bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gyrovirus: current status and challenge
Authors: Yan Tianxing , Wang Zhuoyuan , Li Ruiqi , Zhang Dabin , Song Yuchen , Cheng Ziqiang
Published: August 2024

Gyrovirus (GyV) is small, single-stranded circular DNA viruses that has recently been assigned to the family Anelloviridae. In the last decade, many GyVs that have an apparent pan-tropism at the host level were identified by high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology. As of now, they have achieved global distribution. Several species of GyVs have been demonstrated to be pathogenic to poultry, particularly chicken anemia virus (CAV), causing significant economic losses to the global poultry industry. Although GyVs are highly prevalent in various birds worldwide, their direct involvement in the etiology of specific diseases and the reasons for their ubiquity and host diversity are not fully understood. This review summarizes current knowledge about GyVs, with a major emphasis on their morphofunctional properties, epidemiological characteristics, genetic evolution, pathogenicity, and immunopathogenesis. Additionally, the association between GyVs and various diseases, as well as its potential impact on the poultry industry, have been discussed. Future prevention and control strategies have also been explored. These insights underscore the importance of conducting research to establish a virus culture system, optimize surveillance, and develop vaccines for GyVs.
Analysis of current situation and influencing factors of cognitive dysfunction associated with type 2 diabetes and follow-up study on treatment effectiveness
Authors: Liu Minli , Wang Zhiguo , Han Jiming , Mu Zhenzhen , Bian Hongyan
Published: August 2024

Background

Many studies have explored the risk factors associated with cognitive impairment in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, research on determining the optimal threshold for these risk factors and comparative studies on the therapeutic effects of insulin and metformin is limited. This study aims to establish the optimal threshold for cognitive impairment risk factors in T2DM patients and compare the efficacy of insulin and metformin in treating mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods

A total of 308 patients with T2DM were included. The optimal threshold for cognitive impairment risk factors was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve and binary logistic regression models. MCI patients were divided into three groups: insulin, metformin, and insulin with metformin. The treatment effect was evaluated after a 6-month follow-up.

Results

The study identified several factors that influenced cognitive function in T2DM patients, including female gender, duration of diabetes >13.50 years, years of education >7.50 years, and serum sodium level > 141.90 mmol/L. Metformin and insulin with metformin showed superior therapeutic effects compared to insulin alone, but no difference was observed between metformin and combination therapy.

Conclusion

Special attention should be given to female and those with diabetes duration >13.50 years, as well as to individuals with educational level ≤ 7.50 years and serum sodium concentration ≤ 141.90 mmol/L. Metformin and insulin with metformin effectively improve MCI in patients with T2DM and outperform insulin monotherapy. The efficacy of metformin and combination therapy was found to be comparable.
Phase angle is a predictor for postoperative complications in colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Xiao-Yu , Kang Bing , Lv Quan , Wang Zi-Wei
Published: August 2024

Aim

The aim of this study was to develop a validated nomogram to predict the risk of postoperative complications in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients by analyzing the factors that contribute to these complications.

Methods

We retrospectively collected clinical information on patients who underwent CRC surgery at a single clinical center from January 2021 to December 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for postoperative complications and to develop a predictive model. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) to assess the predicted probability. Calibration curve was drawn to compare the predicted probability of the nomogram with the actual probability, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was employed to evaluate the clinical utility of the nomogram.

Results

A total of 190 CRC patients were included in this study. We retrospectively collected baseline information, clinical information, surgical information, and nutrition-related indicators for all patients. Through multivariate logistic regression analysis, preoperative albumin (p = 0.041, OR = 0.906, 95% CI = 0.824–0.996), surgical time (p = 0.009, OR = 1.006, 95% CI = 1.001–1.010), waistline (p = 0.049, OR = 1.011, 95% CI = 1.002–1.020) and phase angle (PA) (p = 0.022, OR = 0.615, 95% CI = 0.405–0.933) were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative complications in CRC, and a nomogram prediction model was established using the above four variables. The AUC of 0.706 for the ROC plot and the high agreement between predicted and actual probabilities in the calibration curves suggested that the prediction model has good predictive power. The DCA also confirmed the good clinical performance of the nomogram.

Conclusion

This study developed a nomogram to predict the risk of postoperative complications in CRC patients, providing surgeons with a reliable reference to personalized patient management in the perioperative period and preoperative nutritional interventions.
Industrial fishing and its impacts on food security: a systematic review
Authors: Farquhar Samantha D. , Heck Nadine , Maps Frédéric , Wade Eric , Asch Rebecca G. , Cenek Martin , Kirchoff Jon F.
Published: August 2024

This systematic review seeks to answer the question: how have previous studies conceptualized and measured food security in relation to industrial fishing? Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology, initial searches yielded 983 publications, which were distilled to 55 relevant articles for in-depth analysis after the screening process. These studies span from 1997 to 2024, covering a diverse range of geographical contexts, and cover a variety of scales from local community impacts to national and global trends. Overall, four principal themes related to the perceived positive and negative and direct and indirect impacts of industrial fishing on food security were identified: (1) Industrial fishing activities provide jobs to local populations of which earnings are used to purchase other food items; (2) Industrial fishing activities provide fisheries products to local markets which are used as a common food source; (3) Industrial fishing activities damage the environment, leading to a decrease in the availability of catch for food or livelihood; (4) Industrial fishing activities outcompete local users and export catch to distant markets, thereby decreasing available food to local communities. The methodologies used in these studies mainly took a singular methods approach rather than a mixed-methods approach. Specific methodologies were rooted in diverse fields such as econometrics, policy, geography, fisheries science, and public health. The most frequently used data types were fisheries production, consumption, trade, economic, and fisher behavior data. A notable gap in the research is the lack of integration of complex data on industrial fishing, such as detailed catch records and fishing efforts, with the multifaceted aspects of food security, including detailed household consumption trends. This separation has often led to studies focusing on either fishing activities or food security outcomes in isolation, which can oversimplify the relationship between fisheries production and food security. The findings highlight the need for a more integrated research approach that combines fisheries or ecosystem data with a thorough examination of household consumption behaviors and broader food systems. Such an approach is essential for creating effective policies and interventions to support and improve the livelihoods of communities reliant on fisheries.
Case report: Ovarian mucinous tumor with a mural nodule of liposarcoma: a rare case
Authors: Li Jiezhen , Huang Haijian , Zeng Qiang , Chen Xin , Chen Lingfeng
Published: August 2024

Background

Ovarian mucinous tumor with a mural nodule is a rare and special type of ovarian surface epithelial–stromal tumor. Mural nodules are morphologically classified into three types: sarcoma-like, anaplastic carcinomatous, and true sarcomatous nodules. Ovarian mucinous tumors with true sarcomatous mural nodules are rare and challenging to diagnose, with only 10 cases reported worldwide. Currently, liposarcoma mural nodules remain unreported.

Case presentation

A 91-year-old woman was hospitalized for postmenopausal vaginal bleeding for 3 weeks. Imaging revealed a large cystic mass (20.0 cm × 17.7 cm × 12.8 cm) on the right ovary. The mass was multilocular cystic, with a mural nodule (1.4 cm × 1.2 cm × 1.0 cm) in the focal cyst wall. Based on histological morphology, immunohistochemical staining, and MDM2/CDK4 fluorescence in situ hybridization testing, the diagnosis was ovarian mucinous cystadenoma with a mural nodule of well-differentiated liposarcoma. To the best of our knowledge, this has never been reported before. High-throughput sequencing identified KRAS mutations in the ovarian mucinous cystadenoma. However, the liposarcoma mural nodule did not exhibit KRAS mutations but displayed copy number amplifications of CDK4 and DDR2, as well as a frameshift mutation in exon 13 of ASXL1 (p. A627Gfs*8).

Conclusions

This case broadens the morphological spectrum of mural nodules in ovarian mucinous tumors, deepening our knowledge of this rare morphology. Meanwhile, through high-throughput sequencing, we found no overlapping genetic evidence between the liposarcoma mural nodule and associated ovarian mucinous cystadenoma.
Influence of diabetes on microbiome in prostate tissues of patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Lee Jin-Jae , Kim Jung Kwon , Oh Bumjo , Hong Sung Kyu , Kim Bong-Soo
Published: August 2024

Background

Although microbiota in prostatic tissues of patients with prostate cancer have been studied, results of different studies have been inconsistent. Different ethnicity of study subjects, different study designs, and potential contaminations during sample collection and experiments might have influenced microbiome results of prostatic tissues. In this study, we analyzed microbiota and their potential functions in benign and malignant tissues of prostate cancer considering possible contaminants and host variables.

Materials and methods

A total of 118 tissue samples (59 benign tissues and 59 malignant tissues) obtained by robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy were analyzed and 64 negative controls (from sampling to sequencing processes) were included to reduce potential contaminants.

Results

Alteration of the microbiome in prostate tissues was detected only in patients with diabetes. Furthermore, the influence of diabetes on microbiome was significant in malignant tissues. The microbiome in malignant tissues of patients with diabetes was influenced by pathologic stages. The relative abundance of Cutibacterium was reduced in the high pathologic group compared to that in the intermediate group. This reduction was related to microbial pathways increased in the high pathologic group.

Conclusion

Results of this study indicate that diabetes can influence the progression of prostate cancer with microbiome alteration in prostate tissues. Although further studies are necessary to confirm findings of this study, this study can help us understand tissue microbiome in prostate cancer and improve clinical therapy strategies.
Case Report: Aplastic anemia related to a novel CTLA4 variant
Authors: Hall Geoffrey , Markle Janet G. , Maiarana James , Martin Paul L. , Rothman Jennifer A. , Sleasman John W. , Lederman Howard , Azar Antoine E. , Brodsky Robert A. , Mousallem Talal
Published: August 2024

A 20-year-old male patient with a history of celiac disease came to medical attention after developing profound fatigue and pancytopenia. Evaluation demonstrated pan-hypogammaglobulinemia. There was no history of significant clinical infections. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed hypocellular marrow consistent with aplastic anemia. Oncologic and hematologic evaluations were unremarkable for iron deficiency, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, myelodysplastic syndromes, T-cell clonality, and leukemia. A next generation genetic sequencing immunodeficiency panel revealed a heterozygous variant of uncertain significance in CTLA4 c.385T >A, p.Cys129Ser (C129S). Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) is an inhibitory receptor important in maintaining immunologic homeostasis. To determine the functional significance of the C129S variant, additional testing was pursued to assess for diminished protein expression, as described in other pathogenic CTLA4 variants. The results demonstrated severely impaired CTLA-4 expression and CD80 transendocytosis, consistent with other variants causing CTLA-4 haploinsufficiency. He was initially treated with IVIG and cyclosporine, and became transfusion independent for few months, but relapsed. Treatment with CTLA-4-Ig fusion protein (abatacept) was considered, however the patient opted for definitive therapy through reduced-intensity haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplant, which was curative.
Advances in Eucommia ulmoides polysaccharides: extraction, purification, structure, bioactivities and applications
Authors: Sun Yanping , Zhang Yuping , Sun Minghao , Gao Wuyou , He Yujia , Wang Yu , Yang Bingyou , Kuang Haixue
Published: August 2024

Eucommia ulmoides (EU) is a precious tree species native to China originating during the ice age. This species has important economic value and comprehensive development potential, particularly in medicinal applications. The medicinal parts of EU are its bark (Eucommiae cortex) and leaves (Eucommiae folium) which have been successively used as a traditional Chinese medicine to treat diseases since the first century BC. During the last 2 decades, as natural polysaccharides have become of increasing interest in pharmacology, biomedicine, cosmetic and food applications, more and more scholars have begun to study polysaccharides derived from EU as well. EU polysaccharides have been found to have a variety of biological functions both in vivo and in vitro, including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticomplementary, antifatigue, and hepatoprotective activities. This review aims to summarize these recent advances in extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities and applications in different fields of EU bark and leaf polysaccharides. It was found that both Eucommiae folium polysaccharides and Eucommiae cortex polysaccharides were suitable for medicinal use. Eucommiae folium may potentially be used to substitute for Eucommiae cortex in terms of immunomodulation and antioxidant activities. This study serves as a valuable reference for improving the comprehensive utilization of EU polysaccharides and further promoting the application of EU polysaccharides.
Mn-ZIF nanozymes kill tumors by generating hydroxyl radical as well as reversing the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Han Jiyu , Ma Hairong , Ai Songtao , Wan Daqian
Published: August 2024

Tumor tissues are well known for their unique high hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) microenvironment. How to exploit this tumor microenvironment for tumor cell killing is a question. In this study, a Mn-doped metal-organic framework (Mn-ZIF) was constructed. It possesses good peroxidase (POD) activity, which can oxidize tumor-localized H2O2 into hydroxyl radicals (·OH), that possesses the ability to directly kill tumor cells. More surprisingly, in vivo experiments the researchers not only observed the tumor-killing effect of Mn-ZIF, but also found it changes in macrophage phenotype in the tumor region. There was an increase in macrophage polarization towards the M1 subtype. This suggests that the tumor-killing effect of Mn-ZIF not only comes from its POD activity, but also regulates the immune microenvironment in the tumor region. In conclusion, the preparation of Mn-ZIF provides a new way for comprehensive tumor therapy.
Effects of Weizhuan’an on rats with precancerous lesions of gastric cancer based on regulating gastric mucosal microflora and inflammatory factors
Authors: Lu Yuting , Liu Huayi , Shang Jiaju , Mao Yijia , Meng Lingkai , Gao Changbai
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to observe the intervention of Weizhuan’an prescription on rats with precancerous lesions of gastric cancer (PLGC) as well as its regulation on gastric mucosal microflora and inflammatory factors and explore the pharmacodynamic mechanisms of Weizhuan’an Formula.

Methods

The rats were classified into the blank control group (BCG); low-, medium-, and high-dose groups of Weizhuan’an prescription (LDG, MDG, and HDG, respectively); and natural recovery group (NRG) at random. The rats in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group were given corresponding doses of Weizhuan’an formula, while the rats in the NRG and BCG were given an equivalent volume of distilled water for 12 weeks. After that, gastric mucosa samples of rats were collected to observe the general and pathological changes in the gastric mucosa; the changes in gastric mucosal microflora were detected by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing, and the inflammatory factors were analyzed by cytokine antibody microarray and Western blotting.

Results

The results suggest that compared with the BCG, the pathology of gastric mucosa and gastric mucosal microflora and inflammatory factors in rats with PLGC have changed significantly, while Weizhuan’an formula effectively improved them, especially in the MDG and HDG (p < 0.05). Compared with the NRG, the abundance of probiotics such as Lactobacillus and Veillonella were increased, while the abundance of pathogens such as Proteobacteria and Pseudomonas was decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), and the relative contents of IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, and MCP-1 in gastric mucosa were decreased (p < 0.05). Moreover, it can upregulate the DNA-binding transcriptional regulator, ABC type multidrug transport system, and related enzymes and affect the signaling pathways such as viral protein interaction with cytokine and cytokine receptor and T cell receptor signaling pathway significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), which can promote drug absorption and utilization and repair damaged gastric mucosa.

Conclusion

The study confirmed that Weizhuan’an prescription can treat rats with PLGC by regulating gastric mucosal microflora and inflammatory factors.
Reducing soil and leaf shadow interference in UAV imagery for cotton nitrogen monitoring
Authors: Yin Caixia , Wang Zhenyang , Lv Xin , Qin Shizhe , Ma Lulu , Zhang Ze , Tang Qiuxiang
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Individual leaves in the image are partly veiled by other leaves, which create shadows on another leaf. To eliminate the interference of soil and leaf shadows on cotton spectra and create reliable monitoring of cotton nitrogen content, one classification method to unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) image pixels is proposed.

Methods

In this work, green light (550 nm) is divided into 10 levels to limit soil and leaf shadows (LS) on cotton spectrum. How many shadow has an influence on cotton spectra may be determined by the strong correlation between the vegetation index (VI) and leaf nitrogen content (LNC). Several machine learning methods were utilized to predict LNC using less disturbed VI. R-Square (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) were used to evaluate the performance of the model.

Results

(i) after the spectrum were preprocessed by gaussian filter (GF), SG smooth (SG), and combination of GF and SG (GF&SG), the significant relationship between VI and LNC was greatly improved, so the Standard deviation of datasets was also decreased greatly; (ii) the image pixels were classified twice sequentially. Following the first classification, the influence of soil on vegetation index (VI) decreased. Following secondary classification, the influence of soil and LS to VI can be minimized. The relationship between the VI and LNC had improved significantly; (iii) After classifying the image pixels, the VI of 2-3, 2-4, and 2-5 have a stronger relationship with LNC accordingly. Correlation coefficients (r) can reach to 0.5. That optimizes monitoring performance when combined with GF&SG to predict LNC, support vector machine regression (SVMR) has the better performance, R2, RMSE, and MAE up to 0.86, 1.01, and 0.71, respectively. The UAV image classification technique in this study can minimize the negative effects of soil and LS on cotton spectrum, allowing for efficient and timely predict LNC.
Integrative analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome reveals the mechanism of polyphenol biosynthesis in Taraxacum mongolicum
Authors: Zhao Xing , Li Yiguo , Huang Yuanchong , Shen Jun , Xu Huini , Li Kunzhi
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Dandelion is widely used in clinical practice due to its beneficial effects. Polyphenolic compounds are considered the main anti-inflammatory active ingredient of dandelion, but the gene expression patterns of polyphenolic compounds in different dandelion tissues are still unclear.

Methods

In this study, we combined a nontargeted metabolome, PacBio Iso-seq transcriptome, and Illumina RNA-seq transcriptome to investigate the relationship between polyphenols and gene expression in roots, flowers, and leaves of flowering dandelion plants.

Results

Eighty-eight flavonoids and twenty-five phenolic acids were identified, and 64 candidate genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and 63 candidate genes involved in chicoric acid biosynthesis were identified. Most flavonoid and chicoric acid-related genes demonstrated the highest content in flowers. RNA-seq analysis revealed that genes involved in polyphenol biosynthesis pathways, such as CHS, CHI, F3H, F3’H, FLS, HQT, and CAS, which are crucial for the accumulation of flavonoids and chicoric acid, were upregulated in flowers.

Discussion

The combination of transcriptomic and metabolomic data can help us better understand the biosynthetic pathways of polyphenols in dandelion. These results provide abundant genetic resources for further studying the regulatory mechanism of dandelion polyphenol biosynthesis.
Influence of teacher autonomy support in feedback on high school students’ feedback literacy: the multiple mediating effects of basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation
Authors: Zhang Shang , Xu Jie , Chen Hao , Jiang Lan , Yi Xinfa
Published: August 2024

This research presents and confirms an intermediary model, deeply anchored in self-determination theory, to dissect the influence of Chinese high school students’ core psychological needs and intrinsic drive on the nexus between educators’ autonomous backing and students’ proficiency in feedback literacy, highlighting the mediating roles of these elements. A survey of 704 Chinese senior high school students, including 319 males and 385 females, employed the Feedback Literacy Scale, Basic Psychological Needs Scale, Intrinsic Motivation Scale, and Perceived Teacher Autonomy Support Scale. The study’s discoveries illuminate that educators’ autonomous support not only directly amplifies students’ feedback literacy but also has an indirect impact through the intermediation of basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation, along with their interconnected dynamics. This inquiry not only deepens our grasp of the mechanisms interlinking teacher support with feedback literacy but also critically evaluates the findings to proffer targeted recommendations, thereby enhancing our comprehension of the underlying processes and guiding educational practices and student development.
Motion shapes for sound shaping
Authors: Godøy Rolf Inge
Published: August 2024

The focus of this perspective paper is on relationships between sound-producing body motion and corresponding perceived sound features, guided by the idea of shapes as the common denominator of these two domains. The term shape is used to denote graphical-pictorial renderings of phenomena that we perceive or imagine, and may have physical manifestations as tracings on paper or on screen, or as gesticulations, or just as imagined tracings in our minds. Shapes give us intermittent snapshots of unfolding motion and sound fragments, and the point of shapes is to make ephemeral sound and motion features tractable as more permanent objects. Shapes of perceived sound include dynamic, spectral, textural, pitch-related, harmonic, etc. features as shapes, whereas shapes of sound-producing motion include both motion trajectories and postures of sound-producing effectors, i.e., of fingers, hands, arms, etc., or mouth, lips, and tongue.
Care, co-survival, and decency: expanding the understanding of outdoor life and smaller alcohol and drug scenes in Denmark and Norway
Authors: Bach Jonas Strandholdt , Grønnestad Trond Erik , Selbekk Anne Schanche , Bye Vilde Holan , Skjong Amanda
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Public spaces where alcohol and other drugs are openly used and marginal citizens gather, exist in many Nordic cities. The biggest open drug scenes in the Nordic countries are in cities like Oslo and Copenhagen; however, there are smaller scenes in other cities and suburbs, centered around shed-like structures, offering some form of shelter and a designated space for marginalized people involved in heavy drug and alcohol use who hang out in public space. In this paper, we investigate, in a comparative perspective, the characteristics and functions of smaller open alcohol and drug scenes, and how their existence is negotiated in the local community and among the citizens using them.

Methods and material

This article is a comparative case-study based on data from fieldwork (participating observation and interviews) carried out in two specific, yet somewhat similar, locations in Denmark and Norway between 2017 – 2022. A cross-case analysis was performed to identify commonalities and differences.

Results

Smaller open alcohol and drug scenes are non-regulated spaces of ambivalence and ongoing negotiation in local communities. Based on the data across locations, they represent possibilities for informal care and community for citizens in marginalized situations. The scenes are further, across location, characterized by a mutual agreement of performing decency, e.g., not allowing minor drug sale/use.

Discussion

To enable public spaces as smaller alcohol and drug scenes can play a role in reducing harm for marginalized citizens. Communication and dialogue between citizens using an open drug scene and the wider community may help reduce stigma.
Evaluating the global prevalence of insomnia during pregnancy through standardized questionnaires and diagnostic criteria: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Chengcheng , Fu Rui , Wang Huan , Jiang Yanjie , Zhang Shipeng , Ji Xiaoli
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Insomnia during pregnancy presents significant medical care challenges and heightens the risk of adverse outcomes for both pregnant women and fetuses. This study undertook a meta-analysis to assess the global prevalence of insomnia during pregnancy, examining both the overall prevalence and regional variations.

Method

The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of articles indexed in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from the inception of these databases up to February 29, 2024. The study systematically reviewed the global prevalence of gestational insomnia and explored potential moderating factors, encompassing research type, publication date, regional influences, maternal age, pregnancy status, depressive symptoms, and anxiety symptoms.

Result

Forty-four studies, encompassing a total of 47,399,513 participants, were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of insomnia symptoms during pregnancy was 43.9%. Regional factors and depression emerged as the main factors affecting insomnia, with Europe (53.6%) surpassing North America (41.0%), followed by South America (50.6%) and Asia (40.7%). High depression rates (56.2%) correlated with increased insomnia prevalence compared to low depression rates (39.8%). The type of research and publication date showed no significant impact on the prevalence of insomnia symptoms.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis results indicated that the prevalence of insomnia symptoms was higher during pregnancy, especially among pregnant women who were in a highly depressed state or located in the European region.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO, identifier CRD42018104460.
Association between personality traits and concerns about falling among older patients: the mediating role of subjective age
Authors: Fan Rongrong , Wang Lili , Wang Wenxiu , Zhong Yanan , Zhang Tingting , Yang Xia , Zhu Jing
Published: August 2024

Background

Older patients are at high risk of falling, and regular assessments of their concerns about falling (CaF) are often recommended. The present study aimed to investigate the association between CaF and personality traits among older patients as well as to elucidate the mediating role of subjective age.

Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 407 patients aged over 60 years in a tertiary hospital located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, from March 2023 to May 2023. Predesigned electronic questionnaires were distributed to collect relevant data. Four different models (both crude and adjusted weighted linear regression models) were constructed based on the confounders. Confounders were gradually put into the models to control for bias and to examine the stability of the correlations. Bootstrap sampling was employed to examine the mediating role of subjective age.

Result

According to the fully adjusted model, neuroticism (β = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.31, p for trend = 0.02), extraversion (β = −0.07, 95% CI: −0.15 to 0.001, p for trend = 0.05), and subjective age (β = 2.02, 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.78, p for trend <0.001) were consistently correlated with CaF. Mediating analysis revealed that extraversion was negatively related with CaF both directly and indirectly, via subjective age [23.2% partial effect, bootstrap 95%CI: −0.024(−0.080, −0.000)]. Higher neuroticism was consistently related to older subjective age (β = 0.002, 95% CI: 0.001 to 0.004, p for trend = 0.006), while higher levels of conscientiousness, openness, and extraversion were consistently correlated with younger subjective age(β = −0.002, p for trend = 0.04; β = −0.003, p for trend = 0.003; β = −0.002, p for trend = 0.0, respectively).

Conclusion

Extraversion and neuroticism were significantly correlated with CaF. Moreover, subjective age partially mediated the relationship between extraversion and CaF. Furthermore, subjective age was found to be associated with both CaF and personality traits. These findings highlighted the important roles of personality traits and subjective age in assessments of CaF and in the development of strategies for preventing falls among older patients.
Creating arts and crafting positively predicts subjective wellbeing
Authors: Keyes Helen , Gradidge Sarah , Forwood Suzanna Elizabeth , Gibson Nic , Harvey Annelie , Kis Evelin , Mutsatsa Karen , Ownsworth Rachel , Roeloffs Shyanne , Zawisza Magdalena
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This study explored whether engagement with Creating Arts and Crafting (CAC) predicted subjective wellbeing and loneliness, above and beyond known sociodemographic predictors.

Methods

Secondary data from 7,182 adults living in England from the Taking Part Survey (a 2019–2020 UK household survey of culture and sport participation) were analyzed. Hierarchical Linear regressions were used to explore the predictive effect of engagement with CAC on aspects of subjective wellbeing (anxiety, happiness, life satisfaction and a sense that life is worthwhile) and loneliness. Covariates included gender, Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), age group, health and employment status.

Results

Engaging in CAC significantly predicted increased life satisfaction, a sense that life is worthwhile and happiness, above and beyond known sociodemographic predictors.

Conclusion

Our study provides support for the wellbeing benefits of engagement with creating arts and crafting, and we suggest that this will be a useful tool at a public health level, noting that relative accessibility and affordability creating arts and crafting.
Social representations of odors: case study in the Ñuble region, Chile (2019–2023)
Authors: Parada-Ulloa Marcos , Bozo Marambio Jorge , Moreno-Leiva Germán , Vásquez-Burgos Karina , Vega Gutiérrez Oscar , Mansilla-Sepúlveda Juan , Larez-Hernández José , Salazar Cayuleo Héctor , Morales Ojeda Ismael
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The objective of this article is to analyze the social representation of odors and the identity of the population in the Ñuble region between 2019 and 2023. The research focuses on how industrialization and urban and rural development have altered the olfactory landscape of this region. This study seeks to understand how changes in the physical environment affect the representation of odors and how these, in turn, impact the daily lives of residents. The importance of smells is highlighted not only as sensory experiences, but also as social phenomena that influence the perception of the environment and community relationships.

Methods

The research adopts an interpretive approach, combining case studies and analysis of primary sources. The analysis is categorized into two main areas: public policy on odors and the situation of odors in the cities of Chillán Viejo and Chillán. Primary sources include government documents, technical reports, and interviews with residents and local authorities. The interpretive approach allows us to explore the perceptions and subjective experiences of odors among the residents of Ñuble.

Results

The study reveals that industrialization and urban and rural development have significantly transformed the olfactory landscape of the Ñuble region. In Chillán Viejo and Chillán, residents report changes in odors due to industrial expansion and urbanization. Public odor policy has attempted to mitigate negative impacts, but results have been mixed. While some measures have improved air quality, others have been insufficient to address community concerns.

Discussion and conclusion

Smells in Ñuble are not merely sensory experiences, but social phenomena that deeply affect the daily lives of residents. The perception of smells is closely linked to the identity and history of the region. Changes in the olfactory landscape have generated both adaptations and resistance among inhabitants. Public policies must consider not only the technical aspects of air quality, but also the social and cultural dimensions of odors. This study highlights the need to address odors as an integral part of urban planning and environmental policy to improve the quality of life of residents in Ñuble.
Fab five: pioneering sociocultural influence within the culture of basketball and American society
Authors: Fennell M. , Harrison C. K. , Manning R. D. , Boyd J. , Stuart O. , Scott D. , Martin M. , Dwyer K. , Proctor L. , Bukstein S.
Published: August 2024

Dating back to when the inventor of the game, James Naismith, developed a mentoring relationship with John McClendon one of the African American pioneers in basketball (founder of the “fast-break”), there are countless examples of these intersections. Entering the college basketball culture as the most decorated recruiting class in National Collegiate Athletic Association basketball history, the University of Michigan Fab Five's legacy catalyzes a new era of American basketball culture. Gracefully talented, the Fab Five abruptly disrupted the institution of basketball, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the identity of basketball athletes globally. This paper presents a sociocultural exploration of the residual impact of the Fab Five's legacy. As authentic, confident, and culturally competent, the five young men intentionally resisted and acknowledged the intersections of race, culture, and class within the college basketball culture. We critically assess the evolution of basketball culture, grounded by the sociocultural experiences of the Fab Five, imprinting upon contemporary generations of college basketball programs and their player. Through these experiences, the Fab Five's success through conflict, during their short stint in college basketball and beyond their professional careers trailblazed a path for the modern-day basketball athlete. Known for their style of play, their expression of fashion on and off the court, and eagerness to talk smack, the Fab Five backed up their talk with performance. Their performance on and off the court, revolutionized the culture of basketball; Even more, American society. The Fab Five's legacy is the cultural catalyst for basketball culture on all levels.
Application of Deep Learning Models to Predict Panel Flutter in Aerospace Structures
Authors: Wang Yi-Ren , Ma Yu-Han
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the application of deep learning models—specifically Deep Neural Networks (DNN), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Long Short-Term Memory Neural Networks (LSTM-NN)—to predict panel flutter in aerospace structures. The goal is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of predicting aeroelastic behaviors under various flight conditions. Utilizing a supersonic flat plate as the main structure, the research integrates various flight conditions into the aeroelastic equation. The resulting structural vibration data create a large-scale database for training the models. The dataset, divided into training, validation, and test sets, includes input features such as panel aspect ratio, Mach number, air density, and decay rate. The study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate hidden layers, epochs, and neurons to avoid overfitting. While DNN, LSTM, and LSTM-NN all showed improved training with more neurons and layers, excessive numbers beyond a certain point led to diminished accuracy and overfitting. Performance-wise, the LSTM-NN model achieved the highest accuracy in classification tasks, effectively capturing sequential features and enhancing classification precision. Conversely, LSTM excelled in regression tasks, adeptly handling long-term dependencies and complex non-linear relationships, making it ideal for predicting flutter Mach numbers. Despite LSTM’s higher accuracy, it required longer training times due to increased computational complexity, necessitating a balance between accuracy and training duration. The findings demonstrate that deep learning, particularly LSTM-NN, is highly effective in predicting panel flutter, showcasing its potential for broader aerospace engineering applications. By optimizing model architecture and training processes, deep learning models can achieve high accuracy in predicting critical aeroelastic phenomena, contributing to safer and more efficient aerospace designs.
Study on the Mechanism of Cumulative Deformation and Method for Suppression in Aircraft Panel Riveting
Authors: Kang Yonggang , Song Siren , Wang Tianyu , Li Guomao , Wang Zihao , Chen Yonggang
Published: August 2024

In aircraft panel assembly, the interference fit unevenly distributed along the axial direction of the rivet holes leads to an uneven stress–strain field around the rivet holes. The uneven stress–strain fields of single rivets, when accumulated through multiple rivets, result in overall bending and twisting deformation, severely impacting the assembly coordination quality of the panel. This study introduces a numerical model using a single row of multiple rivets to explore cumulative deformation during both sequential and changing order riveting. The results show that the deformation in sequential riveting is mainly bending-oriented towards the driven head side, with the maximum displacement exhibiting a fluctuating accumulation trend as the number of rivets increase. In contrast, a changing riveting order can lead to a reduction in deformation accumulation. To reveal the technological mechanism behind deformation accumulation during the riveting process, a model correlating to the residual stress field was established. It was indicated that the continuous increase in the maximum equivalent bending moment in the axial section is the primary factor leading to deformation accumulation. Based on this finding, a pre-bending suppression method aimed at reducing the local maximum equivalent bending moment was proposed. Numerical calculations and experimental results showed that the maximum displacement of the specimen was reduced by 73.27%, proving that this method can effectively suppress the cumulative increase in deformation.
Exogenous Application of Melatonin and Strigolactone by Regulating Morphophysiological Responses and Gene Expression to Improve Drought Resistance in Fodder Soybean Seedlings
Authors: Xie Fuchun , Liu Yujiao , Zhao Qianhan , Liu Xiashun , Wang Chen , Wang Qinyi , Wei Qiyun , Zhao Xueying , Jiang Jia , Liu Rongxu , Chen Yajun , Cui Guowen , Han Jianchun
Published: August 2024

The fodder soybean (Glycine max) is an excellent leguminous forage with a high protein content and hay yield, cultivated comprehensively in alpine regions, but seasonal drought in northern regions severely impacts the growth of seedlings. Melatonin (MT) and strigolactone (SL) are critical in relieving the restraint of plant growth in water-deficient environments, but the mechanisms of MT- and SL-mediated drought resistance in fodder soybean needs to be explored. This study mainly investigated the potential morphophysiological mechanism of MT and SL treatments in protecting fodder soybean from drought stress. The fodder soybean ‘Gongnong 535’ was treated with 100 µM MT or 1 µM SL under normal, moderate, and severe water deficit conditions. The results showed that MT and SL treatments enhanced the plant growth parameters and stomatal aperture under drought stress. Moreover, the observed reductions in superoxide ion (O2.-), malondialdehyde (MDA), and relative electrical conductivity (REC), along with enhancements in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), as well as higher levels of ascorbate (AsA), glutathione (GSH), soluble sugar (SS), soluble protein (SP), and free proline (Pro), indicated that MT and SL application effectively alleviated the oxidative damage and prevented the cell membrane disruption caused by drought stress. Additionally, MT and SL treatments improved photosynthesis and growth in fodder soybean seedlings under water stress by adjusting chlorophyll pigments, gas exchange indexes, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, as well as endogenous hormone levels. Simultaneously, MT and SL influenced the expression of genes associated with photosynthesis and antioxidant defenses, as well as phytohormone concentrations. Notably, the protective effect of the SL treatment was superior to that of MT in water-deficient conditions. This study contributes to further understanding the defensive mechanism of MT and SL against drought stress.
Prompt Engineering for Knowledge Creation: Using Chain-of-Thought to Support Students’ Improvable Ideas
Authors: Lee Alwyn Vwen Yen , Teo Chew Lee , Tan Seng Chee
Published: August 2024

Knowledge creation in education is a critical practice for advancing collective knowledge and fostering innovation within a student community. Students play vital roles in identifying gaps and collaborative work to improve community ideas from discourse, but idea quality can be suboptimal, affected by a lack of resources or diversity of ideas. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence and large language models (LLMs) in education has allowed work on idea-centric discussions to advance in ways that were previously unfeasible. However, the use of LLMs requires specific skill sets in prompt engineering, relevant to the in-context technique known as Chain-of-Thought (CoT) for generating and supporting improvable ideas in student discourse. A total of 721 discourse turns consisting of 272 relevant question–answer pairs and 149 threads of student discourse data were collected from 31 students during a two-day student Knowledge Building Design Studio (sKBDS). Student responses were augmented using the CoT approach and the LLM-generated responses were compared with students’ original responses. Findings are illustrated using two threads to show that CoT-augmented inputs for the LLMs can generate responses that support improvable ideas in the context of knowledge creation. This study presents work from authentic student discourse and has implications for research and classroom practice.
Welfare and Enrichment of Managed Nocturnal Species, Supported by Technology
Authors: French Fiona , Bwye Paige , Carrigan Laura , Coe Jon Charles , Kelly Robert , Leek Tiff , Lynch Emily C. , Mahan Eric , Mingee Cathy
Published: August 2024

This paper addresses the potential for technology to support husbandry and enrichment opportunities that enhance the welfare of zoo and sanctuary-housed nocturnal and crepuscular species. This topic was investigated through the medium of a multidisciplinary workshop (Moon Jam) that brought together species experts, zoo designers, Animal-Computer Interaction researchers and post-graduate students in collaborative discussions and design sessions. We explain the context through an examination of existing research and current practices, and report on specific challenges raised and addressed during the Moon Jam, highlighting and discussing key themes that emerged. Finally, we offer a set of guidelines to support the integration of technology into the design of animal husbandry and enrichment that support wellbeing, to advance the best practices in keeping and managing nocturnal and crepuscular animals.
Semen Collection and Evaluation in Two Tigers (Panthera tigris) and Two Leopards (Panthera pardus)
Authors: Cunto Marco , Ballotta Giulia , Zambelli Daniele
Published: August 2024

Assisted reproduction techniques play a significant role in veterinary medicine, and although they are widely used in domestic animals, they are also becoming increasingly relevant in clinical practice for wild felids, especially in the conservation efforts for endangered species. In this study, the result of two semen collection techniques, urethral catheterization after pharmacological induction (Ur.Ca.P.I.) and electroejaculation, are described, aiming to provide new practical information about sperm collection using the Ur.Ca.P.I. technique and electroejaculation in tigers and leopards, describing the authors’ experience and presenting new data and observations. The following descriptive study included two subjects of Panthera tigris species and two of Panthera pardus. These subjects, after general anesthesia, underwent sperm collection initially with Ur.Ca.P.I. and, subsequently, with electroejaculation. Sampling was made possible in both species thanks to the use of electroejaculation. Sperm volumes in leopards ranged from 0.3 to 0.5 mL and in tigers from 0.5 to 2.177 mL. Sperm concentration in leopards ranged from 136 × 106 to 280 × 106 sperm/mL, and in tigers, from 21.5 × 106 to 354 × 106 sperm/mL. Urethral catheterization gave positive results in leopards, with sperm volumes ranging from 25 up to 150 µL and a concentration ranging from 110 × 106 up to 1082 × 106 sperm/mL. In tigers, unlike in leopards, the use of the Ur.Ca.P.I. technique encountered difficulties that did not allow satisfactory results to be obtained. Therefore, it would be useful to test the feasibility of urethral catheterization on a larger group of individuals in order to have more meaningful feedback. Finally, because electroejaculation always allowed semen collection in tigers, with a higher sperm quality than samples collected by Ur.Ca.P.I., we currently consider it the technique of choice for the collection of semen material in this species.