bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Han Emperors and Their Male Favorites: The “Ningxing” Chapters of Shiji and Hanshu
Authors: Waring Luke
Published: November 2022

A close reading of the “Ningxing” (Male favorites) chapters of the Shiji (Archivist’s records) and Hanshu (History of the Han) reveals numerous important differences between the visions of male favoritism advanced by Sima Qian (ca. 145-86 BCE) and Ban Gu (32-92 CE), as well as certain similarities. The present essay thus seeks tentative answers to the following questions: What did Sima Qian and Ban Gu mean by the terms ning and ningxing? What might have moved them to compile these chapters, and what strategies were used to convey their message? What is the role of same-sex desire and patron-client relationships in these sources, and how is this related to the negotiation of political power? While both historians sought to deliver warnings to rulers and favorites about the disastrous consequences that could result from engaging in certain kinds of inappropriate relationships with other men, neither Sima Qian nor Ban Gu criticized same-sex romance or even ‘favoritism’ (chong, xing) per se. Instead, the focus was on favoritism that was “excessive” (shen) or overly “ardent” (du). However, Sima Qian and Ban Gu also came to different conclusions on other issues. Sima Qian’s chapter is an almost sympathetic account of opportunistic and misguided men who suffered personal misfortune as a result of their poor judgment, while Ban Gu portrayed male favorites as scheming villains who threatened the very survival of the dynasty.
The Northern Institute of Taiwan Studies at the University of Central Lancashire: Expanding the Boundaries of Taiwan Studies
Authors: Momesso Lara , Alsford Niki J.P. , Chang Ti-han , de Souza Moises , Zemanek Adina
Published: November 2022

The Northern Institute of Taiwan Studies (NorITS) was launched in 2018 and relies on the hard work of a team of five experts in the field. In this report we discuss the accomplishments our colleagues have achieved in these three years and the contributions that NorITS has made to Taiwan studies, with the aim to start a conversation on how to frame Taiwan studies against contemporary challenges and opportunities of academia.
Compterosmittia wangi sp. nov. from Oriental China (Diptera, Chironomidae)
Authors: ZHOU XU-SHEN , FANG DA-ZHOU , GAO RUI , WANG YING , YAN CHUN-CAI , LIU WEN-BIN
Published: November 2022

A new species, Compterosmittia wangi Liu sp. nov. is described and illustrated as adult males. An updated key to males of Compterosmittia worldwide is presented.
Accurate Determination of Trace Cadmium in Soil Samples with Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Using Metal–Organic Frameworks as Matrix Modifiers
Authors: Liu Hanyi , Cui Hao , Wang Yu , Jiang Zhenmao , Lei Lidan , Wei Shiqiang
Published: November 2022

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly toxic heavy metal that is widely distributed in soils at low concentrations. Its volatilization loss occurs at an ashing temperature higher than 350 °C. Accordingly, the accurate determination of its concentration in soils often requires the addition of chemical modifiers by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) to improve the thermal stability of Cd. In this work, a metal–organic framework (MOF, UIO-66-NH2) was utilized as a matrix modifier to improve accuracy in determining Cd in soils using GFAAS. The Cd signal, as influenced by drying and pyrolysis temperature and special gas, was also investigated, and the measuring conditions were optimized (2 μg L−1 Cd concentrations, matrix modifier: UIO-66-NH2, pyrolysis temperature: 550 °C, atomization temperature: 1650 °C, and special gas: air). The limit of detection (LOD) and the characteristic mass for Cd in soil were 3.84 ng g−1 and 0.80 pg, respectively. Five soil standard reference materials (SRMs) were analyzed for Cd to verify the effectiveness of the optimized measuring conditions. The soil Cd concentrations obtained were in remarkable agreement with the reference values. Moreover, the mechanism of UIO-66-NH2 on the graphite platform was investigated in the drying and pyrolysis steps by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). During the drying steps, many functional groups of the matrix were activated, and Cd2+ could be captured on its surface. After the pyrolysis step, the structure matrix collapsed and was partially decomposed into ZrO2, and subsequently, an intermediate state of ZrO2-(CdO) appeared at high temperatures, which came from the active binding sites on the zirconium oxide octahedron nodes.
Effect of reduced graphene oxide, multi-walled carbon nanotubes and their mixtures on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of a polymer composite with a segregated structure
Authors: Shiyanova Kseniya A , Gudkov Maksim V , Torkunov Mikhail K , Goncharuk Galina P , Gulin Alexander A , Sysa Artem V , Ryvkina Natalia G , Bazhenov Sergey L , Melnikov Valery P
Published: November 2022

The development of new electrically conductive polymer composites is one of the most important research areas of composite materials science community nowadays. This work is devoted to the preparation and study of electrically conductive polymer composites with a segregated network structure with mixtures of reduced graphene oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes (rGO/MWCNTs) in various ratios. At a fixed value of the total mass fraction of rGO/MWCNTs (1 wt.%), the set of samples with different rGO/MWCNTs ratio was obtained and examined via scanning electron microscopy, wide range dielectric spectroscopy and tested under compression. We have shown that the use of graphene oxide in a mixture with MWCNTs makes it possible to significantly improve the uniformity of MWCNTs distribution during the formation of a filler layer on polymer particles, which leads to an increase in the electrical conductivity of the composites in comparison with samples containing only rGO or MWCNTs. It was also shown adding 1 wt.% of rGO to the polymer increases the elastic modulus by 18% compared to the pure polymer. In turn, adding of MWCNTs, there is a drop in the elastic modulus by a quarter. It was found that fillers do not affect the plastic flow initiation stress of the material, which is 21 ± 1 MPa.
Specific Selective Neck Dissection for Isolated Regional Failure in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma after Radiation
Authors: Wu Jian-Hui , Xu Jian-Hui , Ye Fei , Fu Min-Yi
Published: November 2022

Background

To assess whether specific selective neck dissection (SND) with involved levels is a feasible treatment for isolated regional failure in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) after radiation.

Material and Methods

Between January 2011 and December 2019, a total of 46 patients were assigned to undergo SND in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at our center. The dissection extent of specific SND usually only involved levels of lymph node sites for isolated regional failure; in addition, lesions of level II or III involved removing both level II and III lymph nodes. The patients’ clinical, MRI and pathological characteristics, overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and regional-free survival (RFS) were evaluated and analyzed.

Results

Level II was the most commonly involved cervical nodal region in 28 neck dissection specimens (54.9%), followed by level III with positive nodes in 11 specimens (21.6%). Eleven patients (34.8%) had post-SND locoregional recurrence without distant metastasis. Of the patients, 7 patients (30.4%) had regional recurrence, and only one patient (2.8%) had lymph node recurrence on the side of SND. In addition, 8 patients (17.4%) had post-SND distant metastasis. The OS, DFS, and RFS of the patients were 76.1%, 58.7%, and 69.6%, respectively, at 3 years. The OS, DFS, and RFS values of patients who underwent SND were similar to those of patients who underwent comprehensive neck dissection (CND) and/or SND in published articles.

Conclusion

Specific SND was shown to be an effective and feasible treatment for isolated regional failure in NPC.
Capillary transit time heterogeneity inhibits cerebral oxygen metabolism in patients with reduced cerebrovascular reserve capacity from steno-occlusive disease
Authors: Vestergaard Mark B , Iversen Helle K , Simonsen Sofie Amalie , Lindberg Ulrich , Cramer Stig P , Andersen Ulrik B , Larsson Henrik BW
Published: November 2022

The healthy cerebral perfusion demonstrates a homogenous distribution of capillary transit times. A disruption of this homogeneity may inhibit the extraction of oxygen. A high degree of capillary transit time heterogeneity (CTH) describes that some capillaries have very low blood flows, while others have excessively high blood flows and consequently short transit times. Very short transit times could hinder the oxygen extraction due to insufficient time for diffusion of oxygen into the tissue. CTH could be a consequence of cerebral vessel disease. We examined whether patients with cerebral steno-occlusive vessel disease demonstrate high CTH and if elevation of cerebral blood flow (CBF) by administration of acetazolamide (ACZ) increases the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2), or if some patients demonstrate reduced CMRO2 related to detrimental CTH. Thirty-four patients and thirty-one healthy controls participated. Global CBF and CMRO2 were acquired using phase-contrast MRI. Regional brain maps of CTH were acquired using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI. Patients with impaired cerebrovascular reserve capacity demonstrated elevated CTH and a significant reduction of CMRO2 after administration of ACZ, which could be related to high CTH. Impaired oxygen extraction from CTH could be a contributing part of the declining brain health observed in patients with cerebral vessel disease.
Same-sex sexual activity and sex work offences in Papua New Guinea: Implications from the repeal of the death penalty
Authors: Kama Bal
Published: November 2022

This article discusses the recent repeal of the death penalty in Papua New Guinea and examines some potential implications for considerations to decriminalise same-sex sexual activity and sex work in the country. It considers that, while the repeal of the death penalty was a significant milestone for human rights domestically and internationally, the dominance of Christian morals evident in propelling the repeal deepens the challenge for law reform on issues of moral bearing, most notably the decriminalisation of same-sex sexual activity and sex work. The article further analyses the political conditions to conclude that for those considering law reform, there may be better prospects through the Supreme Court by way of a constitutional validity challenge than through the Parliament.
Four thresholds of doli incapax in Australia: Inconsistency or uniformity for children’s criminal responsibility?
Authors: Moritz Dominique , Tuomi Mac
Published: November 2022

The presumption of doli incapax is a legal safeguard for children who contravene the criminal law. Four distinct thresholds emerge from the application of doli incapax across the Australian jurisdictions: actual knowledge that the offending conduct was ‘seriously wrong’; actual knowledge that the offending conduct was ‘wrong’; capacity to know that the offending conduct should not occur; and capacity to know that the offending conduct was ‘seriously wrong’. This article explores differences in the four doli incapax thresholds and suggests a uniform approach to the presumption is required to correct the jurisdictional inconsistency.
How Online Gaming Could Enhance Your Career Prospects
Authors: Wallinheimo Anna-Stiina , Hosein Anesa , Barrie David , Chernyavskiy Andrey , Agafonova Irina , Williams Peter
Published: November 2022

Background

Online gaming motivations are differently associated with career interests. However, very little is known about online gaming behaviour based on the actual games played and how career interests are reflected in what people play. Hence, we investigated the actual gaming behaviour of individuals from an extensive secondary data set to further support gamers’ future career planning and professional training.

Methods

The study comprised 16,033 participants playing a different number of games on Steam. Our study was based on the 800 most played games only and included participants where we had access to gender and job details. We employed a secondary data analysis approach by using an existing data set (O’Neill et al., 2016), looking into the actual gaming behaviour of Steam users and additional administrative data (i.e., job details and gender) provided by Game Academy Limited. We used logistic regression on the participants’ top ten games, allowing us to investigate any possible associations between different professions, gender, and the games played.

Results

We found that IT professionals and engineers played puzzle-platform games, allowing for enhanced spatial skills. Managers showed an interest in action roleplay games where organisational and planning skills can be improved. Finally, engineers were associated with strategy games that required problem-solving and spatial skills. There were apparent gender differences too: females preferred playing single-player games, whereas males played shooting games.

Conclusion

Our study found that online gaming behaviour varied between different job categories, allowing the participants to gain different soft skills. The soft skills gained could assist gamers with training that leads to a particular career path. The reasons for these findings and suggestions for future research will be discussed.
I, strategist
Authors: Wright Alex
Published: November 2022

An autoethnography is offered of a head of an academic department and middle manager writing a strategic plan he did not believe was necessary or would have any beneficial effects on colleagues within the department. The notion of the reluctant strategist is offered. What strategy work do such actors undertake? Reluctant strategists write strategic plans as defensive texts. Defensive texts, I explain, are authored and structured to repel deeper engagement and questioning; to ensure that they are successful, they act through presenting their content as authoritatively assured. Strategy work in organizations is advanced as an affective accomplishment. In writing strategic plans, strategists are sensorially affected by their relational encounters, moving them to act. This personal account of strategy work shows that strategists are not just senior managers, middle managers or strategy consultants; they are affected actors who can be confused, sceptical, full of doubt and who can resist.
Optimization of four-Chamber and eccentric ellipse mufflers hybridized with multi-Segment perforated/non-perforated tubes
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie , Chang Ying-Chun , Cheng Ho-Chih
Published: November 2022

Muffler with circular section and inner symmetric acoustical elements has been habitually used in industry. In order to improve the acoustical performance, an advanced eccentric muffler having ellipse cross-section, multiple chambers, and multi-segment perforated/non-perforated tubes is presented. Concerning about high order wave effect to the muffler, a finite element method (FEM) run on COMSOL package is adopted. In addition, the influence of sound transmission loss with respect to various geometric parameters has been explored. In order to simplify the optimization process, a simplified objective function established by an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and FEM has been implemented and connected to a Genetic Algorithm (GA). Two case studies of muffler optimization for two kinds of design parameter sets (one of Lin and Lout and the other of Lin1 and Lout 1) are introduced. Two targeted frequencies (1000 Hz and 2500 Hz) are selected and applied in the two cases’ muffler optimization. Simulated results reveal that the acoustical influence relating to various geometric parameters is huge. The sound attenuation will increase in the low frequency region if the curvature ratio δ (ratio of long axis to short axis in ellipse) or the X (horizontal length of the muffler’s body) increases. Consequently, the study demonstrates a methodology in the optimization of a four-chamber ellipse and eccentric muffler internally inserted with multi-segment perforated/non-perforated tubes.
Playgroup Families’ Experiences of Play-Based Remote Learning
Authors: Minson Victoria , McLean Karen
Published: November 2022

This qualitative study aimed to investigate enablers and barriers facing community-playgroup families in the provision of play opportunities for children throughout periods of lockdown restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study used a capabilities approach, focussing specifically on the concepts of resources, capabilities and functionings. Using case study methodology, the study comprised two case studies and involved five community-playgroup families. Data methods included semi-structured interviews with playgroup families and the use of audio data from Zoom™ workshops conducted with families in each case study. A thematic approach to data analysis identified seven themes characterising identified enablers and barriers. These were: internet and networked technologies, ideas and information, routines and structure, relationships, space, everyday life, and support. Implications for how playgroups can support children and families in post pandemic times are discussed.
Tobacco and Hot Pot Odor Adsorbed by Cotton, Wool, and Polyester Fabrics: Desorption Components and Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Huang Wenjuan , Liang Shuaitong , Zhang Hongjuan , Ding Xuemei , Wang Jiping
Published: November 2022

Fibrous textiles readily absorb and desorb ambient odors. However, information on the composition and dynamic analysis of tobacco smoke and hot pot odors on fabrics during desorption is limited. This study used gas chromatography–mass spectrometry to analyze the desorption components of cotton, wool, and polyester fabrics exposed to these two odors, respectively. Then, a dynamic diffusion fabric structure model demonstrated the effect of airflow velocity and fabric porosity on nicotine desorption. Furthermore, we proposed mass diffusion coefficients with different molecular weights. The results showed that cotton fabrics with tobacco smoke released many low molecular weight compounds, while with wool fabrics significantly fewer compounds were detected than for the other two fabrics. Notably, 3-ethenylpyridine, a marker of tobacco smoke, was not detected in wool fabrics. For hot pot odor, cotton fabrics released more hexanal, nonanal, and anethole than wool and polyester, while wool fabrics released many β-pinenes. The numerical results of the dynamic model showed that the air inlet velocity significantly affects the nicotine concentration in the fabric. Meanwhile, the concentration of nicotine in fabrics with lower porosity decreased faster. A lower mass diffusion coefficient will cause odors to remain in the fabric. This study aimed at the composition and the dynamics of odor in fabrics and offers essential information and simple models for reducing unnecessary washing of textiles and odor resistance textile design.
Arthroscopic Syndesmotic Repair with Suture Tape Augmentation
Authors: Nery Caio A. , Prado Marcelo P. , Villar Ricardo , Lemos Andre
Published: November 2022

Category:

Arthroscopy; Ankle; Sports

Introduction/Purpose:

High ankle sprains or syndesmotic lesions can occur after an external rotation force in a dorsiflexed foot. These lesions may present isolated or combined with medial collateral ligaments lesions or fractures. Unstable lesions should be operatively treated since syndesmotic instability can cause pain, disability, chondral lesions and arthritis. A recent biomechanical cadaveric study suggested that syndesmosis suture button fixation with suture tape augmentation can restore stability to a pre injury level, while suture button alone was insufficient to restore stability and screw fixation was associated with overtightening of the syndesmosis. The purpose of this work is to describe a new minimally invasive arthroscopic technique that uses a synthetic tape to augment suture button fixation of syndesmotic instability.

Methods:

After arthroscopic debridement of the syndesmosis, one bone tunnel is made with a 4.0mm drill at the anterolateral distal tibia rim and at the anterior distal fibula just above the anterior talofibular ligament origin. A 4,75mm swivelock armed with a fibertape (Arthrex©) is introduced at the distal fibula hole. After obtaining adequate syndesmotic reduction with the help of a reduction clamp, suture button fixation was made through a mini lateral access. The fibertape was then appropriately tensioned and inserted at the distal tibia hole with another 4,75mm swivelock. Adequate reduction was observed with the Mercedes-Benz sign and stability was confirmed arthroscopically.

Results:

Only a few patients were submitted to this technique. At short follow up, none of them presented with complications or complaints

Conclusion:

We believe that unstable syndesmotic treatment using the suture button fixation and anterior inferior tibiofibular arthroscopic augmentation with suture-tape described in this work can restore syndesmotic stability to pre injury levels with low morbidity and lesser complication rates compared to other techniques. Nonetheless, comparative clinical studies are still needed to confirm our hypothesis.
Understanding evolution process of community-embedded elderly care facilities with big data: A spatiotemporal analytical framework
Authors: Liu Zhuo , Zhao Hanqi , Li Sichun , Chen Yanyan , Yao Enjian
Published: November 2022

The severe population ageing has rapidly increased the demand for urban elderly care services in most countries. As a novel urban elderly care mode, community-embedded elderly care facilities integrate various functions and allow older urban adults to enjoy comprehensive care services in a familiar environment at an acceptable cost. Therefore, it is widely recognised as an effective way to resolve the contradiction between the increasing demand and limited supply capacity of elderly care services in large cities. However, spatial analysis of elderly care facilities in previous studies were focused on static characters, ignoring the evolution process. The traditional static analysis methods might be one-sided for the spatial analysis of community-embedded elderly care facilities, considering their highly dynamic development. This study considers Beijing as a case study and establishes a novel spatiotemporal analytical framework, augmented by big data, to analyse the spatial distribution of the local community-embedded elderly care facilities (elderly stations) from a dynamic view. The multi-source data regarding elderly stations, the elderly population and basic geographic information of Beijing were extracted and integrated into the analysis. On this basis, the proposed framework was applied to examine the distribution tendency, evolution trend and accessibility of elderly stations from 2017 to 2020. The results reveal a significant cluster development characteristic of elderly stations. Although the density of elderly stations in the downtown area is much higher than that in the urban periphery, the elderly stations might still be unable to satisfy the enormous elderly care demand in Xicheng and Dongcheng districts. Moreover, the imbalance between the urban centre and peripheries and the spatial mismatch between the elderly stations and population were identified. The research output could support the planning practice of elderly stations for relevant departments.
Release of substances from joint grouts based on various binder types and their ecotoxic effects
Authors: Schoknecht Ute , Kalbe Ute , Heisterkamp Ines , Kretzschmar Martina , Gartiser Stefan , Happel Oliver , Ilvonen Outi
Published: November 2022

Background

The leaching of substances and the ecotoxic effects of eluates were studied for joint grouts that are based on various types of binders. Eight products, two of them containing either epoxy resin, polybutadiene or polyurethane binders, or modified cement, were investigated using harmonized leaching tests for construction products in combination with ecotoxicity tests on algae, daphnia, luminescent bacteria, fish eggs and mutagenicity in accordance with CEN/TR 17105. In addition to basic parameters, such as pH, TOC, and inorganic components, organic substances in the eluates were analysed by gas and liquid chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry. Quantitative analyses in combination with ecotoxicity data on selected substances were used to deduce which substances cause the observed ecotoxic effects.

Results

Different patterns of ecotoxic effects were observed in joint grouts with different binder types. The most ecotoxic effects were observed in epoxy resin-based products, followed by polybutadiene-based products. Fewer ecotoxic effects were observed in polyurethane-based products and modified cements. Some of these showed no ecotoxicity. Some of the substances in the eluates were identified and related to ecotoxic effects. 4-Tert-butylphenol and amines probably contributed to the ecotoxic effects of at least one of the epoxy resin-based renders, whereas cobalt is assumed to contribute to the toxic effect on algae of one of the polybutadiene-based products. However, only some of the leached substances could be identified, and only some of the ecotoxic effects can be explained by the available information on the composition of eluates and known ecotoxic profiles of the identified substances.

Conclusions

Ecotoxicity tests on eluates from leaching tests indicate whether environmentally hazardous substances can be leached from construction products. Combined ecotoxicity tests and chemical analysis of eluates from EU-wide harmonized leaching tests for construction products can provide information on substances that cause these effects. This supports the identification and development of environmentally friendly construction products. This study confirmed that ecotoxicity tests in accordance with CEN/TR 17105 are a tool well-suited to support the implementation of the European Commission’s zero pollution vision for 2050 and to reduce pollution to levels no longer considered harmful to health and natural ecosystems.
Machine learning techniques on homological persistence features for prostate cancer diagnosis
Authors: Rammal Abbas , Assaf Rabih , Goupil Alban , Kacim Mohammad , Vrabie Valeriu
Published: November 2022

The rapid evolution of image processing equipment and techniques ensures the development of novel picture analysis methodologies. One of the most powerful yet computationally possible algebraic techniques for measuring the topological characteristics of functions is persistent homology. It's an algebraic invariant that can capture topological details at different spatial resolutions. Persistent homology investigates the topological features of a space using a set of sampled points, such as pixels. It can track the appearance and disappearance of topological features caused by changes in the nested space created by an operation known as filtration, in which a parameter scale, in our case the intensity of pixels, is increased to detect changes in the studied space over a range of varying scales. In addition, at the level of machine learning there were many studies and articles witnessing recently the combination between homological persistence and machine learning algorithms. On another level, prostate cancer is diagnosed referring to a scoring criterion describing the severity of the cancer called Gleason score. The classical Gleason system defines five histological growth patterns (grades). In our study we propose to study the Gleason score on some glands issued from a new optical microscopy technique called SLIM. This new optical microscopy technique that combines two classic ideas in light imaging: Zernike’s phase contrast microscopy and Gabor’s holography. Persistent homology features are computed on these images. We suggested machine learning methods to classify these images into the corresponding Gleason score. Machine learning techniques applied on homological persistence features was very effective in the detection of the right Gleason score of the prostate cancer in these kinds of images and showed an accuracy of above 95%.
On the importance of metadata when sharing and opening data
Authors: Sabot Francois
Published: November 2022

While data sharing increases, most open data are difficult to re-use or to identify due to the lack of related metada. In this editorial, I discussed about the importance of those metadata in the context of genomic, and why they are mandatory to ensure the success of data sharing.
Deeper genomic insights into tomato CLE genes repertoire identify new active peptides
Authors: Carbonnel Samy , Falquet Laurent , Hazak Ora
Published: November 2022

Background

In eukaryotes, cell-to-cell communication relies on the activity of small signaling peptides. In plant genomes, many hundreds of genes encode for such short peptide signals. However, only few of them are functionally characterized and due to the small gene size and high sequence variability, the comprehensive identification of such peptide-encoded genes is challenging. The CLAVATA3 (CLV3)/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-RELATED (CLE) gene family encodes for short peptides that have a role in plant meristem maintenance, vascular patterning and responses to environment. The full repertoire of CLE genes and the role of CLE signaling in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)- one of the most important crop plants- has not yet been fully studied.

Results

By using a combined approach, we performed a genome-wide identification of CLE genes using the current tomato genome version SL 4.0. We identified 52 SlCLE genes, including 37 new non annotated before. By analyzing publicly available RNAseq datasets we could confirm the expression of 28 new SlCLE genes. We found that SlCLEs are often expressed in a tissue-, organ- or condition-specific manner. Our analysis shows an interesting gene diversification within the SlCLE family that seems to be a result of gene duplication events. Finally, we could show a biological activity of selected SlCLE peptides in the root growth arrest that was SlCLV2-dependent.

Conclusions

Our improved combined approach revealed 37 new SlCLE genes. These findings are crucial for better understanding of the CLE signaling in tomato. Our phylogenetic analysis pinpoints the closest homologs of Arabidopsis CLE genes in tomato genome and can give a hint about the function of newly identified SlCLEs. The strategy described here can be used to identify more precisely additional short genes in plant genomes. Finally, our work suggests that the mechanism of root-active CLE peptide perception is conserved between Arabidopsis and tomato. In conclusion, our work paves the way to further research on the CLE-dependent circuits modulating tomato development and physiological responses.
Nutritional and metabolic process of the dung beetle Phelotrupes auratus depends on the plant ingredients that the herbivores eat
Authors: Sakamoto Takuma , Sinzeki Shun , Kakinuma Shunsuke , Ishihara Eri , Tabunoki Hiroko
Published: November 2022

Background

The dung beetle Phelotrupes auratus is a holometabolous insect belonging to the order Coleoptera, and it is widely distributed in Japan. The P. auratus habitat depends on herbivores. P. auratus eats the dung of the herbivores and carries it underground for its young. In this process, herbivore droppings disappear from the ground, not only keeping the ground hygienic but also maintaining good soil conditions for plant growth. In this way, a rich ecosystem is maintained. In recent years, the population of P. auratus has decreased, and the main cause has been the decrease in grazing land. It seems that Japanese dung beetles are mainly dependent on herbivores for nutrient sources. However, the physiological relationship between herbivores and P. auratus has not been well investigated. Here, we investigated the nutritional metabolism system of P. auratus by performing whole gene expression analysis of individuals collected from two areas where the ecosystem is occupied by different herbivores.

Results

We obtained 54,635 transcripts from P. auratus from Nara Park and Cape Toi and identified 2,592 differentially expressed genes in the fat bodies of the Nara Park and Cape Toi groups. We annotated P. auratus transcripts using Homo sapiens and Drosophila melanogaster genes as references; 50.5% of P. auratus transcripts were assigned to H. sapiens genes, and 54.0% of P. auratus transcripts were assigned to D. melanogaster genes. To perform gene set enrichment analysis, we chose H. sapiens genes for P. auratus transcript annotation. Principal component analysis and gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the nutritional metabolism of P. auratus from Cape Toi might differ from that of P. auratus from Nara Park.

Conclusion

We analyzed the nutritional metabolism system of P. auratus from Cape Toi and Nara Park and found that the characteristics of the nutritional metabolism process might depend on the plants consumed by the herbivores. Our findings will contribute to elucidating the relationships among habitat plants, herbivores, and dung decomposers and may aid in the maintenance of sustainable land health cycles.
Genome-wide SNPs in the spiny lobster Panulirus homarus reveal a hybrid origin for its subspecies
Authors: Farhadi Ahmad , Jeffs Andrew G. , Lavery Shane D.
Published: November 2022

Background

Evolutionary divergence and speciation often occur at a slower rate in the marine realm due to the higher potential for long-distance reproductive interaction through larval dispersal. One common evolutionary pattern in the Indo-Pacific, is divergence of populations and species at the peripheries of widely-distributed organisms. However, the evolutionary and demographic histories of such divergence are yet to be well understood. Here we address these issues by coupling genome-wide SNP data with mitochondrial DNA sequences to test the patterns of genetic divergence and possible secondary contact among geographically distant populations of the highly valuable spiny lobster Panulirus homarus species complex, distributed widely through the Indo-Pacific, from South Africa to the Marquesas Islands.

Result

After stringent filtering, 2020 SNPs were used for population genetic and demographic analyses, revealing strong regional structure (FST = 0.148, P < 0001), superficially in accordance with previous analyses. However, detailed demographic analyses supported a much more complex evolutionary history of these populations, including a hybrid origin of a North-West Indian Ocean (NWIO) population, which has previously been discriminated morphologically, but not genetically. The best-supported demographic models suggested that the current genetic relationships among populations were due to a complex series of past divergences followed by asymmetric migration in more recent times.

Conclusion

Overall, this study suggests that alternating periods of marine divergence and gene flow have driven the current genetic patterns observed in this lobster and may help explain the observed wider patterns of marine species diversity in the Indo-Pacific.
Effect of positive end-expiratory pressure on pulmonary compliance and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a randomized control trial
Authors: Cheng Menglan , Ni Lifeng , Huang Ling’er , Zhou Yanfeng , Wang Kuirong
Published: November 2022

Background

To observe the effects of different positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) ventilation strategies on pulmonary compliance and complications in patients undergoing robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostate surgery.

Methods

A total of 120 patients with the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Class I or II who underwent elective robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy were enrolled. We randomized the patients divided into divided into three groups of 40 patients each: PEEP0, PEEP5, or PEEP10. Master Anesthetist used volume control ventilation intraoperatively with an intraoperative deep muscle relaxation strategy. Respiratory mechanics indexes were recorded at six time-points: 10 mimuts after anaesthesia induction, immediately after pneumoperitoneum establishment, 30 min, 60 min, 90 min, and at the end of pneumoperitoneum. Arterial blood gas analysis and oxygenation index calculation were performed 10 mimuts after anaesthesia induction, 60 mimuts after pneumoperitoneum, and after tracheal extubation. Postoperative pulmonary complications were also recorded.

Results

After pneumoperitoneum, peak inspiratory pressure (Ppeak), plateau pressure (Pplat), mean pressure (Pmean), driving pressure (ΔP), and airway resistance (Raw) increased significantly, and pulmonary compliance (Crs) decreased, persisting during pneumoperitoneum in all groups. Between immediately after pneumoperitoneum establishment, 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min, pulmonary compliance in the 10cmH2OPEEP group was higher than in the 5cmH2OPEEP (P < 0.05) and 0cmH2OPEEP groups(P < 0.05). The driving pressure (ΔP) immediately after pneumoperitoneum establishment, at 30 min, 60 min, and 90 min in the 10cmH2OPEEP group was lower than in the 5cmH2OPEEP (P < 0.05) and 0cmH2OPEEP groups (P < 0.05). Sixty min after pneumoperitoneum and tracheal extubation, the PaCO2 did not differ significantly among the three groups (P > 0.05). The oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) was higher in the PEEP5 group than in the PEEP0 and PEEP10 groups 60 min after pneumoperitoneum and after tracheal extubation, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). In postoperative pulmonary complications, the incidence of atelectasis was higher in the PEEP0 group than in the PEEP5 and PEEP10 groups, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The use of PEEP at 5cmH2O during RARP increases lung compliance, improves intraoperative oxygenation index and reduces postoperative atelectasis.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the China Clinical Trials Registry on May 30, 2020 (Registration No. ChiCTR2000033380).
Perceived human factors from the perspective of paramedics – a qualitative interview study
Authors: Poranen Anna , Kouvonen Anne , Nordquist Hilla
Published: November 2022

Background

The work environment in prehospital emergency medical care setting is dynamic and complex and includes many stressors. However, little is known about the perceived human factors from the perspective of paramedics. In this study, we investigated, from the perspective of paramedics, what are the human factors, and how are they linked to prehospital emergency medical care?

Methods

Data were collected through semi-structured interviews (n = 15) with Finnish paramedics. The material was analyzed using inductive content analysis.

Results

Three main categories of human factors were identified. The first main category consisted of factors related to work which were divided into two generic categories: “Challenging organizational work environment” and “Changing external work environment.” The second main category comprised factors related to paramedics themselves and were divided into three generic categories: “Issues linked to personality,” “Personal experiences”, and “Factors resulting from personal features.” The third main category described that paramedics have difficulties in understanding and describing human factors.

Conclusion

This study revealed numerous factors that can affect paramedics’ work in the EMS setting. Increased knowledge about human factors in the EMS setting provides organizations with the opportunity to develop procedures that can support paramedics’ cognitive and physical work. Human factors in different situations can be addressed to improve occupational and patient safety.
The effect of intensive family-centered health education on the awareness rate, diagnosis, and treatment of post-stroke depression in community families
Authors: Wang Hao , Pan Shuchao , Xu Qiwu , Ding Ting
Published: November 2022

Objective

To investigate the effects of intensive family-centered health education on the awareness rate, diagnosis, and treatment of post-stroke depression (PSD) in community families.

Methods

Elderly patients (60–90 years) from 20 community service centers affiliated with the Department of Neurology and the Medical Association of Tongling Municipal Hospital who had been diagnosed with stroke between January 2017 and June 2020 were screened using the hospital and community electronic medical record system. In this randomized cluster trial, 119 patients from 10 communities were assigned as the control group and received routine community treatment, while 126 patients from the other 10 communities were assigned as the experimental group and received routine treatment plus family-centered intensive health education. After 12 months of medical intervention, the assessment of PSD in the two groups was performed by a neurologist and a psychiatrist, both blind to the study design, using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression.

Results

The awareness rates of the causes, clinical manifestations, treatment plan, and family care of PSD in the experimental group were 88.89, 91.30, 93.65, and 92.06%, respectively. In the control group, the awareness rates of these parameters were 72.27, 69.75, 71.43, and 65.55%, respectively, and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). In the experimental group, the rates of PSD diagnosis, prompt medical attendance, drug treatment compliance, and psychotherapeutic treatment compliance were 27.78, 22.22, 18.25, and 11.90%, respectively. In the control group, the rates of these parameters were 13.79, 6.03, 3.48, and 1.72%, respectively, and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Intensive family-centered health education can improve the level of knowledge of PSD in the community, promote the timely treatment and diagnosis of PSD in patients, and improve the compliance rates of drug therapy and psychotherapy, so this is worthy of promotion.
Risk factors of active upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with COVID-19 infection and the effectiveness of PPI prophylaxis
Authors: Prasoppokakorn Thaninee , Kullavanijaya Pinit , Pittayanon Rapat
Published: November 2022

Background

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is one of the most impactful complications in patients hospitalized from COVID-19 infection. Limited study has focused on patients with upper GI bleeding (UGIB). This study aimed to identify the risk factors of patients who were hospitalized from COVID-19 infection and developed UGIB as well as the effectiveness of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) prophylaxis in those patients.

Methods

This study was comprised of two phases. The first phase was the retrospective enrollment of patients who were admitted due to COVID-19 infection and developed UGIB between April and August 2021 to evaluate the associated factors of active UGIB. The second phase was a retrospective analysis after PPI prophylaxis protocol from September – October 2021 to assess the benefit of PPI use in those patients.

Results

Of 6,373 patients hospitalized, 43 patients (0.7%) had evidence of UGIB. The majority were male 28 (65.1%) with a mean age of 69.1 ± 11.8 years. Twenty-four of 43 patients (55.8%) needed mechanical ventilation, 35 patients (81.4%) received systemic corticosteroids, and 10 patients (23.3%) were taking anticoagulants for venous thromboembolic prophylaxis. Seven of 43 patients (16%) had active UGIB. There was no significant difference in the number of patients taking antiplatelets, anticoagulants, or steroids and the severity of COVID-19 infection between the two groups. An emergency endoscopy or endoscopic hemostasis were performed in 6/7 (85.7%) patients. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed two significant factors associated with active UGIB including higher of Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS) per point (OR = 7.89; 95%CI 1.03–72.87; p = 0.04) and an absence of PPI use (OR 4.29; 95%CI 1.04–19.51; p = 0.04). After prescribing PPI as a prophylaxis, there was a slightly lower incidence of UGIB (0.6% vs 0.7%) in addition to an absence of active UGIB (0% vs 16%).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrated that the absence of PPI and higher GBS were significant risk factors for active UGIB which required therapeutic endoscopy in patients with COVID-19 infection. We suggest that short-term PPI prophylaxis should be prescribed in those patients once they need hospitalization regardless of the severity of COVID-19 infection to minimize the severity of UGIB.
Socio-demographic and lifestyle factors associated with intrinsic capacity among older adults: evidence from India
Authors: Muneera K. , Muhammad T. , Althaf S
Published: November 2022

Background

Since the traditional models missed the possibility of formulating personalised programs centred on a person’s priorities and values, it was a pressing priority to shift from traditional disease-centred to a function-based approach of healthy ageing, which is defined as ‘the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age’. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of high intrinsic capacity (IC) of older adults and to examine the socio-demographic and lifestyle factors associated with IC among older adults in India.

Methods

The study utilises the individual-level data from the first wave of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI) conducted during 2017–18. The total sample size for the present study was 24,136 older adults (11,871 males and 12,265 females) aged 60 years and above. Descriptive statistics, along with bivariate analysis, was employed to present the preliminary results. Additionally, multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to find out the association of socio-demographic and lifestyle factors with IC and its components.

Results

The mean IC score was found to be 7.37 (SD = 1.6) in this study. A proportion of 24.56% of older adults was observed to be in the higher IC category. Increasing age was negatively associated with high IC for older men and women. Older people who smoke tobacco (β = -0.23; CI: -0.32—-0.13) and chew tobacco (β = -0.11; CI: -0.18—-0.03) were less likely to experience high IC compared to their respective counterparts. Older adults who reported episodic alcohol drinking were less likely to have high IC (β = -0.20; CI:-0.32—-0.07). The engagement in moderate physical activity (β = 0.12; CI:0.01–0.23), vigorous physical activity (β = 0.12; CI:0.05–0.20) and yoga-related activity (β = 0.18; CI:0.09–0.26) were significantly positively associated with high IC. Among the five domains of IC, education was significantly associated with higher capacity in each domain, and increasing age was found to be a significant predictor of lower capacity in each IC domain except locomotion. Older men and women engaged in vigorous physical activity had 35 and 19% significantly higher odds of high capacity in sensory (aOR = 1.35; CI: 1.12—1.62) and psychological (aOR = 1.19; CI: 1.06—1.34) domains, respectively.

Conclusions

The study revealed that lifestyle behaviours including tobacco use, episodic alcohol drinking and physical activity are strongly associated with IC among older adults in India. The findings suggest that healthy lifestyle behaviours should be encouraged among older adults as an effort to improve their IC, which is the key determinant of functional ability and quality of life in later years of life.