bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling neural pathways of political engagement: bridging neuromarketing and political science for understanding voter behavior and political leader perception
Authors: Çakar Tuna , Filiz Gözde
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Political neuromarketing is an emerging interdisciplinary field integrating marketing, neuroscience, and psychology to decipher voter behavior and political leader perception. This interdisciplinary field offers novel techniques to understand complex phenomena such as voter engagement, political leadership, and party branding.

Methods

This study aims to understand the neural activation patterns of voters when they are exposed to political leaders using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and machine learning methods. We recruited participants and recorded their brain activity using fNIRS when they were exposed to images of different political leaders.

Results

This neuroimaging method (fNIRS) reveals brain regions central to brand perception, including the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), and the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). Machine learning methods were used to predict the participants’ perceptions of leaders based on their brain activity. The study has identified the brain regions that are involved in processing political stimuli and making judgments about political leaders. Within this study, the best-performing machine learning model, LightGBM, achieved a highest accuracy score of 0.78, underscoring its efficacy in predicting voters’ perceptions of political leaders based on the brain activity of the former.

Discussion

The findings from this study provide new insights into the neural basis of political decision-making and the development of effective political marketing campaigns while bridging neuromarketing, political science, and machine learning, in turn enabling predictive insights into voter preferences and behavior.
Emerging diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets in post-stroke hemorrhagic transformation and brain edema
Authors: Yao Ying , Liu Fei , Gu Zhaowen , Wang Jingyu , Xu Lintao , Yu Yue , Cai Jing , Ren Reng
Published: December 2023

Stroke is a devastating condition that can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The aftermath of a stroke, particularly hemorrhagic transformation (HT) and brain edema, can significantly impact the prognosis of patients. Early detection and effective management of these complications are crucial for improving outcomes in stroke patients. This review highlights the emerging diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets including claudin, occludin, zonula occluden, s100β, albumin, MMP-9, MMP-2, MMP-12, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, TGF-β, IL-10, IL-4, IL-13, MCP-1/CCL2, CXCL2, CXCL8, CXCL12, CCL5, CX3CL1, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, P-selectin, E-selectin, PECAM-1/CD31, JAMs, HMGB1, vWF, VEGF, ROS, NAC, and AQP4. The clinical significance and implications of these biomarkers were also discussed.
Plasma cell-free RNA profiling of Vietnamese Alzheimer's patients reveals a linkage with chronic inflammation and apoptosis: a pilot study
Authors: Cao Thien Hoang Minh , Le Anh Phuc Hoang , Tran Tai Tien , Huynh Vy Kim , Pham Bao Hoai , Le Thao Mai , Nguyen Quang Lam , Tran Thang Cong , Tong Trang Mai , Than The Ha Ngoc , Nguyen Tran Tran To , Ha Huong Thi Thanh
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Circulating cell-free RNA (cfRNA) is a potential hallmark for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) as it construes the genetic expression level, giving insights into the pathological progress from the outset. Profiles of cfRNA in Caucasian AD patients have been investigated thoroughly, yet there was no report exploring cfRNAs in the ASEAN groups. This study examined the gap, expecting to support the development of point-of-care AD diagnosis.

Methods

cfRNA profiles were characterized from 20 Vietnamese plasma samples (10 probable AD and 10 age-matched controls). RNA reads were subjected to differential expression (DE) analysis. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify gene modules that were significantly co-expressed. These modules' expression profiles were then correlated with AD status to identify relevant modules. Genes with the highest intramodular connectivity (module membership) were selected as hub genes. Transcript counts of differentially expressed genes were correlated with key AD measures—MMSE and MTA scores—to identify potential biomarkers.

Results

136 genes were identified as significant AD hallmarks (p < 0.05), with 52 downregulated and 84 upregulated in the AD cohort. 45.6% of these genes are highly expressed in the hippocampus, cerebellum, and cerebral cortex. Notably, all markers related to chronic inflammation were upregulated, and there was a significant shift in all apoptotic markers. Three co-expressed modules were found to be significantly correlated with Alzheimer's status (p < 0.05; R2> 0.5). Functional enrichment analysis on these modules reveals an association with focal adhesion, nucleocytoplasmic transport, and metal ion response leading to apoptosis, suggesting the potential participation of these pathways in AD pathology. 47 significant hub genes were found to be differentially expressed genes with the highest connectivity. Six significant hub genes (CREB1, YTHDC1, IL1RL1, PHACTR2, ANKRD36B, RNF213) were found to be significantly correlated with MTA and MMSE scores. Other significant transcripts (XRN1, UBB, CHP1, THBS1, S100A9) were found to be involved in inflammation and neuronal death. Overall, we have identified candidate transcripts in plasma cf-RNA that are differentially expressed and are implicated in inflammation and apoptosis, which can jumpstart further investigations into applying cf-RNA as an AD biomarker in Vietnam and ASEAN countries.
Remote nuclear microreactors: a preliminary economic evaluation of digital twins and centralized offsite control
Authors: Bryan Haydn C. , Jesse Katherine W. , Miller Charles A. , Browning Jeren M.
Published: December 2023

The nuclear energy industry is looking to next-generation reactor designs to augment, diversify, and expand generation capacity in an increasingly complex and varied energy landscape. A key element in this objective is microreactors—small nuclear reactors which can provide flexible capacity at a reduced scale compared to traditional large-scale nuclear reactors. Specifically, microreactors could be used to provide clean, reliable combined heat and power to remote communities, worksites, or facilities. However, the construction and operations and maintenance costs to supply the required operator staffing and physical supporting assets, such as control rooms, could be a limiting factor for first adopters of the technology. Opportunities to reduce the cost of monitoring and control activities could enable early adoption, allowing economies of learning to take effect, spurring further adoption. A reduction in the number and cost intensity of control rooms and operators per deployed microreactor could significantly decrease the overall cost for a fleet of microreactors. To optimize microreactor economic competitiveness, one solution would be to establish an off-site operation facility for centralized monitoring and control (CM&C) of a fleet of microreactors. Leveraging advances in digital instrumentation and control systems could bolster the safety, reliability, and security of the remote communication architecture inherently required to operate remotely. Digital twins (DTs) are virtual replicas of physical assets which can be used for a variety of applications, including analyzing I&C signals against a validated model to perform several analysis and prediction functions. When implemented properly, DTs can potentially detect anomalies and component failures, and serve as a diagnostic tool for operators. These technologies can enhance operator understanding and awareness, reduce the management demand time on operators, and increase asset uptime by providing early alerts for failures alongside insights to aid in predictive maintenance. Furthermore, a DT system could enhance the secure and reliable communication architecture necessary for remote microreactor operation by verifying signals and suggesting or automating controls, thereby boosting their economic viability. This research examines the economic effects of various control strategies ranging from many individually and on-site controlled reactors to co-management of all microreactors in a system from a single, off-site control center. Results from the analysis are positive, revealing significant cost-reduction opportunities.
Genetically predicted basal metabolic rate and venous thromboembolism risk: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Huang Jian , Xie Yubo
Published: December 2023

Background

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the minimum amount of energy needed by the body to carry out essential physiological functions. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether BMR causally influences venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its subtypes in European individuals.

Methods

A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) was performed. Within a genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 454,874 people, genetic variants were chosen as instrumental variables based on their significant associations (p < 5 × 10−8) with BMR and their limited linkage disequilibrium (r2 < 0.001). The FinnGen project served as sources for summary statistics of VTE, encompassing different subtypes.

Results

Using the multiplicative random-effect inverse variance weighted method, our investigation revealed that one standard deviation higher BMR was associated with VTE (odds ratio [OR] = 1.684, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.465–1.936, p = 2.339 × 10−13), PE (OR = 1.824, 95% CI: 1.512–2.200, p = 3.399 × 10−10), and DVT of lower extremities (OR = 1.887, 95% CI: 1.562–2.280, p = 4.778 × 10−11). The consistency of these associations was observed in sensitivity analyses using various MR techniques like Mendelian randomization pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, MR-Egger, weighted median, and contamination mixture method. In addition, multivariable MR revealed direct effects of BMR on VTE and its subtypes when taking body mass index and current tobacco smoking into account.

Conclusion

Higher BMR may increase the risk of VTE and its subtypes including PE and DVT of lower extremities.
A tumor-restricted glycoform of podocalyxin is a highly selective marker of immunologically cold high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Brassard Julyanne , Hughes Michael R. , Dean Pamela , Hernaez Diana Canals , Thornton Shelby , Banville Allyson C. , Smazynski Julian , Warren Mary , Zhang Kevin , Milne Katy , Gilks C. Blake , Mes-Masson Anne-Marie , Huntsman David G. , Nelson Brad H. , Roskelley Calvin D. , McNagny Kelly M.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Targeted-immunotherapies such as antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells or bispecific T-cell engagers (eg, BiTE®) all aim to improve cancer treatment by directly targeting cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues. Success of these therapies requires tumor antigens that are abundantly expressed and, ideally, tumor specific. The CD34-related stem cell sialomucin, podocalyxin (PODXL), is a promising target as it is overexpressed on a variety of tumor types and its expression is consistently linked to poor prognosis. However, PODXL is also expressed in healthy tissues including kidney podocytes and endothelia. To circumvent this potential pitfall, we developed an antibody, named PODO447, that selectively targets a tumor-associated glycoform of PODXL. This tumor glycoepitope is expressed by 65% of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) tumors.

Methods

In this study we characterize these PODO447-expressing tumors as a distinct subset of HGSOC using four different patient cohorts that include pre-chemotherapy, post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and relapsing tumors as well as tumors from various peritoneal locations.

Results

We find that the PODO447 epitope expression is similar across tumor locations and negligibly impacted by chemotherapy. Invariably, tumors with high levels of the PODO447 epitope lack infiltrating CD8+ T cells and CD20+ B cells/plasma cells, an immune phenotype consistently associated with poor outcome.

Discussion

We conclude that the PODO447 glycoepitope is an excellent biomarker of immune “cold” tumors and a candidate for the development of targeted-therapies for these hard-to-treat cancers.
Evidence for poplar PtaPLATZ18 in the regulation of plant growth and vascular tissues development
Authors: Guérin Claire , Behr Marc , Sait Julie , Mol Adeline , El Jaziri Mondher , Baucher Marie
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Plant A/T-rich protein and zinc-binding protein (PLATZ) are plant-specific transcription factors playing a role in plant development and stress response. To assess the role of PLATZs in vascular system development and wood formation in poplar, a functional study for PtaPLATZ18, whose expression was associated with the xylem, was carried out.

Methods

Poplar dominant repressor lines for PtaPLATZ18 were produced by overexpressing a PtaPLATZ18-SRDX fusion. The phenotype of three independent transgenic lines was evaluated at morphological, biochemical, and molecular levels and compared to the wild type.

Results

The PtaPLATZ18-SRDX lines showed increased plant height resulting from higher internode length. Besides, a higher secondary xylem thickness was also evidenced in these dominant repression lines as compared to the wild type suggesting an activation of cambial activity. A higher amount of lignin was evidenced within wood tissue as compared to the wild type, indicating an alteration in cell wall composition within xylem cell types. This latter phenotype was linked to an increased expression of genes involved in lignin biosynthesis and polymerization.

Discussion

The phenotype observed in the PtaPLATZ18-SRDX lines argues that this transcription factor targets key regulators of plant growth and vascular tissues development.
Integrating transcriptome and metabolome to explore the growth-promoting mechanisms of GABA in blueberry plantlets
Authors: Liu Mingfeng , Bai Mingyue , Yue Jiajia , Fei Xiaoke , Xia Xiuying
Published: December 2023

Tissue culture technology is the main method for the commercial propagation of blueberry plants, but blueberry plantlets grow slowly and have long growth cycles under in vitro propagation, resulting in low propagation efficiency. In addition, the long culturing time can also result in reduced nutrient content in the culture medium, and the accumulation of toxic and harmful substances that can lead to weak growth for the plantlets or browning and vitrification, which ultimately can seriously reduce the quality of the plantlets. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a four-carbon non-protein amino acid that can improve plant resistance to various stresses and promote plant growth, but the effects of its application and mechanism in tissue culture are still unclear. In this study, the effects of GABA on the growth of in vitro blueberry plantlets were analyzed following the treatment of the plantlets with GABA. In addition, the GABA-treated plantlets were also subjected to a comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis. The exogenous application of GABA significantly promoted growth and improved the quality of the blueberry plantlets. In total, 2,626 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 377 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected by comparison of the control and GABA-treated plantlets. Most of the DEGs and DAMs were involved in carbohydrate metabolism and biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. The comprehensive analysis results indicated that GABA may promote the growth of blueberry plantlets by promoting carbon metabolism and nitrogen assimilation, as well as increasing the accumulation of secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, steroids and terpenes.
Motivation and genre as social action: a phenomenological perspective on academic writing
Authors: Russell David R.
Published: December 2023

This article discusses the relationship between motivation and genre in the context of academic writing, aiming to further bridge the gap between information-processing (IP) cognitive approaches and socio-cultural or dialogical approaches to understanding cognition. The author takes one significant recent article bridging the gap, Graham’s Writers Within Communities (WWC) model, as a starting point and attempts to add concepts from genre as social action and Deci and Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory (SDT). The article explores how genre as social action is intimately connected with motivation and how SDT’s principles of competence, autonomy, and relatedness align with the phenomenological perspective on genre and motivation. The author suggests that these theories provide a more comprehensive understanding of writing motivation, emphasizing that the perception of genre as social action is a crucial motivator for writers and that self-determination is vital to authentic self-regulation in academic writing. The article illustrates the uses of the additional theories with an interview-based case study of a dissertation writer. It ends by discussing the possible implications of this theoretical research for empirical research on student motivation from both IP cognitive and sociocultural perspectives.
The pacing differences in performance levels of marathon and half-marathon runners
Authors: Ristanović Ljubica , Cuk Ivan , Villiger Elias , Stojiljković Stanimir , Nikolaidis Pantelis T. , Weiss Katja , Knechtle Beat
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Many studies indicate a considerable impact of optimal pacing on long-distance running performance. Given that the amount of carbohydrates in metabolic processes increases supralinearly with the running intensity, we may observe differences between the pacing strategies of two long-distance races and different performance levels of runners. Accordingly, the present study aimed to examine the differences in pacing strategies between marathon and half-marathon races regarding the performance levels of runners.

Methods

The official results and split times from a total of 208,760 (marathon, N = 75,492; half-marathon, N = 133,268) finishers in the “Vienna City Marathon” between 2006 and 2018 were analyzed. The percentage of the average change of speed for each of the five segments (CS 1–5), as well as the absolute change of speed (ACS) were calculated. The CS 1–5 for the marathon are as follows: up to the 10th km, 10th – 20th km, 20th – 30th km, 30th – 40th km, and from the 40th km to the 42.195 km. For the half-marathon, the CS 1–5 are half of the marathon values. Four performance groups were created as quartiles of placement separately for sexes and races: high-level (HL), moderate to high-level (MHL), moderate to low-level (MLL), and low-level (LL).

Results

Positive pacing strategies (i.e., decrease of speed) were observed in all performance groups of both sex and race. Across CS 1–5, significant main effects (p < 0.001) were observed for the segment, performance level, and their interaction in both sex and race groups. All LL groups demonstrated higher ACS (men 7.9 and 6.05%, as well as women 5.83 and 5.49%, in marathon and half-marathon, respectively), while the HL performance group showed significantly lower ACS (men 4.14 and 2.97%, as well as women 3.16 and 2.77%, in marathon and half-marathon, respectively). Significant main effects (p < 0.001) for the race were observed but with a low effect size in women (ŋ2 = 0.001).

Discussion

Better runners showed more even pacing than slower runners. The half-marathoners showed more even pacing than the marathoners across all performance groups but with a trivial practical significance in women.
Moving to accelerated protocols of tDCS in catatonia: a case report
Authors: Bouaziz Noomane , Luisada Jean-Charles , Jabri Samir , Andrianisaina Palmyre S.-K. , Bellis Avicenne , Januel Dominique
Published: December 2023

Catatonia is a severe and potentially life-threatening neuropsychiatric condition. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the gold standard second-line intervention for catatonia after benzodiazepine failure. However, the access to ECT can be particularly challenging, especially during periods of increased strain on medical facilities, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Several case reports have suggested the potential efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in addressing catatonia. In our case, we present the successful application of intensive tDCS, delivering five sessions per day, each lasting 20 min, with an intensity of 2 mA. The tDCS montage involved placing the anode on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the cathode on the left temporoparietal junction (TPJ). This approach was well-tolerated and resulted in a significant improvement in a 70-year-old patient with catatonia, for whom ECT was deemed necessary. While these results are promising, it is crucial to confirm them through a randomized controlled study.
Health-related behaviors and symptoms of anxiety and depression in Spanish nursing students: an observational study
Authors: Ramón-Arbués Enrique , Sagarra-Romero Lucía , Echániz-Serrano Emmanuel , Granada-López José Manuel , Cobos-Rincón Ana , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Navas-Echazarreta Noelia , Antón-Solanas Isabel
Published: December 2023

Background

Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent among young adults and are a significant public health issue. College students are at a higher risk of experiencing poor mental health than other young people due to several factors, including moving away from home, financial pressures, heavy workload, poor time management skills, competitivity, new processes of socialization and insufficient coping mechanisms, among others. In addition, nursing students’ mental and physical health may also be affected by unhealthy lifestyle habits and health-related behaviors.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety, and the association between these symptoms and health-related behaviors, in a population of Spanish student nurses.

Methods

Cross-sectional study on a sample of 339 nursing students. We used the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short form, the Spanish Healthy Eating Index and an “ad hoc” questionnaire for sociodemographic variables. The association between psychological symptoms and health-related behaviors was analyzed through binary logistic regression models.

Results

The prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety was 3.8% and 24.5%, respectively. Negative health-related behaviors were frequent, namely tobacco and alcohol consumption, suboptimal physical activity and diet. Moderate physical activity was associated with a lower probability of experiencing depressive symptoms. Symptoms of anxiety were related to a low level of physical activity, an unhealthy diet and alcohol consumption ≥2 times a week.

Conclusion

Student nurses could benefit from the implementation of both physical and mental health promotion initiatives.
Physical exercise/sports ameliorate the internet addiction from college students during the pandemic of COVID-19 in China
Authors: Cai Peiling , Wang Junren , Ye Peng , Feng Xiaoming , Yang Gaoqiang , Huang Chao , Chen Xinwei , Hambly Brett D. , Bao Shisan , Liang Shengxiang
Published: December 2023

The rapid advancement of modern technology has significantly driven progress in various IT-related activities, resulting in a substantial increase in internet penetration rates, particularly among college students. The utilization of the internet has become one of the most essential tools in our modern society. However, internet addiction (IA) has emerged as a serious concern, particularly among college students, adversely affecting academic performance and having significant psychological and psychiatric implications. The aim of the current study was to determine the impact of physical exercise, gender and academic year on IA among college students. In the present study, we investigated internet usage, engagement in sports activities, and academic performance among college students from Western, Middle, and Eastern regions of Chinese universities. It’s noteworthy that most of the respondents were freshmen. Our findings indicate that freshmen students were more susceptible to experiencing IA. Approximately 75% of students engaged in leisure sports activities, revealing an inverse correlation between sports activity and IA. This correlation aligns with the level of sports involvement, emphasizing the potential benefits of physical activity in mitigating IA. However, our study did not uncover any correlation between geographic location and the occurrence of IA, nor did it find differences between medical and non-medical students. Furthermore, our study revealed no significant variations in IA among students from different ethnic backgrounds. The underlying mechanism of IA is being currently determined. Our data suggest that physical exercise, gender, and academic year have a significant impact on IA among college students.
Evidencing the effectiveness of upper limb prostheses: a multi-stakeholder perspective on study requirements
Authors: Jones Hannah , Chadwell Alix , Dyson Matthew
Published: December 2023

The provision of upper limb prosthetic devices through the National Health Services (NHS) within the United Kingdom is driven by national policies. NHS England have recently published a new policy to provide multi-grip myoelectric hands. The policy highlighted that there was limited evidence to support its deployment and it will be reviewed should new information arise. The clear identification of the evidence gap provides an opportunity for the academic research community to conduct studies that will inform future iterations of this and other upper limb prosthetic related policies. This paper presents a summary of findings and recommendations based on two multi-stakeholder workshops held in June 2022 and July 2022, which explored the design requirements for policy-driven research studies. The workshops involved people from a broad range of stakeholder groups: policy, academia, NHS clinical and management, industry, and a person with upper limb absence. The workshop discussions focused on the research questions that NHS England identified in the policy evidence review: (1) Clinical Effectiveness; (2) Cost Effectiveness; (3) Safety; and (4) Patient Subgroups. The recommendations based on stakeholder discussions included the need to gather qualitative and quantitative research evidence, use goal-based outcome measures, and conduct longitudinal studies. Future research studies also need to address the complexities of conducting national and international policy-driven research, such as clinical resource capacity and participant involvement.
Empowering hearts and shaping destinies: unveiling the profound influence of education on women’s mate selection in Pakistan – a comprehensive mixed-methods study
Authors: Daraz Umar , Khan Younas , Alnajdawi Ann Mousa , Alsawalqa Rula Odeh
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the impact of education on women’s empowerment in the realm of mate selection within Malakand Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Employing a mixed-method research approach, the study conducted 30 semi-structured interviews with educated women and distributed a Likert Scale questionnaire to 500 women. The qualitative findings reveals that education significantly influences women’s perspectives, guiding their priorities, and instilling a desire for compatibility and shared values in their relationships. Educated women also display resilience, confidence, and a readiness to challenge prevailing societal norms and gender stereotypes when selecting a life partner. Quantitative analysis establishes a statistically significant positive correlation between education and women’s empowerment in mate selection. These findings underscore the pivotal role of education in enhancing women’s agency and autonomy in a critical aspect of their lives. The study’s implications extend to policy recommendations advocating for increased access to quality education and the implementation of gender-sensitive curricula in Malakand Division and analogous regions. Recognizing education’s potential to empower women in mate selection is vital for fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.
Genome editing to re-domesticate and accelerate use of barley crop wild relatives
Authors: Hanak Tobias , Janjić Jovana , Hay Fiona R. , Brinch-Pedersen Henrik
Published: December 2023

Climate change threatens global food security, but the biggest impact will be in arid, low social-economic regions. To improve food security, new breeding technologies (NBTs) could be implemented for re-domestication of crop wild relatives (CWR). CWR harbor many beneficial traits, but it is difficult to incorporate these traits into conventional breeding programs. Thus, although genebanks hold significant collections of CWR, their potential has yet to be reached. Using barley as an example, we describe how using genebank collections, digital sequence information and NBTs, re-domesticated barley can be produced with improved characteristics, while retaining the resilience and adaptation of the original material. Lastly, we highlight some obstacles that need to be overcome for re-domesticates to be adopted.
Physiological changes in captive elephants in Northern Thailand as a result of the COVID-19 tourism ban – muscle, liver, metabolic function, and body condition
Authors: Supanta Jarawee , Brown Janine L. , Bansiddhi Pakkanut , Thitaram Chatchote , Punyapornwithaya Veerasak , Punturee Khanittha , Somboon Nopphamas , Towiboon Patcharapa , Khonmee Jaruwan
Published: December 2023

The international travel ban initiated in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected how captive elephants were managed in Thailand. A lack of tourists and associated income meant elephants were chained longer with reduced food provisions, had fewer mahouts, and limited exercise like riding, which likely affected health and welfare. Fifty-eight elephants from six tourist camps were assigned a body condition score (BCS) and blood samples were collected monthly for 2 years during the travel ban to measure: (1) muscle enzymes [creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)]; (2) liver enzymes [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)]; (3) lipids [total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low (LDL) and high (HDL) density lipoproteins]; and metabolic function [glucose, insulin, fructosamine]. Serum CK concentrations were lower at the end of the study, possibly due to no tourist activities like riding. Changes in liver function included increased AST and ALP, also possibly due to physical inactivity. Feeding less bananas and sugar cane was associated with fewer elephants in the obese category and lower TG concentrations. However, increases in glucose, insulin and fructosamine were observed as local people returned to feed elephants after lifting travel restrictions. In sum, changes in several health biomarkers were observed in association with restricted activities and food resources. Camps need better plans to meet the health and welfare needs of elephants during any future disruptions to the tourism industry, although reduced feeding of sweet treats appeared to have positive effects on body condition and metabolic function.
Examining the Utilization of Social Capital by Ghanaians When Seeking Care for Chronic Diseases: A Personal Network Survey
Authors: Hooley Brady , Otchi Elom Hillary , Mayeden Samuel , Yawson Alfred Edwin , Awoonor-Williams Koku , Tediosi Fabrizio
Published: December 2023

Objectives: With limited social security and health protection in Ghana, intergenerational support is needed by those living with NCDs, who incur recurrent costs when seeking NCD care. We measured the level of informal support received by NCD patients and identified factors that influence support provision.

Methods: We surveyed 339 NCD patients from three hospitals in Ghana, who listed their social ties and answered questions about their relationship and support frequency. We analyzed the relationship between social support, demographic and health information, characteristics of social ties, and network characteristics.

Results: Participants described 1,371 social ties. Nearly 60% of respondents reported difficulties in their usual work or household duties due to chronic illness, which was also the strongest predictor of support. Patients with higher wellbeing reported less social support, while older age and having co-habitant supporters were negatively associated with support, indicating caregiver burnout.

Conclusion: Ghanaian NCD patients receive support from various caregivers who may not be able to handle the increasing healthcare and social needs of an aging population. Policies should therefore enhance resource pooling and inclusiveness for old age security.
Putrescine Increases Frost Tolerance and Effectively Mitigates Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Cracking: A Study of Four Different Growing Cycles
Authors: Ruiz-Aracil María Celeste , Valverde Juan Miguel , Beltrà Aleixandre , Carrión-Antolí Alberto , Lorente-Mento José Manuel , Nicolás-Almansa Marta , Guillén Fabián
Published: December 2023

Sweet cherry producers must deal with different climactic challenges annually, specifically the impact of spring frost and the inherent risk of fruit cracking. This susceptibility arises from the simultaneous occurrence of spring frost during the bloom stage or the sweet cherry cracking at vulnerable maturity stages in sweet cherry trees during persistent rainfall. Given the change in climatic patterns, the implementation of new strategies and innovative approaches becomes imperative to alleviate potential damage from these climatic adversities. This study aims to explore—for the first time—the effectiveness of preharvest putrescine applications during the flowering stage and ripening on-tree to increase tolerance in sweet cherry against adverse climatic events throughout its on-tree development and at the time of harvest. In this context, foliar applications of putrescine at concentrations of 1 and 10 mM were administered to distinct sweet cherry cultivars, namely, ‘Prime Giant’ and ‘Sweetheart’. Over the course of four growing seasons, our investigation focused on evaluating the influence of this natural elicitor on the frost resilience of flower buds during the preharvest period and its impact on reducing fruit cracking in these selected cultivars. In this sense, the overall malondialdehyde content exhibited a reduction in flower buds treated with putrescine, and the fruit set experienced an increase across the majority of evaluated growing seasons. On the other hand, the incidence of sweet cherry cracking in putrescine-treated sweet cherries showed a consistent reduction in all the studied growing seasons. Our results indicate that preharvest treatments with putrescine effectively alleviate the susceptibility of flower buds to spring frost and significantly diminish fruit cracking, thereby enhancing the overall tolerance to abiotic stress. Furthermore, we evaluated different quality parameters at the time of harvest, including fruit firmness, external color, total soluble solids, and total acidity. Generally, the observed changes in these parameters were delayed in putrescine-treated fruit as compared to the control batch or remained unaffected. For this reason, the implementation of preharvest treatments based on putrescine emerges as a valuable strategy for adapting to climate change and mitigating the impact of abiotic stress, potentially increasing sweet cherry production.
Can Phytoremediation-Induced Changes in the Microbiome Improve Saline/Sodic Soil and Plant Health?
Authors: Neupane Achal , Jakubowski Duncan , Fiedler Douglas , Gu Liping , Clay Sharon A. , Clay David E. , Lee Marzano Shin-Yi
Published: December 2023

Increasing soil salinity and/or sodicity is an expanding problem in the Northern Great Plains (NGP) of North America. This study investigated the impact of phytoremediation on the soil microbiome and if changes, in turn, had positive or negative effects on plant establishment. Amplicon sequencing and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer analysis compared root metabolites and microbial composition of bulk vs. rhizosphere soils between two soil types (productive and saline/sodic). Beta-diversity analysis indicated that bacterial and fungal communities from both the bulk and rhizosphere soils from each soil type clustered separately, indicating dissimilar microbial composition. Plant species also influenced both root-associated bacterial and fungal communities with separate clustering of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) identified. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) found a clear association between specific soil characteristics and soil types. Bacterial and fungal OTUs from productive soil were correlated with greater %Ca Sat, %H Sat, and potassium (ppm), especially for OTUs differentially enriched in productive soil. Both bacterial and fungal OTUs from saline/sodic soil are associated with increased Ca (ppm), soil pH, %Na Sat and CEC. Metabolite analysis showed that kochia (Bassia scoparia) roots from the saline/sodic soil had a 4.4-fold decrease in pantothenate accumulation (p = 0.004). Moreover, two endophytic bacterial isolates, a Bacillus spp. and a previously uncultured halophile, isolated from creeping foxtail (Alopecurus arundinaceus) grown in saline/sodic soil and used as buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) seed inoculants, significantly increased seed germination by >30% and vigor index by 0.2 under osmotic stress (0.2 M NaCl) (p < 0.05). This study revealed the importance of soil, root-associated, and endophytic microbiomes. Using native microbes as seed inoculants may help in establishment and growth of species used for phytoremediation of saline/sodic soil.
Analysis and Closing of the High-Production-Maize Yield Gap in the Semi-Arid Area of Northeast China
Authors: Wang Meng , Zhang Lei , Lin Yuan , Zhao Jiale , Qin Yubo , Li Qian , Liu Hang , Sun Bo , Wang Lichun
Published: December 2023

A mulched drip fertigation system is an effective way to improve maize yield, but at present, the efficiency of nutrient delivery and water use are generally low. Therefore, this study conducted optimization field experiments to identify the main factors limiting the delivery of water and fertilizer, including regulations on nitrogen (N) fertilizer, irrigation conditions, planting density and maize varieties, in the semi-arid area of Northeast China. As part of an effort to close the yield gap for maize, an optimized system (DS) for optimal crop, nutrient and water management was designed to improve the agronomic and economic performance of maize farming in the area. The application rate of N fertilizer was 240 kg ha−1; the base fertilizer was applied four times (once at the jointing stage, twice at the belling stage and once at the silking stage); the rates of application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) fertilizer were 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 and 90 kg K2O ha−1, respectively; the irrigation amount was 270 mm ha−1; the maize variety Fumin 985 was planted at a density of 80,000 plants ha−1 in DS; the grain yield of DS reached 13.8 Mg ha−1, 93% of the yield potential. DS yielded an economic benefit of 18,449 yuan ha−1, which was significantly higher than the economic benefit of 13,818 yuan ha−1 achieved under farmers’ practices (FP). Furthermore, the utilization rates of N, P, K, and water were significantly improved under DS. In conclusion, DS increased production potential, with high efficiency in nutrient delivery and water use and low losses of nutrients and water. The crop, fertilizer, and water management of DS provided a technological system to simultaneously improve crop production and resource-use efficiency in the semi-arid area of Northeast China.
High Sucrose Diet-Induced Subunit I Tyrosine 304 Phosphorylation of Cytochrome c Oxidase Leads to Liver Mitochondrial Respiratory Dysfunction in the Cohen Diabetic Rat Model
Authors: Arroum Tasnim , Pham Lucynda , Raisanen Taryn E. , Morse Paul T. , Wan Junmei , Bell Jamie , Lax Rachel , Saada Ann , Hüttemann Maik , Weksler-Zangen Sarah
Published: December 2023

The mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation process generates most of the cellular energy and free radicals in mammalian tissues. Both factors play a critical role in numerous human diseases that could be affected by reversible phosphorylation events that regulate the function and activity of the oxidative phosphorylation complexes. In this study, we analyzed liver mitochondria of Cohen diabetes-sensitive (CDs) and Cohen diabetes-resistant (CDr) rats, using blue native gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE) in combination with mitochondrial activity measurements and a site-specific tyrosine phosphorylation implicated in inflammation, a known driver of diabetes pathology. We uncovered the presence of a specific inhibitory phosphorylation on tyrosine 304 of catalytic subunit I of dimeric cytochrome c oxidase (CcO, complex IV). Driven by a high sucrose diet in both CDr and CDs rats, Y304 phosphorylation, which occurs close to the catalytic oxygen binding site, correlates with a decrease in CcO activity and respiratory dysfunction in rat liver tissue under hyperglycemic conditions. We propose that this phosphorylation, specifically seen in dimeric CcO and induced by high sucrose diet-mediated inflammatory signaling, triggers enzymatic activity decline of complex IV dimers and the assembly of supercomplexes in liver tissue as a molecular mechanism underlying a (pre-)diabetic phenotype.
Computational Design of a Broadband In-Line Coaxial-to-Rectangular Waveguide Transition
Authors: Zhang Qiongyue , Xu Songyuan , Heo Jiwon , Altanzaya Erdenesukh , Ariunbold Galsan-Yondon , Otgonbat Delger , Lee Chan-Soo , Ahn Bierng-Chearl , Li Shu , Choi Seong-Gon
Published: December 2023

This Communication presents a computational design approach for a broadband in-line coaxial-to-rectangular waveguide transition having a 2.83:1 bandwidth. Existing designs have a bandwidth ranging from 1.36:1 to 2:1. The proposed transition consists of a four-step ridge transformer and three sections of the rectangular waveguide. The proposed design approach extends the bandwidth of the transition by a theory-based design of the width and height of the three-section waveguides and by a computer-aided optimization of the stepped-ridge transformer. The dimensions of the three waveguide sections are determined such that the transition operates from very close to the TE10-mode cutoff to slightly less than the TE30-mode cutoff. A four-step ridge transformer was computer-optimized for a low reflection coefficient over a broad bandwidth. The proposed design approach was applied to the design of a coaxial-to-WR75 transition whose reflection coefficient is less than −22.6 dB at 8.14–23.00 GHz (2.83:1 bandwidth). The dimensions of the proposed transition were obtained using an electromagnetic simulation tool. The increased bandwidth of the transition can be very useful, especially in measurement applications.
Gray Correlation Entropy-Based Influential Nodes Identification and Destruction Resistance of Rail-Water Intermodal Coal Transportation Network
Authors: Zhang Jiaxin , Chen Junxi , Ma Yue , Wei Zhenlin
Published: December 2023

Evaluating the importance of nodes in coal transportation networks and identifying influential nodes is a crucial study in the field of network science, vital for ensuring the stable operation of such complex networks. However, most existing studies focus on the performance analysis of single-medium networks, lacking research on combined transportation, which is not applicable to China’s coal transportation model. To address this issue, this paper first establishes a static topological structure of China’s coal-iron-water combined transportation network based on complex network theory, constructing a node importance evaluation index system through four centrality indicators. Subsequently, an enhanced TOPSIS method (GRE-TOPSIS) is proposed based on the Grey Relational Entropy Weight (GRE) to identify key nodes in the complex network from local and positional information dimensions. Compared to previous studies, this research emphasizes composite networks, breaking through the limitations of single-medium network research, and combines gray relational analysis with entropy weighting, enhancing the objectivity of the TOPSIS method. In the simulation section of this paper, we establish the model of China’s coal-iron-water combined transportation network and use the algorithm to comprehensively rank and identify key nodes in 84 nodes, verifying its performance. Network efficiency and three other parameters are used as measures of network performance. Through simulated deliberate and random attacks on the network, the changing trends in network performance are analyzed. The results show that in random attacks, the performance drops to around 50% after damaging nearly 40 ordinary nodes. In contrast, targeting close to 16 key nodes in deliberate attacks achieves a similar effect. Once key nodes are well protected, the network exhibits a certain resistance to damage.
Analysis and Evaluation of the Influence of Selected Factors on the Occurrence of Defects in Polish Housing Construction Using the Example of the Lower Silesia Region
Authors: Hoła Bożena , Topolski Mariusz , Pochybełko Karol , Nowobilski Tomasz
Published: December 2023

In literature relevant to this topic, attention is mainly paid to the qualitative and quantitative identification of defects in housing construction, and the factors that cause these defects. There is a research gap regarding the quantitative relationships between factors and defects, and the identification of factors that have a decisive impact on the occurrence of defects. The authors’ contribution to research regarding quality management in construction investments involves the identification of defects in residential buildings, identification of factors that generate construction defects occurring at various stages of the investment process, and also the assessment of their discriminatory power. This analysis used the results of technical inspections of buildings carried out in Poland in 2017–2020 in the Lower Silesia region. The study of the factors that influence quality in housing construction was carried out using the diagnostic survey method and the survey technique. Discriminant analysis was used for the calculations, with a number of influence factors being found. The following factors have the greatest discriminatory power: C1—a lack of internal control of design documentation before the start of the construction of the facility; C15—a lack of stability of the team (high staff turnover) that conducts contract tenders; C30—a lack of executive potential for preparing the facility for technical acceptance. Identifying the relationships between factors and quality, measured by the number and type of defects, will constitute the basis for developing procedures for conducting and controlling construction works and taking appropriate preventive actions in the form of employee training.