bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacogenomic-guided dosing of fluoropyrimidines beyond DPYD: time for a polygenic algorithm?
Authors: Maslarinou Anthi , Manolopoulos Vangelis G. , Ragia Georgia
Published: May 2023

Fluoropyrimidines are chemotherapeutic agents widely used for the treatment of various solid tumors. Commonly prescribed FPs include 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and its oral prodrugs capecitabine (CAP) and tegafur. Bioconversion of 5-FU prodrugs to 5-FU and subsequent metabolic activation of 5-FU are required for the formation of fluorodeoxyuridine triphosphate (FdUTP) and fluorouridine triphosphate, the active nucleotides through which 5-FU exerts its antimetabolite actions. A significant proportion of FP-treated patients develop severe or life-threatening, even fatal, toxicity. It is well known that FP-induced toxicity is governed by genetic factors, with dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD), the rate limiting enzyme in 5-FU catabolism, being currently the cornerstone of FP pharmacogenomics. DPYD-based dosing guidelines exist to guide FP chemotherapy suggesting significant dose reductions in DPYD defective patients. Accumulated evidence shows that additional variations in other genes implicated in FP pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics increase risk for FP toxicity, therefore taking into account more gene variations in FP dosing guidelines holds promise to improve FP pharmacotherapy. In this review we describe the current knowledge on pharmacogenomics of FP-related genes, beyond DPYD, focusing on FP toxicity risk and genetic effects on FP dose reductions. We propose that in the future, FP dosing guidelines may be expanded to include a broader ethnicity-based genetic panel as well as gene*gene and gender*gene interactions towards safer FP prescription.
Fishmeal, plant protein, and fish oil substitution with single-cell ingredients in organic feeds for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Authors: Vasilaki A. , Mente E. , Fountoulaki E. , Henry M. , Nikoloudaki C. , Berillis P. , Kousoulaki K. , Nengas I.
Published: May 2023

Single-cell ingredients (SCI) are considered promising nutrient sources which are produced using environmentally friendly biotechnological processes. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the replacement of fishmeal, plant protein sources, and fish oil with SCI in organic feeds for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax). Bacterial protein, yeast protein, and microalgae were used to replace fishmeal trimmings, soya bean meal, and fish oil from trimmings. Triplicate groups (30 fish per replicate) of European sea bass (14.4 ± 2.4 g) were fed the experimental diets for 71 days. The results showed that the incorporation of SCI at all levels of inclusion significantly enhanced nutrient digestibility. Additionally, growth performance parameters were not affected by SCI inclusion, exhibiting similar or improved values. Moreover, a tendency for improved anterior and posterior gut structure was observed and a significant increase of lysozyme activity at the two highest inclusion levels of SCI was determined. Overall, the results showed that the inclusion of SCI at 15% (bacterial: yeast: algae—9.4: 4.7: 1) is possible without compromising any of the parameters evaluated. According to these findings, a higher substitution of fishmeal trimmings, plant protein sources, and fish oil from trimmings with SCI in organic diets for European sea bass (D. labrax) can be further evaluated in future studies.
A mobile-based system for maize plant leaf disease detection and classification using deep learning
Authors: Khan Faiza , Zafar Noureen , Tahir Muhammad Naveed , Aqib Muhammad , Waheed Hamna , Haroon Zainab
Published: May 2023

Artificial Intelligence has been used for many applications such as medical, communication, object detection, and object tracking. Maize crop, which is the major crop in the world, is affected by several types of diseases which lower its yield and affect the quality. This paper focuses on this issue and provides an application for the detection and classification of diseases in maize crop using deep learning models. In addition to this, the developed application also returns the segmented images of affected leaves and thus enables us to track the disease spots on each leaf. For this purpose, a dataset of three maize crop diseases named Blight, Sugarcane Mosaic virus, and Leaf Spot is collected from the University Research Farm Koont, PMAS-AAUR at different growth stages on contrasting weather conditions. This data was used for training different prediction models including YOLOv3-tiny, YOLOv4, YOLOv5s, YOLOv7s, and YOLOv8n and the reported prediction accuracy was 69.40%, 97.50%, 88.23%, 93.30%, and 99.04% respectively. Results demonstrate that the prediction accuracy of the YOLOv8n model is higher than the other applied models. This model has shown excellent results while localizing the affected area of the leaf accurately with a higher confidence score. YOLOv8n is the latest model used for the detection of diseases as compared to the other approaches in the available literature. Also, worked on sugarcane mosaic virus using deep learning models has also been reported for the first time. Further, the models with high accuracy have been embedded in a mobile application to provide a real-time disease detection facility for end users within a few seconds.
Plant growth promoting potential of urea doped calcium phosphate nanoparticles in finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) under drought stress
Authors: Mishra Dhruv , Chitara Manoj Kumar , Upadhayay Viabhav Kumar , Singh Jagat Pal , Chaturvedi Preeti
Published: May 2023

Drought is a leading threat that impinges on plant growth and productivity. Nanotechnology is considered an adequate tool for resolving various environmental issues by offering avant-garde and pragmatic solutions. Using nutrients in the nano-scale including CaP-U NPs is a novel fertilization strategy for crops. The present study was conducted to develop and utilize environment-friendly urea nanoparticles (NPs) based nano-fertilizers as a crop nutrient. The high solubility of urea molecules was controlled by integrating them with a matrix of calcium phosphate nanoparticles (CaP NPs). CaP NPs contain high phosphorous and outstanding biocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) were used to characterize the fabricated NPs. FE-SEM determined no areas of phase separation in urea and calcium phosphate, indicating the successful formation of an encapsulated nanocomposite between the two nano matrices. TEM examination confirmed a fiber-like structure of CaP-U NPs with 15 to 50 nm diameter and 100 to 200 nm length. The synthesized CaP-U NPs and bulk urea (0.0, 0.1% and 0.5%) were applied by foliar sprays at an interval of 15 days on pre-sowed VL-379 variety of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.), under irrigated and drought conditions. The application of the CaP-U NPs significantly enhanced different plant growth attributes such as shoot length (29.4 & 41%), root length (46.4 & 51%), shoot fresh (33.6 & 55.8%) and dry weight (63 & 59.1%), and root fresh (57 & 61%) and dry weight (78 & 80.7%), improved pigment system (chlorophyll) and activated plant defense enzymes such as proline (35.4%), superoxide dismutase (47.7%), guaiacol peroxidase (30.2%), ascorbate peroxidase (70%) under both irrigated and drought conditions. Superimposition of five treatment combinations on drought suggested that CaP-U NPs at 0.5 followed by 0.1% provided the highest growth indices and defense-related enzymes, which were significantly different. Overall, our findings suggested that synthesized CaP-U NPs treatment of finger millet seeds improved plant growth and enzymatic regulation, particularly more in drought conditions providing insight into the strategy for not only finger millet but probably for other commercial cereals crops which suffer from fluctuating environmental conditions.
Assessing the effects of limestone dust and lead pollution on the ecophysiology of some selected urban tree species
Authors: Sabir Muhammad Azeem , Guo Wei , Nawaz Muhammad Farrakh , Yasin Ghulam , Yousaf Muhammad Talha Bin , Gul Sadaf , Hussain Tanveer , Rahman Shafeeq Ur
Published: May 2023

Soil and air pollution caused by heavy metals and limestone dust are prevalent in urban environments and they are an alarming threat to the environment and humans. This study was designed to investigate the changes in morphological and physiological traits of three urban tree species seedlings (Bombax ceiba, Conocarpus lancifolius, and Eucalyptus camaldulensis) under the individual as well as synergetic effects of heavy metal lead (Pb) and limestone dust toxicities. The tree species were grown under controlled environmental conditions with nine treatments consisting of three levels of dust (0, 10, and 20 g) and three levels of Pb contaminated water irrigation (0, 5, and 10 mg L−1). The results depicted that the growth was maximum in T1 and minimum in T9 for all selected tree species. B. ceiba performed better under the same levels of Pb and limestone dust pollution as compared with the other two tree species. The B. ceiba tree species proved to be the most tolerant to Pb and limestone pollution by efficiently demolishing oxidative bursts by triggering SOD, POD, CAT, and proline contents under different levels of lead and dust pollution. The photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, evapotranspiration rate, and transpiration rate were negatively influenced in all three tree species in response to different levels of lead and dust applications. The photosynthetic rate was 1.7%, 3.1%, 7.0%, 11.03%, 16.2%, 23.8%, 24.8%, and 30.7%, and the stomatal conductance was 5%, 10.5%, 23.5%, 40%, 50.01%, 61.5%, 75%, and 90.9%, greater in T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, and T9 plants of B. ceiba, respectively, as compared to T1. Based on the findings, among these three tree species, B. ceiba is strongly recommended for planting in heavy metal and limestone dust-polluted areas followed by E. camaldulensis and C. lancifolius due to their better performance and efficient dust and heavy metal-scavenging capability.
Benefits of biological nitrification inhibition of Leymus chinensis under alkaline stress: the regulatory function of ammonium-N exceeds its nutritional function
Authors: Wang Gui , Zhang Lihui , Guo Zihan , Shi Dongfang , Zhai Huiliang , Yao Yuan , Yang Tianxue , Xin Shuquan , Cui Haiying , Li Junqin , Ma Jianying , Sun Wei
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The production of root exudates with biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) effects is a strategy adopted by ammonium-N (NH4+‐N) tolerant plant species that occur in N-limited environments. Most knowledge on BNI comes from plant species that occur in acidic soils.

Methods

Here, combining field sampling and laboratory culture, we assessed the BNI-capacity of Leymus chinensis, a dominant grass species in alkaline grasslands in eastern Asia, and explored why L. chinensis has BNI ability.

Results and discussion

The results showed that L. chinensis has strong BNI-capacity. At a concentration of 1 mg mL-1, L. chinensis’ root exudates inhibited nitrification in soils influenced by Puccinellia tenuiflora by 72.44%, while DCD only inhibited it by 68.29%. The nitrification potential of the soil of L. chinensis community was only 53% of the P. tenuiflora or 41% of the Suaeda salsa community. We also showed that the supply of NH4+‐N driven by L. chinensis’ BNI can meet its requirements . In addition, NH4+‐N can enhance plant adaptation to alkaline stress by regulating pH, and in turn, the uptake of nitrate-N (NO3‐‐N). We further demonstrated that the regulatory function of NH4+‐N is greater than its nutritional function in alkaline environment. The results offer novel insights into how L. chinensis adapts to high pH and nutrient deficiency stress by secreting BNIs, and reveal, for the first time, differences in the functional roles of NH4+‐N and NO3‐‐N in growth and adaptation under alkaline conditions in a grass species.
Sainfoin (Onobrychis spp.) crop ontology: supporting germplasm characterization and international research collaborations
Authors: Karabulut Ebrar , Erkoç Kübra , Acı Murat , Aydın Mahmut , Barriball Spencer , Braley Jackson , Cassetta Eric , Craine Evan B. , Diaz-Garcia Luis , Hershberger Jenna , Meyering Bo , Miller Allison J. , Rubin Matthew J. , Tesdell Omar , Schlautman Brandon , Şakiroğlu Muhammet
Published: May 2023

Sainfoin (Onobrychisspp.) is a perennial forage legume that is also attracting attention as a perennial pulse with potential for human consumption. The dual use of sainfoin underpins diverse research and breeding programs focused on improving sainfoin lines for forage and pulses, which is driving the generation of complex datasets describing high dimensional phenotypes in the post-omics era. To ensure that multiple user groups, for example, breeders selecting for forage and those selecting for edible seed, can utilize these rich datasets, it is necessary to develop common ontologies and accessible ontology platforms. One such platform, Crop Ontology, was created in 2008 by the Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers (CGIAR) to host crop-specific trait ontologies that support standardized plant breeding databases. In the present study, we describe the sainfoin crop ontology (CO). An in-depth literature review was performed to develop a comprehensive list of traits measured and reported in sainfoin. Because the same traits can be measured in different ways, ultimately, a set of 98 variables (variable = plant trait + method of measurement + scale of measurement) used to describe variation in sainfoin were identified. Variables were formatted and standardized based on guidelines provided here for inclusion in the sainfoin CO. The 98 variables contained a total of 82 traits from four trait classes of which 24 were agronomic, 31 were morphological, 19 were seed and forage quality related, and 8 were phenological. In addition to the developed variables, we have provided a roadmap for developing and submission of new traits to the sainfoin CO.
Associations between internet addiction and psychological problems among adolescents: description and possible explanations
Authors: Xue Yaqing , Xue Benli , Zheng Xiao , Shi Lei , Liang Pengyan , Xiao Shujuan , Dong Fang , Zhang Jiachi , Chen Yaguang , Liu Yuxi , Qin Zuguo , Zhang Chichen
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Internet addiction (IA) is becoming a significant public health issue that requires urgent attention, especially for adolescents. Previous studies mainly focused on the risk factors of Internet addiction and drawn some conclusions. The purpose of this study is to investigate the Internet addiction status and concurrent psychological problems in adolescent groups, and explore the differences in the relationship between IA and psychological problems in adolescents from gender and grade.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of junior and senior high school in 21 prefecture-level cities of Guangdong Province. The Young Diagnostic Questionnaire (YDQ) and the validated Chinese version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) were used to assess participants’ Internet addiction and psychological status. Two-way ANOVA was used to verify the interaction between gender and Internet addiction, grade and Internet addiction on psychological problems. When the interaction was statistically significant, simple effect analysis was further carried out.

Results

The prevalence of problematic Internet use (PIU), depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms among adolescents were 16.32%, 30.16%, 35.97% and 18.80% respectively. Although the prevalence of PIU among boys (17.89%) was higher than that of girls (14.86%), girls in PIU group had the highest scores of depression, anxiety and stress. Similarly, the interaction between grade and Internet addiction was also significant (p < 0.05). Although the prevalence of PIU was the highest in grade 9 (17.29%), the adverse effects of Internet addiction on psychological problems were different in different grades.

Discussion

Internet addiction was prevalent among adolescents in Guangdong province, and psychological problems also cannot be ignored. Thus, this study suggests that long-term follow-ups should be included in mental health programs of adolescents to monitor the development of Internet addiction and psychological problems.
Effects of mindfulness on stress, life satisfaction, and savoring beliefs among Hong Kong Chinese adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lau Ngar-sze , Cheung Rebecca Y. M. , Lai Cheuk Ki Stephanie , Lau Abby Yan Tung , Fung Man Ching
Published: May 2023

Adolescents all over the world are vulnerable in facing developmental challenges. Recent studies have evidenced that the unexpected interruptions of school learning during the COVID-19 pandemic have raised concerns about the well-being of adolescents. This present study sought to investigate the relationship between mindfulness, stress, savoring beliefs, and satisfaction of life among adolescents in Hong Kong during COVID-19. A total of 240 Hong Kong Chinese adolescents between 15 and 19 years of age (M = 15.60; SD = 0.70) from schools with different religious backgrounds completed an online survey. Findings from hierarchical linear regression indicated that statistically, mindfulness negatively predicted stress and positively predicted life satisfaction and savoring beliefs. Students with faiths did not show any significant differences in mindfulness and other variables in this study from students without faiths. In terms of implications, these findings provide positive evidence that mindfulness may be an important aspect for interventions designed to enhance life satisfaction and savoring beliefs, and reduce stress of adolescents over challenging times. Overall, this study suggests youth service providers to develop effective strategies in schools and communities for further promoting wellbeing and resilience of adolescents.
The origin of the phrase comparative psychology: an historical overview
Authors: d’Isa Raffaele , Abramson Charles I.
Published: May 2023

Comparative psychology, in its narrow meaning, refers to the study of the similarities and differences in the psychology and behavior of different species. In a broader meaning, it includes comparisons between different biological and socio-cultural groups, such as species, sexes, developmental stages, ages, and ethnicities. This broader meaning originated by extension from the former narrow meaning, which historically was the original meaning of the phrase (interspecies psychological and behavioral comparisons) and which still today is the focus of the field. Currently, comparative psychology is a subject of study in hundreds of universities all over the world. Nevertheless, a question that is often asked but seldom answered is: when did the phrase comparative psychology first appear and where did it come from? In the present work, we tracked down the origins of the phrase comparative psychology. In order to do so, at first we described the origin of the word psychology, coined in the decade 1510–1520 in the Republic of Venice by Dalmatian Renaissance humanist Marko Marulić Splićanin (1450–1524). Then, to explain where, within the phrase comparative psychology, the term comparative came from, we outlined the origin of the use of the word comparative in reference to interspecies comparisons. Finally, we reported the origin of the combination of the words comparative and psychology to form the phrase comparative psychology, the first usage of which was in 1778 by German scholar Michael Hissmann (1752–1784) from the University of Göttingen. Origins of the phrase in Latin, German, French and English languages are described.
Hedonic and eudaimonic well-being for sustainable development in university students: personality traits or acceptance of change?
Authors: Di Fabio Annamaria , Palazzeschi Letizia , Bonfiglio Antonia , Gori Alessio , Svicher Andrea
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The psychology of sustainability and sustainable development aims to contribute to the establishment of a culture of sustainability regarding the 2030 Agenda and its 17 sustainable development goals.

Methods

In this framework, this study examined the associations between acceptance of change and well-being (hedonic and eudaimonic sides), controlling for the effects of personality traits, in 284 Italian university students.

Results

Acceptance of change explained additional variance over personality traits regarding hedonic and eudaimonic well-being.

Discussion

Acceptance of change could thus represent a promising well-being resource from the perspective of strength-based prevention, opening future perspectives to face the challenges of sustainable development, particularly concerning Goal 3 of the 2030 Agenda: “Good health and well-being.”
Why do children with autism spectrum disorder have abnormal visual perception?
Authors: Zhou Rongyi , Xie Xinyue , Wang Jiaojiao , Ma Bingxiang , Hao Xin
Published: May 2023

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with severe impairment in social functioning. Visual information processing provides nonverbal cues that support social interactions. ASD children exhibit abnormalities in visual orientation, continuous visual exploration, and visual–spatial perception, causing social dysfunction, and mechanisms underlying these abnormalities remain unclear. Transmission of visual information depends on the retina-lateral geniculate nucleus–visual cortex pathway. In ASD, developmental abnormalities occur in rapid expansion of the visual cortex surface area with constant thickness during early life, causing abnormal transmission of the peak of the visual evoked potential (P100). We hypothesized that abnormal visual perception in ASD are related to the abnormal visual information transmission and abnormal development of visual cortex in early life, what’s more, explored the mechanisms of abnormal visual symptoms to provide suggestions for future research.
“The most important thing is that those closest to you, understand you”: a nested qualitative study of persons with psychotic disorders’ experiences with family involvement
Authors: Hansson Kristiane M. , Romøren Maria , Hestmark Lars , Heiervang Kristin Sverdvik , Weimand Bente , Norheim Irene , Pedersen Reidar
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Family interventions constitute effective treatment for persons with psychotic disorders. However, the active ingredients and beneficial processes of these interventions are insufficiently examined, and qualitative explorations of patients` experiences are lacking. This study was nested in a cluster randomised trial that implemented national guidelines on family involvement in Norwegian community mental health centres, including family psychoeducation and basic family involvement and support. The aim of this sub-study was to explore how patients with psychotic disorders experience systematic family involvement, and its significance.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured, individual interviews with 13 persons with a psychotic disorder after systematic family involvement. The participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Qualitative content analysis guided the analysis.

Results

Participants reported overall positive experiences with systematic family involvement. It was significant that the relatives increasingly understood more about psychosis and their situation, while they themselves also gained more insight into the relatives` situation. The participants emphasised the need to enable both patients and relatives to safely share experiences in a containing space, led by professionals. Shared understanding and awareness of each other’s situation further improved communication, coping with the illness, reduced stress, and stimulated a more caring family environment. The therapist seemed crucial to facilitate these beneficial communication processes, and also to provide continuous support to the relatives. Reported challenges included that the participants felt vulnerable in the initial phase, a need for tailored approaches, and too late start-up.

Conclusion

Findings from this study suggest that persons with psychotic disorders may benefit greatly from participating in systematic family involvement. This study also gives new insight into possible mediators of positive outcomes both for the patients and the relatives. Systematic family involvement should be implemented a standard approach in the early phase of the disease, using a step-wise and tailored process.
Case report: Intramuscular ketamine or intranasal esketamine as a treatment in four patients with major depressive disorder and comorbid anorexia nervosa
Authors: Keeler Johanna Louise , Treasure Janet , Himmerich Hubertus , Brendle Madeline , Moore Claire , Robison Reid
Published: May 2023

Introduction

A comorbid diagnosis of a depressive disorder is a negative prognostic factor for individuals with AN, and novel treatments are needed to target depressive symptoms in this population. One emerging promising treatment for depressive disorders is ketamine, although there is less research investigating the use of ketamine for alleviating depression in people with AN.

Case report

This study reports on four patients with a lifetime diagnosis of AN and a comorbid diagnosis of major depressive disorder who received either intramuscular ketamine (n = 2) or intranasal esketamine (n = 2) treatment from a private psychiatric clinic. Depressive symptomatology (PHQ-9) was measured prior to (es)ketamine administration on every dosing session and adverse effects were recorded during and after dosing. All patients reported a subjective decrease in depression, although only those administered intranasal esketamine showed a reduction in PHQ-9 depression scores over time. Number of doses ranged from 3 to 23. All patients tolerated treatment well and no serious adverse effects emerged, however nausea/vomiting was experienced by one patient on one dosing session. Weight remained stable in all cases, although notably across all patients, weight at the beginning of treatment was within a “healthy” range.

Discussion

These findings suggest that (es)ketamine may reduce depressive symptoms in people with major depressive disorder and a comorbid diagnosis of AN. Future feasibility and pilot trials are warranted in order to elicit robust data on efficacy, acceptability, safety and tolerability.
Miscarriage Australia: the use of a human centered design approach to design and develop a website for those affected by miscarriage
Authors: Bilardi Jade , Webb Amy , Trieu Van-Hau , Sharp Gemma , McIntosh Jennifer , Temple-Smith Meredith
Published: May 2023

Background

Past research has shown that Australians affected by miscarriage want a website specific to both miscarriage and their local region that is accessible, comprehensive, evidence-based and informed by experts. The aim of this study was to design, develop and evaluate the Miscarriage Australia website using human centered design.

Methods

A four stage human centered design approach was used to develop the Miscarriage Australia website which aimed to: (1) Understand the issue and why users need a website; (2) Define users’ specific needs; (3) Design solutions to meet those needs; and (4) Evaluate the design by testing with end users. Across the four stages, various types of data and data analysis were developed and utilized including interviews, desktop research, development of personas and tone of voice, followed by usability testing. Process and content were guided by designers, developers and an expert advisory committee of key stakeholders.

Results

Analysis and synthesis of user research across Stages 1 and Stage 2 found 11 key themes pertaining to user’s miscarriage experiences and support needs. Using the themes, common experiences, goals, motivations and behaviors of users were identified and similar user types grouped and used to inform the development of two personas. Using the personas and user research findings, design elements (Stage 3) including the “tone of voice guidelines” were developed recommending the Miscarriage Australia website be calm, empathetic, hopeful and authoritative. The tone of voice guidelines guided branding and over 100 pages of content was informed by the research team and reviewed by a 13-member Expert Clinical Advisory Committee over two rounds to ensure it was evidence based and reflected best practice. Using a contextual inquiry approach, usability testing was undertaken with 8 end users to test a low fidelity mockup and high-fidelity prototype of the website. Overall, end users reported the website was highly acceptable in terms of the design, content, layout, language and terminology, describing it in line with the intended tone of voice. Users reported the website was easy to use and navigate and provided useful and appropriate content and resources. Minor areas for improvement included slight changes to specific images, improved links for navigating sections, and a title change to one section heading.

Conclusion

The Miscarriage Australia website was successfully implemented and commended by users as meeting their needs. As a result of using human centered design, the Miscarriage Australia website provides an ideal template or blueprint on how to develop a successful and useful digital resource for users, particularly around sensitive women’s health issues.
Artificial intelligence in neuroradiology: a scoping review of some ethical challenges
Authors: Khosravi Pegah , Schweitzer Mark
Published: May 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) has great potential to increase accuracy and efficiency in many aspects of neuroradiology. It provides substantial opportunities for insights into brain pathophysiology, developing models to determine treatment decisions, and improving current prognostication as well as diagnostic algorithms. Concurrently, the autonomous use of AI models introduces ethical challenges regarding the scope of informed consent, risks associated with data privacy and protection, potential database biases, as well as responsibility and liability that might potentially arise. In this manuscript, we will first provide a brief overview of AI methods used in neuroradiology and segue into key methodological and ethical challenges. Specifically, we discuss the ethical principles affected by AI approaches to human neuroscience and provisions that might be imposed in this domain to ensure that the benefits of AI frameworks remain in alignment with ethics in research and healthcare in the future.
Mouse brain MR super-resolution using a deep learning network trained with optical imaging data
Authors: Liang Zifei , Zhang Jiangyang
Published: May 2023

Introduction

The resolution of magnetic resonance imaging is often limited at the millimeter level due to its inherent signal-to-noise disadvantage compared to other imaging modalities. Super-resolution (SR) of MRI data aims to enhance its resolution and diagnostic value. While deep learning-based SR has shown potential, its applications in MRI remain limited, especially for preclinical MRI, where large high-resolution MRI datasets for training are often lacking.

Methods

In this study, we first used high-resolution mouse brain auto-fluorescence (AF) data acquired using serial two-photon tomography (STPT) to examine the performance of deep learning-based SR for mouse brain images.

Results

We found that the best SR performance was obtained when the resolutions of training and target data were matched. We then applied the network trained using AF data to MRI data of the mouse brain, and found that the performance of the SR network depended on the tissue contrast presented in the MRI data. Using transfer learning and a limited set of high-resolution mouse brain MRI data, we were able to fine-tune the initial network trained using AF to enhance the resolution of MRI data.

Discussion

Our results suggest that deep learning SR networks trained using high-resolution data of a different modality can be applied to MRI data after transfer learning.
Exploratory data analysis (EDA) machine learning approaches for ocean world analog mass spectrometry
Authors: Da Poian Victoria , Theiling Bethany , Clough Lily , McKinney Brett , Major Jonathan , Chen Jingyi , Hörst Sarah
Published: May 2023

Many upcoming and proposed missions to ocean worlds such as Europa, Enceladus, and Titan aim to evaluate their habitability and the existence of potential life on these moons. These missions will suffer from communication challenges and technology limitations. We review and investigate the applicability of data science and unsupervised machine learning (ML) techniques on isotope ratio mass spectrometry data (IRMS) from volatile laboratory analogs of Europa and Enceladus seawaters as a case study for development of new strategies for icy ocean world missions. Our driving science goal is to determine whether the mass spectra of volatile gases could contain information about the composition of the seawater and potential biosignatures. We implement data science and ML techniques to investigate what inherent information the spectra contain and determine whether a data science pipeline could be designed to quickly analyze data from future ocean worlds missions. In this study, we focus on the exploratory data analysis (EDA) step in the analytics pipeline. This is a crucial unsupervised learning step that allows us to understand the data in depth before subsequent steps such as predictive/supervised learning. EDA identifies and characterizes recurring patterns, significant correlation structure, and helps determine which variables are redundant and which contribute to significant variation in the lower dimensional space. In addition, EDA helps to identify irregularities such as outliers that might be due to poor data quality. We compared dimensionality reduction methods Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection (UMAP) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for transforming our data from a high-dimensional space to a lower dimension, and we compared clustering algorithms for identifying data-driven groups (“clusters”) in the ocean worlds analog IRMS data and mapping these clusters to experimental conditions such as seawater composition and CO2 concentration. Such data analysis and characterization efforts are the first steps toward the longer-term science autonomy goal where similar automated ML tools could be used onboard a spacecraft to prioritize data transmissions for bandwidth-limited outer Solar System missions.
Feasibility and tolerability of moderate intensity regular physical exercise as treatment for core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Svedell L. A. , Holmqvist K. L. , Lindvall M. A. , Cao Y. , Msghina M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with sedentary lifestyle, low quality of life and low physical fitness. Studies in children with ADHD have shown that regular physical exercise can help reduce core ADHD symptoms, but evidence for this is lacking in adults. Although guidelines recommend multi-modal treatment, central stimulants (CS) remain the mainstay of treatment. CS are effective in the short-term, but their long-term efficacy remains to be established. There is thus huge unmet need for developing non-pharmacological treatment options, and for well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Objective

The study aimed to test the feasibility and tolerability of structured moderate-intensity 12-week physical exercise program for adults with ADHD, as a prelude to an adequately powered RCT which includes long-term follow-up.

Materials and methods

Fourteen adults with ADHD were recruited, 9 randomized to an intervention group and 5 to a control group. The intervention group received physiotherapist-led 50-minute mixed exercise program, three times a week for 12 weeks, and the control group treatment as usual. Participants were assessed at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks using clinical and physical evaluations, self-rating questionnaires, and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) together with paradigms that tested attention, impulsivity and emotion regulation.

Results

Three participants (21%) dropped out shortly after inclusion before receiving any intervention, while roughly 80% completed the intervention according to protocol. One participant from the intervention group participated in less than 60% of treatment sessions, and one who had done baseline fMRI was unwilling to do post-intervention imaging. Four participants in the intervention group (67%) reported increased stress in prioritizing the intervention due to time-management difficulties. Overall, consistent trends were observed that indicated the feasibility and potential benefits of the intervention on core ADHD symptoms, quality of life, body awareness, sleep and cognitive functioning.

Conclusion

Physiotherapist-led twelve-week regular physical exercise is a feasible and potentially beneficial intervention for adults with ADHD. There was a 20% drop-out initially and 67% of those who completed the intervention reported stress with time management difficulties due to participation. A third arm was thus added to the planned RCT where cognitive intervention administered by an occupational therapist will be given together with physical exercise.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05049239.
Scaling strategies and mechanisms in small and medium enterprises in the agri-food sector: a systematic literature review
Authors: Begimkulov Emil , Darr Dietrich
Published: May 2023

The question of how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the agri-food sector successfully develop and grow their business is a matter of high practical and theoretical relevance. The current paper conducts a systematic literature review focused on two key objectives. First, it explores the conceptual underpinning and evolution of the scaling concept by analyzing relevant conceptual and empirical journal articles. Second, the paper identifies and systematizes the key scaling strategies, drivers and mechanisms implemented by agri-food SMEs by reviewing published business case studies. The study’s findings reveal that agri-food SMEs primarily utilize vertical scaling up, which is achieved through establishing partnership relations, collaboration and integration mechanisms. Horizontal scaling out is another frequently used strategy accomplished via market demand stimulation, product diversification and geographic expansion. In contrast, scaling deep is the least frequently used strategy, which is achieved through transformative learning and cultural mechanisms. Overall, the results contribute to the literature on scaling agri-food SMEs by providing a comprehensive overview and classification of the key strategies, drivers and mechanisms used by agri-food SMEs.
A seven-gene prognosis model to predict biochemical recurrence for prostate cancer based on the TCGA database
Authors: He Yijun , Zhang Jinxiong , Chen Zhihao , Sun Kening , Wu Xin , Wu Jianhong , Sheng Lu
Published: May 2023

Background

The incidence rate of prostate cancer is increasing rapidly. This study aims to explore the gene-associated mechanism of prostate cancer biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy and to construct a biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer prognostic model.

Methods

The DEseq2 R package was used for the differential expression of mRNA. The ClusterProfiler R package was used to analyze the functional enrichment of Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to explore related mechanisms. The Survival, Survminer, and My.stepwise R packages were used to construct the prognostic model to predict the biochemical recurrence-free probability. The RMS R package was used to draw the nomogram. For evaluating the prognostic model, the timeROC R package was used to draw the time-dependent ROC curve (receiver operating characteristic curve).

Result

To investigate the association between mRNA and prostate cancer, we performed differential expression analysis on the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) database. Seven protein-coding genes (VWA5B2, ARC, SOX11, MGAM, FOXN4, PRAME, and MMP26) were picked as independent prognostic genes by regression analysis. Based on their Cox coefficient, a risk score formula was proposed. According to the risk scores, patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups based on the median score. Kaplan–Meier plot curves showed that the low-risk group had a better biochemical recurrence-free probability compared to the high-risk group. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year AUCs (areas under the ROC curve) of the model were 77%, 81%, and 86%, respectively. In addition, we built a nomogram based on the result of multivariate Cox regression analysis. Furthermore, we select the GSE46602 dataset as our external validation. The 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year AUCs of BCR-free probability were 83%, 82%, and 80%, respectively. Finally, the levels of seven genes showed a difference between PRAD tissues and adjacent non-tumorous tissues.

Conclusions

This study shows that establishing a biochemical recurrence prediction prognostic model comprising seven protein-coding genes is an effective and precise method for predicting the progression of prostate cancer.
Comparative observation of common tracers in sentinel lymph node biopsy of breast cancer and a study on simplifying its surgical procedure
Authors: Sun Shuo , Bai Jiming , Wang Xiang
Published: May 2023

Background

Many breast cancer patients have avoided axillary lymph node dissection after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). During the SLNB operation, the color of lymphatic vessels is sometimes poor and so finding them is difficult. This study observed the tracing effects of three tracer combinations and also reported our experience in simplifying the SLNB program.

Methods

In total, 123 breast cancer patients whose TNM stage was cT1–2N0M0 were retrospectively studied. According to the tracer used, the patients were divided into the carbon nanoparticle (CNP) group (38 cases), CNP combined with methylene blue (CNP + MB) group (41 cases), and indocyanine green combined with MB (ICG + MB) group (44 cases). All 123 breast cancer cases were also classified into the non-tracking group (53 cases) and tracking group (70 cases) according to the SLNB operation process. The non-tracking group looked for the stained sentinel lymph nodes directly, while the tracking group looked for the stained lymph nodes along the lymphatic vessels.

Results

The SLN identification rates in the CNP, CNP + MB, and ICG + MB groups were 97.4%, 97.6%, and 95.5% respectively (P > 0.05). The average number of SLNs detected was 4.92 ± 2.06, 5.12 ± 2.18, and 4.57 ± 1.90, respectively (P > 0.05). The ideal display rates of lymphatic vessels in the three groups were 86.8%, 87.8%, and 93.2%, respectively (P > 0.05). The SLN identification rates in the non-tracking and tracking groups were 96.2% and 97.1%, respectively (P > 0.05). The average number of SLNs detected were 5.73 ± 1.76 and 5.70 ± 1.93, respectively (P > 0.05), and the average operation time was 16.47 ± 5.78 and 27.53 ± 7.75 min, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This is the first study to observe the application effect of CNP combined with MB and ICG combined with MB tracers in SLNB of breast cancer patients. No significant difference was observed among the patients in SLN identification and lymphatic vessel display. Omitting the step of searching for lymphatic vessels in SLNB surgery does not reduce the surgical effect, but the reduced operating steps can reduce the surgical time and theoretically reduce postoperative complications.
Transcriptome analysis of perirenal fat from Spanish Assaf suckling lamb carcasses showing different levels of kidney knob and channel fat
Authors: Alonso-García María , Suárez-Vega Aroa , Fonseca Pablo A. S. , Marina Héctor , Pelayo Rocío , Mateo Javier , Arranz Juan-José , Gutiérrez-Gil Beatriz
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Suckling lamb meat is highly appreciated in European Mediterranean countries because of its mild flavor and soft texture. In suckling lamb carcasses, perirenal and pelvic fat depots account for a large fraction of carcass fat accumulation, and their proportions are used as an indicator of carcass quality.

Material and Methods

This study aimed to characterize the genetic mechanisms that regulate fat deposition in suckling lambs by evaluating the transcriptomic differences between Spanish Assaf lambs with significantly different proportions of kidney knob and channel fat (KKCF) depots in their carcasses (4 High-KKCF lambs vs. 4 Low-KKCF lambs).

Results

The analyzed fat tissue showed overall dominant expression of white adipose tissue gene markers, although due to the young age of the animals (17–36 days), the expression of some brown adipose tissue gene markers (e.g., UCP1, CIDEA) was still identified. The transcriptomic comparison between the High-KKCF and Low-KKCF groups revealed a total of 80 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The enrichment analysis of the 49 DEGs with increased expression levels in the Low-KKCF lambs identified significant terms linked to the biosynthesis of lipids and thermogenesis, which may be related to the higher expression of the UCP1 gene in this group. In contrast, the enrichment analysis of the 31 DEGs with increased expression in the High-KKCF lambs highlighted angiogenesis as a key biological process supported by the higher expression of some genes, such as VEGF-A and THBS1, which encode a major angiogenic factor and a large adhesive extracellular matrix glycoprotein, respectively.

Discussion

The increased expression of sestrins, which are negative regulators of the mTOR complex, suggests that the preadipocyte differentiation stage is being inhibited in the High-KKCF group in favor of adipose tissue expansion, in which vasculogenesis is an essential process. All of these results suggest that the fat depots of the High-KKCF animals are in a later stage of development than those of the Low-KKCF lambs. Further genomic studies based on larger sample sizes and complementary analyses, such as the identification of polymorphisms in the DEGs, should be designed to confirm these results and achieve a deeper understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying fat deposition in suckling lambs.