bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening method and metabolic analysis of plant anti-aging microorganisms via ammonia-induced senescence in the duckweed Wolffia microscopica
Authors: Tan Deguan , Fu Lili , Yu Ying , Sun Xuepiao , Zhang Jiaming
Published: November 2024

Ammonium is the preferred N nutrition over nitrate for some plant species, but it is toxic to many other plant species and induces senescence at high concentrations. The duckweed Wolffia microscopica (Griff.) Kurz is the smallest and fast-growing angiosperm. It is highly sensitive to ammonium and has a short lifespan on media containing 0.5 mM or higher ammonia. This feature makes it a potential model plant to screen for anti-aging microorganisms. By co-culturing W. microscopica with endophytic microorgainisms isolated from rubber tree, we screened out an Aspergillus sclerotiorum strain ITBB2-31 that significantly increased the lifespan and the biomass of W. microscopica. Interestingly, both filter-sterilized and autoclaved exudates of ITBB2-31 increased the lifespan of W. microscopica cultures from 1 month to at least 7 months. Meanwhile, the exudates also showed strong anti-aging effects on cassava and the rubber tree leaves and increased chlorophyll contents by 50% - 350%. However, high contents of filter-sterilized exudates inhibited the growth of W. microscopica while extending its lifespan, indicating that there were heat-sensitive growth-inhibiting agents in the exudates as well. Comparative metabolome analysis of the filter-sterilized and autoclaved exudates revealed multiple heat-stable anti-aging and heat-sensitive growth-inhibiting compounds. Our results suggest that W. microscopica can be served as a rapid and efficient model plant to screen for plant anti-aging microorganisms.
Ectopic expression of a truncated NLR gene from wild Arachis enhances resistance to Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: de Araújo Amanda Cristina , Brasileiro Ana Cristina Miranda , Martins Andressa da Cunha Quintana , Grynberg Priscila , Togawa Roberto Coiti , Saraiva Mario Alfredo de Passos , Miller Robert Neil Gerard , Guimaraes Patricia Messenberg
Published: November 2024

Fusarium oxysporum causes devastating vascular wilt diseases in numerous crop species, resulting in substantial yield losses. The Arabidopsis thaliana-F. oxysporum f.sp. conglutinans (FOC) model system enables the identification of meaningful genotype–phenotype correlations and was applied in this study to evaluate the effects of overexpressing an NLR gene (AsTIR19) from Arachis stenosperma against pathogen infection. AsTIR19 overexpression (OE) lines exhibited enhanced resistance to FOC without any discernible phenotype penalties. To elucidate the underlying resistance mechanisms mediated by AsTIR19 overexpression, we conducted whole transcriptome sequencing of an AsTIR19-OE line and non-transgenic wild-type (WT) plants inoculated and non-inoculated with FOC using Illumina HiSeq4000. Comparative analysis revealed 778 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) attributed to transgene overexpression, while fungal inoculation induced 434 DEGs in the OE line, with many falling into defense-related Gene Ontology (GO) categories. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were enriched in the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways in the OE plants. This comprehensive transcriptomic analysis underscores how AsTIR19 overexpression reprograms transcriptional networks, modulating the expression of stress-responsive genes across diverse metabolic pathways. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of this NLR gene under stress conditions, highlighting its potential to enhance resistance to Fusarium oxysporum.
A large-scale screening identifies receptor-like kinases with common features in kinase domains that are potentially related to disease resistance in planta
Authors: Huang Yan , Yuan Yuan , Yang Rongqian , Gou Xiangjian , Dai Shiping , Zhou Jun , Guo Jinya , Shen Jinbo , Lu Yanli , Liu Yaxi , Cai Yi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The plant genome encodes a plethora of proteins with structural similarity to animal receptor protein kinases, collectively known as receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs), which predominantly localize to the plasma membrane where they activate their kinase domains to convey extracellular signals to the interior of the cell, playing crucial roles in various signaling pathways. Despite the large number of members within the RLK family, to date, only a few have been identified as pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs), leaving many potential RLKs that could play roles in plant immunity undiscovered.

Methods

In this study, a recombinant strategy was initially employed to screen the kinase domains of 133 RLKs in the Arabidopsis genome to determine their involvement in the pathogen-triggered immunity (PTI) pathway. Subsequently, 6 potential immune-related recombinant RLKs (rRLKs) were selected for the creation of transgenic materials and underwent functional characterization analysis. Finally, a sequence analysis was conducted on the kinase domains of these 133 RLKs as well as the known immune RLK receptor kinase domains from other species.

Results

It was found that 24 rRLKs activated the PTI response in Arabidopsis fls2 mutant protoplasts following flg22 treatment. Consistently, when 6 of these rRLKs were individually expressed in fls2 background, they exhibited diverse PTI signal transduction capabilities via different pathways while all retained membrane localization. Intriguingly, sequence analysis revealed multiple conserved amino acid sites within kinase domains of these experimentally identified immune-related RLKs in Arabidopsis. Importantly, these patterns are also preserved in RLKs involved in PTI in other species.

Discussion

This study, on one hand, identifies common features that theoretically can enhance our understanding of immune-related RLKs and facilitate the discovery of novel immune-related RLKs in the future. On the other hand, it provides experimental evidence for the use of recombinant technique to develop diverse rRLKs for molecular breeding, thereby conferring high resistance to plants without compromising their normal growth and development.
Adults’ and children’s reasoning about the potential of diverse groups
Authors: Weatherhead Drew , Nancekivell Shaylene E. , Workye Rebeka
Published: November 2024

Introduction

In two experiments, we examine the degree to which adults (Experiment 1) and children 5-to-8-years-old (Experiment 2) use diversity to infer a group’s cooperative and innovative potential.

Methods

Participants heard a child-friendly vignette about a competition in which a homogenous and diverse group were competing to design the perfect toy. They were then probed using questions related to the group’s innovative potential and cooperative potential and asked to justify their responses.

Results

Results show that adults believed that the diverse group would produce the more innovative product, while children endorsed the homogenous group. When asked a question probing cooperation, adults selected the homogenous group, whereas children were equally likely to select either group. Analysis of adults’ explanations showed their explanations differed depending on which group they endorsed. However, children’s explanations did not show this nuance. Exploratory analyses suggest that participants’ responses were influenced by their personal experiences with gender and racial diversity.

Discussion

People’s appreciation of the link between group diversity and group potential changes across the lifespan likely due to life experiences.
Depression, anxiety, and help-seeking among Slovenian postsecondary students during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Selak Špela , Lebar Maša , Žvelc Gregor , Gabrovec Branko , Šorgo Andrej , Cesar Katarina , Crnkovič Nuša
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has faced students with many challenges, contributing to their mental distress. This article explores the role of demographic characteristics, psychological status, year of study, and social support during the COVID-19 pandemic in explaining Slovenian university students’ mental health problems and help-seeking behavior.

Methods

In February and March 2021, data were collected on 5,234 full-time Slovenian postsecondary students who were enrolled in public and concessionary independent higher education institutions. Participants completed a questionnaire, which included The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), General Anxiety Disorder questionnaire (GAD-7), Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), and items measuring psychological status, help-seeking behavior and demographics. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression and hypothesis testing for differences.

Results

Factors, such as gender, age, psychological status and social support, contributed to experiencing anxiety and depression among Slovenian students during the COVID-19 pandemic, with year of study additionally contributing to experiencing depression. Similarly, gender, age, psychological status and social support contributed to help-seeking behavior. Higher levels of depression and anxiety were reported by female students, students with prior mental disorders, and students with lower social support levels. Female students and students with lower social support levels reported more frequent help-seeking behaviors.

Conclusion

The results provide insight into the mental state of the Slovenian student population in the context of imposed public health measures at the end of the second COVID-19 wave in Slovenia. The findings can help identify vulnerable groups within the student population to whom we must be particularly attentive in times of crisis.
Readable and neutral? Reliability of crowdsourced misinformation debunking through linguistic and psycholinguistic cues
Authors: Yao Mengni , Tian Sha , Zhong Wenming
Published: November 2024

Background

In the face of the proliferation of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic, crowdsourced debunking has surfaced as a counter-infodemic measure to complement efforts from professionals and regular individuals. In 2021, X (formerly Twitter) initiated its community-driven fact-checking program, named Community Notes (formerly Birdwatch). This program allows users to create contextual and corrective notes for misleading posts and rate the helpfulness of others' contributions. The effectiveness of the platform has been preliminarily verified, but mixed findings on reliability indicate the need for further research.

Objective

The study aims to assess the reliability of Community Notes by comparing the readability and language neutrality of helpful and unhelpful notes.

Methods

A total of 7,705 helpful notes and 2,091 unhelpful notes spanning from January 20, 2021, to May 30, 2023 were collected. Measures of reading ease, analytical thinking, affect and authenticity were derived by means of Wordless and Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC). Subsequently, the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U-test was employed to evaluate the differences between the helpful and unhelpful groups.

Results

Both groups of notes are easy to read with no notable difference. Helpful notes show significantly greater logical thinking, authenticity, and emotional restraint than unhelpful ones. As such, the reliability of Community Notes is validated in terms of readability and neutrality. Nevertheless, the prevalence of prepared, negative and swear language in unhelpful notes indicates the manipulative and abusive attempts on the platform. The wide value range in the unhelpful group and overall limited consensus on note helpfulness also suggest the complex information ecology within the crowdsourced platform, highlighting the necessity of further guidance and management.

Conclusion

Based on the statistical analysis of the linguistic and psycholinguistic characteristics, the study validated the reliability of Community Notes and identified room for improvement. Future endeavors could explore the psychological motivations underlying volunteering, gaming, or even manipulative behaviors, enhance the crowdsourced debunking system and integrate it with broader efforts in infodemic management.
Executive Function and young children's Cardinality Principle: the mediating role of the Approximate Number System and the moderating role of age
Authors: Li Huanhuan , Di Huijuan , Duan Bingyu , Luo Mengzhen , Wang Yifang , Wang Zhenglu
Published: November 2024

Background

Executive Function and the Approximate Number System are well-established as critical components in developing the Cardinality Principle in young children. However, most existing studies explore the relationship between these variables in isolation without examining whether Approximate Number System mediates the relationship between Executive Function and the Cardinality Principle and the role of age in this. This study aimed to address this gap by investigating the mediating role of the Approximate Number System in the relationship between Executive Function and the Cardinality Principle and the moderating role of age in young children.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in China from February to June 2024. A total of 203 young children (97 boys and 106 girls, Mean age = 68.93 ± 7.076 months) participated. Participants were assessed using a range of tests: the Day-Night Stroop Task, Digit Recall Task, Dimensional Change Card Sort Task, Panamath Test Software, How Many Task, and Give-N Task to measure Executive Function, Approximate Number System, and Cardinality Principle. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 and PROCESS v4.1 (Model 4) to explore the relationships among Executive Function, the Approximate Number System, and the Cardinality Principle through Pearson correlations, multivariate regression, and mediation analysis with 5000 bootstrap samples.

Results

Correlation analysis revealed that the Cardinality Principle was significantly and positively correlated with Inhibitory Control, Working Memory, Cognitive Flexibility, Executive Function, and the Approximate Number System. Regression analyses indicated that Executive Function positively predicted young children's Cardinality Principle. Specifically, Working Memory and Cognitive Flexibility were positive predictors of the Cardinality Principle, while Inhibitory Control was not. Mediation analysis results demonstrated that the Approximate Number System mediated the relationships between Inhibitory Control and the Cardinality Principle, Working Memory and the Cardinality Principle, and Cognitive Flexibility and the Cardinality Principle, respectively. In addition, the study found that young children's age negatively moderated the relationship between the Approximate Number System and the Cardinality Principle.

Conclusions

The study emphasizes that in developing young children's Cardinality Principle, emphasis should be placed on improving their Executive Function and Approximate Number System while considering the age differences of young children and developing appropriate educational methods for different age groups.
Cracking the code of teacher burnout: the chain mediation of GPT integration degree through behavioral engagement and classroom atmosphere in a cross-level chain mediation model
Authors: Chen Bingyue , Chen Binglian , Ren Shengtao , Li Bin , Liu Hui , Jiang Guoxin
Published: November 2024

Chat GPT technology plays a pivotal role in global educational innovation and the enhancement of the quality of teaching and learning. In the field of education research, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of GPT technology, teacher acceptance, and student engagement in depth. To date, few studies have considered the compounding effects of these factors on teacher burnout from the perspectives of psychology and behavioral sciences in conjunction with the dichotomous and complex relationship between teachers and students. Consequently, based on the findings of previous scholars, this study constructed a cross-layer chain mediation model based on the SOR and EASI models. This model was used to explore how different motivators affect the alleviation of teacher burnout through psychological and behavioral mechanisms. The study involved 47 teachers and 506 students from 10 universities. The findings of the study indicated that (1) the direct effect of GPT integration degree on teacher burnout was not statistically significant, and (2) the classroom atmosphere played a pivotal mediating role in the relationship between GPT integration degree and teacher burnout. (3) The degree of GPT integration degree exerts an indirect and orderly negative influence on teacher burnout through behavioral engagement and classroom atmosphere. The objective of this study is to further enhance our comprehension of the utilization of GPT technology in education and to provide strategic recommendations for its advancement in educational practice.
Evaluation of tolerability and safety of transcranial electrical stimulation with gel particle electrodes in healthy subjects
Authors: Chang Chuangchuang , Piao Yi , Zhang Mingsong , Liu Yan , Du Minglei , Yang Miao , Mei Tianyuan , Wu Chengkai , Wang Yan , Chen Xueli , Zeng Ginger Qinghong , Zhang Xiaochu
Published: November 2024

Background

With the advancement of transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) technology, an increasing number of stimulation devices and treatment protocols have emerged. However, safety and tolerability remain critical concerns before new strategies can be implemented. Particularly, the use of gel particle electrodes brings new challenges to the safety and tolerability of tES, which hinders its widespread adoption and further research.

Objective

Our study utilized a specially designed and validated transcranial electrical stimulation stimulator along with preconfigured gel particle electrodes placed at F3 and F4 in the prefrontal lobes. We aimed to assess the tolerance and safety of these electrodes in healthy subjects by administering different durations and types of tES.

Methods

Each participant underwent ten sessions of either transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) or transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), with session durations varying. In the experiment, we collected various measurement data from participants, including self-report questionnaire data and behavioral keystroke data. Tolerability was evaluated through adverse events (AEs), the relationship of adverse events with tES (AEs-rela), the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the Visual Analog Mood Scale-Revised (VAMS-R). Safety was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Skin Sensation Rating (SSR), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and Stroop task. These data were analyzed to determine the impact of different parameters on the tolerability and safety of tES.

Results

There were no significant changes in the results of the MoCA and SAS scales before and after the experiment. However, significant differences were observed in VAS, SSR, AEs, and AEs-rela between tDCS and tACS. Additionally, fatigue increased, and energy levels decreased on VAMS-R with longer durations. No significant differences were found in other neuropsychological tests.

Conclusion

Our study revealed significant differences in tolerability and safety between tDCS and tACS, underscoring the importance of considering the stimulation type when evaluating these factors. Although tolerance and safety did not vary significantly across different stimulation durations in this study, future research may benefit from exploring shorter durations to further assess tolerability and safety efficiently.
Water, sanitation, and hygiene service inequalities and their associated factors among urban slums and rural communities in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Getachew Kabew , Zako Abdurauf , Weldegebreal Fitsum , Desalew Assefa , Raru Temam Beshir , Umer Ukash , Urgesa Kedir
Published: November 2024

Background

Understanding the level of inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WaSH) services in urban and rural settlements is crucial for prioritizing community interventions and resource allocation. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding discrepancies in WaSH services across rural and urban slum communities in Ethiopia.

Objective

This study aims to assess inequalities in households’ WaSH services and their associated factors among urban slums and rural communities in Eastern Ethiopia from February to April 2024.

Methods

A comparative community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted, with study participants selected through stratified random sampling using proportional-to-size allocation. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1 and then exported to STATA version 17 for analysis. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression was conducted, and associations were reported as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), using a p-value less than 0.05 as the significance threshold.

Result

A total of 278 urban and 301 rural households participated in the study, with a response rate of 94%. Key indicators showed that WaSH services were significantly better in urban areas compared to rural households. For example, 98% (95% CI: 96, 99) of urban households had access to an improved water source compared to 76% (95% CI: 71, 80) of rural households. The proportion of households with improved latrines was 44% (95% CI: 38, 50) in urban areas and only 14% (95% CI: 11, 19) in rural areas. Handwashing practices at all five critical times were reported by 52% (95% CI: 46, 58) of urban household heads, compared to 22% (95% CI: 18, 27) of rural households. Additionally, occupation (such as being a farmer, p = 0.000) and water service satisfaction (p = 0.000) were significantly associated with these key WaSH outcomes.

Conclusion

The study revealed that the WaSH services in urban slums are considerably better than in rural households. Socioeconomic factors significantly influence the existing disparities in WaSH services. Stakeholders should focus on providing targeted, strategic support to communities to address the challenges in WaSH service provision.
A principles-based community health center for addressing refugee health: the New Canadians Health Centre
Authors: Haight Jessica , Kruth Madeleine , Gokiert Rebecca , Botwe Augustine , Dzunic-Wachilonga Anja , Neves Cristian , Velasquez Astrid , Whalen-Browne Molly , Ladha Tehseen , Rogers Corinne
Published: November 2024

The provision of timely and comprehensive healthcare is a fundamental aspect of resettlement for refugees, who often experience critical unmet health needs. In Canada, this includes connecting refugees with primary care providers to treat acute health conditions, as well as to provide longitudinal and preventative care. However, refugee access to healthcare is often complicated by numerous barriers, such as difficulty navigating health services, financial constraints, language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to physicians. Due to these unmet health needs and barriers to access, there has been a need for dedicated primary healthcare models for refugees that provide integrated and culturally safe care. In response, a refugee community health center, the New Canadians Health Centre (NCHC), was established in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 2021. The NCHC operates through an innovative, principles-based model that delivers interdisciplinary primary healthcare services to refugees that are culturally safe, include clients as partners in their care, and are grounded in principles of social justice, equity, and inclusion. Early and effective healthcare services are needed to address the health of refugees; however, there is a lack of research on the development and implementation of dedicated refugee health service models. This paper addresses this gap by providing an in-depth account of the opening of the NCHC as a principles-based community health center for refugees, including the process by which it was established in response to local needs and the development of its principles-based model for supporting refugee health. This community case description will support the development and implementation of other dedicated models for refugee health, and comes at a critical time in which there are rapidly growing refugee populations in Canada and internationally.
Existing operational standards for field deployments of rapid response mobile laboratories: a scoping review
Authors: Mushasha Rand , Paez Jimenez Adela , Dolmazon Virginie , Baumann Jan , Jansen Andreas , Storozhenko Oleg Nikolayevich , El-Bcheraoui Charbel
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Rapid response mobile laboratories (RRML) play an important role in responding to emergencies such as outbreaks and humanitarian crises, working in coordination with national authorities. This scoping review aims to provide evidence to support the development of minimum operational standards for the deployment of RRMLs across the five key workstreams: operational support and logistics, biosafety and biosecurity, laboratory information management system, quality management systems and interoperability and coordination.

Methods

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the grey literature focusing on RRML deployment missions. Study characteristics such as year, country, objectives, methods, and findings were extracted and summarized to identify common themes, gaps, and patterns. The results were presented in a narrative format. We ensured methodological rigor by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines throughout the review process.

Results

Out of 163 full-text studies assessed for eligibility, 46 met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Six studies addressed the five RRML workstreams. Operational support and logistics are most commonly addressed during pre-deployment phases with a focus on personnel, transport and cold chain management. The application of biosafety and biosecurity protocols is most addressed during the mission execution phase, particularly in the use of personal protective equipment and the implementation of decontamination and disinfection procedures. The laboratory information management system procedures most frequently reported include sample identification and result dissemination protocols. The quality management system workstream overlaps significantly with the other four workstreams, with a strong emphasis on internal and external quality assurance measures. Coordination and interoperability aspects involve maintaining multiple collaborations, ranging from coordinating with local authorities to establishing international partnerships. Common field challenges included interrupted data transfer in areas characterized by poor connectivity and difficulties caused by extreme weather conditions.

Discussion

This review highlights RRML deployment procedures and addresses some critical challenges concerning their deployment. It suggests the provision of a pre-deployment logistics checklist, the use of a pre-determined standardized dataset for inputs to reduce data entry errors and the application of standardized internal and external quality assurance measures.
Moderated serial mediation effects of adaptation problems, academic stress, and interpersonal relationships on the sleep quality of early-year university students
Authors: Zhao Chenyang , Zhang Yang
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Due to heightened anxiety levels, sleep disorders become more prevalent among university students. This study, centered on adaptive capacity in early-year university students, aimed to explore the underlying mechanisms through which anxiety affects sleep quality.

Methods

Between February 2023 and June 2023, a cohort of first- and second-year university students (mean age 18.8 years) from Hunan Province, China, took part in an online survey. Anxiety was assessed using the Self-rating Anxiety Scale; adaptation problems, academic stress, and interpersonal relationships were assessed using the Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist; and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A moderated serial mediation model, based on Hayes’ Model 92, was used to assess the hypothesized model.

Results

The survey resulted in 3,490 valid responses. Among respondents, 24% exhibited anxiety symptoms and 30.4% showed abnormal sleep patterns (i.e., PSQI score ≥ 8). The most significant path identified based on indirect effects was anxiety (β = 0.109), adaptation problems (β = 0.183), academic stress (β = 0.081), and sleep quality (all p-values < 0.001). Furthermore, interpersonal relationships moderated the effects of adaptation problems (β = −0.015, p < 0.001), academic stress (β = −0.012, p < 0.001), and anxiety (β = 0.003, p = 0.002) on sleep quality.

Conclusion

Elevated anxiety and sleep disorders are common among university students. Adaptive capacity may play a crucial role in sleep disorders among early-year university students. Interventions such as fostering strong interpersonal relationships in campus environments, may prove beneficial in improving academic performance and sleep quality.
Negative life events and depression among Chinese university freshmen: a longitudinal moderated mediation model
Authors: Jiang Pei , Zhang Zhihui , Li Shuqin , Yan Yuan
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Depression is a major mental health concern among university freshmen, with negative life events recognized as a risk factor. However, limited studies have explored the underlying mechanisms between them. This study aims to investigate the longitudinal relationship between negative life events and depression, and to examine both the potential mediating role of perceived social support and the moderating role of self-esteem in this process.

Methods

A two-wave longitudinal design with a 6-month interval was employed, involving 785 Chinese university freshmen (55.92% were female). Self-reported measures of negative life events, perceived social support, self-esteem, and depression were collected using validated scales.

Results

Results revealed that negative life events significantly predicted depression in freshmen after 6 months, with perceived social support partially mediating this relationship. In addition, self-esteem moderated the effect of negative life events on perceived social support. As self-esteem increased, there was a stronger mediating effect of perceived social support between negative life events and depression.

Discussion

This study verified a moderated mediation process of how negative life events impact depression among freshmen. The findings provide valuable insights for developing effective interventions to reduce the depression risk of freshmen.
Parkinson's disease and posture: evaluation with biometrical holistic of human body device: a pilot study
Authors: Ronconi Gianpaolo , Ferrara Paola E. , Codazza Sefora , Gatto Dario M. , La Cagnina Fabiana , Coraci Daniele , Panunzio Maurizio , Ariani Mariantonietta , Ferriero Giorgio
Published: November 2024

Background

Patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) commonly develop severe spinal deformity. The etiology of Parkinson's spinal deformity is not completely understood and in most cases is likely due to multiple factors. These include dystonia and focal myopathy. Clinical, neurophysiological, and radiological data must be considered to monitor the pathology and the effects of rehabilitation. The aim of this pilot study is to evaluate spine alignment with a surface topography analysis of Parkinson's patients with Biometrical Holistic of Human Body (BHOHB®) and to compare results with their x-rays spine standard as already done for adolescent scoliosis.

Methods

32 adult patients affected by Parkinson disease, have been evaluated with BHOHB ®. The correspondence of the Cobb angles were evaluated using the BHOHB device and with standard spinal x-rays.

Results

A total of 32 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 67.45 years. In this pilot study the measurement of the correlations between the radiological and BHOHB® Cobb angles of the patients were excellent.

Conclusion

This preliminary result supports the use of BHOHB® as a device useful to monitor and measure posture in Parkinson's. This needs to be evaluated on a larger sample and over time. Keywords: Parkinson's disease, scoliosis, postural imbalance, neurophysiology.
A global perspective on the abundance, diversity and mobility of antibiotic resistance genes in Escherichia coli
Authors: Qing Yun , Zou Zhongai , Jiang Guolian , Qin Lingshi , Liu Kehui , Liu Zongbao
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Escherichia coli (E. coli), a ubiquitous opportunistic pathogen, poses a growing threat to human health due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance. However, a comprehensive understanding of the global distribution, diversity, and transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in E. coli remains lacking, hindering effective strategies to combat resistance.

Methods

In this study, we analyzed 94,762 E. coli genome sequences obtained from the NCBI database using advanced bioinformatics tools. ARGs were identified by comparing sequences against a custom ARG database using BLAST. Mobile genetic element (MGE)-associated ARGs were identified by matching with ISfinder databases. Global distribution of ARGs was analyzed by clustering mobile ARG sequences with 99% genetic similarity.

Results

Our analysis revealed that 50.51% of the E. coli genome sequences contained ARGs, totaling 301,317 identified ARG sequences. These ARGs were categorized into 12 major classes and 229 subtypes. Notably, ARGs associated with multi-drug resistance (MDR), β-lactams, macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramins (MLS), tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides were particularly abundant, with the subtypes mdtK, macB, and ampC being especially prevalent. Additionally, significant differences in ARG abundance and diversity were observed across countries, with higher diversity found in high-income nations. Furthermore, 9.28% of the ARG sequences were linked to MGEs, accounting for 98.25% of all ARG subtypes. Notably, 4.20% of mobile ARGs were identified in over 20 countries, with β-lactam and aminoglycoside ARGs being the most widespread.

Discussion

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the global distribution and transmission of ARGs in E. coli. The high abundance of MDR and β-lactam-related ARGs, along with their widespread transmission across countries, highlights the urgent need for global surveillance and control measures. Furthermore, the strong association between ARGs and MGEs underscores the role of horizontal gene transfer in the spread of resistance. The observed variations in ARG diversity between countries suggest that socioeconomic factors, such as healthcare infrastructure and antibiotic usage patterns, significantly influence ARG prevalence. These findings are crucial for informing global strategies to mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance and improve public health outcomes.
Maternal chitosan oligosaccharide supplementation during late gestation and lactation optimizes placental function in sows and intestinal function in 21-day-old IUGR suckling piglets
Authors: Wang Xintao , Fang Tingting , Chen Daiwen , Pu Junning , Tian Gang , He Jun , Zheng Ping , Mao Xiangbing , Wu Aimin , Yu Bing
Published: November 2024

Maternal dietary supplementation with chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) has been considered as a potential intervention to mitigate the occurrence of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and improve postnatal growth. The present study investigated the effect of COS as a dietary supplement for sows during late gestation and lactation on their productivity, placental function, and the intestinal health of IUGR piglets. From day (d) 85 of late gestation to d 21 of lactation, 30 sows were randomly divided into either a control group (basal diet) or a COS group (basal diet + 100 mg kg−1 COS). At d 21 of lactation, eight normal and eight IUGR littermates from eight litters belong to control sows, as well as eight IUGR littermates from COS sows, were selected for further analysis. The results showed a significant reduction in the number of stillbirths and mummies in COS groups (p < 0.05). Maternal dietary supplementation with COS also significantly up-regulated the expression levels of GLUT1, GLUT3, and VEGFA mRNA in the placenta of IUGR piglets compared to those in control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in MDA content and a significant increase in GSH content in the placenta of IUGR piglets from COS sows compared to those from control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the expression levels of MUC2 and occludin mRNA as well as claudin1 protein significantly up-regulated in the jejunum of 21-day-old IUGR piglets from COS sows group compared to those from control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, IL-10 mRNA expression level was significantly increased while MDA content was significantly reduced in the jejunum of 21-day-old IUGR piglets from COS sows group compared to those from control group (p < 0.05). The results indicated that maternal dietary COS supplementation during late gestation effectively reduced the incidence of stillbirths and mummies, potentially linked to enhanced placental function, reduced oxidative stress, and improved immune status. Furthermore, maternal dietary COS supplementation exhibited positive impact on intestinal digestive and absorptive function, intestinal barrier integrity, intestinal antioxidant capacity and immune status in 21-day-old suckling IUGR piglets.
Milk metabolite profiling of dairy cows as influenced by mastitis
Authors: Du Chao , Zhao Xuehan , Zhang Shujun , Chu Chu , Zhang Xiaojian , Teng Zhanwei
Published: November 2024

Mastitis is a disease with frequent incidence in dairy cows, causing huge financial losses to the dairy industry globally. The identification of certain biomarkers is crucial for the early diagnosis and management of mastitis. Metabolomics technology is a useful tool to accurately and efficiently analyze the changes of metabolites in biofluids in response to internal and external stimulations. Milk is the secreted by udder, and milk metabolites can directly reflect whether the udder are in the healthy or diseased state. The milk metabolomics analysis of mastitis can reveal the physiological and pathological changes of mammary gland and screen the related biomarkers, so as to offer useful reference for the prediction, diagnosis, and management of mastitis. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to comprehensively summarize milk metabolic change caused by naturally occurring or experimentally induced mastitis in dairy cows. In addition, comparative analysis and enrichment analysis were conducted to further discover potential biomarkers of mastitis and to identify the relevant pathways differentiating the healthy and mastitic cows. Multiple milk metabolites were identified to be altered during mastitis based on different metabolomics platforms. It was noteworthy that there were 28 metabolites not only identified by at least two different studies, but also showed consistent change tendency among the different studies. By comparison with literature, we further identified 12 milk metabolites, including acetate, arginine, β-hydroxybutyrate, carnitine, citrate, isoleucine, lactate, leucine, phenylalanine, proline, riboflavin, and valine that were linked with the occurrence of mastitis, which suggested that these 12 milk metabolites could be potential biomarkers of mastitis in dairy cows. Several pathways were revealed to explain the mechanisms of the variation of milk metabolites caused by mastitis, such as phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, riboflavin metabolism, and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. These results offer a further understanding for the alteration of milk metabolites caused by mastitis, which have a potential significance in the development of more reliable biomarkers for mastitic diagnosis in dairy cows.
Rising trends in the use of frozen dog sperm: a retrospective study in Belgium and the Netherlands
Authors: Domain Guillaume , Kappen Maarten , Van Mil Amber , De Beijer Ilse , Van Puyvelde Matthieu , Van Leeuwenberg Robby , Spanoghe Lotte , Posastiuc Florin , Van Soom Ann
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Sperm cryopreservation is a valuable technique for storing valuable canine genetics. However, little is known concerning the fate of frozen sperm stored in a sperm bank. This study aimed to characterize dogs presented for sperm cryopreservation and describe the use and popularity of frozen sperm in the Netherlands and Belgium over recent years.

Methods

Medical records from dogs presented for sperm cryopreservation between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2022 at two different freezing centers were reviewed retrospectively. Imported frozen sperm was excluded due to lack of usage information. Each sperm cryopreservation was considered a single event, and data were collected separately for each cryopreserved sample.

Results

A total of 3,090 ejaculates from 1,040 males of 157 different breeds were included and investigated using exploratory data analysis. The findings showed a steady rise in the popularity of sperm cryopreservation, with annual growth rates ranging from 8.4 to 41.9%. The majority of dogs (88.5%) were between 1 and 9 years old at the time of sperm cryopreservation, with nearly one-third aged 2–4 years. Most dogs were collected for sperm cryopreservation once (62.8%) or twice (21.6%). Sperm banks were used for both short- and long-term storage needs, and 6.83% of ejaculates were eventually discarded. The primary use of froze sperm was for international shipment, while 21.8% was used locally for artificial insemination. Depending on the year of cryopreservation, between 44.1 and 79.6% of frozen ejaculates remained unused or only partially used at the time of data collection.

Discussion

The results of this study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the use and popularity of frozen sperm among dog breeders in Belgium and the Netherlands and suggest a change in breeding practices in recent years. The percentage of breeders resorting to sperm cryopreservation and the extent of frozen sperm use in current breeding strategies remain to be defined in future studies.
Crowdsourcing of Inventive Activities, AI, and the NIH Syndrome
Authors: Burger-Helmchen Thierry
Published: November 2024

This study examines how crowdsourcing can support innovation in companies. It focuses on the Not Invented Here (NIH) syndrome—a reluctance to adopt external ideas—that varies depending on which organizational boundaries are considered, such as power, competence, and culture. By analyzing how these boundaries influence resistance to crowdsourced solutions, this study finds that although crowdsourcing brings valuable diversity and insights, many organizations struggle to leverage these effectively. Moreover, with the rise of generative AI, many organizations are increasingly focused on internal data and AI-driven innovation, which further intensifies NIH syndrome by deprioritizing external insights. We discuss why and how companies that have managed NIH syndrome effectively may be better positioned to overcome resistance to AI.
The Application of 1-MCP in Combination with GABA Reduces Chilling Injury and Extends the Shelf Life in Tomato (Cv. Conquista)
Authors: Ruiz-Aracil María C. , Guillén Fabián , Castillo Salvador , Martínez-Romero Domingo , Valverde Juan M.
Published: November 2024

Tomatoes have a short shelf life, and refrigeration is commonly used to extend tomato quality. However, suboptimal temperatures can lead to chilling injury (CI), reducing their marketability. In this study, the combined application of 10 mM γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 0.5 µL L−1 of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) were used as strategies to reduce postharvest CI and prolong storability during tomato commercialization. Both treatments have individually demonstrated their effectiveness in lowering physiological disorders in tomatoes. When applied, the combined treatment resulted in the lowest CI and rot incidence levels compared with the control and individual treatments. Additionally, the combined application effectively delayed weight loss, fruit softening, respiration rate, ethylene production, and increased chlorophyll and flavonoid content. The synergistic application of these substances improved the postharvest quality during storage, reducing quality losses. For this reason, the combination of GABA and 1-MCP could be an effective tool to minimize tomato waste during commercialization by increasing resilience to cold storage and extending the overall fruit shelf life during refrigerated storage.
Study on the Identification of Brown Rice Storage Year Based on Fluorescence Spectral Fusion Technique
Authors: Zhou Yingying , Qiu Yixin , Li Zhipeng , Miao Zhuang , Li Changming , Liu Chunyu , Tan Yong
Published: November 2024

The storage time of rice determines its quality and nutritional value, and the longer the storage time, the greater the impact. In this study, different excitation wavelengths (405 nm, 365 nm, 310 nm) were used to detect the fluorescence spectrum of “Dongdao 12” brown rice. Support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and wide neural network (WNN) were used for modeling and analysis. Under the excitation of 310 nm, the accuracy of WNN classification is up to 99.2%. In order to reduce the scattering effect and other interference in the data, multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), standard normal variable (SNV), and Savitzky–Goray smoothing (SG) preprocessing methods were used. The results showed that SG + KNN classification achieved an accuracy of 99.3% under 310 nm excitation. In order to further improve the classification accuracy, the original spectrum and the preprocessed spectrum under different excitation light sources were fused. The classification accuracy of all methods was improved, and the original data fusion was combined with the WNN model to reach 100%. It shows that fluorescence spectroscopy has excellent potential in identifying rice storage years.
Production of Xylitol and Ethanol from Agricultural Wastes and Biotransformation of Phenylacetylcarbinol in Deep Eutectic Solvent
Authors: Htike Su Lwin , Khemacheewakul Julaluk , Techapun Charin , Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Rachtanapun Pornchai , Phongthai Suphat , Tochampa Worasit , Taesuwan Siraphat , Jantanasakulwong Kittisak , Porninta Kritsadaporn , Sommanee Sumeth , Mahakuntha Chatchadaporn , Feng Juan , Kumar Anbarasu , Zhuang Xinshu , Wang Wen , Qi Wei , Nunta Rojarej , Leksawasdi Noppol
Published: November 2024

Converting agricultural biomass wastes into bio-chemicals can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions and foster global initiatives towards mitigating climate change. This study examined the co-production of xylitol and ethanol from xylose and glucose-rich hydrolysates of corn cob (CC), sugarcane bagasse (SCB), and rice straw (RS) without prior detoxification, using C. magnoliae (C. mag), C. tropicalis (C. trop), and C. guilliermondii (C. guil). A score ranking system based on weighted yields and productivity assessed the best raw material and yeast strain combination. The study revealed that C. mag cultivated on RS hemicellulosic and CC cellulosic media exhibited statistically significant (p ≤ 0.05) superiority in xylitol (272 ± 5) and ethanol 273 ± 3, production. The single-phase emulsion system using frozen-thawed whole cells of CC—C. mag, CC—C. trop, and RS—C. guil was utilized for phenylacetylcarbinol (PAC) biotransformation. Although similar PAC concentration within 14.4–14.7 mM was obtained, the statistically significant higher (p ≤ 0.05) volumetric pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC) activity from C. mag at 360 min was observed by 28.3 ± 1.51%. Consequently, further utilization of CC—C. mag in a two-phase emulsion system (Pi buffer: vegetable oil (Vg. oil) and Pi buffer: deep eutectic solvents (DES)) revealed that Pi buffer: DES medium preserved volumetric PDC activity (54.0 ± 1.2%) statistically significant higher (p ≤ 0.05) than the Pi buffer: Vg. oil system (34.3 ± 1.3%), with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in [PAC]. These findings outlined the sustainable pioneering approach for the co-production of chemicals and reusing the residual yeast cells for PAC biotransformation in the Pi buffer: DES system.