bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LAS SIMULACIONES: OTRAS HERRAMIENTAS PARA ENTENDER UNA EPIDEMIA
Authors: Pinasco Juan Pablo
Published: April 2024

En este artículo contamos cómo las simulaciones nos ayudan a explicar la difusión de una epidemia, a evaluar las medidas que se toman, y a intentar predecir cómo evolucionará.
RECORTANDO POLÍGONOS, DE LAS TIJERAS A LA GENERALIZACION
Authors: Cárdenas Pena Luis Agustín
Published: April 2024

En este artículo se ilustra que un problema surgido en el Certamen "El Número de Oro" puede impulsar el entusiasmo matemático y llevar de forma natural a generalizaciones. Se investiga el problema, lo cual culmina redescubriendo un teorema de cierta generalidad con un atractivo estético, siempre manteniendo el tratamiento geométrico elemental.
The Iltani Archive and the Messiness of Spousal Violence
Authors: Cohen Noam
Published: April 2024

The Old Babylonian archive of Iltani, a royal woman living in Qaṭṭara (Tell Al-Rimah), offers a glimpse into the messiness that often surrounds gendered violence. The archive attests to two distinct cases of spousal violence against women – namely, Iltani and her acquaintance Belessunu. When only her case is considered, Iltani may appear uncomplicated, a righteous victim. However, this neat and flat narrative is greatly complicated by her demonstrated resistance to helping Belessunu leave her abusive husband, despite Iltani’s personal history and unique ability to intervene. Letters from Belessunu and a mutual friend of the two, Azzu, offer a rare opportunity to read conversations between ancient West Asian women in response to gendered violence, and these relationships too are messy. The correspondence demonstrates that spousal violence could alternatively strengthen or strain female friendships, and offers the possibility of studying spousal violence in a way that decenters the violent (male) spouse. Despite the remarkable attestation of a women’s support network in the Old Babylonian period, it appears that the network failed to achieve its aims, whereas Yarim-Lim, a man who identifies as Belessunu’s ‘brother,’ succeeded in meeting their initial goal.
Bulls on Parade
Authors: Hogue Timothy
Published: April 2024

1 Kgs 12:25-33 is composed of two significant layers – an earlier stratum that may be based on an Israelite royal inscription and a later, likely Judahite redaction. These can be disentangled based on a redaction critical approach rooted in studies of compilational and editorial practices attested in biblical and Cuneiform sources. Though the final text is often analyzed as an idol polemic, the Israelite strata suggest that Jeroboam is not depicted as constructing idols but rather pilgrimage outposts. This is borne out by the use of bovine iconography to direct ritual movement at other Levantine sites, as well as the broader Near Eastern practice of establishing pilgrimage networks in order to project political authority over multiple settlements, knitting them together into a kingdom. Accordingly, this article argues that the Israelite text depicted Jeroboam creating a pilgrimage network to performatively bring his Israel into being. Participating in this pilgrimage was a performance of Israelite identity. The Judahite redaction disavowed this by othering key aspects of the Israelite material culture depicted in the text. The final text is thus an example of identity politics rather than an idol polemic.
Sermaye Yeterliliğini Etkileyen Faktörler: Türkiye Bankacılık Sektörüne Yönelik Bir Uygulama
Authors: Özel Özgür
Published: April 2024

Banka sermayesinin risklerine göre yeterliliği, finansal sisteminin korunmasında öncü koşullardan biridir. Bu çalışmada, Türk bankacılık sektörünün 2010-2022 dönemi Sermaye yeterlilik rasyosu (SYR) değişkeni ile takibe dönüşüm oranı ve kredi mevduat oranı değişkenleri arasında uzun dönemli eşbütünleşme ilişkisi araştırılmıştır. Johansen eşbütünleşme testi sonucunda, değişkenler arasında uzun dönemli eşbütünleşme ilişkisinin varlığı belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, FMOLS ve DOLS eşbütünleşme regresyonları tahmin sonuçlarına göre, takibe dönüşüm oranının SYR ile pozitif, kredi mevduat oranının ise negatif ilişkili olduğu görülmüştür. Bu sonuç, bankaların kredi kalitesi göstergesi olan takibe dönüşüm oranı ve yapısal likidite göstergesi olan kredi mevduat oranı ile sermaye yeterlilik rasyosunun uzun dönemli ilişkisi olduğunu göstermektedir.
Ekonomik Politika Belirsizliği Endeksi İle Borsa Endeksleri Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi: OECD Ülkeleri Örneği
Authors: Yılmaz Özekenci Süreyya
Published: April 2024

Çalışmanın amacı, ekonomik politika belirsizliği endeksi ile OECD ülkelerinin borsa endeksleri arasındaki nedensellik ilişkisini Şubat 2008-Eylül 2022 dönemine ait aylık veriler kullanarak Dumitrescu ve Hurlin (2012) panel nedensellik testi aracılığıyla araştırmaktır. Dumitrescu ve Hurlin (2012) panel nedensellik test sonucuna göre; borsa endeksinden ekonomik politika belirsizlik endeksine doğru nedenselliğin Avustralya, Kanada, Kolombiya, İsveç, İtalya, Japonya ve Şili için geçerli olduğu tespit edilirken; ekonomik politika belirsizlik endeksinden borsa endeksine doğru nedenselliğin ise Avustralya, Şili, Fransa, Almanya, Yunanistan, İrlanda, Japonya ve İspanya için geçerli olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca Avustralya, Şili ve Japonya için bu ilişki çift yönlü olduğu tespit edilmiştir.
Interpersonal Patient Interactions with Allied Health Professionals: Respecting Patients to Enhance Positive Outcomes and Wellness in the Virtural World of Healthcare
Authors: Jackson Veronica
Published: April 2024

Keeping the common theme of “respect” in the healthcare industry is vital to the clinician and patient success. In a song by Aretha Franklin, she sings, "R‐E‐S‐P‐E‐C‐T, find out what it means to me." The artist is speaking about someone respecting her as a person, as her "whole person". Allied health professionals either work independently in their own practices or within a healthcare system. In both scenarios, one must recognize and respect important concepts of culture, diversity, and "the whole person", with "in person" and virtual business/treatment practices. The next line she includes a synonym TCB," shorthand for "taking care of business." In healthcare this entails taking care of patient needs, from the examination to the discharge experience, even in the virtual world of healthcare. Healthcare professionals who understand, embrace, and market this concept of "respect" as a pillar of their practice will be economically stable and well-respected in the community of practice.
You Can’t Climb a Broken Ladder: Examining Underrepresentation of Multiply-Disadvantaged Groups in Secure and Senior Roles in UK Geochemistry
Authors: Anand Pallavi , Bots Pieter , Gagnon Jessica , Appiah Francis , Maters Elena , Bhagwat Shonil , Little Susan , Riches Amy , ChiFru Ernest , Lawrence Anya , Ngwenya Bryne
Published: April 2024

Geochemistry provides useful research tools related to fundamental processes in Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences. It has a distinct identity among the academic communities in these subjects, yet there is no specific data on workforce diversity among geochemists. We present the first demographic data of UK geochemists from a voluntary anonymous survey. We scrutinise the data with respect to protected characteristics (e.g., age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation and disability) and seniority of those within the community. We furthermore use this UK data to compare the career progression of geochemists who belong to multiply-privileged identities with those who belong to multiply-disadvantaged identities, to assess their representations with increased seniority on the academic career. This UK based case study on diversity and inclusion suggests that the career paths of geochemists belonging to multiple disadvantaged groups are restricted, including overrepresentation among those on fixed-term contracts or in service roles for laboratory support. Our data highlight that there is a decrease in diversity with an increase in seniority; specifically, UK geochemists from sexual and gender minorities, neurodiverse, and women from ethnic minority groups were not represented among the participants of our survey at the top of the academic ladder. There are many reasons for the loss of diversity in the UK geochemistry community with increased seniority. In order to address this and the underrepresentation of particular groups in senior leadership roles, our findings suggest that the career progression of geochemists requires an intersectional lens to examine the complexity of identity data. Such an approach would enable a better understanding of the impact of multiple and compounded disadvantages, biases, negative experiences and discrimination faced by multiply-disadvantaged identities.
Mathematical modeling and optimal control of multi-strain COVID-19 spread in discrete time
Authors: Elqaddaoui Ahmed , El Bhih Amine , Laarabi Hassan , Abta Abdelhadi , Rachik Mostafa
Published: April 2024

This research article presents a mathematical model that tracks and monitors the spread of COVID-19 strains in a discrete time frame. The study incorporates two control strategies to reduce the transmission of these strains: vaccination and providing appropriate treatment and medication for each strain separately. Optimal controls were established using Pontryagin's maximum principle in discrete time, and the optimality system was solved using an iterative method. To validate the effectiveness of the theoretical findings, numerical simulations were conducted to demonstrate the impact of the implemented strategies in limiting the spread of COVID-19 mutant strains.
Optical method to preserve residual hearing in patients receiving a cochlear implant
Authors: Cury Joaquin , Rivera Arnaldo , Schneider Rebecca , Tan Ray , Tan Xiaodong , Richter Claus-Peter
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Worldwide, thousands of patients with severe to profound hearing loss restore their hearing with cochlear implant (CI) devices. Newer developments in electrode design and manufacturing and a better understanding of cochlear mechanics allow for conserving critical structures, often translating into serviceable residual hearing and improving device performance. Monitoring insertion speed and intraluminal pressure helps mitigate some of these challenges. However, the information becomes available after irreparable damage has occurred.

Methods

We developed and tested a high-resolution optical system to navigate the intricate anatomy of the cochlea during electrode insertion. The miniaturized optical system was integrated in conventional cochlear implants electrode arrays and custom-made cochlear probes. Electrode insertion were conducted in eight cadaveric human temporal bones and video recordings were acquired. Micro-computed tomography (μCT) scans were performed to evaluate the position of the modified electrode arrays.

Results

Full insertions of the modified CI electrode were successfully conducted and verified by μCT scans. Video recordings of the cochlear structures visible in scala tympani were acquired, and no scala migration was detected.

Discussion

Surgeons can now follow the CI electrode's path during its insertion and reduce cochlear damage through early interventions and steering of the CI electrode. Our device will be compatible with robotic platforms that are already available to insert these electrodes.
Goal change and goal achievement for emerging adults across the pilot FAMS-T1D intervention for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Berg Cynthia A. , Mansfield Jessica H. , Boggess Silas B. , Martin Julia V. , Creer Benjamin , Peck Torri K. , Wiebe Deborah J. , Butner Jonathan E. , Mayberry Lindsay S.
Published: April 2024

Objective

Interventions for emerging adults (EAs) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) focus on goal setting, but little is known about how goal achievement relates to intervention outcomes. We examined how goals change, how goal achievement relates to diabetes outcomes, and identified barriers and facilitators to goal achievement.

Method

EAs with T1D (N=29, M age=21.6 years, 57% female) were coached monthly to set a behavioral goal across a 3-month feasibility trial. Coaching notes were qualitatively coded regarding type, complexity, and changes in goals. Goal achievement was measured via daily responses to texts. HbA1c, self-efficacy, diabetes distress, and self-care were assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Results

EAs frequently set food goals (79%) in combination with other goals. EAs overwhelmingly changed their goals (90%), with most increasing goal complexity. Goal achievement was high (79% of days) and not affected by goal change or goal complexity. Goal achievement was associated with increases in self-efficacy and self-care across time. Qualitative themes revealed that aspects of self-regulation and social-regulation were important for goal achievement.

Conclusion

Meeting daily diabetes goals may enhance self-efficacy and self-care for diabetes.

Practice Implications

Assisting EAs to reduce self-regulation challenges and enhance social support for goals may lead to better diabetes outcomes.
A machine learning approach for protected species bycatch estimation
Authors: Long Christopher A. , Ahrens Robert N. M. , Jones T. Todd , Siders Zachary A.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Monitoring bycatch of protected species is a fisheries management priority. In practice, protected species bycatch is difficult to precisely or accurately estimate with commonly used ratio estimators or parametric, linear model-based methods. Machine-learning algorithms have been proposed as means of overcoming some of the analytical hurdles in estimating protected species bycatch.

Methods

Using 17 years of set-specific bycatch data derived from 100% observer coverage of the Hawaii shallow-set longline fishery and 25 aligned environmental predictors, we evaluated a new approach for protected species bycatch estimation using Ensemble Random Forests (ERFs). We tested the ability of ERFs to predict interactions with five protected species with varying levels of bycatch in the fishery and methods for correcting these predictions using Type I and Type II error rates from the training data. We also assessed the amount of training data needed to inform a ERF approach by mimicking the sequential addition of new data in each subsequent fishing year.

Results

We showed that ERF bycatch estimation was most effective for species with greater than 2% interaction rates and error correction improved bycatch estimates for all species but introduced a tendency to regress estimates towards mean rates in the training data. Training data needs differed among species but those above 2% interaction rates required 7-12 years of bycatch data.

Discussion

Our machine learning approach can improve bycatch estimates for rare species but comparisons are needed to other approaches to assess which methods perform best for hyperrare species.
A real-time feeding decision method based on density estimation of farmed fish
Authors: Zhao Haiyan , Wu Junfeng , Liu Liang , Qu Boyu , Yin Jianhao , Yu Hong , Jiang Zhongai , Zhou Chunyu
Published: April 2024

With the global population growth and increasing demand for high-quality protein, aquaculture has experienced rapid development. Fish culture management and feed supply are crucial components of aquaculture. Traditional baiting management relies on experiential judgment and regular observation, which often leads to inefficient baiting practices and wastage. To address these issues, intelligent bait casting decisions have emerged. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, intelligent bait casting decisions can overcome most drawbacks of traditional bait management and enhance breeding efficiency. However, most of the current intelligent baiting decisions are focused on using methods such as image processing and target detection to identify different feeding actions and patterns. These methods do not discuss based on video streams and do not consider the changes in fish behavior during the baiting process. Therefore, we proposed a real-time analysis method based on the density distribution of fish feeding behavior (FishFeed). Firstly, this method upgrades the input mechanism, not only handling static images but also capable of real-time video stream analysis. Secondly, by evaluating the fish school density distribution through a new intelligent baiting strategy, this method can monitor the feeding behavior of fish school during the baiting process in real time. Finally, we constructed a dataset for fish school density analysis (DlouFishDensity) that includes a wealth of video and image frames, providing a valuable resource for research. Experimental results indicate that our algorithm outperforms MCNN, improving MAE by 1.63 and 1.35, MSE by 1.92 and 1.58, and reducing prediction time by 2.56 seconds on the same dataset. By implementing real-time analysis of fish feeding behavior density distribution, our method offers a more efficient and effective approach to baiting management in aquaculture, contributing to improved breeding efficiency and resource utilization.
Development of automated neural network prediction for echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Liu Boyang , Bunting Karina V. , Brind David , Thorley Alexander , Karwath Andreas , Lu Wenqi , Zhou Diwei , Wang Xiaoxia , Mobley Alastair R. , Tica Otilia , Gkoutos Georgios V. , Kotecha Dipak , Duan Jinming
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is fundamental to the diagnosis and classification of patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

This paper aimed to quantify LVEF automatically and accurately with the proposed pipeline method based on deep neural networks and ensemble learning. Within the pipeline, an Atrous Convolutional Neural Network (ACNN) was first trained to segment the left ventricle (LV), before employing the area-length formulation based on the ellipsoid single-plane model to calculate LVEF values. This formulation required inputs of LV area, derived from segmentation using an improved Jeffrey’s method, as well as LV length, derived from a novel ensemble learning model. To further improve the pipeline’s accuracy, an automated peak detection algorithm was used to identify end-diastolic and end-systolic frames, avoiding issues with human error. Subsequently, single-beat LVEF values were averaged across all cardiac cycles to obtain the final LVEF.

Results

This method was developed and internally validated in an open-source dataset containing 10,030 echocardiograms. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient was 0.83 for LVEF prediction compared to expert human analysis (p < 0.001), with a subsequent area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC) of 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.97 to 0.99) for categorisation of HF with reduced ejection (HFrEF; LVEF<40%). In an external dataset with 200 echocardiograms, this method achieved an AUC of 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.88 to 0.91) for HFrEF assessment.

Conclusion

The automated neural network-based calculation of LVEF is comparable to expert clinicians performing time-consuming, frame-by-frame manual evaluations of cardiac systolic function.
Identification of positively selected genes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis from southern Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region of China
Authors: Deng Lele , Wang Quan , Liu Haican , Jiang Yi , Xu Miao , Xiang Yu , Yang Ting , Yang Shuliu , Yan Di , Li Machao , Zhao Lili , Zhao Xiuqin , Wan Kanglin , He Guangxue , Mijiti Xiaokaiti , Li Guilian
Published: April 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB), mainly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a serious public health problem. Increasing evidence supports that selective evolution is an important force affecting genomic determinants of Mtb phenotypes. It is necessary to further understand the Mtb selective evolution and identify the positively selected genes that probably drive the phenotype of Mtb.

Methods

This study mainly focused on the positive selection of 807 Mtb strains from Southern Xinjiang of China using whole genome sequencing (WGS). PAML software was used for identifying the genes and sites under positive selection in 807 Mtb strains.

Results

Lineage 2 (62.70%) strains were the dominant strains in this area, followed by lineage 3 (19.45%) and lineage 4 (17.84%) strains. There were 239 codons in 47 genes under positive selection, and the genes were majorly associated with the functions of transcription, defense mechanisms, and cell wall/membrane/envelope biogenesis. There were 28 codons (43 mutations) in eight genes (gyrA, rpoB, rpoC, katG, pncA, embB, gid, and cut1) under positive selection in multi-drug resistance (MDR) strains but not in drug-susceptible (DS) strains, in which 27 mutations were drug-resistant loci, 9 mutations were non-drug-resistant loci but were in drug-resistant genes, 2 mutations were compensatory mutations, and 5 mutations were in unknown drug-resistant gene of cut1. There was a codon in Rv0336 under positive selection in L3 strains but not in L2 and L4 strains. The epitopes of T and B cells were both hyper-conserved, particularly in the T-cell epitopes.

Conclusion

This study revealed the ongoing selective evolution of Mtb. We found some special genes and sites under positive selection which may contribute to the advantage of MDR and L3 strains. It is necessary to further study these mutations to understand their impact on phenotypes for providing more useful information to develop new TB interventions.
Genome mining of Mycobacterium tuberculosis: targeting SufD as a novel drug candidate through in silico characterization and inhibitor screening
Authors: Gorityala Neelima , Baidya Anthony Samit , Sagurthi Someswar R.
Published: April 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) stands as the second most fatal infectious disease globally, causing 1.3 million deaths in 2022. The resurgence of TB and the alarming rise of antibiotic resistance demand urgent call to develop novel antituberculosis drugs. Despite concerted efforts to control TB, the disease persists and spreads rapidly on a global scale. Targeting stress response pathways in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) has become imperative to achieve complete eradication. This study employs subtractive genomics to identify and prioritize potential drug targets among the hypothetical proteins of Mtb, focusing on indispensable pathways. Amongst 177 essential hypothetical proteins, 152 were nonhomologous to human. These proteins participated in 34 pathways, and a 20-fold enrichment of SUF pathway genes led to its selection as a target pathway. Fe–S clusters are fundamental, widely distributed protein cofactors involved in vital cellular processes. The survival of Mtb in a hypoxic environment relies on the iron–sulfur (Fe–S) cluster biogenesis pathway for the repair of damaged Fe–S clusters. It also protects pathogen against drugs, ensuring controlled iron utilization and contributing to drug resistance. In Mtb, six proteins of Fe–S cluster assembly pathway are encoded by the suf operon. The present study was focused on SufD because of its role in iron acquisition and prevention of Fenton reaction. The research further delves into the in silico characterization of SufD, utilizing bioinformatics tools for sequence and structure based analysis. The protein’s structural features, including the identification of conserved regions, motifs, and 3D structure prediction enhanced functional annotation. Target based virtual screening of compounds from the ChEMBL database resulted in 12 inhibitors with best binding affinities. Drug likeness and ADMET profiling of potential inhibitors identified promising compounds with favorable drug-like properties. The study also involved cloning in SUMO-pRSF-Duet1 expression vector, overexpression, and purification of recombinant SufD from E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells. Optimization of expression conditions resulted in soluble production, and subsequent purification highlighting the efficacy of the SUMO fusion system for challenging Mtb proteins in E. coli. These findings provide valuable insights into pharmacological targets for future experimental studies, holding promise for the development of targeted therapy against Mtb.
Potato glycoside alkaloids exhibit antifungal activity by regulating the tricarboxylic acid cycle pathway of Fusarium solani
Authors: Zhang Chongqing , Chen Wei , Wang Bin , Wang Yupeng , Li Nan , Li Ruiyun , Yan Yuke , Sun Yuyan , He Jing
Published: April 2024

Fusarium solani is a pathogenic fungus that causes significant harm, leading to crop yield reduction, fruit quality reduction, postharvest decay, and other diseases. This study used potato glycoside alkaloids (PGA) as inhibitors to investigate their effects on the mitochondrial structure and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle pathway of F. solani. The results showed that PGA could inhibit the colony growth of F. solani (54.49%), resulting in the disappearance of the mitochondrial membrane and the loss of contents. PGA significantly decreased the activities of aconitase (ACO), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), fumarase (FH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), succinyl-CoA synthetase (SCS), and increased the activity of citrate synthase (CS) in F. solani. After PGA treatment, the contents of acetyl coenzyme A (CoA), citric acid (CA), malic acid (L-MA), and α-ketoglutaric acid (α-KG) in F. solani were significantly decreased. The contents of isocitric acid (ICA), succinyl coenzyme A (S-CoA), succinic acid (SA), fumaric acid (FA), and oxaloacetic acid (OA) were significantly increased. Transcriptomic analysis showed that PGA could significantly affect the expression levels of 19 genes related to TCA cycle in F. solani. RT-qPCR results showed that the expression levels of ACO, IDH, α-KGDH, and MDH-related genes were significantly down-regulated, and the expression levels of SDH and FH-related genes were significantly up-regulated, which was consistent with the results of transcriptomics. In summary, PGA can achieve antifungal effects by reducing the tricarboxylic acid cycle’s flow and regulating key genes’ expression levels. This study reveals the antifungal mechanism of PGA from the perspective of TCA cycle, and provides a theoretical basis for the development and application of PGA as a biopesticide.
PhbZIP2 regulates photosynthesis-related genes in an intertidal macroalgae, Pyropia haitanensis, under stress
Authors: Zhang Han , Zeng Gaoxiong , Xie Jiajia , Zhang Yichi , Ji Dehua , Xu Yan , Xie Chaotian , Wang Wenlei
Published: April 2024

Intertidal macroalgae are important research subjects in stress biology. Basic region-leucine zipper transcription factors (bZIPs) play an important regulatory role in the expression of target genes under abiotic stress. We herein identified a bZIP2 gene PhbZIP2 to regulate abiotic stress tolerance in Pyropia haitanensis, a representative intertidal macroalgal species. Cloning and sequencing of the cDNA characterized a BRLZ structure and an α coiled-coil structure between amino acids and Expression of PhbZIP2 was detected to upregulate under both high temperature and salt stresses. A DAP-seq analysis revealed the PhbZIP2-binding motifs of (T/C)TCCA(C/G) and A (A/G)AAA (G/A), which differed from the conserved motifs in plants. Overexpression of PhbZIP2 was indicative of a high temperature and salt stress tolerances in transgenic Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. It was suggested that PhbZIP2 was probably involved in regulating expression of the photosynthetic-related genes and the response to the abiotic stresses in P. haitanensis, which provide new insights for elucidating efficient adaptation strategies of intertidal macroalgae.
Increasing Ca2+ accumulation in salt glands under salt stress increases stronger selective secretion of Na+ in Plumbago auriculata tetraploids
Authors: Duan Yifan , Jiang Liqiong , Lei Ting , Ouyang Keyu , Liu Cailei , Zhao Zi’an , Li Yirui , Yang Lijuan , Li Jiani , Yi Shouli , Gao Suping
Published: April 2024

Under salt stress, recretohalophyte Plumbago auriculata tetraploids enhance salt tolerance by increasing selective secretion of Na+ compared with that in diploids, although the mechanism is unclear. Using non-invasive micro-test technology, the effect of salt gland Ca2+ content on Na+ and K+ secretion were investigated in diploid and tetraploid P. auriculata under salt stress. Salt gland Ca2+ content and secretion rates of Na+ and K+ were higher in tetraploids than in diploids under salt stress. Addition of exogenous Ca2+ increased the Ca2+ content of the salt gland in diploids and is accompanied by an increase in the rate of Na+ and K+ secretion. With addition of a Ca2+ channel inhibitor, diploid salt glands retained large amounts of Ca2+, leading to higher Ca2+ content and Na+ secretion rate than those of tetraploids. Inhibiting H2O2 generation and H+-ATPase activity altered Na+ and K+ secretion rates in diploids and tetraploids under salt stress, indicating involvement in regulating Na+ and K+ secretion. Our results indicate that the increased Na+ secretion rate of salt gland in tetraploids under salt stress was associated with elevated Ca2+ content in salt gland.
Cold stress induces rapid gene-specific changes in the levels of H3K4me3 and H3K27me3 in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Faivre Léa , Kinscher Nathalie-Francesca , Kuhlmann Ana Belén , Xu Xiaocai , Kaufmann Kerstin , Schubert Daniel
Published: April 2024

When exposed to low temperatures, plants undergo a drastic reprogramming of their transcriptome in order to adapt to their new environmental conditions, which primes them for potential freezing temperatures. While the involvement of transcription factors in this process, termed cold acclimation, has been deeply investigated, the potential contribution of chromatin regulation remains largely unclear. A large proportion of cold-inducible genes carries the repressive mark histone 3 lysine 27 trimethylation (H3K27me3), which has been hypothesized as maintaining them in a silenced state in the absence of stress, but which would need to be removed or counteracted upon stress perception. However, the fate of H3K27me3 during cold exposure has not been studied genome-wide. In this study, we offer an epigenome profiling of H3K27me3 and its antagonistic active mark H3K4me3 during short-term cold exposure. Both chromatin marks undergo rapid redistribution upon cold exposure, however, the gene sets undergoing H3K4me3 or H3K27me3 differential methylation are distinct, refuting the simplistic idea that gene activation relies on a switch from an H3K27me3 repressed chromatin to an active form enriched in H3K4me3. Coupling the ChIP-seq experiments with transcriptome profiling reveals that differential histone methylation only weakly correlates with changes in expression. Interestingly, only a subset of cold-regulated genes lose H3K27me3 during their induction, indicating that H3K27me3 is not an obstacle to transcriptional activation. In the H3K27me3 methyltransferase curly leaf (clf) mutant, many cold regulated genes display reduced H3K27me3 levels but their transcriptional activity is not altered prior or during a cold exposure, suggesting that H3K27me3 may serve a more intricate role in the cold response than simply repressing the cold-inducible genes in naïve conditions.
Case report: Short-term psychotherapy for alexithymia in a patient with generalized anxiety disorder
Authors: Wang Yufei , Cao Jinya , Wei Jing
Published: April 2024

Alexithymia is common among patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and may negatively affect the efficacy of treatment. This case report described a sole short-term psychotherapy focusing on alexithymia for a GAD patient. The intervention extends over 3 weekly 50-minute sessions and incorporates components of: (a) understanding the basic categories of emotions and the importance of processing them consciously and building one’s own vocabulary of emotions; (b) developing skills in identifying and labeling emotions and learning to register both positive and negative emotions in daily life; (c) observing and interpreting emotion-related body sensations and learning to get in touch with, be empathetic to, and take care of one’s own inner feelings in daily life. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were used to evaluate depression, anxiety, and alexithymia before and after the sessions. The results suggested that the treatment was not only effective in reducing alexithymia helping the patient to clarify, identify and describe her feelings, but also effective in reducing anxiety and depression.
Effectiveness of multi-modal home-based videoconference interventions on sleep in older adults: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Milot Emma , Rehel Stéphane , Langeard Antoine , Bigot Lucile , Pasquier Florane , Matveeff Laura , Gauthier Antoine , Bessot Nicolas , Quarck Gaëlle
Published: April 2024

Aging is characterized by substantial changes in sleep architecture that negatively impact fitness, quality of life, mood, and cognitive functioning. Older adults often fail to reach the recommended level of physical activity to prevent the age-related decline in sleep function, partly because of geographical barriers. Implementing home-based interventions could surmount these obstacles, thereby encouraging older adults to stay active, with videoconference administration emerging as a promising solution. Increasing the availability of biological rhythms synchronizers, such as physical activity, light exposure, or vestibular stimulation, represents a viable non-pharmacological strategy for entraining circadian rhythms and potentially fortifying the sleep–wake cycle, thereby enhancing sleep in aging. This study aims to (1) assess the impact of remote physical exercise training and its combination with bright light exposure, and (2) investigate the specific contribution of galvanic vestibular stimulation, to sleep quality among healthy older adults with sleep complaints. One hundred healthy older adults aged 60–70 years with sleep complaints will be randomly allocated to one of four groups: a physical exercise training group (n = 25), a physical exercise training combined with bright light exposure group (n = 25), a galvanic vestibular stimulation group (n = 25) or a control group (i.e., health education) (n = 25). While physical exercise training and health education will be supervised via videoconference at home, bright light exposure (for the physical exercise training combined with bright light exposure group) and vestibular stimulation will be self-administered at home. Pre-and post-tests will be conducted to evaluate various parameters, including sleep (polysomnography, subjective questionnaires), circadian rhythms (actigraphy, temperature), fitness (physical: VO2 peak, muscular function; and motor: balance, and functional mobility), cognition (executive function, long-term memory), quality of life and mood (anxiety and depression). The findings will be anticipated to inform the development of recommendations and non-pharmaceutical preventive strategies for enhancing sleep quality in older adults, potentially leading to improvements in fitness, cognition, quality of life, and mood throughout aging.
Terminal Sliding Mode Force Control Based on Modified Fast Double-Power Reaching Law for Aerospace Electro-Hydraulic Load Simulator of Large Loads
Authors: Zhao Yingna , Qiu Cheng , Huang Jing , Tan Qifan , Sun Shuo , Gong Zheng
Published: April 2024

This paper addresses the force-tracking problem of aerospace electro-hydraulic load simulators under the influence of high inertia, large loads, and a strong coupling force disturbance. An accurate mathematical model is initially derived to describe the characteristics of the load simulator system, the cause of the surplus force, and the strong phase lag due to large inertia. In order to overcome the position interference of the system and the large phase lag problem, a terminal sliding mode control strategy based on the modified fast double-power reaching law is proposed, based on the accurate mathematical model. This control strategy effectively suppresses the chattering problem of the sliding control and implements the finite time convergence of the system through the design of the reaching law and terminal sliding surface, ensuring the robustness of the system and the accuracy of the force-tracking problem. Finally, a comparison of the simulation and experimental results based on the design of different strategy controllers is performed to verify the effectiveness of the control strategy and system adaptability.
The Impact of Digital Finance on Farmers’ Adoption of Eco-Agricultural Technology: Evidence from Rice-Crayfish Co-Cultivation Technology in China
Authors: Liu Zhe , Qi Zhenhong , Tian Qingsong , Clark John Stephen , Zhang Zeyu
Published: April 2024

Eco-agricultural technology is crucial in alleviating agricultural resource scarcity and environmental pressures. However, financial constraints affect its successful promotion. Digital finance significantly impacts farmers. However, existing research neglects the impact of digital finance on farmers’ adoption of eco-agricultural technology. This study focuses on rice-crayfish co-cultivation technology. It utilizes survey data from 1063 households in China. An endogenous switching probit model is employed to solve self-selection bias. The results are as follows: First, the average treatment effect is 51.5%. This indicates that if farmers who use digital finance were to stop using it, the probability of adopting rice-crayfish co-cultivation technology would decrease by 51.5%. Therefore, digital finance is beneficial for farmers in adopting this technology. Second, heterogeneity analysis shows that the promoting effect of digital finance is a greater promoting effect on older farmers, and on those with lower education levels and higher proportions of agricultural income. This suggests a greater reliance on digital financial services among vulnerable groups. Third, digital finance promotes farmers’ adoption of rice-crayfish co-cultivation technology by alleviating financial constraints, expanding information channels, and increasing social capital accumulation. Overall, the findings offer valuable insights for formulating supportive eco-agricultural policies.
Investigating the Adoption of Blockchain Technology in Agri-Food Supply Chains: Analysis of an Extended UTAUT Model
Authors: Toader Diana-Cezara , Rădulescu Corina Michaela , Toader Cezar
Published: April 2024

Against a backdrop of globalization, dynamic shifts in consumer demand, and climate change impact, the intricacies of agri-food supply chains have become increasingly convoluted, necessitating innovative measures to guarantee agri-food security and authenticity. Blockchain technology emerges as a promising solution, offering transparency, immutability, traceability, and efficiency in the overall supply chain. This study aims to investigate determinants impacting both the intention to use and the actual usage of blockchain-driven agri-food supply chain platforms. To achieve this, an expanded and adapted conceptual model rooted in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was formulated and empirically examined through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling using data from 175 respondents from agri-food companies across eight European countries. Agri-Food Supply Chain Partner Preparedness (FSCPP) emerged as the pivotal factor with the highest degree of influence on the intention to use blockchain-driven supply chain platforms. Additionally, the results from this study offer support for the significant influence of Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), and Perceived Trust (PT) on usage intention, while also revealing the positive impact of Organizational Blockchain Readiness (OBR) on expected Usage Behavior (UB). This study provides significant insights into blockchain adoption within agri-food supply chains, contributing to the existing literature through an extended UTAUT framework.
Xylanase Supplement Enhances the Growth Performance of Broiler by Modulating Serum Metabolism, Intestinal Health, Short-Chain Fatty Acid Composition, and Microbiota
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Li Danlei , Xu Yibin , Ding Xiaoqing , Liang Shuang , Xie Lingyu , Wang Yongxia , Zhan Xiuan
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of xylanase supplementation in a wheat-based diet on growth performance, short-chain fatty acids, intestinal health, microbial composition, and serum metabolism. A total of 1200 male chicks were randomly assigned to four wheat-based diet treatments: Group C (adding 0 mg/kg of xylanase), Group L (adding 50 mg/kg of xylanase), Group M (adding 100 mg/kg of xylanase), and Group H (adding 150 mg/kg of xylanase). The experiment lasted for 56 days. The results indicated that Group H broilers experienced a decreased feed-to-gain ratio throughout the study period. Additionally, dietary supplementation with xylanase led to an increase in the physical barrier, as indicated by increased VH and VH/CD in the gut (p < 0.05). Furthermore, levels of D-lactic acid and endotoxin were reduced. Xylanase supplementation also increased the abundance of Muc-2, ZO-1, and Occludin (p < 0.05). Moreover, xylanase supplementation enhanced the activity of sucrase and maltase in the duodenum (p < 0.05), which may be attributable to the upregulation of the abundance of SI and MGA (p < 0.05). Furthermore, xylanase addition promoted propionic acid produced by specific bacteria, such as Phascolarctobacterium, and influenced the microbial composition to some extent, promoting intestinal health. Additionally, 150 mg/kg of xylanase supplementation increased the amino acid, peptide, and carbohydrate content and upregulated the metabolism of amino acids related to histidine, cysteine, methionine, and other pathways (p < 0.05). These findings suggest adequate xylanase supplementation can enhance nutritional digestibility and absorption, improve growth performance, stimulate endogenous enzyme activity, optimize intestinal morphology and barrier function, and positively influence acid-producing bacteria and amino acid metabolic pathways.
Systemic Impact of Subgingival Infection Control in Periodontitis Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: A Narrative Review
Authors: Caloian Carmen Silvia , Ciurea Andreea , Negucioiu Marius , Roman Alexandra , Micu Iulia Cristina , Picoș Andrei , Soancă Andrada
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Periodontitis, an infectious inflammatory condition, is a key contributor to sustained systemic inflammation, intricately linked to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), the leading cause of death in developed nations. Treating periodontitis with subgingival mechanical instrumentation with or without adjunctive antimicrobials reduces the microbial burden and local inflammation, while also potentially bringing systemic benefits for patients with both periodontitis and CVD. This review examines systemic effects of subgingival instrumentation with or without antimicrobial products in individuals with periodontitis and CVD, and explores intricate pathogenetic interactions between periodontitis and CVD. Material and Methods: English-language databases (PubMed MEDLINE and Cochrane Library) were searched for studies assessing the effects of nonsurgical periodontal therapies in periodontitis patients with or without CVD. Results: While the ability of periodontal therapy to reduce mortality- and morbidity-related outcomes in CVD patients with periodontitis remains uncertain, some studies indicate a decrease in inflammatory markers and blood cell counts. Subgingival mechanical instrumentation delivered over multiple short sessions carries lower risks of adverse effects, particularly systemic inflammation, compared to the full-mouth delivery, making it a preferable option for CVD patients. Conclusions: Subgingival mechanical instrumentation, ideally conducted in a quadrant-based therapeutic approach, to decontaminate periodontal pockets has the potential to reduce both local and systemic inflammation with minimal adverse effects in patients suffering from periodontitis and concurrent CVD.
A Review of the Impact of Streptococcal Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance on Human Health
Authors: Gergova Raina , Boyanov Vasil , Muhtarova Adile , Alexandrova Alexandra
Published: April 2024

Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes (GAS), and Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) are bacteria that can cause a range of infections, some of them life-threatening. This review examines the spread of antibiotic resistance and its mechanisms against antibiotics for streptococcal infections. Data on high-level penicillin-resistant invasive pneumococci have been found in Brazil (42.8%) and Japan (77%). The resistance is caused by mutations in genes that encode penicillin-binding proteins. Similarly, GAS and GBS strains reported from Asia, the USA, and Africa have undergone similar transformations in PBPs. Resistance to major alternatives of penicillins, macrolides, and lincosamides has become widespread among pneumococci and streptococci, especially in Asia (70–95%). The combination of several emm types with erm(B) is associated with the development of high-level macrolide resistance in GAS. Major mechanisms are ribosomal target modifications encoded by erm genes, ribosomal alterations, and active efflux pumps that regulate antibiotic entry due to mefA/E and msrD genes. Tetracycline resistance for streptococci in different countries varied from 22.4% in the USA to 83.7/100% in China, due to tet genes. Combined tetracycline/macrolide resistance is usually linked with the insertion of ermB into the transposon carrying tetM. New quinolone resistance is increasing by between 11.5 and 47.9% in Asia and Europe. The mechanism of quinolone resistance is based on mutations in gyrA/B, determinants for DNA gyrase, or parC/E encoding topoisomerase IV. The results for antibiotic resistance are alarming, and urgently call for increased monitoring of this problem and precautionary measures for control to prevent the spread of resistant mutant strains.
Εleven Greek Legume Beans: Assessment of Genotypic Effect on Their Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Myrtsi Eleni D. , Vlachostergios Dimitrios N. , Petsoulas Christos , Koulocheri Sofia D. , Evergetis Epameinondas , Haroutounian Serkos A.
Published: April 2024

Legumes, one of the first crops of humanity, inherently constitute a staple nutritional source for mankind, attracting significant research attention that has been afforded to the development of numerous cultivars. The study herein concerns the exploitation of the nutritional and bio-functional content of beans harvested from eleven Greek cultivars belonging to five different species, namely Cicer arietinum L., Pisum sativum L., Vicia faba L., Lens culinaris L., and Phaseolus vulgaris L. The final goal is to define their varietal identity and correlate their phytochemical content with their potential utilization as functional foods and/or feed of high nutritional value. In this respect, their extracts were screened against the presence of 27 fatty acids and 19 phenolic compounds, revealing the presence of 22 and 15 molecules, respectively. Specifically, numerous fatty acids were detected in significant amounts in all but C. arietinum extract, while significant polyphenolic content was confirmed only in P. vulgaris. Among individual compounds, linoleic acid was the major fatty acid detected in amounts averaging more than 150 mg/g, followed by oleic acid, which was present as a major compound in all extracts. Among the nine polyphenols detected in P. vulgaris, the molecules of genistein (3.88 mg/g) and coumestrol (0.82 mg/g) were the most abundant. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated through DPPH and FRAP assays, which were highlighted as most potent in both tests of the V. faba extract, while C. arietinum was determined as totally inactive, indicating a potential correlation between the phenolic content of the plant species and antioxidant activity. These results are indicative of the significant advances achieved for the cultivars investigated and reveal their important role as nutritional crops for human and animal consumption.