bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatty acid composition of quail blood erythrocyte membranes under condition of feeding sodium selenite and nanoselenium
Authors: Tsekhmistrenko O. , Shulko O. , Gayuk N. , Onyshchenko L.
Published: January 2024

Infectious diseases are a significant problem in poultry farming, because they significantly slow down the growth rate of the industry and lead to losses. For the productive development of the industry and the avoidance of danger to the health of consumers due to the uncontrolled use of these drugs, it is worth using alternative methods of protecting poultry and improving the quality of the obtained products, in particular drugs obtained by nanotechnological means. Nowadays, nanoparticles of various minerals are used in poultry farming, the mineral antagonism of which is reduced in the intestines, compared to preparations of the usual size, which contributes to the modulation of absorption mechanisms, optimization of the immune response, and increased efficiency of digestion. Oxidative stress is a harmful factor for cellular integrity due to the constant release of reactive forms of oxygen. Se is widely used as a supplement to reduce oxidative stress. The element is found in organic and inorganic compounds, replaces Sulfur in protein molecules and is an important part of selenoproteins. Se is known for its antioxidant activity, plays a major role in optimizing redox potential, reproductive processes, hormone metabolism, muscle development, and anticarcinogenesis. Nano-Se results in higher Se retention activity due to smaller size and greater bioavailability. Biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), synthesized with the participation of bacteria, have unique physicochemical and biological properties compared to inorganic and organic compounds, and nanoselenium-enriched probiotic bacteria can be effectively used as an alternative to other forms of selenium as food and feed additives. The work compared the composition of fatty acids of lipids extracted from erythrocytes of quail blood, which were injected with sodium selenite and pro-oxidant nano-Se. With the introduction of nanoselenium, a decrease in the level of NFAs was noted, as well as a significant increase in the level of the main PUFAs. The lack of compensatory accumulation of docosapolyene fatty acids in the cell membranes of erythrocytes of birds of the 2nd group can be considered as a factor of the beneficial effect of the administered drug, as well as as a justification for the need to prescribe complex drugs to birds capable of modulating the fatty acid composition of cell membranes. The effectiveness of using a complex nanopreparation consists in normalizing the level of fatty acids and restoring their metabolism at the stage of eicosanoid formation.
Key words: fatty acids, quails, peroxide oxidation, selenium, sodium selenite, nanoselenium, nanoparticles, lipids.
Movilidad humana y protección de los derechos de personas migrantes
Authors:   Pontífica Universidad Católica del Ecuador. Sede Ambato, Bermúdez Chang Jessica
Published: January 2024

La migración se ha convertido en un fenómeno social. En la Constitución de la República del Ecuador se promulga la ciudadanía universal y el derecho a la libre movilidad. La Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana expone los elementos referenciales para la protección de migrantes, no obstante, se vulneran los derechos de los migrantes con expresiones de discriminación que deben ser identificadas para elaborar un análisis jurídico de los procesos de movilidad humana en el Ecuador y garantizar así los derechos de los migrantes. Se realiza una investigación básica, descriptiva y de cohorte transversal con la población total de migrantes (597) en el periodo enero-marzo, 2022, en cantón Riobamba, Ecuador. Formaron parte de la muestra 235 personas migrantes. Los principales resultados muestran promedio de edad de 38,27 años y predominio de la migración externa (71,49 %). El 61,70 % de las personas migran por causas económicas y el 41,28 % procede de Venezuela. Solo el 23,83 % conoce el contenido de la ley. El 81,28 % consideró que habían sido víctimas de violación de sus derechos. En el 87,43 % de los casos existió violación del derecho laboral. El análisis jurídico realizado se fundamenta en la Constitución de la República del Ecuador y, fundamentalmente, en la ley como el elemento referencial que define el estatus legal de la movilidad humana y los derechos de los migrantes en el país; basado en el principio del derecho a la libre movilidad y el referente constitucional de la ciudadanía universal.
Dificultades interpersonales y adicción al internet en estudiantes de bachillerato de una unidad educativa fiscomisional, 2023
Authors:   Universidad Central del Ecuador, Procel Guerrero Tiffany Geraldine , Silva Paredes Christian Rolando ,   Universidad Central del Ecuador
Published: January 2024

El presente proyecto de investigación tiene como objetivo central identificar la relación que existe entre las dificultades interpersonales y la adicción al internet en estudiantes de bachillerato de una Unidad Educativa Fiscomisional, 2023. La metodología empleada es de enfoque cuantitativo, diseño no experimental-transversal y de alcance descriptivo-correlacional, con una muestra de 232 participantes (138 hombres y 94 mujeres) entre 15, 16 y 17 años de edad. Los instrumentos utilizados son la encuesta sociodemográfica, Cuestionario de Evaluación de Dificultades Interpersonales en la Adolescencia (CEDIA) y el Test de Adicción al Internet (TAI). Los resultados más relevantes son los siguientes: existe una correlación directa moderada (r=,422) entre las dificultades interpersonales y la adicción al internet, la asertividad es la dificultad interpersonal más frecuente en la población de estudio con el 60,78% y la tolerancia en su categoría media es el factor de adicción al internet que más presenta la muestra con el 62,07%. Se concluye que la adicción al internet está asociada de manera significativa a las dificultades en las relaciones interpersonales, esto pasa cuando se usa el internet como una forma para evadir problemas y si su uso se vuelve problemático, todo esto genera que la persona disminuya su interacción social, es decir, tenga dificultades interpersonales
A case study on the impacts of future climate change on soybean yield and countermeasures in Fujin city of Heilongjiang province, China
Authors: Li Yue , Chang Junfei , Gao Xining , Zhang Lei , Wang Liwei , Ren Chuanyou
Published: January 2024

Global climate change poses a great impact on crop growth, development and yield. Soybean production in Northeast China, which is one of the traditional dominant soybean production areas in China, is of great significance for developing the domestic soybean industry and reducing dependence on imported soybeans. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the impacts of future climate change on soybean yield in Northeast China, and to propose reasonable adaptation measures. In this study, we took Fujin city of Heilongjiang province in Northeast China as an example, and used the CROPGRO-soybean model in DSSAT (Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer) to simulate the impacts of future climate change on soybean yield in the four periods of the 2020s (2021-2030), 2030s (2031-2040), 2040s (2041-2050) and 2050s (2051-2060) under two representative concentration pathway (RCP) scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5), and further determine the best agronomic management practices. The results showed that the calibrated and validated model is suitable for simulating soybean in the study area. By analyzing the meteorological data under future climate scenarios RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 from the PRECIS regional climate model, we found that the average temperature, cumulative precipitation and cumulative solar radiation would mostly increase during the growing season in Fujin city of Heilongjiang province. Combined with the model simulation results, it is shown that under the effect of CO2 fertilization, future climate change will have a positive impact on soybean yield. Compared to the baseline (1986-2005), the soybean yield would increase by 0.6% (7.4%), 3.3% (5.1%), 6.0% (16.8%) and 12.3% (20.6%) in the 2020s, 2030s, 2040s and 2050s under RCP4.5 (RCP8.5).Moreover, the optimal sowing dates and the optimal supplemental irrigation amount under RCP4.5 (RCP8.5) are May 10 (May 5) and 50 mm (40mm), respectively. Under future climate conditions, the agronomic management practices, such as advancing the sowing date and supplementary irrigation in the key stage of soybean growth would increase soybean yield and make soybean growth more adaptable to future climate change.
Evaluation of an emergency room in operation during the COVID-19 pandemic: diagnoses and recommendations concerning environmental factors
Authors: Soares Vitória Sanches Lemes , Ornstein Sheila Walbe , França Ana Judite Galbiatti Limongi
Published: January 2024

To optimize the emergency room environment, this article puts forward comprehensive diagnoses and recommendations to minimize healthcare-associated infections. Emergency rooms are usually the initial point of entry into the healthcare system for individuals with different illnesses and needs. These environments frequently operate at maximum capacity, which result in challenges related to spatial organization. Therefore, a Post-Occupancy Evaluation was conducted within such an environment during the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing a combination of qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The following methodologies were employed to achieve the research objectives and scope: semi-structured interviews with staff members and a specialized architect; walkthrough accompanied by key individuals; behavior observation for flow mapping and quantification; visual records and physical surveys; measurements of environmental conditions; and computational fluid dynamics simulations. The obtained results show the significance of maintaining and monitoring environmental conditions in specific environments; ensuring the appropriate allocation of hospital sectors; leveraging technology to reduce the exchange of paper among professionals; employing video calls to receive patients with flu symptoms; and implementing segregated patient-staff flow. Conclusively, these diagnoses and recommendations hold the potential to not only enhance the built environment of the case study but also to benefit other facilities with similar typologies.
Identifying umbrella and indicator species to support multispecies population connectivity in a Himalayan biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Penjor Ugyen , Kaszta Zaneta M. , Macdonald David W. , Cushman Samuel A.
Published: January 2024

Successful conservation hinges on the reliable prediction and prioritisation of population core habitats and dispersal corridors. However, reliance on single-species connectivity has produced mixed results and, in most cases, failed to protect other species under the appealing but often unfulfilled guise of umbrella protection. The main objectives of this study were: (1) to identify core habitats and dispersal corridors for population connectivity of 15 terrestrial mammal species across Bhutan, (2) to identify indicator species of wildlife connectivity, (3) to prioritise core areas and dispersal corridors for the focal umbrella and indicator species, (4) to develop composite multispecies connectivity maps and evaluate the effectiveness of the existing protected area network. We used kernel density (KD) to identify core habitat areas and factorial least-cost path (LCP) to map dispersal corridors. We used correlation and cluster analyses to identify umbrella and indicator species, and quantitative ranking to prioritise core areas and corridors for these focal species. Finally, we produced maps of multispecies core areas and corridors, and identified gaps in the existing protected area network (PAN). We found that ungulates were generally more effective than carnivores in serving as umbrella species for core habitat protection, with Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) emerging as the most effective umbrella for core habitats and muntjac (Muntiacus muntjac) for dispersal corridors. We identified six focal connectivity indicator species in Bhutan: tiger (Panthera tigris), dhole (Cuon alpinus), clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus), Asian elephant, and sambar deer (Rusa unicolor). Most indicator species’ core areas and dispersal corridors outside the PAN were in southern Bhutan, indicating opportunities for increased multispecies connectivity through expanding protected area network in this region. A total of 40% of multispecies core areas and 24% of dispersal corridors were under PAN, with large parts of Bhutan offering suitable core areas and corridors for multispecies conservation. Core areas and corridors of the 15 considered species only partially overlapped, stressing the importance of multi-species consideration in designating wildlife corridors.
Network pharmacology combined with Mendelian randomization analysis to identify the key targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhou Dongqi , Zhou Ting , Tang Shiyun , Li Qing , Li Wen , Gan Gaofeng , Li Mingqiao , Chen Qiu
Published: January 2024

Background

Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) is one of the microvascular complications of diabetes. The potential targets of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors for the treatment of DN need to be explored.

Methods

The GSE96804 and GSE1009 datasets, 729 RAAS inhibitors-related targets and 6,039 DN-related genes were derived from the public database and overlapped with the differentially expressed genes (DN vs. normal) in GSE96804 to obtain the candidate targets. Next, key targets were screened via the Mendelian randomization analysis and expression analysis. The diagnostic nomogram was constructed and assessed in GSE96804. Additionally, enrichment analysis was conducted and a ‘core active ingredient-key target-disease pathway’ network was established. Finally, molecular docking was performed.

Results

In total, 60 candidate targets were derived, in which CTSC and PDE5A were screened as the key targets and had a causal association with DN as the protective factors (P < 0.05, OR < 1). Further, a nomogram exhibited pretty prediction efficiency. It is indicated that Benadryl hydrochloride might play a role in the DN by affecting the pathways of ‘cytokine cytokine receptor interaction’, etc. targeting the CTSC. Moreover, PDE5A might be involved in ‘ECM receptor interaction’, etc. for the effect of NSAID, captopril, chlordiazepoxide on DN. Molecular docking analysis showed a good binding ability of benadryl hydrochloride and CTSC, NSAID and PDE5A. PTGS2, ITGA4, and ANPEP are causally associated with acute kidney injury.

Conclusion

CTSC and PDE5A were identified as key targets for RAAS inhibitors in the treatment of DN, which might provide some clinical significance in helping to diagnose and treat DN. Among the targets of RAAS inhibitors, PTGS2, ITGA4 and ANPEP have a causal relationship with acute kidney injury, which is worthy of further clinical research.
A crop for a forest: Opuntia ficus-indica as a tool for the restoration of Mediterranean forests in areas at desertification risk
Authors: Bueno Rafael Silveira , Badalamenti Emilio , Sala Giovanna , La Mantia Tommaso
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The Mediterranean is the European region with the lowest woody cover and the highest level of habitat degradation, being highly susceptible to climate change effects and desertification risk. In such worrying conditions, increasing woody cover and restoring forests is a major goal established in several international commitments. However, recruitment limitation of woody species is rather frequent both within natural regeneration processes and active restoration programs, particularly due to drought, overgrazing, and a lack of post-planting tending operations. Therefore, finding suitable tools to improve the recruitment success of native woody species is of crucial importance.

Methods

We assessed woody natural regeneration under abandoned prickly pear orchards, olive trees, and nearby open areas in three sites under high desertification risk in central Sicily (Italy). Then, we tested for differences in density, richness, diversity, height, and basal diameter of the woody recruiting species between these three habitats.

Results and discussion

Natural regeneration was widespread under prickly pear, with 94.6% of the sampled plots showing at least one recruit, in comparison to 61.6% of plots under olive and 22.3% in open areas. Natural regeneration density under prickly pears (114 ± 99 individuals m−2) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than under olive trees (60.4 ± 76.4) and open areas (4.6 ± 9.3). Recruits’ diversity, basal diameter, and height were also significantly higher under prickly pear, concentrating 94.4% of the individuals higher than 100 cm and all late successional species. Our results indicate a great potential for prickly pears to accelerate the natural regeneration of Mediterranean woody species in areas under desertification. However, a site-specific evaluation must be made taking into account prickly pear’s historical presence, temporary income as a crop, management capacity and, especially, its invasive potential.
Artificial intelligence and database for NGS-based diagnosis in rare disease
Authors: Choon Yee Wen , Choon Yee Fan , Nasarudin Nurul Athirah , Al Jasmi Fatma , Remli Muhamad Akmal , Alkayali Mohammed Hassan , Mohamad Mohd Saberi
Published: January 2024

Rare diseases (RDs) are rare complex genetic diseases affecting a conservative estimate of 300 million people worldwide. Recent Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) studies are unraveling the underlying genetic heterogeneity of this group of diseases. NGS-based methods used in RDs studies have improved the diagnosis and management of RDs. Concomitantly, a suite of bioinformatics tools has been developed to sort through big data generated by NGS to understand RDs better. However, there are concerns regarding the lack of consistency among different methods, primarily linked to factors such as the lack of uniformity in input and output formats, the absence of a standardized measure for predictive accuracy, and the regularity of updates to the annotation database. Today, artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning, is widely used in a variety of biological contexts, changing the healthcare system. AI has demonstrated promising capabilities in boosting variant calling precision, refining variant prediction, and enhancing the user-friendliness of electronic health record (EHR) systems in NGS-based diagnostics. This paper reviews the state of the art of AI in NGS-based genetics, and its future directions and challenges. It also compare several rare disease databases.
Settling down at Ceibal and Cuello: variation in the transition to sedentism across the Maya lowlands
Authors: MacLellan Jessica
Published: January 2024

During the Middle Preclassic period (c. 1000–350 BCE), the people of the Maya lowlands transitioned from a mobile horticulturalist to sedentary farming lifestyle, exemplified by permanent houses arranged around patios and rebuilt over generations. Early evidence of this change has been found in northern Belize, in the Belize Valley, and at Ceibal, Guatemala. At Cuello and other sites in northern Belize, mortuary rituals tied to ancestor veneration created inequality from the beginning of sedentary life. There, relatively dense populations facilitated the emergence of competitive sociopolitical strategies. However, Maya communities in different regions adopted different aspects of sedentism at different times and employed different power strategies. Unlike Cuello, Ceibal was founded as a ceremonial center by semi-mobile people. Middle Preclassic ritual practices at Ceibal and in the Belize Valley were associated with more collective leadership. At the end of this period, increased population densities contributed to a shift to more exclusionary rituals and political strategies throughout the lowlands.
High-throughput sequencing and characterization of potentially pathogenic fungi from the vaginal mycobiome of giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) in estrus and non-estrus
Authors: Ma Xiaoping , Liu Zhen , Yue Chanjuan , Wang Siwen , Li Xinni , Wang Chengdong , Ling Shanshan , Wang Ya , Liu Songrui , Gu Yu
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) reproduction is of worldwide attention, and the vaginal microbiome is one of the most important factors affecting the reproductive rate of giant pandas. The aim of this study is to investigate the diversity of vaginal mycobiota structure, and potential pathogenic fungi in female giant pandas during estrus and non-estrus.

Methods

This study combined with high-throughput sequencing and laboratory testing to compare the diversity of the vaginal mycobiota in giant pandas during estrus and non-estrus, and to investigate the presence of potentially pathogenic fungi. Potentially pathogenic fungi were studied in mice to explore their pathogenicity.

Results and discussion

The results revealed that during estrus, the vaginal secretions of giant pandas play a crucial role in fungal colonization. Moreover, the diversity of the vaginal mycobiota is reduced and specificity is enhanced. The abundance of Trichosporon and Cutaneotrichosporon in the vaginal mycobiota of giant pandas during estrus was significantly higher than that during non-estrus periods. Apiotrichum and Cutaneotrichosporon were considered the most important genera, and they primarily originate from the environment owing to marking behavior exhibited during the estrous period of giant pandas. Trichosporon is considered a resident mycobiota of the vagina and is an important pathogen that causes infection when immune system is suppressed. Potentially pathogenic fungi were further isolated and identified from the vaginal secretions of giant pandas during estrus, and seven strains of Apiotrichum (A. brassicae), one strain of Cutaneotrichosporon (C. moniliiforme), and nine strains of Trichosporon (two strains of T. asteroides, one strain of T. inkin, one strain of T. insectorum, and five strains of T. japonicum) were identified. Pathogenicity results showed that T. asteroides was the most pathogenic strain, as it is associated with extensive connective tissue replacement and inflammatory cell infiltration in both liver and kidney tissues. The results of this study improve our understanding of the diversity of the vaginal fungi present in giant pandas and will significantly contribute to improving the reproductive health of giant pandas in the future.
Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive training on cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Gaotian , Xue Bing , Guan Yafei , Luo Xianwu
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) paired with cognitive training on cognitive function in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients.

Methods

PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WanFang Database were searched. The risk of bias was appraised through the Cochrane collaboration tool. A meta-analysis was conducted, including an assessment of heterogeneity.

Results

Ten studies comprising 408 participants were included. The addition of rTMS significantly improved overall cognition in patients compared with cognitive intervention alone (p < 0.05 for all tests). The treatment also had some continuity, with significant improvements in cognitive function within weeks after the treatment ended (p < 0.05 for all tests).

Conclusion

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation combined with cognitive training (rTMS-CT) is a valuable technique for the cognitive rehabilitation of AD patients. It is beneficial to improve the cognitive ability of patients and restore their overall functional state. The results of the study may provide a basis for clinical providers to implement interventions that facilitate the design of more rigorous and high-quality interventions.

Limitations

The number of studies and sample size in our study were small. We did not explore possible interactions between rTMS and medications and mood improvement after rTMS due to inadequate data.

Systematic review registration

This study was registered on PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023405615.
To what extent does frailty mediate the association between age and the outcomes of brain reperfusion following acute ischemic stroke?
Authors: Miranda Luana Aparecida , Luvizutto Gustavo José , Bessornia Pedro Augusto Cândido , Furlan Natalia Eduarda , Winckler Fernanda Cristina , Ferreira Natalia Cristina , Hamamoto Filho Pedro Tadao , de Souza Juli Thomaz , Martin Luis Cuadrado , Zanati Bazan Silméia Garcia , Pinheiro Modolo Gabriel , de Freitas Carlos Clayton Macedo , Vidal Edison Iglesias de Oliveira , Bazan Rodrigo
Published: January 2024

Objective

We evaluated the extent to which frailty mediated the association between age, poor functional outcomes, and mortality after acute ischemic stroke when patients were treated with brain reperfusion (thrombolytic therapy and/or thrombectomy).

Materials and methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke who had undergone intravenous cerebral reperfusion therapy and/or mechanical thrombectomy. We created a mediation model by analyzing the direct natural effect of an mRS score > 2 and death on age-mediated frailty according to the Frailty Index.

Results

We enrolled 292 patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent brain reperfusion. Their mean age was 67.7 ± 13.1 years. Ninety days after the stroke ictus, 54 (18.5%) participants died, and 83 (28.4%) lived with moderate to severe disability (2 < mRS < 6). In the mediation analysis of the composite outcome of disability (mRS score > 2) or death, frailty accounted for 28% of the total effect of age. The models used to test for the interaction between age and frailty did not show statistically significant interactions for either outcome, and the addition of the interaction did not significantly change the direct or indirect effects, nor did it improve model fit.

Conclusion

Frailty mediated almost one-third of the effect of age on the composite outcome of disability or death after acute ischemic stroke.
Acute amnestic syndrome in fornix lesions: a systematic review of reported cases with a focus on differential diagnosis
Authors: Mazzacane F. , Ferrari F. , Malvaso A. , Mottese Y. , Gastaldi M. , Costa A. , Pichiecchio A. , Cavallini A.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Acute amnestic syndrome is an uncommon clinical presentation of neurological disease. Differential diagnosis encompasses several syndromes including Wernicke-Korsakoff and transient global amnesia (TGA). Structural lesions of the fornix account for a minority of cases of acute amnestic syndromes. Etiology varies from iatrogenic injury to ischemic, inflammatory, or neoplastic lesions. A prompt diagnosis of the underlying pathology is essential but challenging. The aim of this review is to systematically review the existing literature regarding cases of acute amnestic syndrome associated with non-iatrogenic lesions of the fornix.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to September 2023 to identify case reports and case series of patients with amnestic syndrome due to fornix lesions. The systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. The research was limited to articles written in English. Cases of fornix damage directly ascribable to a surgical procedure were excluded.

Results

A total of 52 publications reporting 55 cases were included in the review. Focusing on acute/subacute onset, vascular etiology was highly prevalent, being responsible for 78% of cases, 40/55 (74%) of which were due to acute ischemic stroke. The amnestic syndrome was characterized by anterograde amnesia in all patients, associated with retrograde amnesia in 27% of cases. Amnesia was an isolated presentation in most cases. Up to two thirds of patients had persistent memory deficits of any severity at follow-up.

Discussion

Acute amnestic syndrome can be rarely caused by fornix lesions. In most cases of acute/subacute presentation, the etiology is ischemic stroke, mainly caused by strokes involving the subcallosal artery territory. The differential diagnosis is challenging and a distinction from common mimics is often difficult on a clinical basis. A high index of suspicion should be maintained to avoid misdiagnosis and provide adequate acute treatment to patients with time-dependent disease, also employing advanced neuroimaging. More research is needed to better understand the outcome and identify prognostic factors in patients with amnestic syndrome due to fornix lesions.
Functional balance at rest of hemispheric homologs assessed via normalized compression distance
Authors: Pascarella Annalisa , Bruni Vittoria , Armonaite Karolina , Porcaro Camillo , Conti Livio , Cecconi Federico , Paulon Luca , Vitulano Domenico , Tecchio Franca
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The formation and functioning of neural networks hinge critically on the balance between structurally homologous areas in the hemispheres. This balance, reflecting their physiological relationship, is fundamental for learning processes. In our study, we explore this functional homology in the resting state, employing a complexity measure that accounts for the temporal patterns in neurodynamics.

Methods

We used Normalized Compression Distance (NCD) to assess the similarity over time, neurodynamics, of the somatosensory areas associated with hand perception (S1). This assessment was conducted using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in conjunction with Functional Source Separation (FSS). Our primary hypothesis posited that neurodynamic similarity would be more pronounced within individual subjects than across different individuals. Additionally, we investigated whether this similarity is influenced by hemisphere or age at a population level.

Results

Our findings validate the hypothesis, indicating that NCD is a robust tool for capturing balanced functional homology between hemispheric regions. Notably, we observed a higher degree of neurodynamic similarity in the population within the left hemisphere compared to the right. Also, we found that intra-subject functional homology displayed greater variability in older individuals than in younger ones.

Discussion

Our approach could be instrumental in investigating chronic neurological conditions marked by imbalances in brain activity, such as depression, addiction, fatigue, and epilepsy. It holds potential for aiding in the development of new therapeutic strategies tailored to these complex conditions, though further research is needed to fully realize this potential.
Musculoskeletal fitness: relative handgrip strength and vertical jump power from 10 to 18 years old
Authors: Correia Abel S. , Zymbal Vera , Baptista Fátima
Published: January 2024

Background

There is an increasing consensus on the relevance of musculoskeletal fitness for health throughout the life cycle, requiring evaluation approaches and description of results capable of characterizing different age groups and body sizes. This study aimed to describe the musculoskeletal fitness of young Portuguese people aged 10–18 through handgrip strength (HGS) and vertical jump power (VJP) and investigate differences between the sexes.

Methods

The sample included 736 participants (359 girls recruited from schools. HGS (kg) was assessed using a handheld dynamometer, and VJP (W) was assessed using a force platform; both measurements were standardized for body mass.

Results

Higher HGS and VJP were observed in boys than in girls from 13 years old (13 years: p ≤ 0.05; 14–18 years: p ≤ 0.001), with no significant differences before this age. The percentile distributions of HGS and VJP are described for each sex using the lambda, mu, sigma (LMS) method. The pattern of development of these variables as a function of age is presented.

Conclusions

Handgrip strength and vertical jump power show differences between the sexes from 13 years of age and similar trajectories to populations in other countries in the same age group.
Cultivar ideotype for intensive olive orchards: plant vigor, biomass partitioning, tree architecture and fruiting characteristics
Authors: Rosati Adolfo , Paoletti Andrea , Lodolini Enrico Maria , Famiani Franco
Published: January 2024

In order to achieve higher and earlier yield, modern olive orchards are increasingly intensified, with tree densities up to > 1500 trees hectare-1. With increasing tree densities, individual-tree canopy volume must be proportionally reduced. Not all cultivars are adaptable to high and very high orchard densities, because of excessive vigor and/or insufficient bearing when the canopy is pruned to a small volume. However, what makes an olive cultivar suitable for intensive and super intensive orchards is not clear. Recently, few studies have addressed this topic, suggesting that tree architecture and early bearing are essential traits. Yet, what architectural and productive features are important, how they work and whether they are interrelated remains elusive. This review summarizes and interprets the literature on olive, as well as the more abundant literature available for other fruit species, aiming to provide a comprehensive knowledge framework for understanding how tree architectural characteristics, plant vigor, and fruiting vary across olive genotypes, and how they are interconnected. It is concluded that, among the architectural characteristics, greater branching and smaller diameters of woody structures are particularly important features for cultivar suitability to intensive and super intensive olive orchards. Greater branching allows to produce more fruiting sites in the small volume of canopy allowed in these systems. It also reduces investments in woody structures, liberating resources for fruiting. Additional resources are liberated with smaller structure diameters. Greater branching also increases resources by increasing biomass partitioning into leaves (i.e. the photosynthetic organs), relative to wood. Since yield is affected by the competition for resources with vegetative growth, reducing resource investments in woody structures and/or increasing resource directly, increases yield. Yield, in turn, depresses vegetative growth, reducing vigor and the need for pruning. High yields also produce short shoots which have relatively greater investments in leaf mass and area, and lower in the woody stem, making them more suitable than long shoots to support concurrent fruit growth. This single framework of interpretation of how the different architectural and fruiting characteristics work and interact with one-another, will provide guidance for cultivar selection and breeding for intensive and super intensive olive orchards.
How does workplace support promote postdoctoral career growth? A conservation of resources perspective
Authors: Li Xueyan , Hu Anqi , Song Hongfeng , Wang Zhimei
Published: January 2024

Background

Postdoctoral researchers are critical to scholarly advancements, and promoting postdoctoral career growth is an endogenous path to help postdocs break through the “encircled city of scientific research”. However, further research is needed to fully explore the mechanisms that connect workplace support to postdoctoral career growth.

Methods

Drawing from the Conservation of Resources theory, this study proposes a chain mediation model that demonstrates how workplace support enhances career growth by connecting psychological capital with work-life balance. To understand the motivation and career growth of postdocs in China, we conducted two questionnaires in 2021 and 2023 with the support of relevant stations.

Results

Analyzing 367 questionnaires from Chinese postdocs, our research indicates that workplace support has a positive impact on career growth. Additionally, both psychological capital and work-life balance are key factors that contribute to career growth, serving as separate mediators and as part of a chain of mediators.

Discussion

This study validates the appropriateness of the Conservation of Resources theory in the study of the influence mechanism of postdoctoral career growth and proposes targeted strategies for academic institutions to improve support systems, promoting more effective career development pathways.
Prevalence of depressive tendencies among college students and the influence of attributional styles on depressive tendencies in the post-pandemic era
Authors: Luo Ming-ming , Hao Ming , Li Xu-huan , Liao Jing , Wu Chun-mei , Wang Qi
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Depression symptoms are prevalent globally, including China, with a notable impact on college students. This study aims to not only estimate the prevalence of depressive tendencies and attributional styles among college students in the post-pandemic era but also explore the relationship between the two factors. The findings of this study can provide new insights into early intervention and support services for individuals exhibiting tendencies toward depression.

Methods

The survey was administered to college students from various academic backgrounds at a specific university in southern Jiangxi Province by employing two scales to investigate depressive tendencies and attributional styles. Depressive tendency was evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), while the attributional styles were assessed using the Multidimensional-Multiattributional Causality Scale (MMCS). Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regressions were conducted to identify the related factors of depressive tendency.

Results

A relatively high (48.9%) prevalence of depression among college students was found in this study. College students with higher grades (OR = 1.574, 95%CI: 1.369–1.810), profession of medicine and allied health sciences (OR = 1.779, 95%CI: 1.203–2.629), experiencing higher study stress (OR = 2.006, 95%CI: 1.601–2.514), and having poor physical condition (OR = 1.527, 95%CI: 1.247–1.869) were identified as risk factors for depressive tendency. The correlation between higher grades and increased learning pressure, coupled with poorer physical condition, heightens the vulnerability of college students to depression. Moreover, the more they attribute these experiences to achievement effort (OR = 0.897, 95%CI: 0.828–0.972), achievement ability (OR = 0.903, 95%CI: 0.838–0.972), and affiliation context (OR = 0.919, 95%CI: 0.860–0.982), the less likely they are to develop depression.

Conclusion

In the group of college students, especially those in higher grades, profession of medicine and allied health sciences or experiencing high learning pressure and poor physical condition, emphasizing the significance of their mental well-being becomes crucial. Offering suitable support and assistance is essential. Additionally, fostering the cultivation of positive attributional and coping strategies by attributing difficulties to controllable factors and instilling a belief in their ability to overcome challenges can help reduce the risk of depression.
Concanavalin A staining: a potential biomarker to predict cytarabine sensitivity in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Zhang Tao , Marsman Glenn , Pereira-Martins Diego A. , Wuhrer Manfred , Huls Gerwin A. , Wiersma Valerie R.
Published: January 2024

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the myeloid lineage of blood cells, with an overall 5-year survival rate of 25%, mainly due to therapy-resistant relapses in > 50% of patients. The standard treatment for AML comprises cytarabine (AraC) with anthracyclines. Biomarkers to determine AraC sensitivity are currently lacking, thus hampering the rational choice of optimal treatment protocols, which would be especially warranted in the case of primary refractory disease. In the current study, we hypothesized that AraC-resistant AML cells harbor a different “sugar decoration”, i.e., glycosylation profile, compared with sensitive cells, which could be used as biomarker for AraC sensitivity. Therefore, we analyzed the expression of glycosylation-related genes in publicly available AML datasets, whereby the high expression of mannosylation-related genes (6 out of 13) was significantly associated with a worse survival in patients treated with AraC-based intensive chemotherapy protocols. In line with these data, the AraC-resistant AML cells expressed higher levels of high mannose N-glycans, as detected by mass spectrometry-based glycomics. Concanavalin A (ConA), a lectin that specifically recognizes α-mannoses in N-glycans, bound more strongly to AraC-resistant cells, and the extent of the ConA binding was correlated with AraC sensitivity in a panel of AML cell lines. Furthermore, the ConA staining could discriminate AraC sensitivity in vitro between two patient-derived AML samples taken at diagnosis. Therefore, the ConA staining may be a potential novel biomarker to predict AraC sensitivity in AML.
De novo drug design through artificial intelligence: an introduction
Authors: Crucitti Davide , Pérez Míguez Carlos , Díaz Arias José Ángel , Fernandez Prada Diego Beltrán , Mosquera Orgueira Adrián
Published: January 2024

Developing new drugs is a complex and formidable challenge, intensified by rapidly evolving global health needs. De novo drug design is a promising strategy to accelerate and refine this process. The recent introduction of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms has brought new attention to the field and catalyzed a paradigm shift, allowing rapid and semi-automatic design and optimization of drug-like molecules. This review explores the impact of de novo drug design, highlighting both traditional methodologies and the recently introduced generative algorithms, as well as the promising development of Active Learning (AL). It places special emphasis on their application in oncological drug development, where the need for novel therapeutic agents is urgent. The potential integration of these AI technologies with established computational and experimental methods heralds a new era in the rapid development of innovative drugs. Despite the promising developments and notable successes, these technologies are not without limitations, which require careful consideration and further advancement. This review, intended for professionals across related disciplines, provides a comprehensive introduction to AI-driven de novo drug design of small organic molecules. It aims to offer a clear understanding of the current state and future prospects of these innovative techniques in drug discovery.
Early childhood caries and its associated factors among 5-years-old Myanmar children
Authors: Min Saw Nay , Duangthip Duangporn , Gao Sherry Shiqian , Detsomboonrat Palinee
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Children's oral health plays a crucial role in their overall well-being and there is a significant gap in our understanding of early childhood caries (ECC) in Myanmar. This study aims to bridge this knowledge deficit by investigating the prevalence, causes, and potential interventions for ECC in the Myanmar population, providing crucial insights for future dental health policies and practices.

Methods

Generally healthy 5-year-old kindergarten children from 7 districts in city were recruited. ECC was assessed through clinical examinations using decayed, missed, filled teeth (dmft). Additionally, demographic data of the children and their caregivers, along with information about the children's oral health-related behaviors, were gathered using a structured questionnaire.

Results

Out of the 496 children, the overall prevalence of dental caries was 87.1% (mean dmft score: 5.57, SD: 4.6). Caries experience was categorized as severe (45.8%) and non-severe (41.3%). Decayed teeth constituted the major component of the dmft index (97.8%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed two significant factors associated with ECC prevalence: late toothbrushing initiation (OR: 2.54, p = 0.001) and dental visit experience (OR: 2.46, p = 0.010).

Discussion

The study highlights the alarming ECC prevalence in 5-year-old children in Mandalay, Myanmar, with mostly untreated decayed teeth. The findings emphasize early preventive oral health measures for young children to reduce ECC burden in Myanmar.
Exploring intermittency in numerical simulations of turbulence using single and multi-spacecraft analysis
Authors: Guerrero Guio Andres F. , Agudelo Rueda Jeffersson A. , Vargas Domínguez Santiago
Published: January 2024

The energy dissipation in collisionless plasmas as the solar wind is not yet fully understood. The intermittent nature of magnetic structures appears to be a fundamental part of the energy cascade. Understanding energy transfer and dissipation in the solar wind requires an accurate description of its intermittency. Upcoming multi-spacecraft missions will provide new insight on this matter. However, the use of multi-point data requires developing new data analysis techniques as well as cross-validating these techniques. In this study, we address the latter and explore the intermittency in a 3D simulation of anisotropic plasma turbulence using two approaches. We implement the standard single-spacecraft partial variance increments technique as well as a multi-point partial variance increments technique. We contrast these two techniques and explore their dependence on the angle between the spacecraft-configuration travel direction and the background magnetic field.
Active surveillance of paratuberculosis in Alpine-dwelling red deer (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Filippi Anita , Garbarino Chiara , Nava Matteo , Russo Simone , Soares Filipe Joel Fernando , Bianchi Alessandro , Corlatti Luca , Gugiatti Alessandro , Buccheri Pederzoli Clelia , Pigoli Claudio , Pedrotti Luca , Arrigoni Norma , Ricchi Matteo , Bertoletti Irene , Luzzago Camilla
Published: January 2024

Paratuberculosis (Johne’s disease) is a globally widespread infectious disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). The bacterium is excreted in the feces and is characterized by high environmental resistance. The new Animal Health Law (Regulation EU 2016/429) on transmissible animal diseases, recently in force throughout the European Union, includes paratuberculosis within the diseases requiring surveillance in the EU, listing some domestic and wild Bovidae, Cervidae, and Camelidae as potential reservoirs. Taking advantage of a culling activity conducted in the Stelvio National Park (Italy), this study investigated MAP infection status of red deer (Cervus elaphus) between 2018 and 2022, and evaluated the probability of being MAP-positive with respect to individual and sampling-level variables. A total of 390 subjects were examined macroscopically and tested for MAP, using different diagnostic tools: IS900 qPCR, culture, histopathology, and serology. Twenty-three of them were found positive for MAP by at least one test, with an overall prevalence of 5.9% (95% CI 4.0–8.7), that, respectively, ranged from 12.4% in the first culling season to 2.0 and 2.1% in the 2019–2020 and 2021–2022 culling seasons. Quantitative PCR assay on ileocecal valve and mesenteric lymph nodes detected the highest number of MAP positive animals. The results of the study showed the increased probability of being MAP-positive with increasing age and that red deer with lower body mass values were more likely to be infected with MAP. Overall, the absence of signs of clinical paratuberculosis and gross lesions together with the low level of shedding witness early phases of the disease among the positive red deer and support an improvement of the paratuberculosis status of this population, as shown by the decreased prevalence of the disease over the years.