bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous cropping system altered soil microbial communities and nutrient cycles
Authors: Ding Mengjiao , Dai Huaxin , He Yi , Liang Taibo , Zhai Zhen , Zhang Shixiang , Hu Binbin , Cai Heqing , Dai Bin , Xu Yadong , Zhang Yanling
Published: April 2024

Understanding the response of microbial communities and their potential functions is essential for sustainability of agroecosystems under long-term continuous cropping. However, limited research has focused on investigating the interaction between soil physicochemical factors and microbial community dynamics in agroecosystems under long-term continuous cropping. This study probed into the physicochemical properties, metabolites, and microbial diversity of tobacco rhizosphere soils cropped continuously for 0, 5, and 20 years. The relative abundance of bacterial genera associated with nutrient cycling (e.g., Sphingomonas) increased while potential plant pathogenic fungi and beneficial microorganisms showed synergistic increases with the duration of continuous cropping. Variations in soil pH, alkeline nitrogen (AN) content, and soil organic carbon (SOC) content drove the shifts in soil microbial composition. Metabolites such as palmitic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, stearic acid, and hippuric acid may play a key role in soil acidification. Those results enhance our ability to predict shifts in soil microbial community structure associated with anthropogenic continuous cropping, which can have long-term implications for crop production.
Pecan secondary metabolites influenced the population of Zeuzera coffeae by affecting the structure and function of the larval gut microbiota
Authors: Wang Jie , Zhang Shouke , Kong Junqia , Chang Jun
Published: April 2024

Background

The plant secondary metabolites (PSMs), as important plant resistance indicators, are important targets for screening plant insect resistance breeding. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether the population of Zeuzera coffeae (ZC) is affected by different varieties of Carya illinoinensis PSMs content. At the same time, the structure and function of the gut microbiome of ZC were also analyzed in relation to different pecan varieties.

Methods

We counted the populations of ZC larvae in four pecan varieties and determined the content of four types of PSMs. The structure and function of the larval gut microbiota were studied in connection to the number of larvae and the content of PSMs. The relationships were investigated between larval number, larval gut microbiota, and PSM content.

Results

We found that the tannins, total phenolics, and total saponins of 4 various pecans PSMs stifled the development of the ZC larval population. The PSMs can significantly affect the diversity and abundance of the larval gut microbiota. Enrichment of ASV46 (Pararhizobium sp.), ASV994 (Olivibacter sp.), ASV743 (Rhizobium sp.), ASV709 (Rhizobium sp.), ASV671 (Luteolibacter sp.), ASV599 (Agrobacterium sp.), ASV575 (Microbacterium sp.), and ASV27 (Rhizobium sp.) in the gut of larvae fed on high-resistance cultivars was positively associated with their tannin, total saponin, and total phenolic content. The results of the gut microbiome functional prediction for larvae fed highly resistant pecan varieties showed that the enriched pathways in the gut were related to the breakdown of hazardous chemicals.

Conclusion

Our findings provide further evidence that pecan PSMs influence the structure and function of the gut microbiota, which in turn affects the population stability of ZC. The study’s findings can serve as a theoretical foundation for further work on selecting ZC-resistant cultivars and developing green management technology for ZC.
Genetic insights into gut microbiota and risk of prostatitis: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Qin Pengfei , He Yanmei , Shao Huan , Jiang Dawei
Published: April 2024

Background

The dysbiosis of gut microbiota (GM) is considered a contributing factor to prostatitis, yet the causality remains incompletely understood.

Methods

The genome-wide association study (GWAS) data for GM and prostatitis were sourced from MiBioGen and FinnGen R10, respectively. In the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, weighted mode, and maximum likelihood (ML) methods were utilized to investigate the causal relationship between GM and prostatitis. A series of sensitivity analysis were conducted to confirm the robustness of the main results obtained from the MR analysis.

Results

According to the IVW results, genus Sutterella (OR: 1.37, 95% CI: 1.09–1.71, p = 0.006) and genus Holdemania (OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02–1.43, p = 0.028) were associated with an increased risk of prostatitis. The phylum Verrucomicrobia (OR: 0.76, 95% CI: 0.58–0.98, p = 0.033) and genus Parasutterella (OR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.70–1.00, p = 0.045) exhibited a negative association with prostatitis, indicating a potential protective effect. Sensitivity analysis showed that these results were not affected by heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy. Furthermore, the majority of statistical methods yielded results consistent with those of the IVW analysis.

Conclusions

In this study, we identified two GM taxon that might be protective against prostatitis and two GM taxon that could increase the risk of developing prostatitis. These findings could potentially provide a valuable theoretical basis for the future development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for prostatitis.
Association of genetically predicted 486 blood metabolites on the risk of Alzheimer’s disease: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yang Qiqi , Han Xinyu , Ye Min , Jiang Tianxin , Wang Baoguo , Zhang Zhenfeng , Li Fei
Published: April 2024

Background

Studies have reported that metabolic disturbance exhibits in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Still, the presence of definitive evidence concerning the genetic effect of metabolites on AD risk remains insufficient. A systematic exploration of the genetic association between blood metabolites and AD would contribute to the identification of new targets for AD screening and prevention.

Methods

We conducted an exploratory two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study aiming to preliminarily identify the potential metabolites involved in AD development. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) involving 7,824 participants provided information on 486 human blood metabolites. Outcome information was obtained from a large-scale GWAS meta-analysis of AD, encompassing 21,982 cases and 41,944 controls of Europeans. The primary two-sample MR analysis utilized the inverse variance weighted (IVW) model while supplementary analyses used Weighted median (WM), MR Egger, Simple mode, and Weighted mode, followed by sensitivity analyses such as the heterogeneity test, horizontal pleiotropy test, and leave-one-out analysis. For the further identification of metabolites, replication and meta-analysis with FinnGen data, steiger test, linkage disequilibrium score regression, confounding analysis, and were conducted for further evaluation. Multivariable MR was performed to assess the direct effect of metabolites on AD. Besides, an extra replication analysis with EADB data was conducted for final evaluation of the most promising findings.

Results

After rigorous genetic variant selection, IVW, complementary analysis, sensitivity analysis, replication and meta-analysis with the FinnGen data, five metabolites (epiandrosterone sulfate, X-12680, pyruvate, docosapentaenoate, and 1-stearoylglycerophosphocholine) were identified as being genetically associated with AD. MVMR analysis disclosed that genetically predicted these four known metabolites can directly influence AD independently of other metabolites. Only epiandrosterone sulfate and X-12680 remained suggestive significant associations with AD after replication analysis with the EADB data.

Conclusion

By integrating genomics with metabonomics, this study furnishes evidence substantiating the genetic association of epiandrosterone sulfate and X-12680 with AD. These findings hold significance for the screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for AD.
Clinical features of COVID-19-related optic neuritis: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Fang-Fang , Wang Yun , Li Tai-Ping , Hu Shuan , Yu Xin-Sheng , Li Xinxin , Cen Jingyun , Huang Kefan , Lin Hongjie , Yang Jian-Feng , Chen Lan , Cen Ling-Ping
Published: April 2024

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical features of optic neuritis associated with COVID-19 (COVID-19 ON), comparing them with neuromyelitis optica-associated optic neuritis (NMO-ON), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-associated optic neuritis (MOG-ON), and antibody-negative optic neuritis (antibody-negative ON).

Methods

Data from 117 patients (145 eyes) with optic neuritis at the Shantou International Eye Center (March 2020–June 2023) were categorized into four groups based on etiology: Group 1 (neuromyelitis optica-related optic neuritis, NMO-ON), Group 2 (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein optic neuritis, MOG-ON), Group 3 (antibody-negative optic neuritis, antibody-negative ON), and Group 4 (optic neuritis associated with COVID-19, COVID-19 ON). Characteristics of T2 and enhancement in orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were assessed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was compared before treatment, at a short-term follow-up (14 days), and at the last follow-up after treatment.

Results

The COVID-19-associated optic neuritis (COVID-19 ON) group exhibited 100% bilateral involvement, significantly surpassing other groups (P < 0.001). Optic disk edema was observed in 100% of COVID-19 ON cases, markedly differing from neuromyelitis optica-related optic neuritis (NMO-ON) (P = 0.023). Orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed distinctive long-segment lesions without intracranial involvement in T1-enhanced sequences for the COVID-19 ON group compared to the other three groups (P < 0.001). Discrepancies in optic nerve sheath involvement were noted between the COVID-19 ON group and both NMO-ON and antibody-negative optic neuritis (antibody-negative ON) groups (P = 0.028). Before treatment, no significant difference in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) existed between the COVID-19 ON group and other groups. At the 14-day follow-up, BCVA in the COVID-19 ON group outperformed the NMO-ON (P < 0.001) and antibody-negative ON (P = 0.028) groups, with no significant difference observed compared to the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein optic neuritis (MOG-ON) group. At the last follow-up after treatment, BCVA in the COVID-19 ON group significantly differed from the NMO-ON group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Optic neuritis associated with COVID-19 (COVID-19 ON) predominantly presents with bilateral onset and optic disk edema. Orbital magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrates that COVID-19 ON presents as long-segment enhancement without the involvement of the intracranial segment of the optic nerve in T1-enhanced images. Glucocorticoid therapy showed positive outcomes.
Hybrid manifold smoothing and label propagation technique for Kannada handwritten character recognition
Authors: Ramesh G. , Shreyas J. , Balaji J. Manoj , Sharma Ganesh N. , Gururaj H. L. , Srinidhi N. N. , Askar S. S. , Abouhawwash Mohamed
Published: April 2024

Handwritten character recognition is one of the classical problems in the field of image classification. Supervised learning techniques using deep learning models are highly effective in their application to handwritten character recognition. However, they require a large dataset of labeled samples to achieve good accuracies. Recent supervised learning techniques for Kannada handwritten character recognition have state of the art accuracy and perform well over a large range of input variations. In this work, a framework is proposed for the Kannada language that incorporates techniques from semi-supervised learning. The framework uses features extracted from a convolutional neural network backbone and uses regularization to improve the trained features and label propagation to classify previously unseen characters. The episodic learning framework is used to validate the framework. Twenty-four classes are used for pre-training, 12 classes are used for testing and 11 classes are used for validation. Fine-tuning is tested using one example per unseen class and five examples per unseen class. Through experimentation the components of the network are implemented in Python using the Pytorch library. It is shown that the accuracy obtained 99.13% make this framework competitive with the currently available supervised learning counterparts, despite the large reduction in the number of labeled samples available for the novel classes.
Clinical factors and major pathological response after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy in potentially resectable lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Ye , Song Yingqiu , Wang Runze , Wu Yu , Li Mo , Xu Ke , He Rong , Wang Zheng , Li Qingqing , Kong Feng-Ming (Spring) , Wang Tianlu
Published: April 2024

Objective

Major pathological response (MPR) helps evaluate the prognosis of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). However, the clinical factors that affect the achievement of MPR after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy (NCIO) in patients with LUSC remain unclear. This study aimed to explore the clinical factors affecting the MPR after NCIO in patients with potentially resectable LUSC.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with stage IIB-IIIC LUSC who underwent surgical resection after receiving NCIO at a center between March 2020 and November 2022. In addition to the postoperative pathological remission rate, sex, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking history, TNM stage, hematological and imaging test results, and other indicators were examined before NCIO. According to the pathological response rate of the surgically removed tumor tissue, the patients were split into MPR and non-MPR groups.

Results

In total, 91 LUSC patients who met the study’s eligibility criteria were enrolled: 32 (35%) patients in the non-MPR group and 59 (65%) in the MPR group, which included 43 cases of pathological complete remission (pCR). Pre-treatment lymphocyte level (LY) (odds ratio [OR] =5.997), tumor burden (OR=0.958), N classification (OR=15.915), radiographic response (OR=11.590), pulmonary atelectasis (OR=5.413), and PD-L1 expression (OR=1.028) were independently associated with MPR (all P < 0.05). Based on these six independent predictors, we developed a nomogram model of prediction having an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.914 that is simple to apply clinically to predict the MPR. The MPR group showed greater disease-free survival (DFS) than the non-MPR group, according to the survival analysis (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The MPR rate of NCIO for potentially resectable LUSC was 65%. LY, tumor burden, N classification, radiographic response, pulmonary atelectasis, and PD-L1 expression in patients with LUSC before NCIO were the independent and ideal predictors of MPR. The developed nomogram demonstrated a good degree of accuracy and resilience in predicting the MPR following NCIO, indicating that it is a useful tool for assuring customized therapy for patients with possibly resectable LUSC.
A deep learning model for the localization and extraction of brain tumors from MR images using YOLOv7 and grab cut algorithm
Authors: Krishnapriya Srigiri , Karuna Yepuganti
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Brain tumors are a common disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Considering the severity of brain tumors (BT), it is important to diagnose the disease in its early stages. With advancements in the diagnostic process, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has been extensively used in disease detection. However, the accurate identification of BT is a complex task, and conventional techniques are not sufficiently robust to localize and extract tumors in MRI images. Therefore, in this study, we used a deep learning model combined with a segmentation algorithm to localize and extract tumors from MR images.

Method

This paper presents a Deep Learning (DL)-based You Look Only Once (YOLOv7) model in combination with the Grab Cut algorithm to extract the foreground of the tumor image to enhance the detection process. YOLOv7 is used to localize the tumor region, and the Grab Cut algorithm is used to extract the tumor from the localized region.

Results

The performance of the YOLOv7 model with and without the Grab Cut algorithm is evaluated. The results show that the proposed approach outperforms other techniques, such as hybrid CNN-SVM, YOLOv5, and YOLOv6, in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, specificity, and F1 score.

Discussion

Our results show that the proposed technique achieves a high dice score between tumor-extracted images and ground truth images. The findings show that the performance of the YOLOv7 model is improved by the inclusion of the Grab Cut algorithm compared to the performance of the model without the algorithm.
Apolipoprotein L1 is a tumor suppressor in clear cell renal cell carcinoma metastasis
Authors: Le Linh Nguy-Hoang , Choi Cheolwon , Han Jae-A. , Kim Eun-Bit , Trinh Van Ngu , Kim Yong-June , Ryu Seongho
Published: April 2024

The 5-year survival rate of kidney cancer drops dramatically from 93% to 15% when it is metastatic. Metastasis constitutes for 30% of kidney cancer cases, in which clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prominent subtype. By sequencing mRNA of ccRCC patient samples, we found that apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) was highly expressed in tumors compared to their adjacent normal tissues. This gene has been previously identified in a large body of kidney disease research and was reported as a potential prognosis marker in many types of cancers. However, the molecular function of APOL1 in ccRCC, especially in metastasis, remained unknown. In this study, we modulated the expression of APOL1 in various renal cancer cell lines and analyzed their proliferative, migratory, and invasive properties. Strikingly, APOL1 overexpression suppressed ccRCC metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. We then explored the mechanism by which APOL1 alleviated ccRCC malignant progression by investigating its downstream pathways. APOL1 overexpression diminished the activity of focal adhesive molecules, Akt signaling pathways, and EMT processes. Furthermore, in the upstream, we discovered that miR-30a-3p could inhibit APOL1 expression. In conclusion, our study revealed that APOL1 play a role as a tumor suppressor in ccRCC and inhibit metastasis, which may provide novel potential therapeutic approaches for ccRCC patients.
In silico modeling for ex vivo placenta perfusion of nicotine
Authors: Ho Harvey , Zhang Shengjie , Kurosawa Ken , Jiang Botao , Chiba Koji
Published: April 2024

Nicotine readily crosses the placenta to reach fetuses. However, membrane transporters, e.g., organic cation transporters (OCTs) play a role in the clearance of nicotine from the fetal to the maternal side, and this is rarely investigated clinically. In this work, we use an in silico model to simulate an ex vivo placenta perfusion experiment, which is the gold standard for measuring the transplacental permeability of compounds, including nicotine. The model consists of a system of seven ordinary differential equations (ODEs), where each equation represents the nicotine concentration in compartments that emulate the ex vivo experiment setup. The transport role of OCTs is simulated bi-directionally at the placenta’s basal membrane (the fetal side). We show that the model can not only reproduce the actual ex vivo experiment results, but also predict the likely maternal and fetal nicotine concentrations when the OCT transporters are inhibited, which leads to a ∼12% increase in fetal nicotine concentration after 2 hours of OCT modulated nicotine perfusion. In conclusion, a first in silico model is proposed in this paper that can be used to simulate some subtle features of trans-placental properties of nicotine.
Early, precise, and safe clinical evaluation of the pharmacodynamic effects of novel agents in the intact human tumor microenvironment
Authors: Gundle Kenneth R. , Rajasekaran Karthik , Houlton Jeffrey , Deutsch Gary B. , Ow Thomas J. , Maki Robert G. , Pang John , Nathan Cherie-Ann O. , Clayburgh Daniel , Newman Jason G. , Brinkmann Elyse , Wagner Michael J. , Pollack Seth M. , Thompson Matthew J. , Li Ryan J. , Mehta Vikas , Schiff Bradley A. , Wenig Barry I. , Swiecicki Paul L. , Tang Alice L. , Davis Jessica L. , van Zante Annemieke , Bertout Jessica A. , Jenkins Wendy , Turner Atticus , Grenley Marc , Burns Connor , Frazier Jason P. , Merrell Angela , Sottero Kimberly H. W. , Derry Jonathan M. J. , Gillespie Kate C. , Mills Bre , Klinghoffer Richard A.
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Drug development is systemically inefficient. Research and development costs for novel therapeutics average hundreds of millions to billions of dollars, with the overall likelihood of approval estimated to be as low as 6.7% for oncology drugs. Over half of these failures are due to a lack of drug efficacy. This pervasive and repeated low rate of success exemplifies how preclinical models fail to adequately replicate the complexity and heterogeneity of human cancer. Therefore, new methods of evaluation, early in the development trajectory, are essential both to rule-in and rule-out novel agents with more rigor and speed, but also to spare clinical trial patients from the potentially toxic sequelae (high risk) of testing investigational agents that have a low likelihood of producing a response (low benefit).

Methods: The clinical in vivo oncology (CIVO®) platform was designed to change this drug development paradigm. CIVO precisely delivers microdose quantities of up to 8 drugs or combinations directly into patient tumors 4–96 h prior to planned surgical resection. Resected tissue is then analyzed for responses at each site of intratumoral drug exposure.

Results: To date, CIVO has been used safely in 6 clinical trials, including 68 subjects, with 5 investigational and 17 approved agents. Resected tissues were analyzed initially using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays (115 biomarkers). As technology advanced, the platform was paired with spatial biology analysis platforms, to successfully track anti-neoplastic and immune-modulating activity of the injected agents in the intact tumor microenvironment.

Discussion: Herein we provide a report of the use of CIVO technology in patients, a depiction of the robust analysis methods enabled by this platform, and a description of the operational and regulatory mechanisms used to deploy this approach in synergistic partnership with pharmaceutical partners. We further detail how use of the CIVO platform is a clinically safe and scientifically precise alternative or complement to preclinical efficacy modeling, with outputs that inform, streamline, and de-risk drug development.
Spontaneously hypertensive rats exhibit increased liver flavin monooxygenase expression and elevated plasma TMAO levels compared to normotensive and Ang II-dependent hypertensive rats
Authors: Gawryś-Kopczyńska Marta , Szudzik Mateusz , Samborowska Emilia , Konop Marek , Chabowski Dawid , Onyszkiewicz Maksymilian , Ufnal Marcin
Published: April 2024

Background: Flavin monooxygenases (FMOs) are enzymes responsible for the oxidation of a broad spectrum of exogenous and endogenous amines. There is increasing evidence that trimethylamine (TMA), a compound produced by gut bacteria and also recognized as an industrial pollutant, contributes to cardiovascular diseases. FMOs convert TMA into trimethylamine oxide (TMAO), which is an emerging marker of cardiovascular risk. This study hypothesized that blood pressure phenotypes in rats might be associated with variations in the expression of FMOs.

Methods: The expression of FMO1, FMO3, and FMO5 was evaluated in the kidneys, liver, lungs, small intestine, and large intestine of normotensive male Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and two distinct hypertensive rat models: spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and WKY rats with angiotensin II-induced hypertension (WKY-ANG). Plasma concentrations of TMA and TMAO were measured at baseline and after intravenous administration of TMA using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

Results: We found that the expression of FMOs in WKY, SHR, and WKY-ANG rats was in the descending order of FMO3 > FMO1 >> FMO5. The highest expression of FMOs was observed in the liver. Notably, SHRs exhibited a significantly elevated expression of FMO3 in the liver compared to WKY and WKY-ANG rats. Additionally, the plasma TMAO/TMA ratio was significantly higher in SHRs than in WKY rats.

Conclusion: SHRs demonstrate enhanced expression of FMO3 and a higher plasma TMAO/TMA ratio. The variability in the expression of FMOs and the metabolism of amines might contribute to the hypertensive phenotype observed in SHRs.
Synergistic variation of rhizosphere soil phosphorus availability and microbial diversity with stand age in plantations of the endangered tree species Parashorea chinensis
Authors: Li Wannian , Ullah Saif , Liu Fang , Deng Fuchun , Han Xiaomei , Huang Songdian , Xu Yuanyuan , Yang Mei
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Soil physicochemical properties and nutrient composition play a significant role in shaping microbial communities, and facilitating soil phosphorus (P) transformation. However, studies on the mechanisms of interactions between P transformation characteristics and rhizosphere microbial diversity in P-deficient soils on longer time scales are still limited.

Methods

In this study, rhizosphere soils were collected from a pure plantation of Parashorea chinensis (P. chinensis) at six stand ages in the subtropical China, and the dynamic transformation characteristics of microbial diversity and P fractions were analyzed to reveal the variation of their interactions with age.

Results

Our findings revealed that the rhizosphere soils across stand ages were in a strongly acidic and P-deficient state, with pH values ranging from 3.4 to 4.6, and available P contents ranging from 2.6 to 7.9 mg·kg-1. The adsorption of P by Fe3+ and presence of high levels of steady-state organic P highly restricted the availability of P in soil. On long time scales, acid phosphatase activity and microbial biomass P were the main drivers of P activation. Moreover, pH, available P, and ammonium nitrogen were identified as key factors driving microbial community diversity. As stand age increased, most of the nutrient content indicators firstly increased and then decreased, the conversion of other forms of P to bio-available P became difficult, P availability and soil fertility began to decline. However, bacteria were still able to maintain stable species abundance and diversity. In contrast, stand age had a greater effect on the diversity of the fungal community than on the bacteria. The Shannon and Simpson indices varied by 4.81 and 0.70 for the fungi, respectively, compared to only 1.91 and 0.06 for the bacteria. Microorganisms play a dominant role in the development of their relationship with soil P.

Discussion

In conclusion, rhizosphere microorganisms in P. chinensis plantations gradually adapt to the acidic, low P environment over time. This adaptation is conducive to maintaining P bioeffectiveness and alleviating P limitation.
Psychometric properties and item response theory analysis of the Persian version of the social pain questionnaire
Authors: Sepehrinia Mahya , Farahani Hojjatollah , Watson Peter , Amini Nasim
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Social pain is an emotional reaction which is triggered by social exclusion and has been extensively investigated in the literature. The Social Pain Questionnaire (SPQ) is a self-report instrument which is the only scale for measuring social pain as a dispositional factor. The current study aimed at examining the psychometric properties of the SPQ in an Iranian sample.

Materials and methods

A sample of participants (N = 400) was recruited in a cross-sectional validation study. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) as well as Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were conducted. The Item Response Theory (IRT) model parameters were evaluated and item response category curves were presented. Convergent and divergent validities as well as the reliability (by using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient) were also assessed.

Results

The SPQ’s unidimensionality was affirmed (RMSEA = 0.078; CFI = 0.915; TLI = 0.99) and its internal consistency was robust (Cronbach’s α = 0.94). The correlation between the SPQ and the following measures endorsed its divergent and convergent validity: Self-esteem (r = −0.424), Perceived Social Support (r = −0.161), and Interpersonal Sensitivity (r = 0.636). Finally, Item Response Theory Analysis emphasized the effectiveness of the SPQ items in discerning various levels of social pain. The theta level ranged between −1 and + 1.2 and the IRT-based marginal reliability was 0.92 for the total score.

Discussion

The Persian SPQ stands as a reliable and valid measure for evaluating social pain. This scale has the potential to stimulate further research in the field for both clinical and non-clinical settings.

Conclusion

By employing Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis, we have transcended the theoretical psychometric evaluation of the SPQ scale and demonstrated that SPQ is a unidimensional, valid and reliable measurement tool.
Determinants of default from completion of child immunization among children aged 15–23 months in Kacha Bira district, Kembata Tembaro zone, South Ethiopia: a case–control study
Authors: Masebo Sitota Tesema , Wolka Eskinder , Kussa Sintayehu , Uloro Muluken Markos , Handiso Selamu Abera , Libabo Dilugeta Mathewos , Anjajo Eyosiyas Abreham , Bogino Efa Ambaw
Published: April 2024

Background

Child immunization is crucial to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases. However, if a child defaults from completing immunization, they are at a greater risk of contracting such diseases. Previous studies have evaluated various factors that contribute to defaulting from immunization, but they did not consider the fear of COVID-19 as a variable. Additionally, there is inconsistency in the factors identified across different areas. This study aimed to examine the determinants of defaulting from child immunization among children aged 15–23 months in Kacha Bira district, Kembata Tembaro zone, South Ethiopia.

Methods

A study was conducted using a community-based unmatched case–control design to identify the determinants of child immunization completion. The study included 255 children aged 15–23 months in the Kacha Bira district from 3 May 2022 to 1 June 2022, using a multi-stage sampling technique. Face-to-face interviews of mothers or immediate caretakers of the child were conducted using a mobile device, and the questionnaire was developed using the Kobo Toolbox. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify the determinants, and the adjusted odds ratio with 95% CI and a p < 0.05 were considered statistical significant.

Results

The multivariable logistic regression analysis identified four independent predictors of immunization defaulting. Antenatal care (ANC) follow-up [AOR = 5.40, 95% CI (2.24–13.52)], postponing vaccination schedule [AOR = 2.28, 95% CI: (1.05–4.93)], parity of the mother [AOR = 3.25, 95% CI: (1.45–7.27)], and knowledge of the mother about vaccination [AOR = 6.77, 95% CI: (2.33–19.64)] were determinants of immunization defaulting.

Conclusion

In this study, lack of ANC follow-up, postponement of the vaccination schedule, mothers with parity of greater than four, and poor knowledge of the mothers about immunization were identified as determinants of immunization defaulting.
The integration of GPS and visual navigation for autonomous navigation of an Ackerman steering mobile robot in cotton fields
Authors: Mwitta Canicius , Rains Glen C.
Published: April 2024

Autonomous navigation in agricultural fields presents a unique challenge due to the unpredictable outdoor environment. Various approaches have been explored to tackle this task, each with its own set of challenges. These include GPS guidance, which faces availability issues and struggles to avoid obstacles, and vision guidance techniques, which are sensitive to changes in light, weeds, and crop growth. This study proposes a novel idea that combining GPS and visual navigation offers an optimal solution for autonomous navigation in agricultural fields. Three solutions for autonomous navigation in cotton fields were developed and evaluated. The first solution utilized a path tracking algorithm, Pure Pursuit, to follow GPS coordinates and guide a mobile robot. It achieved an average lateral deviation of 8.3 cm from the pre-recorded path. The second solution employed a deep learning model, specifically a fully convolutional neural network for semantic segmentation, to detect paths between cotton rows. The mobile rover then navigated using the Dynamic Window Approach (DWA) path planning algorithm, achieving an average lateral deviation of 4.8 cm from the desired path. Finally, the two solutions were integrated for a more practical approach. GPS served as a global planner to map the field, while the deep learning model and DWA acted as a local planner for navigation and real-time decision-making. This integrated solution enabled the robot to navigate between cotton rows with an average lateral distance error of 9.5 cm, offering a more practical method for autonomous navigation in cotton fields.
Experimental study to characterize water contaminated by lunar dust
Authors: Freer Rieke , Pesch Victoria , Zabel Paul
Published: April 2024

The establishment of a permanent lunar base is the goal of several space missions, such as NASA’s Artemis program. The feasibility of a lunar base is highly dependent on the supply of clean water, which can be recycled within the life support system or extracted in-situ on the Moon. Contamination of the water by lunar dust is an unavoidable problem due to the fact that lunar dust covers the entire surface and has adhesive properties as well as a very fine particle size. It is therefore important to study and characterise water contaminated by lunar dust in order to develop a safe water supply system. We combined existing studies on the dissolution behaviour of lunar regolith in aqueous solutions and performed dissolution experiments ourselves. We conducted dissolution experiments using the Lunar Highland Dust simulant from Exolith Lab (Orlando, United States), which resembles the Apollo 16 regolith and thus the terrain of the suspected Artemis landing sites. Our dissolution experiments investigate the effects of the dust to solution ratio, the aqueous solution used (ultrapure water and 5.5 buffer), the short exposure time (2 min up to 72 h), the dissolved oxygen in the solutions and the particle size of the simulant. As a result, this study provides a characterisation of lunar dust contaminated water and compares the results with the World Health Organization (WHO) and NASA requirements for drinking water. For all test batches, the lunar dust contaminated water exceeds the requirements for pH, turbidity and Al concentration.
Assisting decision-making on age of neutering for German Short/Wirehaired Pointer, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Siberian Husky: associated joint disorders, cancers, and urinary incontinence
Authors: Hart Lynette Arnason , Thigpen Abigail Paige , Hart Benjamin L. , Willits Neil H. , Lee Maya , Babchuk Miya M. , Lee Jenna , Ho Megan , Clarkson Sara T. , Chou Juliann W.
Published: April 2024

Spaying female and castrating male dogs, hereinafter referred to as neutering, is a US convention for the first year in the dog's life. Research on 35 breeds of dogs revealed that early neutering increases risks of joint disorders, such as hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED), or cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear, or cancers, such as lymphosarcoma (LSA), mast cell tumor (MCT), hemangiosarcoma (has), or osteosarcoma (OSA), for some breeds. Joint disorder risks are heightened for some larger breeds and for mixed-breed dogs weighing more than 20 kg. Some breeds had elevated risks for cancers. Several other research teams have reported health complications associated with neutering. The study goal includes using the same methodology for data collection and analyses as in the study on 35 breeds for five additional dog breeds weighing at least 20 kg. The breeds were: German Short/Wirehaired Pointer, Mastiff, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Siberian Husky. Major differences among breeds appeared in vulnerability to joint disorders and cancers with early neutering: male and female Pointer breeds had elevated joint disorders and increased cancers; male Mastiff breeds had increased CCL and LSA and females had non-significant elevated CCL risks; female Newfoundland breeds had heightened risks for joint disorders and males had non-significant elevated risks; female Ridgeback breeds had heightened MCT with very early neutering; and Siberian Huskies showed no significant effects on joint disorders or cancers, but female breeds showed a non-significant but elevated CCL. Updated guidelines cover 40 dog breeds. These results further emphasize the importance of personalized decisions regarding the neutering of dogs, considering the dog's breed, sex, and context.
Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of single-dose enteral cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid rich hemp in horses (Equus caballus)
Authors: Thomson Alexander C. S. , McCarrel Taralyn M. , Zakharov Alexander , Gomez Beatriz , Lyubimov Alex , Schwark Wayne S. , Mallicote Martha F. , Portela Diego A. , Bisiau Amber L. , Wakshlag Joseph J.
Published: April 2024

The pharmacokinetics and tolerability of cannabinoids and their metabolites were determined in eight horses after enteral administration of a commercial CBD/CBDA-rich hemp oil product. Each horse was administered 2 mg/kg or 8 mg/kg CBD/CBDA or no treatment in a randomized cross-over design. Serial serum samples collected over 48 h were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Plasma chemistry analysis was performed at 0 h and 24 h. Vital parameters, pedometry, and blinded mentation and gait evaluations were recorded at intervals up to 24 h. Manure production and gastrointestinal transit time were tracked for 48 h after oil administration. The median maximal concentration of CBD and CBDA were 5.2 and 36.95 ng/mL in the 2 mg/kg group, respectively; and 40.35 and 353.56 ng/mL in the 8 mg/kg group. The median half-life of elimination was not calculated for the 2 mg/kg CBD treatment due to lack of time points above the lower quantifiable limit beyond the Cmax while it was 7.75 h in the 8 mg/kg group. CBDA absorption was biphasic. Pharmacokinetic parameters for tetrahydrocannabinol, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, cannabigerolic acid, and 7-carboxy cannabidiol are also reported. No significant differences in any of the measured tolerability parameters were demonstrated between treatment groups. Single-dose enteral administration of CBD/CBDA-rich hemp extract up to 8 mg/kg does not appear to produce neurologic, behavioral, or gastrointestinal effects in horses.
Conservation and distribution of the DRACH motif for potential m6A sites in avian leukosis virus subgroup J
Authors: Ji Jun , Mu Xinhao , Xu Shuqi , Xu Xin , Zhang Zhibin , Yao Lunguang , Xie Qingmei , Bi Yingzuo
Published: April 2024

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is an internal post-transcriptional modification that has been linked to viral multiplication and pathogenicity. To elucidate the conservation patterns of potential 5′-DRACH-3′ motifs in avian leukosis virus subgroup J (ALV-J), 149 ALV-J strains (139 isolates from China; ALV-J prototype HPRS-103 from the UK; and 9 strains from the USA, Russia, India, and Pakistan) available in GenBank before December 2023 were retrieved. According to the prediction results of the SRAMP web-server, these ALV-J genomes contained potential DRACH motifs, with the total number ranging from 43 to 64, which were not determined based on the isolation region and time. Conservative analysis suggested that 37 motifs exhibited a conservation of >80%, including 17 motifs with a grading above “high confidence.” Although these motifs were distributed in the U5 region of LTRs and major coding regions, they were enriched in the coding regions of p27, p68, p32, and gp85. The most common m6A-motif sequence of the DRACH motif in the ALV-J genome was GGACU. The RNA secondary structure of each conserved motif predicted by SRAMP and RNAstructure web-server was mainly of two types—A–U pair (21/37) and hairpin loop (16/37)—based on the core adenosine. Considering the systematic comparative analysis performed in this study, future thorough biochemical research is warranted to determine the role of m6A modification during the replication and infection of ALV-J. These conservation and distribution analysis of the DRACH motif for potential m6A sites in ALV-J would provide a foundation for the future intervention of ALV-J infection and m6A modification.
Impact of Bacillus licheniformis-Fermented Products on Growth and Productivity in Heat-Stressed Laying Ducks
Authors: Ahmad Rafiq , Yu Yu-Hsiang , Hsiao Felix Shih-Hsiang , Liu Hsiu-Wei , Su Chin-Hui , Cheng Yeong-Hsiang
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of various concentrations of Bacillus licheniformis-fermented products (BLFP) on the growth and productivity of laying ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) subjected to heat stress during eight weeks of a feeding trial. A total of 150 one-day-old Brown Tsaiya ducks of both sexes were divided into five groups, with each group having three replicates and 10 ducks each for evaluation of growth performance. The treatment groups received dietary supplements of BLFP at levels of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%, along with a group receiving flavomycin (F) at 5 ppm, all over a 24-week period. The fermentation process in this study utilized a B. licheniformis strain (ATCC 12713) for the production of the spores through solid-state fermentation. The control group was given a basal diet consisting of yellow corn and soybean meal. The results showed that as compared to the flavomycin group, ducks in the 0.3% BLFP group had significantly higher body weights and better feed conversion rates. In addition, during the three weeks, the BLFP group showed higher feed consumption as compared to the control group. The jejunum villi length was significantly increased in the 0.2% BLPF group as compared to the control and flavomycin groups. This study also found that the flavomycin group had a significantly higher egg conversion rate, while the 0.1–0.3% BLFP groups had improved feed intake and the 0.3% group had significantly enhanced egg yolk color. Additionally, the 0.2% BLFP group showed substantial decreases in IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10 levels in the liver as well as an uptick in the tight junction protein Occludin gene expression in the colon when compared to the control group. Furthermore, the expression of the heat shock protein 70 in the gut upregulated in the 0.1% and 0.2% BLFP groups. In conclusion, these observations demonstrate that dietary supplementation of 0.2% BLFP is an ideal concentration to increase gut morphology, alleviate inflammatory response, and promote gut integrity in heat-stressed laying ducks.
A Comparative Investigation of the Characteristics of Nocturnal Ozone Enhancement Events and Their Effects on Ground-Level Ozone and PM2.5 in the Central City of the Yellow River Delta, China, in 2022 and 2023
Authors: An Cong , Yan Yongxin , Gao Xiaoshuai , Yan Xiaoyu , Ji Yuanyuan , Shang Fanyi , Li Jidong , Tan Luyao , Gao Rui , Bi Fang , Li Hong
Published: April 2024

In recent years, nocturnal ozone enhancement (NOE) events have emerged as a prominent research focus in the field of the atmospheric environment. By using statistical analysis methods, we conducted a comparative investigation of nocturnal ozone concentrations and NOE events in Dongying, the central city of the Yellow River Delta, China, in 2022 and 2023, and further explored the effects of NOE events on O3 and PM2.5 on the same night and the subsequent day. The results showed that from 2022 to 2023, in Dongying, the annual average nocturnal ozone concentrations increased from 51 μg/m3 to 59 μg/m3, and the frequency of NOE events was higher in the spring, summer, and autumn, and lower in the winter. The NOE events not only exhibited promoting effects on nocturnal O3 and Ox, and on the daily maximum 8 h average concentration of O3 (MDA8-O3) on the same day (comparatively noticeable in summer and autumn), but also demonstrated a clear impact on nocturnal PM2.5 and PM2.5-bounded NO3− and SO42− (especially in winter). Additionally, the NOE events also led to higher concentrations of O3 and Ox, as well as higher MDA8-O3 levels during the subsequent day, with more observable impacts in the summer. The results could strengthen our understanding about NOE events and provide a scientific basis for the collaborative control of PM2.5 and O3 in urban areas in the Yellow River Delta in China.
Subgrid-Scale Topographic Effects on Radiation for Global Weather Forecast Models
Authors: Baek Sunghye , Kim Junghan
Published: April 2024

The incoming solar radiation arriving the Earth’s surface is strongly influenced by surface terrain. Conventional global weather forecast models, with grid scales of about 10 km, lack the resolution to accurately capture terrain-induced variations. We devised a new parameterization method to incorporate high-resolution subgrid-scale terrain data into grid-scale radiative flux calculations without averaging or smoothing topographic features. Utilizing a 15″ digital elevation model from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission, we computed subgrid-scale data and transformed them onto the Korean Integrated Model’s cubed sphere grid using a Voronoi diagram to maintain geographical accuracy. The new scheme was initially evaluated through offline ideal tests and case studies. The results demonstrated that the scheme accurately captured the variations in downward shortwave flux, keeping the mean flux on a global scale nearly constant. The global mean flux difference in all skies was less than 0.01%. Statistical analyses demonstrated improved temperature and geopotential height predictions compared to reanalysis data. The anomaly correlation coefficient for East Asia at 850 hPa increased by 0.036 at 240 forecast hours. Overall, the anomaly correlation coefficient and root mean square error of geopotential height and temperature showed enhancements, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere and tropics. Importantly, the scheme introduces negligible additional memory and CPU requirements, making it suitable for both regional and global models. Only a 0.58% increase in CPU time was observed for the 10-day forecast.