bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coordination of interests between local environmental protection departments and enterprises under China’s environmental regulation policies: an evolutionary game theoretical approach
Authors: Zhu Xiaoya , Meng Xiaohua , Teng Chenmei
Published: May 2024

The Central Inspection for Ecological and Environmental Protection (CIEEP) and Environmental Vertical Management Reform (EVMR) policies have reshaped the relationships among stakeholders and the power structure in local environmental governance systems. To reveal the current local environmental collaborative governance mechanism, this study placed CIEEP and EVMR policies within the same research framework and considered multiple governance entities, including the central government, higher-level environmental protection departments, local environmental protection departments, enterprises, and the public, employing evolutionary game theory and numerical simulation techniques to explore the boundary conditions, key influencing factors, influence mechanisms, and realization paths of local environmental collaborative governance from a dynamic process perspective. The results show that: 1) The cost of enterprise environmental behavior, intensity of reward and punishment for enterprise environmental behavior, government subsidies, supervision cost of local environmental protection departments, and intensity of reward and punishment for local environmental protection departments all have important effects on local environmental governance; 2) Compared with the cost of enterprise environmental behavior, enterprise environmental behavior is more sensitive to changes in supervision cost of local environmental protection departments, and the intensity of reward and punishment for enterprise environmental behavior has the same major impact on enterprise environmental behavior as that of local environmental protection departments; 3) The influence of CIEEP policy on enterprise environmental behavior is unstable, showing signs of strategic response. Therefore, local environmental governance systems should be further optimized by encouraging local environmental protection departments to actively supervise and designing differentiated policy tools. This study provides a reference for solving local environmental governance problems under current environmental regulation policies.
Clinical characteristics and follow-up of complex arrhythmias associated with RYR2 gene mutations in children
Authors: Wang Yefeng , Yang Yufan , Xu Ningan , Xiao Yunbin , Zuo Chao , Chen Zhi
Published: May 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of six cases of complex arrhythmias associated with RYR2 gene mutations in children.

Method

A retrospective analysis was conducted on six children diagnosed with complex arrhythmias associated with RYR2 gene mutations. The study included an analysis of the age of onset, initial symptoms, electrocardiographic characteristics, genetic results, treatment course, and follow-up outcomes.

Results

Among the six cases included in the study, there were four males and two females, with an average age of 3.5 ± 0.5 years. The average time from initial symptoms to diagnosis was 2.7 ± 1.3 years. The most common clinical manifestation was syncope, with exercise and emotions being the main triggers. All six children had de novo missense mutations in the RYR2 gene identified through whole-exome sequencing. In Holter electrocardiogram, atrial arrhythmias and sinoatrial node dysfunction were commonly observed in younger children. Four patients underwent exercise stress testing, with two experiencing bidirectional ventricular premature contractions and two experiencing bidirectional ventricular tachycardia and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Initial treatment involved oral propranolol or metoprolol. If arrhythmias persisted, flecainide or propafenone was added as adjunctive therapy. Two patients received permanent cardiac pacemaker treatment (single chamber ventricular pacemaker, VVI). All patients survived, with three experiencing occasional syncope during treatment. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 37 months, with an average follow-up time of 24.3 ± 3.7 months.

Conclusion

Complex arrhythmias associated with RYR2 gene mutations in children can present with various clinical manifestations. Atrial arrhythmias combined with sinoatrial node dysfunction are commonly observed in younger children, and the combination of pharmacological therapy and cardiac pacemaker treatment yields favourable treatment outcomes.
Evaluation of HLA typing content of next-generation sequencing datasets from family trios and individuals of arab ethnicity
Authors: Dashti Mohammed , Malik Md Zubbair , Nizam Rasheeba , Jacob Sindhu , Al-Mulla Fahd , Thanaraj Thangavel Alphonse
Published: May 2024

Introduction: HLA typing is a critical tool in both clinical and research applications at the individual and population levels. Benchmarking studies have indicated HLA-HD as the preferred tool for accurate and comprehensive HLA allele calling. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized genetic analysis by providing high-throughput sequencing data. This study aims to evaluate, using the HLA-HD tool, the HLA typing content of whole exome, whole genome, and HLA-targeted panel sequence data from the consanguineous population of Arab ethnicity, which has been underrepresented in prior benchmarking studies.

Methods: We utilized sequence data from family trios and individuals, sequenced on one or more of the whole exome, whole genome, and HLA-targeted panel sequencing technologies. The performance and resolution across various HLA genes were evaluated. We incorporated a comparative quality control analysis, assessing the results obtained from HLA-HD by comparing them with those from the HLA-Twin tool to authenticate the accuracy of the findings.

Results: Our analysis found that alleles across 29 HLA loci can be successfully and consistently typed from NGS datasets. Clinical-grade whole exome sequencing datasets achieved the highest consistency rate at three-field resolution, followed by targeted HLA panel, research-grade whole exome, and whole genome datasets.

Discussion: The study catalogues HLA typing consistency across NGS datasets for a large array of HLA genes and highlights assessments regarding the feasibility of utilizing available NGS datasets in HLA allele studies. These findings underscore the reliability of HLA-HD for HLA typing in underrepresented populations and demonstrate the utility of various NGS technologies in achieving accurate HLA allele calling.
A sea of birds: first bird population assessments in the Saudi Arabian Red Sea
Authors: Calabrese Licia , Riordan Julie Ann , Lloyd Imogen Anne , Foster Alexa Darby , Collier Thomas Edward , Chambon Johannes Alexandre , Aljohani Yasir Wusayl , Alhamdi Essa Ali , Beaumont Patrick Rowan , Williams Ivor Douglas , Al-Attas Omar
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Seabirds and other insular birds are an important part of marine ecosystems and are increasingly threatened worldwide. Phenology, abundance, distribution, and breeding success are important baseline parameters needed to evaluate population trends and dynamics, identify biodiversity hotspots and potential breeding sites, and assess habitat selection. In the Red Sea basin, reliable and complete data on birds are lacking for islands in most of the Important Bird Areas (IBA). Such data are now especially important since development projects have started at several of these locations. Here, we assess the distribution, abundance, phenology, and population trends of 13 bird species that breed in the Duba Islands, Al Wajh Bank, and Al Lith Islands. Breeding success and habitat selection for six species were also assessed.

Methods

Between December 2020 and August 2023, more than 90 islands were visited multiple times with different frequencies. All nests were counted, and the area occupied by the different colonies was georeferenced. Breeding success was assessed by visiting selected colonies multiple times until the chicks were ready to fledge. Habitat selection was determined by analyzing the habitat found in the georeferenced colonies.

Results

More than 25,000 nests were counted each year, mainly in the summer, on more than 75 islands. Of the 13 species studied, the most abundant and widespread species was the White-cheeked tern, and the second most widespread was the Osprey.

Discussion

We estimate that the Al Wajh Bank hosts the following percentages of global breeding populations: Crab plover: 5%, Sooty gull: 17%–35%, White-eyed gull: 15%, Bridled tern: 1%, White-cheeked tern: 4%, and Lesser crested tern: 2%, making the area a regional and global hotspot for these species. Some of the islands occupied by breeding birds are slated for development for tourism activities as part of the Kingdom’s tourism expansion plans. At the same time, there are several ambitious conservation programs underway in these areas. To be effective, such programs require reliable and comprehensive data of the kind presented here.
Study on the vibration suppression mechanisms of the lightweight flexible metamaterial sticker with non-independent resonators
Authors: Zhou Guojian , Lu Kuan , Lu Minghui , Liu Yan
Published: May 2024

The working mechanism of an acoustic metamaterial (AM) for broadband elastic vibration suppression with non-independent local resonators is presented in this paper along with the general formulas for the effective mass (EM), dispersion relation, and transmission spectrum (TR) of this metamaterial unit. A kind of flexible metamaterial sticker that is lightweight and skillfully uses flexible materials is proposed based on a theoretical approach. The flexible metamaterial sticker has a surface density of only 2.22 kg/m2 and an overall thickness of only 3 mm. It is made by depositing the flexible cylindrical supports in a square lattice pattern on the surface of the flexible plate. The finite element method (FEM) was used to systematically investigate the band structures, frequency response function (FRF), dynamic effective mass density (EMD), as well as the formation mechanisms of the flexural vibration bandgaps (FVBGs) of the metamaterial plates (composite structure after applying the metamaterial sticker). Additionally, a thorough analysis was conducted on the impacts of geometrical parameters (the rubber cylinder thickness, the flexible material plate thickness, the lattice constant, and the rubber cylinder radius) on the FVBGs. Finally, an overall vibration attenuation for the proposed metamaterials was estimated by using the spatial quadratic velocity and experiment. The findings confirmed that the AM caused multi-frequency negative EM, while the overall bandgap width was substantially wider than that of conventional metamaterials. Due to the numerous vibration modes of the flexible metamaterial, the suggested flexible lightweight metamaterial sticker can generate several observable local resonance FVBGs in the low-frequency range. Significantly broadening the bandwidth of FVBGs can be achieved by varying the rubber cylinder radius and thickness, as well as by adjusting the lattice constant and flexible material plate thickness. Within the FVBGs, the proposed lightweight flexible metamaterial sticker shows a good vibration-suppression performance, when compared with the traditional damping structure or metamaterials.
Medication regimen complexity and its impact on medication adherence in patients with multimorbidity at a comprehensive specialized hospital in Ethiopia
Authors: Kassaw Abebe Tarekegn , Sendekie Ashenafi Kibret , Minyihun Amare , Gebresillassie Begashaw Melaku
Published: May 2024

Background

Medication regimen complexity (MRC) is suspected to hinder medication adherence in patients with multiple illnesses. Despite this, the specific impact on Ethiopian patients with multimorbidity is unclear. This study assessed MRC and its impact on medication adherence in patients with multimorbidity.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with multimorbidity who had been followed at the University of Gondar Comprehensive and Specialized Hospital (UoGCSH), Ethiopia, from May to July 2021. Medication complexity was measured using the validated Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) tool, and the Adherence in Chronic Diseases Scale (ACDS) was used to measure medication adherence. Pearson’s chi-square test was used to examine associations between MRCI levels and medication adherence. Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to determine the impact of MRC and other associated variables on medication adherence. Statistical significance was determined using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at p-value <0.05 and its 95% confidence range.

Results

Out of 422 eligible patients, 416 (98.6%) were included in the study. The majority of participants (57.2%) were classified as having a high MRCI score with a mean (±SD) score of 9.7 (±3.4). Nearly half of the patients (49.3%) had low medication adherence. Patients with medium (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.72) and higher (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.07, 0.79) MRCI levels had lower odds of medication adherence. In addition, monthly income (AOR = 4.59, 95% CI: 2.14, 9.83), follow-up durations (AOR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.09, 4.86), number of medications (AOR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.97), and Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.83) were significantly associated with medication adherence.

Conclusion

Medication regimen complexity in patients with multimorbidity was found to be high and negatively impacted the levels of medication adherence. Healthcare providers and other stakeholders should seek interventions aimed at simplifying drug regimen complexity and improving adherence.
The causality between gut microbiota and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Fu Jinjie , Hao Zheng
Published: May 2024

Background

Studies have indicated an association between gut microbiota (GM) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, the causality between GM and NHL remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the causality between GM and NHL using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods

Data on GM is sourced from the MiBioGen consortium, while data on NHL and its subtypes is sourced from the FinnGen consortium R10 version. Inverse variance weighted (IVW) was employed for the primary MR analysis method, with methods such as Bayesian weighted Mendelian randomisation (BWMR) as an adjunct. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using Cochran’s Q test, MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO, and the “Leave-one-out” method.

Results

The MR results showed that there is a causality between 27 GMs and NHL. Among them, 20 were negatively associated (OR < 1), and 7 were positively associated (OR > 1) with the corresponding diseases. All 27 MR results passed sensitivity tests, and there was no reverse causal association.

Conclusion

By demonstrating a causal link between GM and NHL, this research offers novel ideas to prevent, monitor, and cure NHL later.
Analysis of the anti-PCV2 mechanism of Lactobacillus acidophilus based on non-target metabolomics and high-throughput molecular docking
Authors: Cao Zhigang , Ling Xiaoya , Haseeb Abdul , Sun Panpan , Zhang Hua , Yin Wei , Fan Kuohai , Yang Huizhen , Zhang Zhenbiao , Zhong Jia , Sun Yaogui , Sun Na , Li Hongquan
Published: May 2024

Our previous studies have revealed that L. acidophilus possesses inhibitory effects on PCV2 proliferation in vivo, although the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Probiotics like L. acidophilus are known to exert antiviral through their metabolites. Therefore, in this study, non-targeted metabolomics was used to detect the changes in metabolites of L. acidophilus after 24 h of proliferation. Subsequently, high-throughput molecular docking was utilized to analyze the docking scores of these metabolites with PCV2 Cap and Rep, aiming to identify compounds with potential anti-PCV2 effects. The results demonstrated that 128 compounds such as Dl-lactate were significantly increased. The results of high-throughput molecular docking indicated that compounds such as ergocristine, and telmisartan formed complexes with Cap and Rep, suggesting their potential anti-PCV2 properties. Furthermore, compounds like vitamin C, exhibit pharmacological effects consistent with L. acidophilus adding credence to the idea that L. acidophilus may exert pharmacological effects through its metabolites. These results will provide a foundation for the study of L. acidophilus.
Translation and validation of the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living Questionnaire: Latvian version
Authors: Grosmane Arta , Roze Ieva , Roddate Marija , Ķauķe Gundega , Žukova Violeta , Glāzere Ieva , Zolovs Maksims , Ķēniņa Viktorija
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Our aim was to translate, adapt and validate the Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living scale into the Latvian language and to evaluate this instrument (MG-ADL-L) in terms of construct validity and reliability.

Methods

We enrolled patients with a confirmed MG diagnosis, who could speak Latvian fluently. We performed translation and adaptation according to the cross-cultural adaptation guidelines for self-reported measures. The patients were evaluated by a physician according to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification (MGFA) and using the Myasthenia Gravis Composite Score (MGCS). Patients were asked to complete the MG-ADL-L and the 15-item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life (MGQOL15) Internal consistency was evaluated based on Cronbach’s α, reproducibility—Cohen’s weighted kappa and construct validity—Spearman’s correlation between the MG-ADL-L and the MGQOL15 and MGCS. We used the Kruskal–Wallis H test to compare the MG-ADL-L score distribution between the MGFA groups.

Results

38 enrolled patients in the study. There was an acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.76) and moderate to very good agreement between the test and retest scores (Cohen’s weighted kappa = 0.54 and 0.81). The MG-ADL-L showed a moderate positive correlation with the MGQOL15 (r = 0.5, p = 0.001) and the MGCS (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in MG-ADL-L scores between the MGFA groups (p = 0.007).

Discussion

The MG-ADL-L is a valid and reliable self-reported scale to assess and evaluate symptom severity and the impact of the disease on the lives of patients with MG.
What is the cognitive footprint of insular glioma?
Authors: Nichols Noah M. , Ezzat Bahie , Waters Allison C. , Panov Fedor , Yong Raymund L. , Germano Isabelle M.
Published: May 2024

Cognitive impairment has a profound deleterious impact on long-term outcomes of glioma surgery. The human insula, a deep cortical structure covered by the operculum, plays a role in a wide range of cognitive functions including interceptive thoughts and salience processing. Both low-grade (LGG) and high-grade gliomas (HGG) involve the insula, representing up to 25% of LGG and 10% of HGG. Surgical series from the past 30 years support the role of primary cytoreductive surgery for insular glioma patients; however, reported cognitive outcomes are often limited to speech and language function. The breath of recent neuroscience literature demonstrates that the insula plays a broader role in cognition including interoceptive thoughts and salience processing. This article summarizes the vast functional role of the healthy human insula highlighting how this knowledge can be leveraged to improve the care of patients with insular gliomas.
Case report: Primary familial brain calcification associated with a rare PDGFRB variant, coexisting with nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Cao Conghui , Luo Jing , Wang Xiaoli
Published: May 2024

Primary familial brain calcification (PFBC) is a rare genetic neurodegenerative disorder characterized by bilateral calcifications in the brain. PFBC may manifest with a broad spectrum of motor, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Several causal genes have been identified in PFBC, which are inherited as both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive traits. Herein, we present the case of a Chinese family diagnosed with PFBC. The family members carry a rare heterozygous variant (p. R334Q) in exon 7 of platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRB) gene. The platelet-derived growth factor-B/PDGF receptor β (PDGF-B/PDGFRβ) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in pericyte development in various organs and tissues. Notably, this variant uniquely coexists with nontraumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Additionally, we reviewed previous studies on PFBC-causing variants in PDGFRB.
Association of dietary inflammatory index with immune-inflammatory biomarkers in rheumatoid arthritis patients: results from NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Lu Zhiming , Xie Zhiheng , Shen Kaiwei , Wu Xunyuan , Feng Eryou
Published: May 2024

Background

Synovial inflammation is the main reason for joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Diet is recognized as one of the therapeutic strategies to control the inflammatory activity in RA. However, few studies have investigated the association between diet and immune-inflammatory biomarkers in RA patients. Our study aims to examine the correlation between dietary inflammatory potential and systemic immune-inflammation Index (SII), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) in the RA population.

Materials and methods

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was the data source utilized in this study, spanning from 1999 to 2018. The study encompassed 2,500 RA participants in total. The dietary inflammatory potential was calculated by the dietary inflammation index (DII) score based on dietary recall interviews. The generalized multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between DII and immune-inflammatory markers. Furthermore, subgroup analyses and restricted cubic spline models were performed.

Results

After full adjustments, there were significant positive correlations between DII levels and SII/NLR in RA patients (SII, β: 14.82, 95% CI: 5.14–24.50, p = 0.003; NLR, β: 0.04, 95% CI: 0.01–0.08, p = 0.005). It was noteworthy that inconsistent results were observed in the association between DII and SII as well as NLR in subgroups of red blood cell levels (Interaction p-value <0.001).

Conclusion

Pro-inflammatory dietary status in the RA population is significantly positively correlated with SII and NLR, influenced by variations in red blood cell levels.
Efficacy and inflammatory levels (IL-6, IL-10) of adjuvant application of vitamin-A in the treatment of pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Limei , Lin Mali , Sheng Fang , Chen Buqing , Hu Chuanze
Published: May 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Vitamin A (VitA) as an adjuvant therapy for pediatric Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia (MPP) through meta-analysis, and to investigate its impact on inflammation levels (IL-6, IL-10), in order to explore the role of VitA in pediatric MPP.

Methods

Using a systematic literature search method, relevant research literature is searched, and RCT studies that meet the requirements are selected based on preset inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, a quality evaluation was conducted on the included literature, and meta-analysis was used to calculate the combined effect values of mortality rate, hospital stay, lung rale disappearance time, cough duration, fever duration, IL-6 and IL-10 levels, and heterogeneity analysis was conducted. The levels of IL-6 and IL-10 represent the inflammatory levels in pediatric MPP patients, and exploring their changes has significant implications for the anti-inflammatory effect of treatment.

Results

A total of 10 RCT studies were included, with a total sample size of 1,485, including 750 cases in the control group and 735 cases in the observation group. The meta-analysis results of this study showed that there was a significant difference in the total clinical efficacy of using VitA adjuvant therapy compared to the control group without VitA [OR = 3.07, 95%CI = (2.81, 4.27)], P < 0.05. However, there was no significant difference in the adverse reaction rate between the use of VitA as an adjuvant therapy and the control without VitA [OR = 1.17, 95%CI = (0.61, 2.27)], P > 0.05. At the same time, the hospitalization time [MSD = −0.86, 95% CI = (−1.61, −0.21)], lung rale disappearance time [MSD = −0.78, 95%CI = (−1.19,−0.51)], cough duration [MSD = −1.07, 95%CI = (−1.41, −0.71)], and fever duration [MSD = −0.47, 95%CI = (−0.72, −0.23)] using VitA as an adjuvant treatment were obviously lower. In addition, the meta-analysis outcomes also showed that the use of VitA adjuvant therapy can significantly reduce IL-6 [MSD = −1.07, 95%CI = (−1.81, −0.27)] and IL-10 [MSD = −0.13, 95%CI = (−0.31, 0.12)] levels. This indicates that the application of VitA in pediatric MPP also has the effect of reducing inflammatory response.

Conclusion

Based on the meta-analysis results, VitA adjuvant therapy can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of pediatric MPP patients, shorten hospitalization time, promote the disappearance of lung rales, and alleviate cough and fever symptoms. In addition, VitA adjuvant therapy can effectively reduce inflammation levels, indicating its potential role in inhibiting inflammatory responses. In clinical practice, VitA adjuvant therapy for pediatric MPP can be promoted as a potential treatment option.
Molecular targets associated with ulcerative colitis and the benefits of atractylenolides-based therapy
Authors: Qian Huanzhu , Ye Zhen , Hu Yu , Wu Mingquan , Chen Liulin , Li Linzhen , Hu Zhipeng , Zhao Qian , Zhang Chen , Yang Maoyi , Xudong Wen , Ye Qiaobo , Qin Kaihua
Published: May 2024

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines that can significantly impact quality of life and lead to various complications. Currently, 5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and biologics are the major treatment strategies for UC, but their limitations have raised concerns. Atractylenolides (ATs), sesquiterpene metabolites found in Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., have shown promising effects in treating UC by exerting immune barrier modulation, alleviating oxidative stress, gut microbiota regulation, improving mitochondrial dysfunction and repairing the intestinal barrier. Furthermore, ATs have been shown to possess remarkable anti-fibrosis, anti-thrombus, anti-angiogenesis and anti-cancer. These findings suggest that ATs hold important potential in treating UC and its complications. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes the efficacy and potential mechanisms of ATs in treating UC and its complications, providing the latest insights for further research and clinical applications.
Chronobiology of Viscum album L.: a time series of daily metabolomic fingerprints spanning 27 years
Authors: Guglielmetti Greta , Baumgartner Stephan , Scherr Claudia , Martin David , Tournier Alexander L.
Published: May 2024

Introduction: European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) has been gaining increasing interest in the field of oncology as a clinically relevant adjunctive treatment in many forms of cancer. In the field of phytopharmacology, harvesting time is pivotal. In the last century, a form of metabolomic fingerprinting based on pattern formation was proposed as a way to determine optimal harvesting times to ensure high quality of mistletoe as raw material for pharmaceutical use. In order to further evaluate the information obtained with this metabolomic fingerprinting method, we analysed a large time series of previously undigitised daily mistletoe chromatograms dating back to the 1950s.

Methods: These chromatograms were scanned and evaluated using computerized image analysis, resulting in 12 descriptors for each individual chromatogram. We performed a statistical analysis of the data obtained, investigating statistical distributions, cross-correlations and time self-correlations.

Results: The analysed dataset spanning about 27 years, contains 19,037 evaluable chromatograms in daily resolution. Based on the distribution and cross-correlation analyses, the 12 descriptors could be clustered into six independent groups describing different aspects of the chromatograms. One descriptor was found to mirror the annual rhythm being well correlated with temperature and a phase shift of 10 days. The time self-correlation analysis showed that most other descriptors had a characteristic self-correlation of ∼50 days, which points to further infradian rhythms (i.e., more than 24 h).

Discussion: To our knowledge, this dataset is the largest of its type. The combination of this form of metabolomic fingerprinting with the proposed computer analysis seems to be a promising tool to characterise biological variations of mistletoe. Additional research is underway to further analyse the different rhythms present in this dataset.
Genome-wide association studies of root system architecture traits in a broad collection of Brassica genotypes
Authors: Yang Chunxiao , Fredua-Agyeman Rudolph , Hwang Sheau-Fang , Gorim Linda Y. , Strelkov Stephen E.
Published: May 2024

The root systems ofBrassicaspecies are complex. Eight root system architecture (RSA) traits, including total root length, total root surface area, root average diameter, number of tips, total primary root length, total lateral root length, total tertiary root length, and basal link length, were phenotyped across 379 accessions representing sixBrassicaspecies (B. napus,B. juncea,B. carinata,B. oleracea,B. nigra, andB. rapa) using a semi-hydroponic system and image analysis software. The results suggest that, among the assessed species,B. napusandB. oleraceahad the most intricate and largest root systems, whileB. nigraexhibited the smallest roots. The two speciesB. junceaandB. carinatashared comparable root system complexity and had root systems with larger root diameters. In addition, 313 of theBrassicaaccessions were genotyped using a 19KBrassicasingle nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. After filtering by TASSEL 5.0, 6,213 SNP markers, comprising 5,103 markers on the A-genome (covering 302,504 kb) and 1,110 markers on the C-genome (covering 452,764 kb), were selected for genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Two general linear models were tested to identify the genomic regions and SNPs associated with the RSA traits. GWAS identified 79 significant SNP markers associated with the eight RSA traits investigated. These markers were distributed across the 18 chromosomes ofB. napus, except for chromosome C06. Sixty-five markers were located on the A-genome, and 14 on the C-genome. Furthermore, the major marker-trait associations (MTAs)/quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with root traits were located on chromosomes A02, A03, and A06.Brassicaaccessions with distinct RSA traits were identified, which could hold functional, adaptive, evolutionary, environmental, pathological, and breeding significance.
Effect of emotional priming on eating willingness of women with restrictive diet
Authors: Lv Yuchen , Chen Ying , Xiong Weirui
Published: May 2024

Background

There is controversy regarding whether negative or positive emotions have a greater impact on the eating behavior of restrictive dieters. Moreover, it is unclear whether unconscious emotional processing can predict the eating behavior of restrictive dieters. This study investigated the effects of conscious and unconscious emotional processing on the dietary behavior of women with restrictive diet.

Methods

Female student participants (N = 600) completed the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire to screen 60 each of successful, unsuccessful restrictive and unrestricted eaters. They were randomly and equally divided into two groups for supra-threshold and subliminal emotional priming and carried out a behavioral task to index eating intentions.

Results

The restrictive dieters increase their willingness to eat when they are in a positive mood, even if they are not consciously aware of their happiness. Furthermore, the unsuccessful restrictive dieters are more intense.

Conclusion

This study presents empirical evidence on the impact of positive emotions on the eating intention of restrictive dieters and the cognitive characteristics of unsuccessful restrictive dieters. Additionally, it offers guidance for unsuccessful restrictive dieters to personalize their treatment goals.
Parental phubbing and mobile phone addiction among Chinese adolescents: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Ma Shutao , Bi Xiaoyan , Cui Hongbo , Ma Yankun
Published: May 2024

It has been reported that parental phubbing is a significant predictor of mobile phone addiction (MPA) among adolescents. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain largely unclarified. On the basis of the social learning theories and ecological systems, this study assessed the mediating effect of deviant peer affiliation and the moderating effect of sensation seeking in the association between parental phubbing and MPA among Chinese adolescents. A total of 786 Chinese adolescents (mean age = 13.17 years, SD = 1.35) completed the questionnaires anonymously about parental phubbing, MPA, deviant peer affiliation and sensation seeking. After controlling for study variables, deviant peer affiliation could partially mediate the association between parental phubbing and MPA among adolescents and this indirect path could be moderated by sensation seeking. Notably, the effect of deviant peer affiliation on MPA was more pronounced in adolescents with higher sensation seeking than in those with lower sensation seeking.
A time to reflect: deviations from the balanced time perspective are associated with hypomentalization
Authors: Winquist Anne , Rönnlund Michael
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Poor mentalization, or lack of capacity to reflect on self and others in terms mental states, thoughts, and feelings, and time perspective biases were both related to mental disorders and lower wellbeing in separate studies. Expanding one prior study, we examined the relationship of mentalization and time perspective, including a measure known as deviations from the balanced time perspective (DBTP) that summarizes time perspective biases across the past, present, and future time frames.

Method

A convenience sample of 258 participants responded to a version of the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ-8) and a six-dimensional version of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (S-ZTPI). Given recent evidence that the original two-factor structure of the RFQ may need to be reconsidered, we used confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) to compare alternative models for RFQ as a first step.

Results

In line with several recent studies, the CFA favored a unitary model of RFQ-8 reflecting hypomentalization (or uncertainty). The total score showed significant associations with Past Negative, Present Fatalistic, and Future Negative dimensions of S-ZTPI, while hypomentalization was negatively associated with Future Positive. Of major interest, DBTP and hypomentalization showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.64 for latent constructs; r = 0.62 in an adjusted model).

Conclusion

Deviations from the balanced time perspective were substantially related to hypomentalization. Further research is required to examine the generalizability of the finding (e.g., to measures of mentalization focused on others) and to provide a better understanding of the theoretical basis of the link. Potentially shared associations in development (e.g., attachment style) and mindfulness, that may influence both time perspective and mentalization is of interest in this regard.
Intimate Partner Violence, prevalence and its consequences: a community-based study in Gambella, Ethiopia
Authors: Gedefa Abdi Geda , Abdi Tsegaye , Chilo Desalegn , Debele Gebiso Roba , Girma Ayantu , Abdulahi Misra
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Intimate partner violence is defined as any behavior by a current or past male intimate partner during marriage, cohabitation, or any other formal or informal union that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm. Men are the most common perpetrators of this against women. It affects almost one-third of all women worldwide.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, consequences, and factors associated with intimate partner violence among partnered women in Gambella town.

Methods

A community-based, cross-sectional study design was employed. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. The bivariate and multivariate logistic regression method was used to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were considered significantly associated with intimate partner violence.

Results

The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence in the lifetime and the last 12 months was 58.8, 95% CI (54.0, 63.6), and 51.8, 95% CI (46.7, 56.8), respectively. More than half (53.3%) of the violence resulted in physical injury, while 32.9% were separated from their partners whereas, mother’s history of exposure to IPV [AOR: 1.8, 95% CI (1.03–3.27), p < 0.05], respondent’s age [AOR: 3.4, 95% CI (1.8, 6.5), p < 0.001], substance use [AOR:2.5, 95% CI (1.5–4.1), p < 0.001], disagreement on sexual intercourse [AOR:3.2, 95% CI (1.8–5.7), p < 0.01], monthly family income [AOR:0.32, 95% CI: (0.16–0.63), p < 0.01] and family size [AOR:2.8, 95% CI: (1.6–4.8), p < 0.01] were significantly associated with IPV.

Conclusion

The study indicated that the prevalence of intimate partner violence was very high. Age of the woman, family size, substance use, economic status, were among factors significantly associated with intimate partner violence. Therefore, responsible stakeholders should respond to the deep-rooted and highly complicated gender inequality by implementing preventive measures.
Psychosocial risk and protective factors for youth problem behavior are associated with food addiction in the Generation Z
Authors: Mastrobattista Luisa , Gomez Perez Luis J. , Gallimberti Luigi , Genetti Bruno , Andreotti Alessandra , Fassinato Daniele , Monacis Lucia , Anselmi Pasquale , Colledani Daiana , Minutillo Adele , Mortali Claudia
Published: May 2024

Objective

Food Addiction (FA) and other well-known risk behavior as substance misuse tend to co-occur and may share similar risk and protective factors. The aim of this study was to assess the association between the diagnosis/severity of FA and psychosocial domains typically related to risk behavior syndrome in a large, nationally representative community sample of Generation Z underage Italian students.

Method

The sample consisted of 8,755 students (3,623 from middle schools, 5,132 from high schools). A short version of the Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 was administered to evaluate FA. Risk and protective factors related to demographic, personality, behavior, and family variables were examined. Stepwise multivariate logistic and linear regressions were conducted.

Results

The prevalence of FA was 30.8%. Female gender, social anxiety and depression symptoms, social withdrawal risk, Internet gaming disorder, social media addiction, current substance use, social challenge engagement and experienced doxing boosted the chance of FA diagnosis, whereas eating fruit and vegetables, playing competitive sports and an average sleep duration of 7–8 h per night reduced these odds. FA severity was significantly and positively associated with trait impulsiveness, social anxiety and depressive symptoms, risk of social withdrawal, recent substance use, social media, and gaming addiction, doxing suffered and risky social challenges participation. Negative associations between the severity of FA and fruit and vegetable diet habits were found.

Conclusion

Our findings confirm that FA is widespread among Italian adolescents. The associations between the diagnosis and severity of FA and psychosocial risk factors for health, including, addictive and deviant behaviors related to digital misuse, suggest its belonging to the risk behavior constellation. Health promotion schemes based on a multicomponent strategy of intervention should consider the inclusion of FA and its psychosocial correlates.
ADHD and Pregnancy: What teens should know for the future
Authors: Foy Bridget , Murphy Molly O. , Hale Elijah W.
Published: May 2024

This study explores how attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects pregnant women, focusing on what this means for their health. Aimed at young people and teenagers, the research helps explain complex scientific ideas in a way that is easy to understand. It starts by explaining what ADHD is: a common condition that begins in childhood and can continue into adulthood. The research then looks at the specific problems women with ADHD might face when they are pregnant, such as a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and complications during pregnancy. By examining detailed health records from many different sources and comparing the experiences of pregnant women with and without ADHD, the study finds that women with ADHD are more likely to have serious health issues when pregnant. However, it also shows that those who take ADHD medication while pregnant might see a decrease in these health problems, which highlights the importance of safe medication use. The study ends by offering advice for teenagers: talk openly with doctors and make informed health choices during pregnancy.
Correlation between the liver transection line localization and future liver remnant hypertrophy in associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy
Authors: Romic Ivan , Augustin Goran , Pavlek Goran , Kresic Elvira
Published: May 2024

Background and aims

Colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) represent the most prevalent form of secondary liver tumors, and insufficient future liver remnant (FLR) often leads to unresectability. To tackle this challenge, various methods for stimulating liver hypertrophy have been developed including portal vein embolization (PVE), associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy (ALPPS) and the newest one, liver venous deprivation (LVD). ALPPS was thoroughly studied over the last decade and it has been shown to induce rapid and intensive FLR hypertrophy. The objective of this study was to assess whether the localization of the liver transection line during the initial stage of ALPPS correlates with the degree of FLR hypertrophy.

Methods

A retrospective, multicentric study was conducted, and we analyzed all consecutive patients with CRLMs who underwent ALPPS over the eight-year period. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the type of resection—right trisectionectomy (ERH) or right hemihepatectomy (RH) respectively. The degree of hypertrophy (DH), its correlation with FLR and postoperative outcomes were assessed.

Results

The cohort consisted of 136 patients (72 in the ERH group and 64 in the RH group). Baseline characteristics, hypertrophy interval, and total liver volume showed no significant differences between the groups. DH was greater in the ERH group (83.2% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.025). A strong negative correlation was observed between FLR volume and DH in both groups. Postoperative outcomes and one-year survival were comparable between the groups.

Conclusions

FLR hypertrophy is influenced by the localization of the liver transection line in ALPPS. Furthermore, correlation analysis indicated that a smaller estimated FLR is associated with greater DH. No statistical difference in outcomes was noted between the groups.
The Impact of Governance Tensions on Disaffiliation from Interorganizational Networks
Authors: Azeredo Gabriel , Burcharth Ana , Wegner Douglas
Published: May 2024

Collaboration in interorganizational networks requires specific governance choices to align participants with collective goals. However, these choices often fail to mitigate conflicts and may catalyze tensions that lead to disaffiliation. This study investigates four critical tensions identified in existing literature: (1) efficiency versus inclusion in decision-making; (2) flexibility versus stability; (3) internal versus external legitimacy; and (4) unity versus diversity. Through a case study of a credit union that disaffiliated from a cooperative network, we explore how these tensions manifest and their repercussions on both the network’s functionality and the behavior of its members. Our findings reveal that such governance tensions can be harmful both to the network and to the participating organizations. Tensions between unity and diversity, stability and flexibility, and external and internal legitimacy can compromise the effectiveness of the network and even hinder participating organizations in conducting their business. In extreme situations, these tensions contribute to the strategic decision to disaffiliate. This research extends theoretical understanding by delineating the specific impact of governance tensions on exit decisions within interorganizational networks.
Popularity in Chinese Early Adolescents: A Focus Group Analysis
Authors: Li Yan , Long Yunyi , Wang Cixin
Published: May 2024

Popularity is of great developmental significance to early adolescents for its implications on behavioral and adjustment outcomes. Although extensive research on popularity has been conducted in Western cultures, little is known about Chinese adolescents’ indigenous understanding of popularity. The current study examined Chinese early adolescents’ understanding of popularity using focus group interviews to explore the characteristics of popularity and unpopularity, as well as popularity determinants for boys and girls. We conducted interviews on six focus groups comprising 37 Chinese fifth and sixth graders (18 boys, 19 girls). Transcriptions were coded and analyzed through developing coding schemes that included emerged codes and categories. The results showed both cross-cultural similarities and culturally specific findings in adolescents’ perceptions of popularity characteristics and determinants. Specifically, sociability, academic performance, and prosocial behaviors served as major characteristics of popularity, whereas aggressive and disruptive behaviors were regarded as typical attributes of unpopularity. More importantly, culturally unique aspects of popularity characteristics were reported by Chinese adolescents, such as a strong sense of collective honor. When responding what would make a peer popular, Chinese early adolescents reported various behavioral, social, and cultural factors. Findings of this study underscore the importance of examining perceptions of popularity in consideration of the cultural context.