bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards a Sustainable World: Diversity of Freshwater Gastropods in Relation to Environmental Factors—A Case in the Konya Closed Basin, Türkiye
Authors: Gümüş Burçin Aşkım , Gürbüzer Pınar , Altındağ Ahmet
Published: November 2022

The Konya Closed Basin (KCB) in Türkiye plays a key role in agricultural production and freshwater supply. However, the basin is impacted by humanly derived nitrogenous compounds and toxic metals. Keeping the water quality at a potable level in the basin is compulsory. This study was part of a project yielding monitoring of water quality in KCB in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). Eleven stations, except Beyşehir Lake and Mamasın Dam, were sampled for the first time for freshwater molluscs. Community structure indexes and multivariate statistical analyses were applied to determine the microhabitats of gastropods and their responses to environmental changes. The structure and distribution of gastropod assemblages differed depending on total phosphate, total nitrogen, dissolved oxygen, and pH. This study revealed that most of the gastropods in KCB are relatively tolerant to biodegradable pollution. However, there is a strong observed decline in population size requiring intensive future monitoring; measures have to be taken to preserve the remaining populations. Two endemic species need an urgent action plan to protect their habitats: Theodoxus anatolicus of Çeltik Canal and Bithynia pseudemmericia of Beyşehir Lake; a re-assessment of their extinction risk according to the IUCN rules is needed (2022). The results of this study will be useful for comparison with future studies to document potential improvements or continued ecological regression in the quality of aquatic ecosystems in the watershed.
Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Retromode Imaging Compared to Fundus Autofluorescence in Detecting Outer Retinal Features in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Giansanti Fabrizio , Mercuri Stefano , Serino Federica , Caporossi Tomaso , Savastano Alfonso , Rizzo Clara , Faraldi Francesco , Rizzo Stanislao , Bacherini Daniela
Published: November 2022

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a retinal disease characterized by a heterogeneous clinical phenotype, depending on the influence of different factors in its pathogenesis, including the presence of subretinal fluid (SRF), trophism of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and choroidal hyper-permeability. Our study has the purpose of assessing the ability of scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) retromode imaging, compared to fundus autofluorescence (FAF), to identify outer retinal features in a cohort of patients with a diagnosis of CSCR. A total of 27 eyes of 21 patients were enrolled in our study. All patients underwent full ophthalmological examination, including fundus retinography, fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), FAF and SLO retromode imaging. For each patient, the following features were evaluated: SRF, the presence of pigmented epithelium detachment (PED), RPE dystrophy, and RPE atrophy. RPE dystrophy was further characterized according to the appearance in FAF of iso-, hyper- and hypo-autofluorescent dystrophy. The ability to identify each feature was evaluated for FAF and SLO retromode alone, compared to a multimodal imaging approach. FAF identified SRF in 11/14 eyes (78%), PED in 14/19 (74%), RPE dystrophy with iso-autofluorescence in 0/13 (0%), hyper-autofluorescence in 18/19 (95%), hypo-autofluorescence in 20/20 (100%), and RPE atrophy in 7/7 (100%). SLO retromode imaging identified SRF in 13/14 eyes (93%), PED in 15/19 (79%), RPE dystrophy with iso-autofluorescence in 13/13 (100%), hyper-autofluorescence in 13/19 (68%), hypo-autofluorescent in 18/20 (90%), and RPE atrophy in 4/7 (57%). SLO retromode imaging is able to detect retinal and RPE changes in CSCR patients with a higher sensitivity than FAF, while it is not able to identify the depth of lesions or supply qualitative information about RPE cells’ health status, meaning that it is less specific. SLO retromode imaging may have a promising role in the assessment of patients with CSCR, but always combined with other imaging modalities such as OCT and FAF.
A Novel Framework for Abnormal Risk Classification over Fetal Nuchal Translucency Using Adaptive Stochastic Gradient Descent Algorithm
Authors: Verma Deepti , Agrawal Shweta , Iwendi Celestine , Sharma Bhisham , Bhatia Surbhi , Basheer Shakila
Published: November 2022

In most maternity hospitals, an ultrasound scan in the mid-trimester is now a standard element of antenatal care. More fetal abnormalities are being detected in scans as technology advances and ability improves. Fetal anomalies are developmental abnormalities in a fetus that arise during pregnancy, birth defects and congenital abnormalities are related terms. Fetal abnormalities have been commonly observed in industrialized countries over the previous few decades. Three out of every 1000 pregnant mothers suffer a fetal anomaly. This research work proposes an Adaptive Stochastic Gradient Descent Algorithm to evaluate the risk of fetal abnormality. Findings of this work suggest that proposed innovative method can successfully classify the anomalies linked with nuchal translucency thickening. Parameters such an accuracy, recall, precision, and F1-score are analyzed. The accuracy achieved through the suggested technique is 98.642.%.
The Incidence of Dental Caries in Children with Down Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Martins Mariana , Mascarenhas Paulo , Evangelista José Grillo , Barahona Isabel , Tavares Vitor
Published: November 2022

Scientific evidence regarding the incidence of dental caries in Down syndrome (DS) patients is limited and sometimes presents divergent opinions among authors, making it difficult to reach definitive conclusions. We aimed to evaluate the caries incidence in the DS pediatric population and compare it against healthy controls. The search was performed using 4 universal databases: Cochrane, B-on, Biomed, and PubMed. The selected articles were synthesized and subsequently evaluated according to an adaptation of the Quality Assessment Checklist for Prevalence Studies risk of bias tool, and analysis charts were performed by the Risk of Bias visualization tool (ROBVIS). Statistics and graphs were performed by Open Meta Analyst and JASP software. The confounding effect on caries incidence of the following factors was evaluated through meta-regression: age, Male/Female (M/F) ratio, DMFT, dmft, and study geographic location. Overall, the incidence of caries in the DS population was 49.9%, whereas in the control population was 63.4%. The M/F ratio, DMFT, and dmft significantly affected the incidence of DS individuals (p-value < 0.05). The evidence regarding the lower pooled incidence of caries in individuals with DS regarding controls is limited by the few scientific reports available and cross-section designs. Therefore, further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Med-Tree: A Medical Ontology Tree Combined with the Graph Attention Networks for Medication Recommendation
Authors: Yue Weiqi , Zhang Lijuan , Zhang Lei , Huang Jie , Wan Jian , Xiong Naixue
Published: November 2022

Medication recommendation based on Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is a significant research direction in the field of intelligent medicine, which aims to recommend personalized medication combinations for patients based on their historical and current physical conditions. However, since the structural and temporal characteristics of medical records are affected by many uncertain factors, there are many limitations in medication recommendation methods based on EHRs. Specifically, most existing works either fail to adequately assess the structural correlation and temporal dependency among various medical entities or ignore existing knowledge of Drug–Drug Interactions (DDI), which could lead to adverse outcomes. These factors contribute to poor recommendation quality. Therefore, we propose a medical ontology tree model combined with the Graph Attention Networks (GAT) for medication recommendations. First, the class hierarchy extracted from the medical ontology and the GAT model is used to learn the ICD-9 codes of diagnoses and procedures, which enriches the semantic representation of medical entities. Secondly, Gate Recurrent Units (GRU) are used to learn the temporal characteristics of medical entities. Finally, memory bank, dynamic memory and DDI graph are used to optimize the hidden layer results, which improve the accuracy of the model. Experimental results show that the proposed model is superior to the previous methods in all evaluation indicators, and the recommended results have a lower DDI rate.
Quantized Semantic Segmentation Deep Architecture for Deployment on an Edge Computing Device for Image Segmentation
Authors: Ahamad Afaroj , Sun Chi-Chia , Kuo Wen-Kai
Published: November 2022

In the field of computer vision technology, deep learning of image processing has become an emerging research area. The semantic segmentation of an image is among the utmost essential and significant tasks in image-processing research, offering a wide range of application fields such as autonomous driving systems, medical diagnosis, surveillance security, etc. Thus far, many studies have suggested and developed neural network modules in deep learning. To the best of our knowledge, all existing neural networks for semantic segmentation have large parameter sizes and it is therefore unfeasible to implement those architectures in low-power and memory-limited embedded platforms such as FPGAs. Building an embedded platform with that architecture is possible after reducing the parameter size without affecting the module’s architecture. The quantization technique lowers the precision of the neural network parameters while mostly keeping the accuracy. In this paper, we propose a quantization algorithm for a semantic segmentation deep learning architecture, which reduces the parameter size by four to eight times with a negligible accuracy abatement. As long as the parameter size is reduced, the deep learning architecture is improved in terms of required storage, computational speed, and power efficiency.
The Application of UASs in Forest Management and Monitoring: Challenges and Opportunities for Use in the Miombo Woodland
Authors: Shamaoma Hastings , Chirwa Paxie W. , Ramoelo Abel , Hudak Andrew T. , Syampungani Stephen
Published: November 2022

The Miombo woodland is the most extensive tropical woodland in south-central Africa. However, field sample plot data on forest cover changes, species distribution and carbon stocks in the Miombo ecoregion are inadequate for effective forest management. Owing to logistical challenges that come with field-based inventory methods, remote sensing plays an important role in supplementing field methods to fill in data gaps. Traditional satellite and manned aircraft remote sensing platforms have their own advantages and limitations. The advent of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) has made it possible to acquire forest data at unprecedented spatial and temporal scales. UASs are adaptable to various forest applications in terms of providing flexibility in data acquisition with different sensors (RGB, multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal and light detection and ranging (lidar)) at a convenient time. To highlight possible applications in the Miombo woodlands, we first provide an overview of the Miombo woodlands and recent progress in remote sensing with small UASs. An overview of some potential forest applications was undertaken to identify key prospects and challenges for UAS applications in the Miombo region, which will provide expertise and guidance upon which future applications in the Miombo woodlands should be based. While much of the potential of using UASs for forest data acquisition in the Miombo woodlands remains to be realized, it is likely that the next few years will see such systems being used to provide data for an ever-increasing range of forest applications.
Tree-Ring Stable Carbon Isotope-Based Mean Maximum Temperature Reconstruction in Northwest China and Its Connection with Atmospheric Circulations
Authors: Wang Yanchao , Li Qiang , Liu Yu , Duan Xiangyu , Sun Changfeng , Song Huiming , Cai Qiufang , Liu Xin
Published: November 2022

The inter-annual stable carbon isotope ratio (δ13C) of three tree-ring cores of P. euphratica (Populus euphratica Oliv.) was determined from Ejina Oasis in Northwest China. A robust and representative δ13C chronology is generated from the three δ13C series using an arithmetic mean method. After eliminating the influence of the δ13C from elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, we obtained a carbon isotopic discrimination (Δ13C) chronology. According to the significant correlation between the tree-ring Δ13C and instrumental data, we reconstructed the mean maximum temperature anomalies from previous December to current September (TDS) for the period 1901–2011. The reconstruction explained 43.6% of the variance over the calibration period. Three high-temperature periods (1929–1965, 1972–1974, and 1992–2006) and three low-temperature periods (1906–1926, 1966–1968, and 1975–1991) were found in the reconstructed series. Comparisons between the reconstructed TDS and the observed mean temperature from previous December to current September in Anxi meteorological station and the temperature index in north-central China demonstrated the reconstructed TDS has the advantage of reliability and stability. The significant spatial correlation declared that the reconstruction has a broad spatial representation and can represent the temperature variation characteristics in a wide geographical area. In addition, we found that the area of Ejina Oasis is smaller (larger) when the mean maximum temperature is higher (lower), which may be due to a conjunction effect of natural and anthropogenic activities. Significant periodicities and correlations suggested that the TDS variations in Ejina Oasis were regulated by solar radiation and atmospheric circulations at the interannual and interdecadal time scales.
Form and Volume of the Stem of Tectona grandis L.f. in the Central-WESTERN Region of Brazil
Authors: Rocha Karen Janones da , Finger César Augusto Guimarães , Favalessa Cyro Matheus Cometti , Caldeira Sidney Fernando , Fleig Frederico Dimas
Published: November 2022

The international market has recognized the high value of Tectona grandis L.f. plantations, requiring the development of reliable and accurate tools and techniques to quantify forest stocks accurately. In this study, we developed suitable equations to estimate the stem diameters and volume of Tectona grandis trees in the central-western region of Brazil, evaluating the stem form change points (FCPs) and testing the stratification of data as a measure to control their variation. The Schöepfer model was tested in the study of the FCPs of the stem, and single equation, segmented and variable-exponent taper functions were used to describe the stem profile. After the selection of the model for the taper, data stratification in the DBH classes, form parameter “r” and artificial form factor were proposed. The total volumes of each tree were calculated by integrating the Clark III et al. model. The FCPs of the Tectona grandis stems occurred at 28%, 57% and 73% of the total height, corresponding, on average, to the absolute positions of 6.4 m, 13.3 m and 16.5 m. The Clark III et al. equation, without stratification, was the most appropriate equation to estimate the diameters along the stem and the volume of Tectona grandis trees in the central-western region of Brazil.
Abnormal Litter Induced by Typhoon Disturbances Had Higher Rates of Mass Loss and Carbon Release than Physiological Litter in Coastal Subtropical Urban Forest Ecosystems
Authors: Wang Huaibin , Xu Xiao , Wang Zhihui , Cao Rui , Zheng Bingqian , Song Siyu , Jiang Yurui , Zhu Qianyu , Yang Wanqin
Published: November 2022

The decomposition of abnormal litter caused by extreme weather events might play an increasingly important role in carbon and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems under climate change scenarios, which needs to be fully investigated. In August 2020, the abnormal foliar litter of the goldenrain tree (Koelreuteria bipinnata var. Integrifoliola), the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), and the weeping willow (Salix babylonica) after Typhoon Hagupit disturbance were collected and incubated on the soil surface at the Plant Ecology Research Base at Taizhou University, which is located on the eastern coast of China. Simultaneously, the physiological foliar litter of these three trees collected in the spring litter peak was incubated at the same site. The abnormal litter had higher concentrations of carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) and lower concentrations of lignin and cellulose than the physiological litter. The accumulative mass loss rates of abnormal litter in the goldenrain tree, the camphor tree, and the weeping willow during the incubation period increased by 7.72%, 29.78%, and 21.76% in comparison with physiological litter, and the corresponding carbon release increased by 9.10%, 24.15% and 19.55%, respectively. The autumn litter peak period and plum-rain season had higher rates of litter mass loss and carbon release, while the winter nongrowing season had lower rates. Accumulative mass loss, accumulative carbon release, daily mass loss and the daily carbon release of foliar litter were significantly and positively correlated with temperature and initial P concentrations, and significantly and negatively correlated with the initial C/P ratio, lignin/N ratio, and lignin/P ratio (p < 0.05). Compared with the physiological litter, abnormal litter had higher initial substrate quality, which may be the most important factor contributing to their high rates of mass loss and carbon release. The results imply that increasing tropical cyclones under climate change scenarios will facilitate carbon cycling in coastal urban forest ecosystems.
Anterior Umbilication of Lens in a Family with Congenital Cataracts Associated with a Missense Mutation of MIP Gene
Authors: Cheng Zhixing , Wang Xun , Wang Qiwei , Zhang Xulin , Wang Dongni , Huang Weiming , Dongye Meimei , Feng Xiaocheng , Zheng Danying , Lin Haotian
Published: November 2022

Congenital cataracts (CCs) have significant genotypic and phenotypic heterogeneity. The major intrinsic protein (MIP) gene, one of the causative genes of CCs, plays a vital role in maintaining the homeostasis and transparency of the lens. In this study, we identified a unique phenotype of anterior umbilication of the lens in a four-generation pedigree with CCs. All patients in the observed family had nystagmus, nuclear cataracts, and elongated axial lengths compared with their healthy counterparts except for patient I:2, whose axial length was unavailable, and patientII:4, who had total cataracts. We confirmed, using Sanger sequencing based on whole-exon sequencing (WES) data, that all patients carried a heterozygous variant NM_012064.4:c.97C > T (NP_036196.1:p.R33C) in their MIP gene. To our knowledge, 29 variants of the human MIP gene and the relative phenotypes associated with CCs have been identified. Nevertheless, this is the first report on the anterior umbilication of the lens with nuclear or total opacity caused by the c.97C > T (p.R33C) variant in the MIP gene. These results also provide evidence that the elongated axial length might be associated with this variant. This study further confirms the phenotypic heterogeneity of CCs.
The Sex-Specific Splicing of Doublesex in Brine Shrimp Artemia franciscana
Authors: Viet Dung Nguyen , Christiaens Olivier , De Vos Stephanie , Smagghe Guy , Bossier Peter
Published: November 2022

The understanding of sex determination and differentiation in animals has recently made remarkable strides through the use of advanced research tools. At the gene level, the Mab-3-related transcription factor (Dmrt) gene family, which encodes for the typical DNA-binding doublesex/Mab-3 (DM) domain in their protein, is known for its contribution to sex determination and differentiation in insects. In this study, DNA-binding DM domain screening has identified eight transcripts from Artemia franciscana transcriptomic that encode proteins containing one conserved DNA-binding DM domain. The genome mapping confirmed that these eight transcripts are transcribed from six different loci on the A. franciscana genome assembly. One of those loci, the Af.dsx-4 locus, is closely related to Doublesex, a gene belonging to the Dmrt gene family. This locus could be transcribed into three alternative transcripts, namely Af.dsx4, Af.dsxF and Af.dsxM. While Af.dsx4 and Af.dsxF could putatively be translated to form an identical Af.dsxF protein of 186 aa long, Af.dsxM translates for an Af.dsxM protein of 289 aa long but shares a DNA-binding DM domain. Interestingly, Af.dsxF and Af.dsxM are confirmed as sex-specific transcripts, Af.dsxF is only present in females, and Af.dsxM is only present in male individuals. The results suggest that the sex-specific splicing mechanism of the doublesex described in insects is also present in A. franciscana. Af.dxs-4 locus can be used in further studies to clarify the sex determination pathways in A. fracnciscana.
Investigation and Analysis of Anxiety and Quality of Life among Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients in Northwestern China
Authors: Wang Qing , Jia Junfeng , Zhang Kui , Zheng Zhaohui , Liu Huilin
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to provide targeted psychological support and effective nursing for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. SLE is a complex, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by recurrent episodes and the involvement of multiple organs. With improvements in SLE treatment and the corresponding increase in patients’ survival time, the quality of life (QoL) of SLE patients has become an important indicator for evaluating the effectiveness of clinical treatments. To explore the anxiety states and health-related QoL of SLE patients, 106 SLE patients were asked to provide responses for the short-form 36 health survey (SF36), and the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and Visual Analog Scale(VAS). Additionally, the Systemic Lupus Collaborative Clinics Damage Index (SDI) was analyzed. Data regarding patients’ age, gender, education level, occupation, family income, and duration of disease were collected. Regression analysis was performed to identify factors related to patients’ health-related QoL. For the SF36, the mental components score (MCS), mental health (MH), and bodily pain (BP) occupied dominant positions. Additionally, the MH domain was significantly associated with anxiety in SLE patients. Negative relationships were identified between irregular sleep and the scores for role limitations due to physical problem (RP), vitality (VT), and role limitations due to emotional problem (RE) domains. From the analysis of SLEDAI and SDI scores, anxiety among SLE patients was mainly affected by disease activity and quality of life. This study provides a preliminary understanding of the QoL of SLE patients in western China and highlights the need for the future development of strategies to provide targeted psychological support and effective nursing for SLE patients, in order to improve patients’ self-awareness, mental health, and QoL.
Pulmonary Toxicity and Proteomic Analysis in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluids and Lungs of Rats Exposed to Copper Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Kwon Jung-Taek , Kim Yoonjin , Choi Seonyoung , Yoon Byung-ll , Kim Hyun-Sook , Shim Ilseob , Sul Donggeun
Published: November 2022

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were intratracheally instilled into lungs at concentrations of 0, 0.15, and 1.5 mg/kg bodyweight to 7-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats. The cytotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and oxidative stress were evaluated, followed by proteomic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lungs of rats. The CuO NPs-exposed groups revealed dose-dependent increases in total cells, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, lactate dyhydrogenase, and total protein levels in BALF. Inflammatory cytokines, including macrophage inflammatory protein-2 and tumor necrosis factor-α, were increased in the CuO NPs-treated groups. The expression levels of catalase, glutathione peroxidase-1, and peroxiredoxin-2 were downregulated, whereas that of superoxide dismutase-2 was upregulated in the CuO NPs-exposed groups. Five heat shock proteins were downregulated in rats exposed to high concentrations of CuO NPs. In proteomic analysis, 17 proteins were upregulated or downregulated, and 6 proteins were validated via Western blot analysis. Significant upregulation of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase and fidgetin-like 1 and downregulation of annexin II, HSP 47 and proteasome α1 occurred in the CuO NPs exposed groups. Taken together, this study provides additional insight into pulmonary cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity as well as oxidative stress in rats exposed to CuO NPs. Proteomic analysis revealed potential toxicological biomarkers of CuO NPs, which also reveals the toxicity mechanisms of CuO NPs.
Genome-Wide Analysis of SAUR Gene Family Identifies a Candidate Associated with Fruit Size in Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.)
Authors: Peng Ze , Li Wenxiang , Gan Xiaoqing , Zhao Chongbin , Paudel Dev , Su Wenbing , Lv Juan , Lin Shunquan , Liu Zongli , Yang Xianghui
Published: November 2022

Fruit size is an important fruit quality trait that influences the production and commodity values of loquats (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.). The Small Auxin Upregulated RNA (SAUR) gene family has proven to play a vital role in the fruit development of many plant species. However, it has not been comprehensively studied in a genome-wide manner in loquats, and its role in regulating fruit size remains unknown. In this study, we identified 95 EjSAUR genes in the loquat genome. Tandem duplication and segmental duplication contributed to the expansion of this gene family in loquats. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the SAURs from Arabidopsis, rice, and loquat into nine clusters. By analyzing the transcriptome profiles in different tissues and at different fruit developmental stages and comparing two sister lines with contrasting fruit sizes, as well as by functional predictions, a candidate gene (EjSAUR22) highly expressed in expanding fruits was selected for further functional investigation. A combination of Indoleacetic acid (IAA) treatment and virus-induced gene silencing revealed that EjSAUR22 was not only responsive to auxin, but also played a role in regulating cell size and fruit expansion. The findings from our study provide a solid foundation for understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling fruit size in loquats, and also provide potential targets for manipulation of fruit size to accelerate loquat breeding.
Multiple Functions of Malpighian Tubules in Insects: A Review
Authors: Farina Priscilla , Bedini Stefano , Conti Barbara
Published: November 2022

The Malpighian Tubules (MTs) are the main excretory organs in most insects. They play a key role in the production of primary urine and osmoregulation, selectively reabsorbing water, ions, and solutes. Besides these functions conserved in most insects, MTs can serve some specialized tasks at different stages of some species’ development. The specialized functions include the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides and proteins for the building of foam nests, mucofibrils for the construction of dwelling tubes, adhesive secretions to help the locomotion, and brochosomes for protection as well as the usage of inorganic salts to harden the puparia, eggs chorion, and pupal cells’ closing lids. MTs are also the organs responsible for the astonishing bioluminescence of some Diptera glowworms and can go through some drastic histological changes to produce a silk-like fiber utilized to spin cocoons. The specialized functions are associated with modifications of cells within the entire tubules, in specific segments, or, more rarely, modified secretory cells scattered along the MTs. In this review, we attempted to summarize the observations and experiments made over more than a century concerning the non-excretive functions of insects’ MTs, underlying the need for new investigations supported by the current, advanced technologies available to validate outdated theories and clarify some dubious aspects.
Effects of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi-Colonized Populus alba × P. berolinensis Seedlings on the Microbial and Metabolic Status of Gypsy Moth Larvae
Authors: Tan Mingtao , Li Yaning , Xu Jinsheng , Yan Shanchun , Jiang Dun
Published: November 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are considered as important biological factors that can affect insect resistance of plants. Herein, we used AMF-poplar seedlings that could either increase or decrease the resistance to gypsy moth larvae, to elucidate the mechanism of mycorrhizal-induced insect resistance/susceptibility at the larval microbial and metabolic levels. Our results found that larval plant consumption and growth were significantly inhibited in the Glomus mossae (GM)-colonized seedlings, whereas they were enhanced in the Glomus intraradices (GI)-colonized seedlings. GM inoculation reduced the beneficial bacteria abundance in the larval gut and inhibited the detoxification and metabolic functions of gut microbiota. However, GI inoculation improved the larval gut environment by decreasing the pathogenic bacteria and activating specific metabolic pathways. Furthermore, GM inoculation triggers a metabolic disorder in the larval fat body, accompanied by the suppression of detoxification and energy production pathways. The levels of differentially accumulated metabolites related to amino acid synthesis and metabolism and exogenous toxin metabolism pathways were significantly increased in the GI group. Taken together, the disadaptation of gypsy moth larvae to leaves of GM-colonized seedlings led to the GM-induced insect resistance in poplar, and to the GI-induced insect susceptibility involved in the improvement of larval gut environment and fat body energy metabolism.
The Effects of Virtual Reality in Targeting Transdiagnostic Factors for Mental Health: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Gardini Valentina , Gamberini Giorgia , Müller Sophia , Grandi Silvana , Tomba Elena
Published: November 2022

Virtual reality (VR) was found to be effective in the treatment of several specific psychopathologies. However, the effects of VR-based interventions beyond the disorder-specific approach and their ability to improve transdiagnostic factors of mental disorders are unknown. This PRISMA systematic review was conducted using databases PubMed and PsycINFO, searching articles published between 2010 and September 2022. Keywords “emotion regulation”, “cognitive reappraisal”, “avoidance”, “impulsivity”, “aggression”, and “disinhibition” were combined with “virtual reality” to retrieve studies showing the effects of VR-based interventions on these transdiagnostic factors. 29 experimental studies and seven case-studies were selected. A total of 23 considered avoidance, eight dealt with emotion regulation, three concerned aggression, two addressed impulsivity, two dealt with cognitive reappraisal, and none examined disinhibition. Most of the studies included anxiety disorder patients (n = 15), especially with specific phobias (n = 8) and social anxiety disorder (n = 4). VR managed to improve all transdiagnostic factors, with results often maintained at follow-ups (n = 21 studies; range: 1–12 months) and similar to traditional interventions (e.g., cognitive-behavioral therapy). Exploring the transdiagnostic potential of VR may help to reduce costs and improve applicability in clinical psychology. While results were promising, further studies are needed for aggression, impulsivity and cognitive reappraisal, especially including follow-ups, comparisons with first-line treatments, and understudied clinical populations.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Mental Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Five Countries: A One-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Long Di , Bonsel Gouke J. , Lubetkin Erica I. , Yfantopoulos John N. , Janssen Mathieu F. , Haagsma Juanita A.
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to investigate socioeconomic and health-related determinants and recent life events and their relation to changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental well-being during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. A web-based survey was administered repeatedly to participants from Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Primary outcome measures were HRQoL (measured by EQ-5D-5L) and mental well-being (measured by WHO-5). Linear regression analyses were performed to estimate the impact of determinants on HRQoL and well-being. In total, 6765 respondents completed the questionnaire at T1 (April–May 2020) and T2 (May–June 2021). Regarding results, 33% showed improved HRQoL at T2, whereas 31% deteriorated. In terms of mental well-being, 44% improved and 41% deteriorated. The greatest deterioration in HRQoL and mental well-being from T1 to T2 was observed with an increasing number of chronic conditions. The effect of negative life events on HRQoL and mental well-being was larger than the effect of positive life events. We conclude that slightly more respondents showed improved rather than deteriorated HRQoL and mental well-being, with some variation by outcome measure and country.
The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Clinical Practice Patterns in Atrial Fibrillation: A Multicenter Clinician Survey in China
Authors: Hu Feng , Zang Minhua , Zheng Lihui , Chen Wensheng , Guo Jinrui , Du Zhongpeng , Liang Erpeng , Shen Lishui , Hu Xiaofeng , Xu Xuelian , Hu Gaifeng , Li Aihua , Huang Jianfeng , Yao Yan , Pu Jun
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted healthcare systems worldwide. This study investigated cardiologists’ opinions on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted clinical practice patterns in atrial fibrillation (AF). A multicenter clinician survey, including demographic and clinical questions, was administered to 300 cardiologists from 22 provinces in China, in April 2022. The survey solicited information about their treatment recommendations for AF and their perceptions of how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their clinical practice patterns for AF. The survey was completed by 213 cardiologists (71.0%) and included employees in tertiary hospitals (82.6%) and specialists with over 10 years of clinical cardiology practice (53.5%). Most respondents stated that there were reductions in the number of inpatients and outpatients with AF in their hospital during the pandemic. A majority of participants stated that the pandemic had impacted the treatment strategies for all types of AF, although to different extents. Compared with that during the assumed non-pandemic period in the hypothetical clinical questions, the selection of invasive interventional therapies (catheter ablation, percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion) was significantly decreased (all p < 0.05) during the pandemic. There was no significant difference in the selection of non-invasive therapeutic strategies (the management of cardiovascular risk factors and concomitant diseases, pharmacotherapy for stroke prevention, heart rate control, and rhythm control) between the pandemic and non-pandemic periods (all p > 0.05). The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the clinical practice patterns of AF. The selection of catheter ablation and percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion was significantly reduced, whereas pharmacotherapy was often stated as the preferred option by participating cardiologists.
Screening and Management of Dyslipidemia in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Schefelker Juliette M. , Peterson Amy L.
Published: November 2022

This review provides an overview of pediatric dyslipidemia emphasizing screening and treatment recommendations. The presence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in childhood poses significant risk for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular events in adulthood. While atherogenic dyslipidemia is the most common dyslipidemia seen in children and can be suspected based on the presence of risk factors (such as obesity), familial hypercholesterolemia can be found in children with no risk factors. As such, universal cholesterol screening is recommended to identify children with these disorders in order to initiate treatment and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular disease. Treatment of pediatric dyslipidemia begins with lifestyle modifications, but primary genetic dyslipidemias may require medications such as statins. As pediatric lipid disorders often have genetic or familial components, it is important that all physicians are aware that cardiovascular risk begins in childhood, and can both identify these disorders in pediatric patients and counsel their adult patients with dyslipidemia to have their children screened.
In Vivo Validation of a Novel Computational Approach to Assess Microcirculatory Resistance Based on a Single Angiographic View
Authors: Fan Yongzhen , Fezzi Simone , Sun Pengcheng , Ding Nan , Li Xiaohui , Hu Xiaorong , Wang Shuang , Wijns William , Lu Zhibing , Tu Shengxian
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: In spite of the undeniable clinical value of the index of microvascular resistance (IMR) in assessing the status of coronary microcirculation, its use globally remains very low. The aim of this study was to validate the novel single-view, pressure-wire- and adenosine-free angiographic microvascular resistance (AMR) index, having the invasive wire-based IMR as a reference standard. (2) Methods: one hundred and sixty-three patients (257 vessels) were investigated with pressure wire-based IMR. Microvascular dysfunction (CMD) was defined by IMR ≥ 25. AMR was independently computed from the diagnostic coronary angiography in a blinded fashion. (3) Results: AMR demonstrated a good correlation (r = 0.83, p < 0.001) and diagnostic performance (AUC 0.94; 95% CI: 0.91 to 0.97) compared with wire-based IMR. The best cutoff value for AMR in determining IMR ≥ 25 was 2.5 mmHg*s/cm. The overall diagnostic accuracy of AMR was 87.2% (95% CI: 83.0% to 91.3%), with a sensitivity of 93.5% (95% CI: 87.0% to 97.3%), a specificity of 82.7% (95% CI: 75.6% to 88.4%), a positive predictive value of 79.4% (95% CI: 71.2% to 86.1%) and a negative predictive value of 94.7% (95% CI: 89.3% to 97.8%). No difference in terms of CMD rate was described among different clinical presentations. (4) Conclusions: AMR derived solely from a single angiographic view is a feasible computational alternative to pressure wire-based IMR, with good diagnostic accuracy in assessing CMD.
In Vivo Anatomical Research by 3D CT Reconstruction Determines Minimum Acromiohumeral, Coracohumeral, and Glenohumeral Distances in the Human Shoulder: Evaluation of Age and Sex Association in a Sample of the Chinese Population
Authors: Chen Xi , Liu Chang , Liang Tangzhao , Ren Jianhua , Su Shouwen , Li Ping , Zhu Shaoshen , Chen Yanbin , Peng You , He Weiping , Jiang Shihai , Wang Kun
Published: November 2022

Accurate measurement of the minimum distance between bony structures of the humeral head and the acromion or coracoid helps advance a better understanding of the shoulder anatomical features. Our goal was to precisely determine the minimum acromiohumeral distance (AHD), coracohumeral distance (CHD), and glenohumeral distance (GHD) in a sample of the Chinese population as an in vivo anatomical analysis. We retrospectively included 146 patients who underwent supine computed tomography (CT) examination of the shoulder joint. The minimum AHD, CHD, and GHD values were quantitatively measured using three-dimensional (3D) CT reconstruction techniques. The correlation between minimum AHD, CHD, and GHD value and age with different sexes was evaluated using Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The mean value of minimum AHD in males was greater than that in females (male 7.62 ± 0.98 mm versus female 7.27 ± 0.86 mm, p = 0.046). The CHD among different sexes differed significantly (male 10.75 ± 2.40 mm versus female 8.76 ± 1.38 mm, p < 0.001). However, we found no statistical differences in GHD with different sexes (male 2.00 ± 0.31 mm versus female 1.96 ± 0.36 mm, p > 0.05). In terms of age correlation, a negative curve correlation existed between age and AHD among the different sexes (male R2 = 0.124, p = 0.030, female R2 = 0.112, p = 0.005). A negative linear correlation was found in CHD among the different sexes (male R2 = 0.164, p < 0.001, female R2 = 0.122, p = 0.005). There were no differences between age and minimum GHD in both sexes. The 3D CT reconstruction model can accurately measure the minimum AHD, CHD, and GHD value in vivo and is worthy of further investigation for standard clinical anatomical assessment. Aging may correlate with AHD and CHD narrowing for both sexes.
How Generation X and Millennials Perceive Influencers’ Recommendations: Perceived Trustworthiness, Product Involvement, and Perceived Risk
Authors: Cabeza-Ramírez L. Javier , Fuentes-García Fernando J. , Cano-Vicente M. Carmen , González-Mohino Miguel
Published: November 2022

Previous literature has found underlying differences in purchasing behaviors, consumption habits, and Internet and social media usage between Generation X and Millennials. The activities and how users engage with consumer advice made by popular social media personalities can differ according to their age. Recent studies have shown that trust in the message transmitted by influencers is a critical factor in explaining the impact of consumer recommendations on their followers. However, so far there is little evidence of the possible variation according to the generational cohort to which they belong. This paper attempts to fill this gap by reviewing theoretical contributions on the relationships between perceived trustworthiness, perceived risk, product involvement, and purchase intention. Next, we proposed an exploratory model that analyzes the differences through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with multigroup analysis. The resulting hypotheses were tested on a sample of 116 Millennial and 135 Generation X influencer followers. The results confirmed moderating effects of the generational cohort on message credibility and purchase intention, as well as on Millennials’ risk perception. Additionally, social norm and gender were analyzed, and heterogeneity was found according to the level of social norm of the followers.
Effect of Cutting Parameters on Nano-Cutting of Single Crystal γ-TiAl Alloy with Water Medium via Atomistic Simulation
Authors: Dong Nan , Wei Peng , Yao Peng , Ma Shuzhen , Li Jianhua
Published: November 2022

In this paper, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to investigate the effects of machining parameters on the nanomachining and subsurface defect evolution of single crystal γ-TiAl alloys with water medium. The changes of cutting force and cutting temperature with water medium were analyzed in the nano-cutting process, and the subsurface defects and crystal structure changes of the workpiece were studied by common neighbor analysis (CNA) method. The results show that increasing the cutting speed appropriately can reduce the friction between the workpiece and the tool, and improve the machining efficiency. With the increase in cutting depth, the temperature of the Newtonian layer increases gradually, and the cooling of the water medium reduces the temperature of the workpiece. The defect evolution becomes severe and the number of BCC atoms increases with the increase in cutting depth. With the increase in cutting distance, the number of HCP atoms decreases and the number of BCC atoms basically remains stable. In addition, as the cutting speed increases, the internal stress of the workpiece gradually extends to the inside of the workpiece along the depth direction. There is more compressive stress in the unmachined area and the shear zone between the tool and the workpiece.
Holocene Lacustrine Abiotic Aragonitic Ooids from the Western Qaidam Basin, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Lin Yongjie , Power Ian M. , Chen Wenxi
Published: November 2022

Carbonate ooids are a significant component of shallow water carbonate deposits in the present and geologic past, yet their origin and formation mechanism have been the subject of continuing debate. This study focuses on the well-preserved Holocene aragonitic ooids collected from the west Qaidam Basin, Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The mineralogical and chemical compositions, and stable (δ13C and δ18O), and radiocarbon isotopes of the ooids were analyzed to investigate their formation and develop a depositional model. The ooids formed approximately 5377±61 cal BP, and their cortices were composed of microcrystalline aragonite, with most nuclei being quartz grains. Stable carbon and oxygen isotopes indicate that authigenic aragonite precipitation is driven by evaporation and associated degassing of CO2 under turbulence conditions in a shallow alkaline lakes. Furthermore, eletron microscopy showed no presence of microfossils in ooid cortices or other evidence of microbial activity. Therefore, we propose that aragonite precipitation during ooid formation is most likely induced abiotically by increasing alkalinity due to evapoconcentration of lake waters based on an absence of an efficient carbonate-inducing metabolic pathway. New observations and detailed analyses of aragonitic ooid samples in the Qaidam Basin provide an improved understanding of the origin and formation processes of carbonate ooid in modern environment and the geologic past.
B3Al4+: A Three-Dimensional Molecular Reuleaux Triangle
Authors: Bai Li-Xia , Orozco-Ic Mesías , Zarate Ximena , Sundholm Dage , Pan Sudip , Guo Jin-Chang , Merino Gabriel
Published: November 2022

We systematically explore the potential energy surface of the B3Al4+ combination of atoms. The putative global minimum corresponds to a structure formed by an Al4 square facing a B3 triangle. Interestingly, the dynamical behavior can be described as a Reuleaux molecular triangle since it involves the rotation of the B3 triangle at the top of the Al4 square. The molecular dynamics simulations, corroborating with the very small rotational barriers of the B3 triangle, show its nearly free rotation on the Al4 ring, confirming the fluxional character of the cluster. Moreover, while the chemical bonding analysis suggests that the multicenter interaction between the two fragments determines its fluxionality, the magnetic response analysis reveals this cluster as a true and fully three-dimensional aromatic system.