bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights from pharmacovigilance and pharmacodynamics on cardiovascular safety signals of NSAIDs
Authors: Liang Shuang , Wang Xianying , Zhu Xiuqing
Published: September 2024

Background and Aim

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation. Concerns regarding their cardiovascular safety have been raised. However, the underlying mechanism behind these events remains unknown. We aim to investigate the cardiovascular safety signals and receptor mechanisms of NSAIDs, employing a comprehensive approach that integrates pharmacovigilance and pharmacodynamics.

Methods

This study utilized a pharmacovigilance-pharmacodynamic approach to evaluate the cardiovascular safety of NSAIDs and explore potential receptor mechanisms involved. Data were analyzed using the OpenVigil 2.1 web application, which grants access to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, in conjunction with the BindingDB database, which provides target information on the pharmacodynamic properties of NSAIDs. Disproportionality analysis employing the Empirical Bayes Geometric Mean (EBGM) and Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) methods was conducted to identify signals for reporting cardiovascular-related adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with 13 NSAIDs. This analysis encompassed three System Organ Classes (SOCs) associated with the cardiovascular system: blood and lymphatic system disorders, cardiac disorders, and vascular disorders. The primary targets were identified through the receptor-NSAID interaction network. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models explored the relationship between pharmacovigilance signals and receptor occupancy rate.

Results

A total of 201,231 reports of cardiovascular-related ADEs were identified among the 13 NSAIDs. Dizziness, anemia, and hypertension were the most frequently reported Preferred Terms (PTs). Overall, nimesulide and parecoxib exhibited the strongest signal strengths of ADEs at SOC levels related to the cardiovascular system. On the other hand, our data presented naproxen and diclofenac as drugs of comparatively low signal strength. Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) were identified as central targets. OLS regression analysis revealed that the normalized occupancy rate for either COX-1 or COX-2 was significantly inversely correlated with the log-transformed signal measures for blood and lymphatic system disorders and vascular disorders, and positively correlated with cardiac disorders and vascular disorders, respectively. This suggests that higher COX-2 receptor occupancy is associated with an increased cardiovascular risk from NSAIDs.

Conclusion

Cardiovascular safety of NSAIDs may depend on pharmacodynamic properties, specifically, the percentage of the occupied cyclooxygenase isoenzymes. More studies are needed to explore these relations and improve the prescription process.
Heavy users fail to fall into filter bubbles: evidence from a Chinese online video platform
Authors: Fu Chenbo , Che Qiushun , Li Zhanghao , Yuan Fengyan , Min Yong
Published: September 2024

Accelerated by technological advancements, while online platforms equipped with recommendation algorithms offer convenience to obtain information, it also brought algorithm bias, shaping the norms and behaviors of their users. The filter bubble, conceived as a negative consequence of algorithm bias, means the reduction of the diversity of users’ information consumption, garnering extensive attention. Previous research on filter bubbles typically used users’ self-reported or behavioral data independently. However, existing studies have disputed whether filter bubbles exist on the platform, possibly owing to variations in measurement methods. In our study, we took content category diversity to measure the filter bubbles and innovatively used a combination of participants’ self-reported and website behavioral data, examining filter bubbles on a single online video platform (Bilibili). We conducted a questionnaire survey among 337 college students and collected 3,22,324 browsing records with their informed authorization, constituting the dataset for research analysis. The existence of filter bubbles on Bilibli is found, such that diversity will decrease when viewing Game videos increases. Furthermore, we considered the factors that influence filter bubbles from the perspective of demographics and user behavior. In demographics, female and non-member users are more likely to be trapped in filter bubbles. In user behavior, results of feature importance analysis indicate that the diversity of information consumption of heavy users is higher than others, and both activity and fragmentation have an impact on the formation of filter bubbles, but in different directions. Finally, we discuss the reasons for these results and a theoretical explanation that the filter bubbles effect may be lower than we thought for both heavy and normal users on online platforms. Our conclusions provide valuable insights for understanding filter bubbles and platform management.
Peritoneal fibrosis: from pathophysiological mechanism to medicine
Authors: Kang Yingxi , Liu Yuan , Fu Ping , Ma Liang
Published: September 2024

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is currently one of the effective methods for treating end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, long-term exposure to high concentration glucose in peritoneal dialysis environment could lead to peritoneal fibrosis (PF), impaired peritoneal filtration function, decreased peritoneal dialysis efficiency, and even withdrawal from peritoneal dialysis in patients. Considerable evidence suggests that peritoneal fibrosis after peritoneal dialysis is related to crucial factors such as mesothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (MMT), inflammatory response, and angiogenesis, etc. In our review, we summarize the pathophysiological mechanisms and further illustrate the future strategies against PF.
Haploid induction: an overview of parental factor manipulation during seed formation
Authors: Song Jingpu , Datla Raju , Zou Jitao , Xiang Daoquan
Published: September 2024

In plants, in vivo haploid induction has gained increasing attention for its significant potential applications in crop breeding and genetic research. This strategy reduces the chromosome number in progeny after fertilization, enabling the rapid production of homozygous plants through double haploidization, contrasting with traditional inbreeding over successive generations. Haploidy typically initiates at the onset of seed development, with several key genes identified as paternal or maternal factors that play critical roles during meiosis, fertilization, gamete communication, and chromosome integrity maintenance. The insights gained have led to the development of efficient haploid inducer lines. However, the molecular and genetic mechanisms underlying these factors vary considerably, making it challenging to create broadly applicable haploidy induction systems for plants. In this minireview, we summarize recent discoveries and advances in paternal and maternal haploid induction factors, examining their current understanding and functionalities to further develop efficient haploid inducer systems through the application of parental factor manipulation.
Conservation genomic study of Hopea hainanensis (Dipterocarpaceae), an endangered tree with extremely small populations on Hainan Island, China
Authors: Tang Liang , Long Jun-qiao , Wang Hai-ying , Rao Chao-kang , Long Wen-xing , Yan Li , Liu Yong-bo
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Hopea hainanensis Merrill & Chun is considered a keystone and indicator species in the tropical lowland rainforests of Hainan Island. Owing to its high-quality timber, H. hainanensis has been heavily exploited, leading to its classification as a first-class national protected plant in China and a plant species with extremely small populations (PSESPs).

Methods

This study analyzed genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms obtained through restriction site-associated DNA sequencing from 78 adult trees across 10 H. hainanensis populations on Hainan Island.

Results and discussion

The nucleotide diversity of the sampled populations ranged from 0.00096 to 0.00138, which is lower than that observed in several other PSESPs and endangered tree species. Bayesian unsupervised clustering, principal component analysis, and neighbor-joining tree reconstruction identified three to five genetic clusters in H. hainanensis, most of which were geographically widespread and shared by multiple populations. Demographic history analysis based on pooled samples indicated that the decline in the H. hainanensis population began approximately 20,000 years ago, starting from an ancestral population size of approximately 10,000 individuals. The reduction in population size accelerated approximately 4,000 years ago and has continued to the present, resulting in a severely reduced population on Hainan Island. Intensified genetic drift in small and isolated H. hainanensis populations may contribute to moderate differentiation between some of them, as revealed by pairwise Fst. In conclusion, our conservation genomic study confirms a severe population decline and an extremely low level of nucleotide variation in H. hainanensis on Hainan Island. These findings provide critical insights for the sustainable management and genetic restoration of H. hainanensis on Hainan Island.
Development of a rapid and fruit-saving method for fatty acid composition analysis in olive: a comparative study on 27 cultivars
Authors: Rizzo Marianna , Godino Gianluca , Perri Enzo , Zelasco Samanta , Lombardo Luca
Published: September 2024

Fatty acid composition is an essential aspect of the qualitative assessment of olive oil. A method for evaluating and trending fatty acid composition of olive varieties directly from a limited amount of drupes, has been proven reliable in comparison with traditional oil analysis. No significant difference was detected between the two methods for the 27 cultivars tested, despite presenting decidedly different acid compositions. The results obtained, crossed with those of oil yield, can represent a useful resource to set the harvest calendars by choosing the most suitable time for the production of superior quality oils and for reducing the risk of pathogen infections or pest attack. For three cultivars, the acid composition was evaluated during three ripening phases (green, veraisoned and veraisoned to black). The different behaviors suggest it is the genotype that determines this -still little known- physiological trait in olive. An interesting finding was that the oils from drupes harvested in August showed linolenic acid values higher than the limit (1.00%) set in the international standards for the classification of olive oils, requesting further investigation.
A comparison of the physical activity levels of 3-to-6-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder and children with typical development
Authors: Wang Jing , Yao Jiaxin , He Yingli
Published: September 2024

Background

Physical activity during early development is closely related to health. Differences in physical activity between young children with autism spectrum disorder and those with typical development are unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare the physical activity levels in children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing children from the same area, including their sedentary physical activity, light physical activity, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, and number of days in which the moderate-to-vigorous physical activity guideline recommendation of 60 min per day was met.

Methods

A total of 77 participants aged 3–6 years were included: 41 children with autism spectrum disorder (mean age = 61.41 ± 10.69 months) and 36 children with typical development (mean age = 60.36 ± 10.16 months). The physical activity of the children was measured using an ActiGraph GT3x accelerometer.

Results

There were no significant differences in daily sedentary physical activity (439.70 ± 54.98 vs. 450.42 ± 53.67) or moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (46.62 ± 18.93 vs. 47.47 ± 18.26) between the two groups. The average daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity of the two groups did not reach 60 min, and they had similar proportions of participants who reached 60 min a given number of times (24.4% vs. 25%). Daily light physical activity was significantly higher in the autism spectrum disorder group (263.96 ± 43.17 vs. 242.32 ± 37.91, p < 0.05). The moderate-to-vigorous physical activity of both groups was similar and lower than the recommended minimum physical activity.

Conclusion

Targeted interventions should be considered in early intervention programs for children with autism spectrum disorder to increase their moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
Health-promoting lifestyle behaviors and its association with sociodemographic characteristics in hospital clinical staff
Authors: Moghimi Alireza , Saberi Isfeedvajani Mohsen , Javanbakht Mohammad , Khedmat Leila
Published: September 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine hospital clinical staff’ health-promoting lifestyle behaviors, and explore associations between nurse demographic factors and lifestyle behaviors.

Methods

This cross-sectional investigation focused on the clinical personnel employed at hospitals associated with Baqiyatullah University. A sample of 341 clinical staff of hospitals was collected using convenience sampling. In this study, the questionnaire of Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) was used to assess health-promoting behaviors.

Results

In the present study, the mean HPLP score was 131 ± 23. The score of health-promoting behaviors was significantly higher in the nursing major (p = 0.029). Also, a difference was found between the major and the subscales of health responsibility (p = 0.000), stress management (p = 0.004), physical activity (p = 0.004) and nutrition (p = 0.001). The score of health responsibility, stress management, physical activity and nutrition subscales was higher in nursing. There was a significant relationship between education and stress management (p = 0.033) and physical activity subscales (p = 0.001). The physical activity score was also higher in individuals with master’s and doctoral degrees, and the stress management score was higher in participants with master’s degrees. Based on the findings presented herein, age (p = 0.001) and gender (p = 0.016) were associated with the nutrition subscale, and the nutrition score was higher in the age group of over 30 years and in women. Additionally, a significant relationship was observed between marriage and the subscales of spiritual growth (p = 0.013) and nutrition (p = 0.024), and the score of spiritual growth, and nutrition was higher in married people. There was a significant relationship between job and health responsibility (p = 0.013) and nutrition (p = 0.022), and the score of health responsibility and nutrition score was found to be higher in nurses.

Conclusion

Health-promoting behaviors of hospital employees are at an average level and are related to the educational levels of the employees, so these behaviors are more in nurses, while this relationship was not present in physicians. These findings may be helpful in providing recommendations for developing healthy lifestyle programs for clinical staff aimed at promoting health behaviors.
Status and analysis of undetected plague cases in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Su Chao , Duan Biao , Duan Qun , He Zhaokai , Sha Hanyu , Liang Yun , Pu Ennian , Qin Shuai , Duan Ran , Lyu Dongyue , Li Wenbao , Tang Deming , Zhang Peng , Xiao Meng , Xia Lianxu , Jing Huaiqi , Wang Xin , Gao Zihou , Kan Biao
Published: September 2024

Background

The virulence of Yersinia pestis strains in the Rattus flavipectus plague focus is relatively low. The purpose of this study was to investigate the undetected, sporadic plague cases in plague foci and provide the basis for plague prevention and control.

Methods

A 3-year-old plague-confirmed case was investigated in the R. flavipectus plague focus of Yunnan Province in 2020 due to the intensive screening for fever symptoms during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Epidemiological investigation, laboratory testing, and clinical treatment were conducted for the case. The expanded survey was carried out around the case within a 7-km radius, including the resident population, domesticated dogs, and rats. PCR and indirect hemagglutination tests were performed on the collected samples.

Results

The isolation rates of Y. pestis were 100.0% (7 out of 7) in dead rats and 4.00% (3 out of 75) in live rats in the survey area of the foci. A total of 5.00% (6 out of 120) of the domesticated dogs were F1 antibody positive. Nine local people were determined for plague infection recently (0.92%, 9 out of 978). The locations of human cases coincided with the Y. pestis epidemic area among the animals.

Conclusion

This study discovered the existence of plague cases that had not been detected by routine surveillance in the R. flavipectus plague focus, and the actual epidemic of human infection may be underestimated.
The chain mediating role of family health and physical activity in the relationship between life satisfaction and health-promoting lifestyles among young adults in China
Authors: Liu ZhaoZhi , Huang Li , Tian HaoDong , Liu HaoWei , Luo HaoYue , Tao YunFei , Peng Li
Published: September 2024

Background

Unhealthy lifestyles during adolescence are significant factors leading to chronic diseases in the future. Enhancing health-promoting lifestyles among young adults in China is crucial for preventing and reducing the risk factors of chronic diseases.

Objective

This study aims to explore the relationships between life satisfaction, family health, physical activity, and health-promoting lifestyles among young adults in China. It also seeks to confirm the chain mediation role of family health and physical activity in the influence of life satisfaction on health-promoting lifestyles in this population.

Methods

This study, conducted from August 2023 to November 2023, employed a random sampling method to recruit young adult participants aged 18–40 in the southwestern region of China. Variables were measured using the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Family Health Scale-Short Form (FHS-SF), the Physical Activity Rating Scale-3 (PARS-3), and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II Revised (HPLP-IIR). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 and the PROCESS macro version 4.1.

Results

The results indicated that life satisfaction was positively correlated with family health (r = 0.225), physical activity (r = 0.245), and health-promoting lifestyles (r = 0.506). Family health was positively correlated with physical activity (r = 0.320) and health-promoting lifestyles (r = 0.312). Physical activity was positively correlated with health-promoting lifestyles (r = 0.429). Additionally, life satisfaction could influence health-promoting lifestyles directly (effect = 0.369) and through three mediation pathways: (a) family health (effect = 0.033); (b) physical activity (effect = 0.050); (c) family health and physical activity (effect = 0.020).

Conclusion

This study supports the mediating role of family health and physical activity in the influence of life satisfaction on health behaviors among young adults in China. Therefore, we recommend that future public health initiatives place greater emphasis on family health and create conditions that facilitate physical activity for this group. This could be an important direction for further enhancing health-promoting lifestyles among young adults in China.
Quantification of tumour-infiltrating immune cells through deconvolution of DNA methylation data in Ewing sarcomas
Authors: Patrizi Sara , Vallese Silvia , Pedace Lucia , Nardini Claudia , Stracuzzi Alessandra , Barresi Sabina , Giovannoni Isabella , Abballe Luana , Antonacci Celeste , Russo Ida , Di Giannatale Angela , Alaggio Rita , Locatelli Franco , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Miele Evelina
Published: September 2024

Ewing Sarcomas (EWS, OMIM#612219) presents a major challenge in pediatric oncology due to its aggressive nature and poor prognosis, particularly in metastatic cases. Genetic fusions involving the EWSR1 gene and ETS family transcription factors are common in EWS, though other rarer fusions have also been identified. Current standard techniques like immunohistochemistry have failed to fully characterize the immune tumor microenvironment of EWS, hindering insights into tumor development and treatment strategies. Recent efforts apply gene expression datasets to quantify tumor-infiltrating immune cells in EWS. Similar deconvolution techniques can be also applied to DNA methylation (DNAm) arrays, which are much more stable compared to RNA-based methods. This study aims to characterize immune cell infiltration in EWS using DNAm array data. We collected 32 EWS samples from 32 consecutive patients referred to Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital. DNAm analysis was performed by EPIC arrays; data loading, normalization, deconvolution and survival analysis were then performed in R programming environment. We observed a higher content of dendritic cells and longer overall survival in samples with EWSR1::FLI1 translocation compared to samples with rarer fusions. Moreover, T-memory lymphocytes and monocytes emerged as a significant predictor of overall survival. This study underscores the potential of DNAm arrays in providing robust insights into EWS immune profiles, offering a promising avenue for future research. Further investigations with larger cohorts are warranted to validate these findings and explore additional immune cell types influencing EWS outcomes.
Strategic insights from a Delphi study: enhancing employment for multiply marginalized people with disabilities
Authors: Goddard Kelsey S. , Kurth Noelle K. , Hall Jean P. , Koon Lyndsie M. , Moore Corey L. , Dentleegrand Kacie R.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The employment landscape for multiply marginalized people with disabilities presents significant challenges, exacerbated by intersecting identities such as race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, poverty, and geography. Recent studies highlight the compounded employment disparities faced by this group, including discriminatory hiring practices, inadequate accommodations, and uneven gains in employment during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Methods

Our study employed a three-round Delphi process with 20 diverse experts across 14 states across the United States (U.S.) to formulate recommendations for improving employment experiences for multiply marginalized people with disabilities. The panel's insights were gathered through surveys administered online, with each round designed to refine the collective recommendations. This iterative process aimed to build a consensus on the most effective policy and practice recommendations for improving employment outcomes within this population.

Results

The Delphi study identified key areas for strategic focus, including emergency preparedness, education and training, transportation, assistive technology, workplace accommodations, and combating discrimination and stigma. Notable recommendations included improving emergency preparedness training, enhancing employment education, increasing funding for accessible transportation and assistive technology, and promoting inclusive hiring practices. The study also emphasized the need for policies supporting telework and simplifying disability-related benefits.

Discussion

The findings highlight the critical role of tailored strategies to address employment challenges faced by people with disabilities from marginalized communities. Meaningfully and fully implementing these recommendations would create a more inclusive environment that improves employment outcomes for multiply marginalized people with disabilities.
Increasing presence via a more immersive VR system increases virtual reality analgesia and draws more attention into virtual reality in a randomized crossover study
Authors: Hoffman Hunter G. , Seibel Clayton C. , Coron Lyla , Simons Laura E. , Drever Sydney , Le May Sylvie , Mason Keira P. , Flor Herta
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Researchers frequently speculate that Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) diminishes pain by reducing how much attention is available to process nociceptive signals, but attention has rarely been measured in VR analgesia studies.

Methods

The current study measured how much attention VR uses. Using a repeated measures crossover design, 72 college students (mean = 19 year old) gave pain ratings (0–10 GRS scale) during brief painful but safe and tolerable heat stimulations during No VR, vs. immersive VR vs. semi-immersive VR (treatment order randomized).

Results

Compared to semi-immersive VR, during immersive VR, participants reported a significant 25% drop in pain intensity, and a significant 23% increase in fun during the pain stimulus, (p < .001 for each measure).

Discussion

As predicted by an attention mechanism for how VR reduces pain (the distraction hypothesis), participants made significantly more mistakes on an attention-demanding odd-number divided-attention task during the immersive VR condition than during the less immersive VR condition. Secondary analyses also showed that immersive VR was still effective at higher pain intensity levels, and was widely effective regardless of gender, race, or participant’s tendency to catastrophize.
How Can Satellites Help Us Find Plants That Use Groundwater?
Authors: El-Hokayem Léonard , De Vita Pantaleone , Lindau Anne-Kathrin , Conrad Christopher
Published: September 2024

Plants need water to survive, but what about plants living in places where it does not rain much? Some of these special plants send their roots down into the Earth to find water deep underground, which is called groundwater. But there is a problem: we do not know exactly where these plants are growing. Our mission? To create a new map to find and protect these incredible plants in regions with a Mediterranean climate. We used data from satellites and environment maps to uncover the best places for groundwater plants to grow in these areas. Then we developed rules to guide us, for example: “Plants that are green even when there is no rain” and “Plant roots that tap into the groundwater”. The rules helped us to create a map showing where these special plants might live. Guess what? Areas near the coast and along rivers are their favorite spots.
Effect of A PLC-Based Drinkers for Fattening Pigs on Reducing Drinking Water Consumption, Wastage and Pollution
Authors: Liu Jiayao , Wang Hao , Pan Xuemin , Yu Zhou , Tang Mingfeng , Zeng Yaqiong , Qi Renli , Liu Zuohua
Published: September 2024

In this study, we propose an intelligent drinking water controller based on programmable logic controller (PLC) specifically designed for pig breeding, which significantly reduces the water waste caused by the use of traditional drinking bowls by regulating the frequency and flow of water release. In addition, the drinking water system has a tracking and recording function, which can record the frequency and duration with which fattening pigs drink water in each pen in detail, thus providing farmers with a wealth of pig health and behavior data to help optimize breeding management decisions. In order to deeply analyze the effects of the intelligent drinking water controller on the growth, resources environment and economic benefits of fattening pigs under the condition of large-scale breeding, a single factor comparison experiment was designed.In this experiment, 84 fattening pigs were selected and distributed in 12 pens. Among them, six pens were randomly designated as the control group;the pig in this group used ordinary drinking water bowls for the water supply. The other six pens were designated as the experimental group;the pigs in this group used the intelligent drinking water controller. The experimental results showed that in the experimental group with the intelligent drinking water controller, the average daily water waste per finishing pig was only 0.186 L (p < 0.05), accounting for only 25.98% of the average daily water waste per pig in the control group (p < 0.05). In terms of water quality, the intelligent drinking water controller also showed better performance, and the performance indicators were effectively reduced, with the highest reduction reaching 39.86%, which greatly reduced water pollution. Compared with the traditional drinking bowl, the average daily weight increment of fattening pigs in the pen using the intelligent drinking water controller was increased by 0.02 kg. In terms of long-term benefits, the PLC-based intelligent drinking water controller significantly improves the economic returns of the farm and has a positive impact on pig health. The high frequency data collection of the pigs’ drinking habits through the intelligent drinking water controller can also provide data support for the subsequent establishment of a pig water-drinking behavior analysis model.
Effects of Continuous Cropping of Codonopsis pilosula on Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Community Structure and Metabolomics
Authors: Li Hailiang , Yang Yang , Lei Jiaxuan , Gou Wenkun , Crabbe M. James C. , Qi Peng
Published: September 2024

Codonopsis pilosula is an important medicinal plant in China. Continuous cropping of C. pilosula affects crop quality and yield. However, comprehensive research on the impacts of continuous cropping on soil properties, microbial community structures, and soil metabolites is lacking. This study involved collecting rhizosphere soil samples from C. pilosula monocropped for 1 to 4 years to analyze variations in soil properties, microbial community structure, and metabolites across different continuous-cropping years (CCYs) through metabolomic and microbiomic analyses. Significant variations in the soil properties were observed; total phosphorus (TP) and available potassium (AK) in the rhizosphere soil increased with the number of CCYs, and pH declined. The microbial community structure significantly changed with continuous cropping. Overall, the soil bacterial diversity decreased with increasing CCY. The abundances of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes significantly decreased with increasing CCY, whereas the abundance of Acidobacteria significantly increased. The fungal diversity tended to decrease, with an increase in the abundance of beneficial Basidiomycota and an increase in potentially pathogenic Rozellomycota. Metabolomic analysis revealed 101 metabolites and significant changes in lipid compounds, organic acids, phenols, and carbohydrates. Notably, autotoxic substances such as 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol accumulated with increasing CCY. The results indicated that the main factors causing continuous-cropping obstacles in C. pilosula were soil nutrient imbalance and autotoxic substance accumulation. Continuous cropping of C. pilosula significantly altered the microbial community structure and metabolomic profile of rhizosphere soils. Effective management practices are needed to mitigate soil acidification, nutrient imbalances, and autotoxic substance accumulation during continuous cropping. Future research should focus on integrated soil management strategies to maintain soil health and crop productivity in C. pilosula continuous-cropping systems.
Progress and Challenges: Implementation of the UK Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan 2019–2024 within the Beef Cattle Sub-Sector
Authors: Bennani Houda , Whatford Louise , Myers Jessica , Mays Nicholas , Glover Rebecca , Häsler Barbara
Published: September 2024

The five-year UK antimicrobial resistance (AMR) National Action Plan (NAP) was published in 2019 focusing on reducing the need for, and unintentional exposure to antimicrobials (AMs); optimising the use of AMs; and investing in innovation, supply and access of AMs. This study aimed to evaluate the progress made in the beef cattle sub-sector in addressing specific NAP commitments related to improving animal health and welfare and responsible antimicrobial use (AMU). A thematic analysis was conducted of 21 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from government organisations, farms, veterinary practices, levy boards and livestock associations. The findings indicate substantial progress, with various initiatives implemented targeting data collection, farmer and veterinarian engagement, and herd health planning. However, there remain a number of challenges and barriers that need to be addressed in order to assess the impacts of these initiatives, such as the availability of AMU and AMR data. Ensuring the adequacy of resources was found to be critical for the sustainability of effective initiatives, considering competing demands on people’s time. Additionally, the importance of other outcomes from these initiatives such as developing and strengthening the farmer–veterinarian relationship should not be underestimated since it is fundamental to successfully addressing issues such as AMR.
Exploring the Thioredoxin System as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer: Mechanisms and Implications
Authors: Seitz Rebecca , Tümen Deniz , Kunst Claudia , Heumann Phillip , Schmid Stephan , Kandulski Arne , Müller Martina , Gülow Karsten
Published: September 2024

Cells constantly face the challenge of managing oxidants. In aerobic organisms, oxygen (O2) is used for energy production, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts of enzymatic reactions. To protect against oxidative damage, cells possess an intricate system of redox scavengers and antioxidant enzymes, collectively forming the antioxidant defense system. This system maintains the redox equilibrium and enables the generation of localized oxidative signals that regulate essential cellular functions. One key component of this defense is the thioredoxin (Trx) system, which includes Trx, thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), and NADPH. The Trx system reverses oxidation of macromolecules and indirectly neutralizes ROS via peroxiredoxin (Prx). This dual function protects cells from damage accumulation and supports physiological cell signaling. However, the Trx system also shields tumors from oxidative damage, aiding their survival. Due to elevated ROS levels from their metabolism, tumors often rely on the Trx system. In addition, the Trx system regulates critical pathways such as proliferation and neoangiogenesis, which tumors exploit to enhance growth and optimize nutrient and oxygen supply. Consequently, the Trx system is a potential target for cancer therapy. The challenge lies in selectively targeting malignant cells without disrupting the redox equilibrium in healthy cells. The aim of this review article is threefold: first, to elucidate the function of the Trx system; second, to discuss the Trx system as a potential target for cancer therapies; and third, to present the possibilities for inhibiting key components of the Trx system, along with an overview of the latest clinical studies on these inhibitors.
Dietary Organic Zinc Supplementation Modifies the Oxidative Genes via RORγ and Epigenetic Regulations in the Ileum of Broiler Chickens Exposed to High-Temperature Stress
Authors: Adam Saber Y. , Muniyappan Madesh , Huang Hao , Ennab Wael , Liu Hao-Yu , Ahmed Abdelkareem A. , Sun Ming-an , Dessie Tadelle , Kim In Ho , Hu Yun , Luo Xugang , Cai Demin
Published: September 2024

Heat stress (HS) is a significant concern in broiler chickens, which is vital for global meat supply in the dynamic field of poultry farming. The impact of heat stress on the ileum and its influence on the redox homeostatic genes in chickens remains unclear. We hypothesized that adding zinc to the feed of heat-stressed broilers would improve their resilience to heat stress. However, this study aimed to explore the effects of organic zinc supplementation under HS conditions on broiler chickens’ intestinal histology and regulation of HS index genes. In this study, 512 Xueshan chickens were divided into four groups: vehicle, HS, 60 mg/kg zinc, and HS + 60 mg/kg zinc groups. Findings revealed that zinc supply positively increased the VH and VH: CD in the ileum of the broilers compared to the HS group, while CD and VW decreased in Zn and HS+Zn supplemented broilers. Zn administration significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and decreased the enzymatic activities of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the HS group. In addition, Zn administration significantly increased relative ATP, complex I, III, and V enzyme activity compared to the HS group. Furthermore, the expression of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), lactate transporter 3 (LPCAT3), peroxiredoxin (PRX), and transferrin receptor (TFRC) in the protein levels was extremely downregulated in HS+Zn compared to the HS group. Zn supply significantly decreased the enrichment of RORγ, P300, and SRC1 at target loci of ACSL4, LPCAT3, and PRX compared to the HS group. The occupancies of histone active marks H3K9ac, H3K18ac, H3K27ac, H3K4me1, and H3K18bhb at the locus of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were significantly decreased in HS+Zn compared to the HS group. Moreover, H3K9la and H3K18la at the locus of ACSL4 and LPCAT3 were significantly decreased in HS+Zn compared to the HS group. This study emphasizes that organic Zn is a potential strategy for modulating the oxidative genes ACSL4, LPCAT3, PRX, and TFRC in the ileum of chickens via nuclear receptor RORγ regulation and histone modifications.
The Multifaceted Aspects of Oxidative Stress in the Skin and Other Tissues
Authors: Speeckaert Reinhart , Speeckaert Marijn M. , van Geel Nanja
Published: September 2024

Different tissues experience various levels of oxidative stress based on their function and protection from outside environments [...]
Integration of EMU Overall Design Model Based on Ontology–Knowledge Collaboration
Authors: Wang Baomin , Huang Tingli , Zhou Lujie , Guan Lin , Wan Keyan
Published: September 2024

The whole train design of an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) involves multiple domains and scenarios, thus requiring comprehensive consideration of various factors during the design process. Traditional design methods often utilize text-based approaches to model systems; however, such documentation-based designs often suffer from semantic heterogeneity, inconsistent data sources, and also struggle to provide a more intuitive overview of the overall design process. To address these issues, this paper proposes a method based on ontology–knowledge collaborative drive to achieve integration of the overall EMU design. Firstly, we employ the System Modeling Language (SysML) to construct the Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) model of the EMU, establishing functional and physical architecture element models, with the EMU MBSE model serving as input. Subsequently, in the requirement model, architecture model, and traceability model, we utilize top-level ontology to construct the EMU ontology framework in a top-down manner. Lastly, leveraging the Neo4j database, we employ a knowledge graph (KG) approach to fill domain knowledge into each model in a bottom-up manner, thereby realizing the ontology–knowledge collaborative drive for the overall EMU design construction. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated using the EMU Passenger Information System (PIS) and Traction transformer System (TS) as examples.
The Potential of AI-Powered Face Enhancement Technologies in Face-Driven Orthodontic Treatment Planning
Authors: Tomášik Juraj , Zsoldos Márton , Majdáková Kristína , Fleischmann Alexander , Oravcová Ľubica , Sónak Ballová Dominika , Thurzo Andrej
Published: September 2024

Improving one’s appearance is one of the main reasons to undergo an orthodontic therapy. While occlusion is important, not just for long-term stability, aesthetics is often considered a key factor in patient’s satisfaction. Following recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), this study set out to investigate whether AI can help guide orthodontists in diagnosis and treatment planning. In this study, 25 male and 25 female faces were generated and consequently enhanced using FaceApp (ver. 11.10, FaceApp Technology Limited, Limassol, Cyprus), one of the many pictures transforming applications on the market. Both original and FaceApp-modified pictures were then assessed by 441 respondents regarding their attractiveness, and the pictures were further compared using a software for picture analyses. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square goodness of fit test R Studio Studio (ver. 4.1.1, R Core Team, Vienna, Austria) software and the level of statistical significance was set to 0.05. The interrater reliability was tested using Fleiss’ Kappa for m Raters. The results showed that in 49 out of 50 cases, the FaceApp-enhanced pictures were considered to be more attractive. Selected pictures were further analyzed using the graphical software GIMP. The most prominent changes were observed in lip fullness, eye size, and lower face height. The results suggest that AI-powered face enhancement could be a part of the diagnosis and treatment planning stages in orthodontics. These enhanced pictures could steer clinicians towards soft-tissue-oriented and personalized treatment planning, respecting patients’ wishes for improved face appearance.
Adaptive Clutter Intelligent Suppression Method Based on Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Cheng Yi , Su Junjie , Xiu Chunbo , Liu Jiaxin
Published: September 2024

In the complex clutter background, the clutter center frequency is not fixed, and the spectral width is wide, which leads to the performance degradation of the traditional adaptive clutter suppression method. Therefore, an adaptive clutter intelligent suppression method based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed. Each range cell to be detected is regarded as an independent intelligence (agent) in the proposed method. The clutter environment is interactively learned using a deep learning (DL) process, and the filter parameter optimization is positively motivated by the reinforcement learning (RL) process to achieve the best clutter suppression effect. The suppression performance of the proposed method is tested on simulated and real data. The experimental results indicate that the filter notch designed by the proposed method is highly matched with the clutter compared with the existing adaptive clutter suppression methods. While suppressing the clutter, it has a higher amplitude-frequency response to signals at non-clutter frequencies, thus reducing the loss of the target signal and maximizing the output signal-to-clutter and noise rate (SCNR).
An Adaptive Surrogate-Assisted Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Combining Effectively Global and Local Surrogate Models and Its Application
Authors: Qu Shaochun , Liu Fuguang , Cao Zijian
Published: September 2024

Numerous surrogate-assisted evolutionary algorithms have been proposed for expensive optimization problems. However, each surrogate model has its own characteristics and different applicable situations, which caused a serious challenge for model selection. To alleviate this challenge, this paper proposes an adaptive surrogate-assisted particle swarm optimization (ASAPSO) algorithm by effectively combining global and local surrogate models, which utilizes the uncertainty level of the current population state to evaluate the approximation ability of the surrogate model in its predictions. In ASAPSO, the transformation between local and global surrogate models is controlled by an adaptive Gaussian distribution parameter with a gauge of the advisability to improve the search process with better local exploration and diversity in uncertain solutions. Four expensive optimization benchmark functions and an airfoil aerodynamic real-world engineering optimization problem are utilized to validate the effectiveness and performance of ASAPSO. Experimental results demonstrate that ASAPSO has superiority in terms of solution accuracy compared with state-of-the-art algorithms.
Special Issue on Advances in Wood Processing Technology
Authors: Kučerka Martin , Očkajová Alena , Kminiak Richard
Published: September 2024

The primary goal of this Special Issue, “Advances in Wood Processing Technology”, was to showcase cutting-edge research and development in the field of wood-based materials [...]
Investigation of Yarrow Essential Oil Composition and Microencapsulation by Complex Coacervation Technology
Authors: Székely-Szentmiklósi István , Rédai Emőke Margit , Kovács Béla , Gergely Attila-Levente , Albert Csilla , Szabó Zoltán-István , Székely-Szentmiklósi Blanka , Sipos Emese
Published: September 2024

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L., AM) is a widely used medicinal plant, with its essential oil highly valued in the cosmetic industry. In view of the numerous biological effects, however, microencapsulation, due to its ability to protect sensitive constituents, transform liquids into solid-state material, and provide modification of release kinetics, might open up new possibilities for the biomedical utilization of yarrow essential oil (AMO). In the current work, yarrow plantation was established by its propagation from spontaneous flora. Following the steam distillation of aerial parts, the chemical composition of the essential oil was determined by GC-MS analysis and compared with two commercial samples. This study concludes that Achillea millefolium L. from this region, given the environmental conditions, produces high-azulene-content essential oil. Furthermore, microencapsulation of AMO was successfully performed by complex coacervation into gelatin (GE) and gum arabic (GA) based core–shell microcapsules (MCs). According to the optical microscopic investigation, the particle sizes of the formed polynucleated microcapsules ranged from 14 to 132 µm, with an average of 47 µm. The assessment of morphology by SEM analysis of the freeze-dried form revealed a sponge-like character with embedded circular structures. The microencapsulation was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), while an encapsulation efficiency of 87.6% was determined by UV spectroscopy. GC-MS analysis revealed that microencapsulation preserves the key components of the essential oil. It was concluded that AMO can be effectively processed by complex coacervation followed by freeze-drying into solid-state material for new applications.
Physiological Responses Related to Sitting Comfort Due to Changes in Seat Parameters
Authors: Gwak Jongseong , Arata Kazuyoshi , Yamakawa Takumi , Tobata Hideo , Shino Motoki , Suda Yoshihiro
Published: September 2024

The design of vehicle cabin seats is crucial in transportation, as it directly affects the safety and comfort of both drivers and passengers. To design seat parameters that enhance sitting comfort, a quantitative evaluation of sitting comfort involving an understanding of users’ physiological responses is necessary. This study aimed to assess users’ physiological responses to relaxation induced by changes in seat parameters using electroencephalography and electrocardiography. We examined the physiological responses and subjective evaluations of relaxation in fifteen participants, focusing on the effects of reclining, ottoman, and slab. The results demonstrated an improvement in the subjective level of relaxation with changes in all seat parameters set here. However, central nervous system responses and autonomic nervous system reactions varied based on alterations in posture angles and seat pressure distributions. This underscores the importance of physiological markers, encompassing indicators of autonomic and central nervous system responses, in evaluating relaxation in relation to changes in posture angles and seat pressure distribution.