bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Annotation of cell types (ACT): a convenient web server for cell type annotation
Authors: Quan Fei , Liang Xin , Cheng Mingjiang , Yang Huan , Liu Kun , He Shengyuan , Sun Shangqin , Deng Menglan , He Yanzhen , Liu Wei , Wang Shuai , Zhao Shuxiang , Deng Lantian , Hou Xiaobo , Zhang Xinxin , Xiao Yun
Published: November 2023

Background

The advancement of single-cell sequencing has progressed our ability to solve biological questions. Cell type annotation is of vital importance to this process, allowing for the analysis and interpretation of enormous single-cell datasets. At present, however, manual cell annotation which is the predominant approach remains limited by both speed and the requirement of expert knowledge.

Methods

To address these challenges, we constructed a hierarchically organized marker map through manually curating over 26,000 cell marker entries from about 7000 publications. We then developed WISE, a weighted and integrated gene set enrichment method, to integrate the prevalence of canonical markers and ordered differentially expressed genes of specific cell types in the marker map. Benchmarking analysis suggested that our method outperformed state-of-the-art methods.

Results

By integrating the marker map and WISE, we developed a user-friendly and convenient web server, ACT (http://xteam.xbio.top/ACT/orhttp://biocc.hrbmu.edu.cn/ACT/), which only takes a simple list of upregulated genes as input and provides interactive hierarchy maps, together with well-designed charts and statistical information, to accelerate the assignment of cell identities and made the results comparable to expert manual annotation. Besides, a pan-tissue marker map was constructed to assist in cell assignments in less-studied tissues. Applying ACT to three case studies showed that all cell clusters were quickly and accurately annotated, and multi-level and more refined cell types were identified.

Conclusions

We developed a knowledge-based resource and a corresponding method, together with an intuitive graphical web interface, for cell type annotation. We believe that ACT, emerging as a powerful tool for cell type annotation, would be widely used in single-cell research and considerably accelerate the process of cell type identification.
Impact of increasing morphological information by micro-CT scanning on the phylogenetic placement of Darwin wasps (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) in amber
Authors: Viertler Alexandra , Urfer Karin , Schulz Georg , Klopfstein Seraina , Spasojevic Tamara
Published: November 2023

The correct interpretation of fossils and their reliable taxonomic placements are fundamental for understanding the evolutionary history of biodiversity. Amber inclusions often preserve more morphological information than compression fossils, but are often partially hidden or distorted, which can impede taxonomic identification. Here, we studied four new fossil species of Darwin wasps from Baltic and Dominican amber, using micro computed tomography (micro-CT) scans and 3D reconstructions to accurately interpret and increase the availability of morphological information. We then infer their taxonomic placement in a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis by combining morphological and molecular data of extant and fossil Darwin wasps and evaluate the impact and usefulness of the additional information from micro-CT scanning. The results show that although we gained significant morphological information from micro-CT scanning, especially concerning measurements and hidden dorsal and ventral structures, this did not impact subfamily-level placement for any of the four fossils. However, micro-CT scanning improved the precision of fossil placements at the genus level, which might be key in future dating and diversification analyses. Finally, we describe the four new fossil species as Rhyssa gulliveri sp. nov. in Rhyssinae, Triclistus levii sp. nov. in Metopiinae, Firkantus freddykruegeri gen. et. sp. nov. in Pimplinae and Magnocula sarcophaga gen. et sp. nov. in Phygadeuontinae. The first two species are the first known representatives of the subfamilies Rhyssinae and Metopiinae in amber.
Conservative Fourier spectral method for a class of modified Zakharov system with high-order space fractional quantum correction
Authors: Guo Tao , Xiao Aiguo , Wang Junjie , Li Xueyang
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we consider the Fourier spectral method and numerical investigation for a class of modified Zakharov system with high-order space fractional quantum correction. First, the numerical scheme of the system is developed with periodic boundary condition based on the Crank–Nicolson/leap-frog methods in time and the Fourier spectral method in space. Moreover, it is shown that the scheme preserves simultaneously mass and energy conservation laws. Second, we analyze stability and convergence of the numerical scheme. Last, the numerical experiments are given, and the results show the correctness of theoretical results and the efficiency of the conservative scheme.
Utility of early, short psychological care for women who experience early miscarriage: protocol for the randomized, controlled MisTher trial
Authors: Barbe Coralie , Boiteux-Chabrier Marie , Charillon Emilie , Bouazzi Leïla , Maheas Chloe , Merabet Fadela , Graesslin Olivier , Auer Julie , Hammami Sabrina , Rolland Anne-Catherine , Hurtaud Aline
Published: November 2023

Background

Around one in ten women will have a miscarriage in their lifetime. Miscarriage is often considered a trivial event by caregivers, but it is associated with a high burden of psychological morbidity, especially during the first 6 months. There is no validated psychological management strategy for women who have had a miscarriage. The MisTher study aims to evaluate the utility of early, short psychological care for women who have had early miscarriage, in terms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Methods

This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, superiority study. In total, 932 women who have experienced early miscarriage (spontaneous interruption of pregnancy prior to 14 weeks of gestation) will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or the control group. The intervention consists of 4 teleconsultations of 45 min with a psychologist. All women, regardless of their allocated group, will be encouraged to seek an early consultation with a general practitioner or midwife. The primary endpoint will be anxiety at 3 months after randomization evaluated using State Trait Anxiety Inventory. The secondary endpoints will be anxiety at 6 months evaluated using State Trait Anxiety Inventory, depression at 3 and 6 months evaluated with the Beck Depression Inventory, and post-traumatic stress disorder at 3 and 6 months, evaluated using the Posttraumatic stress disorder Checklist Scale.

Discussion

This project will validate the importance of early psychological management, based on primary care and accessible to most women, via teleconsultation, in reducing the frequency of psychological disorders after early miscarriage. Our results should provide a basis for new recommendations for the management of women who have experienced miscarriage, notably by recommending the involvement of trained psychologists in the management pathway for these women.

Trial registration

The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05653414. December 15th, 2022.
The comparison of dispersal rate between invasive and native species varied by plant life form and functional traits
Authors: Zhang Bo , Hastings Alan , Grosholz Edwin D. , Zhai Lu
Published: November 2023

A long dispersal distance is widely used to indicate high invasiveness, but it ignores the temporal dimensions of plant invasion. Faster dispersal rates (= distance/time) of invasive species than native ones have been widely used in modeling species invasion and planning control management. However, the comparison of dispersal rate between invasive and native plants, particularly for dispersal on a local or landscape scale, has not been tested with a comprehensive dataset. Moreover, both the effects of plant functional traits on the dispersal rate and variation in the functional-trait effects between invasive and native plants remain elusive. Compiling studies from 30 countries globally, we compared seed dispersal rates (km/year) on a local or landscape scale between 64 observations of invasive and 78 observations of native plants given effects of plant life forms, disturbance levels, and measurement methods. Furthermore, we compared the effects of functional traits on dispersal rate between invasive and native species. We found that: (1) Trait values were similar between the invasive and native plants except for the greater height of woody native plants than woody invasive ones; (2) Compared within the same plant life form, the faster dispersal rates of invasive species were found in herbaceous plants, not in woody plants, and disturbance level and measurement methods did not affect the rate comparison; (3) Plant height and seed length had significant effects on dispersal rates of both invasive and native plants, but the effect of leaf dry matter content (LDMC) was only significant on herbaceous invasive plants. The comparison of dispersal rate between invasive and native plants varied by plant life form. The convergent values but divergent dispersal effects of plant traits between invasive and native species suggest that the trait effects on invasiveness could be better understood by trait association with key factors in invasiveness, e.g., dispersal rate, than the direct trait comparison between invasive and native plants.
The ligamentum mucosum’s potential as a preventative structure in the development of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Martin Alexandra , Liu Kenneth , Alimohammadi Majid
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aimed to identify whether the presence, type, and/or morphology of the ligamentum mucosum could play a role in the development of knee osteoarthritis. Since its microscopic structure is alike that of other knee ligaments, it was hypothesized that its presence could facilitate knee motion and stability, thus preventing or reducing the extent of knee osteoarthritis.

Methods

Thirty three cadavers (a total of 51 knees) were dissected. The ligamentum mucosum, if present, was measured with a digital caliber and a measuring tape in terms of length, width, and thickness. Knee osteoarthritis was assessed in six regions of the knee. The OuterBridge Classification System (Grades 0–4) was used to visually assess the extent, in addition to probing the area. Osteoarthritis was deemed present if the grade was 2 or greater.

Results

The presence of the ligament was associated with a lower mean osteoarthritis level in the trochlear groove and lateral tibial plateau regions (p < 0.001 and p = 0.013, respectively). Overall osteoarthritis of the knee was also present at varying levels for each type of the ligamentum mucosum (p < 0.001). The patella and the medial condyle had the greatest levels of osteoarthritis, while the medial and lateral tibial plateaus had the lowest levels.

Conclusion

The presence of the ligamentum mucosum is linked with decreased osteoarthritis in the trochlear groove region. In addition, both the absent ligament and its classification as a vertical septum are associated with increased knee osteoarthritis.

Level of evidence

Five.
Construction and optimization of a biocatalytic route for the synthesis of neomenthylamine from menthone
Authors: Zhu Hui-Jue , Pan Jiang , Li Chun-Xiu , Chen Fei-Fei , Xu Jian-He
Published: November 2023

(+)-Neomenthylamine is an important industrial precursor used to synthesize high value-added chemicals. Here, we report a novel biocatalytic route to synthesize (+)-neomenthylamine by amination of readily available (−)-menthone substrate using ω-transaminase. By screening a panel of ω-transaminases, an ω-transaminase from Vibrio fluvialis JS17 was identified with considerable amination activity to (−)-menthone, and then characterization of enzymatic properties was conducted for the enzyme. Under optimized conditions, 10 mM (−)-menthone was transformed in a mild aqueous phase with 4.7 mM product yielded in 24 h. The biocatalytic route using inexpensive starting materials (ketone substrate and amino donor) and mild reaction conditions represents an easy and green approach for (+)-neomenthylamine synthesis. This method underscores the potential of biocatalysts in the synthesis of unnatural terpenoid amine derivatives.

Graphical Abstract
Sub-optimal maternal gestational gain is associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length at birth in a predominantly Latinx cohort of newborns
Authors: Prasad Apurva , Lin Jue , Jelliffe-Pawlowski Laura , Coleman-Phox Kimberley , Rand Larry , Wojcicki Janet M
Published: November 2023

Objective

To assess in utero exposures associated with leukocyte telomere length (LTL) at birth and maternal LTL in a primarily Latinx birth cohort.

Study design

Mothers and newborns were recruited postnatally before 24 h of life. Newborn LTL was collected via heelstick at birth and maternal LTL was collected postnatally. LTL was determined by quantitative PCR. Using a longitudinal design, we evaluated associations between neonatal and maternal LTL and appropriate maternal gestational gain as indicated by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG).

Result

Mean infant LTL was 2.02 ± 0.30 T/S (n = 386) and maternal LTL was 1.54 ± 0.26 T/S (n = 58). Independent risk factors for shorter LTL at birth included longer gestational duration (Coeff:-0.03, 95%CI: -0.05—0.01;p < 0.01) and maternal gestational weight gain below ACOG recommendations (Coeff:-0.10, 95%CI: -0.18 – -0.02; p = 0.01).

Conclusion

Gestational weight gain below ACOG recommendations may adversely impact neonatal health in Latinx infants as indicated by shorter LTL at birth.
Understanding the use of artificial intelligence for implant analysis in total joint arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Shah Aakash K. , Lavu Monish S. , Hecht Christian J. , Burkhart Robert J. , Kamath Atul F.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms aimed at reviewing radiographs after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This disruptive technology is particularly promising in the context of preoperative planning for revision TJA. Yet, the efficacy of AI algorithms regarding TJA implant analysis has not been examined comprehensively.

Methods

PubMed, EBSCO, and Google Scholar electronic databases were utilized to identify all studies evaluating AI algorithms related to TJA implant analysis between 1 January 2000, and 27 February 2023 (PROSPERO study protocol registration: CRD42023403497). The mean methodological index for non-randomized studies score was 20.4 ± 0.6. We reported the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and area under the curve (AUC) for the performance of each outcome measure.

Results

Our initial search yielded 374 articles, and a total of 20 studies with three main use cases were included. Sixteen studies analyzed implant identification, two addressed implant failure, and two addressed implant measurements. Each use case had a median AUC and accuracy above 0.90 and 90%, respectively, indicative of a well-performing AI algorithm. Most studies failed to include explainability methods and conduct external validity testing.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the promising role of AI in recognizing implants in TJA. Preliminary studies have shown strong performance in implant identification, implant failure, and accurately measuring implant dimensions. Future research should follow a standardized guideline to develop and train models and place a strong emphasis on transparency and clarity in reporting results.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Letrozole plus misoprostol versus misoprostol alone in the induction of anembryonic missed abortion: a randomized controlled trial conducted in Upper Egypt
Authors: Tadros Ramy Heshmat Zekry , Fouda Usama , Zaki Sherif Sameh , Abdalla Marwa
Published: November 2023

Background

A missed abortion is a spontaneous abortion in which the embryo or fetus has already died but has remained in the uterus for days or weeks with a closed cervical ostium. Termination of pregnancy could be achieved either by surgical evacuation or medical or expectant management. Letrozole is a third-generation aromatase inhibitor. According to many recent studies, letrozole given for three days before the administration of misoprostol was more effective than misoprostol alone at inducing abortion. Our study compared the efficacy of various letrozole regimens (10 mg/d for three days and a single dose of 20 mg) combined with misoprostol vs. misoprostol alone in inducing abortion. To find the most efficient regimen of letrozole administered before misoprostol to induce an abortion.

Methodology

This prospective, parallel, three-arm, single-blinded, allocation-concealed randomized controlled trial was conducted in Sohag Teaching Hospital in Upper Egypt. We randomly divided 105 patients with anembryonic missed abortion (up to 63 days gestation) with no history of medical disorders or a history of allergies to misoprostol or letrozole into three equal groups (a single-dose letrozole group, a multiple-dose letrozole group, and a misoprostol-only group). The complete abortion rate, incomplete abortion rate, failure to abort rate, and induction-to-abortion interval were all collected. All statistical calculations were performed using the computer program SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Science, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results

The complete abortion rate was significantly higher in the single-dose letrozole and multiple-dose letrozole groups than in the misoprostol group (p values = 0.0455 and 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the complete abortion rate between the single-dose group and the multiple-dose letrozole group (p-value = 0.1713). The time to complete abortion was significantly shorter in the single-dose and multiple-dose letrozole groups than in the misoprostol group (p values = 0.0036 and 0.0049, respectively). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in the time to complete abortion between the single-dose letrozole group and the multiple-dose letrozole group (P = 0.532).

Conclusion

Single- and multiple-dose letrozole regimens followed by misoprostol had a higher rate and a shorter time to complete abortion than misoprostol alone.

Trial registration

The trial is registered at gov with the name “letrozole and abortion” and the identifier “NCT05198050”. The date of registration was April 1, 2022, registered prospectively. URL: https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/ViewOrUnrelease?uid=U0004GED&ts=25&sid=S000BPDQ&cx=43mobl.
Complexities in liver biopsy: the role of navigation and fusion imaging
Authors: Mathew Serah Jessy , Nayak Anchal , Dash Sagnika , Dakua Sarada Prasad
Published: November 2023

Liver biopsy is crucial to know if the tumor is benign or malignant. This paper has reviewed the literature clinically shedding lights on the present biopsy procedure, requirements, and potential challenges. This study has emphasized the role of navigation during liver biopsy. It has discussed the various imaging modalities used for biopsy. The potential limitations of imaging modalities have been discussed in detail. It is found that liver biopsy could be effective when fusion imaging is used instead of a single imaging modality.
Carbapenemase producing Enterobacterales clinical isolates from a tertiary care hospital in Egypt
Authors: El Defrawy Inas , Salem Dalia , Ali Ghada , Gamal Doaa , El Dabaa Ehab , Diab Manal , Alyan Sohair Abd-Elmaguid , Sallam Marwa K.
Published: November 2023

Background

Carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) is on the rise globally, triggering a significant health threat and a substantial concern for infection control management. We aimed to detect and characterize carbapenemases producing Enterobacterales (CPE) clinical isolates over a period of nearly one-year duration in Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, a tertiary care hospital in Egypt through molecular and phenotypic methods using carbapenemase detection combination inhibitor disk set (Enterobacterales) MASTDISCS ID (MDI) (MAST, UK), with the addition of temocillin disk.

Results

CRE represented 6.5% of Enterobacterales. Healthcare-associated infections were frequently high representing 87% of the CRE isolated from hospitalized patients. Most of the CRE isolates were Klebsiella pneumonia (68%) followed by Escherichia coli (22%), Enterobacter cloacae (4%), Serratia marcescens (4%) and Citrobacter freundii (2%). Phenotypic detection revealed metallo-β lactamases in 84% of isolates, followed by oxacillinase-48 {(OXA-48) 6%} and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase in 2% of the isolates. The most prevalent gene detected by conventional PCR was blaNDM (84%) followed by blaOXA-48 (6%) and blaKPC (2%). Excellent agreement was found between PCR and MDI for detection of carbapenemase production.

Conclusions

NDM carbapenemase is prevalent in our hospital. Carbapenemase detection combination inhibitor disk set (Enterobacterales) MASTDISCS ID is a useful tool for rapid and precise confirmation of the detection of CPE.
Modified nondominated sorting genetic algorithm-based multiobjective optimization of a cross-coupled nonlinear PID controller for a Twin Rotor System
Authors: Sivadasan J. , Shiney J. Roscia Jeya
Published: November 2023

This paper presents an innovative nonlinear PID control scheme based on a modified nondominated sorting genetic algorithm validated using a laboratory helicopter model called the Twin Rotor System. The concepts of controlled elitism and dynamic crowding distance are incorporated into the proposed algorithm to progress towards the best solution from the entire population in order to solve the multiobjective optimization problem with good convergence characteristics. The addition of nonlinear functions to the cross-coupled PID controller structure initiates better error tracking and facilitates smooth output under changing input conditions. The design objective is to implement an optimal nonlinear PID control scheme for the angular displacements of the twin-rotor system, with integral square error and control energy taken as the multiobjective problems. The statistical performance of the controller is analyzed by considering the best, worst, mean, and standard deviations of ISE. In this work, simultaneous control of pitch and yaw angles is considered to get rid of the coupling effect between the two rotors. The results indicate the advantage of the MNGSA-based tuning for the two degrees of freedom MIMO control with standard reference trajectories as per the TRMS330-10 model.
Migration background, eating disorder symptoms and healthcare service utilisation: findings from the Stockholm Public Health Cohort
Authors: Strand Mattias , Bäärnhielm Sofie , Fredlund Peeter , Brynedal Boel , Welch Elisabeth
Published: November 2023

Background

From a global perspective, eating disorders are increasingly common, probably because of societal transformation and improved detection. However, research on the impact of migration on the development of eating disorders is scarce, and previously reported results are conflicting.

Aims

To explore if eating disorder symptom prevalence varies according to birth region, parents’ birth region and neighbourhood characteristics, and analyse if the observed patterns match the likelihood of being in specialist treatment.

Method

This study uses data from a large population-based health survey (N=47 662) among adults in Stockholm, Sweden. A general linear model for complex samples, including adjustment for gender and age, was used to explore self-reported eating disorder symptoms. Odds ratios were calculated for individual symptoms.

Results

Eating disorder symptoms are substantially more common in individuals born abroad, especially for migrants from a non-European country. This holds true for all surveyed symptoms, including restrictive eating (odds ratio 5.5, 95% CI 4.5–6.7), compensatory vomiting (odds ratio 6.1, 95% CI 4.6–8.0), loss-of-control eating (odds ratio 2.6, 95% CI 2.3–3.1) and preoccupation with food (odds ratio 2.3, 95% CI 1.9–2.8). Likewise, symptoms are more common in individuals with both parents born abroad and individuals living in districts with a high percentage of migrant residents. A gap exists between district-level symptom scores and the likelihood of being in specialist eating disorder treatment.

Conclusions

These findings call for oversight of current outreach strategies, and highlight the need for efforts to reduce stigma and increase eating disorder symptom recognition in broader groups.
Pluripotent stem cell-derived neural progenitor cells can be used to model effects of IL-6 on human neurodevelopment
Authors: Sarieva Kseniia , Hildebrand Felix , Kagermeier Theresa , Yentür Zeynep , Becker Katharina , Mayer Simone
Published: November 2023

Maternal immune activation (MIA) increases the risks for neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring through inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6). We therefore aimed to establish a human two-dimensional (2D) in vitro neural model to investigate the effects of IL-6 exposure on neurodevelopment. IL-6 signal transduction requires two receptors: interleukin-6 signal transducer (IL6ST) and interleukin-6 receptor (IL6R). Prenatally, neural cells lack IL6R, and hence cannot elicit cis IL-6 signaling, but IL6R can be provided by microglia in trans. We demonstrate here that an immortalized human neural progenitor cell (NPC) line, ReNCell CX, expresses IL6ST and elicits both cis and trans IL-6 signaling, limiting its use as a model of MIA. In contrast, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived NPCs only activate the IL-6 cascade in trans. Activation of the trans IL-6 cascade did not result in increased proliferation of iPSC-derived NPCs or ReNCell CX, as has been demonstrated in animal models. iPSC-derived NPCs upregulated NR2F1 expression in response to IL-6 signaling in line with analogous experiments in organoids. Thus, iPSC-derived NPCs can be used to model gene expression changes in response to MIA in 2D cultures.
Multiple axes of visual system diversity in Ithomiini, an ecologically diverse tribe of mimetic butterflies
Authors: Wainwright J. Benito , Schofield Corin , Conway Max , Phillips Daniel , Martin-Silverstone Elizabeth , Brodrick Emelie A. , Cicconardi Francesco , How Martin J. , Roberts Nicholas W. , Montgomery Stephen H.
Published: November 2023

The striking structural variation seen in arthropod visual systems can be explained by the overall quantity and spatio-temporal structure of light within habitats coupled with developmental and physiological constraints. However, little is currently known about how fine-scale variation in visual structures arises across shorter evolutionary and ecological scales. In this study, we characterise patterns of interspecific (between species), intraspecific (between sexes) and intraindividual (between eye regions) variation in the visual system of four ithomiine butterfly species. These species are part of a diverse 26-million-year-old Neotropical radiation where changes in mimetic colouration are associated with fine-scale shifts in ecology, such as microhabitat preference. Using a combination of selection analyses on visual opsin sequences, in vivo ophthalmoscopy, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy and neural tracing, we quantify and describe physiological, anatomical and molecular traits involved in visual processing. Using these data, we provide evidence of substantial variation within the visual systems of Ithomiini, including: (i) relaxed selection on visual opsins, perhaps mediated by habitat preference, (ii) interspecific shifts in visual system physiology and anatomy, and (iii) extensive sexual dimorphism, including the complete absence of a butterfly-specific optic neuropil in the males of some species. We conclude that considerable visual system variation can exist within diverse insect radiations, hinting at the evolutionary lability of these systems to rapidly develop specialisations to distinct visual ecologies, with selection acting at the perceptual, processing and molecular level.
Endoscopic management of benign biliary strictures: Looking for the best stent to place
Authors: Colombo Matteo , Forcignanò Edoardo , Da Rio Leonardo , Spadaccini Marco , Andreozzi Marta , Giacchetto Carmelo Marco , Carrara Silvia , Maselli Roberta , Galtieri Piera Alessia , Pellegatta Gaia , Capogreco Antonio , Massimi Davide , Khalaf Kareem , Hassan Cesare , Anderloni Andrea , Repici Alessandro , Fugazza Alessandro
Published: November 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), which is distinguished by increased glucose levels in the bloodstream, is a metabolic disease with a rapidly increasing incidence worldwide. Nevertheless, the etiology and characteristics of the mechanism of T2DM remain unclear. Recently, abundant evidence has indicated that the intestinal microbiota is crucially involved in the initiation and progression of T2DM. The gut microbiome, the largest microecosystem, engages in material and energy metabolism in the human body. In this review, we concentrated on the correlation between the gut flora and T2DM. Meanwhile, we summarized the pathogenesis involving the intestinal flora in T2DM, as well as therapeutic approaches aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for the management of T2DM. Through the analysis presented here, we draw attention to further exploration of these research directions.
Maintaining Bovine
Authors: Welk-Joerger Nicole
Published: November 2023

abstract: This essay concluding the special issue "Bovine Regimes" reflects on the consequences of applying technological terms and ideals to nonhuman animals. Dealing with more recent theoretical provocations of "maintenance" in the field, the essay outlines how U.S. scientists used "maintenance" to both measure and define cattle bodies in the early twentieth century. Metabolic maintenance numbers signaled thresholds to meet and surpass in the production of meat and milk for human consumption. Just meeting this threshold, however, had crucial significance for keeping bovine companions alive. This essay explains the significance of the term "maintenance" in the cattle industry and encourages more discussion about what it means to "maintain animals," particularly agricultural animals, in the history of technology.
Enseigner la diversité linguistique de la France
Authors: Reaves Alisha
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Cet article vise à promouvoir la notion que l’enseignement de la diversité linguistique de la France, sous forme des langues régionales et des langues non territoriales, doit être intégré dans le programme scolaire de FLE aux États-Unis. La France n’est pas un pays linguistiquement homogène, et cette idée fautive perpétue le mythe (pour les apprenants) d’un Parisien blanc comme Français modèle. La reconnaissance de la diversité linguistique aidera à engendrer une perception plus nuancée d’une personne française dans les salles de classe.
Digital holography without a dark room environment: extraction of interference fringes by using deep learning
Authors: Nagahama Yuki
Published: November 2023

When obtaining digital holograms, dark rooms are used to prevent the influence of natural light on the formation of holograms. Further, in recent years, researchers have actively studied machine learning techniques such as deep learning to resolve image-related problems. In this study, we obtained a pair of holograms influenced by natural light and holograms unaffected by natural light, and trained U-Net to perform image transformation to remove the effects of natural light from holograms. Thus, this study aimed to propose a method for eliminating the effects of natural light from holograms by using the U-Net we trained. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, we evaluated the image quality of the reconstructed image of holograms before and after image processing by U-Net. The results showed that the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) increased by 7.38 [dB] after processing by U-Net. Additionally, the structural similarity index (SSIM) increased by 0.0453 after processing by U-Net. This study confirmed that in digital holography, holograms can be acquired without the use of a dark room and that the method proposed in this study can eliminate the effects of natural light and produce high-quality reconstructed images.
Low-loss adiabatic fiber-optic coupler for cryogenic photonics
Authors: Zhao Mengdi , Fang Kejie
Published: November 2023

Recent developments in quantum light–matter coupled systems and quantum
transducers have highlighted the need for cryogenic optical
measurements. In this study, we present a packaged fiber-optic coupler
with a coupling efficiency of over 50% for telecom wavelength light
down to the mK temperature range. Besides the high coupling
efficiency, our method enables sensitive photonic device measurements
that are immune to mechanical vibrations present in cryogenic
setups.
Scattering of a radially polarized Bessel beam by a PEMC sphere: photonic nanojet and bottle beam formation
Authors: Tang Huan , Shi Zhuoyuan , Zhang Yuan , Li Renxian , Wei Bing , Gong Shuhong , He Xinbo , Yang Lixia , Yan Bing , Sun Han , Mitri F. G.
Published: November 2023

The scattering of a radially polarized (rp) Bessel vortex and nonvortex beam by a perfect electromagnetic conductor (PEMC) sphere is studied based on the generalized Lorenz–Mie theory. The electric and magnetic fields of the incident arbitrary-shaped polarized beams are constructed using vector spherical wave functions (VSWFs) and beam shape coefficients. The analytical expression of the scattered field is expanded using VSWFs and scattering coefficients, which are derived by considering PEMC boundary conditions. The expression of the normalized dimensionless far-field scattering intensity (NDFSI) is also defined and derived. The photonic nanojet (PNJ) and the “bottle beam” generated by the interaction between the PEMC sphere and the vortex and nonvortex Bessel beam under rp are emphasized in this paper. Moreover, the intensity and directivity of NDFSI are also considered. It has been found that the generation of the PNJ and the “bottle beam” is determined by the half-cone angle α0 of the rp Bessel beam and admittance parameter M of the PEMC sphere. Furthermore, the influence of M, α0, and integer order l of the Bessel beam on the intensity and distribution of NDFSI is also discussed. The findings are important in the research on meta-materials and promising prospects in microwave engineering, antenna engineering, imaging, subwavelength focusing, optical radiation force, and torque.
The diagnosis and management of dehydration in children with wasting or nutritional edema: A systematic review
Authors: Tsegaye Adino Tesfahun , Pavlinac Patricia B. , Walson Judd L. , Tickell Kirkby D.
Published: November 2023

Dehydration is a major cause of death among children with wasting and diarrhea. We reviewed the evidence for the identification and management of dehydration among these children. Two systematic reviews were conducted to assess 1) the diagnostic performance of clinical signs or algorithms intended to measure dehydration, and 2) the efficacy and safety of low-osmolarity ORS versus ReSoMal on mortality, treatment failure, time to full rehydration, and electrolyte disturbances (management review). We searched PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Global Index Medicus for studies enrolling children 0–60 months old with wasting and diarrhea. The diagnostic review included four studies. Two studies found the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) and the Dehydration: Assessing Kids Accurately (DHAKA) algorithms had similar diagnostic performance, but both algorithms had high false positive rates for moderate (41% and 35%, respectively) and severe (76% and 82%, respectively) dehydration. One further IMCI algorithm study found a 23% false positive rate for moderate dehydration. The management review included six trials. One trial directly compared low osmolarity ORS to ReSoMal and found no difference in treatment failure rates, although ReSoMal had a shorter duration of treatment (16.1 vs. 19.6 hours, p = 0.036) and a higher incidence of hyponatremia. Both fluids failed to correct a substantial number of hypokalemia cases across studies. In conclusion, the IMCI dehydration assessment has comparable performance to other algorithms among wasted children. Low osmolarity ORS may be an alternative to ReSoMal for children with severe wasting, but might require additional potassium to combat hypokalemia.
Isolation, functional evaluation, and fermentation process optimization of probiotic Bacillus coagulans
Authors: Xu Li , Zhan Zhi Chun , Du ShiShen , Wang ShaoYun , Zhang QianQian , Wang Chao , Yang WenJie , Deng XiaoXu , Zhan ZeTao , Li Yang , Zhou Ying , Chen XiangDong
Published: November 2023

Bacillus coagulans is a probiotic agent widely used in various industries. In this study, we isolated a novel strain of B. coagulans, X26, from soil and characterized its properties. X26 exhibited superior enzyme, acid, and biomass yields when compared with other bacterial probiotics and an antibiotic. Moreover, X26 significantly improved the body weight of rats, highlighting its potential for industrial development as a supplement for animals. To optimize the fermentation process of this bacterium, we adopted the response surface design. When X26 was cultured in a medium with 16.5 g/L maltose, 25.00 g/L yeast extract, and 3.5 g/L K2HPO4, the optimal yield was predicted to be 5.1 × 109 CFU/mL. Consistent with the prediction, the yield of X26 in a 500-mL flask culture was (5.12 ± 0.01) × 109 CFU/mL, and in a 30-L fermenter was (5.11 ± 0.02) × 109 CFU/mL, accounting for a 9.9-fold higher field than that with a basal medium before optimization. We further optimized the fermentation process in the 30-L and a 10-T fermenter, generating yields of (7.8 ± 0.2) × 109 CFU/mL (spore rate: 96.54%) and (8.7 ± 0.1) × 109 CFU/mL (spore rate: 97.93%), respectively. These yields and spore rates were achieved at 45–55°C, the typical fermentation temperature of B. coagulans. Our findings indicate that B. coagulans X26 is a promising probiotic with considerable potential for cost-effective industrial fermentation.
Green production efficiency of China’s hog breeding industry: Spatial divergence and its driving factors
Authors: Ji Yifan , He Zejun , Li Ningjie , Li Chun , Xu Tao
Published: November 2023

This paper analyzes the green production efficiency (GPE) and spatial divergence of the hog breeding industry, with the aim of providing a foundation for the rational layout of hog breeding and promoting the industry’s high-quality development. The paper uses the SBM model to estimate GPE in 29 provinces, cities, and districts of China from 2006 to 2019. Furthermore, it analyzes the spatial divergence of GPE and its driving factors using divergence indexes and the Geodetector. The results show that China’s GPE of the hog breeding industry increased from 0.409 to 0.496 between 2006 and 2019. The highest efficiency occurred during the I-period, while the lowest efficiency was observed during the II-period. The highest efficiency was in the key development region, and the lowest efficiency was in the potential growth region. The spatial divergence of GPE in the hog breeding industry expanded, with labor input, non-point source pollution, resource endowment, and environmental load bearing being the main driving factors for the expansion in each period. The potential growth region had the largest spatial divergence, mainly affected by resource endowment. In contrast, the constrained development region had the smallest spatial divergence, mainly affected by resource endowment and pollutant emissions. The spatial divergence of moderate and key development regions was considerable, mainly affected by environmental investment, environmental load bearing, and pollutant emissions. Therefore, the key to improving the GPE of the hog breeding industry is to promote the adoption of advanced technology, such as labor-saving, material-saving, and emission reduction technologies. Moreover, several actions should be taken to reduce the spatial divergence among different regions, such as integrated breeding, clean standards, large-scale breeding, and high-end boutique.
Enhancing petunia tissue culture efficiency with machine learning: A pathway to improved callogenesis
Authors: Rezaei Hamed , Mirzaie-asl Asghar , Abdollahi Mohammad Reza , Tohidfar Masoud
Published: November 2023

The important feature of petunia in tissue culture is its unpredictable and genotype-dependent callogenesis, posing challenges for efficient regeneration and biotechnology applications. To address this issue, machine learning (ML) can be considered a powerful tool to analyze callogenesis data, extract key parameters, and predict optimal conditions for petunia callogenesis, facilitating more controlled and productive tissue culture processes. The study aimed to develop a predictive model for callogenesis in petunia using ML algorithms and to optimize the concentrations of phytohormones to enhance callus formation rate (CFR) and callus fresh weight (CFW). The inputs for the model were BAP, KIN, IBA, and NAA, while the outputs were CFR and CFW. Three ML algorithms, namely MLP, RBF, and GRNN, were compared, and the results revealed that GRNN (R2≥83) outperformed MLP and RBF in terms of accuracy. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the relative importance of the four phytohormones. IBA exhibited the highest importance, followed by NAA, BAP, and KIN. Leveraging the superior performance of the GRNN model, a genetic algorithm (GA) was integrated to optimize the concentration of phytohormones for maximizing CFR and CFW. The genetic algorithm identified an optimized combination of phytohormones consisting of 1.31 mg/L BAP, 1.02 mg/L KIN, 1.44 mg/L NAA, and 1.70 mg/L IBA, resulting in 95.83% CFR. To validate the reliability of the predicted results, optimized combinations of phytohormones were tested in a laboratory experiment. The results of the validation experiment indicated no significant difference between the experimental and optimized results obtained through the GA. This study presents a novel approach combining ML, sensitivity analysis, and GA for modeling and predicting callogenesis in petunia. The findings offer valuable insights into the optimization of phytohormone concentrations, facilitating improved callus formation and potential applications in plant tissue culture and genetic engineering.
Effect of negative emotions in consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: A study from Peru
Authors: Regalado-Pezúa Otto , Carvache-Franco Orly , Carvache-Franco Mauricio , Carvache-Franco Wilmer , Ortiz-Soto Maribel , Larregui-Candelaria Guisell
Published: November 2023

The research examines the negative consumer emotions generated by the perception of social networks or traditional media with consumer behavior during the covid_19 pandemic. The study was developed in Peru with a sample of 220 consumers; the design is quantitative and structural equations were used for data processing. The results indicate that social networks and traditional media are not related to negative emotions, but are related to the change in consumer behavior in the purchase of more products and new products. The research has theoretical implications since it provides evidence to the literature that the negative emotions generated during the covid_19 pandemic are related to changes in consumer behavior, which affect the purchase of more products and new products. The practical implications of the research is for businessmen on the causes of changes in consumer behavior generated during crises. like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Factors important for health-related quality of life in men and women: The population based SCAPIS study
Authors: Olsson Max , Björkelund Anders J. , Sandberg Jacob , Blomberg Anders , Börjesson Mats , Currow David , Malinovschi Andrei , Sköld Magnus , Wollmer Per , Torén Kjell , Östgren Carl-Johan , Engström Gunnar , Ekström Magnus
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is essential for human wellbeing, influenced by a complex interplay of factors, and is reported lower in women than men. We aimed to evaluate which factors were the most important for HRQoL in a middle-aged general population.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional, multi-centre study of 29,212 men (48%) and women (52%) aged 50–64 in the general population in Sweden. Physical and mental HRQoL (0–100) was assessed using the Short Form 12 questionnaire, and association was evaluated for 356 variables including demographics, lifestyle, symptoms, physiological measurements, and health conditions. Using machine learning, each variable´s importance for HRQoL was measured by an importance score, comparable to effect size, and summarised in 54 factors, in men and women separately.

Results

Men and women had similar mean and standard deviation (SD) scores for physical HRQoL (53.4 [SD 8.1] vs 51.4 [9.7]) and mental HRQoL (37.1 [5.0] vs 37.3 [5.4]). The most important factors for physical HRQoL were (importance score) physical activity (40), employment (36), pain (33), sleep (33), and sense of control (26). The most important factors for mental HRQoL were sense of control (18), physical activity (12), depression (12), pain (6), and employment (5).

Conclusions

The factors important for HRQoL identified by this study are likely to be amenable to interventions, and our findings can support prioritising interventions. The identified factors need to be a target even before middle-age to lay the foundation for long and happy lives.
Co-expression analysis suggests lncRNA-mRNA interactions enhance antiviral immune response during acute Chikungunya fever in whole blood of pediatric patients
Authors: Felix Juliana de Souza , Almeida Mariana Cordeiro , Lopes Maria Fernanda da Silva , de Athayde Flávia Regina Florencio , Troiano Jéssica Antonini , Scaramele Natália Francisco , Furlan Amanda de Oliveira , Lopes Flavia Lombardi
Published: November 2023

Chikungunya virus is an arbovirus that causes the neglected tropical disease chikungunya fever, common in tropical areas worldwide. There is evidence that arboviruses alter host transcriptome and modulate immune response; this modulation may involve transcriptional and post-transcriptional control mechanisms mediated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). Herein, we employed bioinformatic analysis to evaluate co-expression of lncRNAs and their putative target mRNAs in whole blood during natural Chikungunya infection in adolescent boys. Sequencing data from GSE99992 was uploaded to the Galaxy web server, where data was aligned with HISAT2, gene counts were estimated with HTSeq-count, and differential expression was run with DESeq2. After gene classification with Biomart, Pearson’s correlation was applied to identify potential interactions between lncRNAs and mRNAs, which were later classified into cis and trans according to genomic location (FEELnc) and binding potential (LncTar), respectively. We identified 1,975 mRNAs and 793 lncRNAs that were differentially expressed between the acute and convalescent stages of infection in the blood. Of the co-expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs, 357 potentially interact in trans and 9 in cis; their target mRNAs enriched pathways related to immune response and viral infections. Out of 52 enriched KEGG pathways, the RIG-I like receptor signaling is enriched by the highest number of target mRNAs. This pathway starts with the recognition of viral pathogens, leading to innate immune response mediated by the production of IFN-I and inflammatory cytokines. Our findings indicate that alterations in lncRNA expression in adolescent boys, induced by acute Chikungunya infection, potentially modulate mRNAs that contribute to antiviral immune responses.