bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current status of ultrasound training in obstetrics and gynecology: a scoping literature review
Authors: Matschl Julia , Jimenez-Cruz Jorge , Schäfer Valentin Sebastian , Wittek Agnes , Berg Christoph , Geipel Annegret , Gembruch Ulrich , Strizek Brigitte , Recker Florian
Published: November 2024

Introduction

As a widely accessible, cost-effective, and safe imaging tool, obstetric and gynecologic (OB/GYN) ultrasound (ULS) plays a vital role in diagnostics and patient care. With its growing relevance, the demand for comprehensive education in this field increases. The objective of this work was to outline the current state of OB/GYN ULS education.

Methods

A scoping literature search was performed until May 2023 using the medical database PubMed according to PRISMA guidelines. Using specific keywords, relevant publications were filtered. Subsequently, abstracts were independently reviewed by two authors and the inclusion of each publication was assessed against pre-defined key search terms. Full-text versions of the included publications were scrutinized and pertinent information was extracted.

Results

In this review, 126 articles from the literature search matched the inclusion criteria and were investigated. Our findings revealed a diverse range of course concepts and programs, a lot of them not meeting the expectations of trainees and international guidelines. OB/GYN ULS training primarily targets residents, yet opportunities for early exposure and continuing education are underexplored. International organizations, such as the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (ISUOG) and the German Society for Ultrasound in Medicine (DEGUM) have proposed guidelines and curricula for standardized training. However, adoption remains varied. There is an emergent need to innovate teaching methods.

Conclusion

There is consensus that standardizing OB/GYN ULS curricula could enhance training quality and streamline the creation of new programs, ultimately improving patient care. Further research is needed to define the most effective strategies for curriculum development and implementation.
Control of hydrogen concentrations by microbial sulfate reduction in two contrasting anoxic coastal sediments
Authors: Coon Gage R. , Williams Leketha C. , Matthews Adrianna , Diaz Roberto , Kevorkian Richard T. , LaRowe Douglas E. , Steen Andrew D. , Lapham Laura L. , Lloyd Karen G.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Molecular hydrogen is produced by the fermentation of organic matter and consumed by organisms including hydrogenotrophic methanogens and sulfate reducers in anoxic marine sediment. The thermodynamic feasibility of these metabolisms depends strongly on organic matter reactivity and hydrogen concentrations; low organic matter reactivity and high hydrogen concentrations can inhibit fermentation so when organic matter is poor, fermenters might form syntrophies with methanogens and/or sulfate reducers who alleviate thermodynamic stress by keeping hydrogen concentrations low and tightly controlled. However, it is unclear how these metabolisms effect porewater hydrogen concentrations in natural marine sediments of different organic matter reactivities.

Methods

We measured aqueous concentrations of hydrogen, sulfate, methane, dissolved inorganic carbon, and sulfide with high-depth-resolution and 16S rRNA gene assays in sediment cores with low carbon reactivity in White Oak River (WOR) estuary, North Carolina, and those with high carbon reactivity in Cape Lookout Bight (CLB), North Carolina. We calculated the Gibbs energies of sulfate reduction and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis.

Results

Hydrogen concentrations were significantly higher in the sulfate reduction zone at CLB than WOR (mean: 0.716 vs. 0.437 nM H2) with highly contrasting hydrogen profiles. At WOR, hydrogen was extremely low and invariant (range: 0.41–0.52 nM H2) in the upper 15 cm. Deeper than 15 cm, hydrogen became more variable (range: 0.312–2.56 nM H2) and increased until methane production began at ~30 cm. At CLB, hydrogen was highly variable in the upper 15 cm (range: 0.08–2.18 nM H2). Ratios of inorganic carbon production to sulfate consumption show AOM drives sulfate reduction in WOR while degradation of organics drive sulfate reduction in CLB.

Discussion

We conclude more reactive organic matter increases hydrogen concentrations and their variability in anoxic marine sediments. In our AOM-dominated site, WOR, sulfate reducers have tight control on hydrogen via consortia with fermenters which leads to the lower observed variance due to interspecies hydrogen transfer. After sulfate depletion, hydrogen accumulates and becomes variable, supporting methanogenesis. This suggests that CLB’s more reactive organic matter allows fermentation to occur without tight metabolic coupling of fermenters to sulfate reducers, resulting in high and variable porewater hydrogen concentrations that prevent AOM from occurring through reverse hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis.
Exploring time-killing and biofilm inhibition potential of bioactive proteins extracted from two varieties of Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Gangwar Reena , Salem Mohamed M. , Maurya Vineet Kumar , Bekhit Mounir M. , Singh Nisha , Amara Amro Abd Al Fattah , Sahu Ram Kumar , Ibrahim Mohamed A.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Dental caries, caused by oral microbial pathogens, are a global health concern, further exacerbated by the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Bioactive proteins and peptides (BAPs) exhibit potent antimicrobial properties, targeting multiple cellular mechanisms within pathogens, reducing the likelihood of resistance development. Given the antimicrobial potential of BAPs, this study aimed to compare the efficacy of BAPs extracted from cultivated (Pleurotus ostreatus, PoC) and wild (Pleurotus ostreatus, PoW) mushrooms against pathogens responsible for dental caries.

Methods

BAPs were extracted from both PoC and PoW using a TCA-acetone method. Antimicrobial activities were tested against seven bacteria and one fungus using agar well diffusion and MIC determination. Antibiofilm activity was assessed via modified CV assay, while DPPH and erythrocyte lysis tests evaluated free radical scavenging.

Results

PoC showed superior antimicrobial efficacy, with lower MIC and MBC values, and disrupted biofilm integrity at increasing concentrations. PoW exhibited better antioxidant activity with higher DPPH scavenging, though its antimicrobial efficacy was slightly lower than PoC.

Discussion

Both PoC and PoW BAPs inhibited dental pathogens, with PoC showing stronger inhibition against MRSA and nystatin-resistant Candida albicans. This suggests BAPs may target additional cellular mechanisms beyond membranes, PBPs, and ergosterols. Despite PoW’s stronger antioxidant properties, both BAPs had comparable antibiofilm activity. These findings suggest complementary actions of BAPs from PoC and PoW both, in treating dental caries, offering broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antioxidant benefits.
Lactobacillus paracasei 259 alleviates hyperuricemia in rats by decreasing uric acid and modulating the gut microbiota
Authors: Bi Chengming , Zhang Lanjun , Liu Jingya , Chen Lianhong
Published: November 2024

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is a metabolic disease arising from abnormal purine metabolism. It contributes to an increased risk of kidney damage. The present study aimed to investigate the uric acid (UA)-lowering effects of Lactobacillus paracasei 259 isolated from yak yogurt and explore its underlying mechanisms. Our results revealed that L. paracasei 259 decreased the UA levels in rats and inhibited the serum activities of xanthine oxidase. In addition, L. paracasei 259 reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6) in the kidney and altered the expressions of UA transporters (ABC transporter 2 (ABCG2), PDZ domain containing 1 (PDZK1), urate transporter 1 (URAT1), and sodium-phosphate cotransporter type 4 (NPT4)) to near normal levels. Moreover, it increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria in the gut and recovered the gut microbiota composition, promoting the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These findings suggested that L. paracasei 259 can potentially be used to decrease UA levels, repair kidney damage, regulate gut microbiota, and alleviate HUA.
Prognostic nutritional index and albuminuria in adults aged 20 years and above: a cross-sectional analysis in the United States
Authors: Jiang Zhimeng , Zhu Xingyu , Jiang Huixin , Zhao Donglin , Su Feifei
Published: November 2024

Background and objective

Albuminuria is an important early marker of kidney damage and progression of chronic kidney disease and is also linked to several chronic systemic diseases. The Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) is widely used in the assessment of multiple diseases. However, research dealing with the relationship between PNI and albuminuria remains scarce. This research project aims to examine this association.

Methods and materials

The present study employed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2017 and 2020, including 7,737 adult participants who met the study criteria. PNI was analyzed as a quartile-categorized variable. Multivariable regression models and smoothing curve fitting were adopted to examine the relationship between PNI and albuminuria. In order to ascertain the stability of the association across different populations, subgroup analyses were performed.

Results

The study found a statistically significant inverse relationship between higher PNI levels and the prevalence of albuminuria. The fully adjusted model indicates that a one-unit increase in PNI is associated with a 4% reduced odds of albuminuria prevalence [0.96 (0.93, 0.98)]. Quartile analysis showed a stable inverse relationship, with the highest PNI quartile having the significantly lower odds of albuminuria prevalence [0.76 (0.62, 0.94), p for trend = 0.0004]. Smooth curve fitting and two-piecewise linear regression models indicated a nonlinear relationship between PNI and albuminuria, with a turning point at 42. Subgroup analysis confirmed the reliability of the inverse relationship between PNI and albuminuria across all groups.

Conclusion

The findings of this study indicated that higher PNI levels are significantly inversely related to the odds prevalence of albuminuria. PNI could serve as an important predictor for the occurrence of albuminuria. Further prospective studies are needed to validate this association.
Associations between dietary coenzyme Q10 intake and lipid profiles in adults: a national cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhao Mingzhu , Tian Zezhong , Zhao Dan , Kuang Huiying , Liang Ying , Liu Zhihao , Xu Yixuan , Hou Shanshan , Zhong Zepei , Yang Yan
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aimed to determine the average intake of CoQ10 from dietary sources and explore the dose–response relationships between the dietary-derived CoQ10 intake and lipid profiles.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional study based on the China Health and Nutrition Survey, which included 7,938 adults. The dietary intake assessment used three consecutive 24-h recalls combined with a household inventory. Serum was used for lipid profiling.

Results

The average dietary-derived CoQ10 intake was 5.4 mg/day in Chinese adults. The dietary CoQ10 intake of the highest quartile (Q4 ≥ 6.96 mg/day) was negatively associated with total cholesterol (TC) [−0.12 (−0.19, −0.06) mmol/L], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) [−0.17 (−0.23, −0.10) mmol/L], and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) [−0.12 (−0.18, −0.05) mmol/L], while positively associated with apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA1) [0.10 (0.08, 0.13) g/L] and triglycerides (TG) [0.14 (0.05, 0.23) mmol/L], compared to the lowest quartile (Q1 < 1.88 mg/day). Besides, dietary CoQ10 intake showed nonlinear dose–response associations with the above lipid variables (all Pnonlinear < 0.05).

Conclusion

Dietary-derived CoQ10 intake may be associated with some lipid profiles, such as TG, ApoA1, TC, LDL-C, and non-HDL-C. However, CoQ10 from dietary sources may not be a good choice for individuals who need to CoQ10 supplement.
Ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block with lidocaine vs. saline combined with physical exercises for the rehabilitation of supraspinatus tendinitis: a randomized double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Otani Pericles Tey , Rached Roberto Del Valhe Abi , Alfieri Fabio Marcon , de Azevedo Neto Raymundo Soares , Hsing Wu Tu , Battistella Linamara Rizzo , Imamura Marta
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Shoulder pain is the third leading cause of musculoskeletal complaints in primary care clinics. Its prevalence varies from 14% to 34%. Among all the structures that can cause shoulder pain, the most vulnerable to injury is the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle. The ideal management protocol is still unknown. To date, little is known in the literature about the use of ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block as a treatment for supraspinatus muscle tendinitis. Our objective was to assess the effects of the association of a single ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block combined with home-based rotator cuff exercises to reduce pain and improve shoulder functioning in patients with supraspinatus tendinitis.

Methods

We evaluated the effect of a single ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve block on pain and functioning of people with supraspinatus tendinitis. Diagnosis was performed using the positive Jobe test. Due to large disparity between clinical and radiological findings, only clinical diagnostic criteria were used to select patients. This was a double-blind, randomized, controlled, clinical study in which patients in the intervention group (n = 42) received a single injection of 5 ml of 2% lidocaine, while in the control group (n = 41) patients underwent the same procedure receiving saline solution 0.9%. All patients received face to face instructions by an experienced physiotherapist and a leaflet explaining home-based exercises. Pain and functioning were assessed using the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI) questionnaire before the procedure, one week and 12 weeks after the procedure.

Results

Patients in both groups improved significantly since the initial evaluation until the 12th week. Intervention group SPADI (pre, 1 week, 12 weeks): 75.80 ± 18.96, 56.25 ± 31.37, 46.31 ± 31.41 (p < 0.001); Control group SPADI: 75.49 ± 16.67, 50.51 ± 27.58, 49.37 ± 30.90 (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences between groups (p = 0.291).

Discussion/conclusion

We concluded that both lidocaine and saline ultrasound-guided suprascapular nerve blocks reduce pain and improve shoulder functioning in patients with supraspinatus tendinitis. Unexpectedly, the same block performed with saline showed similar results and effects.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier [NCT02495818].
Postnatal levels of glycated albumin and glycated hemoglobin A1c in mothers of large-for-gestational-age newborns
Authors: Železnik Mojca , Trampuš Bakija Alenka , Paro-Panjan Darja , Soltirovska-Šalamon Aneta
Published: November 2024

Background

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is an important cause of macrosomia. The value of glycated albumin (GlyA) has been demonstrated to be a useful marker of glycemic control in pregnancy and a predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the postnatal levels of GlyA and glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) regarding the prenatal diagnosis of GDM in mothers of large-for-gestational-age (LGA) newborns.

Methods

The study included mothers and their LGA newborns born between July 2017 and September 2019. The mothers were grouped according to the prenatal diagnosis of GDM, and measurements of GlyA and HbA1c levels in their serum were performed on the first day after delivery of a LGA newborn.

Results

A total of 61 LGA newborns and their mothers were enrolled in the study. The median GlyA level was higher, at 16.4% (81.0 µmol/L), whereas the HbA1c level was lower in the group without a prenatal diagnosis of GDM; the differences between groups regarding the GlyA and HbA1c levels were not significant (p > 0.05). The postnatal level of maternal GlyA was positively correlated with birth weight (β = 0.022, p = 0.007), but no correlation with the presence of other adverse perinatal outcomes was found.

Conclusion

Mothers of LGA newborns who were not diagnosed with GDM during pregnancy had higher median levels of GlyA and lower HbA1c levels than mothers with prenatal diagnosis of GDM. Values of GlyA in mothers were positively correlated with the birth weight of their newborns but no correlation with other adverse perinatal outcomes was found. Our results indicate the potential value of GlyA for screening of GDM in the last trimester of pregnancy.
Drug prescriptions in elderly hospitalized patients with cognitive impairment in the Italian Dementia Friendly Hospital project
Authors: Govoni Stefano , Rosi Alessia , Preda Stefania , Lanni Cristina , Cappa Stefano , Allegri Nicola
Published: November 2024

Objective

The aim of the study was to characterize drug prescription patterns in elderly patients hospitalized in acute wards as a function of cognitive status and staff training.

Methods

We recorded clinical parameters reflecting health status and drug prescriptions at admission, during hospital stay, and at discharge before and after a short staff training on the needs of aged cognitively impaired patients. Participants aged 65 and older had a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥16. The number of prescriptions, sedative and anticholinergic load, and drug–drug interactions were evaluated. Of the 116 older patients analyzed, 59 patients were cognitively impaired, and 57 were cognitively normal with an MMSE value > 24. Fifty-nine patients (28 CN, 31 CI) were assisted by the hospital health staff after training.

Results

Participants presented a widespread polypharmacy. Cognitively impaired patients received more prescriptions, more inappropriate prescriptions, had a greater sedative load, and were exposed to more interactions. Staff training had no effect on the prescription pattern.

Conclusion

The results suggest that hospitalized cognitively impaired patients are overprescribed psychotropic drugs and have an excessive sedative and anticholinergic load. Interventions designed to improve dementia care practices in health staff that are not also designed to manage drug polypharmacy do not modify prescription patterns.
Study on laser ablation characteristics of tree obstacles in transmission lines
Authors: Xu Wenrong , Zhao Yanhua , Chen Wenjie , Fang Chunhua , Hu Tao , Huang Bingyu , Zhang Jin
Published: November 2024

Introduction

As a new and efficient method for obstacle removal, laser clearance has promising applications in eliminating tree obstacles in transmission lines. This paper aims to explore various aspects related to the laser ablation of tree obstacles in transmission lines through simulation and experimentation.

Methods

This paper employs simulation and experimentation to test the ignition time, burn-through time, peak temperature, and basic carbonization rate of various types of tree obstacles in transmission lines. Additionally, it analyzes the effects of tree density, laser power, clearance distance, and tree moisture content on laser ablation characteristics.

Results

The results reveal that different types of tree obstacles exhibit distinct ablation characteristics. With increasing tree density, both the ignition and burn-through times increase, while the peak temperature and basic carbonization rate decrease. Additionally, laser power and clearance distance significantly influence laser ablation behavior. Higher laser energy density results in greater heat flux density, leading to shorter ignition and burn-through times and higher peak temperatures and carbonization rates. Moreover, the tree obstacle with the highest moisture content (58.4%) had the shortest burn-through time of 46.56 s, whereas the one with the lowest moisture content (14.8%) took the longest at 58.41 s, which demonstrates that increased moisture content enhances the laser ablation rate.

Discussion

These findings provide a basis for the application of laser-based tree obstacle removal in power transmission lines. The understanding of how different factors such as tree density, laser power, clearance distance, and moisture content affect the laser ablation process can help in optimizing the laser clearance operations for more efficient removal of tree obstacles in transmission lines.
Spatial heterogeneity response of soil salinization inversion cotton field expansion based on deep learning
Authors: Zhang Jinming , Ding Jianli , Wang Jinjie , Zhang Zihan , Tan Jiao , Ge Xiangyu
Published: November 2024

Soil salinization represents a significant challenge to the ecological environment in arid areas, and digital mapping of soil salinization as well as exploration of its spatial heterogeneity with crop growth have important implications for national food security and salinization management. However, the machine learning models currently used are deficient in mining local information on salinity and do not explore the spatial heterogeneity of salinity impacts on crops. This study developed soil salinization inversion models using CNN (Convolutional Neural Network), LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory Network), and RF (Random Forest) models based on 97 field samples and feature variables extracted from Landsat-8 imagery. By evaluating the accuracy, the best-performing model was selected to map soil salinity at a 30m resolution for the years 2013 and 2022, and to explore the relationship between soil electrical conductivity (EC) values and the expansion of cotton fields as well as their spatial correlation. The results indicate that:(1) The CNN performs best in prediction, with an R2 of 0.84 for the training set and 0.73 for the test set, capable of capturing more local salinity information. (2) The expansion of cotton fields has reduced the level of soil salinization, with the area of severely salinized and saline soils in newly added cotton fields decreasing from 177.91 km2 and 381.46 km2 to 19.49 km2 and 1.12 km2, respectively. (3) Regions with long-term cotton cultivation and newly reclaimed cotton fields exhibit high sensitivity and vulnerability to soil salinity. This study explores the excellent performance of deep learning in salinity mapping and visualizes the spatial distribution of cotton fields that are highly sensitive to soil salinity, providing a scientific theoretical basis for accurate salinity management.
Integrated eQTL mapping approach reveals genomic regions regulating candidate genes of the E8-r3 locus in soybean
Authors: Gélinas Bélanger Jérôme , Copley Tanya Rose , Hoyos-Villegas Valerio , O’Donoughue Louise
Published: November 2024

Deciphering the gene regulatory networks of critical quantitative trait loci associated with early maturity provides information for breeders to unlock soybean’s (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) northern potential and expand its cultivation range. The E8-r3 locus is a genomic region regulating the number of days to maturity under constant short-day photoperiodic conditions in two early-maturing soybean populations (QS15524F2:F3 and QS15544RIL) belonging to maturity groups MG00 and MG000. In this study, we developed a combinatorial expression quantitative trait loci mapping approach using three algorithms (ICIM, IM, and GCIM) to identify the regions that regulate three candidate genes of the E8-r3 locus (Glyma.04G167900/GmLHCA4a, Glyma.04G166300/GmPRR1a, and Glyma.04G159300/GmMDE04). Using this approach, a total of 2,218 trans (2,061 genes)/7 cis (7 genes) and 4,073 trans (2,842 genes)/3,083 cis (2,418 genes) interactions were mapped in the QS15524F2:F3 and QS15544RIL populations, respectively. From these interactions, we successfully identified two hotspots (F2_GM15:49,385,092-49,442,237 and F2_GM18:1,434,182-1,935,386) and three minor regions (RIL_GM04:17,227,512-20,251,662, RIL_GM04:31,408,946-31,525,671 and RIL_GM13:37,289,785-38,620,690) regulating the candidate genes of E8-r3 and several of their homologs. Based on co-expression network and single nucleotide variant analyses, we identified ALTERED PHLOEM DEVELOPMENT (Glyma.15G263700) and DOMAIN-CONTAINING PROTEIN 21 (Glyma.18G025600) as the best candidates for the F2_GM15:49,385,092-49,442,237 and F2_GM18:1,434,182-1,935,386 hotspots. These findings demonstrate that a few key regions are involved in the regulation of the E8-r3 candidates GmLHCA4a, GmPRR1a, and GmMDE04.
LC-MS/MS-based metabolic profiling: unraveling the impact of varying degrees of curing on metabolite transformations in tobacco
Authors: Wei Kesu , Chen Xuling , Cheng Zhijun , Wang Heng , Wang Feng , Yang Lei , Wu Shengjiang , Yang Yijun , Tu Yonggao , Wang Yan , Liang Chenggang
Published: November 2024

The curing process regulates metabolite transformations of leaves and significantly influences the formation of tobacco quality. This study investigated the major physicochemical compositions and metabolic profiles under normal curing (NC), excessive curing (EC), and insufficient curing (IC) treatments. The results indicated that the contents of nicotine, nitrogen, potassium, and chlorine remained stable among treatments, while the sugar content in EC was significantly lower than in IC. LC-MS/MS identified 845 metabolites, with flavonoids as the most abundant class. Comparative analyses identified a series of differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) among fresh leaf, NC, EC, and IC leaves at the end of 42°C, 54°C, and 68°C, respectively. At the end of 68°C, 256 up-regulated and 241 down-regulated common DEMs across treatments were isolated in comparison to fresh leaf, underscoring the consistency of metabolic changes during curing. Notably, nonivamide varied markedly across treatments, suggesting its potential as a key curing indicator. NC_68°C displayed 11 up-regulated and 17 down-regulated unique DEMs, differing from EC_68°C and IC_68°C, suggesting their potential availability in evaluating tobacco leaf quality. KEGG pathway analysis revealed temporal shifts in metabolic pathways, particularly those involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis (such as flavonoids, flavones, flavonols) and amino acid metabolism, during the transition from yellowing to color-fixing. Correlation analysis isolated the top 25 DEMs correlated with curing degree and stage, which might play pivotal roles in the curing process and could serve as potential biomarkers for assessing curing degree and stage. Specifically, D-(+)-cellobiose displayed the strongest negative correlation with curing degree, while 5,7-dihydroxychromone exhibited the highest positive correlation coefficient. Furthermore, curcurbitacin IIa showed the highest positive correlation with curing stage, followed by hesperetin and 8-shogaol. Additionally, random forest analysis emphasized morellic acid as a core molecular metabolite across curing degrees, suggesting its potential as a biomarker. Debiased sparse partial correlation (DSPC) network analysis further pinpointed hispidulin as a key metabolite, underscoring its significance in elucidating flavonoid metabolism during the curing process. Collectively, this study enhances the understanding of metabolite transformations underlying tobacco curing processes and provides a valuable reference for optimizing curing strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
Pectinesterase activity and gene expression correlate with pathogenesis of Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Deng Linmei , Huang Xun , Dao Jian , Xu Yajin , Zhou Kunyan , Wang Wenping , Liu Chunjiang , Chen Meng , Zhang Shunhong , Zhang Yue , Hao Jianjun , Liu Xia , Yang Yanli
Published: November 2024

Late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is the most devastating disease of potato. Phytophthora infestans produces many secondary metabolites and effector proteins, involved in the pathogenesis, which compromise host defense mechanisms. Pectinesterase (PE) is a cell wall degrading enzyme secreted by P. infestans to infect the host. To examine the role of PE in P. infestans, 15 strains of P. infestans were isolated from infected potato leaves in Yunnan, China. We analyzed the biological effects of exogenously added PE on P. infestans and its activity and gene expression after infection of potato using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). It was found that PE significantly promotes the growth of P. infestans, increases the weight of mycelium and the number of sporangia, and promotes the sporangial germination. PE accelerated the infection process of P. infestans on potato. The pathogenicity of P. infestans was positively correlated with PE activity and gene expression. PE is a key to the virulence difference of potato late blight.
Cytogenetic and molecular identification of novel wheat-Elymus sibiricus addition lines with resistance to leaf rust and the presence of leaf pubescence trait
Authors: Motsnyi Ivan I. , Halaiev Oleksii V. , Alіeksіeіeva Tetiana G. , Chebotar Galyna O. , Chebotar Sabina V. , Betekhtin Alexander , Hasterok Robert , Armonienė Rita , Rahmatov Mahbubjon
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Emerging new races of leaf rust (Puccinia triticina Eriks) are threatening global wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production. Identifying additional resistance genes from all available gene pools is crucial to expanding wheat resistance to these virulent leaf rust races. Siberian wild rye (Elymus sibiricus L.) possesses numerous beneficial traits that can be valuable in wheat improvement. Three new wheat-E. sibiricus addition lines, O27-2 (BC8), O27-3 (BC12) and O193-3 (BC12), were developed through a backcrossing scheme in this study, using leaf rust field evaluations, molecular marker assays and cytogenetic analysis.

Methods

These three lines were derived from progeny of the bread wheat cultivar ‘Obriy’ (2n = 6x = 42, AABBDD) and partial octoploid amphiploid wheat-E. sibiricus (2n = 8x = 56, AABBDDStSt).

Results and discussion

The lines (O27-2, O27-3 and O193-3) demonstrated strong specific leaf pubescence (hairiness) and resistance at the adult stage to a local population of leaf rust races. The response to leaf rust in these three lines significantly differed from that of the Lr24 gene, providing evidence for a distinct resistance mechanism associated with the 3St chromosome. This study is the first to report the transfer of an E. sibiricus chromosome into wheat that confers leaf rust resistance. Molecular marker analysis and genomic in situ hybridization confirmed that lines O27-2, O27-3 and O193-3 each possess one pair of E. sibiricus 3St chromosomes. The resistance gene was determined to be on the additional alien chromosome in these lines. Molecular markers (Xwmc221, Lr29F18, Sr24/Lr24) confirmed that the lines O27-2, O27-3, and O193-3 each contain a pair of E. sibiricus 3St chromosomes carrying leaf rust resistance genes. These findings demonstrate that the E. sibiricus 3St chromosome carries the leaf rust resistance gene and that the O27-2, O27-3, and O193-3 lines can serve as novel germplasm sources for introducing this resistance into wheat breeding programs. This study contributes to broadening the genetic diversity of resistance genes available for combating leaf rust in wheat.
Political interest, political ideology, and attitudes toward immigration
Authors: Hannuksela Venla , Söderlund Peter , Miklikowska Marta
Published: November 2024

Although much research has been devoted to how political interest is related to different political outcomes, little is known about its influence on attitudes toward immigration. In line with deliberative theory, political interest should facilitate greater exposure to various perspectives via political discussions and other forms of political engagement that, in turn, should contribute to more positive attitude toward those with differing views or backgrounds. Using data from the European Social Survey, including 39 countries across 10 survey rounds 2002–2021, this study shows that political interest is positively related to immigrant acceptance. However, there is moderation effect of conservative values. Being politically interested is associated with a higher probability of holding pro-immigrant attitudes among weak conservatives, while there is no significant association among strong conservatives. This finding can be explained by the motivated cognition theory, which states that individuals tend to seek out and pay more attention to information that supports their strong pre-existing ideologies. For individuals with ideologies that predispose them to adopt very negative attitudes toward immigration (strong conservatives), being politically interested might entail a greater exposure and attention to ideology-congruent perspectives and, as a result, confirmation of initial predispositions.
Association of diabetes risk with changes in memory, working memory, and processing speed among older adults
Authors: Lee Jungjoo , Kim Junhyoung , An Sang Joon
Published: November 2024

Background

This study investigated the risk of diabetes by examining changes in memory, working memory, and processing speed among older adults to provide evidence on how each cognitive domain is associated with the risk of diabetes in older adults.

Methods

This study used Health and Retirement Study data and tracked the respondents from 2012 to 2020 (n = 5,748). The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-27 includes three cognitive tests (recall, seven subtraction, and counting backward tests) to assess each cognitive domain. A Cox proportional hazard regression was used to calculate the changes in the odds ratio (OR) of diabetes by increasing each cognitive function and the parameter in covariates.

Results

We found that the OR of diabetes decreased with increasing universal cognitive function, increasing memory, working memory, and processing speed, and that age increased the OR in all analysis models.

Conclusion

The findings of this study contribute to filling gaps in the literature by exploring: (a) the association between each cognitive function and the decline in diabetes risk and (b) the varying patterns of change in diabetes risk with increasing cognitive function.
Ideal personhood through the ages: tracing the genealogy of the modern concepts of wellbeing
Authors: Joshanloo Mohsen , Weijers Dan
Published: November 2024

This inquiry traces the recent history of modern conceptualizations of personhood and wellbeing. It explores a general transition from traditional frameworks emphasizing social embeddedness, external obligations, and cosmic meaning to modern views privileging self-determination, authenticity, and self-expression. The inquiry shows that contemporary conceptions of wellbeing have emerged in Western cultures through the gradual accumulation of influences, including the Enlightenment ethos, liberal ideals, romanticism, existentialism, countercultural movements, and modern psychology. The important role of ‘authenticity’ is examined as a central value in contemporary wellbeing discourse, aligning with the modern conception of personhood. It is argued that contemporary perspectives tend to position the ideal of authentic self-fulfillment as an overarching paradigm that integrates self-determination, self-discovery, willful self-authoring, and creative identity expression. It is also argued that the widespread public support of the authentic self-actualization model in the contemporary era is partly due to the success of humanistic and positive psychology. This model’s prevalence is particularly notable in regions where the modern concepts of personhood prevail, i.e., in Western cultures and, to a somewhat lesser extent, within affluent non-Western cultures. By shedding light on the Western origins of modern concepts of wellbeing, this inquiry challenges their assumed universality.
Can China’s national comprehensive medical reform increase medical resources and reduce healthcare burden: evidence from Chinese provinces
Authors: Fu Xiangyu , Ren Xiang , Chen Qirui
Published: November 2024

Objectives

China’s national comprehensive medical reform (NCMR) is an important attempt in the reform of healthcare system, and quantitative evaluation of its effect is of great significance for continuously deepening medical reform, grasping the reform direction, and building a healthy China. Therefore, focusing on medical resources and medical burden, this study aims to systematically explore the policy effectiveness and the provincial heterogeneity of NCMR, as well as the potential influencing factors.

Methods

Utilizing the collected multi-period panel data of 31 provinces in mainland China in 2006–2021, we regarded the release of the two batches of pilot provinces in NCMR as a quasi-natural experiment and comprehensively adopted a Staggered difference-in-differences (DID) model and Synthetic Control Method (SCM), combined with word frequency statistics and grouping regression analysis.

Results

NCMR can effectively increase the number of licensed physicians by 12.6% and reduce the per capita medical expense for in-patients by 7.2% in the pilot provinces. Furthermore, the NCMR policy effect in different pilot provinces shows various characteristics, and only Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Chongqing achieve both the growth of medical resources and the reduction of medical expenditure. Meanwhile, word frequency statistics are conducted based on related policy descriptions and news reports on the official websites, so as to summarize the specific policy means in the three provinces, and provide a reference for other provinces to practice the healthcare reforms. Besides, extensibility analysis shows that the effect of NCMR is affected by the population aging and health status. Groups with low degree of population aging (low-AG)/high population health status (high-HE) performed a more obvious reform effect.

Conclusion

This study provides beneficial policy implications for increasing medical resources, reducing medical burden, and promoting medical reform process.
AI assistance in enterprise UX design workflows: enhancing design brief creation for designers
Authors: Zhu Zijian , Lee Hyemin , Pan Younghwan , Cai Pengyu
Published: November 2024

The study explores the impact of AI tools on the daily tasks of designers in corporate environments, with a focus on the creation and evaluation processes of design briefs. Given ChatGPT’s advanced natural language processing capabilities and its potential to meet the complex communication and analysis needs of design work, this tool was selected to investigate its application in designers’ workflows. Through expert interviews, experimental testing, and third-party expert evaluations, we collected and analyzed data to understand the impact of AI on work processes. The findings indicate that AI tools significantly enhance both operational experience and subjective perceptions across most tasks. Additionally, the study provides a visual comparison of the testing process through a user experience map, highlighting AI’s positive influence on work efficiency, information retrieval, verification, analysis, communication, and decision-making. However, challenges remain in ensuring information authenticity, protecting content copyright, and maintaining professional identity. The primary objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current state of AI application in business contexts and its impact on designers’ roles. By analyzing real-world feedback, the research aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of AI solutions in enterprises and offer practical recommendations. The study underscores the importance of integrating AI thinking into workflows and adopting a human-centric approach for the future development of corporate work environments.
Optimisation of the sampling method for skin microbiome studies in healthy children: a pilot cohort study
Authors: Smith Anita , Ghori Noor-Ul-Huda , Foster Rachael , Nicol Mark P. , Barnett Timothy , Pickering Janessa , Whelan Alexandra , Strunk Tobias , Wood Fiona , Raby Edward , Fear Mark , Weston Stephanie , Campbell Anita J. , Hoyne Gerard F. , Bowen Asha C.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Recent interest in the diverse ecosystem of bacteria, fungi and viruses that make up the skin microbiome has led to numerous studies investigating the skin microbiome in healthy skin and in dermatological conditions. However, skin microbiome analysis is challenging due to relatively low numbers of skin microorganisms compared to mucosal sites, such as the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts. Microbiome results are heavily influenced by sampling methods. Previous sampling methods include that of cotton swabs, tape stripping, patch sampling and punch biopsies. It is essential to have a standardised sampling method for microbiome studies to have comparable results between studies. Two non-invasive methods of sampling the skin microbiome; a skin scraping versus a flocked swab were chosen as methodologies likely to be efficient, effective, and easy to access for future skin microbiome studies in children. Here we compare the two sampling methods to describe the composition of the skin microbiome in healthy children.

Method

Samples were collected from six healthy children aged three to nine years from the skin overlying the cubital fossa, cheek and axilla using (i) flocked swabs and (ii) skin scrapings with a glass slide. Samples were collected from the left and right sides of the body at two separate time points, one week apart. Quantitative PCR of the gene encoding 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) was performed to compare the bacterial load collected by each sampling method. Full-length 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing was performed to compare the relationship of sampling method and time with the diversity and ecology of bacteria between different body sites.

Results

From six children, 78 flocked swabs and 78 skin scraping samples were collected, along with details of their overall health and skin care practices. qPCR results indicated higher total bacterial load from flocked swabs compared with skin scrapings. Flocked swabs and skin scraping methods had very similar bacterial compositional profiles. The skin microbiome was diverse between individuals and remained relatively stable within individuals over time.

Discussion

Overall, results were similar between sample types, however bacterial DNA yield was higher for flocked swab samples (compared to skin scraping methods) and with a simpler protocol is the preferred sampling method for future studies.
Influence of habituation on pseudo-haptic weight perception of virtual objects
Authors: Ito Kenta , Ban Yuki , Warisawa Shin’ichi
Published: November 2024

As the demand for realistic sensations in virtual reality (VR) environments escalates, interfaces that exploit cross-modal interactions between vision and haptics are gaining prominence. Pseudo-haptics, offering a tactile illusion without mechanical feedback devices, has emerged as a viable solution to enhance user immersion by simulating various sensations such as texture, fluid resistance, and weight. However, a potential issue in the long-term effectiveness of these illusions, particularly habituation, where the illusion diminishes after prolonged exposure, remains a concern. This study investigates whether habituation to pseudo-haptic weight illusions occurs with extended use. We conducted quantitative measurements of pseudo-haptic weight perception before and after prolonged exposure. The findings indicate a diminishing effect of pseudo-haptic weight illusion with repeated exposure, particularly among participants with high accuracy in weight perception. This study contributes important insights into the design of VR experiences, highlighting the need to consider the habituation effects when implementing pseudo-haptic illusions for weight perception.
Will the COVID-19 infection affect the performance of top basketball players? A data-driven analysis
Authors: Xiong Changyue , Wu Chenxi , Bai Lu , Yan Yuxin , Chen Sumeng
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To investigate the changes in the game performance of high-level basketball players in NBA league before and after the COVID-19 infection.

Methods

Athletic statistics were collected from official database for 68 players (19 forwards, 29 guards, 20 centers; mean age 27.14 ± 3.65 years) in the NBA league for 10 games before and after infection with COVID-19. We used a the Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance to examine the impact caused by COVID-19.

Results

Among all 68 players, a statistically significant decrease in plus/minus (Z = −2.392, p = 0.017) and free throw shooting (FT% Z = −2.153, p = 0.031), occurred compared to the pre-infection with COVID-19. Among the interior players, we found a statistically significant decrease in free throw shooting FT% (Z = 2.674, p = 0.021), Plus/Minus (Z = −2.371, p = 0.018). Among centers and forwards, there was no statistically significant change.

Conclusion

The impact of COVID-19 on players’ fatigue and cardiorespiratory and muscular endurance may have contributed to the decline in performance, and the impact of detraining due to isolation should not be ignored.
Structural variations in livestock genomes and their associations with phenotypic traits: a review
Authors: Chen Yinghui , Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Wang Xinrui , Liang Huili , Ren Wei , Kou Xiyan , Liu Xiaotong , Chen Wenting , Peng Yongdong , Wang Changfa
Published: November 2024

Genomic structural variation (SV) refers to differences in gene sequences between individuals on a genomic scale. It is widely distributed in the genome, primarily in the form of insertions, deletions, duplications, inversions, and translocations. Due to its characterization by long segments and large coverage, SVs significantly impact the genetic characteristics and production performance of livestock, playing a crucial role in studying breed diversity, biological evolution, and disease correlation. Research on SVs contributes to an enhanced understanding of chromosome function and genetic characteristics and is important for understanding hereditary diseases mechanisms. In this article, we review the concept, classification, main formation mechanisms, detection methods, and advancement of research on SVs in the genomes of cattle, buffalo, equine, sheep, and goats, aiming to reveal the genetic basis of differences in phenotypic traits and adaptive genetic mechanisms through genomic research, which will provide a theoretical basis for better understanding and utilizing the genetic resources of herbivorous livestock.