bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Features of the development of the beekeeping industry in the context of global experience
Authors: Drebot O. , Vysochanska M.
Published: November 2023

The dynamics of the volume of Ukrainian honey is analyzed, since Ukraine positions itself in the international community as a powerful agricultural producer and exporter of honey products. It was determined that the production of high-quality beekeeping products should become a key component of the state strategy for the formation of a competitive agricultural sector at a new level, as well as for ensuring food independence and security of Ukraine. It is known from the experience of European countries that organic agriculture can improve the living conditions of producers and strengthen economic stability. It is necessary to implement the directives of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU as soon as possible, taking into account the improvements we have made. In this way, we will be able to protect the domestic market from low-quality imports and the foreign market from unwanted exports. It is substantiated that in the current conditions of the EU, much attention is paid to research in the field of beekeeping economy with the aim of transforming this area and achieving the strategic goal of increasing the competitiveness of products at the European and international levels.
Assessment of vegetable crop cultivation in open ground conditions in Ukraine
Authors: Shchetyna S.
Published: November 2023

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of official statistical data concerning the state of open field vegetable production in Ukraine and the level of population’s access to fresh vegetables during the period from 2009 to 2021. The research reveals a marginal expansion of open field vegetable cultivation area (only by 0.9%) in 2021 compared to 2009. Meanwhile, production volumes have grown by 13.2% over the same period, reaching 9.45 million tons. This accounts for over 240 kg of vegetables (excluding potatoes) per person, aligning with established medical norms. However, there remains inadequate consumption of green crops, particularly dill and leaf parsley, which stands at 0.363 kg per capita, or 9% below the norm. The study ranks and groups major vegetable types based on gross production in farms of all categories from 2018 to 2021. Notably, 10 primary vegetable types are extensively cultivated in Ukraine with gross production exceeding 1 million tons, including the "borscht set" crops, cucumbers, pumpkins, and zucchinis. This segment constitutes 97.2% of the total gross vegetable yield. The second group (gross production ranging from 100.1 to 1000 thousand tons) encompasses eggplants, sugar corn, leeks, green peas, cauliflower, broccoli, bell peppers, and Napa cabbage, comprising 2.3% of the overall production structure. The third group, with gross production below 100 thousand tons, involves 25 crops and contributes 0.5% to the total vegetable yield. These include various leafy vegetables, lettuce types, some root and fruit vegetables, etc. An examination of regional vegetable production (excluding potatoes) reveals that major contributors and suppliers to the domestic food market in 2021 were the regions of Kherson (12.4% of total production), Lviv (8.3%), Dnipropetrovsk (7.9%), Kyiv (7.1%), and Mykolaiv (6.3%). In 2021, an expansion of open field vegetable cultivation areas by 7–16% was observed in Vinnytsia, Donetsk, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Kyiv regions. Conversely, eight regions experienced reductions in cultivation areas ranging from 5% to 18%. Notably, open field vegetable production is primarily carried out by households, accounting for nearly 92% of planting areas and 86% of production volume. Nevertheless, the yield per area in household settings is only half of that achieved by commercial enterprises. Specialization in vegetable production, particularly for green and less common varieties, among households is closely linked to their geographical proximity to major cities and industrial centers.
Historical aspects of natural-ecological research on the territory of modern NNP “Podilski Tovtry” (the late XIX — early XX century)
Authors: Mudrak О. , Andrusiak D.
Published: November 2023

A retrospective study of the scientific heritage dedicated to the study of nature in the territory of the modern National Natural Park (NNP) “Podilski Tovtry” was carried out. The initial information used was: historical facts recorded in chronicles and other written documents; archival statistical information, modern literary sources (monographs, articles, reference books, etc.), which give an idea of the natural-resource, ecological, economic, cultural, intellectual, etc., potential of the studied territory. The contribution of scientists in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was analyzed. The development of the ecological scientific movement in the territory of the park is characterized. Historical aspects and directions of natural science research of the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries in the territory of the modern National Natural Park “Podilski Tovtry” are considered on the basis of the analysis of literary and archival sources, facts historical events recorded in chronicles and other written documents. The main events in scientific life of the period studied are analyzed: the creation of scientific societies, a botanical garden and research stations. Scientific and popular science publications of the time were considered. The works of outstanding scientists and naturalists are described. It was found that not only various botanical, zoological and geological studies were carried out, but also the interaction between organisms and the environment, dependence on geographical location and climatic conditions, various aspects of anthropogenic impact on natural ecosystems and the consequences of such influence. It was concluded that the active beginning of ecological research in the area the active beginning of environmental research in this territory was laid during the 19th century and first half of the 20th centuries. The collection, systematization, generalization and analysis of natural research data, which provided a reliable basis for future scientific ecological research, is the merit of the nature researchers of the NNP “Podilski Tovtry” of the late 19th and the first half of the XX centuries
Microbial interaction-induced siderophore dynamics lead to phenotypic differentiation of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Rajapitamahuni Soundarya , Lyou Eun Sun , Kang Bo Ram , Lee Tae Kwon
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the impact of microbial interactions on siderophore dynamics and phenotypic differentiation of Staphylococcus aureus under iron-deficient conditions. Optimization of media demonstrated that the glycerol alanine salts medium was best suited for analyzing the dynamics of siderophore production because of its stable production of diverse siderophore types. The effects of pH and iron concentration on siderophore yield revealed a maximum yield at neutral pH and low iron concentration (10 µg). Microbial interaction studies have highlighted variations in siderophore production when different strains (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) are co-cultured with S. aureus. Co-culture of S. aureus with P. aeruginosa eliminated siderophore production in S. aureus, while co-culture of S. aureus with E. coli and S. epidermidis produced one or two siderophores, respectively. Raman spectroscopy revealed that microbial interactions and siderophore dynamics play a crucial role in directing the phenotypic differentiation of S. aureus, especially under iron-deficient conditions. Our results suggest that microbial interactions profoundly influence siderophore dynamics and phenotypic differentiation and that the study of these interactions could provide valuable insights for understanding microbial survival strategies in iron-limited environments.
The American Thyroid Association risk stratification and long-term outcomes of differentiated thyroid cancer: a 20-year follow-up of patients in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Jammah Anwar Ali , AlSadhan Ibrahim Mohammed , Alyusuf Ebtihal Y. , Alajmi Mubarak , Alhamoudi Abdullah , Al-Sofiani Mohammed E.
Published: November 2023

Background

Studies have reported differing factors associated with poor outcomes in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). We aimed to describe our 20 years of experience in the management of thyroid cancer (TC) and identify predictors of treatment outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of medical records of patients with TC seen in the Thyroid Center at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between the years 2000 and 2020. Demographic and clinical data including pathological characteristics were collected. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification was determined for all patients at the postoperative period as well as the response to therapy at the final follow-up visit.

Results

A total of 674 patients (mean age: 47.21 years) with TC, 571 (84.7%) of which were women, were included. There were 404 (60.0%) patients with ATA low risk, 127 (18.8%) with intermediate risk, and 143 (21.2%) with high-risk histology. Overall, 461 patients (68.4%) had an excellent response to treatment, 65 (9.6%) had an indeterminate response, 83 (12.3%) had a biochemical incomplete response, and 65 (9.6%) had a structural incomplete response. Patients who had an excellent response were mostly ATA low risk (n = 318 of 431, 68.1%), whereas 40 of 65 patients (61.5%) of those with ATA high-risk histology had a structural incomplete response to treatment. There were significantly more women who had an excellent response compared with men. Obesity, lymphovascular invasion, and size of the tumor were significant predictors of worse outcomes to therapy.

Conclusion

Tumor size, lymphovascular invasion, and obesity are strong predictors of a worse response to therapy among patients with TC. Patients with obesity should be carefully followed up regardless of their risk stratification in light of the recent compelling evidence associating obesity with thyroid cancer and its higher risk of a worse disease outcome. ATA risk stratification is well correlated with patient long-term outcomes.
Risk factors for central lymph node metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma: a retrospective study
Authors: Du Jiachen , Yang Qing , Sun Yixuan , Shi Peng , Xu Hao , Chen Xiao , Dong Tianyi , Shi Wenjing , Wang Yatong , Song Zhenzhi , Shang Xingchen , Tian Xingsong
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Thyroid cancer is the most prevalent endocrine malignancy, with its global incidence increasing annually in recent years. Papillary carcinoma is the most common subtype, frequently accompanied by cervical lymph node metastasis early on. Central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) is particularly the common metastasis form in this subtype, and the presence of lymph node metastasis correlates strongly with tumor recurrence. However, effective preoperative assessment methods for CLNM in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) remain lacking.

Methods

Data from 400 patients diagnosed with PTC between January 1, 2018, and January 1, 2022, at the Shandong Provincial Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. This data included clinicopathological information of the patients, such as thyroid function, BRAF V600E mutation, whether complicated with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, and the presence of capsular invasion. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the risk factors associated with cervical CLNM in patients with PTC. Subsequently, a clinical prediction model was constructed, and prognostic risk factors were identified based on univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.

Results

Univariate and multivariate analyses identified that age >45 years (P=0.014), body mass index ≥25 (P=0.008), tumor size ≥1 cm (P=0.001), capsular invasion (P=0.001), and the presence of BRAF V600E mutation (P<0.001) were significantly associated with an increased risk of CLNM. Integrating these factors into the nomogram revealed an area-under-the-curve of 0.791 (95% confidence interval 0.735–0.846) and 0.765 (95% confidence interval: 0.677–0.852) for the training and validation sets, respectively, indicating strong discriminative abilities. Subgroup analysis further confirmed that patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma and BRAF V600E mutations who underwent therapeutic central compartment neck dissection had significantly better 3-year disease-free survival than those who had prophylactic central compartment neck dissection (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The study revealed that age >45 years, body mass index ≥25, tumor size ≥1 cm, BRAF V600E mutation, and capsular invasion are the related risk factors for CLNM in patients with PTC. For patients with clinically nodal-negative (cN0) papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, accurately identifying the BRAF V600E mutation is essential for guiding the central lymph node dissection approach and subsequent treatments.
Estimation and simulation of carbon sequestration in typical dryland areas of China under future climate change scenarios
Authors: Zheng Kai , Shi Mingjie , Wu Hongqi , Gu Haibin , Jiang Pingan , He PanXing , Dong Tong , Liu Zhuo , Wang XiaoZhen , Zhang Nuozhou , Wei RuHao
Published: November 2023

Climate anomalies and human disturbances exert complex effects on regional carbon sequestration (CS), causing ecosystem CS to either increase or decrease due to factors such as vegetation greening, climate extremes, land use/land cover (LULC) changes, and farming systems. This study employs the patch-level land use simulation model to forecast changes in various land-use types in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China, between 2020 and 2060 under different climatic conditions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has proposed shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) as potential socioeconomic and environmental trajectories that might influence the region’s future land-use patterns. Three salient findings emerged: (1) LULC displayed considerable variation across future climate scenarios, with a notable rise in forest and grassland cover and a marked decrease in cropland areas under the SSP126 scenario. Conversely, the SSP585 scenario witnessed a substantial cropland expansion, paralleled by a decrease in forest and grassland areas; (2) CS exhibited significant disparities across different future climate scenarios. Xinjiang achieved a peak CS of 9.81 Pg between 2020 and 2060 under the SSP126 scenario, marking an increase of 335.22 Tg in 2060 compared to that in 2020. The SSP585 scenario registered the lowest CS at 9.41 Pg, indicating a decline of 50.07 Tg in 2060 relative to 2020; (3) The impacts of longitude and latitude on CS in Xinjiang predominantly arose from shifts in forest area and vegetation cover based on latitude, which positively influenced CS. In contrast, a decrease in vegetation cover and a subsequent decline in CS were evident with increasing longitude, particularly in the Altai, Tianshan, and Kunlun Mountains. These findings hold significant implications for formulating CS management strategies for terrestrial ecosystems and enhancing ecological preservation in Xinjiang.
Cortisol and epinephrine alter the adipose functions and the mobilization of PCBs in adipose tissue slices from elephant seal
Authors: Pirard Laura , Khudyakov Jane I. , Crocker Daniel E. , Van Hassel Liesbeth , Scholl Georges , Eppe Gauthier , Page Melissa M. , Rees Jean-François , Smith Donald R. , Debier Cathy
Published: November 2023

Marine mammals are exposed to increasing intensities of anthropogenic stressors such as acoustic disturbance and contaminants. Correlative studies have suggested concerning shifts in behavioral and physiological status of stress-exposed individuals, which could alter the health and survival of marine mammal populations. However, functional studies of the effects of multiple stressors on marine mammals are lacking. To fill in this gap, we recently developed an ex vivo approach of precision-cut adipose tissue slices (PCATS) to study the impact of stressors on the function of an essential endocrine organ: the adipose tissue. In the present study, we investigated the impact of hormones associated with the stress response on adipose tissue from northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris). Blubber biopsies were collected from 17 weaned northern elephant seal pups, separated into inner and outer layers, dissected into PCATS, and cultured for 48 hours. To mimic prolonged and short-term exposure to physiological stress, PCATS were treated with 2 µM cortisol (CORT) for the entire 48 hours or 100 nM epinephrine (EPI) for the last 12 hours of culture, respectively. Hormones were applied individually or in combination. CORT and EPI exhibited an interacting, blubber layer-dependent, effect on adipose tissue biology, as quantified by gene expression in PCATS, and release of glycerol, free fatty acids, leptin and polychlorinated biphenyls into culture media. EPI stimulated a higher rate of lipolysis than CORT in PCATS from both blubber layers. The combination of CORT and EPI upregulated the expression of adipose triglyceride lipase in inner blubber PCATS and downregulated hormone-sensitive lipase in outer blubber-derived PCATS. Expression of the leptin gene and secretion of the leptin adipokine were both decreased by EPI, while addition of CORT attenuated this effect in inner blubber PCATS only. CORT also increased the expression of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase 3 in PCATS from both blubber layers. Polychlorinated biphenyls exhibited selective and limited mobilization from PCATS treated with stress hormones, highlighting the lipophilic properties of these toxic compounds. This study showed that physiological stress can impact several essential functions of marine mammal blubber, such as lipolysis and adipokine production.
Evaluation of effectiveness and safety of the large-format pRESET 6-50 thrombectomy stent-retriever in the endovascular treatment of ischemic stroke: real-world experiences from two tertiary comprehensive stroke centers
Authors: Kraehling Hermann , Akkurt Burak Han , Elsharkawy Mohamed , Schwindt Wolfram , Köhler Michael , Werring Nils , Masthoff Max , Cox Anthony , Minks David , Stracke Christian Paul
Published: November 2023

Objective

Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) has become the standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO). First-pass (FP) reperfusion of the occluded vessel and fewer passes with stent retrievers show improvement in functional outcomes in stroke patients, while higher numbers of passes are associated with higher complication rates and worse outcomes. Studies indicate that a larger size of the stent-retriever is associated with a higher rate of first-pass reperfusion and improved clinical outcomes. In this retrospective study, we investigated the clinical performance of a recently developed and one of the largest stent-retrievers available in the treatment of LVO (pRESET 6-50, phenox GmbH, Bochum).

Materials and methods

All consecutive patients with ischemic stroke due to proximal large vessel occlusion treated with MT using the pRESET 6-50 stent-retriever in two tertiary stroke centers between 09/2021 and 07/2022 were included in this study. The reperfusion rate after MT was quantified by the modified thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (mTICI) score, and functional neurological outcome was evaluated with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and the major early neurological recovery (mENR) rate after 24 h. Successful FP reperfusion was defined as mTICI ≥ 2b. Successful and complete reperfusion were defined as mTICI ≥ 2b and mTICI ≥ 2c, respectively.

Results

In total, 98 patients (52 men and 46 women) with a median age of 75 (range 25–95 years) were included. A total of 70 (72%) patients presented with an occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in the M1 segment, 6 (6%) patients with an occlusion of the M2 segment, 17 (17%) patients with an occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA), and 5 (5%) patients with an occlusion of the obstructed basilar artery (BA). Successful FP reperfusion was achieved in 58 patients (62%). Successful and complete reperfusion were achieved in 95 (97%) and 82 (83%) patients, respectively. The median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) in all treated patients improved from 17 to 7.5. Major early neurological recovery (mENR) was observed in 34 patients (35.1%).

Conclusion

MT with the pRESET 6-50 stent-retriever achieves high successful first-pass and final reperfusion rates in patients with AIS and LVO. The results of this study support the thesis to use large-format stent-retriever in proximal vessel occlusion MT whenever feasible in order to improve high FP and final reperfusion rate, which are known predictors of good clinical outcome.
Advances in the study of IL-17 in neurological diseases and mental disorders
Authors: Lu Yu , Zhang Piaopiao , Xu Fenfen , Zheng Yuan , Zhao Hongyang
Published: November 2023

Interleukin-17 (IL-17), a cytokine characteristically secreted by T helper 17 (Th17) cells, has attracted increasing attention in recent years because of its importance in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune or chronic inflammatory diseases. Recent studies have shown that neurological diseases and mental disorders are closely related to immune function, and varying degrees of immune dysregulation may disrupt normal expression of immune molecules at critical stages of neural development. Starting from relevant mechanisms affecting immune regulation, this article reviews the research progress of IL-17 in a selected group of neurological diseases and mental disorders (autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and depression) from the perspective of neuroinflammation and the microbiota–gut–brain axis, summarizes the commonalities, and provides a prospective outlook of target application in disease treatment.
Long-term follow-up after treatment of tubercular uveitis: case series and review of the literature
Authors: Putera Ikhwanuliman , van Daele Paul L. A. , ten Berge Josianne C. E. M. , Dik Willem A. , La Distia Nora Rina , van Hagen P. Martin , Rombach Saskia M.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

There is a scarcity of long-term follow-up data and management strategies for recurrent uveitis in tubercular uveitis (TBU), especially in cases extending beyond 10 years after the completion of initial antitubercular treatment (ATT).

Methods

This retrospective study involved five TBU patients who were initially treated with a combination of four-drug ATT for 6 months, and the five of them had more than 10 years of follow-up after uveitis resolution upon ATT completion. We describe the occurrence of recurrent uveitis and present our approach to managing these recurrent episodes.

Results

Recurrent uveitis and cystoid macular edema (CME) developed in three out of five included TBU patients with a median of 18 years (range 13–20 years) of follow-up. The anatomical sites of the recurrences were anterior, intermediate, and pan-uveitis. The recurrent episodes varied from 6 years to 15 years after ATT completion. Systemic or local corticosteroids/immunosuppressants successfully resolved all recurrent episodes, but one was also treated with the combination of isoniazid monotherapy again. Two patients needed anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy.

Conclusion

Long-term monitoring of TBU patients after ATT completion is warranted. Further well-designed studies with larger sample sizes are required to better estimate the risk of recurrences, investigate the underlying mechanism of recurrences, and identify biomarkers that predict who is at risk for recurrences.
Neuropsychological assessment methodology revisited: metatheoretical reflections
Authors: Ramminger Josh Joseph , Peper Martin , Wendt Alexander Nicolai
Published: November 2023

Theory building in neuropsychology, similar to other disciplines, rests on metatheoretical assumptions of philosophical origin. Such assumptions regarding the relation of psychological and physiological variables influence research methodologies as well as assessment strategies in fields of application. Here, we revisit the classic procedure of Double Dissociation (DD) to illustrate the connection of metatheory and methodology. In a seemingly unbridgeable opposition, the classical neuropsychological procedure of DD can be understood as either presupposing localizationism and a modular view of the brain, or as a special case of the generalized neuro-lens model for neuropsychological assessment. In the latter case, it is more easily compatible with a perspective that emphasizes the systemic-network, rather than the modular, nature of the brain, which as part of the organism, proportionately mediates the situatedness of the human being in the world. This perspective not only makes it possible to structure ecological validation processes and give them a metatheoretical foundation, but also to interlace it with the phenomenological insight that the laboratory as one context of empirical research may be analyzed in terms of situated experience. We conclude with showing that both the localizationist and the system science approach can agree on a view of the brain as a dynamical network, and that metatheory may thus offer important new perspectives of reconciliation.
Portuguese translation and validation of the questionnaires from the Canadian Physical Literacy Assessment-2: a pilot study
Authors: Mendoza-Muñoz María , Carlos-Vivas Jorge , Castillo-Paredes Antonio , Parraca Jose A. , Raimundo Armando , Alegrete Joana , Pastor-Cisneros Raquel , Gomez-Galan Rafael
Published: November 2023

Background/objective

Physical literacy assessment is considered a vital resource to decrease the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity in children and adolescents worldwide. In Portugal, there is no physical literacy assessment tool for children under 15 years old. The main objective of this study was to carry out a translation and cultural adaptation of the Canadian Physical Literacy Assessment 2 (CAPL-2) into Portuguese, as well as to test its psychometric properties, in children between 8 and 12 years of age.

Methods

The questionnaires included in the CAPL-2 were translated using the translation-back-translation method and adapted to their context. The test–retest reliability, internal consistency, and confirmatory factor analysis of the CAPL-2 Portuguese version were analyzed in a sample of 69 and 138 students, respectively, from a school in the Alentejo region (Portugal).

Results

The Portuguese version of the CAPL-2 questionnaires demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.713–0.979) and test–retest reliability ranging from moderate to nearly perfect in the motivation and confidence domain and knowledge and comprehension domain (ICC = 0.549–0.932). The results showed a good fit after adjusting for covariation paths (CMIN/DF = 1.382, p = 0.105, RMSEA = 0.053, CFI = 0.971, TLI = 0.955, NFI = 0.907).

Conclusion

The CAPL-2 version of the questionnaires, translated and adapted to the Portuguese context, demonstrated validity and reliability, making them suitable for assessing physical literacy in children aged 8–12 years.
Differential impact of the school context on ethnic and racial identity and depression for monoracial and multiracial early adolescents
Authors: Huang Cindy Y. , Hunt Emily , Stormshak Elizabeth A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

This study examined the direct and indirect effects of school context (negative peer relationships, school environment) on ethnic and racial identity (ERI) development in middle school and later depression symptoms in high school. Differences by racial group were examined for non-Hispanic White (NHW) early adolescents, monoracial adolescents, and multiracial adolescents.

Methods

This study used existing data from a large, multiwave, longitudinal study that included 593 racial/ethnically diverse adolescents from sixth grade through ninth grade across three public middle schools in the Pacific Northwest.

Results

Using multigroup path analysis in structural equation modeling, the findings indicated differences by racial group—school environment was associated with positive ERI development in middle school for NHW and monoracial adolescents but not for multiracial adolescents. For multiracial adolescents, ERI predicted later depression symptoms.

Discussion

These findings demonstrated the importance of examining school context and peer relationships in relation to ERI development and psychological wellbeing.
Application of graph frequency attention convolutional neural networks in depression treatment response
Authors: Lu Zihe , Wang Jialin , Wang Fengqin , Wu Zhoumin
Published: November 2023

Depression, a prevalent global mental health disorder, necessitates precise treatment response prediction for the improvement of personalized care and patient prognosis. The Graph Convolutional Neural Networks (GCNs) have emerged as a promising technique for handling intricate signals and classification tasks owing to their end-to-end neural architecture and nonlinear processing capabilities. In this context, this article proposes a model named the Graph Frequency Attention Convolutional Neural Network (GFACNN). Primarily, the model transforms the EEG signals into graphs to depict the connections between electrodes and brain regions, while integrating a frequency attention module to accentuate brain rhythm information. The proposed approach delves into the application of graph neural networks in the classification of EEG data, aiming to evaluate the response to antidepressant treatment and discern between treatment-resistant and treatment-responsive cases. Experimental results obtained from an EEG dataset at Peking University People's Hospital demonstrate the notable performance of GFACNN in distinguishing treatment responses among depression patients, surpassing deep learning methodologies including CapsuleNet and GoogLeNet. This highlights the efficacy of graph neural networks in leveraging the connections within EEG signal data. Overall, GFACNN exhibits potential for the classification of depression EEG signals, thereby potentially aiding clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity levels of children with intellectual disability during physical education classes
Authors: Hao Yaru , Razman Rizal
Published: November 2023

Background

Physical education (PE) class is an excellent way to improve moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA). Increasing number of research has explored the children’s PA based on movement during PE classes, but data for children with intellectual disability (ID) is still lacking.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current status of MVPA levels of children with ID during PE classes in China, as well as differences of MVPA levels according to gender and grade.

Methods

Accelerometers were used to record MVPA levels of fifty-three children with severe ID from 9 to 16 years of age (mean age: 12.60 ± 1.66 years) during standard PE classes.

Results

The mean time spent in MVPA during PE classes was 8.00 ± 2.10 min, meaning only 22.88% of PE class time was spent in MVPA. As grade levels progresses, time spent in MVPA during PE classes tended to decrease; the fourth-grade children tended to spend more time in MVPA during PE classes compared with the fifth-grade and the sixth-grade (9.15 vs. 7.61 vs. 7.25 min, all p < 0.05). Boys spend significantly more time in MVPA during PE classes than girls; both in the entire sample (9.20 vs. 5.70 min) as well as in each grade (9.76 vs. 6.09 min, 9.35 vs. 5.68 min, 8.31 vs. 5.59 min, all p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Findings from this study indicate that the proportion of PE class spent in the MVPA of children with ID was lower than the 50% recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and U.K. Association for Physical Education (AfPE). And the amount of MVPA participation varied by the grade and gender as well as by the activity performed. Therefore, in order to help children with ID achieve MVPA goals, educators need to reevaluate the PE curriculum as well as take due consideration of grade and gender when devising new content.
Modeling multi-contact point physical interaction between the anthropomorphic finger and soft robotic exo-digit for wearable rehabilitation robotics applications
Authors: Alam Umme Kawsar , Shedd Kassidy , Kirkland Joshua , Yaksich Kayla , Haghshenas-Jaryani Mahdi
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Effective control of rehabilitation robots requires considering the distributed and multi-contact point physical human–robot interaction and users’ biomechanical variation. This paper presents a quasi-static model for the motion of a soft robotic exo-digit while physically interacting with an anthropomorphic finger model for physical therapy.

Methods: Quasi-static analytical models were developed for modeling the motion of the soft robot, the anthropomorphic finger, and their coupled physical interaction. An intertwining of kinematics and quasi-static motion was studied to model the distributed (multiple contact points) interaction between the robot and a human finger model. The anthropomorphic finger was modeled as an articulated multi-rigid body structure with multi-contact point interaction. The soft robot was modeled as an articulated hybrid soft-and-rigid model with a constant bending curvature and a constant length for each soft segment. A hyperelastic constitute model based on Yeoh’s 3rdorder material model was used for modeling the soft elastomer. The developed models were experimentally evaluated for 1) free motion of individual soft actuators and 2) constrained motion of the soft robotic exo-digit and anthropomorphic finger model.

Results and Discussion: Simulation and experimental results were compared for performance evaluations. The theoretical and experimental results were in agreement for free motion, and the deviation from the constrained motion was in the range of the experimental errors. The outcomes also provided an insight into the importance of considering lengthening for the soft actuators.
Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] improved blood glucose and restored histopathological alterations in splenic tissues in a rat model with streptozotocin-induced type 1 diabetes through CD8+ T cells and NF-kβ expression
Authors: Alblihd Mohamed A. , Alsharif Khalaf F. , Hamad Asmaa A. , Ali Fatma Abo Zakaib , Hussein Manal T. , Alhegaili Alaa S. , Hassan Mohamed Ahmed , Al-Amer Osama M. , Albezrah Nisreen Khalid Aref , Almalki Abdulraheem Ali , Albarakati Alaa Jameel A. , Alghamdi Khalid S. , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Albrakati Ashraf , Alrubai Elham Hamed , ElAshmouny Naira , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: November 2023

Diabetes mellitus is a complex metabolic syndrome that involves dysfunction of spleen and other lymphoid organs. Medicinal plants, including okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench), were used widely for diabetes treatment. Scarce data are available about the potential anti-diabetic effects of okra, the histopathological alterations in splenic tissues and the mechanistic pathways underlying this association. The current research investigated the effects of okra pod extract on the biochemical parameters and expression of CD8+ T cells and nuclear factor kappa (NF-k) B and releasing proinflammatory cytokines in spleen in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat models. A total of 50 mature male Wister albino rats were divided into five isolated groups; the first served as control (untreated) animals, the second (DM group) diabetes induced by STZ (at a dose of 45 mg/kg body weight, administered intraperitoneally), the third group (DM + Insulin): diabetic rats administered insulin subcutaneously (10 units/kg bw/day) daily for 4 weeks, the fourth group was administrated 400 mg/kg okra extract daily for 4 weeks, and diabetic induced rats in the fifth group were administrated 400 mg/kg okra extract daily for 4 weeks. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity in Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench was studied, and the content of phenolic compounds in okra pods was estimated using high-performance liquid chromatography. Diabetes induction led to decreased body weight, increased blood glucose levels. Capsular thickness was significantly increased, white pulp was widely dispersed, and mature lymphocytes in the periphery were also drastically decreased, with thick follicular arteries, necrosis, and depletion of lymphocytes in the germinal center. Red pulp revealed severe congestion and degenerative changes, deposition of hemosiderin granules and lymphocytic depletion. In addition, collagen fiber deposition was increased also in this group. The induction of diabetes exaggerated NF-kβ expression and mediated downregulation of the expression of CD8+ T cells in spleen tissue. Interestingly, oral administration of okra extracts post diabetes induction could mitigate and reverse such adverse effects. Altogether, our study points out the potential benefits of okra in improving blood glucose levels and restoring histopathological alterations in splenic tissues through CD8+ T cells and NF-kβ expression in a diabetic rat model.
Investigating Planar and Nonplanar Wing Planform Optimisation for Ground Effect Aircraft
Authors: Jesudasan Rejish , Hanifi Ardeshir , Mariani Raffaello
Published: November 2023

Wing-in-Ground (WIG) effect aircraft are gaining attention for their potential in reducing environmental impact. However, optimising wing planforms based solely on aerodynamics might improve performance while compromising static height stability of WIG aircraft. This study investigates the effects of planar and nonplanar wing planform optimisation for regional transport ground effect aircraft. Three distinct multiobjective wing planform optimisations are explored: planar wing optimisation, nonplanar wing optimisation, and nonplanar wingtip optimisation. These optimisations assess the impact on both aerodynamic efficiency and static height stability characteristics of a wing planform in ground effect, at three different flying altitudes. In extreme ground effect, the Pareto set includes wings with negative spanwise camber, enhancing both cushion sensation and aerodynamic efficiency by effectively utilizing ground effect, thus proving advantageous over planar wing configurations.
Path Tracking Control of a Tractor on a Sloping Road with Steering Compensation
Authors: Ou Jieyong , Fu Qiang , Tang Rui , Du Jianwei , Xu Lihong
Published: November 2023

Agricultural tractors are subject to lateral forces when traveling on slopes, making it difficult to accurately follow a set course. In this paper, a steering compensation method is first proposed based on the force analysis of a tractor traveling on slopes, which compensates the steering angle according to the friction force and gravity force imposed on the tractor. Further, when traveling on slopes, acceleration and a load applied to the tractor are usually time-varying. To address this problem, this paper proposes a steering compensator that can automatically adjust a compensation coefficient, as well as a design for a model predictive controller with the steering compensator for a tractor. Simulation results show that under different traveling speeds, turning radius, and slope angles, the steering compensator allows the tractor to travel more smoothly, i.e., the distance between the actual traveling route and the reference route fluctuates within a smaller range. Further, during straight-line traveling, the static error can be effectively reduced, i.e., the distance between the actual traveling route and the reference route is closer to zero. Overall, the steering compensator enables the tractor to track the reference route more accurately.
Influence of Soil Type, Land Use, and Rootstock Genotype on Root-Associated Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Communities and Their Impact on Grapevine Growth and Nutrition
Authors: Fors Rosalba O. , Sorci-Uhmann Emilia , Santos Erika S. , Silva-Flores Patricia , Abreu Maria Manuela , Viegas Wanda , Nogales Amaia
Published: November 2023

Soil characteristics, land management practices, and plant genotypes influence arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) communities, leading to the proliferation of AMF taxa with different growth and nutritional outcomes in their hosts. However, the specific patterns driving these relationships are still not well understood. This study aimed to (1) evaluate the influence of soil characteristics, land use, and rootstock on AMF diversity and community structure and (2) assess the effect of those AMF communities on grapevine growth and nutrition. Soil samples were collected from vineyard and non-agricultural areas in Lisbon and Pegões, Portugal, and trap cultures established using Richter 110 and 1103 Paulsen rootstocks. After 3.5 months growth under greenhouse conditions, root-associated AMF communities were assessed by amplicon metagenomic sequencing using AMF-specific primers. Alpha diversity was only influenced by the soil type, while in β-diversity, an interaction was found between the soil type and land use. Both diversity measures were positively correlated with foliar K and negatively with leaf Mn and Mg. Notably, the concentrations of these nutrients were highly correlated with the relative abundance of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within the genera Glomus, Rhizophagus, and Claroideoglomus. These results are valuable for supporting AMF selection for improved plant nutrition based on varying soil types and land uses.
Deletion of the OsLA1 Gene Leads to Multi-Tillering and Lazy Phenotypes in Rice
Authors: Sun Zhanglun , Mei Tianrun , Feng Tingting , Ai Hao , Ye Yafeng , Duan Sumei , Liu Binmei , Huang Xianzhong
Published: November 2023

Plant architecture, one of the key factors that determine grain yield in rice, is mainly affected by components such as plant height, tiller number, and panicle morphology. For this paper, we obtained a multi-tillering and lazy mutant from a japonica rice cultivar, Wuyunjing 7 (WYJ7), via treatment with a heavy ion beam. Compared to WYJ7, the mutant showed a significant increase in tiller angle, tiller number, number of primary and secondary branches, and number of grains; however, the plant height and grain thickness of the mutant was significantly decreased. Phenotypic analysis of the F1 hybrids revealed that the multi-tillering and lazy mutant phenotypes were regulated by a recessive gene. The segregation ratio of 1׃3 of the mutant phenotype and the wild-type plant in the F2 population indicated that the former was controlled by a single gene named Multi-Tillering and Lazy 1 (MTL1). Bulked segregant analysis was performed using the individual plants with extremely typical tiller angles in the F2 population. The MTL1 gene was initially mapped within a region of 5.58–17.64 Mb on chromosome 11. By using the F2 segregated population for fine mapping, the MTL1 gene was ultimately fine mapped within the range of 66.67 kb on chromosome 11. The analysis of genes in this region revealed the presence of the previously identified LAZY1 (LA1) gene. Genomic PCR amplification and semi-quantitative RT-PCR assays showed that the LA1 gene could not be amplified and was not expressed, thus indicating that the MTL1 gene might be identical to the LA1 gene. This study suggests that the multi-tillering and lazy mutant phenotypes might be caused by the deletion of LA1 function. This finding can guide further investigations on the functional mechanisms of the LA1 gene, thus enriching the theoretical knowledge of plant architecture in relation to rice.
Linking Conventional and Organic Rainfed Almond Cultivation to Nut Quality in a Marginal Growing Area (SE Spain)
Authors: Cárceles Rodríguez Belén , Lipan Leontina , Durán Zuazo Víctor Hugo , Soriano Rodríguez Miguel , Sendra Esther , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel Antonio , Hernández Francisca , Herencia Galán Juan Francisco , Rubio-Casal Alfredo Emilio , García-Tejero Iván Francisco
Published: November 2023

The need to improve agroecosystem sustainability to secure yields, minimize environmental impacts and improve soil health is widely recognized. Organic production systems are one of the strategies that may be used to alleviate the negative environmental repercussions of conventional agriculture. In the present study, we compared the impact of conventional and organic production systems on the almond (Prunus dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb) yield and quality of nuts of two cultivars (Marcona and Desmayo largueta), with both systems being managed on marginal hillslopes in the southeast of Spain. Our findings show that the organic production system in rainfed almond trees has positive effects on certain nut quality parameters, with a slight decrease in almond yield, specifically 9.5% for cv. D. largueta and 1.3% for cv. Marcona, with respect to the conventional system. The results obtained have varied depending on the cultivar. Statistically significant differences have been obtained for cv. Marcona in the sugar content (54.4 and 49.8 g kg−1 in organic and conventional, respectively) and the total phenol content (3.41 and 2.46 g GAE kg−1 for organic and conventional, respectively). In the case of cv D. largueta, statistically significant differences were found between the organic and conventional systems for antioxidant activity (14.8 vs. 8.68 mmol Trolox kg−1, DPPH), fatty acid content (229 vs. 188 g kg−1 dw), saturated fatty acids (36 vs. 28.7 g kg−1 dw), monounsaturated fatty acids (113 vs. 110 g kg−1 dw) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (60.3 vs. 49.6 g kg−1 dw). Here, we show for the first time how a rainfed organic system allows for higher-quality almonds, specifically with a higher content of phytochemicals beneficial for health, which, together with the higher price compared to conventional almonds, could compensate for the yield losses while preserving the sustainability of marginal agroecosystems.