bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-specific effects of increasing T90 mesh size and amount in an Australian fish trawl
Authors: Broadhurst Matt K. , Knuckey Ian A. , Millar Russell B.
Published: June 2023

Increases in the size and amount of meshes turned 90° ('T90') in an Australian fish-trawl codend were investigated to improve the size selection of deepwater flathead Neoplatycephalus conatus and reduce discards. The conventional codend comprised 94-mm mesh throughout with normal orientation (diamond-shaped) in the posterior half but T90 in the anterior half ('half 94-mm T90' codend). Two new codends had 105-mm T90 mesh in the anterior section only ('half 105-mm T90') and throughout ('full 105-mm T90'). Both larger-meshed codends caught fewer immature deepwater flathead, but also lost some larger fish, especially the full 105-mm T90 codend, which had 80% more T90 meshes. The larger-meshed codends also allowed some discarded species to escape, but similarly affected other targets. Collected deepwater flathead morphological data support a T90 mesh size of ~100 mm in the anterior codend or ~94 mm throughout to maintain target sizes. However, irrespective of changes to codend meshes, owing to comparable inter-specific sizes and shapes, the discard percentage in this fishery will probably remain consistent at >75%, which is more than double the global average for fish trawls. Future efforts to improve selection in the fishery should consider modifications other than codend changes.
Nano drug delivery platform based on thermosensitive PEG-PCL hydrogel encapsulated in silver-bearing micelles and its antifungal activity investigation against vaginal candidiasis
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Fatemeh , Tabesh Hadi , Farzaneh Farah
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Vaginal candidiasis is a genital mucosal disease. Polymeric micelles (PMs) utilization due to improved solubility and low bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs e.g. clotrimazole is of interest. Silver nanoparticles could be applied to enhance antifungal properties. Loading PMs in injectable thermosensitive hydrogels by rapid distribution across vaginal walls improves the bioavailability of the drug and provides suitable therapeutic efficiency for drug delivery systems.

Method: PCL-PEG-PCL (LGL) and PEG-PCL-PEG (GLG) copolymers were characterized by FTIR, HNMR, and GPC. Zeta potential and Size of synthesized PMs were determined by EMSA and DLS technics and morphological examination of PMs was conducted by FESEM and TEM. Silver-bearing polymeric micelles (PM-Ag) were characterized by DLS and LDE technics. EDX and UV-VIS spectroscopy confirmed silver nanoparticles' binding to PMs. Thermosensitive GLG hydrogel was considered a carrier for PM-Ag.

Results: Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading content of micelles were calculated 64.53% and 14.6% respectively. The diameter and zeta potential of PMs were measured 166 ± 1.73 nm±SD and −6.26 ± 0.3 mV±SD and after silver-bearing it reached 197 ± 2.29 nm±SD and −5.38 ± 0.45 mV±SD respectively.

Discussion: The biocompatibility of samples was investigated by MTT assay and the results indicated that up to a concentration of 125 µg/mL, the relative cell viability percentage exceeded 80%. Therefore, by considering the acceptable antifungal activity of the samples against C. Albicans, the designed drug delivery system is capable of sustained drug release over a specified period.
Case report: A case of renal arcuate vein thrombosis successfully treated with direct oral anticoagulants
Authors: Torabi Jahromi Mahsa , Roozbeh Jamshid , Masjedi Fatemeh , Mohammadzadeh Sahand , Tabei Seyed Sajjad , Shafiee Maryam , Rasaei Nakisa
Published: June 2023

A rare case of a 35 years old woman presented with renal arcuate vein thrombosis (RAVT) and acute kidney injury (AKI) following upper respiratory tract symptoms and toxic substance ingestion. Histopathological evaluation of the patient's kidney tissue indicated a rare venous thrombosis in the renal arcuate veins. Anticoagulation with Apixaban, a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), was commenced, and the patient's symptoms resolved during the hospital stay. Hitherto, a limited number of studies have shown the concurrent presentation of RAVT and overt AKI in patients following ingestion of nephrotoxic agents. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the etiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of RAVT. We suggest that Apixaban be studied as a suitable alternative to conventionally used anti-coagulants such as Warfarin in patients who lack access to optimal health care facilities.
In-depth genome and pan-genome analysis of a metal-resistant bacterium Pseudomonas parafulva OS-1
Authors: Kumari Kiran , Rawat Vaishnavi , Shadan Afreen , Sharma Parva Kumar , Deb Sushanta , Singh Rajnish Prakash
Published: June 2023

A metal-resistant bacterium Pseudomonas parafulva OS-1 was isolated from waste-contaminated soil in Ranchi City, India. The isolated strain OS-1 showed its growth at 25–45°C, pH 5.0–9.0, and in the presence of ZnSO4 (upto 5 mM). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain OS-1 belonged to the genus Pseudomonas and was most closely related to parafulva species. To unravel the genomic features, we sequenced the complete genome of P. parafulva OS-1 using Illumina HiSeq 4,000 sequencing platform. The results of average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis indicated the closest similarity of OS-1 to P. parafulva PRS09-11288 and P. parafulva DTSP2. The metabolic potential of P. parafulva OS-1 based on Clusters of Othologous Genes (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) indicated a high number of genes related to stress protection, metal resistance, and multiple drug-efflux, etc., which is relatively rare in P. parafulva strains. Compared with other parafulva strains, P. parafulva OS-1 was found to have the unique β-lactam resistance and type VI secretion system (T6SS) gene. Additionally, its genomes encode various CAZymes such as glycoside hydrolases and other genes associated with lignocellulose breakdown, suggesting that strain OS-1 have strong biomass degradation potential. The presence of genomic complexity in the OS-1 genome indicates that horizontal gene transfer (HGT) might happen during evolution. Therefore, genomic and comparative genome analysis of parafulva strains is valuable for further understanding the mechanism of resistance to metal stress and opens a perspective to exploit a newly isolated bacterium for biotechnological applications.
Endoplasmic stress sensor Ire1 is involved in cytosolic/nuclear protein quality control in Pichia pastoris cells independent of HAC1
Authors: Fauzee Yasmin Nabilah Binti Mohd , Yoshida Yuki , Kimata Yukio
Published: June 2023

In eukaryotic species, dysfunction of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), namely, ER stress, provokes a cytoprotective transcription program called the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR is triggered by transmembrane ER-stress sensors, including Ire1, which acts as an endoribonuclease to splice and mature the mRNA encoding the transcription factor Hac1 in many fungal species. Through analyses of the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris (syn. Komagataella phaffii), we revealed a previously unknown function of Ire1. In P. pastoris cells, the IRE1 knockout mutation (ire1Δ) and HAC1 knockout mutation (hac1Δ) caused only partially overlapping gene expression changes. Protein aggregation and the heat shock response (HSR) were induced in ire1Δ cells but not in hac1Δ cells even under non-stress conditions. Moreover, Ire1 was further activated upon high-temperature culturing and conferred heat stress resistance to P. pastoris cells. Our findings cumulatively demonstrate an intriguing case in which the UPR machinery controls cytosolic protein folding status and the HSR, which is known to be activated upon the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the cytosol and/or nuclei.
In vitro activities of antimicrobial combinations against planktonic and biofilm forms of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia
Authors: Su Bo-An , Chen Chi-Chung , Chen Hung-Jui , Lai Hsin-Yu , Tsai Chia-Hung , Lai Chih-Cheng , Tang Hung-Jen , Chao Chien-Ming
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To investigate the in vitro activity of antibiotic combinations against Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates and their associated biofilms.

Methods

Thirty-two S. maltophilia clinical isolates with at least twenty-five different pulsotypes were tested. The antibacterial activity of various antibiotic combinations against seven randomly selected planktonic and biofilm-embedded S. maltophilia strains with strong biofilm formation was assessed using broth methods. Extraction of bacterial genomic DNA and PCR detection of antibiotic resistance and biofilm-related genes were also performed.

Results

The susceptibility rates of levofloxacin (LVX), fosfomycin (FOS), tigecycline (TGC) and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SXT) against 32 S. maltophilia isolates were 56.3, 71.9, 71.9 and 90.6%, respectively. Twenty-eight isolates were detected with strong biofilm formation. Antibiotic combinations, including aztreonam-clavulanic (ATM-CLA) with LVX, ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) with LVX and SXT with TGC, exhibited potent inhibitory activity against these isolates with strong biofilm formation. The antibiotic resistance phenotype might not be fully caused by the common antibiotic-resistance or biofilm-formation gene.

Conclusion

S. maltophilia remained resistant to most antibiotics, including LVX and β-lactam/β-lactamases; however, TGC, FOS and SXT still exhibited potent activity. Although all tested S. maltophilia isolates exhibited moderate-to-strong biofilm formation, combination therapies, especially ATM-CLA with LVX, CZA with LVX and SXT with TGC, exhibited a higher inhibitory activity for these isolates.
Association between delirium and statin use in patients with congestive heart failure: a retrospective propensity score-weighted analysis
Authors: Xia Jiangling , Wang Leilei , Zhang Nannan , Xu Hongyu
Published: June 2023

Background

The relationship between statin use and delirium remains controversial; therefore, we aimed to study the association between statin exposure and delirium and in-hospital mortality in patients with congestive heart failure.

Methods

In this retrospective study, patients with congestive heart failure were identified from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care database. The primary exposure variable was statin use 3 days after admission to the intensive care unit, and the primary outcome measure was the presence of delirium. The secondary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Since the cohort study was retrospective, we used inverse probability weighting derived from the propensity score to balance various variables.

Results

Of 8,396 patients, 5,446 (65%) were statin users. Before matching, the prevalence of delirium was 12.5% and that of in-hospital mortality was 11.8% in patients with congestive heart failure. Statin use was significantly negatively correlated with delirium, with an odds ratio of 0.76 (95% confidence interval: [0.66–0.87]; P < 0.001) in the inverse probability weighting cohort and in-hospital mortality of 0.66 (95% confidence interval: [0.58–0.75]; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Statins administered in the intensive care unit can significantly reduce the incidence of delirium and in-hospital mortality in patients with congestive heart failure.
Seasonal patterns in the epidemiology of Bell's palsy in Hungary
Authors: Varga Eszter , Battamir Ulambayar , Szegedi István , Hudák Lilla , Kovács Nóra , Nagy Attila Csaba
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Epidemiological data on Bell's palsy are vital for elucidating disease prevalence and enhancing therapeutic options. Our objective was to explore the prevalence and possible risk factors associated with Bell's palsy recurrence in the Clinical Center of the University of Debrecen service area. Secondary data analysis was performed using hospital discharge data, including patient information and comorbidities.

Methods

Data was obtained from the Clinical Center of the University of Debrecen, on Bell's palsy patients who were treated at the hospital between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2021. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with Bell's palsy recurrence.

Results

Of the 613 patients analyzed, 5.87% had recurrent paralysis, and the median time interval between episodes was 315 days. Hypertension was significantly associated with Bell's palsy recurrence. Moreover, seasonal distribution analysis revealed that the number of Bell's palsy episodes was higher in colder seasons, with spring and winter having a significantly higher number of episodes than summer and autumn.

Discussion

This study provides insights into the prevalence and associated risk factors of Bell's palsy recurrence, which could aid in its management and help reduce the long-term consequences of the disease. Further research is necessary to determine the precise mechanisms underlying these findings.
Endovascular treatment of multiple intracranial aneurysms in patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage: one or multiple sessions?
Authors: Zhang Guangjian , Zhang Weiwei , Chang Hanxiao , Shen Yuqi , Ma Chencheng , Mao Lei , Li Zheng , Lu Hua
Published: June 2023

Objective

This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of single- and multiple-stage endovascular treatment in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patients with multiple intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical and imaging data of 61 patients who harbored multiple aneurysms and presented to our institution with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Patients were grouped according to endovascular treatment strategy: one-stage or multiple-stage.

Result

The 61 study patients harbored 136 aneurysms. One aneurysm in each patient had ruptured. In the one-stage treatment group, all 66 aneurysms in 31 patients were treated in one session. The mean follow-up was 25.8 months (range, 12–47). At the last follow-up, the modified Rankin scale was ≤2 in 27 patients. In total, 10 complications occurred (cerebral vasospasm, six patients; cerebral hemorrhage, two patients; and thromboembolism, two patients). In the multiple-stage treatment group, only the ruptured aneurysm (30 in total) was treated at the time of presentation, and the remaining aneurysms (40 in total) were treated later. The mean follow-up was 26.3 months (range, 7–49). At the last follow-up, the modified Rankin scale score was ≤2 in 28 patients. In total, five complications occurred (cerebral vasospasm, four patients; and subarachnoid hemorrhage, one patient). During the follow-up period, there was one recurrence of aneurysm with subarachnoid hemorrhage in the single-stage treatment group and four recurrences in the multiple-stage treatment group.

Conclusion

Both single- and multiple-stage endovascular treatment is safe and effective in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients who harbor multiple aneurysms. However, multiple-stage treatment is associated with a lower rate of hemorrhagic and ischemic complications.
Dynamic networks differentiate the language ability of children with cochlear implants
Authors: Koirala Nabin , Deroche Mickael L. D. , Wolfe Jace , Neumann Sara , Bien Alexander G. , Doan Derek , Goldbeck Michael , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Gracco Vincent L.
Published: June 2023

Background

Cochlear implantation (CI) in prelingually deafened children has been shown to be an effective intervention for developing language and reading skill. However, there is a substantial proportion of the children receiving CI who struggle with language and reading. The current study–one of the first to implement electrical source imaging in CI population was designed to identify the neural underpinnings in two groups of CI children with good and poor language and reading skill.

Methods

Data using high density electroencephalography (EEG) under a resting state condition was obtained from 75 children, 50 with CIs having good (HL) or poor language skills (LL) and 25 normal hearing (NH) children. We identified coherent sources using dynamic imaging of coherent sources (DICS) and their effective connectivity computing time-frequency causality estimation based on temporal partial directed coherence (TPDC) in the two CI groups compared to a cohort of age and gender matched NH children.

Findings

Sources with higher coherence amplitude were observed in three frequency bands (alpha, beta and gamma) for the CI groups when compared to normal hearing children. The two groups of CI children with good (HL) and poor (LL) language ability exhibited not only different cortical and subcortical source profiles but also distinct effective connectivity between them. Additionally, a support vector machine (SVM) algorithm using these sources and their connectivity patterns for each CI group across the three frequency bands was able to predict the language and reading scores with high accuracy.

Interpretation

Increased coherence in the CI groups suggest overall that the oscillatory activity in some brain areas become more strongly coupled compared to the NH group. Moreover, the different sources and their connectivity patterns and their association to language and reading skill in both groups, suggest a compensatory adaptation that either facilitated or impeded language and reading development. The neural differences in the two groups of CI children may reflect potential biomarkers for predicting outcome success in CI children.
Perception of cultured “meat” by Italian, Portuguese and Spanish consumers
Authors: Liu Jingjing , Almeida João M. , Rampado Nicola , Panea Begoña , Hocquette Élise , Chriki Sghaier , Ellies-Oury Marie-Pierre , Hocquette Jean-Francois
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate how consumers (n = 2,171) originated from South-Western Europe (Italy, Portugal, and Spain) perceive cultured “meat” (CM) and if their demographic characteristics (origin, gender, age, education, occupation, and meat consumption) are related to their willingness to try (WTT), to regularly eat (WTE) and to pay (WTP) for CM. We found the current respondents had an initially positive attitude towards CM: 49% of them perceived CM as “promising and/or acceptable” and 23% “fun and/or intriguing” whereas 29% considered it as “absurd and/or disgusting”. In addition, 66 and 25% would be willing and not willing to try CM, respectively. However, 43% had no WTE for CM and, 94% would not pay more for CM compared to conventional meat. Age and especially occupation were good indicators of consumer acceptance of CM. Respondents of 18–30 years of age had the highest acceptance. Respondents outside the meat sector had the highest WTE and people working within the meat sector had the lowest WTE, scientists (within or outside the meat sector) had the highest WTT, people not scientists but within the meat sector had the lowest WTT. Additionally, we found that men are more likely to accept CM than women, Spanish-speaking consumers had the highest WTT and WTE, people with vegan and vegetarian diets may pay more for CM but generally no more than for conventional meat. The perceptions that CM may be more eco-friendly, ethical, safe and healthy than conventional meat, and to a lower extent, the perception that current meat production causes ethical and environmental problems are likely to be major motives for the current respondents to try, regularly eat and pay for CM. On the opposite, lower perceptions of CM benefits and of conventional meat weaknesses more generally, plus emotional resistance towards CM are main barriers to accept CM.
Chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy can benefit more unresectable HCC patients with portal and/or hepatic vein invasion: a retrospective analysis of the SEER database
Authors: Qiu Xiaotong , Cai Jianye , Chen Haitian , Yao Jia , Xiao Cuicui , Li Rong , Xiao Jiaqi , Zhang Jiebin , Sui Xin , Lu Tongyu , Zheng Jun , Zhang Yingcai , Yang Yang
Published: June 2023

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy on the prognosis of unresectable HCC patients with portal and/or hepatic vein invasion.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of unresectable HCC patients with portal and/or hepatic vein invasion registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results (SEER) database was performed. The propensity score-matching (PSM) method was used to balance differences between groups. Overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were the interesting endpoints. OS was calculated from the date of diagnosis to the date of death caused by any cause or the last follow-up. CSS was defined as the interval between the date of diagnosis and date of death due only to HCC or last follow-up. OS and CSS were analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier analysis, Cox proportional hazards model, and Fine-Gray competing-risk model.

Results

A total of 2,614 patients were included. 50.2% patients received chemotherapy or radiotherapy and 7.5% patients received both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Compared to the untreated group, chemotherapy or radiotherapy (COR) (HR = 0.538, 95% CI 0.495-0.585, p < 0.001) and chemotherapy and radiotherapy (CAR) (HR = 0.371, 95% CI 0.316-0.436, p < 0.001) showed better OS. In the COR group, Cox analysis results showed AFP, tumor size, N stage and M stage were independent risk factor of OS. Competing-risk analysis results showed AFP, tumor size and M stage were independent risk factor of CSS. In the CAR group, AFP and M stage were independent risk factors of OS. Competing-risk analysis results showed M stage were independent risk factor of CSS. Kaplan Meier analysis showed chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy significantly improves OS (10.0 vs. 5.0 months, p < 0.001) and CSS (10.0 vs. 6.0 months, p = 0.006) than monotherapy.

Conclusion

AFP positive and distant metastasis are the main risk factors affecting OS and CSS of unresectable HCC patients with portal and/or hepatic vein invasion. Chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy significantly improves OS and CSS of unresectable HCC patients with portal and/or hepatic vein invasion.
Targeted treatment in a case series of AR+, HRAS/PIK3CA co-mutated salivary duct carcinoma
Authors: Rieke Damian T. , Schröder Sebastian , Schafhausen Philippe , Blanc Eric , Zuljan Erika , von der Emde Benjamin , Beule Dieter , Keller Ulrich , Keilholz Ulrich , Klinghammer Konrad
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

A subgroup of salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) harbor overexpression of the androgen receptor (AR), and co-occurring mutations in the HRAS- and PIK3CA-genes. The impact of genomic complexity on targeted treatment strategies in advanced cancer is unknown.

Materials and methods

We analyzed molecular and clinical data from an institutional molecular tumor board (MTB) to identify AR+, HRAS/PIK3CA co-mutated SDC. Follow-up was performed within the MTB registrational study or retrospective chart review after approval by the local ethics committee. Response was assessed by the investigator. A systematic literature search was performed in MEDLINE to identify additional clinically annotated cases.

Results

4 patients with AR+ HRAS/PIK3CA co-mutated SDC and clinical follow-up data were identified from the MTB. An additional 9 patients with clinical follow-up were identified from the literature. In addition to AR overexpression and HRAS and PIK3CA-alterations, PD-L1 expression and Tumor Mutational Burden > 10 Mutations per Megabase were identified as additional potentially targetable alterations. Among evaluable patients, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was initiated in 7 patients (1 Partial Response (PR), 2 Stable Disease (SD), 3 Progressive Disease (PD), 2 not evaluable), tipifarnib was initiated in 6 patients (1 PR, 4 SD, 1 PD). One patient each was treated with immune checkpoint inhibition (Mixed Response) and combination therapies of tipifarnib and ADT (SD) and alpelisib and ADT (PR).

Conclusion

Available data further support comprehensive molecular profiling of SDC. Combination therapies, PI3K-inhibitors and immune therapy warrant further investigation, ideally in clinical trials. Future research should consider this rare subgroup of SDC.
Natural products as novel anti-obesity agents: insights into mechanisms of action and potential for therapeutic management
Authors: Shaik Mohamed Sayed Ummul Fathima , Moshawih Said , Goh Hui Poh , Kifli Nurolaini , Gupta Gaurav , Singh Sachin Kumar , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Dua Kamal , Hermansyah Andi , Ser Hooi Leng , Ming Long Chiau , Goh Bey Hing
Published: June 2023

Obesity affects more than 10% of the adult population globally. Despite the introduction of diverse medications aimed at combating fat accumulation and obesity, a significant number of these pharmaceutical interventions are linked to substantial occurrences of severe adverse events, occasionally leading to their withdrawal from the market. Natural products serve as attractive sources for anti-obesity agents as many of them can alter the host metabolic processes and maintain glucose homeostasis via metabolic and thermogenic stimulation, appetite regulation, pancreatic lipase and amylase inhibition, insulin sensitivity enhancing, adipogenesis inhibition and adipocyte apoptosis induction. In this review, we shed light on the biological processes that control energy balance and thermogenesis as well as metabolic pathways in white adipose tissue browning, we also highlight the anti-obesity potential of natural products with their mechanism of action. Based on previous findings, the crucial proteins and molecular pathways involved in adipose tissue browning and lipolysis induction are uncoupling protein-1, PR domain containing 16, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ in addition to Sirtuin-1 and AMP-activated protein kinase pathway. Given that some phytochemicals can also lower proinflammatory substances like TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 secreted from adipose tissue and change the production of adipokines like leptin and adiponectin, which are important regulators of body weight, natural products represent a treasure trove for anti-obesity agents. In conclusion, conducting comprehensive research on natural products holds the potential to accelerate the development of an improved obesity management strategy characterized by heightened efficacy and reduced incidence of side effects.
Melatonin-related dysfunction in chronic restraint stress triggers sleep disorders in mice
Authors: Xia Tian-Ji , Wang Zhi , Jin Su-Wei , Liu Xin-Min , Liu Yong-Guang , Zhang Shan-Shan , Pan Rui-Le , Jiang Ning , Liao Yong-Hong , Yan Ming-Zhu , Du Li-Da , Chang Qi
Published: June 2023

Stress may trigger sleep disorders and are also risk factors for depression. The study explored the melatonin-related mechanisms of stress-associated sleep disorders on a mouse model of chronic stress by exploring the alteration in sleep architecture, melatonin, and related small molecule levels, transcription and expression of melatonin-related genes as well as proteins. Mice undergoing chronic restraint stress modeling for 28 days showed body weight loss and reduced locomotor activity. Sleep fragmentation, circadian rhythm disorders, and insomnia exhibited in CRS-treated mice formed sleep disorders. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptamine levels were increased in the hypothalamus, while melatonin level was decreased. The transcription and expression of melatonin receptors were reduced, and circadian rhythm related genes were altered. Expression of downstream effectors to melatonin receptors was also affected. These results identified sleep disorders in a mice model of chronic stress. The alteration of melatonin-related pathways was shown to trigger sleep disorders.
Genetic confirmation of Octopus insularis (Leite and Haimovici, 2008) in South Florida, United States using physical features and de novo genome assembly
Authors: Maloney Brigid , Ramos Eric Angel , Bennice Chelsea O. , Young Frank , Magnasco Marcelo O.
Published: June 2023

The distribution of octopuses within the Octopus vulgaris species complex remains inadequately understood. Species determination can be complex and involves characterizing a specimen’s physical features and comparing its genetic makeup to other populations. In this study, we present the first genetic confirmation of Octopus insularis (Leite and Haimovici, 2008) inhabiting the coastal waters of the Florida Keys, United States. We employed visual observations to identify species-specific body patterns of three wild-caught octopuses and used de novo genome assembly to confirm their species. All three specimens exhibited a red/white reticulated pattern on their ventral arm surface. Two specimens displayed body pattern components of deimatic display (white eye encircled by a light ring, with darkening around the eye). All visual observations were consistent with distinguishing features of O. insularis. We then compared mitochondrial subunits COI, COIII, and 16S in these specimens across all available annotated octopod sequences, including Sepia apama (Hotaling et al., 2021) as a control outgroup taxon. For species exhibiting intraspecific genomic variation, we included multiple sequences from geographically distinct populations. Laboratory specimens consistently clustered into a single taxonomic node with O. insularis. These findings confirm O. insularis presence in South Florida and suggest a more extensive northern distribution than previously assumed. Whole genome Illumina sequencing of multiple specimens enabled taxonomic identification with well-established DNA barcodes while also generating the first de novo full assembly of O. insularis. Furthermore, constructing and comparing phylogenetic trees for multiple conserved genes is essential for confirming the presence and delineation of cryptic species in the Caribbean.
BiDFDC-Net: a dense connection network based on bi-directional feedback for skin image segmentation
Authors: Jiang Jinyun , Sun Zitong , Zhang Qile , Lan Kun , Jiang Xiaoliang , Wu Jun
Published: June 2023

Accurate segmentation of skin lesions in dermoscopic images plays an important role in improving the survival rate of patients. However, due to the blurred boundaries of pigment regions, the diversity of lesion features, and the mutations and metastases of diseased cells, the effectiveness and robustness of skin image segmentation algorithms are still a challenging subject. For this reason, we proposed a bi-directional feedback dense connection network framework (called BiDFDC-Net), which can perform skin lesions accurately. Firstly, under the framework of U-Net, we integrated the edge modules into each layer of the encoder which can solve the problem of gradient vanishing and network information loss caused by network deepening. Then, each layer of our model takes input from the previous layer and passes its feature map to the densely connected network of subsequent layers to achieve information interaction and enhance feature propagation and reuse. Finally, in the decoder stage, a two-branch module was used to feed the dense feedback branch and the ordinary feedback branch back to the same layer of coding, to realize the fusion of multi-scale features and multi-level context information. By testing on the two datasets of ISIC-2018 and PH2, the accuracy on the two datasets was given by 93.51% and 94.58%, respectively.
The A-to-Z factors associated with cognitive impairment. Results of the DeCo study
Authors: Gil-Peinado María , Alacreu Mónica , Ramos Hernán , Sendra-Lillo José , García Cristina , García-Lluch Gemma , Lopez de Coca Teresa , Sala Marta , Moreno Lucrecia
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Cognitive impairment (CI) is known to be mediated by several risk and protective factors, many of which are potentially modifiable. Therefore, it is important to have up-to-date studies that address a standard assessment of psychosocial, clinical and lifestyle variables.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional observational study, with a 24-month timeframe, to estimate the relationship between risk and protective factors associated with dementia, according to the A-to-Z Dementia Knowledge. Participants were considered at CI risk if they tested positive for at least one of three validated CI screening tests: The Memory Impairment Screening, Short Portable Mental State Questionnaire, and Semantic Verbal Fluency. The A-to-Z data Collection included Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener and Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results

The estimated prevalence of CI was 22.6% in a sample of 709 patients with an average of 69.3±10.3 years. The risk factors gradually associated with cognitive decline were hypertension, loneliness, and depression. In contrast, the protective factors gradually associated with less cognitive decline were internet use, reading, and intellectually stimulating jobs. Finally, living alone, having diabetes, taking benzodiazepines, and sleeping more than 9 h were statistically significant associated with CI, whereas to do memory training or a family history of dementia was characteristic of patients without CI.

Conclusion

A joint assessment of the influence of psychosocial, clinical, and lifestyle-related factors is needed to develop dementia prevention strategies.
Altered self-reported resting state mediates the effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction on mental health: a longitudinal path model analysis within a community-based randomized trial with 6-months follow-up
Authors: Juul Lise , Bonde Emilie Hasager , Fjorback Lone Overby
Published: June 2023

Background

A large body of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) has shown that mindfulness-based interventions are effective for improving mental health, but research is lacking in regards to the mechanisms of change. We aimed to investigate the mediating effects of self-reported altered resting state of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on mental health, when provided as a universal intervention in a real-life context.

Methods

Autoregressive path models with three time points of measurement, and contemporaneous and constant b paths were used in an RCT. The RCT took place in all five geographical regions of Denmark and included 110 schools and 191 schoolteachers. The schools were randomized 1:1 in each geographical region to intervention or a wait-list control group. The intervention was the standardized MBSR. Data were collected at baseline and after 3 and 6  months. The outcomes were perceived stress, measured by Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), symptoms of anxiety and depression, measured by Hopkins Symptom Check List-5 (SCL-5), and well-being measured by WHO-5 Well-being Index (WHO-5). The mediator was resting state measured by the Amsterdam Resting State Questionnaire (ARSQ).

Results

Statistically significant mediated effects of altered ARSQ-subscales scores for Discontinuity of Mind, Planning, and Comfort were found for the MBSR effect on all outcomes; PSS, SCL-5 and WHO-5. Furthermore, statistically significant mediated effects of altered sleepiness subscale score of the effects on PSS and SCL-5 of MBSR were found. No statistically significant mediating effects of the subscales Theory of Mind, Self and Somatic Awareness for the MBSR intervention effect were found.

Conclusion

The results support that the MBSR program can alter self-reported resting state, towards less mind wandering and more comfort, measured by the ARSQ, and that this may explain some of the mechanisms regarding the effectiveness of MBSR on mental health at 6 months, when provided as a universal intervention. The study provides insight into an active ingredient of how MBSR may improve mental health and well-being. It supports the suggestions that mindfulness meditation may be a sustainable way of training the mental health.

Clinical trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03886363.
What cultural values determine student self-efficacy? An empirical study for 42 countries and economies
Authors: Jin Rui , Wu Rongxiu , Xia Yuyan , Zhao Mingren
Published: June 2023

Self-efficacy is a vital personal characteristic for student success. However, the challenge of cross-cultural comparisons remains as scalar invariance is hard to be satisfied. Also, it is unclear how to contextually understand student self-efficacy in light of cultural values in different countries. This study implements a novel alignment optimization method to rank the latent means of student self-efficacy of 308,849 students in 11,574 schools across 42 countries and economies that participated in the 2018 Program in International Student Assessment. We then used classification and regression trees to classified countries with differential latent means of student self-efficacy into groups according to Hofstede’s six cultural dimensions theory. The results of the alignment method recovered that Albania, Colombia, and Peru had students with the highest mean self-efficacy, while Slovak Republic, Moscow Region (RUS), and Lebanon had the lowest. Moreover, the CART analysis indicated a low student self-efficacy for countries presenting three features: (1) extremely high power distance; (2) restraint; and (3) collectivism. These findings theoretically highlighted the significance of cultural values in shaping student self-efficacy across countries and practically provided concrete suggestions to educators on which countries to emulate such that student self-efficacy could be promoted and informed educators in secondary education institutes on the international expansion of academic exchanges.
Climate-friendly food-choice intentions among emerging adults: extending the theory of planned behavior with objective ambivalence, climate-change worry and optimism
Authors: Jylhä Kirsti M. , Ojala Maria , Odisho Sandy , Riise Anja
Published: June 2023

Climate-friendly food choices are still relatively rarely addressed in studies investigating climate engagement, particularly among young people. To address this research gap, we conducted a questionnaire study with senior high school students (N= 474). Our overarching theoretical framework is the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), which we extended with emotional factors (climate-change worry and optimism) and attitudinal ambivalence. We found that all factors included, except for optimism, correlated with the food-choice intentions. In multiple regression analyses, worry was the second strongest predictor, after attitudes. Moreover, a measure of objective ambivalence moderated the correlation between attitudes and intentions by weakening it. The results support the validity of using the TPB model when explaining intentions to make climate-friendly food choices among emerging adults. However, our results suggest that it is also important to consider emotions—in this case climate-change worry—and the existence of conflicting evaluations about choosing climate-friendly food.
On the Hunt for Cancer’s Microbial “Party” in the Animal Kingdom
Authors: Marquez Alcaraz Gissel , Kapsetaki Stefania E. , Aktipis Athena , Whisner Corrie M.
Published: June 2023

Did you know that food, microbes, and cancer are often linked together? These links are well-studied in humans, but not as well-studied in other species. We wanted to find out whether specific foods and/or microbes are linked with cancer across non-human species. So, we searched over a thousand articles reporting links between diet, microbes, and cancer. We found that some microbes, such as Helicobacter, papillomaviruses, and Fusobacteria which are often found in carnivores, can promote tumor development in people as well as in other animals. Other microbes, such as the Lactobacillus found in milk products, can decrease tumor development in people and other animals. There is lots more to learn about these patterns across hundreds of species. Ultimately, these results have great potential to help researchers understand the variation in cancer risk across animals, and to help doctors and vets improve the early detection and treatment of cancer.
Authentic gender development in non-binary children
Authors: Salinas-Quiroz Fernando , Sweder Noah
Published: June 2023

At present, the conceptualization of gender as a spectrum as well as non-binary identities have become increasingly visible and embraced. We are using non-binary as an umbrella term that refers to individuals who self-identify as a gender outside the gender binary, and/or who do not identify as always and completely being just a man or a woman. Our goal is to begin to create a framework for understanding gender development in non-binary children ages 0 to 8, since previous models have operated on cissupremacist assumptions, not applicable to non-binary people. As there is virtually no empirical data on the subject, we conducted a thorough literature review of current gender development theories and used our positionality as non-binary researchers to postulate two minimum criteria for non-binary gender identification: that a child learns about the existence of non-binary identities, and that they do not identify with the definitions they have been taught of what a boy or girl is. Children can learn about non-binary identities through media and knowledgeable community members and can develop “gender traits” authentically and come to identify as non-binary through biological predispositions, parental support, modeling, and being in peer groups that are supportive of identity exploration. Yet, children are not simply a product of their nature and nurture, as evidence has shown that humans are active agents in their gender development from a young age.
Predicting changes in soil organic carbon after a low dosage and one-time addition of biochar blended with manure and nitrogen fertilizer
Authors: Oelbermann Maren , Jiang Runshan W. , Mechler Meaghan A.
Published: June 2023

Modeling plays an important role in predicting the long-term effects of biochar on soil organic carbon dynamics. The objective of our study was to apply the Century model to assess changes in temporal soil organic carbon in soil amended with manure and nitrogen fertilizer (MN), with manure and biochar (MB) or with manure, nitrogen fertilizer and biochar (MNB). We determined that, after 115 years, soil organic carbon stocks could not reach a steady state (equilibrium) or pre-cultivation levels, regardless of amendment type. Our results showed that a biennial input of manure and nitrogen fertilizer (MN) led to a 84% increase in soil organic carbon compared to a 79% (MNB) and 70% (MB) increase when amendments contained biochar. However, the quantity of organic matter input from crop residues and amendments was sufficient to increase the active fraction, with a turnover time of months to years, by 86%. In fact, carbon associated with the slow fraction, with a turnover time of 20 to 50 years, was the key driver for soil organic carbon accumulation in all amendment types. Although the passive fraction is the most stable form of carbon in the soil, with a turnover time of 400 to 100 years, once manure and biochar were added to the soil, this fraction increased up to 32%. Our results provided further insight into the ability of Century to accurately predict changes in soil organic carbon stocks when a combination of manure, nitrogen fertilizer or biochar were added to soil. Century predicted soil organic carbon stocks within -1% to +9% of measured values. However, further fine-tuning of the model is required since biochar undergoes chemical transformations (e.g., ageing) and changes soil physical parameters (e.g., bulk density) that can not be currently accounted for in the Century model. Addressing these limitations of Century will also help to increase the relationship between measured and predicted values.
Standardized digital solution with surgical procedure manager (SPM®)—an opportunity for maximizing patient safety and efficiency in ileostomy reversal?
Authors: Strobel Rahel M. , Schineis Christian H. W. , Lasierra Viguri Leyre , Stroux Andrea , Eschlböck Sophie M. , Lobbes Leonard A. , Pozios Ioannis , Seifarth Claudia , Weixler Benjamin , Kamphues Carsten , Beyer Katharina , Lauscher Johannes C.
Published: June 2023

Background

Standardization and digitalization are getting more and more essential in surgery. Surgical procedure manager (SPM®) is a freestanding computer serving as a digital supporter in the operating room. SPM® navigates step-by-step through surgery by providing a checklist for each individual step.

Methods

This was a single center, retrospective study at the Department for General and Visceral Surgery at Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin. Patients who underwent ileostomy reversal without SPM® in the period of January 2017 until December 2017 were compared to patients who were operated with SPM® in the period of June 2018 until July 2020. Explorative analysis and multiple logistic regression were performed.

Results

Overall, 214 patients underwent ileostomy reversal: 95 patients without SPM® vs. 119 patients with SPM®. Ileostomy reversal was performed by head of department/attendings in 34.1%, by fellows in 28.5% and by residents in 37.4%; p = 0.91. Postoperative intraabdominal abscess emerged more often in patients without SPM®: ten (10.5%) patients vs. four (3.4%) patients; p = 0.035. Multiple logistic regression showed a risk reduction for intraabdominal abscess {Odds ratio (OR) 0.19 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05–0.71]; p = 0.014} and for bowel perforation [OR 0.09 (95% CI 0.01–0.93); p = 0.043] in the group with use of SPM® in ileostomy reversal.

Conclusions

SPM® may reduce postoperative complications in ileostomy reversal such as intraabdominal abscess and bowel perforation. SPM® may contribute to patient safety.
Efficacy of a Smoking Cessation Program for Underserved Ethnic Minority Communities: Results of a Smoking Cessation Trial
Authors: Sheikhattari Payam , Apata Jummai , Bleich Lisa , Kamangar Farin , Assari Shervin
Published: June 2023

Objectives: Using a participatory research approach, this study reports the efficacy of the Communities Engaged and Advocating for a Smoke-free Environment (CEASE)-4 intervention offered by the local peers.

Methods: CEASE-4 is a theory-based tobacco-cessation intervention, tailored to the needs of underserved populations. 842 tobacco users self-selected into: a) self-help (n = 472), b) single-session class (n = 163), and c) four-session class (n = 207). While self-help group only received educational materials, curriculum for other arms was built on the social cognitive, motivational interviewing, and trans-theoretical- frameworks. Participants could also receive nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Outcome was self-reported smoking cessation measured 12 weeks after completion of the intervention, validated by exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) test.

Results: Quit rate was statistically different across groups, with highest quit rate in four-session and lowest quit rate in self-help arm. Cessation rates at follow up (12 weeks after completion of the intervention) were 2.3% in the self-help arm, 6.1% in the single-session arm and 13.0% in the four-session arm.

Conclusion: While theory-based smoking cessation services are effective for underserved populations, four-session curriculum might be superior to a single session program.