bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chinmedomics strategy for elucidating the effects and effective constituents of Danggui Buxue Decoction in treating blood deficiency syndrome
Authors: Zhang Ye , Yang Yu , Ren Junling , Yan Guangli , Yang Le , Wu Xiuhong , Kong Ling , Sun Hui , Han Ying , Zhang Xiwu , Wang Xijun
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Danggui Buxue Decoction (DBD) is a clinically proven, effective, classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula for treating blood deficiency syndrome (BDS). However, its effects and effective constituents in the treatment of BDS remain unclear, limiting precise clinical therapy and quality control. This study aimed to accurately evaluate the effects of DBD and identify its effective constituents and quality markers.

Methods:

BDS was induced in rats by a combined injection of acetylphenylhydrazine and cyclophosphamide, and the efficacy of DBD against BDS was evaluated based on body weight, body temperature, energy metabolism, general status, visceral indices, histopathology, biochemical markers, and metabolomics. The effects of DBD on urinary and serum biomarkers of BDS were investigated, and the associated metabolic pathways were analyzed via metabolomics. Guided by Chinmedomics, the effective constituents and quality markers of DBD were identified by analyzing the dynamic links between metabolic biomarkers and effective constituents in vivo.

Results:

DBD improved energy metabolism, restored peripheral blood and serum biochemical indices, and meliorated tissue damage in rats with BDS. Correlation analyses between biochemical indices and biomarkers showed that 15(S)-HPETE, LTB4, and taurine were core biomakers and that arachidonic acid, taurine, and hypotaurine metabolism were core metabolic pathways regulated by DBD. Calycosin-7-glucoside, coumarin, ferulic acid sulfate, cycloastragenol, (Z)-ligustilide + O, astragaloside IV, acetylastragaloside I, and linoleic acid were identified as effective constituents improving the hematopoietic function of the rats in the BDS model. Additionally, calycosin-7-glucoside, ferulic acid, ligustilide, and astragaloside IV were identified as quality markers of DBD.

Conclusion:

The hematopoietic function of DBD was confirmed through analysis of energy metabolism, biochemical markers, histopathology, and metabolomics. Moreover, by elucidating effective constituents of DBD in BDS treatment, quality markers were confirmed using a Chinmedomics strategy. These results strengthen the quality management of DBD and will facilitate drug innovation.
Tendon evaluation with ultrashort echo time (UTE) MRI: a systematic review
Authors: Malhi Bhavsimran Singh , Jang Hyungseok , Malhi Manharjot Singh , Berry David B. , Jerban Saeed
Published: March 2024

Tendon disease ranks among the leading reasons patients consult their general practitioners, comprising approximately one-third of musculoskeletal appointments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is regarded as the gold standard for assessing tendons. Due to their short transverse relaxation time (T2), Tendons show up as a signal void in conventional MRI scans, which employ sequences with echo times (TEs) around several milliseconds. Ultrashort echo time (UTE) sequences utilize TEs that are 100–1,000 times shorter than those used in conventional sequences. This enables the direct visualization of tendons and assessment of their relaxation times, which is the basis for quantitative MRI. A systematic review was conducted on publications after 1990 in Google Scholar and PubMed databases. The search terms “ultrashort echo time,” “tendon,” and “UTE” were used to identify studies related to this investigation. This review discussed the current knowledge in quantitative UTE-MRI imaging of tendons. Quantitative UTE-T1, UTE-T2*, UTE-MT, and UTE-T1ρ techniques were described, and their reported applications in the literature were summarized in this review. We also discussed the advantages and challenges of these techniques and how these quantitative biomarkers may change in response to tendon pathology.
Automatic assessment of disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid-space hydrocephalus from 3D MRI using two deep learning models
Authors: Yamada Shigeki , Ito Hirotaka , Matsumasa Hironori , Ii Satoshi , Otani Tomohiro , Tanikawa Motoki , Iseki Chifumi , Watanabe Yoshiyuki , Wada Shigeo , Oshima Marie , Mase Mitsuhito
Published: March 2024

Background

Disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid-space hydrocephalus (DESH) is a key feature for Hakim disease (idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: iNPH), but subjectively evaluated. To develop automatic quantitative assessment of DESH with automatic segmentation using combined deep learning models.

Methods

This study included 180 participants (42 Hakim patients, 138 healthy volunteers; 78 males, 102 females). Overall, 159 three-dimensional (3D) T1-weighted and 180 T2-weighted MRIs were included. As a semantic segmentation, 3D MRIs were automatically segmented in the total ventricles, total subarachnoid space (SAS), high-convexity SAS, and Sylvian fissure and basal cistern on the 3D U-Net model. As an image classification, DESH, ventricular dilatation (VD), tightened sulci in the high convexities (THC), and Sylvian fissure dilatation (SFD) were automatically assessed on the multimodal convolutional neural network (CNN) model. For both deep learning models, 110 T1- and 130 T2-weighted MRIs were used for training, 30 T1- and 30 T2-weighted MRIs for internal validation, and the remaining 19 T1- and 20 T2-weighted MRIs for external validation. Dice score was calculated as (overlapping area) × 2/total area.

Results

Automatic region extraction from 3D T1- and T2-weighted MRI was accurate for the total ventricles (mean Dice scores: 0.85 and 0.83), Sylvian fissure and basal cistern (0.70 and 0.69), and high-convexity SAS (0.68 and 0.60), respectively. Automatic determination of DESH, VD, THC, and SFD from the segmented regions on the multimodal CNN model was sufficiently reliable; all of the mean softmax probability scores were exceeded by 0.95. All of the areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves of the DESH, Venthi, and Sylhi indexes calculated by the segmented regions for detecting DESH were exceeded by 0.97.

Conclusion

Using 3D U-Net and a multimodal CNN, DESH was automatically detected with automatically segmented regions from 3D MRIs. Our developed diagnostic support tool can improve the precision of Hakim disease (iNPH) diagnosis.
Association between social determinants of health and pediatric traumatic brain injury outcomes
Authors: Parsons Kendall , Mulugeta Makda G. , Bailey Gabrielle , Gillespie Scott , Johnson Laura M. , Myers Hannah E. , Reisner Andrew , Blackwell Laura S.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Social determinants of health (SDH) are factors that may impact outcomes following pediatric traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between race and functional outcomes in a diverse pediatric population. We further explored how this association may be modified by SDH factors, including insurance status, social vulnerability, and child opportunity.

Methods

A cohort study (N = 401) of children aged 0–18 [median = 9.22 years (IQR: 3.56–13.59)] presenting to the Emergency Department at Level I and II Trauma Centers with mild to severe head injuries. Geocoded variables were used to evaluate SDH. The sample was described overall and by racial/ethnic group, which were adjusted for confounders using inverse propensity treatment weights (IPTW). Weighted and unweighted Firth logistic regression models (mortality) and generalized linear regression models (GOS-E scores) were reported without and then with potential effect modifiers.

Results

The sample is majority male (65.84%); race/ethnicity are as follows: White (52.37%), Black/African Americans (35.91%), and Hispanic (11.72%). Black (31.25%) and Hispanic (27.66%) patients had higher rates of severe TBI. 35.89% of White patients were categorized as more socially vulnerable compared to 62.68% Black and 70.21% Hispanic patients. A total 63.64% of White patients were from higher opportunity neighborhoods, compared to 25.87% of Black and 51.06% of Hispanic patients. A total 50.95% of White patients, 25.87% of Black patients, and 17.02% of Hispanic patients were privately insured. There were no differences found between racial and ethnic groups on mortality or GOS-E scores.

Discussion

Patients from minority backgrounds had more severe injuries, many resulting from pedestrian vs. motor vehicle accidents. Additionally, patients from minority backgrounds experience more social vulnerability and lower opportunity. Despite these discrepancies, we did not observe differences on rates of mortality or functional outcomes in either racial or ethnic groups. SDH were not found to impact outcomes. Further research is needed to determine how these complex social and environmental variables impact health outcomes.
Peripheral T cell immune repertoire is associated with the outcomes of acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Li , Zhang Jiapo , Zhang Xiufang , Wang Peng
Published: March 2024

Systematic immune responses have been identified in patients with acute spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). T cells have been established to participate in central nervous system damage and repair following brain injury. However, their contribution to the prognosis of patients with ICH remains to be elucidated. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from 45 patients with acute spontaneous ICH (<24 h from symptom onset). Our results exposed significant negative correlations between hematoma volume/white blood cell (WBC) density and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score. Contrastingly, lymphocyte density was negatively correlated with hematoma volume and positively correlated with GCS score. Moreover, flow cytometry determined that ICH activated T cells despite their proportion being lower in blood. Afterward, immune repertoire sequencing (IR-seq) revealed a significant decrease in VJ, VDJ usage, and TCR clonotypes in ICH patients. Finally, variations in the complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) amino acid (aa) were also detected in ICH patients. This study reveals the occurrence of peripheral T-cell diminishment and activation in response to acute hematoma. ICH lesion also alters the T cell receptor (TCR) immune repertoire, which is associated with patient prognosis.
The neurophysiological effect of mild hypothermia in gyrencephalic brains submitted to ischemic stroke and spreading depolarizations
Authors: Díaz-Peregrino Roberto , Kentar Modar , Trenado Carlos , Sánchez-Porras Renán , Albiña-Palmarola Pablo , Ramírez-Cuapio Francisco L. , San-Juan Daniel , Unterberg Andreas , Woitzik Johannes , Santos Edgar
Published: March 2024

Objective

Characterize the neurophysiological effects of mild hypothermia on stroke and spreading depolarizations (SDs) in gyrencephalic brains.

Methods

Left middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) of six hypothermic and six normothermic pigs were permanently occluded (MCAo). Hypothermia began 1 h after MCAo and continued throughout the experiment. ECoG signals from both frontoparietal cortices were recorded. Five-minute ECoG epochs were collected 5 min before, at 5 min, 4, 8, 12, and 16 h after MCAo, and before, during, and after SDs. Power spectra were decomposed into fast (alpha, beta, and gamma) and slow (delta and theta) frequency bands.

Results

In the vascular insulted hemisphere under normothermia, electrodes near the ischemic core exhibited power decay across all frequency bands at 5 min and the 4th hour after MCAo. The same pattern was registered in the two furthest electrodes at the 12th and 16th hour. When mild hypothermia was applied in the vascular insulted hemispheres, the power decay was generalized and seen even in electrodes with uncompromised blood flow. During SD analysis, hypothermia maintained increased delta and beta power during the three phases of SDs in the furthest electrode from the ischemic core, followed by the second furthest and third electrode in the beta band during preSD and postSD segments. However, in hypothermic conditions, the third electrode showed lower delta, theta, and alpha power.

Conclusion

Mild hypothermia attenuates all frequency bands in the vascularly compromised hemisphere, irrespective of the cortical location. During SD formation, it preserves power spectra more significantly in electrodes further from the ischemic core.
Precise and low-power closed-loop neuromodulation through algorithm-integrated circuit co-design
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhao Shiqi , Wang Junzhe , Lin Siyu , Hou Qiming , Sawan Mohamad
Published: March 2024

Implantable neuromodulation devices have significantly advanced treatments for neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and depression. Traditional open-loop devices like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and spinal cord stimulators (SCS) often lead to overstimulation and lack adaptive precision, raising safety and side-effect concerns. Next-generation closed-loop systems offer real-time monitoring and on-device diagnostics for responsive stimulation, presenting a significant advancement for treating a range of brain diseases. However, the high false alarm rates of current closed-loop technologies limit their efficacy and increase energy consumption due to unnecessary stimulations. In this study, we introduce an artificial intelligence-integrated circuit co-design that targets these issues and using an online demonstration system for closed-loop seizure prediction to showcase its effectiveness. Firstly, two neural network models are obtained with neural-network search and quantization strategies. A binary neural network is optimized for minimal computation with high sensitivity and a convolutional neural network with a false alarm rate as low as 0.1/h for false alarm rejection. Then, a dedicated low-power processor is fabricated in 55 nm technology to implement the two models. With reconfigurable design and event-driven processing feature the resulting application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) occupies only 5mm2 silicon area and the average power consumption is 142 μW. The proposed solution achieves a significant reduction in both false alarm rates and power consumption when benchmarked against state-of-the-art counterparts.
Prevalence of use of on-label and off-label psychotropics in the Greek pediatric population
Authors: Pesiou Stella , Barcelo Rafel , Papazisis Georgios , Torres Ferran , Pontes Caridad
Published: March 2024

With a global increased use of psychotropics in pediatrics, their off-label use is a concern due to uncertainty and risk. Data on psychotropics use in the Greek pediatric population do not exist to date. We analyzed retrospective data from the nationwide pharmacy claim database, to estimate the prevalence of psychotropics in pediatrics focusing on off-label use (March 2016-October 2019). In total 63,782 pediatric subjects had at least one identified psychotropic prescription. The prevalence of psychotropics use was 5.1–14.6/1,000 pediatric inhabitants. When excluding 42,508 subjects who received only short-time hydroxyzine, the prevalence was 3.1–6.5/1,000 pediatric inhabitants; adolescents and boys had higher exposures. An in-depth analysis of 21,274 subjects accounting for 222,307 psychotropic dispensations, showed antiepileptics as the most frequent psychotropics, consistently with the finding on epilepsy being the most frequent diagnosis; diazepam was the single drug with the highest exposure in almost all ages. 14% of subjects have received at least one medicine with no pediatric information in the labelling, corresponding to 5.5% of dispensed psychotropics. 7.6% of all dispensed psychotropics were used in a non-authorized age range with quetiapine being the most frequent psychotropic as off-label age range; antipsychotics and antidepressants were first as off-label for non-authorized indication. Data from Greece show that a relevant number of patients are prescribed psychotropics, with 1 in 7 being under off-label use. Due to the limitations inherent to pharmacy claims databases, further research using clinical data for a longer follow-up period could confirm and identify trends in psychotropics use in Greece.
Ceftriaxone-induced severe hemolytic anemia, renal calculi, and cholecystolithiasis in a 3-year-old child: a case report and literature review
Authors: Tao Enfu , Zhou Huangjia , Zheng Meili , Zhao Yisha , Zhou Junfen , Yuan Junhui , Yuan Tianming , Zheng Changhua
Published: March 2024

Ceftriaxone is widely used in pediatric outpatient care for its efficacy against respiratory and digestive system infections, yet its increasing association with severe immune hemolytic reactions requires heightened vigilance from pediatricians. This report details a rare and severe case of ceftriaxone-induced severe immune hemolytic anemia (IHA), hemolytic crisis, myocardial injury, liver injury, renal calculi, and cholecystolithiasis in a previously healthy 3-year-old child. The child, treated for bronchitis, experienced sudden pallor, limb stiffness, and altered consciousness following the fifth day of ceftriaxone infusion, with hemoglobin (Hb) levels precipitously dropping to 21 g/L. Immediate cessation of ceftriaxone and the administration of oxygen therapy, blood transfusion, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and corticosteroids led to a gradual recovery. Despite initial improvements, the patient’s condition necessitated extensive hospital care due to complications including myocardial injury, liver injury, renal calculi, and cholecystolithiasis. After a 12-day hospital stay and a 3-month follow-up, the child showed complete normalization of Hb and liver function and resolution of calculi. In children, ceftriaxone infusion may trigger severe, potentially fatal, hemolytic reactions. Pediatricians must promptly recognize symptoms such as pallor, limb stiffness, and unresponsiveness, indicative of ceftriaxone-induced severe IHA, and immediately discontinue the drug. Effective management includes timely blood transfusion, respiratory support, IVIG administration, and corticosteroids when necessary, along with rigorous vital signs monitoring. Continued vigilance is imperative, even after cessation of ceftriaxone, to promptly address any residual adverse effects.
Post-marketing safety evaluation of lurbinectedin: a pharmacovigilance analysis based on the FAERS database
Authors: Li Zhao , Guo Changying , Liu Xingfei , Qiu Zhengzhou , Zhang Ruilin
Published: March 2024

Background: On 15 June 2020, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lurbinectedin for treating adult patients with metastatic small-cell lung cancer whose disease has progressed despite prior platinum-based chemotherapy. Following its market approval, safety data on lurbinectedin in large populations is currently lacking. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate adverse events (AEs) associated with lurbinectedin using the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)database.

Methods: Data concerning lurbinectedin from the FAERS database were extracted for the period from June 2020 to September 2023. Four disproportionality analysis algorithms were utilized to assess potential AEs linked to lurbinectedin: reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio, disproportionate multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker, and Bayesian confidence propagation neural network. These algorithms were applied to quantify signals of lurbinectedin-related AEs.

Result: A total of 5,801,535 AE reports were retrieved from the FAERS database, with 511 related to lurbinectedin. These lurbinectedin-induced AEs were observed in 23 system organ classes (SOCs). After simultaneously applying the four algorithms, 47 lurbinectedin-induced AE signals were detected in 23 SOCs. At the SOC level, blood and lymphatic system disorders (ROR, 6.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.47–8.22) were the only SOC that met all four algorithms. Lurbinectedin’s most frequent adverse event was death (ROR: 6.11%, 95% CI: 4.86–7.68), while extravasation exhibited the strongest signal intensity in the ROR algorithm (ROR: 326.37%, 95% CI: 191.66–555.75). Notably, we identified a novel signals: tumor lysis syndrome (ROR: 63.22%, 95% CI: 33.87–117.99). The mean time of onset of AEs was 66 days, the median time of onset was 25 days (interquartile range: 8–64 days), and most AEs occurred within the first month of lurbinectedin treatment.

Conclusion: Our study provided a comprehensive evaluation of lurbinectedin’s safety profile in the post-marketing setting. In addition to the adverse events consistent with the existing clinical trials and labeling information, we have also identified an unreported signal related to tumor lysis syndrome. This finding will better guide the clinical practice of lurbinectedin and provide valuable evidence for future research.
Theoretical investigation of the Co-occurrence of superconductivity and antiferromagnetism in iron-based high-temperature superconductors
Authors: Sherka Gebru Tesfaye , Shiferaw Dagne Atnafu
Published: March 2024

In this research work, the Co-occurrence of superconductivity and antiferromagnetism in Ca0.74 1 La0.26 1 Fe1−xCox As2  iron-based high-temperature superconductors have been investigated. Based on the multi-band nature of Ca0.74 1 La0.26 1 Fe1−xCox As2  iron-based superconductors, a two-band model Hamiltonian that contains intra- and inter-bands is developed. By employing the matrix form of the temperature-dependent Green’s function formalism with the two-band Hamiltonian, the mathematical expressions of superconducting transition temperature as functions of the superconducting order parameter and antiferromagnetism translational temperature as a function of the magnetic order parameter are obtained, respectively. The plotted graph of the superconducting and magnetic temperature as a function of the magnetic order parameter indicates a clear possibility of Co-occurrence of superconductivity and the antiferromagnetism order parameter in Ca0.74 1 La0.26 1 Fe1−xCox As2  iron-based superconductors in the range of magnetic order parameters between 2.3 meV and 6.07 meV, which is in good agreement with experimental observations. This research contributes to understanding the complex behavior of high-temperature superconductors and provides valuable technological applications for other fields.
Effect of saline irrigation and plant-based biostimulant application on fiber hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) growth and phytocannabinoid composition
Authors: Formisano Carmen , Fiorentino Nunzio , Di Mola Ida , Iaccarino Nunzia , Gargiulo Ernesto , Chianese Giuseppina
Published: March 2024

Phytocannabinoids represent the hallmark of the secondary metabolism of Cannabis sativa. The content of major phytocannabinoids is closely related to genetic variation as well as abiotic elicitors such as temperature, drought, and saline stress. The present study aims to evaluate hemp response to saline irrigation supplied as NaCl solutions with an electrical conductivity (EC) of 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 dS m-1 (S1, S2, and S3, respectively) compared to a tap water control (S0). In addition, the potential beneficial effect of a plant-based biostimulant (a legume protein hydrolysate) in mitigating the detrimental effects of saline irrigation on crop growth and phytocannabinoid composition was investigated. Sodium chloride saline irrigation significantly reduced biomass production only with S2 and S3 treatments, in accordance with an induced nutrient imbalance, as evidenced by the mineral profile of leaves. Multivariate analysis revealed that the phytocannabinoid composition, both in inflorescences and leaves, was affected by the salinity level of the irrigation water. Interestingly, higher salinity levels (S2-S3) resulted in the predominance of cannabidiol (CBD), compared to lower salinity ones (S0-S1). Plant growth and nitrogen uptake were significantly increased by the biostimulant application, with significant mitigation of the detrimental effect of saline irrigations.
Targeting imidazole-glycerol phosphate dehydratase in plants: novel approach for structural and functional studies, and inhibitor blueprinting
Authors: Witek Wojciech , Sliwiak Joanna , Rawski Michal , Ruszkowski Milosz
Published: March 2024

The histidine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) is targeted for herbicide design with preliminary success only regarding imidazole-glycerol phosphate dehydratase (IGPD, EC 4.2.1.19), or HISN5, as referred to in plants. HISN5 catalyzes the sixth step of the HBP, in which imidazole-glycerol phosphate (IGP) is dehydrated to imidazole-acetol phosphate. In this work, we present high-resolution cryoEM and crystal structures of Medicago truncatula HISN5 (MtHISN5) in complexes with an inactive IGP diastereoisomer and with various other ligands. MtHISN5 can serve as a new model for plant HISN5 structural studies, as it enables resolving protein-ligand interactions at high (2.2 Å) resolution using cryoEM. We identified ligand-binding hotspots and characterized the features of plant HISN5 enzymes in the context of the HISN5-targeted inhibitor design. Virtual screening performed against millions of small molecules not only revealed candidate molecules but also identified linkers for fragments that were experimentally confirmed to bind. Based on experimental and computational approaches, this study provides guidelines for designing symmetric HISN5 inhibitors that can reach two neighboring active sites. Finally, we conducted analyses of sequence similarity networks revealing that plant HISN5 enzymes derive from cyanobacteria. We also adopted a new approach to measure MtHISN5 enzymatic activity using isothermal titration calorimetry and enzymatically synthesized IGP.
Auxin production and plant growth promotion by Microbacterium albopurpureum sp. nov. from the rhizoplane of leafless Chiloschista parishii Seidenf. orchid
Authors: Tsavkelova Elena A. , Volynchikova Elena A. , Potekhina Natalia V. , Lavrov Konstantin V. , Avtukh Alexander N.
Published: March 2024

The strains of the genus Microbacterium, with more than 150 species, inhabit diverse environments; plant-associated bacteria reveal their plant growth-promoting activities due to a number of beneficial characteristics. Through the performance of diverse techniques and methods, including isolation of a novel Microbacterium strain from the aerial roots of leafless epiphytic orchid, Chiloschista parishii Seidenf., its morphological and biochemical characterization, chemotaxonomy, phylogenetic and genome analysis, as well as bioassays and estimation of its auxin production capacity, a novel strain of ET2T is described. Despite that it shared 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 99.79% with Microbacterium kunmingense JXJ CY 27-2T, so they formed a monophyletic group on phylogenetic trees, the two strains showed clear divergence of their genome sequences. The average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI) and digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values of ET2T differed greatly from phylogenetically close JXJ CY 27-2T. Based on the differences being below the threshold for species similarity, together with the unique chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain ET2T represents a novel species of the genus Microbacterium. Several genes, putatively involved in auxin biosynthesis were predicted. This strain revealed obvious plant growth-promoting activities, including diazotrophy and biosynthesis of tryptophan-dependent auxins (indole-3-acetic and indole-3-pyruvic acids). Microbial auxins directly stimulated the rhizogenesis, so that the ET2T-inoculated seeds of wheat, cucumber and garden cress showed evident promotion in their growth and development, both under optimal and under cold stress conditions. Based on phenotypic, chemotypic and genotypic evidences, the strain ET2T belongs to the genus Microbacterium, order Micrococcales, class Actinomycetes, and it represents a novel species, for which the name Microbacterium albopurpureum sp. nov. is proposed, with strain ET2T (VKPM Ac-2212, VKM Ас-2998) as the type strain.
Impact of drought stress on vitamin C and anthocyanin content in cultivated lettuces (Lactuca sativa L.) and wild relatives (Lactuca spp.)
Authors: Medina-Lozano Inés , Bertolín Juan Ramón , Díaz Aurora
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Lettuce production and quality could be seriously affected by the increasingly limited water resources.

Methods

The effect of drought on the content of two antioxidant compounds, vitamin C and anthocyanins, in five cultivated lettuces and two wild relatives was assessed for 2 years.

Results and discusion

In leaf samples, Lactuca wild species generally had a higher content of total vitamin C than the cultivated lettuces. In contrast, the commercial varieties usually contained more total anthocyanins than the wild species. Total vitamin C decreased with the drought stress in all accessions, commercial varieties, and lettuce wild relatives, with this tendency being consistent and reproducible across the 2 years. These differences were significant in the case of the green commercial varieties ‘Winter Crop’ (in 2020/2021) and ’Dolomiti G12’ (in 2021/2022) and very significant in the red commercial variety ’Red Sails’ (in 2020/2021). However, the only group in which the effect of drought was either significant or very significant in both years was the wild species, Lactuca homblei and Lactuca dregeana, and in the latter also in both tissues (leaf and stem) analyzed. Water stress resulted in an increase of the total anthocyanin content in the leaves from all the accessions, both red commercial varieties and wild relatives, in both years. The most significant enrichment and the only one being either significant or very significant in both years was observed in one of the wild relatives assayed (L. homblei). Stems (L. dregeana) contained more anthocyanins than leaves under control conditions, and it was exactly the opposite under drought. Changes in anthocyanins in the two tissues in response to drought stress were in opposite directions, increasing in leaves and decreasing in stems. This could suggest a translocation of anthocyanins as a first quick mechanism to cope with a severe lack of water. In conclusion, anthocyanins (unlike vitamin C) could play a role in the mechanisms deployed by the plant to tolerate drought stress. The wild species with a robust significant enrichment in anthocyanins as a response to drought (L. homblei) is a promising plant material to breed more resilient lettuces.
Uncovering the potential of evaluative conditioning in shaping attitudes toward sustainable product packaging
Authors: Leeuwis Nikki , van Bommel Tom , Tsakiris Manos , Alimardani Maryam
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The necessity to promote pro-environmental behavior change in individuals and society is increasingly evident. This study aimed to investigate the effect of evaluative conditioning on consumers’ perception of product packaging.

Methods

We first produced two stimulus sets: one including images of supermarket products with different packaging and the other containing affective images of healthy nature (positive) and climate change impact (negative). These images were then paired in an evaluative conditioning experiment where respondents were informed about the impact of product packaging.

Results

We found an effect of conditioning depending on the initial sustainability perception that participants had toward product packaging. Pairing products for which participants were uncertain about their sustainability with negative or positive affective images had a significant effect on the sustainable associations of the consumers in a negative or positive direction, respectively. However, the impact of conditioning on products that clearly had (un)sustainable packaging was not that strong.

Discussion

These results provide new tools and evidence to further investigate the power of evaluative conditioning in pro-environmental attitude and behavior change.
Relationship among some coordinative and dynamic strength capabilities and constructive and conceptual thinking among preschool-age children
Authors: Malambo Chipo , Klepačová Adéla , Brodská Kateřina , Clark Cain Craig Truman , Musálek Martin
Published: March 2024

Background

Existing research underscores the positive influence of consistent physical activity, fitness, and motor coordination on school-aged children’s cognitive and academic performance. However, a gap exists in fully understanding this relationship among preschoolers, a critical age group where the development of cognitive functions is significant. The study aims to expand upon existing evidence that connects motor and cognitive development by examining the correlation between specific motor coordination and physical fitness skills and the development of constructive and conceptual thinking in preschool-aged children.

Methods

Data from 56 children aged 4–5 years (mean age 4.5 ± 0.36y), comprising 30 girls and 26 boys, participated in this study. We assessed muscular strength (via standing long jump, wall toss test, flexibility), agility (4 × 5 m shuttle), cardiorespiratory fitness (20 m pacer test), and motor coordination (lateral jumping, platform shifting). Cognitive abilities were measured using the IDS-P.

Results

Linear regression models showed that significant predictors of constructive thinking scores were observed solely for flexibility (p = 0.02) and shifting platforms (p = 0.01). Notably, flexibility exhibited a negative relationship (β = −1.68). In the context of conceptual thinking, significant predictors (p < 0.05) included standing long jump (p = 0.01), jumping laterally (p = 0.005), shifting platforms (p = 0.001), throwing (p = 0.02).

Conclusion

Coordination-demanding activities seem to be related considerably to conceptual thinking in preschoolers. Integrating such motor activities into preschool curricula that demand cognitive engagement can positively influence the development of cognitive functions.
Exploring subgroups of acceptance prediction for e-mental health among psychotherapists-in-training: a latent class analysis
Authors: Staeck Robert , Stüble Miriam , Drüge Marie
Published: March 2024

Theoretical background

Research of E-Mental Health (EMH) interventions remains a much-studied topic, as does its acceptance in different professional groups as psychotherapists-in-training (PiT). Acceptance among clinicians may vary and depend on several factors, including the characteristics of different EMH services and applications. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the factors that predict acceptance of EMH among a sample of PiT using a latent class analysis. The study will 1) determine how many acceptance prediction classes can be distinguished and 2) describe classes and differences between classes based on their characteristics.

Methods

A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional online survey was conducted. N = 216 PiT (88.4% female) participated. In the study, participants were asked to rate their acceptance of EMH, as operationalized by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model, along with its predictors, perceived barriers, perceived advantages and additional facilitators. Indicator variables for the LCA were eight items measuring the UTAUT-predictors.

Results

Best model fit emerged for a two-class solution; the first class showed high levels on all UTAUT-predictors, the second class revealed moderate levels on the UTAUT-predictors.

Conclusion

This study was able to show that two classes of individuals can be identified based on the UTAUT-predictors. Differences between the classes regarding Performance Expectancy and Effort Expectancy were found. Interestingly, the two classes differed in theoretical orientation but not in age or gender. Latent class analysis could help to identify subgroups and possible starting points to foster acceptance of EMH.
An intersectionality framework for identifying relevant covariates in health equity research
Authors: Simkus Andrew , Holtz Kristen D. , Twombly Eric C.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Health equity research uses impact evaluations to estimate the effectiveness of new interventions that aim to mitigate health inequities. Health inequities are influenced by many experiential factors and failure of research to account for such experiential factors and their potential interactions may jeopardize findings and lead to promoted methods that may unintentionally sustain or even worsen the targeted health inequity. Thus, it is imperative that health equity impact evaluations identify and include variables related to the circumstances, conditions, and experiences of the sample being studied in analyses. In this review, we promote intersectionality as a conceptual framework for brainstorming important yet often overlooked covariates in health equity related impact evaluations.

Methods

We briefly review and define concepts and terminology relevant to health equity, then detail four domains of experiential factors that often intersect in ways that may obscure findings: Biological, Social, Environmental, and Economic.

Results

We provide examples of the framework’s application to lupus-related research and examples of covariates used in our own health equity impact evaluations with minority patients who have lupus.

Discussion

Applying an intersectionality framework during covariate selection is an important component to actualizing precision prevention. While we do not provide an exhaustive list, our aim is to provide a springboard for brainstorming meaningful covariates for health equity evaluation that may further help unveil sustainable solutions to persisting health inequities.
Study protocol: Project 2VIDA! SARS-CoV-2 vaccine intervention delivery for adults in Southern California
Authors: Skaathun Britt , Salgin Linda , Muñoz Fatima A. , Talavera Gregory A. , Smith Davey M. , Stockman Jamila K. , O’Bryan Sophie E. , Ramirez Daniel , James-Price Cynthia , Servin Argentina E.
Published: March 2024

Background

To date, the United States (US) leads the world in the number of infections and deaths due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality are staggering. Age-adjusted data show that AA and Latino individuals have had higher rates of death over most of the pandemic and during surges. Project 2VIDA! is community-based participatory research (CBPR) that was developed to address individual, social, and contextual factors related to access and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine among African American and Latino communities in Southern California. This paper describes the study protocol and overarching objectives.

Methods and design

Project 2VIDA! is a multilevel intervention that builds on the principals of CBPR and is designed to increase uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among African American and Latino individuals (≥16 years and older) in San Diego County. The intervention was developed with a working group comprised of representatives from community and academia and centers on targeted COVID-19 individual awareness and education, linkage to medical and supportive services, COVID-19 community outreach and health promotion and offering the COVID-19 vaccine through community pop-up clinics.

Discussion

Findings from 2VIDA! will provide data on the impact, feasibility, and acceptability of the intervention which are all crucial for the adaptation, refinement, and improvement of vaccine outreach interventions for COVID-19 and other vaccine preventable infectious diseases that severely impact African American and Latino communities.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05022472?term=Project+2VIDA&draw=2&rank=1, NCT05022472.
Effects of message framing and risk perception on health communication for optimum cardiovascular disease primary prevention: a protocol for a multicenter randomized controlled study
Authors: Guo Zhiting , Wu Qunhua , Wang Xiaomei , Dai Yuehua , Ma Yajun , Qiu YunJing , Zhang Yuping , Wang Xuyang , Jin Jingfen
Published: March 2024

Background

Although several guidelines for cardiovascular disease (CVD) management have highlighted the significance of primary prevention, the execution and adherence to lifestyle modifications and preventive medication interventions are insufficient in everyday clinical practice. The utilization of effective risk communication can assist individuals in shaping their perception of CVD risk, motivating them to make lifestyle changes, and increasing their willingness to engage with preventive medication, ultimately reducing their CVD risks and potential future events. However, there is limited evidence available regarding the optimal format and content of CVD risk communication.

Objective

The pilot study aims to elucidate the most effective risk communication strategy, utilizing message framing (gain-framed, loss-framed, or no-framed), for distinct subgroups of risk perception (under-perceived, over-perceived, and correctly-perceived CVD risk) through a multi-center randomized controlled trial design.

Methods

A multi-center 3 × 3 factorial, observer-blinded experimental design was conducted. The participants will be assigned into three message-framing arms randomly in a 1:1:1 ratio and will receive an 8-week intervention online. Participants are aged 20–80 years old and have a 10-year risk of absolute CVD risk of at least 5% (moderate risk or above). We plan to enroll 240 participants based on the sample calculation. The primary outcome is the CVD prevention behaviors and CVD absolute risk value. Data collection will occur at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up.

Discussion

This experimental study will expect to determine the optimal matching strategy between risk perception subgroups and risk information format, and it has the potential to offer health providers in community or clinic settings a dependable and efficient health communication information template for conducting CVD risk management.

Clinical trial registration: https://www.chictr.org.cn/bin/project/edit?pid=207811, ChiCTR2300076337.
Effects of dexamethasone and IGF-1 on post-traumatic osteoarthritis-like catabolic changes in a human cartilage-bone-synovium microphysiological system in space and ground control tissues on earth
Authors: Dwivedi Garima , Flaman Lisa , Alaybeyoglu Begum , Frank Eliot H. , Black Rebecca M. , Fite Jordan , Scherzer Chris , Barton Ken , Luyster Elizabeth , Thomas Nathan , Boland Eugene , Krishnan Yamini , Hung Han-Hwa , Chubinskaya Susan , Trippel Stephen B. , Geishecker Emily , Rosen Vicki , Önnerfjord Patrik , Cirit Murat , Grodzinsky Alan J.
Published: March 2024

Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis (PTOA) results from traumatic joint injuries (such as an ACL rupture). Mechanical impact and an immediate synovial inflammatory response can result in joint tissue degradation and longer-term progression to PTOA. Astronauts are susceptible to increased exercise-related joint injuries leading to altered musculoskeletal physiology, further escalated due to microgravity and increased exposure to ionizing radiation. We applied a human Cartilage-Bone-Synovium (CBS) coculture model to test the potential of low-dose dexamethasone (Dex) and IGF-1 in ameliorating PTOA-like degeneration on Earth and the International Space Station-National Laboratory (ISS-NL, ISS for short). CBS cocultures were established using osteochondral plugs (CB) subjected to compressive impact injury (INJ) followed by coculture with synovium (S) explants. Study groups consisted of control (CB); disease [CBS + INJ]; treatment [CBS + INJ + Dex + IGF-1]; and drug-safety [CB + Dex + IGF-1]. Outcome measures included cell viability, altered matrix glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and collagens, multiplex-ELISA quantification of released cytokines, histopathology, and metabolomic and proteomic analyses of spent media. A 21-day study on ISS-NL explored PTOA-like pathogenesis and treatment in microgravity. Tissue cards for study groups were cultured in custom-built culture chambers within multi-use variable-g platforms (MVPs). A marked upregulation in the release of inflammatory cytokines and tissue-GAG loss was observed in CBS + INJ groups in space and ground controls utilizing tissues from the same donors, similar to that reported in a previous multi-donor study on Earth; these changes were partly ameliorated by Dex + IGF-1, but with donor variability. Metabolomic and proteomic analyses revealed an array of distinct differences between metabolites/proteins released to the medium in Space versus on Earth.
Deciphering the interplay between tectonic and climatic forces on hydrologic connectivity in the evolving landscapes
Authors: Han Kyungdoe , Wilson John L.
Published: March 2024

The intricate interplay between climate and tectonics profoundly shapes landscapes over time frames surpassing 10 million years. Active tectonic processes and climatic shifts unsettle established drainage systems, instigating fragmentation or amalgamation of watersheds. These activities yield substantial transformation in surface hydrologic connectivity, thereby underlining the profound influence of these tectonic and climatic forces on the evolution of both landscape and hydrology. Such transformations within the hydrological landscape have direct implications for the evolution of aquatic species. As connections among aquatic habitats undergo reconfiguration, they incite shifts in species distribution and adaptive responses. These findings underscore the role of tectonics and climate in not only sculpting the physical landscape but also steering the course of biological evolution within these dynamically changing aquatic ecosystems relying on hydrologic connections. Despite the significance of these interactions, scholarly literature seldom examines alterations in hydrologic connectivity over tectonic, or orogen-scale, timescales. This study aims to bridge this gap, exploring changes in hydrologic connectivity over extended periods by simulating a continental rift system akin to the Rio Grande Rift, USA, subject to various tectonoclimatic scenarios. Multiple rift basins hosting large lakes, brought into existence by active tectonic extension, are further molded by tectonic extension and post-rift climatic changes. The study focuses on phenomena such as interbasin river breakthroughs and knickpoint generation, assembling a time-series of connectivity metrics based on stream network characteristics such as flow rate, flow distance, and captured drainage areas. We anticipate that the insights gleaned from this study will enhance our comprehension of the enduring impact of tectonic and climate processes on hydrologic connectivity and the subsequent evolution of aquatic species.