bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial colonization patterns and biodegradation of petrochemical and biodegradable plastics in lake waters: insights from a field experiment
Authors: Di Pippo Francesca , Bocci Valerio , Amalfitano Stefano , Crognale Simona , Levantesi Caterina , Pietrelli Loris , Di Lisio Valerio , Martinelli Andrea , Rossetti Simona
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Once dispersed in water, plastic materials become promptly colonized by biofilm-forming microorganisms, commonly known as plastisphere.

Methods

By combining DNA sequencing and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM), we investigated the plastisphere colonization patterns following exposure to natural lake waters (up to 77 days) of either petrochemical or biodegradable plastic materials (low density polyethylene - LDPE, polyethylene terephthalate - PET, polylactic acid - PLA, and the starch-based MaterBi® - Mb) in comparison to planktonic community composition. Chemical composition, water wettability, and morphology of plastic surfaces were evaluated, through Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and static contact angle analysis, to assess the possible effects of microbial colonization and biodegradation activity.

Results and Discussion

The phylogenetic composition of plastisphere and planktonic communities was notably different. Pioneering microbial colonisers, likely selected from lake waters, were found associated with all plastic materials, along with a core of more than 30 abundant bacterial families associated with all polymers. The different plastic materials, either derived from petrochemical hydrocarbons (i.e., LDPE and PET) or biodegradable (PLA and Mb), were used by opportunistic aquatic microorganisms as adhesion surfaces rather than carbon sources. The Mb-associated microorganisms (i.e. mostly members of the family Burkholderiaceae) were likely able to degrade the starch residues on the polymer surfaces, although the Mb matrix maintained its original chemical structure and morphology. Overall, our findings provide insights into the complex interactions between aquatic microorganisms and plastic materials found in lake waters, highlighting the importance of understanding the plastisphere dynamics to better manage the fate of plastic debris in the environment.
The emerging roles of protein arginine methyltransferases in antiviral innate immune signaling pathways
Authors: Nie Hui , Li Qingchao , Pan Wei
Published: December 2023

The Protein Arginine Methyltransferases (PRMTs) family is involved in various biological processes, including gene transcription, pre-mRNA splicing, mRNA translation, and protein stability. Recently, mounting evidence has shown that PRMTs also play critical roles in regulating the host antiviral immune response, either in an enzymatic activity dependent or independent manner. This review aims to provide an overview of the recent findings regarding the function and regulatory mechanisms of PRMTs in the antiviral response. These findings have the potential to aid in the discovery and design of novel therapeutic strategies for viral infections.
Root exudate fingerprint of Brachiaria humidicola reveals vanillin as a novel and effective nitrification inhibitor
Authors: Egenolf Konrad , Schöne Jochen , Conrad Jürgen , Braunberger Christina , Beifuß Uwe , Arango Jacobo , Rasche Frank
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) is defined as the plant-mediated control of soil nitrification via the release of nitrification inhibitors. BNI of Brachiaria humidicola (syn. Urochloa humidicola) has been mainly attributed to root-exuded fusicoccane-type diterpenes, e.g., 3-epi-brachialactone. We hypothesized, however, that BNI of B. humidicola is caused by an assemblage of bioactive secondary metabolites.

Methods:B. humidicola root exudates were collected hydroponically, and metabolites were isolated by semi-preparative HPLC. Chemical structures were elucidated by HRMS as well as 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. Nitrification inhibiting potential of isolated metabolites was evaluated by a Nitrosomonas europaea based bioassay.

Results and discussion: Besides previously described brachialactone isomers and derivatives, five phenol and cinnamic acid derivatives were identified in the root exudates of B. humidicola: 2-hydroxy-3-(hydroxymethyl)benzaldehyde, vanillin, umbelliferone and both trans- and cis-2,6-dimethoxycinnamic acid. Notably, vanillin revealed a substantially higher nitrification inhibiting activity than 3-epi-brachialactone (ED50 ∼ 12.5 μg·ml−1, ED80 ∼ 20 μg·ml−1), identifying this phenolic aldehyde as novel nitrification inhibitor (NI). Furthermore, vanillin exudation rates were in the same range as 3-epi-brachialactone (1–4 μg·h−1·g−1 root DM), suggesting a substantial contribution to the overall inhibitory activity of B. humidicola root exudates. In relation to the verification of the encountered effects within soils and considering the exclusion of any detrimental impact on the soil microbiome, the biosynthetic pathway of vanillin via the precursor phenylalanine and the intermediates p-coumaric acid/ferulic acid (precursors of further phenolic NI) might constitute a promising BNI breeding target. This applies not only to Brachiaria spp., but also to crops in general, owing to the highly conserved nature of these metabolites.
Alterations in brain network functional connectivity and topological properties in DRE patients
Authors: Ding Yongqiang , Guo Kunlin , Li Jialiang , Shan Qiao , Guo Yongkun , Chen Mingming , Wu Yuehui , Wang Xinjun
Published: December 2023

Objective

The study aimed to find the difference in functional network topology on interictal electroencephalographic (EEG) between patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and healthy people.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records as well as EEG data of ten patients with DRE and recruited five sex-age-matched healthy controls (HC group). Each participant remained awake while undergoing video-electroencephalography (vEEG) monitoring. After excluding data that contained abnormal discharges, we screened EEG segments that were free of artifacts and put them together into 20-min segments. The screened data was bandpass filtered to different frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta, and gamma). The weighted phase lag index (wPLI) and the network properties were calculated to evaluate changes in the topology of the functional network. Finally, the results were statistically analyzed, and the false discovery rate (FDR) was used to correct for differences after multiple comparisons.

Results

In the full frequency band (0.5–45 Hz), the functional connectivity in the DRE group during the interictal period was significantly lower than that in the HC group (p < 0.05). Compared to the HC group, in the full frequency band, the DRE group exhibited significantly decreased clustering coefficient (CC), node degree (D), and global efficiency (GE), while the characteristic path length (CPL) significantly increased (p < 0.05). In the sub-frequency bands, the functional connectivity of the DRE group was significantly lower than that of the HC group in the delta band but higher in the alpha, beta, and gamma bands (p < 0.05). The statistical results of network properties revealed that in the delta band, the DRE group had significantly decreased values for D, CC, and GE, but in the alpha, beta, and gamma bands, these values were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, the CPL of the DRE group significantly increased in the delta and theta bands but significantly decreased in the alpha, beta, and gamma bands (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The topology structure of the functional network in DRE patients was significantly changed compared with healthy people, which was reflected in different frequency bands. It provided a theoretical basis for understanding the pathological network alterations of DRE.
Transcriptome analysis of skeletal muscle in dermatomyositis, polymyositis, and dysferlinopathy, using a bioinformatics approach
Authors: Jeong Ha-Neul , Lee Taek Gyu , Park Hyung Jun , Yang Young , Oh Seung-Hun , Kang Seong-Woong , Choi Young-Chul
Published: December 2023

Background

Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are two distinct subgroups of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. Dysferlinopathy, caused by a dysferlin gene mutation, usually presents in late adolescence with muscle weakness, degenerative muscle changes are often accompanied by inflammatory infiltrates, often resulting in a misdiagnosis as polymyositis.

Objective

To identify differential biological pathways and hub genes related to polymyositis, dermatomyositis and dysferlinopathy using bioinformatics analysis for understanding the pathomechanisms and providing guidance for therapy development.

Methods

We analyzed intramuscular ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing data from seven dermatomyositis, eight polymyositis, eight dysferlinopathy and five control subjects. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by using DESeq2. Enrichment analyses were performed to understand the functions and enriched pathways of DEGs. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and clarified the gene cluster using the molecular complex detection tool (MCODE) analysis to identify hub genes.

Results

A total of 1,048, 179 and 3,807 DEGs were detected in DM, PM and dysferlinopathy, respectively. Enrichment analyses revealed that upregulated DEGs were involved in type 1 interferon (IFN1) signaling pathway in DM, antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen in PM, and cellular response to stimuli in dysferlinopathy. The PPI network and MCODE cluster identified 23 genes related to type 1 interferon signaling pathway in DM, 4 genes (PDIA3, HLA-C, B2M, and TAP1) related to MHC class 1 formation and quality control in PM, and 7 genes (HSPA9, RPTOR, MTOR, LAMTOR1, LAMTOR5, ATP6V0D1, and ATP6V0B) related to cellular response to stress in dysferliniopathy.

Conclusion

Overexpression of genes related to the IFN1 signaling pathway and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I formation was identified in DM and PM, respectively. In dysferlinopathy, overexpression of HSPA9 and the mTORC1 signaling pathway genes was detected.
fMRI-based neurofeedback strategies and the way forward to treating phasic psychiatric symptoms
Authors: Donantueno Candela , Yger Pierre , Cabestaing François , Jardri Renaud
Published: December 2023

Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are the perfect illustration of phasic symptoms in psychiatric disorders. For some patients and in some situations, AVH cannot be relieved by standard therapeutic approaches. More advanced treatments are needed, among which neurofeedback, and more specifically fMRI-based neurofeedback, has been considered. This paper discusses the different possibilities to approach neurofeedback in the specific context of phasic symptoms, by highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the available neurofeedback options. It concludes with the added value of the recently introduced information-based neurofeedback. Although requiring an online fMRI signal classifier, which can be quite complex to implement, this neurofeedback strategy opens a door toward an alternative treatment option for complex phasic symptomatology.
Differential expression of PSMC4, SKP1, and HSPA8 in Parkinson’s disease: insights from a Mexican mestizo population
Authors: Salas-Leal Alma C. , Salas-Pacheco Sergio M. , Hernández-Cosaín Erik I. , Vélez-Vélez Lilia M. , Antuna-Salcido Elizabeth I. , Castellanos-Juárez Francisco X. , Méndez-Hernández Edna M. , Llave-León Osmel La , Quiñones-Canales Gerardo , Arias-Carrión Oscar , Sandoval-Carrillo Ada A. , Salas-Pacheco José M.
Published: December 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex neurodegenerative condition characterized by alpha-synuclein aggregation and dysfunctional protein degradation pathways. This study investigates the differential gene expression of pivotal components (UBE2K, PSMC4, SKP1, and HSPA8) within these pathways in a Mexican-Mestizo PD population compared to healthy controls. We enrolled 87 PD patients and 87 controls, assessing their gene expression levels via RT-qPCR. Our results reveal a significant downregulation of PSMC4, SKP1, and HSPA8 in the PD group (p = 0.033, p = 0.003, and p = 0.002, respectively). Logistic regression analyses establish a strong association between PD and reduced expression of PSMC4, SKP1, and HSPA8 (OR = 0.640, 95% CI = 0.415–0.987; OR = 0.000, 95% CI = 0.000–0.075; OR = 0.550, 95% CI = 0.368–0.823, respectively). Conversely, UBE2K exhibited no significant association or expression difference between the groups. Furthermore, we develop a gene expression model based on HSPA8, PSMC4, and SKP1, demonstrating robust discrimination between healthy controls and PD patients. Notably, the model’s diagnostic efficacy is particularly pronounced in early-stage PD. In conclusion, our study provides compelling evidence linking decreased gene expression of PSMC4, SKP1, and HSPA8 to PD in the Mexican-Mestizo population. Additionally, our gene expression model exhibits promise as a diagnostic tool, particularly for early-stage PD diagnosis.
Improving the nutrient quality of foods and beverages using product specific standards for positive nutrients and ingredients will help to increase mean population intakes toward dietary guidelines
Authors: Dötsch-Klerk Mariska , Carvalho Sara , Lawrence Corrine F. , Willems Julie I.
Published: December 2023

Background

A shift toward more sustainable diets, rich in plant-based foods and with fewer animal-derived foods, is needed and will lead to improved health and environmental benefits. Food industry needs to play a part and broaden the scope of product reformulation beyond the reduction of nutrients to limit to increasing ingredients and nutrients in line with dietary recommendations for a healthy sustainable diet.

Methods

The Positive Nutrition Standards (PNS) were defined to increase the consumption of recommended ingredients and nutrients. The PNS were set by translating WHO and Codex guidance into product group standards, considering the role of the product group in the diet. The potential impact of the PNS for vegetables, wholegrain and fibre was modeled using data from the US NHANES 2017–2018 survey, assuming that, foods consumed would be reformulated to meet the standards where relevant.

Results

The modeling showed that application of the PNS could increase mean population intakes by 30% for fibre, by more than 50% for vegetables and even double the intake of wholegrain. However, reformulation alone would not be sufficient to reach recommended intake levels.

Conclusion

The PNS described in this paper can help to increase intakes of relevant positive nutrients and ingredients. However, a multistakeholder approach is needed to encourage consumers to make additionally required dietary shifts to meet the recommendations for positive nutrients and ingredients.
Giant cell temporal arteritis: a clinicopathological study with emphasis on unnecessary biopsy
Authors: Alkatan Hind M. , AlMana Fawziah , Maktabi Azza M. Y.
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Temporal artery (TA) biopsy is commonly used for the diagnosis of giant cell arteritis (GCA). However, a positive biopsy is no longer mandatory for diagnosis. This study aims to correlate the histopathological findings of TA biopsies in suspected cases of GCA to the clinical presentation in an ophthalmic tertiary eye care center to draw useful conclusions and advocate the possible implementation of guidelines for TA biopsy.

Methods

Data was collected from patients’ medical records including, demographics, clinical data, and histopathological findings and diagnosis. The 2022 American College of Rheumatology/ European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (ACR/EULAR) criteria have been used and partially adopted as a guide to compare the variables between TA biopsy-positive and negative groups as well as the TA biopsy-positive group and the group of patients with TA biopsy showing atherosclerosis.

Results

Out of the total 35 patients who underwent a TA biopsy during the period of 23 years, 22.9% of patients had histopathological findings consistent with GCA and 42.9% had TA atherosclerotic changes, while the remaining 34.3% had histologically unremarkable TA. The mean age of all patients was 66 ± 10.9 years. Slightly more than half were females (54.3%) and the remaining were males (45.7%). In the group with positive TA biopsies, the mean age was 71 ± 8.4 years with a higher female predominance (female-to-male ratio of 5:3). The mean diagnostic clinical score used in our study was higher (7.5 ± 2.33) in the GCA-positive group when compared to the other groups with statistical significance (mean of 4.85 ± 2.01 in patients with overall GCA-negative biopsies and 5.13 ± 2.10 in the group with atherosclerosis). Other three clinical variables that were found to be statistically significant in the GCA biopsy-positive group were scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, and optic nerve pallor.

Discussion

The mean age (71 ± 8.4 years) and the female predominance of GCA in our group of patients with positive TA biopsy (62.5%) was like other reports. In our study 22.9% of performed TA biopsies over the period of the study were positive confirming the diagnosis of GCA on histological exam, which was similar to another report and is considered to be relatively low. The incorporation of increased clinically focused assessments and algorithms, with the aid of the ACR/EULAR criteria, may decrease the frequency of TA biopsies that carries unnecessary cost and risk of procedure-related morbidity. We highly recommend applying the age of ≥ 50 years as an initial criterion for diagnosis, followed by the consideration of the statistically significant clinical features: scalp tenderness, jaw claudication, and optic nerve pallor.
Design of a trichogramma balls UAV delivery system and quality analysis of delivery operation
Authors: Xing Hang , Li Mengjie , Qin Yijuan , Fan Gangao , Zhao Yinwei , Lv Jia , Li Jiyu
Published: December 2023

The field boundaries in our country are complex. In attempts to control pests via trichogramma-dominated biological control, the long-term practice of manual trichogramma release has resulted in low control efficiency, thereby impeding sustainable agricultural development. Currently, the novel approach involves utilizing Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for trichogramma balls delivery; however, the system is still in its nascent stages, presenting opportunities for enhancement in terms of stability and accuracy. Furthermore, there is a notable absence of comprehensive operational quality assessment standards. In this study, we establish a stable and accurate trichogramma balls delivery system using a four-axis plant protection UAV and introduce a comprehensive evaluation method for trichogramma balls delivery system. When dealing with fields with complex boundaries, it is beneficial to divide them into rectangular, trapezoidal, and stepped small fields at the boundary and perform operations within these small fields. According to our proposed evaluation method, when only considering the effect of field operations, the most effective boundary division shape is trapezoidal, followed by rectangular. and the worst is stepped. If both field operation effectiveness and the utilization effect of placed trichogramma balls are considered, the optimal shape is trapezoidal, then stepped, with rectangular being the least effective. Consequently, for UAV sub-area operations in complex boundary fields, it is advisable to divide the boundaries into trapezoids wherever possible. Field experiment results indicate that the system’s delivery area can reach up to 4158 m²/min and the coverage rate of released trichogramma balls can exceed 97%. The system design methodology and comprehensive operational quality evaluation method proposed in this article provide technical support and scientific basis for the application and promotion of UAV delivery trichogramma balls system. This is conducive to the high-quality development of agriculture.
Abscisic acid biosynthesis, metabolism and signaling in ripening fruit
Authors: Wu Wei , Cao Shi-feng , Shi Li-yu , Chen Wei , Yin Xue-ren , Yang Zhen-feng
Published: December 2023

Fruits are highly recommended nowadays in human diets because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, fibers and other necessary nutrients. The final stage of fruit production, known as ripening, plays a crucial role in determining the fruit’s quality and commercial value. This is a complex physiological process, which involves many phytohormones and regulatory factors. Among the phytohormones involved in fruit ripening, abscisic acid (ABA) holds significant importance. ABA levels generally increase during the ripening process in most fruits, and applying ABA externally can enhance fruit flavor, hasten softening, and promote color development through complex signal regulation. Therefore, gaining a deeper understanding of ABA’s mechanisms in fruit ripening is valuable for regulating various fruit characteristics, making them more suitable for consumption or storage. This, in turn, can generate greater economic benefits and reduce postharvest losses. This article provides an overview of the relationship between ABA and fruit ripening. It summarizes the effects of ABA on ripening related traits, covering the biochemical aspects and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Additionally, the article discusses the interactions of ABA with other phytohormones during fruit ripening, especially ethylene, and provides perspectives for future exploration in this field.
Host plant-mediated effects on Buchnera symbiont: implications for biological characteristics and nutritional metabolism of pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum)
Authors: Liu Hui-ping , Yang Qiao-yan , Liu Jing-xing , Haq Inzamam Ul , Li Yan , Zhang Qiang-yan , Attia Kotb A. , Abushady Asmaa M. , Liu Chang-zhong , Lv Ning
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, is a typical sap-feeding insect and an important worldwide pest. There is a primary symbiont-Buchnera aphidicola, which can synthesize and provide some essential nutrients for its host. At the same time, the hosts also can actively adjust the density of bacterial symbiosis to cope with the changes in environmental and physiological factors. However, it is still unclear how symbionts mediate the interaction between herbivorous insects’ nutrient metabolism and host plants.

Methods

The current study has studied the effects of different host plants on the biological characteristics, Buchnera titer, and nutritional metabolism of pea aphids. This study investigated the influence of different host plants on biological characteristics, Buchnera titer, and nutritional metabolism of pea aphids.

Results and discussion

The titer of Buchnera was significantly higher on T. Pretense and M. officinalis, and the relative expression levels were 1.966±0.104 and 1.621±0.167, respectively. The content of soluble sugar (53.46±1.97µg/mg), glycogen (1.12±0.07µg/mg) and total energy (1341.51±39.37µg/mg) of the pea aphid on V. faba were significantly higher and showed high fecundity (143.86±11.31) and weight (10.46±0.77µg/mg). The content of total lipids was higher on P. sativum and T. pretense, which were 2.82±0.03µg/mg and 2.92±0.07µg/mg, respectively. Correlation analysis found that the difference in Buchnera titer was positively correlated with the protein content in M. officinalis and the content of total energy in T. pratense (P < 0.05). This study confirmed that host plants not only affected the biological characteristics and nutritional metabolism of pea aphids but also regulated the symbiotic density, thus interfering with the nutritional function of Buchnera. The results can provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the influence of different host plants on the development of pea aphids and other insects.
Metagenomics-based exploration of key soil microorganisms contributing to continuously planted Casuarina equisetifolia growth inhibition and their interactions with soil nutrient transformation
Authors: Wang Yuhua , Lin Shaoxiong , Li Jianjuan , Jia Xiaoli , Hu Mingyue , Cai Yuhong , Cheng Pengyuan , Li Mingzhe , Chen Yiling , Lin Wenxiong , Wang Haibin , Wu Zeyan
Published: December 2023

Casuarina equisetifolia (C. equisetifolia) is an economically important forest tree species, often cultivated in continuous monoculture as a coastal protection forest. Continuous planting has gradually affected growth and severely restricted the sustainable development of the C. equisetifolia industry. In this study, we analyzed the effects of continuous planting on C. equisetifolia growth and explored the rhizosphere soil microecological mechanism from a metagenomic perspective. The results showed that continuous planting resulted in dwarfing, shorter root length, and reduced C. equisetifolia seedling root system. Metagenomics analysis showed that 10 key characteristic microorganisms, mainly Actinoallomurus, Actinomadura, and Mycobacterium, were responsible for continuously planted C. equisetifolia trees. Quantitative analysis showed that the number of microorganisms in these three genera decreased significantly with the increase of continuous planting. Gene function analysis showed that continuous planting led to the weakening of the environmental information processing-signal transduction ability of soil characteristic microorganisms, and the decrease of C. equisetifolia trees against stress. Reduced capacity for metabolism, genetic information processing-replication and repair resulted in reduced microbial propagation and reduced microbial quantity in the rhizosphere soil of C. equisetifolia trees. Secondly, amino acid metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, lipid metabolism, metabolism of cofactors and vitamins were all significantly reduced, resulting in a decrease in the ability of the soil to synthesize and metabolize carbon and nitrogen. These reduced capacities further led to reduced soil microbial quantity, microbial carbon and nitrogen, microbial respiration intensity, reduced soil enzyme nutrient cycling and resistance-related enzyme activities, a significant reduction in available nutrient content of rhizosphere soils, a reduction in the ion exchange capacity, and an impediment to C. equisetifolia growth. This study provides an important basis for the management of continuously planted C. equisetifolia plantations.
Deadlines make you productive, but what do they do to your motivation? Trajectories in quantity and quality of motivation and study activities among university students as exams approach
Authors: Capelle Jan Dirk , Senker Kerstin , Fries Stefan , Grund Axel
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Recent research has emphasized that achievement motivation is context-sensitive and varies within individual students. Ubiquitous temporal landmarks such as exams or deadlines are evident contextual factors that could systematically explain variation in motivation. Indeed, research has consistently found that university students increase their study efforts as exams come closer in time, indicating increasing study motivation. However, changes in study motivation for a specific exam as it comes closer have rarely been investigated. Instead, research on developmental changes in expectancy and value beliefs has consistently founds that achievement motivation declines over a semester. Surprisingly, declining motivation thus apparently coincides with increasing study efforts for end-of-semester exams.

Methods

The present research investigates this apparent contradiction by assessing how exam-specific motivation and study behavior change under equal methodological conditions as an exam draws closer. Using parallel growth curve models, we examine changes in expectancy-value beliefs, performance approach and avoidance motivation and study behavior as well as motivational want- and should-conflicts among 96 students over eight weekly measurement points.

Results and discussion

Results show that students study more for their exam as it comes closer and increase their use of surface learning strategies more rapidly than their use of deep learning strategies. However, even exam-specific expectancy and attainment value beliefs decline while performance-avoidance motivation increases over time, indicating that students increasingly study out of fear to fail as exams come closer. Consistent with these findings, students’ experience of should conflicts decreases while their want conflicts increase over time. We discuss several possible mechanisms underlying our findings in addition to potential theoretical consequences and suggest future research opportunities to better understand students’ changes in situative motivation and study behavior in the context of temporal landmarks.
“God gave you a special child because you are special”: difficulties, coping strategies, and parental burnout of Jewish mothers – a qualitative study
Authors: Findling Yifat , Barnoy Sivia , Itzhaki Michal
Published: December 2023

Background

“Parental Burnout” is a specific syndrome resulting from an imbalance between continuous exposure to chronic parenting stress and available protective resources. Mothers of children with special needs have an increased risk of Parental Burnout due to dealing with various difficulties from carrying out long-term childcare.

Purpose

To examine difficulties, coping strategies, and PB (risk factors and protective resources), among ultra-Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jewish mothers of children with special needs with high or low levels of Parental Burnout.

Methods

A qualitative study. Twelve mothers of children with special needs identified with high or low Parental Burnout via a quantitative study were interviewed. The constant-comparative analysis method was used to analyze the findings.

Findings

Three themes and twelve categories emerged: 1. Difficulties involved in motherhood with six categories: (a) caregiver burden, (b) task overload, (c) physical and mental self-neglect, (d) environmental, couple-hood, family and social neglect, (e) recognizing the gap between their child with special needs and other children of the same age, (f) the environment’s contradictory expectations from the mother; 2. Coping strategies with four categories: (a) practical, (b) spiritual, (c) social and (d) emotional; and 3. Parental Burnout, consequences and coping with two categories: (a) personal and environmental risk factors (e.g., fear of the future, difficulty in trusting others in taking care of their child), and (b) personal and environmental protective resources (e.g., sharing similar circumstances with other mothers, a belief in God).

Conclusions and implications

The findings contribute to understanding the unique difficulties, coping strategies and differences in risk factors and protective resources of Parental Burnout among ultra-Orthodox and non-Orthodox Jewish mothers of children with special needs. In order to alleviate the difficulties experienced by mothers and thus also reduce Parental Burnout risk factors and provide effective protective resources, it is recommended to develop empirically based professional guidance for policymakers, child development specialists, nurses, physiotherapists, and informal caregivers.
Measuring university students’ ability to recognize argument structures and fallacies
Authors: Berkle Yvonne , Schmitt Lukas , Tolzin Antonia , Janson Andreas , Wambsganss Thiemo , Leimeister Jan Marco , Leuchter Miriam
Published: December 2023

Theory

Argumentation is crucial for all academic disciplines. Nevertheless, a lack of argumentation skills among students is evident. Two core aspects of argumentation are the recognition of argument structures (e.g., backing up claims with premises, according to the Toulmin model) and the recognition of fallacies. As both aspects may be related to content knowledge, students studying different subjects might exhibit different argumentation skills depending on whether the content is drawn from their own or from a foreign subject. Therefore, we developed an instrument to measure the recognition of both argument structures and fallacies among the groups of preservice teachers and business economics students in both their respective domains (pedagogy and economics), and a neutral domain (sustainability). For the recognition of fallacies, we distinguished between congruent and incongruent fallacies. In congruent fallacies, the two aspects of argument quality, i.e., deductive validity and inductive strength, provide converging evidence against high argument quality. In incongruent fallacies, these two aspects diverge. Based on dual process theories, we expected to observe differences in the recognition of congruent and incongruent fallacies.

Aims

We investigated whether these two abilities are domain-specific and whether the recognition of fallacies depends on the congruence of two aspects of argument quality.

Methods

267 preservice teachers and 56 business economics students participated in the study. For the recognition of argument structures, participants assigned the five statements constituting one argument to the corresponding component according to the Toulmin model. For the recognition of fallacies, we created arguments and incorporated a common fallacy into some of them: formal fallacy, overgeneralization, irrelevance, or circularity. Participants rated whether the argument was cogent or not, which was followed by a brief justification.

Results

Domain specificity could not be found for either of both abilities. For the recognition of fallacies, two dimensions were found: a congruent dimension (formal fallacies and overgeneralizations) and an incongruent dimension (irrelevance and circularity).

Discussion

The instrument measures the recognition of both argument structures and fallacies in these two groups across domains. The recognition of fallacies differs depending on whether the deductive validity and the inductive strength of the argument are equally indicative of argument quality or not.
Lack of action–sentence compatibility effect in non-clinical individuals with high autistic traits
Authors: Irie Keisuke , Zhao Shuo , Aruga Rieko , Matsumoto Amiri , Ogawa Akari , Liang Nan
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit atypical responses to language use and comprehension. Recently, various degrees of primary autistic symptoms have been reported in the general population. We focused on autistic traits and examined the differences in mechanisms related to language comprehension using the action–sentence compatibility effect (ACE). ACE is a phenomenon in which response is facilitated when the action matches the behavior described in the statement.

Methods

In total, 70 non-clinical individuals were divided into low autistic and high autistic groups according to their autism spectrum quotient (AQ) scores. ACEs with adverbs and onomatopoeias were examined using a stimulus set of movement-related sentences. A choice-response task helped determine the correct sentence using antonym adverbs (slow and fast) and onomatopoeia (quick and satto) related to the speed of the movement.

Results

The low-AQ group showed ACEs that modulated the reaction time in antonym sentences. The high-AQ group showed less temporal modulation, and their overall reaction time was shorter. The low-AQ group showed faster reaction times for onomatopoeic words; however, the high-AQ group showed a tendency to reverse this trend. In individuals with intermediate autistic traits, the angle effect may be moderated by individual differences in motor skills and experience rather than autistic traits. The stimulus presentation involved a passive paradigm.

Discussion

This study provides insight into language comprehension processes in non-clinical individuals ranging from low to high autistic idiosyncrasy and elucidates language and behavior in individuals at different locations on the autistic trait continuum.
Multilayer framework for digital multicomponent platform design for colorectal survivors and carers: a qualitative study
Authors: Melhem Samar J. , Kayyali Reem
Published: December 2023

Background

The advent of eHealth services offers the potential to support colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors and their informal caregivers (ICs), yet research into user needs and design requirements remains scant. This exploratory qualitative study addresses this knowledge gap by focusing on the development of a Digital Multicomponent Platform (DMP) designed to provide comprehensive support to these populations.

Aims

The objective of this research is to use qualitative methodologies to identify key user needs and design requirements for eHealth services. It seeks to propose and apply a multi-tiered framework for creating a DMP that encapsulates the needs of CRC survivors and their ICs.

Methods

Skype-based focus groups (FGs) were utilized to gather qualitative data from CRC survivors and ICs. This approach served to elicit crucial themes integral to the design of the DMP. A multi-tiered framework was subsequently developed to integrate user-centered design (UCD) principles and requirements with predetermined outcomes, eHealth services, and IT infrastructure.

Results

The first stage of the analysis identified five crucial themes: (1) the importance of healthcare system interaction via eHealth, (2) interaction between healthcare providers and peers, (3) lifestyle and wellness considerations, (4) platform content and user interface requirements, (5) caregiver support. The second stage analysis applied the multi-tiered framework, to determine the DMP that was conceptualized from these themes, underscores the significance of personalized content, caregiver involvement, and integration with electronic health records (EHRs).

Conclusion

The study offers novel insights into the design and development of digital supportive care interventions for CRC survivors and their caregivers. The results highlight the utility of user-centered design principles, the significance of personalized content and caregiver involvement, and the need for a unified health data platform that promotes communication among patients, healthcare providers, and peers. This multi-tiered framework could serve as a prototype for future eHealth service designs.
Characteristics of subclinical tuberculosis compared to active symptomatic tuberculosis using nationwide registry cohort in Korea: prospective cohort study
Authors: Jeong Yun-Jeong , Park Jae Seuk , Kim Hyung Woo , Min Jinsoo , Ko Yousang , Oh Jee Youn , Lee Eun Hye , Yang Bumhee , Ahn Joong Hyun , Kim Jin Woo , Hwang Yong Il , Park Kwang Joo , Lee Sung Soon , Kim Ju Sang , Koo Hyeon-Kyoung
Published: December 2023

Objective

The clinical manifestations of tuberculosis (TB) range from asymptomatic to disseminated depending on the microbiological and immunological status, making the diagnosis challenging. To improve our understanding of the disease progression mechanism, we aimed to identify the characteristics of subclinical TB and important predictors of symptom development.

Methods

From July 2018 to June 2019, we systemically collected data from the National Surveillance System of South Korea on patients with pulmonary TB, and compared the characteristics of subclinical and active symptomatic TB patients.

Results

A total of 4,636 patients with pulmonary TB were included, and the prevalence of subclinical TB was 37.1% (1,720/4,636). In subclinical TB patients, the positivity rates of acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear and culture were 16.2 and 50.2%, respectively. Subclinical TB patients were younger (55.6 ± 19.2 vs. 60.7 ± 19.5, P < 0.001), had a higher body mass index (21.7 ± 3.1 vs. 21.0 ± 3.5, P < 0.001), less under Medicaid support, and had lower rates of chronic lung disease, AFB smear and culture positivity, and bilateral disease. Regarding the characteristic differences of individual TB-related symptoms, age was positively associated with dyspnoea and general weakness but negatively associated with chest pain, haemoptysis, and weight loss. Male patients were more prone to weight loss. Chronic lung disease was related to symptoms including cough/phlegm, dyspnoea, and haemoptysis, while autoimmune diseases were associated with fever and weight loss.

Conclusions

The development of TB-related symptoms was associated with microbiological burden and clinical characteristics including underlying comorbidities, which should be evaluated carefully.
Seasonality of COVID-19 incidence in the United States
Authors: Shamsa El Hussain , Shamsa Ali , Zhang Kezhong
Published: December 2023

Background

The surges of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) appeared to follow a repeating pattern of COVID-19 outbreaks regardless of social distancing, mask mandates, and vaccination campaigns.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the seasonality of COVID-19 incidence in the United States of America (USA), and to delineate the dominant frequencies of the periodic patterns of the disease.

Methods

We characterized periodicity in COVID-19 incidences over the first three full seasonal years (March 2020 to March 2023) of the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA. We utilized a spectral analysis approach to find the naturally occurring dominant frequencies of oscillation in the incidence data using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithm.

Results

Our study revealed four dominant peaks in the periodogram: the two most dominant peaks show a period of oscillation of 366 days and 146.4 days, while two smaller peaks indicate periods of 183 days and 122 days. The period of 366 days indicates that there is a single COVID-19 outbreak that occurs approximately once every year, which correlates with the dominant outbreak in the early/mid-winter months. The period of 146.4 days indicates approximately 3 peaks per year and matches well with each of the 3 annual outbreaks per year.

Conclusion

Our study revealed the predictable seasonality of COVID-19 outbreaks, which will guide public health preventative efforts to control future outbreaks. However, the methods used in this study cannot predict the amplitudes of the incidences in each outbreak: a multifactorial problem that involves complex environmental, social, and viral strain variables.
Automatic wide area land cover mapping using Sentinel-1 multitemporal data
Authors: Marzi David , Sorriso Antonietta , Gamba Paolo
Published: December 2023

This study introduces a methodology for land cover mapping across extensive areas, utilizing multitemporal Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. The objective is to effectively process SAR data to extract spatio-temporal features that encapsulate temporal patterns within various land cover classes. The paper outlines the approach for processing multitemporal SAR data and presents an innovative technique for the selection of training points from an existing Medium Resolution Land Cover (MRLC) map. The methodology was tested across four distinct regions of interest, each spanning 100 × 100 km2, located in Siberia, Italy, Brazil, and Africa. These regions were chosen to evaluate the methodology’s applicability in diverse climate environments. The study reports both qualitative and quantitative results, showcasing the validity of the proposed procedure and the potential of SAR data for land cover mapping. The experimental outcomes demonstrate an average increase of 16% in overall accuracy compared to existing global products. The results suggest that the presented approach holds promise for enhancing land cover mapping accuracy, particularly when applied to extensive areas with varying land cover classes and environmental conditions. The ability to leverage multitemporal SAR data for this purpose opens new possibilities for improving global land cover maps and their applications.
Expanding recognition and inclusion of animal-free organic agriculture in the sustainable agriculture movement
Authors: Seymour Mona
Published: December 2023

Animal-free organic agriculture resides at the margins of sustainable agriculture discourse, practice, and imaginaries, which center animal-based forms of farming. However, the concerns and goals of sustainable agriculture are overwhelmingly consistent with those of many forms of animal-free organic agriculture (AFOA), described as organic farming sans animal production, labor, and byproducts. Despite this sidelining, AFOA has great potential to contribute to a more robust sustainable agriculture movement. In order to emphasize the continuities between animal-based and animal-free sustainable agriculture, this Perspective identifies a number of key similarities between animal-free and animal-based sustainable farming, including mutual foci on soil health and shared opposition to intensive animal agriculture. It contends that beyond being compatible with sustainable agriculture, AFOA holds answers to some of the difficult questions currently and potentially confronting animal-based agriculture, such as projected impacts of climate change on animal agriculture and stability of supply chains for animal-based soil amendments. Barriers to greater inclusion of AFOA into the sustainable agriculture movement exist as well; this piece suggests potential ways to address some of these challenges, including the integration of AFOA into formal sustainable agriculture education.
The Quantity and Quality of Humic Substances following Different Land Uses in Karst Peak-Cluster Depression in Guangxi, China
Authors: Cui Tingting , Zhang Jianbing , Luo Weiqun
Published: December 2023

There were some ecological and environmental problems in limestone soil in the karst peak-cluster depression in Pingguo City of Guangxi, such as the destruction of soil structure, soil acidification and soil fertility decline, and these problems were closely related to soil organic matter. The soil in this site was classified as Cambisols. Therefore, this project took soil under five major land uses (grassland, afforestation, sugarcane field, corn field and pitaya field) in the karst area of Guangxi as the research object. The contents and molecular structure properties of humic acids, fulvic acids and humins in soils were studied by solid-state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and elemental composition. From the perspective of the chemical structure of humic substances, the differences in the quantity and structural characteristics of humic acids, fulvic acids and humins in different land uses were revealed. The results showed that the organic carbon content of both afforestation (34.83 g kg−1) and natural restored grassland (31.67 g kg−1) were significantly higher than that of sugarcane field (17.60 g kg−1), corn field (16.35 g kg−1) and pitaya field (14.31 g kg−1) (p < 0.05). The contents of three humic fractions in grassland were relatively high, and the contents of three humic fractions in sugarcane field were relatively low (p < 0.05). The structural characteristics of humic substances showed that the protein components of the three humic fractions in the afforestation were high, indicating that the humic substances in the afforestation contained more unstable components. The Alkyl C/O-alkyl C and Hydrophobic C/hydrophilic C ratios of the three humic fractions of corn field were high, indicating high stability and maturity in humic substances in corn field.