a crucial role in agricultural production in arid and semi-arid regions, positively impacting crop yields, salt suppression, and seedling protection. However, as the usage of plastic mulch extends over time, residue accumulation becomes a significant issue in these regions. To clarify the effects of plastic mulch residue on soil fungi, this study focused on three typical cotton-growing areas in Xinjiang. Using high-throughput sequencing technology, the study analyzed the changes in the fungal community structure and diversity in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils across 27 cotton fields under three different levels of plastic mulch residue: 0–75 kg/ha, 75–150 kg/ha, and 150–225 kg/ha. The results indicated that Ascomycota and Basidiomycota were the dominant fungal phyla across all treatments. Increasing levels of plastic mulch residue reduced the fungal richness in the soil, with a greater effects observed on rhizosphere fungi compared to bulk soil fungi. The α-diversity of cotton rhizosphere fungi showed an increasing trend, followed by a decrease with increasing plastic mulch residue, in Aksu and Bazhou, peaking at 75–150 kg/ha. Conversely, in Changji, the α-diversity decreased with increasing plastic mulch residue. The α-diversity of non-rhizosphere fungi associated with cotton decreased with increasing plastic mulch residue. Plastic mulch residue significantly altered the soil fungal α-diversity and had a greater effects on rhizosphere fungi. Different levels of plastic mulch residue had varying effects on the β-diversity of rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere fungi, significantly influencing rhizosphere fungi in Aksu and Bazhou and non-rhizosphere fungi in Changji and Bazhou. Overall, different levels of plastic mulch residue exerted varying degrees of influence on the community composition and diversity of soil fungi associated with cotton, potentially reducing the fungal richness and altering the community structure with increasing residue levels.
Winter Wheat Maturity Prediction via Sentinel-2 MSI Images
Authors: Yue Jibo , Li Ting , Shen Jianing , Wei Yihao , Xu Xin , Liu Yang , Feng Haikuan , Ma Xinming , Li Changchun , Yang Guijun , Qiao Hongbo , Yang Hao , Liu Qian
Published: August 2024

A timely and comprehensive understanding of winter wheat maturity is crucial for deploying large-scale harvesters within a region, ensuring timely winter wheat harvesting, and maintaining grain quality. Winter wheat maturity prediction is limited by two key issues: accurate extraction of wheat planting areas and effective maturity prediction methods. The primary aim of this study is to propose a method for predicting winter wheat maturity. The method comprises three parts: (i) winter wheat planting area extraction via phenological characteristics across multiple growth stages; (ii) extraction of winter wheat maturity features via vegetation indices (VIs, such as NDVI, NDRE, NDII1, and NDII2) and box plot analysis; and (iii) winter wheat maturity data prediction via the selected VIs. The key findings of this work are as follows: (i) Combining multispectral remote sensing data from the winter wheat jointing-filling and maturity-harvest stages can provide high-precision extraction of winter wheat planting areas (OA = 95.67%, PA = 91.67%, UA = 99.64%, and Kappa = 0.9133). (ii) The proposed method can offer the highest accuracy in predicting maturity at the winter wheat flowering stage (R2 = 0.802, RMSE = 1.56 days), aiding in a timely and comprehensive understanding of winter wheat maturity and in deploying large-scale harvesters within the region. (iii) The study’s validation was only conducted for winter wheat maturity prediction in the North China Plain wheat production area, and the accuracy of harvesting progress information extraction for other regions’ wheat still requires further testing. The method proposed in this study can provide accurate predictions of winter wheat maturity, helping agricultural management departments adopt information-based measures to improve the efficiency of monitoring winter wheat maturation and harvesting, thus promoting the efficiency of precision agricultural operations and informatization efforts.
The Emerging Hemp Industry: A Review of Industrial Hemp Materials and Product Manufacturing
Authors: Enarevba Dolor R. , Haapala Karl R.
Published: August 2024

There is a growing need for resilient and renewable materials to aid society in global sustainability. It is incumbent upon the agricultural and manufacturing industries to work together to achieve this vision. In particular, the hemp plant has been identified as an emerging industrial crop that will be pivotal in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. However, this nascent industry has received an influx of research and development activity, resulting in various methods and practices globally, challenging the repeatability of results, research advancement, standards development, and sustainability assessment. A systematic literature review is conducted to identify and document (1) the various practices for harvesting and converting industrial hemp into materials and products and (2) existing hemp-derived products and those under development. Using the PRISMA methodology, 5295 articles were identified, and 109 articles were included for review. Unlike prior reviews focusing on specific hemp plant components, materials, or products, this study systematically evaluates the utilization pathways of the whole plant (stalk, flower, leaf, and seed) to traditional, industrial, and emerging products. Further, myriad opportunities for hemp material and product applications, sustainability performance assessment, and future research are discussed. This review will benefit future hemp research, advancing process technologies, developing novel products, establishing policies and standards, and assessing sustainability performance.
Species Assembly of Highland Anuran Communities in Equatorial Africa (Virunga Massif): Soundscape, Acoustic Niches, and Partitioning
Authors: Sinsch Ulrich , Tuyisingize Deogratias , Dehling Jonas Maximilian , van der Hoek Yntze
Published: August 2024

The soundscape is a complex arrangement of sounds originating from animals and the environment. It is considered a reliable proxy for ecosystem niche structure at the community level. Acoustic communities of anuran species include advertising males, which compete in acoustic space for conspecific females. Stochastic niche theory predicts that all local niches are occupied, and the acoustic community is species-saturated. Acoustic niches, which include the spectral and temporal call structure and diel and seasonal patterns of call activity, are of similar breadth with small overlap. We tested these predictions in four communities inhabiting pristine wetlands at 2546–3188 m a.s.l. in the Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda. We sampled 74 days of hourly 5 min recordings of the local soundscape (September 2019–March 2020) using passive automated monitoring devices (Songmeter SM4). We identified species based on the advertisement call features and measured call activity as calls per minute. The communities included 4–6, species depending on wetland structure, with a shared stock of three species (Hyperolius castaneus, H. glandicolor, Leptopelis kivuensis). Independent of elevation, niche breadth for call features was similar among species and overlap reduced by partitioning the frequency range used. The diel and seasonal niche breadth of specific call activity varied according to the local temperature regime at different altitudes representing the variable part of the acoustic niche. We conclude that communities are indeed species-saturated and acoustic niches differ primarily by the fixed call features remaining locally adaptable by the modulation of the call activity pattern, corroborating the predictions of the stochastic niche theory.
Behavioral Training in First-Generation Long-Tailed Macaques (Macaca fascicularis) for Improved Husbandry and Veterinary Procedures
Authors: Suriya-Arunroj Lalitta , Chimngam Motee , Chamnongpakdee Chutikan , Sing-Ayudthaya Thipchompoo , Linchekhaw Chunapa , Kongsombat Nopparat , Suttisan Nutchanat
Published: August 2024

Owing to their similarities to humans in various aspects, non-human primates (NHPs) serve as valuable translational models that has greatly contributed to scientific advancements. However, working with untrained NHPs can cause stress and increase the risk of injuries to both animals and care staff, compromising both animal welfare and occupational safety. Behavioral training, that benefits from animals’ learning abilities to gain their cooperation during husbandry and veterinary procedures, is a well-established method to mitigate these risks. Cynomolgus monkeys, in particular, are known for being despotic, fearful, and challenging to train. Moreover, our first-generation breeders were wild-sourced from human–macaque conflict areas in Thailand. These macaque populations are accustomed with human contact; hence, their prior experience can either work for or against behavioral shaping plans. Establishing a training program with realistic expectations would benefit both the animals and trainers. In this study, six cynomolgus monkeys were selected based on temperament, then underwent a pilot training program that included basic husbandry and veterinary procedures. Over 256 training sessions with gradual shaping plans, all six monkeys went through all training steps, with progress varying considerably among individuals. Cortisol levels were measured to monitor stress responses, revealing a notable sex difference: female monkeys generally complied more easily with the trainer but exhibited a stronger cortisol increase compared to males. This study proposed a behavioral training program grounded in three essential components: temperament assessment, behavioral shaping plans, and the cortisol-based criteria for evaluating training success.
Do Organism Profile and Resistance Patterns Change between First and Subsequent Two-Stage Revision for Periprosthetic Joint Infection?
Authors: Ahrens Helmut , Steinicke Amelie Constanze , Gosheger Georg , Schwarze Jan , Bockholt Sebastian , Moellenbeck Burkhard , Theil Christoph
Published: August 2024

Increasing antibiotic resistance has been reported as an issue in the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). A repeat two-stage revision for recurrent PJI is at high risk of reinfection. However, it is unclear if the microorganism profile plays a role with potentially more resistant or polymicrobial infections. This is a retrospective, single-center analysis of two-stage revisions performed between 2011 and 2017. We identified 46 patients who underwent a repeat resection arthroplasty for recurrent PJI of the same joint after a previous two-stage revision of the same joint at the same department. All microbiological findings were analyzed focusing on microbiological spectrum and resistance testing as well as the potential impact on reinfection-free survival. The most common organism found at the time of recurrent PJI were coagulase-negative Staphylococci (39%) followed by Gram-negative organisms (28%). The risk of polymicrobial infections, difficult-to-treat resistant organisms, and Gram-negative infections increased significantly. Among staphylococcal infections, there was a high percentage of methicillin-resistant species and resistance to oral antibiotics. Patients with Gram-negative organisms had a reduced infection-free survivorship, while resistant organisms were not associated with decreased survival. Patients who undergo a repeat two-stage revision for recurrent PJI have more polymicrobial and resistant organisms, although the impact on survivorship is unclear.