bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding trade-offs and synergies among soil functions to support decision-making for sustainable cultivated land use
Authors: Zhao Rui , Gabriel Jose Luis , Rodríguez Martín Jose Antonio , Feng Zhe , Wu Kening
Published: November 2022

Soil provides a diverse and complex range of ecosystem services. Understanding the trade-offs and synergies among soil functions is foundational for effective soil ecosystem management and human well-being. In contrast, the long-term pursuit of solely productive functions in cultivated land use has resulted in soil degradation and weakened other ecological functions. This study collected soil, topographic landform, climate, and management data from 151 fields in four counties and three climatic zones in China. The Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Trade-offs (InVEST) model was used to evaluate nutrient retention, water production, and carbon storage, and the market value method was used to evaluate the value of the soil production function. A semi-quantitative model of Bayesian belief networks (BBNs) was used to simulate soil processes, thus revealing factors potentially influencing the supply capacity of five soil functions. Sensitivity analysis was used to identify the key variables influencing soil functional supply, and the probabilistic inference was used to identify interactions among soil’s multiple functions. The main findings were as follows: 1) In four counties, the spatial heterogeneity in the supply of the five soil functions was relatively high. 2) The primary variables influencing the supply of soil’s multiple functions were climatic conditions, management level, carbon storage, soil nutrients, soil biology, soil structure, and topography. 3) Trade-offs existed among primary productivity (PP), water purification and regulation (WPR), and carbon sequestration and regulation (CSR). Moreover, the provision of functional and intrinsic biodiversity (PFIB), WPR, and CSR were synergistic; specifically, the CSR and WPR services synergized with the nutrient provision and cycling (PCN). This research may aid in understanding the supply of, and interactions among soil’s multiple functions, thus aiding in using BBNs to analyze soil ecosystem services. In addition, this study may provide a reference for management decision-making to maximize the overall benefits of soil functions in cultivated land use.
RETRACTED: Delineation of potential managed aquifer recharge sites of Kuchlak sub-basin, Balochistan, using remote sensing and GIS
Authors: Sardar Hassan , Akhter Gulraiz , Ge Yonggang , Haider Syed Ammar
Published: November 2022

In the Kuchlak Sub-Basin (Pakistan), groundwater is overexploited, resulting in growing stress on groundwater resources. The water table level has declined rapidly due to intensive pumping. Artificial recharge methods and good management strategies are vital for the sustainable production of groundwater resources. Managed aquifer recharge is an artificial way of recharging the subsurface aquifers using surplus surface water, treated wastewater, and stormwater. It is a potential strategy for increasing freshwater supply and adapting to climate change. The present study proposes a method to delineate potential zones for MAR suitability in the Kuchlak Sub-Basin. INOWAS, a web-based tool, is utilized for narrowing down the available MAR techniques based on the hydrogeologic parameter and objectives of the study area. A geographic information system (GIS) coupled with the multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA), commonly known as GIS-MCDA, is used to develop the MAR suitability map. Six criterion maps, including geology, land use, slope analysis, drainage density, soil, and rainfall, were created in ArcGIS for suitability mapping. The criterion maps are ranked and weighted based on their relative contribution to the groundwater recharge and published literature using the Multi Influence Factor (MIF) method. The final suitability map was developed by overlaying all the criterion maps using a weighted linear combination (WLC) technique. The MAR suitability map was divided into five zones, namely, very high, high, moderate, very low, and low. The unsuitable zones reflect the urban and slope constraints that reduce surface infiltration. The suitability map reveals that 45% of the Kuchlak Sub-Basin exists in a very high-high suitability zone, 33% in moderate, and 17% in a very low-low suitability zone, while 5% of the study area was unsuitable due to the urban and slope constraints. The MAR suitability map developed in this study can serve as a basis for conducting a focused analysis of MAR implementation. Furthermore, the technique and results of this study may aid in mapping MAR suitability in any arid or semi-arid region.
Transcript variants of long-chain acyl-CoA synthase 1 have distinct roles in sheep lipid metabolism
Authors: Cao Yang , Yu Yongsheng , Zhang Lichun , Liu Yu , Zheng Kaizhi , Wang Sutian , Jin Haiguo , Liu Lixiang , Cao Yang
Published: November 2022

Mutton has recently been identified to be a consumer favorite, and intermuscular fat is the key factor in determining meat tenderness. Long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1) is a vital subtype of the ACSL family that is involved in the synthesis of lipids from acyl-CoA and the oxidation of fatty acids. The amplification of the ACSL1 gene using rapid amplification of cDNA ends revealed that the alternative polyadenylation (APA) results in two transcripts of the ACSL1 gene. Exon 18 had premature termination, resulting in a shorter CDS region. In this study, the existence of two transcripts of varying lengths translated normally and designated ACSL1-a and ACSL1-b was confirmed. Overexpression of ACSL1-a can promote the synthesis of an intracellular diglyceride, while ACSL1-b can promote triglyceride synthesis. The transfection of ACSL1 shRNA knocks down both the transcripts, the triglyceride content was significantly reduced after differentiation and induction; and lipidome sequencing results exhibited a significant decrease in 14–22 carbon triglyceride metabolites. The results of the present study indicated that the ACSL1 gene played a crucial role in the synthesis of triglycerides. Furthermore, the two transcripts involved in various interactions in the triglyceride synthesis process may be the topic of interest for future research and provide a more theoretical basis for sheep breeding.
Critical evaluation of commonly used methods to determine the concordance between sonography and magnetic resonance imaging: A comparative study
Authors: Warneke Konstantin , Keiner Michael , Lohmann Lars Hubertus , Brinkmann Anna , Hein Andreas , Schiemann Stephan , Wirth Klaus
Published: November 2022

Introduction

An increasing number of studies investigate the influence of training interventions on muscle thickness (MT) by using ultrasonography. Ultrasonography is stated as a reliable and valid tool to examine muscle morphology. Researches investigating the effects of a training intervention lasting a few weeks need a very precise measurement since increases in MT can be assumed as small. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to investigate the concordance between MT via sonography and muscle cross-sectional area (MCSA) determined via MRI imaging (gold standard) in the calf muscle.

Methods

Reliability of sonography measurement and the concordance correlation coefficient, the mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE) and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between sonography and MRI were determined.

Results

Results show intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.88–0.95 and MAPE of 4.63–8.57%. Concordance between MT and MCSA was examined showing ρ = 0.69–0.75 for the medial head and 0.39–0.51 c for the lateral head of the gastrocnemius. A MAPE of 15.88–19.94% between measurements were determined. Based on this, assuming small increases in MT due to training interventions, even with an ICC of 0.95, MAPE shows a high error between two investigators and therefore limited objectivity.

Discussion

The high MAPE of 15.88–19.94% as well as CCC of ρc = 0.39–0.75 exhibit that there are significant differences between MRI and sonography. Therefore, data from short term interventions using sonography to detect changes in the MT should be handled with caution.
N6-methyladenosine regulators-related immune genes enable predict graft loss and discriminate T-cell mediate rejection in kidney transplantation biopsies for cause
Authors: Pang Qidan , Chen Hong , Wu Hang , Wang Yong , An Changyong , Lai Suhe , Xu Jia , Wang Ruiqiong , Zhou Juan , Xiao Hanyu
Published: November 2022

Objective

The role of m6A modification in kidney transplant-associated immunity, especially in alloimmunity, still remains unknown. This study aims to explore the potential value of m6A-related immune genes in predicting graft loss and diagnosing T cell mediated rejection (TCMR), as well as the possible role they play in renal graft dysfunction.

Methods

Renal transplant-related cohorts and transcript expression data were obtained from the GEO database. First, we conducted correlation analysis in the discovery cohort to identify the m6A-related immune genes. Then, lasso regression and random forest were used respectively to build prediction models in the prognosis and diagnosis cohort, to predict graft loss and discriminate TCMR in dysfunctional renal grafts. Connectivity map (CMap) analysis was applied to identify potential therapeutic compounds for TCMR.

Results

The prognostic prediction model effectively predicts the prognosis and survival of renal grafts with clinical indications (P< 0.001) and applies to both rejection and non-rejection situations. The diagnostic prediction model discriminates TCMR in dysfunctional renal grafts with high accuracy (area under curve = 0.891). Meanwhile, the classifier score of the diagnostic model, as a continuity index, is positively correlated with the severity of main pathological injuries of TCMR. Furthermore, it is found that METTL3, FTO, WATP, and RBM15 are likely to play a pivotal part in the regulation of immune response in TCMR. By CMap analysis, several small molecular compounds are found to be able to reverse TCMR including fenoldopam, dextromethorphan, and so on.

Conclusions

Together, our findings explore the value of m6A-related immune genes in predicting the prognosis of renal grafts and diagnosis of TCMR.
Utilization of marine taxa within an artisanal shellcraft sector of the Indo-Pacific region
Authors: Simard Nittya S. M. , Militz Thane A. , Kinch Jeff , Southgate Paul C.
Published: November 2022

Sustainable utilization of marine taxa is critical for maximizing social and economic goals of livelihood development within the Indo-Pacific. Yet, despite an increasing importance of shellcraft as a livelihood activity within the Indo-Pacific, information on the taxa utilized within shellcraft sectors remains scant. To address this knowledge gap, our study examined diversity, in terms of composition and quantities, of marine taxa utilized by artisan households and, collectively, within an artisanal shellcraft sector of Papua New Guinea. For each taxon, critical source habitats were identified, and the geographic scale of exploitation established. Critically, presented data revealed 73 taxa, representing at least 77 species, were utilized within the studied sector. Many of the taxa utilized had not previously been linked to shellcraft sectors, demonstrating that a broader composition of taxa is utilized than previously acknowledged. In terms of quantity, annual utilization within the sector was close to 500,000 individuals, the majority being mollusks of either class Gastropoda (83.6%), represented by 37 genera, or class Bivalvia (9.6%), represented by four genera. There was a strong bias towards a particular species, Chrysostoma paradoxum (78.5% of all individuals), as indicated by indices for the diversity utilized (H′ = 1.23; D = 0.38). However, substantial variation was evident in the diversity of taxa utilized among households (n = 36) engaged in shellcraft (H′ = 1.09 ± 0.71; D = 0.43 ± 0.27), with each household utilizing a unique composition of 19.1 ± 10.6 taxa. Source habitats for taxa ranged from pelagic to benthic intertidal and subtidal substrates, with the geographic scale of exploitation extending to 34 discrete locations up to 417 km away. The array of sector, household, and taxon-specific information presented provides a basis for supporting greater sustainability within shellcraft sectors across the Indo-Pacific, which is discussed within a context of informing community-based resource management, further developing marine aquaculture, and strengthening existing governance.
Appraisal of coral bleaching thresholds and thermal projections for the northern Red Sea refugia
Authors: Eladawy Ahmed , Nakamura Takashi , Shaltout Mohamed , Mohammed Asmaa , Nadaoka Kazuo , Fox Michael D. , Osman Eslam O.
Published: November 2022

Corals in the northern Red Sea exhibit high thermal tolerance despite the increasing heat stress. It is assumed that corals throughout the Red Sea have similar bleaching thresholds (32°C or higher), and hence greater bleaching tolerance of corals in the northern Red Sea region is likely due to lower ambient water temperatures (25–28°C) that remain well below the corals’ physiological maxima. Whether bleaching patterns across the Red Sea are independent of the local maximum monthly mean of seawater temperature and aligned with an assumed 32°C threshold has yet to be determined. Here, we used remotely sensed surface sea temperature data spanning 1982–2020 to model spatial distributions of Degree Heat Weeks across the Red Sea in relation to assumed coral thermal threshold values of 30, 31, and 32°C. We also used the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 model outputs to predict warming trends in the Red Sea under different greenhouse gas representative concentration pathways (RCPs). We show that applying 32°C thresholds dramatically reduces effective Degree Heat Weeks in the north, but not in central or southern Red Sea regions, a finding that is consistent with historical bleaching observations (1998–2020) throughout the Red Sea. Further, model predictions under the most extreme RCP8.5 scenario exhibited ~3°C warming by the end of the 21st century throughout the Red Sea with less pronounced warming for the northern Red Sea (2–2.5°C) compared to the central and southern regions (2.7–3.1°C).This warming rate will remain below the assumed thermal threshold for the northern Red Sea which should help this region to serve as refugia (i.e., maintaining favorable temperatures) for corals to persist for decades ahead. Together, our results support the notion that corals have similar thresholds throughout the Red Sea; hence, coral bleaching thresholds are independent of the local maximum monthly mean. Consequently, where regional warming projections suggest the northern Red Sea will not reach assumed bleaching thresholds (32°C) before the end of the 21st century, coral reefs in the northern region may be among the last standing against climate change.
Lower insulin level is associated with sarcopenia in community-dwelling frail and non-frail older adults
Authors: Lu Yanxia , Lim Wee Shiong , Jin Xia , Zin Nyunt Ma Schwe , Fulop Tamas , Gao Qi , Lim Su Chi , Larbi Anis , Ng Tze Pin
Published: November 2022

Background

Sarcopenia is common among older individuals with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There are conflicting evidence in support of the role of insulin in the development of age-related and T2DM-related sarcopenia. We investigated the relationships between the levels of fasting insulin and other blood biomarkers related to insulin or lipid metabolism with the presence of sarcopenia in two independent studies.

Materials and methods

In 246 pre-frail frail older individuals with (n = 41) and without T2DM (n = 205) in the Singapore Frailty Interventional Trial, sarcopenia was defined by low appendicular lean mass (ALM) relative to total body mass (skeletal muscle index, SMI = ALM/height2) and low lower limb strength or gait speed according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria released in 2019, and related to levels of fasting insulin and glucose, C-peptide, IGF-1, leptin, and active ghrelin. This investigation was validated in another independent study sample of 189 robust and pre-frail frail elderly in the Singapore Longitudinal Aging Study Wave 2 (SLAS-2).

Results

Compared to non-sarcopenic individuals, those with sarcopenia and possible sarcopenia showed significantly lower fasting insulin (p < 0.05) in pre-frail/frail and non-frail older individuals. Consistent trends of relationships were observed for serum levels of C-peptide, IGF-1, leptin, and active ghrelin. In multivariable logistic regression models, sarcopenia was independently associated with low insulin (p < 0.05). Levels of fasting insulin, C-peptide, and leptin were also significantly associated with BMI, SMI, knee extension strength, gait speed, and physical activity score.

Conclusion

Dysregulated insulin secretion in diabetic and non-diabetic older individuals may play an important role in age-related and diabetes-related sarcopenia.
In vitro antimicrobial activity and resistance mechanisms of the new generation tetracycline agents, eravacycline, omadacycline, and tigecycline against clinical Staphylococcus aureus isolates
Authors: Zeng Weiliang , Zhang Xiaotuan , Liu Yan , Zhang Yi , Xu Mengxin , Wang Sipei , Sun Yao , Zhou Tieli , Chen Lijiang
Published: November 2022

In this study, we investigated the in vitro activity and resistance mechanisms of the new generation tetracycline agents, namely eravacycline, omadacycline, and tigecycline, against Staphylococcus aureus isolates. A total of 1,017 non-duplicate S. aureus isolates were collected and subjected to susceptibility testing against eravacycline, omadacycline, and tigecycline using the broth microdilution method. Tetracyclines-resistant (eravacycline/omadacycline/tigecycline-resistant) isolates were selected to elucidate the resistance mechanisms using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning experiment, efflux pump inhibition, and quantitative real-time PCR. The results of the antibacterial susceptibility testing showed that compared with omadacycline, eravacycline and tigecycline had superior antibacterial activity against S. aureus isolates. Among 1,017 S. aureus, 41 tetracyclines-resistant isolates were identified. These resistant isolates possessed at least one tetracycline resistance gene and genetic mutation in the MepRAB efflux pump and 30S ribosome units. A frameshift mutation in mepB was detected in most tetracyclines-resistant strains (except for JP3349) compared with tetracyclines-susceptible (eravacycline/omadacycline/tigecycline-susceptible) strains. This was first shown to decrease susceptibility to omadacycline, but not to eravacycline and tigecycline. After treatment with eravacycline, omadacycline or tigecycline, overexpression of mepA, tet38, tet(K) and tet(L) was detected. Moreover, multi-locus sequence typing showed a major clonal dissemination type, ST5, and its variant ST764 were seen in most tetracyclines-resistant strains. To conclude, eravacycline and tigecycline exhibited better activity against S. aureus including tetracycline-resistant isolates than omadacycline. The resistance to these new generation tetracyclines due to an accumulation of many resistance mechanisms.
Identification and validation of transferrin receptor protein 1 for predicting prognosis and immune infiltration in lower grade glioma
Authors: Wu Hongrong , He Haoyang , Huang Jiexiong , Wang Chuan , Dong Yuejiao , Lin Ruilin , Cheng Zhuofeng , Qiu Qiancheng , Hong LiangLi
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Transferrin receptor protein 1 (TFRC), an ananda molecule associated with ferroptosis, has been identified as affecting a wide spectrum of pathological processes in various cancers, but the prognostic value correlates with the tumor microenvironment of TFRC in lower-grade glioma (LGG) is still unclear.

Materials and methods

Clinical pathological information and gene expression data of patients with LGG come from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), GTEx, Oncomine, UCSC Xena, and GEO databases. We then used various bioinformatics methods and mathematical models to analyze those data, aiming to investigate the clinical significance of TFRC in LGG and illustrate its association with tumor immunity. In addition, the molecular function and mechanisms of TFRC were revealed by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Immunohistochemical experiments and single-cell analysis have been performed.

Results

TFRC expression was highly expressed in many tumors and showed a poor prognosis. Including gliomas, it was significantly associated with several poor clinical prognostic variables, tumor immune microenvironment, tumor mutational burden (TMB), m6a modification, and ferroptosis in LGG. TFRC as a key factor was further used to build a prediction nomogram. The C-index, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis showed the nomogram was clinically useful and calibration was accurate. At the same time, we also demonstrated that promoter hypomethylation of DNA upstream of TFRC could lead to high TFRC expression and poor overall survival. There is a significant correlation between TFRC and CD8 + T cell, macrophage cell infiltration, and several immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1(cd274), CTLA4, and PD1, suggesting a novel direction for future clinical application. Functional and molecular mechanism analysis showed an association of TFRC expression with immune-related pathways through GSEA, GO, and KEGG analysis. Finally, immunohistochemical experiments and single-cell analysis confirmed the expression of TFRC in glioma.

Conclusion

TFRC may be a potential prognostic biomarker and an immunotherapeutic target for glioma.
Associations of phthalates with NAFLD and liver fibrosis: A nationally representative cross-sectional study from NHANES 2017 to 2018
Authors: Chen Xingying , Tian Feng , Wu Jianfeng , Liu Lan , Li Ye , Yu Genfeng , Duan Hualin , Jiang Yuqi , Liu Siyang , He Yajun , Luo Yaosheng , Song Cheng , Li Huaizhi , Liang Yongqian , Wan Heng , Shen Jie
Published: November 2022

Objective

Although phthalates are common environmental pollutants, few studies have focused on the relationship of phthalates exposure with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or liver fibrosis, and especially, the alternative phthalates have been questioned in recent years about whether they are better choices. Thus, this study aimed to explore the associations of exposure to major phthalates or alternative phthalates with NAFLD and liver fibrosis.

Methods

Data of 1450 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018 were collected. The urinary metabolite concentrations of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), diisononyl phthalate (DINP) and diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) were detected. Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and median liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were acquired for quantitative diagnosis of NAFLD and liver fibrosis by vibration-controlled transient elastography. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis were performed to examine the associations between phthalates and NAFLD and liver fibrosis.

Results

After adjustment of the potential factors, the prevalence of NAFLD was significantly elevated among those in the fourth quartile of mono-(2-ethyl-5-carboxypentyl) phthalate (OR, 95%CI = 2.719, 1.296, 5.700, P = 0.016), mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (OR, 95%CI = 2.073, 1.111, 3.867, P = 0.037). No significant association was found between the alternative phthalates and NAFLD. The similar result was gained by linear regression analysis that MECPP was still significantly associated with Ln CAP (Q4 vs. Q1: β, 95%CI = 0.067, 0.017, 0.118, P = 0.027). After adjustment for the same covariates, no significant association between phthalates and liver fibrosis was found in logistics regression analysis.

Conclusions

All in all, higher prevalence of NAFLD is correlated with DEHP but not DINP or DIDP in American adults. There is no significant relationship between phthalates and liver fibrosis defined as LSM ≥ 8 Kpa. Nevertheless, further research is needed to provide evidence of causality.
Systemic therapies in hepatocellular carcinoma: Existing and emerging biomarkers for treatment response
Authors: He Penghui , Wan Haifeng , Wan Juan , Jiang Hanyu , Yang Yu , Xie Kunlin , Wu Hong
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common malignancy and the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to asymptomatic patients in the early stage, most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage and lose the opportunity for radical resection. In addition, for patients who underwent procedures with curative intent for early-stage HCC, up to 70% of patients may have disease recurrence within 5 years. With the advent of an increasing number of systemic therapy medications, we now have more options for the treatment of HCC. However, data from clinical studies show that with different combinations of regimens, the objective response rate is approximately 40%, and most patients will not respond to treatment. In this setting, biomarkers for predicting treatment response are of great significance for precise treatment, reducing drug side effects and saving medical resources. In this review, we summarized the existing and emerging biomarkers in the literature, with special emphasis on the pathways and mechanism underlying the prediction value of those biomarkers for systemic treatment response.
“CHildren with Inherited Platelet disorders Surveillance” (CHIPS) retrospective and prospective observational cohort study by Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AIEOP)
Authors: Lassandro Giuseppe , Palladino Valentina , Faleschini Michela , Barone Angelica , Boscarol Gianluca , Cesaro Simone , Chiocca Elena , Farruggia Piero , Giona Fiorina , Gorio Chiara , Maggio Angela , Marinoni Maddalena , Marzollo Antonio , Palumbo Giuseppe , Russo Giovanna , Saracco Paola , Spinelli Marco , Verzegnassi Federico , Morga Francesca , Savoia Anna , Giordano Paola
Published: November 2022

Background

Inherited thrombocytopenias (ITs) are rare congenital bleeding disorders characterized by different clinical expression and variable prognosis. ITs are poorly known by clinicians and often misdiagnosed with most common forms of thrombocytopenia.

Material and methods

“CHildren with Inherited Platelet disorders Surveillance” study (CHIPS) is a retrospective – prospective observational cohort study conducted between January 2003 and January 2022 in 17 centers affiliated to the Italian Association of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology (AIEOP). The primary objective of this study was to collect clinical and laboratory data on Italian pediatric patients with inherited thrombocytopenias. Secondary objectives were to calculate prevalence of ITs in Italian pediatric population and to assess frequency and genotype–phenotype correlation of different types of mutations in our study cohort.

Results

A total of 139 children, with ITs (82 male - 57 female) were enrolled. ITs prevalence in Italy ranged from 0.7 per 100,000 children during 2010 to 2 per 100,000 children during 2022. The median time between the onset of thrombocytopenia and the diagnosis of ITs was 1 years (range 0 - 18 years). A family history of thrombocytopenia has been reported in 90 patients (65%). Among 139 children with ITs, in 73 (53%) children almost one defective gene has been identified. In 61 patients a pathogenic mutation has been identified. Among them, 2 patients also carry a variant of uncertain significance (VUS), and 4 others harbour 2 VUS variants. VUS variants were identified in further 8 patients (6%), 4 of which carry more than one variant VUS. Three patients (2%) had a likely pathogenic variant while in 1 patient (1%) a variant was identified that was initially given an uncertain significance but was later classified as benign. In addition, in 17 patients the genetic diagnosis is not available, but their family history and clinical/laboratory features strongly suggest the presence of a specific genetic cause. In 49 children (35%) no genetic defect were identified. In ninetyseven patients (70%), thrombocytopenia was not associated with other clinically apparent disorders. However, 42 children (30%) had one or more additional clinical alterations.

Conclusion

Our study provides a descriptive collection of ITs in the pediatric Italian population.
Mitochondria-targeted antioxidant SkQ1 inhibits leukotriene synthesis in human neutrophils
Authors: Sud’ina Galina F. , Golenkina Ekaterina A. , Prikhodko Anastasia S. , Kondratenko Natalia D. , Gaponova Tatjana V. , Chernyak Boris V.
Published: November 2022

Leukotrienes are among the most potent mediators of inflammation, and inhibition of their biosynthesis, is becoming increasingly important in the treatment of many pathologies. In this work, we demonstrated that preincubation of human neutrophils with the mitochondria targeted antioxidant SkQ1 (100 nM) strongly inhibits leukotriene synthesis induced by three different stimuli: the Ca2+ ionophore A23187, the chemotactic formyl-peptide fMLP in combination with cytocholasin B, and opsonized zymosan. The SkQ1 analogue lacking the antioxidant quinone moiety (C12TPP) was ineffective, suggesting that mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is critical for activating of leukotriene synthesis in human neutrophils. The uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation FCCP also inhibits leukotriene synthesis, indicating that a high membrane potential is a prerequisite for stimulating leukotriene synthesis in neutrophils. Our data show that activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases p38 and ERK1/2, which is important for leukotriene synthesis in neutrophils is a target for SkQ1: 1) the selective p38 inhibitor SB203580 inhibited fMLP-induced leukotriene synthesis, while the ERK1/2 activation inhibitor U0126 suppressed leukotriene synthesis induced by any of the three stimuli; 2) SkQ1 effectively prevents p38 and ERK1/2 activation (accumulation of phosphorylated forms) induced by all three stimuli. This is the first study pointing to the involvement of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species in the activation of leukotriene synthesis in human neutrophils. The use of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants can be considered as a promising strategy for inhibiting leukotriene synthesis and treating various inflammatory pathologies.
What factors influence MOOC course completion? An investigation of course completion and workplace benefits from interpersonal attraction theory perspective
Authors: Zhang Guihua , Kim Dae-wan , Qi Jie , Zhao Chenwei
Published: November 2022

MOOCs have attracted millions of learners worldwide by providing the public with convenient access to learning and quality educational resources, but the high dropout rate in MOOCs is still an urgent problem. Drawing upon Situation-Organism-Behavior-Consequence framework and interpersonal attraction theory, this study investigates the relationship between instructor attractiveness and MOOC course completion and further analyzes the impact of MOOC course completion on their career development. The results reveal that knowledge attractiveness and communication attractiveness significantly influence learners’ thirst for knowledge. Communication attractiveness and physical attractiveness significantly influence learners’ parasocial relationships. The thirst for knowledge and parasocial relationships are important antecedents of course completion for in-service learners and in-service learners’ completion of MOOC courses positively affects their workplace benefits. The findings provide new perspectives for the research domain of online education.
Cancer incidence and prevalence in cystic fibrosis patients with and without a lung transplant in France
Authors: Rousset-Jablonski Christine , Dalon Faustine , Reynaud Quitterie , Lemonnier Lydie , Dehillotte Clémence , Jacoud Flore , Berard Marjorie , Viprey Marie , Van Ganse Eric , Durieu Isabelle , Belhassen Manon
Published: November 2022

Background

Cystic fibrosis (CF) care and the life expectancy of affected patients have substantially improved in recent decades, leading to an increased number of patients being diagnosed with comorbidities, including cancers. Our objective was to characterize the epidemiology of cancers between 2006 and 2017 in CF patients with and without a lung transplant.

Methods

Medical records of CF patients from 2006 to 2016 in the French CF Registry were linked to their corresponding claims data (SNDS). The annual prevalence and incidence rates of cancers were estimated from 2006 to 2017 in CF patients without lung transplant and in those with lung transplant after transplantation.

Results

Of the 7,671 patients included in the French CF Registry, 6,187 patients (80.7%) were linked to the SNDS; among them, 1,006 (16.3%) received a lung transplant. The prevalence of any cancer increased between 2006 and 2017, from 0.3 to 1.0% and from 1.3 to 6.3% in non-transplanted and transplanted patients, respectively. When compared to the general population, the incidence of cancer was significantly higher in both non-transplanted [Standardized Incidence Ratio (SIR) = 2.57, 95%CI 2.05 to 3.17] and transplanted (SIR = 19.76, 95%CI 16.45 to 23.55) patients. The median time between transplant and the first cancer was 3.9 years. Among the 211 incident cancer cases, the most frequent malignant neoplasms were skin neoplasm (48 cases), lung cancers (31 cases), gastro-intestinal (24 cases), and hematologic cancers (17 cases).

Conclusion

The overall burden of cancer in CF patients is high, particularly following lung transplantation. Therefore, specific follow-up, screening and cancer prevention for CF patients with transplants are necessary.
Are social networks effective in promoting healthy behaviors? A systematic review of evaluations of public health campaigns broadcast on Twitter
Authors: Faus Mireia , Alonso Francisco , Javadinejad Arash , Useche Sergio A.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

While public health campaigns disseminated through Twitter have multiple theoretical advantages over other strategies (e.g., a high potential reach and low economic cost), the effectiveness of social networks as facilitators of attitudinal and behavioral changes in the population seems to remain weakly supported. Therefore, this systematic review was aimed to analyze the degree of impact of healthy behavior-related campaigns as documented in scientific literature.

Methods

Strictly following the PRISMA methodology, a total of 109 indexed articles were obtained, of which only 18 articles met the inclusion criteria. In addition to accessing the literature available on WOS, Scopus, BVS, Medline, Cochrane Library and PubMed, the quality of the existing studies was assessed through the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) protocol.

Results

The results of this systematic review revealed a small number of evaluations of the effectiveness of social campaigns disseminated on Twitter, although the quality of these studies was considerably good. Most of the research used statistics and metrics for evaluation, with residual use of other measurement methodologies. However, their effectiveness and impact on public health-related behaviors remain arguable, in view of the existence of marked tendencies to: (i) not evaluate these campaigns; (ii) evaluate them through excessively brief, ambiguous, or potentially biased indicators; and (iii) not carry out systematic follow-ups over time.

Discussion

Although there is no strong evidence of the suitability of Twitter as a suitable medium for raising public health awareness on behavioral health affairs, the actual limitations identified in this review would help to optimize this paradigm and enhance the quality, reach, and effectiveness of such communication strategies.
Baby food industry interference with infant feeding international regulation—A case study on the standard for follow-up formula
Authors: Silva Kimielle Cristina , Castro Inês Rugani Ribeiro de , Carvalho Camila Maranha Paes de , Camargo Kenneth Rochel de
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Globally, first-food systems have changed and breastfeeding has decreased due to the increased growth in commercial breast milk substitute (BMS) consumption, which includes both follow-up and toddler formulas. These products are manufactured by a small number of corporate leaders in international BMS sales. Discussions for global regulation of these products take place in the Codex Alimentarius and are permeated by the strong participation of these corporations in the Codex committees.

Objective

In the present study, the participation of the baby food industry in the review of the follow-up formula standard in the Codex Committee on Nutrition and Foods for Special Dietary Uses (CCNFSDU) was analyzed.

Methods

The analysis of the CCNFSDU documents was based on the period from 2009 to 2019 and used quantitative and qualitative approaches. Compositional and participation data from country delegations and observer organizations on the representative profiles of the involved institutions and the baby food industry's involvement in this process were established systematically.

Results

In total, 134 out of the 189 Codex Alimentarius member countries engaged in the standard review process, of which 28% were involved in the entire process. The private sector was present in 81% of the most assiduous member state delegations to the meetings. Furthermore, ~60% of the observer organizations involved in the review process were business associations representing industry interests. Moreover, the International Special Dietary Foods Industries was the only business association with observer status in the CCNFSDU that was specifically dedicated to representing the baby food industryduring the review process.

Conclusion

These research results expand the body of evidence confirming the expressive and disproportionate participation of baby food industries and their representatives in the discussion processes within the scope of the CCNFSDU. However, studies investigating the Codex and the public documents of its respective committees are limited. Thus, this was the first study to analyze the influence of the baby food industry on BMS global regulatory compliance.
Low-Cost Raspberry-Pi-Based UAS Detection and Classification System Using Machine Learning
Authors: Swinney Carolyn , Woods John
Published: November 2022

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) usage is undoubtedly increasing at a significant rate. However, alongside this expansion is a growing concern that dependable low-cost counter measures do not exist. To mitigate a threat in a restricted airspace, it must first be known that a threat is present. With airport disruption from malicious UASs occurring regularly, low-cost methods for early warning are essential. This paper considers a low-cost early warning system for UAS detection and classification consisting of a BladeRF software-defined radio (SDR), wideband antenna and a Raspberry Pi 4 producing an edge node with a cost of under USD 540. The experiments showed that the Raspberry Pi using TensorFlow is capable of running a CNN feature extractor and machine learning classifier as part of an early warning system for UASs. Inference times ranged from 15 to 28 s for two-class UAS detection and 18 to 28 s for UAS type classification, suggesting that for systems that require timely results the Raspberry Pi would be better suited to act as a repeater of the raw SDR data, enabling the processing to be carried out on a higher powered central control unit. However, an early warning system would likely fuse multiple sensors. These experiments showed the RF machine learning classifier capable of running on a low-cost Raspberry Pi 4, which produced overall accuracy for a two-class detection system at 100% and 90.9% for UAS type classification on the UASs tested. The contribution of this research is a starting point for the consideration of low-cost early warning systems for UAS classification using machine learning, an SDR and Raspberry Pi.
A Self-Reliant Tea Economy Offering Inclusive Growth: A Case of Tripureswari Tea, India
Authors: Islam Maidul , Mukherjee Debarshi , Chatterjee Rajesh , Mitra Sudakhina
Published: November 2022

The tea industry is the second most organized industry after rubber in Tripura, India and is gravid with immense potential that can offer inclusive and sustainable growth to the state’s economy directly and indirectly. The industry went through a series of troubles ranging from insurgency to ethnic clashes over the last six decades. Despite the challenges, the Tripura Tea Development Corporation (TTDC) returned to the profit path in 2018. The marketing opportunities for the tea gardens have been rudimentary, depriving the tea growers of their due recognition and better returns on investments; however, TTDC’s Tripureswari brand of tea has successfully positioned itself with a strong appeal and quick acceptance by the masses. The public distribution supply chain supported by the co-operative societies helps reduce the shipment cost and ensures the availability of tea at affordable prices for common people. The purpose of this study was to explore the nuances of the tea industry in Tripura and to consider how re-engineering can turn this industry into a profit-making public sector. To understand the turnaround strategy of this research, the authors have used a mixed method approach where secondary data were collected, discussed, and gathered from interviews with area experts. The findings of this research indicate that the state-owned Tripura Tea Development Corporation Ltd. (TTDC) transformed itself through re-engineering the supply chain. Furthermore, coupling with branding exercises has instilled confidence, even among the small tea growers, thereby offering social security and inclusion. Further, TTDC has taken the socially excluded people under its ambit through plantation activities using the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Hot-Melt Extrusion Enhances Antioxidant Effects of Mulberry on Probiotics and Pathogenic Microorganisms
Authors: Go Eun Ji , Ryu Byeong Ryeol , Gim Gyeong Ju , Lee Ha Yeon , You Han Sol , Kim Hyun Bok , Lee Hyun Tai , Lee Ji Young , Shim Man Sop , Baek Jong-Suep , Lim Jung Dae
Published: November 2022

Mulberry is a rich source of anthocyanins (ACNs) known to possess biological activities. However, these ACNs are unstable in high pH, heat, and aqueous environments with a low bioavailability. In this study, a colloidal dispersion was prepared by hot melt extrusion with proper excipients. In this process, a hydrophilic polymer matrix was used to confirm the stability of the compound in high pH, high temperature, and aqueous media. It was confirmed that the particle size and the polydispersity index value were reduced, thereby improving the solubility. In vitro release studies revealed that the extrudate had a sustained release compared to a non-extruded product. As a result of measuring changes of intestinal microorganisms (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus), contents of probiotics were found to be increased whereas contents of pathogenic microorganisms were decreased. Thus, hot-melt extrusion could enhance the stability of ACN with prolonged release. The processed formulation exhibited probiotic properties and antimicrobial activities against pathogenic intestinal microflora.
Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammation and Antiaging Activities of Artocarpus altilis Methanolic Extract on Urban Particulate Matter-Induced HaCaT Keratinocytes Damage
Authors: Yang Chun-Yin , Pan Cheng-Chang , Tseng Chih-Hua , Yen Feng-Lin
Published: November 2022

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the reasons that exacerbate skin diseases. Impaired barrier function is a common symptom in skin diseases, including atopic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Herbal extracts rich in antioxidants are thought to provide excellent pharmacological activities; however, the anti-pollution activity of Artocarpus altilis extract (AAM) has not been investigated yet. The present study demonstrated that 5 μg/mL of AAM was considered to be a safe dose for further experiments without cytotoxicity. Next, we evaluated the anti-pollution activity of AAM through the PM-induced keratinocytes damage cell model. The results showed that AAM could reduce PM-induced overproduction of intracellular ROS and the final product of lipid peroxidation, 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE). In addition, AAM not only reduced the inflammatory protein expressions, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), but also balanced the aging protein ratio of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteases (TIMPs) through downregulating the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. For skin barrier protection, AAM could repair PM-induced barrier function proteins damage, including filaggrin, loricrin and aquaporin 3 for providing anti-aging bioactivity. In conclusion, AAM has the potential to be developed as an anti-pollution active ingredient for topical skin products to prevent skin oxidation, inflammation and aging, and restore the skin barrier function.
Electroanalysis of Naringin at Electroactivated Pencil Graphite Electrode for the Assessment of Polyphenolics with Intermediate Antioxidant Power
Authors: David Iulia Gabriela , Litescu Simona Carmen , Moraru Raluca , Albu Camelia , Buleandra Mihaela , Popa Dana Elena , Riga Sorin , Ciobanu Adela Magdalena , Noor Hassan
Published: November 2022

A simple and rapid differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) method using a single-use electroactivated pencil graphite electrode (PGE*) is proposed for the rapid screening of the total content of polyphenolics (TCP) with intermediate antioxidant power (AOP) in grapefruit peel and fresh juice. The results were compared and correlated with those provided by the HPLC-DAD-MS method. NG voltammetric behavior at PGE* was studied by cyclic voltammetry and an oxidation mechanism was suggested. The experimental conditions (type of PGE, electroactivation procedure, pH, nature and concentration of supporting electrolyte) for NG DPV determination were optimized. The NG peak current varied linearly with the concentration in the ranges 1.40 × 10−6–2.00 × 10−5 and 2.00 × 10−5–1.40 × 10−4 mol/L NG and a limit of detection (LoD) of 6.02 × 10−7 mol/L NG was attained. The method repeatability expressed as relative standard deviation was 7.62% for the concentration level of 2.00 × 10−6 mol/L NG. After accumulation for 240 s of NG at PGE* the LoD was lowered to 1.35 × 10−7 mol/L NG, the linear range being 6.00 × 10−7–8.00 × 10−6 mol/L NG. The developed electrochemical system was successfully tested on real samples and proved to be a cost-effective tool for the simple estimation of the TCP with intermediate AOP in citrus fruits.