bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast anther dehiscence status recognition system established by deep learning to screen heat tolerant cotton
Authors: Tan Zhihao , Shi Jiawei , Lv Rongjie , Li Qingyuan , Yang Jing , Ma Yizan , Li Yanlong , Wu Yuanlong , Zhang Rui , Ma Huanhuan , Li Yawei , Zhu Li , Zhu Longfu , Zhang Xianlong , Kong Jie , Yang Wanneng , Min Ling
Published: April 2022

Background

From an economic perspective, cotton is one of the most important crops in the world. The fertility of male reproductive organs is a key determinant of cotton yield. Anther dehiscence or indehiscence directly determines the probability of fertilization in cotton. Thus, rapid and accurate identification of cotton anther dehiscence status is important for judging anther growth status and promoting genetic breeding research. The development of computer vision technology and the advent of big data have prompted the application of deep learning techniques to agricultural phenotype research. Therefore, two deep learning models (Faster R-CNN and YOLOv5) were proposed to detect the number and dehiscence status of anthers.

Result

The single-stage model based on YOLOv5 has higher recognition speed and the ability to deploy to the mobile end. Breeding researchers can apply this model to terminals to achieve a more intuitive understanding of cotton anther dehiscence status. Moreover, three improvement strategies are proposed for the Faster R-CNN model, where the improved model has higher detection accuracy than the YOLOv5 model. We have made three improvements to the Faster R-CNN model and after the ensemble of the three models and original Faster R-CNN model, R2 of “open” reaches to 0.8765, R2 of “close” reaches to 0.8539, R2 of “all” reaches to 0.8481, higher than the prediction results of either model alone, which are completely able to replace the manual counting results. We can use this model to quickly extract the dehiscence rate of cotton anthers under high temperature (HT) conditions. In addition, the percentage of dehiscent anthers of 30 randomly selected cotton varieties were observed from the cotton population under normal conditions and HT conditions through the ensemble of the Faster R-CNN model and manual counting. The results show that HT decreased the percentage of dehiscent anthers in different cotton lines, consistent with the manual method.

Conclusions

Deep learning technology have been applied to cotton anther dehiscence status recognition instead of manual methods for the first time to quickly screen HT–tolerant cotton varieties. Deep learning can help to explore the key genetic improvement genes in the future, promoting cotton breeding and improvement.
Applying systems approaches to stakeholder and community engagement and knowledge mobilisation in youth mental health system modelling
Authors: Freebairn Louise , Song Yun Ju Christine , Occhipinti Jo-An , Huntley Samantha , Dudgeon Pat , Robotham Julie , Lee Grace Yeeun , Hockey Samuel , Gallop Geoff , Hickie Ian B.
Published: April 2022

Background

There is a significant push to change the trajectory of youth mental ill-health and suicide globally. Ensuring that young people have access to services that meet their individual needs and are easily accessible is a priority. Genuine stakeholder engagement in mental health system design is critical to ensure that system strengthening is likely to be successful within these complex environments. There is limited literature describing engagement processes undertaken by research teams in mental health program implementation and planning. This protocol describes the methods that will be used to engage local communities using systems science methods to mobilize knowledge and action to strengthen youth mental health services.

Methods

Using participatory action research principles, the research team will actively engage with local communities to ensure genuine user-led participatory systems modelling processes and enhance knowledge mobilisation within research sites. Ensuring that culturally diverse and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community voices are included will support this process. A rigorous site selection process will be undertaken to ensure that the community is committed and has capacity to actively engage in the research activities. Stakeholder engagement commences from the site selection process with the aim to build trust between researchers and key stakeholders. The research team will establish a variety of engagement resources and make opportunities available to each site depending on their local context, needs and audiences they wish to target during the process.

Discussion

This protocol describes the inclusive community engagement and knowledge mobilization process for the Right care, first time, where you live research Program. This Program will use an iterative and adaptive approach that considers the social, economic, and political context of each community and attempts to maximise research engagement. A theoretical framework for applying systems approaches to knowledge mobilization that is flexible will enable the implementation of a participatory action research approach. This protocol commits to a rigorous and genuine stakeholder engagement process that can be applied in mental health research implementation.
Management of depression during the perinatal period: state of the evidence
Authors: Falek Idan , Acri Mary , Dominguez Joanna , Havens Jennifer , McCord Mary , Sisco Sarah , Wilcox Wendy , Hoagwood Kimberly
Published: April 2022

Background

Perinatal depression (PND) is a prevalent ailment that affects both the woman and her family. Addressing PND in primary health care, such as pediatrics and obstetric care settings, has been proposed as an effective way to identify and treat women.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to examine best practices for management of PND in obstetric and pediatric settings, as well as investigate the evidence that supports the guidelines.

Methods

Guidelines were identified through a literature search and discussion with experts in the field of perinatal depression, while evidence was examined through a literature search of reviews and thereafter experimental studies.

Results

Twenty-five guidelines, across 17 organizations were retained for analysis. Findings suggest that there is little or varied guidance on the management of PND, as well as a lack of specificity. Treatment was the topic most frequently reported, followed by screening. However best practices vary greatly and often contradict one another. Across all areas, there is inadequate or contrasting evidence to support these guidelines.

Conclusions

Although there was consensus on the key steps in the pathway to care, the review revealed lack of consensus across guidelines on specific issues relating to identification and management of depression during the perinatal period. Clinicians may use these recommendations to guide their practice, but they should be aware of the limitations of the evidence supporting these guidelines and remain alert to new evidence. There is a clear need for researchers and policymakers to prioritize this area in order to develop evidence-based guidelines for managing perinatal depression.
Identification of RNA-splicing factor Lsm12 as a novel tumor-associated gene and a potent biomarker in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC)
Authors: Dong Yan , Xue Liyan , Zhang Yan , Liu Caiyun , Zhang Yanguang , Jiang Na , Ma Xiaoyan , Chen Fangyu , Li Lingxia , Yu Liyuan , Liu Xuefeng , Shao Shujuan , Guan Shufang , Zhang Jian , Xiao Qingchun , Li Hui , Dong Ailing , Huang Lijie , Shi Chenyang , Wang Yan , Fu Ming , Lv Ning , Zhan Qimin
Published: April 2022

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the common cancers worldwide. The lack of specific biomarkers and therapeutic targets leads to delayed diagnosis and hence the poor prognosis of OSCC patients. Thus, it is urgent to identify effective biomarkers and therapeutic targets for OSCC.

Methods

We established the golden hamster carcinogenic model of OSCC induced by 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthrancene (DMBA) and used mRNA microarrays to detect the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs were validated in OSCC clinical tissue microarrays using immunohistochemistry method. Whole transcriptome sequencing was performed to obtain an overview of biological functions of Lsm12. PCR assay and sequencing were employed to investigate the alternative splicing of genes regulated by Lsm12. Cell proliferation, colony formation, Transwell migration and invasion assay and in vivo tumor formation assay were performed to investigate the roles of Lsm12 and two transcript variants of USO1 in OSCC cells.

Results

Lsm12 was identified to be significantly up-regulated in the animal model of OSCC tumorigenesis, which was validated in the clinical OSCC samples. In the paired normal tissues, Lsm12 staining was negative (91%, 92/101) or weak, while in OSCC tissues, positive rate is 100% and strong staining spread over the whole tissues in 93 (93/101, 92%) cases. Lsm12 overexpression significantly promoted OSCC cell growth, colony formation, migration and invasion abilities, while Lsm12 knockdown showed the opposite trends on these phenotypes and obviously inhibited the tumor formation in vivo. Furthermore, Lsm12 overexpression caused the inclusion of USO1 exon 15 and Lsm12 knockdown induced exon 15 skipping. Exon 15-retained USO1 significantly promoted the malignant phenotypes of OSCC cells when compared with the exon 15-deleted USO1.

Conclusions

We identified Lsm12, a novel tumorigenesis-related gene, as an important regulator involved in OSCC tumorigenesis. Lsm12 is a novel RNA-splicing related gene and can regulate the alternative splicing of USO1 exon 15 which was associated closely with OSCC carcinogenesis. Our findings thus provide that Lsm12 might be a potent biomarker and potential therapeutic target for OSCC.
CDK16 promotes the progression and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer by phosphorylating PRC1
Authors: Li Xiao , Li Jinpeng , Xu Liming , Wei Wei , Cheng Anyi , Zhang Lingxian , Zhang Mengna , Wu Gaosong , Cai Cheguo
Published: April 2022

Background

Cyclin-dependent kinase 16 (CDK16) is an atypical PCTAIRE kinase, and its activity is dependent on the Cyclin Y (CCNY) family. Ccnys have been reported to regulate mammary stem cell activity and mammary gland development, and CCNY has been recognized as an oncoprotein in various cancers, including breast cancer. However, it remains unclear whether CDK16 has a role in breast cancer and whether it can be used as a therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Methods

Publicly available breast cancer datasets analyses and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to reveal the expression and clinical relevance of atypical CDKs in breast cancer. CDK16 protein expression was further examined by immunohistochemical and immunoblot analyses of clinical samples. Cell proliferation was measured by colony formation and MTT analyses. Cell cycle and apoptosis were examined by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. Wound-healing and trans-well invasion assays were conducted to test cell migration ability. The functions of CDK16 on tumorigenesis and metastasis were evaluated by cell line-derived xenograft, patient-derived organoid/xenograft, lung metastasis and systemic metastasis mouse models. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to reveal the potential molecular mechanisms involved in the function of CDK16. Pharmacological inhibition of CDK16 was achieved by the small molecular inhibitor rebastinib to further assess the anti-tumor utility of targeting CDK16.

Results

CDK16 is highly expressed in breast cancer, particularly in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The elevated CDK16 expression is correlated with poor outcomes in breast cancer patients. CDK16 can improve the proliferation and migration ability of TNBC cells in vitro, and promote tumor growth and metastasis of TNBC in vivo. Both genetic knockdown and pharmacological inhibition of CDK16 significantly suppress the tumor progression of TNBC. Mechanistically, CDK16 exerts its function by phosphorylating protein regulator of cytokinesis 1 (PRC1) to regulate spindle formation during mitosis.

Conclusion

CDK16 plays a critical role in TNBC and is a novel promising therapeutic target for TNBC.
Publication of clinical trials on medicinal products: follow-up on trials authorized in Hungary
Authors: Sándor-Bajusz Kinga Amália , Kraut Andrea , Baasan Odgerel , Márovics Gergely , Berényi Károly , Lohner Szimonetta
Published: April 2022

Background

Clinical research should provide reliable evidence to clinicians, health policy makers, and researchers. The reliability of evidence will be assured once study planning, conducting, and reporting of results are transparent. The present research investigates publication rates, time until publication, and characteristics of clinical trials on medicinal products associated with timely publication of results, measures of scientific impact, authorship, and open access publication.

Methods

Clinical trials authorized in Hungary in 2012 were followed until publication and/or June 2020. Corresponding scientific publications were searched via clinical trial registries, PubMed (MEDLINE), and Google.

Results

Overall, 330 clinical trials were authorized in 2012 of which 232 trials were completed for more than 1 year in June 2020. The proportion of industry initiation was high (97%).

Time to publication was 21 (22) months [median (IQR)]. Time to publication was significantly shorter when trials involved both European and non-European countries (26 vs 69 months [median]; hazard ratio = 0.38, 95% CI 0.22–0.66, p< 0.001), and were registered in both EU CTR and clinicaltrials.gov (27 vs 88 months; hazard ratio = 0.24, 95% CI 0.11–0.54; p< 0.001) based on survival analyses.

A significant amount (24.1%) of unpublished clinical trial results were accessible in a trial register. The majority of available publications were published “open access” (70.93%). A minority of identified publications had a Hungarian author (21.5%).

Conclusions

We encourage academic researchers to plan, register and conduct trials on medicinal products. Registries should be considered as an important source of information of clinical trial results. Publications with domestic co-authors contribute to the research output of a country. Measurable domestic scientific impact of trials on medicinal products needs further improvement.
Records and altitudinal assessment of Amblyomma aureolatum and Amblyomma ovale (Acari: Ixodidae) in the State of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil
Authors: Faccini João L. H. , Santos Hélio F. , Costa-Junior Lívio M. , Costa-Neto Socrates F. , Tassinari Wagner S. , Luz Hermes R.
Published: April 2022

Information on the altitudinal distribution of the hard ticks Amblyomma aureolatum and Amblyomma ovale in Brazil is scarce and mainly limited to occasional records. In this study we report our evaluation of records on the altitudinal distribution of A. aureolatum and A. ovale collected from dogs and humans and directly from the environment (host-questing ticks), based on active or passive procedures. The collections were conducted in rural areas of municipalities in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil between 2013 and 2017. Active procedures consisted of dragging or flagging, visual examination of vegetation and removal of ticks present on the authors’ clothing or on infested dogs. Overall, 222 ticks were collected. The altitudes at the collection sites ranged from 98 to 1220 m a.s.l. We noted a significant difference in the altitudinal distribution of A. aureolatum and A. ovale (Mann–Whitney U-test, U = 518.5, P < 0.001). The overlap of these two species occurred at altitudes of between 650 and 900 m a.s.l. The results indicated that the higher the altitude, the greater the probability for the occurrence of A. aureolatum and, conversely, the lower the likelihood for the occurrence of A. ovale. The findings of this study improve currrent knowledge on the bioecology of these tick species and have implications for studies on the epidemiology of spotted fever in Brazil.

Graphical Abstract
Ancylostoma in dogs in the Caribbean: a review and study from St. Kitts, West Indies
Authors: Kim Jenny , Lucio-Forster Araceli , Ketzis Jennifer K.
Published: April 2022

Background

Little is known about the prevalence of Ancylostoma in dogs in the Caribbean. In view of the number of owned free-roaming and feral dogs within the islands and the ideal subtropical climate for parasite development and environmental survival, Ancylostoma could pose a threat to the health of the dogs as well as a zoonotic risk to people.

Methods

To determine whether generalities about Ancylostoma in dogs in the Caribbean could be made and to obtain a better understanding of the prevalence, published (Scielo, Scopus, and PubMed databases) and gray (e.g., student theses, conference presentations) literature was reviewed. Retrieved manuscripts were screened, and relevant data (year, location, dog population, method of diagnosis, positivity rate) were extracted. Data from two dog populations on St. Kitts also were included: a 2014 field study involving dogs with limited veterinary care and data from the Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine’s Veterinary Clinic records for 2018–2019.

Results

Fourteen manuscripts from the 1950s to 2019, representing ten of the Caribbean islands/countries and the Bahamas, were identified. Methods of diagnosing infection status ranged from simple qualitative or quantitative flotation methods to centrifugation with Sheather’s sugar flotation solution or necropsy. Dog populations sampled included stray, owned free-roaming, and owned confined. Reported rates of Ancylostoma infection ranged from 10 to 91%. Studies from the last 10 years indicate positivity rates of 21 to 73%. Ancylostoma positivity rates in the St. Kitts’ populations were 61% and 10% for the 2014 and 2018–2019 populations, respectively.

Conclusions

There was no indication that hookworm prevalence has changed over time in the Caribbean, and there were no obvious differences between owned and unowned dogs or free-roaming and confined dogs. The data from St. Kitts were on par with positivity rates from the other islands within the last 10 years and reflective of the impact that veterinary care, including anthelmintic treatment, is expected to have on parasites in pets. There is a clear need to expand the available data for the region and improve control programs for Ancylostoma infections to protect both canine and human health.

Graphical Abstract
An evaluation of information online on artificial intelligence in medical imaging
Authors: Mulryan Philip , Ni Chleirigh Naomi , O’Mahony Alexander T. , Crowley Claire , Ryan David , McLaughlin Patrick , McEntee Mark , Maher Michael , O’Connor Owen J.
Published: April 2022

Background

Opinions seem somewhat divided when considering the effect of artificial intelligence (AI) on medical imaging. The aim of this study was to characterise viewpoints presented online relating to the impact of AI on the field of radiology and to assess who is engaging in this discourse.

Methods

Two search methods were used to identify online information relating to AI and radiology. Firstly, 34 terms were searched using Google and the first two pages of results for each term were evaluated. Secondly, a Rich Search Site (RSS) feed evaluated incidental information over 3 weeks. Webpages were evaluated and categorized as having a positive, negative, balanced, or neutral viewpoint based on study criteria.

Results

Of the 680 webpages identified using the Google search engine, 248 were deemed relevant and accessible. 43.2% had a positive viewpoint, 38.3% a balanced viewpoint, 15.3% a neutral viewpoint, and 3.2% a negative viewpoint. Peer-reviewed journals represented the most common webpage source (48%), followed by media (29%), commercial sources (12%), and educational sources (8%). Commercial webpages had the highest proportion of positive viewpoints (66%). Radiologists were identified as the most common author group (38.9%). The RSS feed identified 177 posts of which were relevant and accessible. 86% of posts were of media origin expressing positive viewpoints (64%).

Conclusion

The overall opinion of the impact of AI on radiology presented online is a positive one. Consistency across a range of sources and author groups exists. Radiologists were significant contributors to this online discussion and the results may impact future recruitment.
Radiology–pathology correlation of endometrial carcinoma assessment on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Dokter Eveline , Anderson Lyndal , Cho Soo-Min , Cohen-Hallaleh Violette , Lam Kim May , Saidi Samir A. , Kitzing Yu Xuan
Published: April 2022

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynaecological cancer in developed countries. Most cases are low-volume/low-grade tumour at presentation; however, high-grade subtypes may present with locally advanced disease with higher propensity for spread outside of the pelvis. MRI has a role in local staging of the tumour and helping the clinicians in treatment decision making. This pictorial essay gives examples of endometrial carcinoma at different stages with histological correlation. It also explores the potential limitations and pitfalls of imaging in this context.
Applying the FAIR principles to data in a hospital: challenges and opportunities in a pandemic
Authors: Queralt-Rosinach Núria , Kaliyaperumal Rajaram , Bernabé César H. , Long Qinqin , Joosten Simone A. , van der Wijk Henk Jan , Flikkenschild Erik L.A. , Burger Kees , Jacobsen Annika , Mons Barend , Roos Marco ,   BEAT-COVID Group,   COVID-19 LUMC Group
Published: April 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged healthcare systems and research worldwide. Data is collected all over the world and needs to be integrated and made available to other researchers quickly. However, the various heterogeneous information systems that are used in hospitals can result in fragmentation of health data over multiple data ‘silos’ that are not interoperable for analysis. Consequently, clinical observations in hospitalised patients are not prepared to be reused efficiently and timely. There is a need to adapt the research data management in hospitals to make COVID-19 observational patient data machine actionable, i.e. more Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR) for humans and machines. We therefore applied the FAIR principles in the hospital to make patient data more FAIR.

Results

In this paper, we present our FAIR approach to transform COVID-19 observational patient data collected in the hospital into machine actionable digital objects to answer medical doctors’ research questions. With this objective, we conducted a coordinated FAIRification among stakeholders based on ontological models for data and metadata, and a FAIR based architecture that complements the existing data management. We applied FAIR Data Points for metadata exposure, turning investigational parameters into a FAIR dataset. We demonstrated that this dataset is machine actionable by means of three different computational activities: federated query of patient data along open existing knowledge sources across the world through the Semantic Web, implementing Web APIs for data query interoperability, and building applications on top of these FAIR patient data for FAIR data analytics in the hospital.

Conclusions

Our work demonstrates that a FAIR research data management plan based on ontological models for data and metadata, open Science, Semantic Web technologies, and FAIR Data Points is providing data infrastructure in the hospital for machine actionable FAIR Digital Objects. This FAIR data is prepared to be reused for federated analysis, linkable to other FAIR data such as Linked Open Data, and reusable to develop software applications on top of them for hypothesis generation and knowledge discovery.
MFVT: an anomaly traffic detection method merging feature fusion network and vision transformer architecture
Authors: Li Ming , Han Dezhi , Li Dun , Liu Han , Chang Chin-Chen
Published: April 2022

Network intrusion detection, which takes the extraction and analysis of network traffic features as the main method, plays a vital role in network security protection. The current network traffic feature extraction and analysis for network intrusion detection mostly uses deep learning algorithms. Currently, deep learning requires a lot of training resources and has weak processing capabilities for imbalanced datasets. In this paper, a deep learning model (MFVT) based on feature fusion network and vision transformer architecture is proposed, which improves the processing ability of imbalanced datasets and reduces the sample data resources needed for training. Besides, to improve the traditional raw traffic features extraction methods, a new raw traffic features extraction method (CRP) is proposed, and the CPR uses PCA algorithm to reduce all the processed digital traffic features to the specified dimension. On the IDS 2017 dataset and the IDS 2012 dataset, the ablation experiments show that the performance of the proposed MFVT model is significantly better than other network intrusion detection models, and the detection accuracy can reach the state-of-the-art level. And, when MFVT model is combined with CRP algorithm, the detection accuracy is further improved to 99.99%.
Comparison of non-operative versus operative management of resectable colorectal cancer in elderly patients: study protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Hu Richard , Selvam Rajajee , Moloo Husein , Williams Lara , Raiche Isabelle , Musselman Reilly
Published: April 2022

Background

In the 2021 Statistics Canada census, 18.5% of the Canadian population were senior (65 years and older), among those 1.7 million (4.5%) were aged 80 years and older. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in both men and women, with its highest incidence rate in septu- and octogenarians. As clinicians encounter a growing number of very elderly patients (80 years and older) with resectable colorectal cancer, justifying major surgery in a comorbid population with limited life expectancy is difficult. Therefore, this study aims to systemically review the available literature to compare non-operative management to surgical resection with respect to overall survival and quality of life.

Method

We designed and registered a study protocol for a systematic review. We will include all patients above the age of 80 with resectable colorectal cancer. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Controlled Trials from January 2000 onwards. We will include randomized, non-randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing non-operative versus operative management of resectable colorectal cancer in elderly patients. The primary outcomes will be overall survival and mortality. Secondary outcomes will include quality of life, and health services/ resources utilization (e.g., treatments, change of level of care…). Two reviewers will independently screen all citations, full-text articles, and abstract data. Potential conflicts will be resolved through discussion. The study methodological quality (or bias) will be appraised using the ROB-2 and ROBIN-I tools. If feasible, we will conduct random effects meta-analysis. Additional analyses will be conducted to explore the potential sources of heterogeneity (e.g., study design and methodological quality).

Discussion

This systematic review will synthesize the existing data on the management of colorectal cancer in the very elderly patients, and identify the gap in the literature for potential future research. More specifically, we aim to streamline non-operative outcome data on resectable colorectal cancers to aid clinicians’ decision-making with respect to survival outcomes and quality of life. The results of this study will be of interest to multiple audiences including patients, their families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and policy makers. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
Multiple scenario simulation and optimization of an urban green infrastructure network based on complex network theory: a case study in Harbin City, China
Authors: Song Shuang , Wang Shao-Han , Shi Meng-Xi , Hu Shan-Shan , Xu Da-Wei
Published: April 2022

Background

Urban green infrastructure (GI) networks play a significant role in ensuring regional ecological security; however, they are highly vulnerable to the influence of urban development, and the optimization of GI networks with better connectivity and resilience under different development scenarios has become a practical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Taking Harbin, a megacity in Northeast China, as the case study, we set five simulation scenarios by adjusting the economic growth rate and extracted the GI network in multiple scenarios by integrating the minimal cumulative resistance model and the gravity model. The low-degree-first (LDF) strategy of complex network theory was introduced to optimize the GI network, and the optimization effect was verified by robustness analysis.

Results

The results showed that in the 5% economic growth scenario, the GI network structure was more complex, and the connectivity of the network was better, while in the other scenarios, the network structure gradually degraded with economic growth. After optimization by the LDF strategy, the average degree of the GI network in multiple scenarios increased from 2.368, 2.651, 2.189, 1.972, and 1.847 to 2.783, 3.125, 2.643, 2.414, and 2.322, respectively, and the GI network structure connectivity and resilience were significantly enhanced in all scenarios.

Conclusions

Economic growth did not necessarily lead to degradation of the GI network; there was still room for economic development in the study area, but it was limited under existing GI conditions, and the LDF strategy was an effective method to optimize the GI network. The research results provide a new perspective for the study of GI network protection with urban economic growth and serve as a methodological reference for urban GI network optimization.
Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Min , Qin Weishan , Qin Zongshi , Zhao Changqing
Published: April 2022

Background

In this study, we attempted to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis (AR), and to test the robustness of the estimated effects.

Methods

The Cochrane methodology standard was followed to conduct this systematic review. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture with other therapies for AR were included. Furthermore, trial sequential analysis was conducted to test the robustness of pooled results. Thirty trials with 4413 participants were included.

Results

Acupuncture improved the nasal symptoms on Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) and quality of life measured by Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) in adults with AR, compared to acupuncture with no intervention. Acupuncture was also shown to be more effective than sham acupuncture for nasal symptom (RQLQ subscale, n = 489, MD − 0.60, 95% CI − 1.16 to − 0.04) and quality of life (RQLQ, n = 248, − 8.47 95% CI − 14.91, − 2.03). No clear difference was observed between acupuncture and cetirizine or loratadine. Interestingly, trial sequential analysis (TSA) failed to confirm the aforementioned results. The effect of acupuncture for children/adolescents with AR remains unclear due to insufficient data. The performance bias and attrition bias are serious in most studies that were included. Selection bias may also have affected the quality of the evidence.

Conclusion

Acupuncture may have an advantage over no intervention and sham acupuncture in improving nasal symptoms and quality of life for adults with AR. The effect of acupuncture and cetirizine or loratadine for AR may be similar. Additional trials are necessary to confirm these results.
Mesenchymal stromal cells from a progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia patient show altered osteogenic differentiation
Authors: Pulsatelli Lia , Manferdini Cristina , Gabusi Elena , Mariani Erminia , Ursini Francesco , Ciaffi Jacopo , Meliconi Riccardo , Lisignoli Gina
Published: April 2022

Background

Progressive pseudorheumatoid dysplasia (PPRD) is a rare autosomal recessive non-inflammatory skeletal disease with childhood onset and is characterized by a progressive chondropathy in multiple joints, and skeletal abnormalities. To date, the etiopathological relationship between biological modification occurring in PPRD and genetic mutation remains an open issue, partially due to the limited availability of biological samples obtained from PPRD patients for experimental studies.

Case presentation

We describe the clinical features of a PPRD patient and experimental results obtained from the biological characterization of PPRD mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and osteoblasts (OBs) compared to normal cell populations. Phenotypic profile modifications were found in PPRD compared to normal subjects, essentially ascribed to decreased expression of CD146, osteocalcin (OC) and bone sialoprotein in PPRD MSCs and enhanced CD146, OC and collagen type I expression in PPRD OBs. Gene expression of Dickkopf-1, a master inhibitor of WNT signaling, was remarkably increased in PPRD MSCs compared to normal expression range, whereas PPRD OBs essentially exhibited higher OC gene expression levels. PPRD MSCs failed to efficiently differentiate into mature OBs, so showing a greatly impaired osteogenic potential.

Conclusions

Since all regenerative processes require stem cell reservoirs, compromised functionality of MSCs may lead to an imbalance in bone homeostasis, suggesting a potential role of MSCs in the pathological mechanisms of PPRD caused by WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein-3 (WISP3) mutations. In consideration of the lack of compounds with proven efficacy in such a rare disease, these data might contribute to better identify new specific and effective therapeutic approaches.
Comparative study of the effect of solvents on the efficacy of neonicotinoid insecticides against malaria vector populations across Africa
Authors: Tchouakui Magellan , Assatse Tatiane , Mugenzi Leon M. J. , Menze Benjamin D. , Nguiffo-Nguete Daniel , Tchapga Williams , Kayondo Jonathan , Watsenga Francis , Manzambi Emile Zola , Osae Michael , Wondji Charles S.
Published: April 2022

Background

New insecticides with a novel mode of action such as neonicotinoids have recently been recommended for public health by WHO. Resistance monitoring of such novel insecticides requires a robust protocol to monitor the development of resistance in natural populations. In this study, we comparatively used three different solvents to assess the susceptibility of malaria vectors to neonicotinoids across Africa.

Methods

Mosquitoes were collected from May to July 2021 from three agricultural settings in Cameroon (Njombe-Penja, Nkolondom, and Mangoum), the Democratic Republic of Congo (Ndjili-Brasserie), Ghana (Obuasi), and Uganda (Mayuge). Using the CDC bottle test, we compared the effect of three different solvents (ethanol, acetone, MERO) on the efficacy of neonicotinoids against Anopheles gambiae s.l. In addition, TaqMan assays were used to genotype key pyrethroid-resistant markers in An. gambiae and odds ratio based on Fisher exact test were used to evaluate potential cross-resistance between pyrethroids and clothianidin.

Results

Lower mortality was observed when using absolute ethanol or acetone alone as solvent for clothianidin (11.4‒51.9% mortality in Nkolondom, 31.7‒48.2% in Mangoum, 34.6‒56.1% in Mayuge, 39.4‒45.6% in Obuasi, 83.7‒89.3% in Congo and 71.1‒95.9% in Njombe pendja) compared to acetone + MERO for which 100% mortality were observed for all the populations. Similar observations were done for imidacloprid and acetamiprid. Synergist assays (PBO, DEM and DEF) with clothianidin revealed a significant increase of mortality suggesting that metabolic resistance mechanisms are contributing to the reduced susceptibility. A negative association was observed between the L1014F-kdr mutation and clothianidin resistance with a greater frequency of homozygote resistant mosquitoes among the dead than among survivors (OR = 0.5; P = 0.02). However, the I114T-GSTe2 was in contrast significantly associated with a greater ability to survive clothianidin with a higher frequency of homozygote resistant among survivors than other genotypes (OR = 2.10; P = 0.013).

Conclusions

This study revealed a contrasted susceptibility pattern depending on the solvents with ethanol/acetone resulting to lower mortality, thus possibly overestimating resistance, whereas the MERO consistently showed a greater efficacy of neonicotinoids but it could prevent to detect early resistance development. Therefore, we recommend monitoring the susceptibility using both acetone alone and acetone + MERO (4 µg/ml for clothianidin) to capture the accurate resistance profile of the mosquito populations.

Graphical Abstract
Longitudinal dynamics of microvascular recovery after acquired cortical injury
Authors: Lin Xiaoxiao , Chen Lujia , Jullienne Amandine , Zhang Hai , Salehi Arjang , Hamer Mary , C. Holmes Todd , Obenaus Andre , Xu Xiangmin
Published: April 2022

Acquired brain injuries due to trauma damage the cortical vasculature, which in turn impairs blood flow to injured tissues. There are reports of vascular morphological recovery following traumatic brain injury, but the remodeling process has not been examined longitudinally in detail after injury in vivo. Understanding the dynamic processes that influence recovery is thus critically important. We evaluated the longitudinal and dynamic microvascular recovery and remodeling up to 2 months post injury using live brain miniscope and 2-photon microscopic imaging. The new imaging approaches captured dynamic morphological and functional recovery processes at high spatial and temporal resolution in vivo. Vessel painting documented the initial loss and subsequent temporal morphological vascular recovery at the injury site. Miniscopes were used to longitudinally image the temporal dynamics of vascular repair in vivo after brain injury in individual mice across each cohort. We observe near-immediate nascent growth of new vessels in and adjacent to the injury site that peaks between 14 and 21 days post injury. 2-photon microscopy confirms new vascular growth and further demonstrates differences between cortical layers after cortical injury: large vessels persist in deeper cortical layers (> 200 μm), while superficial layers exhibit a dense plexus of fine (and often non-perfused) vessels displaying regrowth. Functionally, blood flow increases mirror increasing vascular density. Filopodia development and endothelial sprouting is measurable within 3 days post injury that rapidly transforms regions devoid of vessels to dense vascular plexus in which new vessels become increasingly perfused. Within 7 days post injury, blood flow is observed in these nascent vessels. Behavioral analysis reveals improved vascular modulation after 9 days post injury, consistent with vascular regrowth. We conclude that morphological recovery events are closely linked to functional recovery of blood flow to the compromised tissues, which subsequently leads to improved behavioral outcomes.
Vehicle routing problems based on Harris Hawks optimization
Authors: Alweshah Mohammed , Almiani Muder , Almansour Nedaa , Al Khalaileh Saleh , Aldabbas Hamza , Alomoush Waleed , Alshareef Almahdi
Published: April 2022

The vehicle routing problem (VRP) is one of the challenging problems in optimization and can be described as combinatorial optimization and NP-hard problem. Researchers have used many artificial intelligence techniques in order to try to solve this problem. Among these techniques, metaheuristic algorithms that can perform random search are the most promising because they can be used to find the right solution in the shortest possible time. Therefore, in this paper, the Harris hawks optimization (HHO) algorithm was used to attempt to solve the VRP. The algorithm was applied to 10 scenarios and the experimental results revealed that the HHO had a strong ability to check for and find the best route as compared to other metaheuristic algorithms, namely, simulated annealing and artificial bee colony optimization. The comparison was based on three criteria: minimum objective function obtained, minimum number of iterations required and satisfaction of capacity constraints. In all scenarios, the HHO showed clear superiority over the other methods.
Upper and lower plane bed definitions revised
Authors: Ohata Koji , Naruse Hajime , Izumi Norihiro
Published: April 2022

Sedimentary structures in ancient deposits are clues to reconstruct past geohazards. While parallel lamination formed by plane beds is one of the most common sedimentary structures in event deposits such as turbidites, the formative conditions for plane beds remain unclear. In the literature, two types of plane beds (upper and lower plane beds) exist and are supposed to develop under different shear stresses, particle sizes, and flow regimes. Here, we present new phase diagrams based on the compilation of existing data regarding formative hydraulic conditions for plane beds to clarify the formation processes associated with the two types of plane beds. The diagrams indicated that the data form two separate populations and the gap between them corresponds to the threshold condition of the particle entrainment into suspension. Lower plane beds form when sediment particles move only as bed load. This phase space can be discerned from fine sand to gravel and differs from the conventional view in which the formation of the lower plane bed is limited to grain sizes above 0.7 mm. In addition, our phase diagrams suggest that upper plane beds appear under conditions of the active suspended load. Our analyses demonstrate that the suspended load contributes to the formation of plane beds, whereas other mechanisms can also produce fine-grained plane beds in flows with low bed shear stress. Thus, the results of this study suggest that the existing interpretations on fine-grained parallel lamination such as Bouma’s Tddivision need to be reconsidered. The bedform phase diagrams newly established in this study will be useful for estimating the flow conditions from the geologic records of event beds.
Opinion dynamics in finance and business: a literature review and research opportunities
Authors: Zha Quanbo , Kou Gang , Zhang Hengjie , Liang Haiming , Chen Xia , Li Cong-Cong , Dong Yucheng
Published: April 2022

Opinion dynamics is an opinion evolution process of a group of agents, where the final opinion distribution tends to three stable states: consensus, polarization, and fragmentation. At present, the opinion dynamics models have been extensively studied in differrent fields. This paper provides a review of opinion dynamics in finance and business, such as, finance, marketing, e-commerce, politics, and group decision making. Furthermore, identified research challenges have been proposed to promote the future research of this topic.
Social inequalities experienced by children of immigrants across multiple domains of life: a case study of the Windrush in England and Wales
Authors: Wallace Matthew , Wilson Ben , Darlington-Pollock Frances
Published: April 2022

It is well known that children of immigrants experience inequality. Less is known about how inequalities compare across multiple life domains and multiple generations. We conduct a case study of England and Wales, focussing on children of Caribbean immigrants (the ‘Windrush generation’). We use large-scale census data to compare inequalities across five domains of life—education, employment, occupation, housing, and health—separately for women and men across three distinct generations: the one-point-five generation, second-generation, and two-point-five generation. The children of the Windrush generation experience social inequality in all life domains, relative to comparable groups of the White British population, although there is considerable variation according to sex and generation. Men of all generations are uniformly disadvantaged; children of the Windrush are more disadvantaged if they belong to the two-point-five generation. Inequality is pervasive, persistent, and strongly indicative of segmented adaptation.
Assessing and managing attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in people with intellectual disability
Authors: Perera Bhathika , McCarthy Jane , Courtenay Ken
Published: April 2022

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with a higher prevalence rate in people with intellectual disability compared with their peers without such disability. The classic presentation is that of inattention and/or hyperactivity and impulsivity, but these symptoms can manifest differently in people with intellectual disability. Despite a higher prevalence, the rate of diagnosis and treatment of ADHD in intellectual disability remains low. This article discusses the clinical presentation of ADHD in people with intellectual disability and the relationship between ADHD and other comorbid conditions, such as autism and bipolar disorder. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions are discussed from a practical and a clinical point of view.
Essays from the Dark Room
Authors: Alexandre Sandy , Juanita Brown Kimberly , Corinealdi Kaysha , Kim Eunsong
Published: April 2022

This collectively written essay meditates on the antimasker phenomenon, care, breath, and in-person teaching during the pandemic.
Combined Nerve and Tendon Transfers for C7-T1 Brachial Plexus Avulsion Injury
Authors: Xu Bin , Tong Jing-Song , Dong Zhen , Zhang Cheng-Gang , Gu Yu-Dong
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

In patients with C7-T1 brachial plexus avulsions, complete loss of hand function is commonly seen. However, the reconstruction of hand function is difficult.

OBJECTIVE:

To report the outcomes of hand function recovery after combined nerve and tendon transfers in C7-T1 brachial plexus injury.

METHODS:

From 2012 to 2019, 8 patients with C7-T1 brachial plexus injury underwent combined nerve and tendon transfers for hand function restoration, which included the following: (1) the pronator teres motor branch to the anterior interosseous nerve and brachialis motor branch to the flexor digitorum superficialis branch for finger flexion, (2) the supinator motor branch to the posterior interosseous nerve for finger extension, (3) the brachioradialis tendon transfer for thumb opposition, and (4) the radial branch of the superficial radial nerve to the sensory branch of the ulnar nerve for sensory reconstruction. Patients were evaluated for functional improvement of finger flexion, finger extension, thumb opposition, and sensory recovery.

RESULTS:

No clinical donor deficits were observed. Seven of eight patients recovered finger and thumb flexion (4 patients scored British Medical Research Council grade M4 and 3 scored M3). The average grip strength was 3.4 kg. All patients regained finger extension (4 scored M4 and 4 scored M3), thumb opposition, and protective sensation on the ulnar hand. Patients were able to use their reconstructed hands in daily lives.

CONCLUSION:

Combined nerve and tendon transfers are reliable and effective. This strategy could be an option for hand function reconstruction after C7-T1 brachial plexus injury.