bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redefining the N-Terminal Regulatory Region of the Ca2+/H+ Antiporter CAX1 in Tomato
Authors: Han Beibei , Tai Yuxin , Li Shuping , Shi Junmei , Wu Xueqing , Kakeshpour Tayebeh , Weng Jianfeng , Cheng Xianguo , Park Sunghun , Wu Qingyu
Published: July 2022

Calcium (Ca2+) is an essential plant nutrient, and Ca2+/H+ exchangers (CAXs) regulate Ca2+ partitioning between subcellular compartments. AtCAX1 activity is inhibited by its N-terminal regulatory region (NRR), which was initially defined as the sequence between the first two methionines. However, the accuracy of this NRR definition and the NRR regulatory mechanism remain unclear. Here, using tomato SlCAX1 as a model, we redefined the NRR of CAXs and demonstrated that our new definition is also applicable to Arabidopsis AtCAX1 and AtCAX3. The N-terminal-truncated SlCAX1 (SlCAX1Δ39) but not the full-length SlCAX1 was active in yeast, similar to Arabidopsis AtCAX1. Characterization of slcax1 mutants generated by CRISPR-Cas9 confirmed the calcium transport ability of SlCAX1. Sequence alignment between SlCAX1, AtCAX1, AtCAX3, and the Bacillus subtilis Ca2+/H+ antiporter protein YfkE revealed that SlCAX1 does not have the 2nd methionine and YfkE does not have any amino acid residues in front of the first transmembrane domain. Truncating the amino acid residues up to the first transmembrane of SlCAX1 (SlCAX1Δ66) further increased its activity. The same truncation had a similar effect on Arabidopsis AtCAX1 and AtCAX3. Expression of full-length SlCAX1 and SlCAX1Δ66 in tomato plants confirmed the results. Our results suggest that SlCAX1 is critical for Ca2+ homeostasis and all the amino acid residues in front of the first transmembrane domain inhibit the activity of CAXs. Our redefinition of the NRR will facilitate fine-tuning of Ca2+ partitioning to reduce the incidence of Ca2+-related physiological disorders in crops.
Germplasm Sources, Genetic Richness, and Population Differentiation of Modern Chinese Soybean Cultivars Based on Pedigree Integrated With Genomic-Marker Analysis
Authors: Li Chunyan , Wang Wubin , Pan Yongpeng , Liu Fangdong , He Jianbo , Liu Chuanxiang , Cao Jiqiu , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhao Jinming , Gai Junyi
Published: July 2022

Soybean is a native crop in China for ≈ 5,000 years. The 560 cultivars released in 2006–2015, commercialized with seeds available publicly, were collected (designated modern Chinese soybean cultivars, MCSCs), as a part of 2,371 ones released during ~100 years' breeding history. The MCSCs with their parental pedigrees were gathered, including 279, 155, and 126 cultivars from Northeast and Northwest China (NNC), Huang-Huai-Hai Valleys (HHH), and Southern China (SC), respectively. The MCSCs were tested in the field, genotyped with sequencing, and analyzed for their germplasm sources, genetic richness, and population differentiation based on pedigree integrated with genomic-marker analysis. The main results were as follows: (i) The MCSCs covering 12 of the global 13 MGs (maturity groups) showing different ecoregions with different cropping systems caused their different MG constitutions. (ii) Parental pedigree analysis showed 718 immediate parents and 604 terminal ancestors involved in MCSCs, from which 41 core-terminal ancestors were identified. (iii) NNC was richer in allele number and specific present/deficient alleles, and genetically distant from HHH and SC. (iv) The geographic grouping of MCSCs was partially consistent with marker-based clustering, indicating multiple genetic backgrounds in three eco-subpopulations. (v) Eleven major core-terminal ancestor-derived families were identified, including four derived from ancestors in NNC, four from HHH, and three from SC, containing 463 (82.68%) MCSCs with some cross-distribution among ecoregions. (vi) CGS (coefficient of genetic similarity) calculated from genomic markers showed more precision than COP (coefficient of parentage) using pedigree information in evaluating genetic relationship/differentiation. Overall, through pedigree and genomic-marker analyses, the germplasm constitutions of the three eco-subpopulations were relatively self-sufficient, and germplasm exchange is seriously required for further improvement.
Phytolith Production and Morphotypes in Modern Plants on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Ge Yong , Jin Yingshuai , Zhang Xiaoling
Published: July 2022

Tibetan Plateau is the “third pole” of Earth and significantly influences the world’s ecosystems. However, limited work on phytolith analysis has been done due to its harsh environment, and no study on phytolith production and morphotypes in modern plants on the Tibetan Plateau has been carried out yet. In this study, we investigated 73 modern plant samples collected on the Tibetan Plateau to study phytolith production and morphology. The results showed that the major phytolith producers are Poaceae and Cyperaceae plants, the production of phytolith is higher than 0.4 million grains/g in most samples. We found one new morphotype, BILOBATE SADDLE, which could be the diagnostic type for Tribe Stipeae and phytoliths morphotypes might indicate different hydrological conditions on the Tibetan Plateau. Our findings add new information about phytoliths on the Tibetan Plateau and will aid the future phytolith analysis in this region.
Marriage in the Melting Pot: An Evolutionary Approach to European Ancestry, Homogamy, and Fertility in the United States
Authors: Schahbasi Alexander , Huber Susanne , Fieder Martin
Published: July 2022

To understand marriage patterns, homogamy, and fertility of women of European ancestry in the United States from an evolutionary perspective, we investigated if a prevalence of ancestral homogamy exists, the factors influencing a female preference for an ancestral homogamous vs. heterogamous marriage, and if ancestral homogamous vs. heterogamous marriages have an impact on fertility. Furthermore, we aim to determine the heritability of homogamous vs. heterogamous marriage behavior. We used the census data of 369,121 women in the United States married only once and aged between 46 and 60 years, provided by IPUMS USA (https://usa.ipums.org/usa/). We used linear mixed models to determine the association between the probability of a homogamous vs. heterogamous marriage and the individual fertility of women. We aimed to estimate the heritability (genetics and parental environment) of marriage behavior using a linear mixed model. We found that ancestral heterogamous marriages are more frequent compared to homogamous marriages, but only if all ancestry groups are included. If ancestry is aggregated, homogamous marriages are more frequent compared to heterogamous marriages. Most of the variance (up to 27%) in inter-ancestry marriage and fertility (up to 12%) is explained by ancestry per se, followed by the ratio of individuals of a certain ancestral background in a county (∼6%), indicating a frequency depending selection into marriage: the more individuals of a certain ancestry live in a county, the lower is the tendency to marry someone of a different ancestral background. Furthermore, we found that about 12% (depending to some extent on the clustering) of the marriage behavior is heritable. Being in a homogamous marriage and the income of the spouse are both significantly positively associated with the number of children women have and the probability that women have at least one child, albeit explaining only a very low proportion of the overall variance. The most important factor (in terms of variance explained) for being in an ancestral homogamous vs. heterogamous marriage, for the number of children, and for childlessness is the ancestry of the women. Most children are born to women of Irish, French, and Norwegian ancestry (Irish X̄: 3.24, French X̄: 3.21, and Norwegian X̄: 3.18), the lowest number of children is to women of Latvian, Rumanian, and Russian ancestry (Latvian X̄: 2.26, Rumanian X̄: 2.19, and Russian X̄: 2.35). Albeit, we are not able to distinguish the genetic and social heritability on the basis of our data, only a small heritability for in-group vs. out-group marriage behavior is indicated (∼12% of variance explained).
Innovation in Boundary-Spanning Technology M&A: A Fuzzy-Set Analysis of Diversity Dynamics
Authors: Qi Meng , Li Xiaoyi , Wang Wanqiu
Published: July 2022

The growing literature on organizational innovation has drawn attention from net effect and contingent effect of diversity-related factors in the context of top management teams (TMTs) to their complementarity and interaction in the form of configurations. In post-boundary-spanning technology mergers & acquisitions (M&A), the integration between multi-boundary knowledge and resources necessitates effective communication and cooperation within TMTs that display heterogeneous attributes. Therefore, this study integrates two popular theoretical perspectives from the diversity literature (social categorization perspectives and information/decision-making perspectives) in order to explore the configurational patterns of factors stimulating innovation in boundary-spanning technology M&A (BTM&A). In accordance with this theoretical objective, this study adopts fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis for the purpose of examining the complex combinations of five antecedent conditions (functional experience diversity, boundary-spanning experience diversity, faultline strength, number of subgroups, and subgroup balance) based on a BTM&A sample of firms in the Chinese A-share market during the period 2007–2018. Findings from this analysis indicates four configurations of diversity-related factors (the dominated multiple diversities; the non-aligned multiple diversities; the balanced similarity; and the aligned single diversity) which lead to superior innovation in BTM&A. This study fills a gap in the literature vis-à-vis the causes of innovation in BTM&A and provides novel insights for management practitioners to take appropriate countermeasures with regard to TMT diversity.
You Were Better Than Expected–An Experimental Study to Examine Expectation Change in a Non-clinical Sample
Authors: Groth Rosa-Marie , Rief Winfried
Published: July 2022

Background

Reduced sensitivity to rewards as well as the tendency to maintain dysfunctional expectations despite expectation-disconfirming evidence (cognitive immunization) are considered core features of various mental disorders. It is therefore important for clinical research to have paradigms that are suitable to study these phenomena. We developed a new experimental paradigm to study explicit expectation change after prior expectation induction and violation. Its validity is tested by applying the paradigm to healthy individuals.

Materials and Methods

In the main part of the study (experiment 1) we examined whether it is possible to change healthy individuals’ (Sample size 56) task-specific and generalized performance expectations through expectation-disconfirming experiences. We used a high-difficulty performance task to induce initially negative expectations regarding participants’ ability to successfully work on that unknown task. In the second part of the study, the difficulty of the test was lowered in one experimental condition, in order to disconfirm the negative expectations of the first part, while the other group continued with high test difficulty to confirm the negative expectations. We measured the participant’s explicit performance expectations before and after completing the tests. In experiment 2 (Sample size 57), we investigated the impact of different test instructions on expectation change. Using the same paradigm as in experiment 1, we added an “immunization-inhibiting” manipulation for one group and an “immunization-enhancing” manipulation for the other group.

Results

In experiment 1, we were able to show that individuals changed their expectations according to variations of task difficulty. Adding instructions to manipulate cognitive immunization inhibited expectation change regardless of condition (experiment 2).

Conclusion

Our approach allowed us to examine the effects of implicitly acquired performance expectations on explicit, verbalized expectation change. The new experimental paradigm used in this study is suitable to induce performance expectations, and to examine expectation-change among healthy individuals (experiment 1). Instructions to enhance or inhibit cognitive immunization processes both inhibited expectation change (experiment 2). The results are discussed within the context of current models of expectation change, cognitive immunization, and reward sensitivity.
The Effects of Sustained Literacy Engagement on Cognition and Sentence Processing Among Older Adults
Authors: Stine-Morrow Elizabeth A. L. , McCall Giavanna S. , Manavbasi Ilber , Ng Shukhan , Llano Daniel A. , Barbey Aron K.
Published: July 2022

Considerable evidence suggests that language processing depends on memory processes, which are vulnerable to declines with aging. Yet little is known about the effects of language processing in the form of sustained literacy engagement on memory and other aspects of cognition. In the current study, adults (60–79 years of age) were randomly assigned to an 8-week program of leisure reading (n= 38) or to an active puzzle control (n= 38). Relative to the control, the experimental group showed differential improvement in verbal working memory and episodic memory. The experimental group also showed evidence of enhanced conceptual integration in sentence processing. These effects did not vary as a function of personality characteristics (e.g., openness) hypothesized to be compatible with literacy engagement. These findings support the idea that the exercise of cognitive capacities in the context of everyday life may offset age-related impairment in areas of cognition engaged by the activity, regardless of dispositional fit.
Increased Mortality Trends in Patients With Chronic Non-communicable Diseases and Comorbid Hypertension in the United States, 2000–2019
Authors: Ouyang Feiyun , Cheng Xunjie , Zhou Wei , He Jun , Xiao Shuiyuan
Published: July 2022

Background

According to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), countries are required to reduce the mortality rates of four main non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), and cancer (CA), by one-third in 2030 from the 2015 level. However, progress fell short of expectations, partly attributed to the high rates of hypertension-related NCD mortality. This study aimed to investigate the mortality trends of SDG-targeted NCDs with comorbid hypertension. In addition, the disparities in mortality rates among different demographic subgroups were further explored.

Methods

Mortality data from 2000 to 2019 were acquired from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States. SDG-targeted NCDs were considered the underlying causes of death, and hypertension was considered a multiple cause of death. Permutation tests were performed to determine the time points of Joinpoints for mortality trends. The annual percent changes and average annual percent changes (AAPCs), as well as 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated to demonstrate the temporary trend of mortality rates overall and by age, sex, ethnicity, and region.

Results

The hypertension-related DM, CRD, and CA mortality rates increased over the 20 years, of which the AAPCs were 2.0% (95% CI: 1.4%, 2.6%), 3.2% (95% CI: 2.8%, 3.6%), and 2.1% (95% CI: 1.6%, 2.6%), respectively. Moreover, despite decreasing between 2005 and 2015, the hypertension-related CVD mortality rate increased from 2015 to 2019 [APC: 1.3% (95% CI: 0.7%, 1.9%)]. The increased trends were consistent across most age groups. Mortality rates among men were higher and increased faster than those among women. The hypertension-related CVD, DM, and CA mortality rates among African American people were higher than those among White people. The increased mortality rates in rural areas, especially in rural south, were higher than those in urban areas.

Conclusion

In the United States, the hypertension-related DM, CRD, and CA mortality rates increased between 2000 and 2019, as well as hypertension-related CVD mortality between 2015 and 2019. Disparities existed among different sexes, ethnicities, and areas. Actions to prevent and manage hypertension among patients with NCDs are required to reduce the high mortality rates and minimize disparities.
Evaluation of Laboratory Management Based on a Combination of TOPSIS and RSR Methods: A Study in 7 Provincial Laboratories of China
Authors: Zhao Chihong , Liu Bo , Li Jing , Li Sisi , Liu Yan , Guo Yuanyuan , Zhang Xiumin
Published: July 2022

In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of management for pathogenic microbiology laboratories is performed based on a combination of Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) and Rank Sum Ratio (RSR) methods; in addition, the basis for improving laboratory management is provided. Using the laboratory evaluation tool developed by World Health Organization and a combination of TOPSIS and RSR methods, a system of evaluation indicators for the management of Chinese pathogenic microbiology laboratories is established for comprehensively evaluating the pathogenic microbiology laboratories of seven provincial Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The evaluation system includes 12 primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. In terms of laboratory management, the seven laboratories were ranked as D, G, E, C, F, B, and A in descending order. None of these laboratories were evaluated as “good” or “poor.” One of the laboratories was marked as “relatively poor” (A), two as “medium” (B and F), and four as “relatively good” (C, E, G, and D). In this study, a method for evaluating laboratory management using the TOPSIS and RSR methods is proposed, and a basis for comprehensively evaluating laboratory management for pathogenic microbiology laboratories is provided to reflect management practices.
Severity of Unconstrained Simultaneous Bilateral Slips: The Impact of Frontal Plane Feet Velocities Relative to the Center of Mass to Classify Slip-Related Falls and Recoveries
Authors: Ouattas Abderrahman , Rasmussen Corbin M. , Hunt Nathaniel H.
Published: July 2022

Targeted interventions to prevent slip-related falls may be informed by specific kinematic factors measured during the reactive response that accurately discriminate recoveries from falls. But reactive responses to diverse slipping conditions during unconstrained simultaneous bilateral slips, which are closely related to real-world slips, are currently unknown. It is challenging to identify these critical kinematic factors due to the wide variety of upper and lower body postural deviations that occur following the slip, which affect stability in both the sagittal and frontal planes. To explore the utility of kinematic measurements from each vertical plane to discriminate slip-related falls from recoveries, we compared the accuracy of four Linear Discriminant Analysis models informed by predetermined sagittal or frontal plane measurements from the lower body (feet velocities relative to the center of mass) or upper body (angular momentum of trunk and arms) during reactive responses after slip initiation. Unconstrained bilateral slips during over-ground walking were repeatedly administered using a wearable device to 10 younger (24.7 ± 3.2 years) and 10 older (72.4 ± 3.9 years) adults while whole-body kinematics were measured using motion capture. Falls (n = 20) and recoveries (n = 40) were classified by thresholding the dynamic tension forces measured in an overhead harness support system and verified through video observation. Frontal plane measurements of the peak feet velocities relative to the center of mass provided the best classification (classification accuracy = 73.3%), followed by sagittal plane measurements (classification accuracy = 68.3%). Measurements from the lower body resulted in higher accuracy models than those from the upper body, but the accuracy of all models was generally low compared to the null accuracy of 66.7% (i.e., predicting all trials as recoveries). Future work should investigate novel models that include potential interactions between kinematic factors. The performance of lower limb kinematics in the frontal plane in classifying slip-related falls demonstrates the importance of administering unconstrained slips and measuring kinematics outside the sagittal plane.
Interventions to Prevent Potentially Avoidable Hospitalizations: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review
Authors: Lyhne Cecilie Nørby , Bjerrum Merete , Riis Anders Hammerich , Jørgensen Marianne Johansson
Published: July 2022

Background

The demand for healthcare is increasing due to an aging population, more people living with chronic diseases and medical comorbidities. To manage this demand, political institutions call for action to reduce the potentially avoidable hospitalizations. Quantitative and qualitative aspects should be considered to understand how and why interventions work, and for whom. The aim of this mixed methods systematic review was to identify and synthesize evidence on interventions targeting avoidable hospitalizations from the perspectives of the citizens and the healthcare professionals to improve the preventive healthcare services.

Methods and Results

A mixed methods systematic review was conducted following the JBI methodology using a convergent integrated approach to synthesis. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO, reg. no. CRD42020134652. A systematic search was undertaken in six databases. In total, 45 articles matched the eligibility criteria, and 25 of these (five qualitative studies and 20 quantitative studies) were found to be of acceptable methodological quality. From the 25 articles, 99 meaning units were extracted. The combined evidence revealed four categories, which were synthesized into two integrated findings: (1) Addressing individual needs through care continuity and coordination prevent avoidable hospitalizations and (2) Recognizing preventive care as an integrated part of the healthcare work to prevent avoidable hospitalizations.

Conclusions

The syntheses highlight the importance of addressing individual needs through continuous and coordinated care practices to prevent avoidable hospitalizations. Engaging healthcare professionals in preventive care work and considering implications for patient safety may be given higher priority. Healthcare administers and policy-makers could support the delivery of preventive care through targeted educational material aimed at healthcare professionals and simple web-based IT platforms for information-sharing across healthcare settings. The findings are an important resource in the development and implementation of interventions to prevent avoidable hospitalizations, and may serve to improve patient safety and quality in preventive healthcare services.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=134652, identifier: CRD42020134652.
Let's (Tik) Talk About Fitness Trends
Authors: Štajer Valdemar , Milovanović Ivana M. , Todorović Nikola , Ranisavljev Marijana , Pišot Saša , Drid Patrik
Published: July 2022

Several factors that follow the development of society affect physical inactivity, which primarily includes the development of technology and digitalization and the increasing choice of unhealthy lifestyle habits. However, certain shifts in the fitness industry have been noted in the last decade. The development of wearable technologies and artificial intelligence is one of the leading fitness trends and undoubtedly represents the future of the fitness industry. On the other hand, the significant influence of social media and networks affects the development and attitudes of people related to physical activity. Therefore, this review paper evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of wearable technologies and artificial intelligence, the positive and negative effects of social networks, and points out the problems accompanying these new fitness trends. The development of fitness trends follows humanity's needs, and one of the biggest challenges is incorporating these novelties in a mission to improve physical activity levels worldwide.
Impact Mechanism of New Urbanization on Environmental Pollution: Empirical Analysis Based on Spatial Panel Model
Authors: Zhang Yi , Cai Qihua
Published: July 2022

Traditional urbanization has stimulated economic growth. Meanwhile, it has damaged the natural environment. China has initiated new urbanization to resolve this dilemma. This paper aims to clarify the relationship between new urbanization and environmental pollution and prove new urbanization's superiority in containing environmental pollution. Thus, this paper adopts the static and dynamic spatial Durbin and mediating effect models to estimate the environmental pollution control mechanism of the new urbanization, using the panel data collected from 285 prefecture-level cities in China from 2003 to 2018. Findings show that: (1) Environmental pollution has time inertia and spatial spillover effect. The degree of pollution in an area is related to the environmental quality in the earlier stage and the surrounding areas. (2) The role of new urbanization in containing environmental pollution can take effect in the long run. In the short term, population urbanization can restrain the environmental pollution of both local and surrounding cities. (3) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the higher the level of environmental pollution, the greater the impact of new urbanization on environmental pollution. (4) Mediating effect test shows that technological effect and industrial structure upgrading are two important channels for new urbanization to reduce environmental pollution. (5) Threshold effect test shows that the inhibition effect of new urbanization on environmental pollution is gradually enhanced after crossing the threshold.
Utilizing Social Media Advertisements and Participant Social Networks to Recruit African American Breast Cancer Survivors: Design and Rationale
Authors: Connor Avonne E. , Dibble Kate E. , Visvanathan Kala
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Our objective is to pilot an advertisement-driven sampling procedure among African American (AA) breast cancer survivors living in Maryland. These pilot study methods will inform a future population-based study of AA breast cancer survivors at high risk of poor outcomes due to biological differences and social inequities.

Methods

This cross-sectional study utilizes an innovative, social media-based advertisement campaign with an associated social media study page to recruit 100 AA breast cancer survivors. Participants are biologically female, aged 18 and older, identify as AA/Black, have a diagnosis of breast cancer, and reside in Maryland. A preset “Audience” was created via Meta (formerly Facebook) to automatically target potential interest in the online study via geolocation and public social media interests (estimated range = 101,000 women). Eligible participants complete an online survey including demographic and clinical characteristics, cancer screening, healthcare access, and utilization, COVID-19 impact, quality of doctor-patient communication, and preferences for future study participation.

Results

Recruitment began on 5 January 2022 and remains ongoing. As of 7 June 2002: 124 completed the screener, 110/124 (88.7%) consented passively, 24/110 (21.8%) started but did not complete survey, 86/110 (78.1%) completed the survey.

Conclusions

Results from this study will inform a statewide multilevel prospective population-based study to improve health behaviors, disease management, and self-efficacy of chronic disease management among AA breast cancer survivors.
Methodological Challenges in Predicting Periprosthetic Joint Infection Treatment Outcomes: A Narrative Review
Authors: Naufal Elise , Wouthuyzen-Bakker Marjan , Babazadeh Sina , Stevens Jarrad , Choong Peter F. M. , Dowsey Michelle M.
Published: July 2022

The management of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) generally requires both surgical intervention and targeted antimicrobial therapy. Decisions regarding surgical management–whether it be irrigation and debridement, one-stage revision, or two-stage revision–must take into consideration an array of factors. These include the timing and duration of symptoms, clinical characteristics of the patient, and antimicrobial susceptibilities of the microorganism(s) involved. Moreover, decisions relating to surgical management must consider clinical factors associated with the health of the patient, alongside the patient's preferences. These decisions are further complicated by concerns beyond mere eradication of the infection, such as the level of improvement in quality of life related to management strategies. To better understand the probability of successful surgical treatment of a PJI, several predictive tools have been developed over the past decade. This narrative review provides an overview of available clinical prediction models that aim to guide treatment decisions for patients with periprosthetic joint infection, and highlights key challenges to reliably implementing these tools in clinical practice.
Eleven Reasons for Adaptation of Swedish Parenting Programs
Authors: Pettersson Kristoffer , Liedgren Pernilla , Giannotta Fabrizia , von Thiele Schwarz Ulrica
Published: July 2022

While questions about adaptation and fidelity are of great concern in many implementation projects, less attention has been paid to reasons for adaptations that remain when evidence-based interventions (EBIs) are used in clinical and community settings. This study aims to explore reasons for adaptations that can arise when using parenting programs in a community setting. Seventeen individual interviews with providers were conducted and analyzed thematically, resulting in 11 reasons for adaptations organized into four separate areas: characteristics of group leaders (supplementary skills and knowledge, preferred ways of working), characteristics of families (problem complexity, diverse or limited educational experience, non-parenting needs for support, colliding value systems), group incidents (criticism and challenges, excessive questions or discussions), and didactic challenges (lack of focus or engagement, limitations of the material, language differences). The study shows that factors triggering adaptation and fidelity decisions continuously reappear in the provision of parenting programs in community settings. Knowledge about reasons for adaptation can be used to inform decision-making during implementation planning, as well as the sustainment of implemented interventions.
pyobs - An Observatory Control System for Robotic Telescopes
Authors: Husser Tim-Oliver , Hessman Frederic V. , Martens Sven , Masur Tilman , Royen Karl , Schäfer Sebastian
Published: July 2022

We present a Python-based framework for the complete operation of a robotic telescope observatory. It provides out-of-the-box support for many popular camera types while other hardware like telescopes, domes, and weather stations can easily be added via a thin abstraction layer to existing code. Common functionality like focusing, acquisition, auto-guiding, sky-flat acquisition, and pipeline calibration are ready for use. A remote-control interface, a “mastermind” for truly robotic operations as well as an interface to the Las Cumbres Observatory observation portal is included. The whole system is fully configurable and easily extendable. We are currently running pyobs successfully on three different types of telescopes, of which one is a siderostat for observing the Sun. pyobs uses open standards and open software wherever possible and is itself freely available.
Study on Influencing Factors Analysis of Gastric Tube Insertion Length and Construction of Estimation Method
Authors: Zhang Hua , Wang Huaqin , Fan Xiaoyu , Cao Xiangqun , Su Wan , Yang Bo
Published: July 2022

Background

Influenced by individual differences, the depth of gastric tube placement is often different. Clinically, it is necessary to seek a simple and accurate gastric tube insertion scheme to improve the clinical efficacy of indwelling gastric tube.

Materials and Methods

A total of 100 adult patients undergoing transesophageal manometry via nose were included in the study. The in vivo length (NCL) of apex-cardia was measured. At the same time, we entered our institutional database, summarized the clinical data of 100 patients, and analyzed the risk factors affecting NCL using stepwise regression analysis.

Results

The NCL length scores of patients with different gender, age, marital status, height, weight, BMI, sitting height, sternum length, hairline-xiphoid process, nose tip-earlobe-xiphoid process and earlobe-xiphoid process were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Height, sitting height, gender, BMI and earlobe-xiphoid process were the factors that affected the NCL length score (P < 0.05). The prediction equation of the estimation method of gastric tube insertion length was as follows: NCL length score = 39.907 + 2.909× height +0.865× sitting height. Adjust R2 to 0.506. NCL was positively correlated with height and sitting height. Among them, the correlation with height (r = 0.711, P < 0.001) and sitting height (r = 0.397, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Height, sitting height, gender, BMI and earlobe-xiphoid process were the factors that affected the score of NCL length. There was a significant positive correlation between height, sitting height and NCL length. On this basis, the length of nasogastric tube insertion could be estimated.
Fibronectin Modulates the Expression of miRNAs in Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Martinucci Bruno , Cucielo Maira Smaniotto , Minatel Brenda Carvalho , Cury Sarah Santiloni , Caxali Gabriel Henrique , Aal Mirian Carolini Esgoti , Felisbino Sergio Luis , Pinhal Danillo , Carvalho Robson Francisco , Delella Flávia Karina
Published: July 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths among men and companion animals, such as dogs. However, despite its high mortality and incidence rates, the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease remain to be fully elucidated. Among the many factors involved in prostate carcinogenesis, the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role. This ECM in the prostate is composed mainly of collagen fibers, reticular fibers, elastic fibers, proteoglycans and glycoproteins, such as fibronectin. Fibronectin is a glycoprotein whose dysregulation has been implicated in the development of multiple types of cancer, and it has been associated with cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, our research group has previously shown that fibronectin induces transcriptional changes by modulating the expression of protein coding genes in LNCaP cells. However, potential changes at the post-transcriptional level are still not well understood. This study investigated the impact of exposure to fibronectin on the expression of a key class of regulatory RNAs, the microRNAs (miRNAs), in prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and PC-3. Five mammalian miRNAs (miR-21, miR-29b, miR-125b, miR-221, and miR-222) were differentially expressed after fibronectin exposure in prostate cell lines. The expression profile of hundreds of mRNAs predicted to be targeted by these miRNAs was analyzed using publicly available RNA-Sequencing data (GSE64025, GSE68645, GSE29155). Also, protein-protein interaction networks and enrichment analysis were performed to gain insights into miRNA biological functions. Altogether, these functional analyzes revealed that fibronectin exposure impacts the expression of miRNAs potentially involved in PCa causing changes in critical signaling pathways such as PI3K-AKT, and response to cell division, death, proliferation, and migration. The relationship here demonstrated between fibronectin exposure and altered miRNA expression improves the comprehension of PCa in both men and other animals, such as dogs, which naturally develop prostate cancer.
First Report on Abortion Caused by Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Enteritidis in Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: D'Angelo Luisa , Paradiso Rubina , Alfano Domenico , Riccardi Marita Georgia , Borriello Giorgia , Galiero Giorgio
Published: July 2022

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica Serovar Enteritidis is one of the major pathogens associated with enteric diseases in animals and humans. Thus, due to the importance of Salmonella spp. infections for animal production and public health, the aim of the present study was to describe the first detection of S. enteritidis in an aborted water buffalo fetus in southern Italy by characterizing the phylogroup profile and the antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated pathogenic strains. The different clinical manifestations of salmonellosis in animals include diarrhea, abortion, pneumonia, septic arthritis, meningitis, and others, depending on the virulence of the serovars, infectious dose, and host immunity. This study reports the first case of abortion caused by Salmonella enterica subsp enterica serovar Enteritidis in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in the Campania region, southern Italy. Complete necropsy was performed on the aborted water buffalo fetus under study, and samples and swabs from different organs were collected. Samples were processed by microbiological and molecular analyses to detect bacterial, viral, and protozoarian pathogens possibly responsible for abortion. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was carried out to further characterize the isolated S. Enteritidis strain. Our findings highlight the crucial role of S. Enteritidis as a potential abortive agent in water buffalo and its presence should therefore be investigated in cases of bubaline abortion.
Astragalus membranaceus Additive Improves Serum Biochemical Parameters and Reproductive Performance in Postpartum Dairy Cows
Authors: Huang Yinghao , Yan Qi , Jiang Maocheng , Guo Sheng , Li Huiwei , Lin Miao , Zhan Kang , Zhao Guoqi , Duan Jinao
Published: July 2022

The purpose of the study was to assess the recovery, immune function, and breeding efficiency of postpartum dairy cows fed Astragalus membranaceus (AM) as a feed additive. The experiment used a completely randomized design. Cows were randomly assigned to two groups: (1) Control group fed total mixed ration (TMR; CON group, n = 15); (2) AM group fed TMR and AM (AM group, n = 15). The AM group was fed 675 g/day. The experimental results showed that compared with the CON group. The breeding interval of the AM group of dairy cows had a tendency to shorten (0.05 < p < 0.1). Plasma viscosity (PV), Plasma fibrinogen (FIB), the red cell aggregation index (TRCAI), Calcitonin (CT), Immunoglobulin M (IgM), and Luteinizing hormone (LH) results of AM group showed a time-treatment interaction (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the result of the study revealed that feeding AM as feed additives to dairy cows during the postpartum period had positive effects on wound recovery, immune function, endocrine regulation, and breeding efficiency.
A New ϵ-Adaptive Algorithm for Improving Weighted Compact Nonlinear Scheme with Applications
Authors: Huang Ziquan , Zheng Shichao , Wang Dongfang , Deng Xiaogang
Published: July 2022

To improve the resolution and accuracy of the high-order weighted compact nonlinear scheme (WCNS), a new ϵ-adaptive algorithm based on local smoothness indicators is proposed. The new algorithm introduces a high-order global smoothness indicator to adjust the value of ϵ according to the local flow characteristics. Specifically, the algorithm increases ϵ in smooth regions, which can help cover up the disparity in smoothness indicators of sub-stencils and make the nonlinear scheme approach the background linear scheme. As a result, optimal order accuracy can be achieved in smooth regions, including critical points. While near discontinuities, the algorithm decreases ϵ, thereby strengthening the stencil selection mechanism and further attenuating spurious oscillations. Meanwhile, the new algorithm makes nonlinear schemes scale-invariant of flow variables. The results of approximate dispersion relation (ADR) show that the new algorithm can greatly reduce spectral errors of nonlinear schemes in the medium and low wavenumber range without inducing instability. Numerical results indicate that the new algorithm can significantly improve resolution of small-scale structures and suppress numerical oscillations near discontinuities with only a minor increment in computational cost.
Alternately Rearing with Susceptible Variety Can Delay the Virulence Development of Insect Pests to Resistant Varieties
Authors: Gong Gu , Zhang Yu-Dan , Zhang Zhen-Fei , Wu Wei-Jian
Published: July 2022

Resistant crop varieties can usually decrease the population density of insect pests; however, they can also easily cause the occurrence of highly virulent pest populations when repeatedly grown. Whether herbivorous insects feeding intermittently on a susceptible variety affects their subsequent virulence has rarely been investigated. In this paper, we examined the variations in the virulence of the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), by alternately rearing three resistant rice varieties, Mudgo, ASD7, and Rathu Heenati, with a susceptible rice variety (TN1) in indoor experiments. The results showed that, while the susceptible rice variety was used in alternate rearing for several generations, the BPHs exhibited a higher intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and were identified as less virulent to all three resistant varieties. Such virulence reduction by experience with a susceptible variety could delay the progression of resistance-breaking toward resistant varieties. The results suggested that careful alternation with susceptible varieties in fields is a potential method for pest variety-resistance management.
High-Vigor Maize Seeds Resist Fusarium graminearum Infection through Stronger Ca2+ Signaling
Authors: Xu Baokuan , Liu Xiyan , Song Xuejiao , Guo Qifang , Yin Yongqi , Zhang Chunqing , Li Yan
Published: July 2022

Seeds with high vigor have strong resistance to various adverse environmental conditions. However, little is known about how seed vigor affects the resistance of seeds to biotic stress. In this study, newly harvested seeds that had high vigor and seeds with low vigor, achieved via an artificially accelerated aging treatment, were used in the germination test after inoculation with Fusariumgraminearum for 24 h. The results showed that high-vigor seed-related germination and seedling growth were not significantly affected by F. graminearum infection, while those related to low-vigor seeds were significantly inhibited. Analysis of transgenic maize seeds expressing the luminescent Ca2+ probe encoded by aequorin indicated that the concentration of free Ca2+ in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the embryo cells of high-vigor seeds was significantly higher than that of the low-vigor seeds. Through an experiment with Ca2+ inhibitor treatment and exogenous Ca2+ application, we further confirmed that Ca2+ played an important role in seed germination and seedling growth. Interestingly, in the presence of F. graminearum, the Ca2+ required for seed germination and seedling growth mainly came from the vacuolar calcium pool, while in the absence of F. graminearum, the required Ca2+ mainly came from the apoplastic calcium store. This study helps understand how high-vigor seeds resist disease and provides theoretical support for the wide application of high-vigor seeds in agricultural production.
Lightweight Detection Algorithm of Kiwifruit Based on Improved YOLOX-S
Authors: Zhou Junchi , Hu Wenwu , Zou Airu , Zhai Shike , Liu Tianyu , Yang Wenhan , Jiang Ping
Published: July 2022

Considering the high requirements of current kiwifruit picking recognition systems for mobile devices, including the small number of available features for image targets and small-scale aggregation, an enhanced YOLOX-S target detection algorithm for kiwifruit picking robots is proposed in this study. This involved designing a new multi-scale feature integration structure in which, with the aim of providing a small and lightweight model, the feature maps used for detecting large targets in the YOLOX model are eliminated, the feature map of small targets is sampled through the nearest neighbor values, the superficial features are spliced with the final features, the gradient of the SiLU activation function is perturbed, and the loss function at the output is optimized. The experimental results show that, compared with the original YOLOX-S, the enhanced model improved the detection average precision (AP) of kiwifruit images by 6.52%, reduced the number of model parameters by 44.8%, and improved the model detection speed by 63.9%. Hence, with its outstanding effectiveness and relatively light weight, the proposed model is capable of effectively providing data support for the 3D positioning and automated picking of kiwifruit. It may also successfully provide solutions in similar fields related to small target detection.
In-Field LAMP Detection of Flavescence Dorée Phytoplasma in Crude Extracts of the Scaphoideus titanus Vector
Authors: Matić Slavica , Candian Valentina , D’Errico Chiara , Pierro Roberto , Panno Stefano , Davino Salvatore , Noris Emanuela , Tedeschi Rosemarie
Published: July 2022

One of the most destructive diseases affecting grapevine in Europe is caused by Flavescence Dorée phytoplasma (FDp), which belongs to the 16Sr-V group and is a European Union quarantine pathogen. Although many molecular techniques such as loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) are widely used for the rapid detection of FDp in infected grapevine plants, there is no developed isothermal amplification assay for FDp detection in the insect vectors that are fundamental for the spread of the disease. For this reason, a simple in-field real-time LAMP protocol was optimized and developed for the specific detection of FDp in the insect vector Scaphoideus titanus. The LAMP assay was optimized to work with crude insect extracts obtained by manually shaking a single insect in a buffer for 5 min. Such a simple, sensitive, specific, economic, and user-friendly LAMP assay allowed the detection of FDp in S. titanus in less than half an hour, directly in the field. The developed insect tissue preparation procedure, combined with the LAMP protocol, promptly revealed the presence of FDp in infected S. titanus directly in the vineyards, allowing for monitoring of the spread of the pathogen in the field and to apply timely strategies required for the mandatory control of this pathogen.
In-Depth Analysis of an Obligate Anaerobe Paraclostridium bifermentans Isolated from Uterus of Bubalus bubalis
Authors: Gohil Purva , Patel Kajal , Patel Srushti , Pandit Ramesh , Suthar Vishal , Duggirala Srinivas , Joshi Madhvi , Patil Deepak , Joshi Chaitanya
Published: July 2022

Chronic non-specific contamination of the reproductive tract in animals is a major issue during early postpartum, natural coitus, or artificial insemination. Uterine infection is one of the major concerns reducing fertility, production loss, and early culling of the animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify any novel bacterium if present in the uterine environment of Bubalus bubalis causing infections. A strictly anaerobic bacterial strain designated as Paraclostridium bifermentans GBRC was isolated and characterized. Bacterium was found to be Gram positive moderate rod with motility. The optimum growth was observed at 40 ± 2 °C. The pathogenic characteristics of the GBRC strain, such as hemolysis, gelatin hydrolysis, and the production of volatile sulfur compounds, were similar to those seen in the epithelial layer invading pathogenic strains. Assembled genome size was 3.6 MB, with 78 contigs, and a G + C content of 28.10%. Furthermore, the whole genome sequence analysis confirmed the presence of genes encoding virulence factors and provided genomic insights on adaptation of the strain in the uterine environment. Based on the phenotypic and genetic differences with phylogenetic relatives, strain GBRC is proposed to represent a first reported species of the genus Paraclostridium with potential pathogenic character, from the buffalo uterine environment. This study analysis of the GBRC strain serves as a key reference point for the investigation of potential pathogenic strains that may cause endometritis and metritis in bovine.