bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive analysis of soil health indicators in a long‐term conservation tillage experiment
Authors: Juhos Katalin , Nugroho Priyo Adi , Jakab Gergely , Prettl Nándor , Kotroczó Zsolt , Szigeti Nóra , Szalai Zoltán , Madarász Balázs
Published: July 2023

Conservation tillage (CT) is a ploughless tillage with a reduced number of operations, and its positive effect on soil functions and health is widely known. Multivariate analyses are required to choose indicators that adequately characterize the changes in soil health. However, there is little research on the comprehensive analysis of the full spectrum of soil physical, chemical and biological properties. Therefore, we examined 21 soil parameters in a long‐term CT experiment conducted in Hungary. Four pairs of similarly sized CT and conventional ploughing tillage (PT) plots were set up in 2003 on Luvisols. The soil samples were collected after 17 years. The total organic carbon (TOC) increased significantly in the 0–15 cm layer at CT sites compared to those in PT, indicating a total increase of 5.22 t ha−1 TOC stock. In addition, the increasing biological activity and improved soil structure were the most important processes at the CT sites. Furthermore, more complex humic substances with higher molecular weights are characteristic of water‐extractable organic matter (WEOM) as a result of CT. The potentially available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were also measured with a relatively high response ratio. Slowly changing parameters, such as cation exchange capacity and base saturation, are important soil physical and chemical parameters, but are not good indicators of the impact of tillage practices. Based on principal component analysis, we suggest the use of water‐extractable organic C, amino‐nitrogen, water‐stable aggregates, available P and K and photometric analysis of WEOM to identify the soil improving processes.
Application of electric fields to improve cementation homogeneity of biogrouted sands
Authors: Shao Guanghui , Huang Rongpin , Liu Peng
Published: July 2023

The inhomogeneity of cementation is a common problem in soil improvement with microbially induced carbonate precipitation process (MICP), which is caused by uneven spatial distribution of bio‐induced calcium carbonate precipitation. Electric field adjustment method was developed and adopted for improving cementation homogeneity of bio‐grouted sands in this research. Horizontal one‐dimensional biogrouting experiments were conducted in sand columns under 0.1 V/cm of direct current (DC) electric field. The column treated with DC electric field showed a significant improvement in homogeneity of calcium carbonate precipitation as compared to the control (without DC electric field). Spatial distribution of calcium carbonate in columns were affected by the properties of bacteria, whether suspended or attached. In general, the attached bacteria with uneven spatial distribution played an important role in the calcium carbonate precipitation when flow rate was regulated at 0.54 cm/min, while the suspended bacteria could also be attached upon times with consumption of cations during biogrouting. With the influence of electric field, suspended bacterial transport in porous media occurred in one direction to the target locations because of the electrophoresis at an average speed of 0.14 cm/h, while sodium ion was found to be moved from anode to cathode by electromigration approach. Electrolysis of water, on the other hand, resulted a slight fluctuation in pH, even though this variation did not show any significant effect on the metabolic activity of bacteria and microbial‐induced carbonate precipitation process. The redistribution of suspended bacteria and sodium ion in porous media provided a possible for attached bacteria to distribute uniformly, which could be considered as the key factor to influence spatial distribution of the bio‐induced calcium carbonate in application of electric field adjustment method.
On the regional boundary observability of semilinear time-fractional systems with Caputo derivative
Authors: Zguaid Khalid , El Alaoui Fatima Zahrae
Published: July 2023

This paper considers the regional boundary observability problem for semilinear time-fractional systems. The main objective is to reconstruct the initial state on a subregion of the boundary of the evolution domain of the considered fractional system using the output equation. We proceed by providing a link between the regional boundary observability of the considered semilinear system on the desired boundary subregion, and the regional observability of its linear part, in a well chosen subregion of the evolution domain. By adding some assumptions on the nonlinear term appearing in the considered system, we give the main theorem that allows us to reconstruct the initial state in the well-chosen subregion using the Hilbert uniqueness method (HUM). From it, we recover the initial state on the boundary subregion. Finally, we provide a numerical example that backs up the theoretical results presented in this paper with a satisfying reconstruction error.
Methylome-dependent transformation of
emm
1 group A streptococci
Authors: Alves Joana , Rand Joshua D. , Johnston Alix B. E. , Bowen Connor , Lynskey Nicola N.
Published: July 2023

Genetic intractability presents a fundamental barrier to the manipulation of bacteria, hindering advancements in microbiological research. Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS), a lethal human pathogen currently associated with an unprecedented surge of infections worldwide, exhibits poor genetic tractability attributed to the activity of a conserved type 1 restriction modification system (RMS). RMS detect and cleave specific target sequences in foreign DNA that are protected in host DNA by sequence-specific methylation. Overcoming this “restriction barrier” thus presents a major technical challenge. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that different RMS variants expressed by GAS give rise to genotype-specific and methylome-dependent variation in transformation efficiency. Furthermore, we show that the magnitude of impact of methylation on transformation efficiency elicited by RMS variant TRD
AG
, encoded by all sequenced strains of the dominant and upsurge-associated
emm
1 genotype, is 100-fold greater than for all other TRD tested and is responsible for the poor transformation efficiency associated with this lineage. In dissecting the underlying mechanism, we developed an improved GAS transformation protocol, whereby the restriction barrier is overcome by the addition of the phage anti-restriction protein Ocr. This protocol is highly effective for TRD
AG
strains including clinical isolates representing all
emm
1 lineages and will expedite critical research interrogating the genetics of
emm
1 GAS, negating the need to work in an RMS-negative background. These findings provide a striking example of the impact of RMS target sequence variation on bacterial transformation and the importance of defining lineage-specific mechanisms of genetic recalcitrance.

IMPORTANCE

Understanding the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens are able to cause disease is essential to enable the targeted development of novel therapeutics. A key experimental approach to facilitate this research is the generation of bacterial mutants, through either specific gene deletions or sequence manipulation. This process relies on the ability to transform bacteria with exogenous DNA designed to generate the desired sequence changes. Bacteria have naturally developed protective mechanisms to detect and destroy invading DNA, and these systems severely impede the genetic manipulation of many important pathogens, including the lethal human pathogen group A
Streptococcus
(GAS). Many GAS lineages exist, of which
emm
1 is dominant among clinical isolates. Based on new experimental evidence, we identify the mechanism by which transformation is impaired in the
emm
1 lineage and establish an improved and highly efficient transformation protocol to expedite the generation of mutants.
Identification of Gut Microbiome and Metabolites Associated with Acute Diarrhea in Cats
Authors: Bai Huasong , Liu Tong , Wang Songjun , Gong Wenhui , Shen Liya , Zhang Song , Wang Zhanzhong
Published: July 2023

Acute diarrhea is common in cats, and our understanding of the gut microbiome variations across breeds and disease states remains unclear. We investigated the gut microbiome of two cat breeds (British Shorthair and American Shorthair) with acute diarrhea.
Cellular Responses and Targets in Food Spoilage Yeasts Exposed to Antifungal Prenylated Isoflavonoids
Authors: Kalli Sylvia , Vallieres Cindy , Violet Joseph , Sanders Jan-Willem , Chapman John , Vincken Jean-Paul , Avery Simon V. , Araya-Cloutier Carla
Published: July 2023

Preservatives, such as sorbic acid and benzoic acid, inhibit the growth of undesirable yeast and molds in foods. Unfortunately, preservative tolerance and resistance in food spoilage yeast, such asZygosaccharomyces parabailii, is a growing challenge in the food industry, which can compromise food safety and increase food waste.
Inhibition of Toxic Shock Syndrome-Associated
Staphylococcus aureus
by Probiotic Lactobacilli
Authors: Schlievert Patrick M. , Gaitán Adriana V. , Kilgore Samuel H. , Roe Amy L. , Maukonen Johanna , Lehtoranta Liisa , Leung Donald Y. M. , Marsman Daniel S.
Published: July 2023

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS)
Staphylococcus aureus
commonly colonize mucosal surfaces, giving them the ability to cause TSS through the action of TSS toxin-1 (TSST-1). This study examined the ability of two probiotic lactobacilli to inhibit
S. aureus
growth and TSST-1 production, and the reduction of pro-inflammatory chemokine production by TSST-1.
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
strain HN001 inhibited TSST-1 production due to acid production but did not affect
S. aureus
growth.
Lactobacillus acidophilus
strain LA-14 was bactericidal against
S. aureus
, partially due to acid and H
2
O
2
production, and consequently also inhibited TSST-1 production.
Management of a complex acetabular fracture following defibrillation for ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest
Authors: Watson Samuel , Bampouri Theodora , El-Daly Ibraheim , O’Gallagher Kevin
Published: July 2023

In this case report, we describe the first case of a patient who sustained a complex acetabular fracture following defibrillation for ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest in the context of acute myocardial infarction. The patient was unable to undergo definitive open reduction internal fixation surgery due to the need to continue dual antiplatelet therapy following coronary stenting of his occluded left anterior descending artery. Following multidisciplinary discussions, a staged approach was opted for, with percutaneous closed reduction screw fixation of the fracture performed while the patient was maintained on dual antiplatelet therapy. The patient was discharged with a plan to perform definitive surgical management when safe to discontinue dual antiplatelets. This is the first confirmed case of defibrillation causing an acetabular fracture. We discuss the various aspects that need to be considered when patients are being worked up for surgery while on dual antiplatelet therapy.
Seismicity at the intersection of the Coast Shear Zone and Anahim Volcanic Belt near Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Littel Geena F. , Bostock Michael G.
Published: July 2023

In the Coast Mountains of western British Columbia, an anomalous seismicity concentration exists near the intersection of the Coast Shear Zone, a major northwest–southeast trending Eocene-age shear zone that accommodated deformation between the Pacific and North America plates, with the Anahim Volcanic Belt, an east-northeast–west-northwest trending zone of volcanic features that decrease in age to the east. To better characterize seismicity in the Coast Mountains, we augment the existing Natural Resources Canada seismicity catalogue by applying an automatic detection and location algorithm to both permanent Canadian National Seismic Network stations and temporary stations from the 2005–2006 BATHOLITHS deployment, resulting in 837 relocated events with at least three paired P- and S-phase picks. Double-difference relocation reveals several small-scale linear strands subparallel to the Coast Shear Zone and within the Anahim Volcanic Belt and three clusters of events striking at a high angle to the Coast Shear Zone that occurred as swarms in 2015 and 2017. First-motion focal mechanisms exhibit extensional and strike-slip faulting. Our observations indicate that most of these events are not associated with surficial processes such as landslides, but rather, we hypothesize that the interaction of the Anahim Volcanic Belt and Coast Shear Zone has weakened the lithosphere in this region, leading to current-day strain localization and high heat flow that manifest seismicity, including swarm-like activity.
P−V criticality of the nonlinear charged black hole solutions in massive gravity’s rainbow
Authors: Aounallah Houcine , Zarei Hayede , Rudra Prabir , Majumder Barun , Farahani Hoda
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we explore the black hole solutions with the rainbow deformed metric in the presence of the exponential form of the nonlinear electrodynamics with asymptotic Reissner–Nordström properties. We calculate the exact solution of metric function and explore the geometrical properties in the background of massive gravity. From the obtained solution, the existence of the singularity is confirmed in proper limits. Using the solutions, we also investigate the thermodynamic properties of the solutions by checking the validity of the first law of thermodynamics. Continuing the thermodynamic study, we investigate the conditions under which the system is thermally stable from the heat capacity and the Gibbs free energy. We also discuss the possible phase transition and the criticality of the system. It was found that the quantum gravitational effects of gravity’s rainbow render the thermodynamic system stable in the vicinity of the singularity. Hence, we obtained a first-order phase transition which is interpreted as the large/small black hole phase transition. From the equation of state, it was found that after diverging at the singularity, the system evolves asymptotically into pressure-less dust as one moves away from the central singularity. We also calculated the quantum work using the change of the Helmholtz free energy.
Enhancing Environmental Accounting Information Disclosure in Indonesian Enterprises: The Role of Environmental Management and Government Ownership
Authors: Qudah Mohammad Radwan Mohammad , Munir Abdul Razak , Sobarsyah Muhammad , Sabbar Sabbar Dahham , Bashir Shahid , Nohong Mursalim , Mannan Arifuddin
Published: July 2023

The environmental accounting information disclosure (EAID) is the first approach to offer critical information on an enterprise’s safeguarding ecological activities. The data were used from Indonesian communities and linked socio-economic indicators and environmental information disclosure data at the city level. The objective of this research is to assess the impact of environmental disclosure on public environmental concerns. It is crucial to recognise that corporate initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental footprint yield significant and wide-ranging implications. Here, using three models Pol Lined and Heckman influenced, we analyse the effect of business size on Indonesia’s environmental reporting (IER) disclosures and ratings in 2009–2018. The statistics show a positive relationship between government ownership and IER, with a more prominent link between federal government ownership and IER than local government ownership. This paper argues that to promote the cause of environmental accounting and thus contribute to the goal of capitalism with Indonesian characteristics, Indonesia should improve relevant regulations and standards for information disclosure in environmental accounting, as well as strengthen internal and external supervision of enterprises, creation of a low-carbon, environmentally friendly economy and a society characterised by its emphasis on reusing and recycling materials.
Don't "Think of the Internet!"
Authors: Kamp Poul-Henning
Published: July 2023

I cannot help but notice few women subscribe to absolutist views of electronic privacy and anonymity. Can it be that only people who play life on the easiest setting find unrestricted privacy and anonymity a great idea?
Engineering Biosensors and Biomedical Detection Devices from 3D-Printed Technology
Authors: Liang Minghui , Liu Xiang , Chong Yuying , Ye Ziyun , Zhao Lei , Yu Qiang , Tang Kai , Geng Anqi , Hu Bo , Ge Guanqun , Yuan Shifang
Published: July 2023

Limitation of 3D construction ability, complex preparation processes and developing customer demands have promoted people to find low-cost, rapid prototyping, and simple operation methods to produce novel functional devices in the near future. Among various techniques, 3D-printed technology is a promising candidate for the fabrication of biosensors and biomedical detection devices with a wide variety of potential applications. This review offers four important 3D printing techniques for biosensors and biomedical detection devices and their applications. The principle and printing process of 3D-printed technologies will be generalized, and the printing performance of many 3D printers will be compared. Despite the resolution restrictions of 3D-printed, these technologies have already shown promising applications in many biosensors and biomedical detection devices, such as 3D-printed microfluidic devices, 3D-printed optical devices, 3D-printed electrochemical devices, and 3D-printed integrated devices. Some of the most representative examples will also be discussed here, demonstrating that 3D-printed technology can rationally design biosensors and biomedical detection devices and achieve important applications in microfluidic, optical, electrochemical, and integrated devices.
Role of CO2 Laser on SBS between Dental Porcelain and Composite Resin Repair Process
Authors: Hassan Noor Bader , Hussein Basima Mohammed Ali , Mohammed Ahmed Ali
Published: July 2023

Background. The surface modification of porcelain material can be conducted by mechanical, chemical, or laser means. This study investigated the CO2 laser effect on porcelain to enhance bonding with composite resin. Materials and methods. A total of 33 blocks of feldspathic porcelain were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10. Additionally, three specimens were used in scanning electronic microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy tests. Group I was treated with 9.5% hydrofluoric acid (HF), Group II with a 5 W CO2 laser, and Group III with CO2 followed by etching with 9.5% HF. Then, a Bisco intraoral repair kit was used, followed by the application of repair composite resin (Tetric N Ceram) on the porcelain surface using a Teflon mold and light-curing source. Shear bond strength (SBS) was assessed by using a digital universal testing machine, and failure modes were evaluated. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and least significant difference test. Results. A high significant difference in roughness and SBS was found amongst the tested groups

P
<
0.001

. SBS and roughness for Group III were significant at

P
<
0.05

, and the lowest value was observed in Group II. The cohesive mode of failure was dominant in Groups I and III, whereas adhesive failure was dominant in Group II. Conclusion. The surface treatment of porcelain with CO2 laser followed by HF application can enhance roughness and SBS, and can be recommended when extra retention during repair indication.
Prediction of Arrival Time of Pure Electric Bus Based on FA-BP Algorithm
Authors: Lai Yuanwen , Liang Hangyu , Huang Liling
Published: July 2023

To establish a suitable pure electric bus arrival time prediction model, this paper takes pure electric bus as the research object. Based on the analysis of the influencing factors of the arrival time of the pure electric bus, the BP neural network arrival time prediction model optimized by the firefly algorithm (FA-BP prediction model) is established by selecting vehicle type, SOC value, battery age, and time as input conditions. The model is trained and tested by using bus operation data. The root mean square error of the Kalman filter model is 0.351, of the BP neural network model is 0.059, and of the FA-BP prediction model is 0.04. The results show that the model in this paper effectively improves the prediction accuracy and has good reliability and feasibility. It can provide some theoretical references for pure electric bus operation and managers and provide some basis for improving bus reliability.
Plasma S100A8 and S100A9 Are Strong Prognostic Factors for Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zhang Xueyun , Han Jiajia , Guo Yifei , He Jingjing , Yang Feifei , Mao Richeng , Huang Yuxian , Zhang Jiming
Published: July 2023

Objectives. The rapidly evolving organ failure and high short-run mortality of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) are inseparable from the role of systemic inflammatory response. S100A8 and S100A9 are associated with the excessive cytokine storm and play a decisive part within the process of inflammation. We aimed to clarify the role of them in predicting prognosis of hepatitis B virus-related ACLF (HBV-ACLF). Methods. S100A8 and S100A9 levels were analyzed in plasma of 187 transplant-free HBV-ACLF patients, 28 healthy controls and 40 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. S100A8 and S100A9 mRNAs were checked in liver samples from 32 HBV-ACLF patients with liver transplantation, 19 patients undergoing surgery for hepatic hemangioma and 10 CHB patients with needle biopsy. Results. The plasma levels of the S100A8 and S100A9 were higher in HBV-ACLF patients than in CHB patients (S100A8 : 

P
<
0.001

and S100A9 : 

P
<
0.001

) and healthy controls (S100A8 : 

P
<
0.001

and S100A9 : 

P
<
0.001

), and similar results were obtained for mRNA expression. Moreover, both proteins were related to ACLF grade, different types of organ failure, and infection, and they correlated with other prognostic scoring systems. S100A8 and S100A9 can dependently predict 28/90-day mortality (28-day: S100A8: hazard ratio (HR): 1.027; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.007–1.048;

P
=
0.026

, S100A9 : HR: 1.009; 95% CI: 1.001–1.017;

P
=
0.007

, 90-day: S100A8 : HR: 1.023; 95% CI: 1.011–1.035;

P
=
0.004

, S100A9 : HR: 1.008; 95% CI: 1.004–1.012; and

P
<
0.001

). Among all of the scoring systems, the combined scoring model (S100A8 and S100A9 jointly with the Chronic Liver Failure-Consortium Organ Failure score (CLIF-C OFs)) displayed the highest area under the receiver operating curve (0.923 (95% CI, 0.887–0.961)) in the prediction of 90-day mortality. Conclusions. S100A8 and S100A9 are promising biomarkers for the analysis of risk stratification and prognosis in ACLF patients. In addition, combining them with the CLIF-C OFs may better predict the prognosis of ACLF.
Figure S6 from β-Catenin Drives Butyrophilin-like Molecule Loss and γδ T-cell Exclusion in Colon Cancer
Authors: Suzuki Toshiyasu , Kilbey Anna , Casa-Rodríguez Nuria , Lawlor Amy , Georgakopoulou Anastasia , Hayman Hannah , Yin Swe Kyi Lai , Nordin Anna , Cantù Claudio , Vantourout Pierre , Ridgway Rachel A. , Byrne Ryan M. , Chen Lei , Verzi Michael P. , Gay David M. , Gil Vázquez Ester , Belnoue-Davis Hayley L. , Gilroy Kathryn , Køstner Anne Helene , Kersten Christian , Thuwajit Chanitra , Andersen Ditte K. , Wiesheu Robert , Jandke Anett , Blyth Karen , Roseweir Antonia K. , Leedham Simon J. , Dunne Philip D. , Edwards Joanne , Hayday Adrian , Sansom Owen J. , Coffelt Seth B.
Published: July 2023

Identification of a WNT responsive element (WRE) in the HNF4G genomic locus.
Supplementary Table S3 from Immunologic assessment of tumors from a race-matched military cohort identifies mast cell depletion as a marker of prostate cancer progression
Authors: Schafer Cara C. , Jiang Jiji , Elsamanoudi Sally , Nousome Darryl , Young Denise Y , Song Yingjie , Sesterhenn Isabell A , Chesnut Gregory T , Tan Shyh-Han
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Table S3 shows Total TILs and individual cell type vs TILs scores evaluated as a continuous variable and by median and Youden index cutoffs for BCR-free and metastasis-free survival.
Supplementary Table S1 from Immunologic assessment of tumors from a race-matched military cohort identifies mast cell depletion as a marker of prostate cancer progression
Authors: Schafer Cara C. , Jiang Jiji , Elsamanoudi Sally , Nousome Darryl , Young Denise Y , Song Yingjie , Sesterhenn Isabell A , Chesnut Gregory T , Tan Shyh-Han
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Table S1 shows the full list of differentially expressed genes in AA tumors along with log2 fold changes, p-values, and adjusted p-values.
Supplementary Figure S3 from Immunologic assessment of tumors from a race-matched military cohort identifies mast cell depletion as a marker of prostate cancer progression
Authors: Schafer Cara C. , Jiang Jiji , Elsamanoudi Sally , Nousome Darryl , Young Denise Y , Song Yingjie , Sesterhenn Isabell A , Chesnut Gregory T , Tan Shyh-Han
Published: July 2023

Supplementary Figure S3 shows non-significant relative cell type scores by BCR status.
The first Asian species of Polycaon Castelnau, and a new montane species of Melalgus Dejean from China (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae: Polycaoninae)
Authors: LIU LAN-YU , BEAVER ROGER A.
Published: July 2023

We describe Polycaon sinensis sp. n., the first Asian species of this otherwise American genus, and Melalgus plesiobatillus sp. n., from the same montane locality in China (Zhejiang). The following new synonym is proposed: Melalgus batillus (Lesne) (=Melalgus japonicum Chûjô syn. n.). We comment on the species, Melalgus borneensis (Lesne) sensu Borowski & Węgrzynowicz (2012), and provide a key to the Chinese species of Polycaoninae.
“Reading” Into Statistics: Systems Analysis and Action in an Early Career Mentor Community
Authors: Mosley Wetzel Melissa , Maloch Beth , Alexander Kerry , Murdter-Atkinson Jessica Anne , Ries Elizabeth , Wright Audrey , McLean Jimmy
Published: July 2023

The pandemic revealed inequities facing educators; in response, a district/university partnership hired seven external mentor/teacher leaders (TLs) to support 100+ early career teachers (ECTs). Drawing on sociocultural theories and a critical discourse analysis of 10 hour-long discussions among mentors, we sought to understand their collectively constructed understandings of systemic inequities facing ECTs. Findings indicate TLs collectively constructed meaning by evoking differing perspectives to make sense of these inequities and working to define their locus of control or ways they could provide support to the ECTs. Implications indicate what is necessary for mentoring in response to professional inequities in schools.
Cytogenetic screening of a Canadian swine breeding nucleus using a newly developed karyotyping method named oligo-banding
Authors: Poisson William , Bastien Alexandre , Gilbert Isabelle , Carrier Alexandra , Prunier Julien , Robert Claude
Published: July 2023

Background

The frequency of chromosomal rearrangements in Canadian breeding boars has been estimated at 0.91 to 1.64%. These abnormalities are widely recognized as a potential cause of subfertility in livestock production. Since artificial insemination is practiced in almost all intensive pig production systems, the use of elite boars carrying cytogenetic defects that have an impact on fertility can lead to major economic losses. To avoid keeping subfertile boars in artificial insemination centres and spreading chromosomal defects within populations, cytogenetic screening of boars is crucial. Different techniques are used for this purpose, but several issues are frequently encountered, i.e. environmental factors can influence the quality of results, the lack of genomic information outputted by these techniques, and the need for prior cytogenetic skills. The aim of this study was to develop a new pig karyotyping method based on fluorescent banding patterns.

Results

The use of 207,847 specific oligonucleotides generated 96 fluorescent bands that are distributed across the 18 autosomes and the sex chromosomes. Tested alongside conventional G-banding, this oligo-banding method allowed us to identify four chromosomal translocations and a rare unbalanced chromosomal rearrangement that was not detected by conventional banding. In addition, this method allowed us to investigate chromosomal imbalance in spermatozoa.

Conclusions

The use of oligo-banding was found to be appropriate for detecting chromosomal aberrations in a Canadian pig nucleus and its convenient design and use make it an interesting tool for livestock karyotyping and cytogenetic studies.
Effect of alcohol consumption on breast cancer: probabilistic bias analysis for adjustment of exposure misclassification bias and confounders
Authors: Pakzad Reza , Nedjat Saharnaz , Salehiniya Hamid , Mansournia Nasrin , Etminan Mahyar , Nazemipour Maryam , Pakzad Iraj , Mansournia Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of alcohol consumption on breast cancer, adjusting for alcohol consumption misclassification bias and confounders.

Methods

This was a case-control study of 932 women with breast cancer and 1000 healthy control. Using probabilistic bias analysis method, the association between alcohol consumption and breast cancer was adjusted for the misclassification bias of alcohol consumption as well as a minimally sufficient set of adjustment of confounders derived from a causal directed acyclic graph. Population attributable fraction was estimated using the Miettinen’s Formula.

Results

Based on the conventional logistic regression model, the odds ratio estimate between alcohol consumption and breast cancer was 1.05 (95% CI: 0.57, 1.91). However, the adjusted estimates of odds ratio based on the probabilistic bias analysis ranged from 1.82 to 2.29 for non-differential and from 1.93 to 5.67 for differential misclassification. Population attributable fraction ranged from 1.51 to 2.57% using non-differential bias analysis and 1.54–3.56% based on differential bias analysis.

Conclusion

A marked measurement error was in self-reported alcohol consumption so after correcting misclassification bias, no evidence against independence between alcohol consumption and breast cancer changed to a substantial positive association.
Correlation between color doppler flow pattern and molecular biology in elderly patients with colon cancer
Authors: Shao Fei , Lai Xiuxiu , Tong Lulu , Li Linxiao , Ye Da , Jin Linlin , Xu Chunyan
Published: July 2023

Objective

To investigate the correlation between the grade and type of color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI) and tumor-related cytokines in elderly patients with colon cancer.

Methods

Seventy-six elderly patients with colorectal cancer admitted to Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital from July 2020 to June 2022 were selected. CDFI was used to analyze the blood flow grade and distribution type of tumor tissues, and ELISA was used to detect the levels of tumor-related cytokines in serum. Preoperative clinical data were collected and analyzed, and the correlation between measured cytokine levels and CDFI analysis results was further explored.

Results

CDFI blood flow grade showed significant difference in the different lengths, invasion depths and lymph node metastasis of tumors (all P < 0.001). In addition, serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and VEGF also showed statistical difference in all above different tumor-related factors (all P < 0.001). Further Pearson correlation analysis showed that CDFI blood flow grade and distribution types were both significantly positively correlated with above serum cytokine levels (r > 0, all P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that both CDFI blood flow grade and distribution types were poor prognostic factors in elderly patients with colon cancer. Regression analysis showed that serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and VEGF were independent risk factors for poor prognosis of colon cancer in elderly patients.

Conclusion

CDFI blood flow grade and tumor tissue distribution have potential significant correlations with tumor-associated cytokines in the serum of colon cancer patients. CDFI blood flow grading technique provides an important imaging method for dynamic observation of angiogenesis and blood flow changes in elderly patients with colon cancer. Abnormal changes in serum levels of tumor-related factors can be used as sensitive indicators to evaluate the therapeutic effect and prognosis of colon cancer.
The societal cost of modifiable risk factors in Singapore
Authors: Tan Vanessa , Lim Julian , Akksilp Katika , Chow Wai Leng , Ma Stefan , Chen Cynthia
Published: July 2023

Background

Singapore is one of the most rapidly ageing populations in the world. Nearly half of all disease burdens in Singapore are attributable to modifiable risk factors. This indicates that many illnesses are preventable by modifying behaviours such as increasing physical activity levels or maintaining a healthy diet. Prior cost-of-illness studies have estimated the cost of selected modifiable risk factors. However, no local study has compared costs between groups of modifiable risks. This study aims to estimate the societal cost attributable to a comprehensive list of modifiable risks in Singapore.

Methods

Our study builds on the comparative risk assessment framework from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study. A top-down prevalence-based cost-of-illness approach was undertaken to estimate the societal cost of modifiable risks in 2019. These include healthcare costs from inpatient hospitalisation and productivity losses from absenteeism and premature mortality.

Results

Metabolic risks had the highest total cost of US$1.62 billion (95% uncertainty interval [UI] US$1.51–1.84 billion), followed by lifestyle risks of US$1.40 billion (95% UI US$1.36—1.66 billion) and substance risks of US$1.15 billion (95% UI US$1.10—1.24 billion). Across the risk factors, the costs were driven by productivity losses, heavily skewed towards the older working-age group and among males. Most of the costs were driven by cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of the high societal cost of modifiable risks and highlights the importance of developing holistic public health promotion programmes. As modifiable risks often do not occur in isolation, implementing effective population-based programmes targeting multiple modifiable risks has a strong potential to manage the cost of the rising disease burden in Singapore.
The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on the quality of life of Chinese football referees: the chain mediating role of occupational stress and job burnout
Authors: Wang Xianliang , Zong Kehao , Gao Yubo , Li Bochen , Wang Shuzhen , Zhang Liguo
Published: July 2023

Background

COVID-19 lockdown measures have had a great negative impact on the development of sports competition in China, as well as on the quality of life of football referees. This study aims to explore the impact of lockdown measures implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of life of football referees in China and its mechanism of action.

Methods

The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Effort–Reward Imbalance Scale (ERI), the Maslach Burnout Inventory General Survey (MBI-GS), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF). The scale was used from August to September 2022. Using an online questionnaire, 350 questionnaires were sent out and 338 were returned, for a return rate of 96.57%. Invalid questionnaires were excluded, and 307 football referees with referee grades in 29 provinces registered with the CFA were surveyed. SPSS 24.0 and Mplus 8.0 were used for data analysis and structural equation model testing in this study.

Results

The results showed that the COVID-19 lockdown had no significant impact on the quality of life of Chinese football referees. However, the COVID-19 lockdown can affect the quality of life of Chinese football referees through occupational stress or job burnout. Occupational stress and job burnout also play a chain intermediary role between the COVID-19 lockdown and the quality of life of Chinese football referees. In addition, this study further explores the quality of life by dividing it into four dimensions (physical, social, psychological, and environmental). The results show that all four dimensions satisfy the chain mediation model.

Conclusions

Therefore, the quality of life of Chinese football referees can be improved by reducing their occupational stress and job burnout during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Dietary pro-oxidant score (POS) and cardio-metabolic panel among obese individuals: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nikrad Negin , Shakarami Amir , Rahimi Zahra , Janghorbanian -Poodeh Raheleh , Farhangi Mahdieh Abbasalizad , Hosseini Babak , Jafarzadeh Faria
Published: July 2023

Background

Oxidative stress is a disturbance in the natural balance between oxidative and anti-oxidative processes, which is the major effective factor in cardiovascular disorders and metabolic syndrome (MetS), due to the role of pro-oxidants in inducing oxidative stress, and as a result, the occurrence and exacerbation of components of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors, this cross-sectional study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between the status of dietary pro-oxidants score (POS) and metabolic parameters including serum lipids, glycemic markers and blood pressure among obese adults.

Methods

338 individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m 2), aged between 20 and 50 years were recruited in the present cross-sectional study. A validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to determine the dietary pro-oxidant score (POS). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s post-hoc comparisons after adjustment for confounders and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to determine the association of cardiometabolic risk factors among the tertiles of POS.

Results

Participants with higher POS had lower levels of body mass index (BMI), weight and waist circumference (WC). There were no significant associations between metabolic parameters including glycemic markers and lipid profile in one-way ANOVA and multivariate multinomial logistic regression models.

Conclusions

The findings of this study revealed that greater dietary pro-oxidant intake might be associated with lower BMI, body weight, and WC in Iranian obese individuals. Further studies with interventional or longitudinal approaches will help to better elucidate the causality of the observed associations.
Metagenomic next-generation sequencing for rapid detection of pulmonary infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
Authors: Zhong Juan , Liu Yanfen , Luo Na , Wei Qiu , Su Qisi , Zou Jun , Wu Xiaozhong , Huang Xianzhen , Jiang Yuting , Liang Lijuan , Li Hongmian , Lin Jianyan
Published: July 2023

Background

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is associated with a high rate of pulmonary infections (bacteria, fungi, and viruses). To overcome the low sensitivity and long turnaround time of traditional laboratory-based diagnostic strategies, we adopted metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) technology to identify and classify pathogens.

Results

This study enrolled 75 patients with AIDS and suspected pulmonary infections who were admitted to Nanning Fourth People’s Hospital. Specimens were collected for traditional microbiological testing and mNGS-based diagnosis. The diagnostic yields of the two methods were compared to evaluate the diagnostic value (detection rate and turn around time) of mNGS for infections with unknown causative agent. Accordingly, 22 cases (29.3%) had a positive culture and 70 (93.3%) had positive valve mNGS results (P value < 0.0001, Chi-square test). Meanwhile, 15 patients with AIDS showed concordant results between the culture and mNGS, whereas only one 1 patient showed concordant results between Giemsa-stained smear screening and mNGS. In addition, mNGS identified multiple microbial infections (at least three pathogens) in almost 60.0% of patients with AIDS. More importantly, mNGS was able to detect a large variety of pathogens from patient tissue displaying potential infection and colonization, while culture results remained negative. There were 18 members of pathogens which were consistently detected in patients with and without AIDS.

Conclusions

In conclusion, mNGS analysis provides fast and precise pathogen detection and identification, contributing substantially to the accurate diagnosis, real-time monitoring, and treatment appropriateness of pulmonary infection in patients with AIDS.
Interactive effect of increased high sensitive C-reactive protein and dyslipidemia on cardiovascular diseases: a 12-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Bafei Solim Essomandan Clémence , Zhao Xianghai , Chen Changying , Sun Junxiang , Zhuang Qian , Lu Xiangfeng , Chen Yanchun , Gu Xincheng , Liu Fangyuan , Mu Jialing , Wei Lai , Wei Pengfei , Yin Yunjie , Xie Hankun , Yang Song , Shen Chong
Published: July 2023

Background

Dyslipidemia and inflammation are significant factors for the onset of cardiovascular diseases (CVD); however, studies regarding their interactions on the risk of CVD are scarce. This study aimed to assess the interaction of dyslipidemia and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) on CVD.

Methods

This prospective cohort enrolled 4,128 adults at baseline in 2009 and followed them up until May 2022 for collecting CVD events. Cox-proportional hazard regression analysis estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of the associations of increased hs-CRP (≥ 1 mg/L) and dyslipidemia with CVD. The additive interactions were explored using the relative excess risk of interaction (RERI) and the multiplicative interactions were assessed with HRs (95% CI) while the multiplicative interactions were assessed by the HRs (95% CI) of interaction terms.

Results

The HRs of the association between increased hs-CRP and CVD were 1.42 (95% CI: 1.14–1.79) and 1.17 (95% CI: 0.89–1.53) among subjects with normal lipid levels and subjects with dyslipidemia, respectively. Stratified analyses by hs-CRP levels showed that among participants with normal hs-CRP (< 1 mg/L), TC ≥ 240 mg/dL, LDL-C ≥ 160 mg/dL, non-HDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL, ApoB < 0.7 g/L, and LDL/HDL-C ≥ 2.02 were associated with CVD [HRs (95%CIs): 1.75 (1.21–2.54), 2.16 (1.37–3.41), 1.95 (1.29–2.97), 1.37 (1.01–1.67), and 1.30 (1.00-1.69), all P < 0.05, respectively]. While in the population with increased hs-CRP, only ApoAI > 2.10 g/L had a significant association with CVD [HR (95% CI): 1.69 (1.14–2.51)]. Interaction analyses showed that increased hs-CRP had multiplicative and additive interactions with LDL-C ≥ 160 mg/dL and non-HDL-C ≥ 190 mg/dL on the risk of CVD [HRs (95%CIs): 0.309 (0.153–0.621), and 0.505 (0.295–0.866); RERIs (95%CIs): -1.704 (-3.430-0.021 and − 0.694 (-1.476-0.089), respectively, all P < 0.05].

Conclusion

Overall our findings indicate negative interactions between abnormal blood lipid levels and hs-CRP on the risk of CVD. Further large-scale cohort studies with trajectories measurement of lipids and hs-CRP might verify our results as well explore the biological mechanism behind that interaction.
Health-related quality of life of mothers and developmental characteristics of very low birth weight children at 2.5 years of age: results from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS)
Authors: Sasaki Hatoko , Pak Kyongsun , Mezawa Hidetoshi , Yamamoto-Hanada Kiwako , Ishitsuka Kazue , Konishi Mizuho , Nishizato Minaho , Sato Miori , Saito-Abe Mayako , Yang Limin , Ohya Yukihiro ,   the Japan Environment, Children’s Study (JECS) Group
Published: July 2023

Background

The level of child development may be associated with the risk of poor maternal health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this study was to describe the developmental characteristics of very low birth weight (VLBW) children at 2.5 years of age and to examine associations between maternal HRQoL and the degree of child development based on the Japanese version of Ages and Stages Questionnaire (J-ASQ-3).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was performed using the data from a nationwide prospective birth cohort study in Japan. Among a total of 104,062 fetal records, the VLBW infants (birth weight ≤ 1500 g) were analyzed using linear regression models, adjusted for potential covariates. Subgroup analysis was also conducted to assess the association between social connection or cooperation of the partner and maternal HRQoL by the level of child development.

Results

The final study subjects included 357 VLBW children and mothers. The suspected developmental delays (SDDs) in at least two domains was significantly associated with lower maternal mental HRQoL regression coefficient –2.314 (95%CI: –4.065 to –0.564). There was no association between the status of child development and maternal physical HRQoL. After adjusting for child and maternal covariates, the maternal HRQoL was not significantly associated with child development. Amongst women who indicated having some social support, having a child with a SDD in two or more domains was negatively associated with mental HRQoL compared with women whose child was less developmental delay, regression coefficient –2.337 (95%CI: –3.961 to –0.714). Amongst women who indicated having partner’s cooperation to child-rearing, having a child with a SDD in two or more domains was negatively associated with mental HRQoL compared with women whose child was less developmental delay, regression coefficient –3.785 (95%CI: –6.647 to –0.924).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that the lower maternal mental HRQoL was independently associated with the SDDs evaluated by the J-ASQ-3, whereas there was no association after adjusting for covariates. Further research is warranted to elucidate the impact of social connection and partner’s cooperation on maternal HRQoL and child development. This study urges that particular attention should be paid to mothers of VLBW children with SDDs and also to provide early intervention and continued support.