bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seafloor morphology and substrate mapping in the Gulf of St Lawrence, Canada, using machine learning approaches
Authors: Sklar Emily , Bushuev Esther , Misiuk Benjamin , Labbé-Morissette Guillaume , Brown Craig J.
Published: February 2024

Detailed maps of seafloor substrata and morphology can act as valuable proxies for predicting and understanding the distributions of benthic communities and are important for guiding conservation initiatives. High resolution acoustic remote sensing data can facilitate the production of detailed seafloor maps, but are cost-prohibitive to collect and not widely available. In the absence of targeted high resolution data, global bathymetric data of a lower resolution, combined with legacy seafloor sampling data, can provide an alternative for generating maps of seafloor substrate and morphology. Here we apply regression random forest to legacy data in the Gulf of St Lawrence, Canada, to generate a map of seabed sediment distribution. We further apply k-means clustering to a principal component analysis output to identify seafloor morphology classes from the GEBCO bathymetric grid. The morphology classification identified most morphological features but could not discriminate valleys and canyons. The random forest results were in line with previous sediment mapping work done in the area, but a large proportion of zero values skewed the explained variance. In both models, improvements may be possible with the introduction of more predictor variables. These models prove useful for generating regional seafloor maps that may be used for future management and conservation applications.
Tragacanth gum-based hydrogels for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications
Authors: Abdi Gholamreza , Jain Mukul , Patil Nil , Tariq Mohd. , Choudhary Shipra , Kumar Pankaj , Raj Neeraja S. , Mohsen Ali Saif Saleh , Uthappa U. T.
Published: February 2024

Natural polymers have many uses, and Tragacanth gum is just one of them. Many people are interested in natural gums because of their many attractive characteristics, such as being ‘green’ bio-based renewable materials, being easily accessible, inexpensive, and structurally diverse. One class of naturally occurring polysaccharides is called gum because of its tendency to create a gel or a thick solution. Among the many plant-based raw materials, these polysaccharide gums are abundant. Hydrogels, which are three-dimensional polymeric webs that can imitate live tissues, have demonstrated remarkable potential as adjustable biomaterials in numerous regenerative techniques due to their high water or biological exudate absorption capacities. Natural polysaccharides, often known as gums, are present in many different types of trees and possess many desirable properties, such as being renewable, biocompatible, biodegradable, non-toxic, and amenable to chemical modification. Many people are curious about certain parts of the food, water, energy, biotech, environmental, and healthcare sectors as of now. Gum, a type of very important and unique food ingredient, has many vital uses in the food business. Cosmetics, coating, photosensitive resin, fertilizer, casting, pharmaceuticals, and tobacco are just a few of the non-food businesses that make use of their strong water-affinity and structural plasticity. There are a lot of benefits to hydrogels made from natural gums as opposed to those made from synthetic sources. Synthesis hydrogel polymers have been the center of interest among these non-food applications because of their extensive use in the pharmaceutical and medical fields. The Tragacanth gum hydrogels used for medication delivery and tissue engineering have been the focus of this study. We also paid close attention to drug delivery, physical-chemical properties, and the extraction of Tragacanth gum. Our research has a wide range of biomedical applications, including tissue engineering for bone, skin, fixation of bone, periodontal, and cartilage. Possible futures based on hydrogels made of Tragacanth gum were likewise our primary focus.
Fractional derivative-based normalized viscoelastic model of strain-hardening clays
Authors: Tang Yin , Wang Peng , Ren Peng , Zhang Hua
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The stress-strain relationship of clays characterized by strain hardening exhibits varying curves under different confining pressures and dry densities.

Methods: Considering the viscoelastic properties of clays, a normalized viscoelastic model of strain-hardening clay was established based on fractional derivatives, and normalization factors were proposed.

Results: The experimental results showed that the stress-strain relationship of the clay was strain hardening. It shows that Chengdu clay has better normalization conditions. Furthermore, the normalized analysis of this clay through the viscoelastic normalization model revealed that the straight line of normalized data displayed a goodness-of-fit of over 0.98. The obtained values were consistent with experimental results, suggesting the reasonability of the normalized strain-hardening parameters and elastic moduli.

Discussion: In addition, the superiority of the developed model was verified by testing the strain-hardening clays in Wuhan, China and Bangkok, Thailand. After analyzing the strain-hardening parameters and normalization factors of our model, it was found that the slope of the normalized line can accurately reflect the strain-hardening ability of the clay. These findings demonstrated that the proposed normalization factor is preferred for a normalized viscoelastic model. It shows that the model proposed in this paper has clearer physical meaning and advancement.
Assessment of the extent and monetary loss in the selected public hospitals in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia: expired medicine perspectives
Authors: Getahun Habtamu , Belew Sileshi , Hasen Gemmechu , Tefera Mekasha Yesuneh , Suleman Sultan
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Medicine plays a crucial role in the field of healthcare as a therapeutically significant pharmaceutical product. By effectively preventing diseases, medicine has the power to save countless lives and improve the quality of life for people worldwide. However, despite hospitals' efforts to provide medical care to patients, a significant issue arises from the substantial amount of drugs that go unused due to expiration dates. This problem is particularly prevalent in resource-limited countries like Ethiopia, where the pharmaceutical supply system fails to adequately address the issue of expired drugs in public hospitals, leading to an unsatisfactory situation. Hence, the objective of this study was to assess the economic impact and volume of expired medicines in the selected public hospitals in Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was conducted to assess the economic impact and volume of expired medicines available in the public hospitals in Jimma Zone. All available hospitals that fulfilled the EFDA guidelines were included. The medication expiration rate was calculated by dividing the total monetary value of expired medicines in a year by the total value of medicines received in the same year multiplied by 100. Then, the collected data was cleared, filtered, coded, and quantitatively analyzed using the Microsoft Excel 2010 version.

Results

The average medicine waste rate was 4.87% in the fiscal year of 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 in Jimma Zone public hospitals worth 32,453.3 US$. Additionally, the facility wasted an estimated of 2711.44 US$ on the disposal of expired medicines. The expiration of medicines has been linked to several issues, including near-expiry, irrational prescribing practices, and weak participation of clinicians in medicine selection and quantification of the facility. Additionally, only two hospitals had relatively good storage and handling practices.

Conclusion

Overall, the expiration rate of medicines in the public hospitals in Jimma Zone was greater than the allowed level of 2%. In order to optimize the allocation of healthcare funds and ensure the appropriate use of pharmacologically significant medications it is vital to conduct a comprehensive examination at the national level within a regional hospitals.
Seasonal changes in positive airway pressure adherence
Authors: Prigent Arnaud , Blanloeil Clément , Jaffuel Dany , Serandour Anne Laure , Barlet Franck , Gagnadoux Frédéric
Published: February 2024

Through their effects on sleep duration, bedroom environments, and pollen allergies, seasonal variations may impact positive airway pressure (PAP) adherence. We analyzed daily PAP telemonitoring data from 25,846 adults (median age 64 years, 67.8% male) treated with PAP for at least 4 months [mean (standard deviation, SD) duration of PAP: 5.5 years (SD 4.1)] to examine seasonal changes in PAP adherence, leaks, and residual apnea-hypopnea index. We demonstrate a significant decrease in PAP adherence in June compared to January (mean (SD): 0.37 (1.54) h/night) that achieved the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) of 30 min in 13.9% of adults. Furthermore, we provide novel data supporting the association of rising temperatures with seasonal changes in PAP use. Indeed, the most pronounced decline in PAP adherence was observed during the hottest days, while PAP adherence was only slightly reduced during the coolest days of June. Clinicians should be aware of seasonal changes in PAP adherence that are likely to be exacerbated by climate change.
Non-linear relationship between baseline fasting blood glucose and mortality in peritoneal dialysis patients, a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Li Xiang , Fan Chengjuan , Wang Chen , Zhang Yiming , Niu Lingling
Published: February 2024

Background

The relationship between baseline fasting blood glucose (bFBG) and mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients has been the subject of debate, with limited exploration of the non-linear relationship between bFBG and death in these patients.

Methods

This retrospective study categorized patients into four groups based on their bFBG using quartiles. Baseline clinical data at the initiation of dialysis were compared. Survival curves were plotted, and subgroup analyses were stratified by relevant covariates. To address the non-linear relationship, curve fitting and a threshold effect analysis were performed.

Results

The study included 379 PD patients with a median follow-up of 41.8 (22.6, 60.1) months. The COX proportional hazards model showed an association between bFBG and the risk of death after adjusting for confounding factors [hazard ratio (HR): 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05−1.41, P = 0.009]. Stratified analyses indicated a stable correlation between bFBG and mortality. The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed significant differences in survival rates among different groups based on bFBG levels (P < 0.01). The curve fitting analysis revealed a U-shaped relationship between bFBG and mortality, with an inflection point at approximately 5.1 mmol/L.

Conclusion

Our study has demonstrated a non-linear relationship between bFBG and mortality in PD patients. Additionally, we have found that the optimal bFBG value associated with the lowest risk of mortality is approximately 5.1 mmol/L.
Dietary proteins: from evolution to engineering
Authors: Daniel Hannelore
Published: February 2024

Because of the indispensable amino acids dietary proteins are the most important macronutrients. Proper growth and body maintenance depends on the quantity and quality of protein intake and proteins have thus been most crucial throughout evolution with hominins living in quite diverse food ecosystems. Developments in agriculture and food science have increased availability and diversity of food including protein for a rapidly growing world population while nutrient deficiencies resulting in stunting in children for example have been reduced. Nevertheless, the developing world and growing population needs more protein of high quality – with around 400 million tons per annum estimated for 2050. In contrary, protein consumption in all developed countries exceeds meanwhile the recommended intakes considerably with consequences for health and the environment. There is a growing interest in dietary proteins driven by the quest for more sustainable diets and the increasing food demand for a growing world population. This brings new and novel sources such as algae, yeast, insects or bacteria into play in delivering the biomass but also new technologies such as precision fermentation or in vitro meat/fish or dairy. What needs to be considered when such new protein sources are explored is that proteins need to provide not only the required amino acids but also functionality in the food produced thereof. This review considers human physiology and metabolism in the context of protein intake from an evolutionary perspective and prospects on future protein production.
Factors associated with perinatal and neonatal deaths in Sao Tome & Principe: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Vasconcelos Alexandra , Sousa Swasilanne , Bandeira Nelson , Alves Marta , Papoila Ana Luísa , Pereira Filomena , Machado Maria Céu
Published: February 2024

Background

Neonatal mortality reduction is a global goal, but its factors are seldom studied in most resource-constrained settings. This is the first study conducted to identify the factors affecting perinatal and neonatal deaths in Sao Tome & Principe (STP), the smallest Central Africa country.

Methods

Institution-based prospective cohort study conducted at Hospital Dr. Ayres Menezes. Maternal-neonate dyads enrolled were followed up after the 28th day of life (n = 194) for identification of neonatal death-outcome (n = 22) and alive-outcome groups (n = 172). Data were collected from pregnancy cards, hospital records and face-to-face interviews. After the 28th day of birth, a phone call was made to evaluate the newborn's health status. Crude odds ratios and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were obtained. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The mean gestational age of the death-outcome and alive-outcome groups was 36 (SD = 4.8) and 39 (SD = 1.4) weeks, respectively. Death-outcome group (n = 22) included sixteen stillbirths, four early and two late neonatal deaths. High-risk pregnancy score [cOR 2.91, 95% CI: 1.18–7.22], meconium-stained fluid [cOR 4.38, 95% CI: 1.74–10.98], prolonged rupture of membranes [cOR 4.84, 95% CI: 1.47–15.93], transfer from another unit [cOR 6.08, 95% CI:1.95–18.90], and instrumental vaginal delivery [cOR 8.90, 95% CI: 1.68–47.21], were factors significantly associated with deaths. The odds of experiencing death were higher for newborns with infectious risk, IUGR, resuscitation maneuvers, fetal distress at birth, birth asphyxia, and unit care admission. Female newborn [cOR 0.37, 95% CI: 0.14–1.00] and birth weight of more than 2,500 g [cOR 0.017, 95% CI: 0.002–0.162] were found to be protective factors.

Conclusion

Factors such as having a high-risk pregnancy score, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, prolonged rupture of membranes, being transferred from another unit, and an instrumental-assisted vaginal delivery increased 4– to 9–fold the risk of stillbirth and neonatal deaths. Thus, avoiding delays in prompt intrapartum care is a key strategy to implement in Sao Tome & Principe.
Spectral characterization of optical aberrations in fluidic lenses
Authors: Puentes Graciana , Minotti Fernando
Published: February 2024

We report an extensive numerical study and supporting experimental results on the spectral characterization of optical aberrations in macroscopic fluidic lenses with tunable focal distance and aperture shape. By using a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor, we experimentally reconstruct the near-field wavefront transmitted by the fluidic lenses, and we characterize the chromatic aberrations in terms of Zernike polynomials in the visible range. Moreover, we further classify the spectral response of the lenses using clustering techniques, in addition to correlation and convolution measurements. Experimental results are in agreement with numerical results based on our theoretical model of the nonlinear deformation of thin elastic membranes.
Low-cost, open-source device for simultaneously subjecting rodents to different circadian cycles of light, food, and temperature
Authors: Farré Ramon , Rodríguez-Lázaro Miguel A. , Otero Jorge , Gavara Núria , Sunyer Raimon , Farré Núria , Gozal David , Almendros Isaac
Published: February 2024

Exposure of experimental rodents to controlled cycles of light, food, and temperature is important when investigating alterations in circadian cycles that profoundly influence health and disease. However, applying such stimuli simultaneously is difficult in practice. We aimed to design, build, test, and open-source describe a simple device that subjects a conventional mouse cage to independent cycles of physiologically relevant environmental variables. The device is based on a box enclosing the rodent cage to modify the light, feeding, and temperature environments. The device provides temperature-controlled air conditioning (heating or cooling) by a Peltier module and includes programmable feeding and illumination. All functions are set by a user-friendly front panel for independent cycle programming. Bench testing with a model simulating the CO2 production of mice in the cage showed: a) suitable air renewal (by measuring actual ambient CO2), b) controlled realistic illumination at the mouse enclosure (measured by a photometer), c) stable temperature control, and d) correct cycling of light, feeding, and temperature. The cost of all the supplies (retail purchased by e-commerce) was <300 US$. Detailed technical information is open-source provided, allowing for any user to reliably reproduce or modify the device. This approach can considerably facilitate circadian research since using one of the described low-cost devices for any mouse group with a given light-food-temperature paradigm allows for all the experiments to be performed simultaneously, thereby requiring no changes in the light/temperature of a general-use laboratory.
Physiological responses and transcriptomic analysis of StCPD gene overexpression in potato under salt stresses
Authors: Zhou Xiangyan , Ma Yanming , Miao Rong , Li Caijuan , Liu Ziliang , Zhang Dan , Chen Sijin , Luo Jiaqi , Tang Wenhui
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), one of the most vital food crops worldwide, is sensitive to salinity. Brassinosteroids (BRs) are crucial in tolerance to various abiotic stresses. The constitutive photomorphogenesis and dwarf (CPD) gene encodes C-3 oxidase, which is a rate-limiting enzyme that controls the synthesis of BRs.

Methods

In this study, we used StCPD gene overexpression (T) and un-transgenic (NT) plants obtained from our former research to illustrate adaptive resistance to salt stress at levels of phenotype; cell ultrastructure, physiology, and biochemistry; hormone; and transcription.

Results

Results showed the accumulation of 2,4-epibrassionolide (EBL) in T potatoes. We found that under high salt situations, the changed Na+/K+ transporter gene expression was linked with the prevalent ionic responses in T plants, which led to lower concentrations of K+ and higher concentrations of Na+ in leaves. Furthermore, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) data elucidated that gene expressions in NT and T plants were significantly changed with 200-mM NaCl treatment for 24 h and 48 h, compared with the 0-h treatment. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that most of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were related to the regulation of BR-related gene expression, pigment metabolism process, light and action, and plant hormone signal transduction.

Discussion

These findings suggested that StCPD gene overexpression can alleviate the damage caused by salt stress and enhance the salt resistance of potato plantlets. Our study provides an essential reference for further research on BR regulation of plant molecular mechanisms in potatoes with stress tolerance.
Metagenomic insights into the response of soil microbial communities to pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Xiao Yansong , Zhang Sai , Li Hongguang , Teng Kai , Wu Shaolong , Liu Yongbin , Yu Fahui , He Zhihong , Li Lijuan , Li Liangzhi , Meng Delong , Yin Huaqun , Wang Yujie
Published: February 2024

Understanding the response of soil microbial communities to pathogenic Ralstonia solanacearum is crucial for preventing bacterial wilt outbreaks. In this study, we investigated the soil physicochemical and microbial community to assess their impact on the pathogenic R.solanacearum through metagenomics. Our results revealed that certain archaeal taxa were the main contributors influencing the health of plants. Additionally, the presence of the pathogen showed a strong negative correlation with soil phosphorus levels, while soil phosphorus was significantly correlated with bacterial and archaeal communities. We found that the network of microbial interactions in healthy plant rhizosphere soils was more complex compared to diseased soils. The diseased soil network had more linkages, particularly related to the pathogen occurrence. Within the network, the family Comamonadaceae, specifically Ramlibacter_tataouinensis, was enriched in healthy samples and showed a significantly negative correlation with the pathogen. In terms of archaea, Halorubrum, Halorussus_halophilus (family: Halobacteriaceae), and Natronomonas_pharaonis (family: Haloarculaceae) were enriched in healthy plant rhizosphere soils and showed negative correlations with R.solanacearum. These findings suggested that the presence of these archaea may potentially reduce the occurrence of bacterial wilt disease. On the other hand, Halostagnicola_larseniia and Haloterrigena_sp._BND6 (family: Natrialbaceae) had higher relative abundance in diseased plants and exhibited significantly positive correlations with R.solanacearum, indicating their potential contribution to the pathogen’s occurrence. Moreover, we explored the possibility of functional gene sharing among the correlating bacterial pairs within the Molecular Ecological Network. Our analysis revealed 468 entries of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events, emphasizing the significance of HGT in shaping the adaptive traits of plant-associated bacteria, particularly in relation to host colonization and pathogenicity. Overall, this work revealed key factors, patterns and response mechanisms underlying the rhizosphere soil microbial populations. The findings offer valuable guidance for effectively controlling soil-borne bacterial diseases and developing sustainable agriculture practices.
The relationship among positive body image, body esteem, and eating attitude in Iranian population
Authors: Sharif-Nia Hamid , Sivarajan Froelicher Erika , Gorgulu Ozkan , Osborne Jason W. , Błachnio Aleksandra , Rezazadeh Fazeli Azadeh , Goudarzian Amir Hossein , Kaveh Omolhoda
Published: February 2024

Background and aim

The correlation between eating attitudes, positive body image, and body esteem is a pivotal area of research that has garnered substantial attention in recent years, given its implications for both mental and physical well-being. The objective of this study was to examine the interplay between positive body image, body esteem, and eating attitudes within an Iranian population.

Materials and methods

This study employed a cross-sectional study design and was conducted in the year 2022. A convenience sample of 752 participants residing in Tehran, Iran, was included in the study. The data collection tools were comprised of a demographic registration form, the Adolescence/Adults Scale (PBIAS), the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT), and the Body Esteem Scale (BES) as measurement instruments.

Results

Mean age of participants was 26.36 (SD = 8.49). Significant relationships were found among positive body image (B = − 0.095, β = −0.150, p < 0.001), and body esteem (B = 0.175, β = 0.149, p < 0.001) with eating attitudes.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that individuals with positive body image and high body esteem may have healthier eating attitudes, while those with negative body image and low body esteem may be more likely to have unhealthy eating attitudes.
Scenario analysis of COVID-19 dynamical variations by different social environmental factors: a case study in Xinjiang
Authors: Fu Ruonan , Liu Wanli , Wang Senlu , Zhao Jun , Cui Qianqian , Hu Zengyun , Zhang Ling , Wang Fenghan
Published: February 2024

Background

With the rapid advancement of the One Health approach, the transmission of human infectious diseases is generally related to environmental and animal health. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been largely impacted by environmental factors regionally and globally and has significantly disrupted human society, especially in low-income regions that border many countries. However, few research studies have explored the impact of environmental factors on disease transmission in these regions.

Methods

We used the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as the study area to investigate the impact of environmental factors on COVID-19 variation using a dynamic disease model. Given the special control and prevention strategies against COVID-19 in Xinjiang, the focus was on social and environmental factors, including population mobility, quarantine rates, and return rates. The model performance was evaluated using the statistical metrics of correlation coefficient (CC), normalized absolute error (NAE), root mean square error (RMSE), and distance between the simulation and observation (DISO) indices. Scenario analyses of COVID-19 in Xinjiang encompassed three aspects: different population mobilities, quarantine rates, and return rates.

Results

The results suggest that the established dynamic disease model can accurately simulate and predict COVID-19 variations with high accuracy. This model had a CC value of 0.96 and a DISO value of less than 0.35. According to the scenario analysis results, population mobilities have a large impact on COVID-19 variations, with quarantine rates having a stronger impact than return rates.

Conclusion

These results provide scientific insight into the control and prevention of COVID-19 in Xinjiang, considering the influence of social and environmental factors on COVID-19 variation. The control and prevention strategies for COVID-19 examined in this study may also be useful for the control of other infectious diseases, especially in low-income regions that are bordered by many countries.
Treatable mortality and health care related factors across European countries
Authors: Tavares Aida Isabel
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Despite the improvements in European health systems, a large number of premature deaths are attributable to treatable mortality. Men make up the majority of these deaths, with a significant gap existing between women and men’s treatable mortality rate in the EU.

Aim

This study aims to identify the healthcare-related factors, including health expenditures, human and physical resources, and hospital services use associated with treatable mortality in women and men across European countries during the period 2011–2019.

Methods

We use Eurostat data for 28 EU countries in the period 2011–2019. We estimate a panel data linear regression with country fixed effects and quantile linear regression for men and women.

Results

The results found (i) differences in drivers for male and female treatable mortality, but common drivers hold the same direction for both sexes; (ii) favorable drivers are GDP per capita, health expenditures, number of physicians per capita, and (only for men) the average length of a hospital stay, (iii) unfavorable drivers are nurses and beds per capita, although nurses are not significant for explaining female mortality.

Conclusion

Policy recommendations may arise that involve an improvement in hospital bed management and the design of more specific policies aimed at healthcare professionals.
Comparative outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 primary and reinfection in older adult patients
Authors: Tey Shu-Farn , Tsai Ya-Wen , Wu Jheng-Yan , Liu Ting-Hui , Chuang Min-Hsiang , Hsu Wan-Hsuan , Huang Po-Yu , Lai Chih-Cheng , Hsu Chi-Kuei
Published: February 2024

Background

The outcomes of older adult people acquiring SARS-CoV-2 reinfection was unclear. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of older adult patients with COVID-19 reinfection and those with primary infection.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used electronic medical records from the TriNetX Research Network. Older adult patients (aged ≥65 years) with COVID-19 between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, were included in the study. The patients were subsequently categorized into reinfection or primary infection groups, according to whether they manifested two distinct COVID-19 episodes with an intervening period of more than 90 days. Propensity score matching was performed for covariate adjustment between the reinfection and primary infection groups. The primary outcome was a composite outcome, including emergency department visits, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation use, and mortality, following primary infection and reinfection.

Results

After matching, 31,899 patients were identified in both the reinfection and primary infection groups. The risk of primary composite outcomes was 7.15% (n = 2,281) in the reinfection group and 7.53% (n = 2,403) in the primary infection group. No significant difference in the primary outcome was observed between groups (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.02, p = 0.17). In addition, there was no significant differences between the reinfection and primary infection groups in terms of emergency department visit (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.11, p = 0.49), all-cause hospitalization (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.02, p = 0.14), intensive care unit admission (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.28, p = 0.62), mechanical ventilation use (HR,1.35 95% CI, 0.69 to 2.64 p = 0.38), and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.20, p = 0.62).

Conclusion

There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between older adult patients with COVID-19 reinfection and those with primary infection.
Determinants of HPV vaccine uptake intentions in Chinese clinical interns: an extended theory of planned behavior approach
Authors: Wang Huizi , Xu Yuedong , Zhang Hui , Chen Ning
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aims to utilize the extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model to examine the intentions of clinical interns in China towards Human papillomaviruses (HPV) vaccination. It also fills a significant gap in the literature concerning vaccine acceptance in this specific population.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was carried out with clinical interns in Shandong Province, China, with a total of 1,619 participants. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires, including demographic characteristics, TPB variables, and HPV-related health knowledge. Hierarchical regression analysis was employed to identify key factors influencing vaccination intentions, and Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the interrelationships between these factors.

Results

This study initially identified key predictors affecting clinical interns’ intentions to receive the HPV vaccine through hierarchical regression analysis. The preliminary model, which accounted for demographic factors, revealed foundational impacts of household income and HPV-related clinical experience on intentions. After integrating TPB variables—attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control, and HPV-related health knowledge—the model’s explanatory power was enhanced to 37.30%. SEM analysis focused on the interplay among TPB constructs and extended variables, confirming their significance in forming vaccination intentions, with subjective norm having the most substantial impact (β = 0.375, p < 0.001). The extended TPB model explained over half of the variance in vaccination intentions, substantiating the hypotheses and revealing the psychological determinants behind clinical interns’ decision-making for HPV vaccination.

Conclusion

The extended TPB model from this study effectively explains the vaccination intentions among clinical interns for HPV, offering theoretical support for public health strategies and educational interventions targeting this group. These findings are of significant importance for public health practice and future health promotion strategies.
Human respiratory syncytial virus subgroups A and B outbreak in a kindergarten in Zhejiang Province, China, 2023
Authors: Liu Shelan , Pan Jinren , Chen Yin , Ye Ling , Chen Enfu , Wen Xiaosha , Wu Wenjie , Wu Bing , Qi Xiaoqi , Chan Ta-Chien , Sun Wanwan , Yu Zhao , Zhang Tongjie , Yan Jianbo , Jiang Jianmin
Published: February 2024

Background

In May–June 2023, an unprecedented outbreak of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) infections occurred in a kindergarten, Zhejiang Province, China. National, provincial, and local public health officials investigated the cause of the outbreak and instituted actions to control its spread.

Methods

We interviewed patients with the respiratory symptoms by questionnaire. Respiratory samples were screened for six respiratory pathogens by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The confirmed cases were further sequenced of G gene to confirm the HRSV genotype. A phylogenetic tree was reconstructed by maximum likelihood method.

Results

Of the 103 children in the kindergarten, 45 were classified as suspected cases, and 25 cases were confirmed by RT-PCR. All confirmed cases were identified from half of classes. 36% (9/25) were admitted to hospital, none died. The attack rate was 53.19%. The median ages of suspected and confirmed cases were 32.7 months and 35.8 months, respectively. Nine of 27 confirmed cases lived in one community. Only two-family clusters among 88 household contacts were HRSV positive. A total of 18 of the G gene were obtained from the confirmed cases. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that 16 of the sequences belonged to the HRSV B/BA9 genotype, and the other 2 sequences belonged to the HRSV A/ON1 genotype. The school were closed on June 9 and the outbreak ended on June 15.

Conclusion

These findings suggest the need for an increased awareness of HRSV coinfections outbreak in the kindergarten, when HRSV resurges in the community after COVID-19 pandemic.
Cross-validated tree-based models for multi-target learning
Authors: Nissenbaum Yehuda , Painsky Amichai
Published: February 2024

Multi-target learning (MTL) is a popular machine learning technique which considers simultaneous prediction of multiple targets. MTL schemes utilize a variety of methods, from traditional linear models to more contemporary deep neural networks. In this work we introduce a novel, highly interpretable, tree-based MTL scheme which exploits the correlation between the targets to obtain improved prediction accuracy. Our suggested scheme applies cross-validated splitting criterion to identify correlated targets at every node of the tree. This allows us to benefit from the correlation among the targets while avoiding overfitting. We demonstrate the performance of our proposed scheme in a variety of synthetic and real-world experiments, showing a significant improvement over alternative methods. An implementation of the proposed method is publicly available at the first author's webpage.
Comparison of machine learning approaches for positive airway pressure adherence prediction in a veteran cohort
Authors: May Anna M. , Dalton Jarrod E.
Published: February 2024

Background

Adherence to positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for sleep apnea is suboptimal, particularly in the veteran population. Accurately identifying those best suited for other therapy or additional interventions may improve adherence. We evaluated various machine learning algorithms to predict 90-day adherence.

Methods

The cohort of VA Northeast Ohio Health Care system patients who were issued a PAP machine (January 1, 2010–June 30, 2015) had demographics, comorbidities, and medications at the time of polysomnography obtained from the electronic health record. The data were split 60:20:20 into training, calibration, and validation data sets, with no use of validation data for model development. We constructed models for the first 90-day adherence period (% nights ≥4 h use) using the following algorithms: linear regression, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, elastic net, ridge regression, gradient boosted machines, support vector machine regression, Bayes-based models, and neural nets. Prediction performance was evaluated in the validation data set using root mean square error (RMSE).

Results

The 5,047 participants were 38.3 ± 11.9 years old, and 96.1% male, with 36.8% having coronary artery disease and 52.6% with depression. The median adherence was 36.7% (interquartile range: 0%, 86.7%). The gradient boosted machine was superior to other machine learning techniques (RMSE 37.2). However, the performance was similar and not clinically useful for all models without 30-day data. The 30-day PAP data and using raw diagnoses and medications (vs. grouping by type) improved the RMSE to 24.27.

Conclusion

Comparing multiple prediction algorithms using electronic medical record information, we found that none has clinically meaningful performance. Better adherence predictive measures may offer opportunities for personalized tailoring of interventions.
A safe agricultural space for biodiversity
Authors: García-Vega Diego , Dumas Patrice , Prudhomme Rémi , Kremen Claire , Aubert Pierre-Marie
Published: February 2024

Agriculture is the main driver of the rapid collapse of biodiversity, upon which all life on Earth, including agricultural production, depends. As we face the challenge of feeding a growing human population under a changing climate regime, the pressure on biodiversity is expected to further intensify. While the potential to expand and improve natural habitats for biodiversity conservation has been widely explored in large-scale scenarios of agricultural systems, the critical role of agricultural landscapes’ management on halting the loss of biodiversity remains unexplored at this scale. We argue that, to achieve an effective conservation of biodiversity (both natural and agricultural), the combined multivariate effects of agriculture on biodiversity must be accounted for, including its surface area as well as its management. Based on a literature review, we identified the main biodiversity pressures stemming from agriculture: land-use change, contribution to climate change, water withdrawal, pesticide pollution, nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) pollution, and landscape and farm-scale simplification (of croplands and pastures). For each one, we proposed a critical boundary, based on reviews of studies covering a range of taxa, biodiversity metrics, and biomes, below or above which negative impacts on biodiversity are minimized or positive effects arise. Implemented simultaneously, the identified boundaries would integrate biodiversity conservation within and across farmlands and minimize agriculture’s far-reaching impacts on biodiversity. We present a framework called “agricultural boundaries for biodiversity” that will allow to explore the potential of developing agricultural systems that effectively reconcile food production and biodiversity conservation at large scales.
Factors affecting the rumen fluid foaming performance in goat fed high concentrate diet
Authors: Tan Zehao , Liu JunFeng , Wang Lizhi
Published: February 2024

Feeding high concentrate diets is highly prone to rumen bloat in ruminants, which is very common in production. This study explored the factors responsible for the occurrence of foamy rumen bloat. The experiment was conducted using goats as test animals, fed high concentrate diets and scored for rumen distension into high, medium and low bloat score groups. Rumen fluid was collected from 6 goats in each group separately. The foaming production, foam persistence, pH value, viscosity and the content of protein, total saccharide and mineral elements in rumen original fluid (ROL) were measured, and the protein and total saccharide content in rumen foam liquid (RFL) and rumen residual liquid (RRL) were determined. The results showed that the protein content in rumen original fluid and rumen foam liquid was significantly higher than that in rumen residual liquid (p < 0.05), and the protein content in rumen foam liquid was 10.81% higher than that in rumen original fluid. The higher the rumen bloat score, the higher the foam production, foam persistence, viscosity, protein, Ni, Mg, Ca, and K concentrations of the rumen original fluid, and the lower the PH and Na concentrations of the rumen original fluid; correlation analysis showed that the viscosity of the rumen original fluid was significantly and positively correlated with the foam production and foam persistence (p < 0.05). Foaming production and foam persistence of rumen original fluid were significantly and positively correlated with the contents of protein, total saccharide, K, Ca, Mg and Ni (p < 0.05). and negatively correlated with the content of Na (p < 0.05); after controlling other components those were significantly related to the foaming performance of rumen original fluid only protein still was significantly positively correlated with the foam persistence of rumen original fluid (P<0.05). In summary, the contents of protein, total saccharide and mineral elements in the rumen fluid had a significant effect on the foaming performance of rumen in ruminants, with protein playing a decisive role and the other components playing a supporting role. Reducing the content of protein in the diet in production is beneficial to reduce the occurrence of rumen bloat in ruminants.
Effects of Soluble Organic Fertilizer Combined with Inorganic Fertilizer on Greenhouse Tomatoes with Different Irrigation Techniques
Authors: Li Binnan , Shen Lixia
Published: February 2024

A reasonable fertilization rate and appropriate irrigation technology can lead to the green development of greenhouse tomatoes. The purpose of this study was to explore suitable irrigation technology for greenhouse tomatoes and the appropriate application rate of the soluble organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer combination. In 2021 and 2022, the effects of different irrigation techniques and fertilization treatments on tomato plant growth, fruit quality, yield, and efficiency were studied. The irrigation techniques in this study were drip and Moistube irrigation, and there were seven types of fertilization treatment, namely, no fertilization treatment (CK); low-volume (T1, 330 kg/hm2), medium-volume (T2, 660 kg/hm2), and high-volume inorganic fertilizer treatments (T3, 990 kg/hm2); and three inorganic fertilizer treatments of low-volume inorganic fertilizer (T1, 330 kg/hm2) combined with low-volume (F1, T1 + 75 kg/hm2), medium-volume (F2, T1 + 225 kg/hm2), and high-volume (F3, T1 + 375 kg/hm2) organic fertilizer. A total of 14 experimental treatments were implemented for irrigation and fertilization. The results of the two-year experiment show that the growth effect on the height, stem diameter, and leaf area index of tomato plants was the best using the treatment of low-concentration inorganic fertilizer combined with medium-concentration organic fertilizer with Moistube irrigation and drip irrigation. Using the two irrigation methods, the application of soluble organic fertilizer increased the yield and improved the fruit quality of the tomato. The maximum yield increased by 28.52%, the soluble sugar content increased by 14.49%, the vitamin C content increased by 45.04%, and the lycopene increased by 18.79%. The entropy-weight TOPSIS model was used to comprehensively evaluate 14 evaluation objects with different irrigation methods and fertilization treatments. The results of the two-year experiment show that the best fertilization treatment under Moistube irrigation and drip irrigation conditions was low-concentration inorganic fertilizer combined with medium-concentration soluble organic fertilizer, which was combined with the best fertilization treatment, and the most suitable irrigation method for greenhouse tomato cultivation in the Loess Plateau was Moistube irrigation. The results of this study also provide practical experience and theoretical support for adaptive irrigation and the integrated management of water and fertilizer.
Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) Gene Family in Pakchoi and the Role of the BchFSD2 Gene in the Salt Stress Toleran
Authors: Zhou Yuqi , Li Shuhao , Ran Shengxiang , Xu Yang , Hou Maomao , Han Mingxuan , Zhong Fenglin
Published: February 2024

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is an important antioxidant metalloenzyme present in plants that plays a vital role in plant growth and development, but studies on the SOD gene family in Pakchoi are lacking. In this study, we identified 13 SOD genes from pakchoi, including three MnSODs, five Cu/ZnSODs, and five FeSODs. Through structural analysis, the gene structures and motif patterns in the three subfamilies showed a high degree of conservation. From an evolutionary point of view, gene duplication is an important pathway driving the evolutionary development of the SOD gene family. In addition, by analyzing the structure and function of BchSOD proteins, most of the genes were shown to be involved in different developmental stages of pakchoi, and their expression was shown to be regulated by external conditions such as light, phytohormones, and abiotic stress. qPCR results revealed that BchSODs were expressed in different parts of pakchoi, and most of the genes were expressed in response to abiotic stresses (salt and drought) and hormones (GA and MeJA). In addition, the BchFSD2 gene was studied in depth, and subcellular localization confirmed that the BchFSD2 gene was expressed in plant chloroplasts. Overexpression of BchFSD2 promoted salt tolerance, limited superoxide anion and MDA production, and increased antioxidant enzyme activities in Arabidopsis. In summary, the BchSOD gene family was comprehensively analyzed in this study to provide new insights for a better understanding of BchSOD function and to improve salt tolerance in pakchoi.
The Relation between Plasma Nesfatin-1 Levels and Aggressive Behavior in Pit Bull Dogs
Authors: Guvenc-Bayram Gokcen , Semen Zeynep , Polat-Dincer Pelin Fatos , Sertkaya Zeynep Tugce , Ustundag Yasemin , Ates Can , Aktas Bugra , Yalcin Murat
Published: February 2024

Aggression is a prevalent and concerning behavioral issue in dogs. Pit Bull dogs, known for their high levels of aggression, are recognized as a focus of concern in society. In our study, we aimed to investigate the behavioral characteristics of Pit Bull dogs and explore the potential roles of peptides involved in the neurobiology of aggression. Initially, female, and male dogs underwent aggression tests, and their aggression levels were categorized. Plasma nesfatin-1, serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine levels were quantified using ELISA, with blood samples collected after a 24 h fasting period and 2 h post-refeeding. Our findings indicate that aggression in Pit Bull dogs correlates with decreased plasma nesfatin-1, serotonin, and oxytocin levels, while dopamine levels increase. The study’s findings indicate that fasted dogs exhibited lower plasma levels of nesfatin-1, serotonin, and dopamine, while plasma oxytocin levels were higher. Furthermore, while the research findings do not suggest a significant relationship between the severity of aggression and the gender of the dog, male Pit Bull breeds appear to have higher plasma nesfatin-1 and serotonin levels compared to their female counterparts. The study’s findings demonstrate that nesfatin-1, serotonin, oxytocin, and dopamine play pivotal roles in Pit Bull dogs’ aggression, indicating potential interactions among these neuropeptides at the central nervous system level.