bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene networks and the evolution of olfactory organs, eyes, hair cells and motoneurons: a view encompassing lancelets, tunicates and vertebrates
Authors: Fritzsch Bernd , Glover Joel C.
Published: March 2024

Key developmental pathways and gene networks underlie the formation of sensory cell types and structures involved in chemosensation, vision and mechanosensation, and of the efferents these sensory inputs can activate. We describe similarities and differences in these pathways and gene networks in selected species of the three main chordate groups, lancelets, tunicates, and vertebrates, leading to divergent development of olfactory receptors, eyes, hair cells and motoneurons. The lack of appropriately posited expression of certain transcription factors in lancelets and tunicates prevents them from developing vertebrate-like olfactory receptors and eyes, although they generate alternative structures for chemosensation and vision. Lancelets and tunicates lack mechanosensory cells associated with the sensation of acoustic stimuli, but have gravisensitive organs and ciliated epidermal sensory cells that may (and in some cases clearly do) provide mechanosensation and thus the capacity to respond to movement relative to surrounding water. Although functionally analogous to the vertebrate vestibular apparatus and lateral line, homology is questionable due to differences in the expression of the key transcription factors Neurog and Atoh1/7, on which development of vertebrate hair cells depends. The vertebrate hair cell-bearing inner ear and lateral line thus likely represent major evolutionary advances specific to vertebrates. Motoneurons develop in vertebrates under the control of the ventral signaling molecule hedgehog/sonic hedgehog (Hh,Shh), against an opposing inhibitory effect mediated by dorsal signaling molecules. Many elements of Shh-signaling and downstream genes involved in specifying and differentiating motoneurons are also exhibited by lancelets and tunicates, but the repertoire of MNs in vertebrates is broader, indicating greater diversity in motoneuron differentiation programs.
The challenge of managing ischemic stroke in brucellosis: a case report
Authors: Chen Linfa , Lin Xiaolong , Cai Xiuqu , Zeng Shiting , Yuan Yanquan , Huang Zhiyong , Yan Jinjin , Li You
Published: March 2024

A 64-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital for sudden weakness in one of her left limbs. The patient was diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke (IS) of undetermined cause and received intravenous thrombolysis. Following thrombolysis, the patient’s left limb weakness improved, but she subsequently developed recurrent high fever and delirium. Further diagnostic tests revealed that she had been infected with Brucella melitensis. The patient showed significant improvement during anti-infection treatment for Brucellosis and secondary prevention treatment for IS. However, her condition unexpectedly worsened on the 44th day after admission due to a hemorrhagic stroke (HS), which required an urgent craniotomy. Immunohistochemical analysis of the hematoma sample collected during the operation showed the presence of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes surrounding the blood vessels. This case highlights the unique challenge of managing IS in brucellosis and sheds light on the potential role of T lymphocytes in the immune response related to stroke.
Coastal cities governance in the context of integrated coastal zonal management: a sustainable development goal perspective under international environmental law for ‘coastal sustainability’
Authors: Zhang Shijun , Wu Qian , Butt M. Jahanzeb , Lv Yan-Ming , Wang Yan-E-
Published: March 2024

Literature on integrated coastal zonal management (ICZM) for coastal sustainability from a legal perspective provided significant measures. Recently, sustainable development goals (SDGs) have become a focus in ICZM literature, which establishes coastal goals and connects these goals with other goals. Although integrating coastal goals into ICZM under international law challenges the existing models presented in the literature, the comprehensive literature review (CLR) methodology is appropriate for observing the current literature and provides a way-forward for coastal goals. Therefore, through this research, a CLR on ICZM literature is conducted to observe how far SDGs are integrated for coastal sustainability. The CLR identified that coastal city governance is a pertinent part of ICZM, and the coastal goals are devised in the form of environmental goals of SDG – 14 (life below water). This CLR examines the anthropogenic connections of waste, sanitation, and emissions management and urban planning with coastal ecosystems under the ICZM system. For such purposes, governance tools of science-policy integration under international law and policy for sustainable development are utilized to form an obligatory framework. The CLR further provided coordination, adaptivity, monitoring, and capacity-building tools, which were utilized thoroughly throughout the literature and can be incorporated with the SDGs in a multilevel governance framework of ICZM. Throughout the study, international law formulating SDGs is pivotal to be transplanted successfully into the ICZM governance processes.
Agreement between PSMA-RADS and E-PSMA systems in classifying [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT lesions among prostate cancer patients: exploring the correlation between lesion size and uptake
Authors: Mendoza-Ávila Miguel , Esparza-Pérez Hiram , Castillo-López Juan Andrés , Rodea-Montero Edel Rafael
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To determine the agreement between the PSMA-RADS and E-PSMA standardized reporting systems in the classification of [18F]PSMA-1007–uptaking lesions identified on PET/CT scan in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and post-prostatectomy with suspected recurrent disease (local recurrence, regional nodal involvement and distant metastases), based on biochemical recurrence, while also exploring the correlation between lesion size and tracer uptake.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study of 32 post-prostatectomy PCa patients who had suspected recurrent disease based on biochemical recurrence post-prostatectomy (prostate-specific antigen values that are 0.2 ng/mL or higher) underwent [18F]PSMA-1007 PET/CT scan. The recurrent disease PCa lesions were characterized and subsequently classified using two standardized reporting systems (PSMA-RADS and E-PSMA). The lesions were grouped based on anatomical site, their size and SUVmax were compared using Kruskal-Wallis test with Dunn-Bonferroni post hoc tests. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated between the size of the lesions and their SUVmax of the radiotracer [18F]PSMA-1007 for all the lesions and when grouped by anatomical site. Additionally, the agreement between lesion classifications was assessed using Cohen’s kappa index.

Results

Only 32 (69.98 ± 8.27, men) patients met the inclusion criteria, a total of 149 lesions with avid uptake of [18F]PSMA-1007 were identified. Positive correlation (r = 0.516, p < 0.001) was observed between the size of the metastatic prostate cancer lymph node lesions and their [18F]PSMA-1007 uptake. Substantial agreement was noted between the PSMA-RADS and E-PSMA classification system scores among all lesions (κ = 0.70, p < 0.001), with notable discrepancies primarily among lymph node lesions.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed a positive correlation between the size of the metastatic prostate cancer lymph node lesions and [18F]PSMA-1007 uptake, and although there was substantial agreement between the PSMA-RADS and E-PSMA classification systems, there were discrepancies mainly among the lymph node lesions.
Association between SpO2 and the risk of death in elderly T2DM patients with cerebral infarction: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Ji Jiaqi , Gao Siqi , Yang Shu , Song Zeyi , Li Jianmin , Liu Junjie
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the SpO2 (transcutaneous oxygen saturation) -mortality link in elderly T2DM (diabetes mellitus type 2) patients with cerebral infarction and identify their optimal SpO2 range.

Methods

In this investigation, we employed a comprehensive approach. Initially, we screened the MIMIC-IV database, identifying elderly T2DM patients with cerebral infarction, utilizing specific ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes. We then harnessed the power of restricted cubic splines to craft a visual representation of the correlation between SpO2 and 1-year mortality. To enhance our analysis, we harnessed Cox multivariate regression, allowing us to compute adjusted hazard ratios (HR) accompanied by 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Additionally, we crafted Cumulative Mortality Curve analyses, augmenting our study by engaging in rigorous subgroup analyses, stratifying our observations based on pertinent covariates.

Results

In this study, 448 elderly T2DM patients with cerebral infarction were included. Within 1-year post-discharge, 161 patients (35.94%) succumbed. Employing Restricted Cubic Spline analysis, a statistically significant U-shaped non-linear relationship between admission ICU SpO2 levels and 1-year mortality was observed (P-value < 0.05). Further analysis indicated that both low and high SpO2 levels increased the mortality risk. Cox multivariate regression analysis, adjusting for potential confounding factors, confirmed the association of low (≤94.5%) and high SpO2 levels (96.5–98.5%) with elevated 1-year mortality risk, particularly notably high SpO2 levels (>98.5%) [HR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.29–3.29, P-value = 0.002]. The cumulative mortality curves revealed the following SpO2 subgroups from high to low cumulative mortality at the 365th day: normal levels (94.5% < SpO2 ≤ 96.5%), low levels (SpO2 ≤ 94.5%), high levels (96.5% < SpO2 ≤ 98.5%), and notably high levels (>98.5%). Subgroup analysis demonstrated no significant interaction between SpO2 and grouping variables, including Sex, Age, Congestive heart failure, Temperature, and ICU length of stay (LOS-ICU; P-values for interaction were >0.05).

Conclusions

Striking an optimal balance is paramount, as fixating solely on lower SpO2 limits or neglecting high SpO2 levels may contribute to increased mortality rates. To mitigate mortality risk in elderly T2DM patients with cerebral infarction, we recommend maintaining SpO2 levels within the range of 94.5–96.5%.
Robustness of the self-referential process under normobaric hypoxia: an fNIRS study using the GLM and homologous cortical functional connectivity analyses
Authors: Minamoto Takehiro , Kawakami Naoaki , Tsujimoto Takehiko
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Hypoxia has been reported to impair psychological functions, such as working memory and decision-making. However, few studies have examined hypoxia’s effect on social cognition.

Methods

Using a self-referential task, the present study investigated normobaric hypoxia’s effect on the self-referential process. Additionally, we measured brain activity during the task with fNIRS and performed conventional univariate analysis with the general linear model (GLM) as well as homologous cortical functional connectivity analysis.

Results

The results revealed that normobaric hypoxia impaired recognition of adjectives in the other-reference condition but not in the self-reference. The GLM analysis did not detect differences in brain activity between the self- and other-reference conditions, suggesting that GLM analysis may not be suitable for examining self- and other-reference conditions’ neural correlates. The homologous cortical connectivity analysis revealed that the connectivity’s magnitude was greater in the self-reference than in the other-reference conditions in the normoxic group. However, such a decrease in connectivity in the other-reference conditions was not observed in the hypoxic group, possibly to compensate for cognitive decline induced by the hypoxia.

Conclusion

Considering that homologous connectivity reflects the default mode network, which is supposedly linked to continuous self-reference, stable strength of the connectivity in the self-reference condition under the hypoxia may suggest robust nature of the self-reference process under normobaric hypoxia.
Interpersonal eye-tracking reveals the dynamics of interacting minds
Authors: Wohltjen Sophie , Wheatley Thalia
Published: March 2024

The human eye is a rich source of information about where, when, and how we attend. Our gaze paths indicate where and what captures our attention, while changes in pupil size can signal surprise, revealing our expectations. Similarly, the pattern of our blinks suggests levels of alertness and when our attention shifts between external engagement and internal thought. During interactions with others, these cues reveal how we coordinate and share our mental states. To leverage these insights effectively, we need accurate, timely methods to observe these cues as they naturally unfold. Advances in eye-tracking technology now enable real-time observation of these cues, shedding light on mutual cognitive processes that foster shared understanding, collaborative thought, and social connection. This brief review highlights these advances and the new opportunities they present for future research.
Case report: Bronchoscopic intervention for rare benign airway tumors: a report of 4 cases and literature review
Authors: Cui Zhifang , Wang Jinhong , Wang Hongwu , Li Lei , Si Xiaohui , Zhang Yanbin , Zou Heng
Published: March 2024

Due to their unique location, airway tumors have a significant impact on patient quality of life and survival. Current research has focused extensively on malignant airway tumors; however, benign airway tumors, especially rare ones, are less understood due to their low incidence. These tumors are often misdiagnosed and mistreated due to diagnostic challenges. Therefore, there is still a lack of consensus on the treatment of some rare benign airway tumors. Our center summarizes the diagnosis and treatment of four rare cases of benign airway stenosis in recent years, highlighting the bronchoscopic manifestations and therapeutic approaches to improve the understanding of these diseases.
Targeting of lysosomal-bound protein mEAK-7 for cancer therapy
Authors: Chang Insoon , Loo Yi-Ling , Patel Jay , Nguyen Joe Truong , Kim Jin Koo , Krebsbach Paul H.
Published: March 2024

mEAK-7 (mammalian EAK-7 or MTOR-associated protein, eak-7 homolog), is an evolutionarily conserved lysosomal membrane protein that is highly expressed in several cancer cells. Multiple recent studies have identified mEAK-7 as a positive activator of mTOR (mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin) signaling via an alternative mTOR complex, implying that mEAK-7 plays an important role in the promotion of cancer proliferation and migration. In addition, structural analyses investigating interactions between mEAK-7 and V-ATPase, a protein complex responsible for regulating pH homeostasis in cellular compartments, have suggested that mEAK-7 may contribute to V-ATPase-mediated mTORC1 activation. The C-terminal α-helix of mEAK-7 binds to the D and B subunits of the V-ATPase, creating a pincer-like grip around its B subunit. This binding undergoes partial disruption during ATP hydrolysis, potentially enabling other proteins such as mTOR to bind to the α-helix of mEAK-7. mEAK-7 also promotes chemoresistance and radiation resistance by sustaining DNA damage-mediated mTOR signaling through interactions with DNA-PKcs (DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit). Taken together, these findings indicate that mEAK-7 may be a promising therapeutic target against tumors. However, the precise molecular mechanisms and signal transduction pathways of mEAK-7 in cancer remain largely unknown, motivating the need for further investigation. Here, we summarize the current known roles of mEAK-7 in normal physiology and cancer development by reviewing the latest studies and discuss potential future developments of mEAK-7 in targeted cancer therapy.
Effects of rainfall patterns in dry and rainy seasons on the biomass, ecostoichiometric characteristics, and NSC content of Fraxinus malacophylla seedlings
Authors: Zheng Shaojie , Cha Xiaofei , Dong Qiong , Guo Huanxian , Sun Lijuan , Zhao Qize , Gong Yunqi
Published: March 2024

With global climate change and rising temperatures, rainfall will change. The impact of global rainfall changes on ecosystems has prompted people to delve deeper into how changes in rainfall affect plant growth; Plant biomass, nutrient element content, and non-structural carbohydrate content are very sensitive to changes in precipitation. Therefore, understanding the impact of rainfall changes on seedlings is crucial. However, it is currently unclear how the seedlings of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl in rocky desertification areas respond to changes in rainfall. In this study, the response of biomass, nutrient accumulation, and NSC content of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings to different rainfall intervals and rainfall during the dry and rainy seasons was studied. Use natural rainfall duration of 5 days (T) and extended rainfall duration of 10 days(T+) as rainfall intervals; average monthly rainfall was used as the control (W), with a corresponding 40% increase in rainfall (W+) and a 40% decrease in rainfall (W-) as rainfall treatments. The research results indicate that the biomass of roots, stems, and leaves, as well as the accumulation of C, N, and P in Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings increase with the increase of rainfall, while the soluble sugar and starch content show a pattern of first increasing and then decreasing. The biomass and nutrient accumulation of each organ showed root>leaf>stem. Except for the beginning of the dry season, prolonging the duration of rainfall in other periods inhibits the biomass accumulation of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings, and promotes the accumulation of C, N, and P nutrients and an increase in soluble sugar and starch content. There was a significant positive correlation (P<0.05) between the nutrient contents of C, N, and P in various organs, as well as between soluble sugar and starch content; And N: P>16, plant growth is limited by P element. These results indicate that changes in rainfall can affect the growth and development of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings, increasing rainfall can promote biomass and nutrient accumulation of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings, and prolonging rainfall intervals and reducing rainfall have inhibitory effects on them. The exploration of the adaptation of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl seedlings to rainfall patterns has promoted a basic understanding of the impact of rainfall changes on the growth of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl. This provides a theoretical basis for understanding how Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl can grow better under rainfall changes and for future management of Fraxinus malacophylla Hemsl artificial forests in rocky desertification areas.
Traits linked to sensory processing sensitivity mediate the relationship between externally oriented thinking and fantasizing
Authors: Jakobson Lorna S. , McQuarrie Amanda M. , Van Landeghem Chantal , Smith Stephen D.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Alexithymia is characterized by difficulties identifying and describing feelings but expression of externally oriented thinking (EOT) and difficulty fantasizing is more variable. In two studies, we investigated whether links between EOT and fantasizing are mediated by sensory processing sensitivity (SPS).

Methods

University students completed measures of alexithymia, SPS, and fantasizing.

Results

In Study 1 (N = 700) we identified two clusters of SPS traits: a positive facet (sensitivity to subtle stimuli) and a negative facet (sensitivity to uncomfortable stimuli). In the 499 participants who completed the fantasy measure, low EOT scores predicted stronger SPS positive and negative traits, which predicted a stronger tendency to mentally project oneself into the lives of characters in books, movies, and plays. In Study 2 (N = 600), the link between EOT and this same fantasizing tendency was again mediated by features of SPS—in this case fantasy proneness and emotional reactivity.

Discussion

We suggest that, whereas individuals who score high on EOT have an impoverished fantasy life, those who score relatively low on EOT and turn their attention inward are able to maintain stronger representations of imagined events in working memory (enhancing the likelihood that they will be recalled) and react more strongly to these events (enhancing their salience). Stronger expression of these features of SPS, in turn, increases the likelihood that one will develop a cognitive style that involves the application of imagery-based strategies to support deep processing of the thoughts and feelings of characters depicted in narratives.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward tuberculosis prevention and management among household contacts in Suzhou Hospital, Jiangsu province, China
Authors: Zhang Yuping , Wu Jingwen , Hui Xiaoyan , Zhang Peipei , Xue Fang
Published: March 2024

Background

China is among the 10 high-burden tuberculosis (TB) countries in the world; thus, investigation and management of household contacts is an essential part of TB prevention strategy.

Objective

To explore the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) toward TB prevention and management among household contacts of TB patients.

Methods

This cross-sectional study enrolled household contacts in Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine between September 2022 and January 2023; KAP and demographic characteristics were assessed with the self-designed questionnaire and analyzed by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 503 participants were included; of them, 280 (55.78%) were female, and 303, (60.36%) aged ≥45 years. The KAP scores were 6.24 ± 2.20 (possible range: 0–12), 18.69 ± 2.80 (possible range: 0–36), and 20.37 ± 5.15 (possible range: 0–36), respectively. Suburban (OR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.04–0.79, p = 0.023) and rural (OR = 0.12, 95% CI: 0.03–0.57, p = 0.008) were independently associated with knowledge. Positive attitude (OR = 7.03, 95% CI: 2.92–16.96, p < 0.001), education (high school or technical secondary school, OR = 4.91, 95% CI: 1.63–14.73, p = 0.005; college and above, OR = 14.94, 95% CI: 3.51–63.58, p < 0.001), and shorter disease duration (3–6 months, OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18–0.90, p = 0.026) were independently associated with better practice scores.

Conclusion

Household contacts of TB patients demonstrated insufficient knowledge, unfavorable attitude, and suboptimal practice toward TB prevention and management. Tailored interventions are needed to ensure information accessibility, especially for individuals living in suburban and rural areas.
Role of remnant cholesterol in the relationship between physical activity and diabetes mellitus: an intermediary analysis
Authors: Yang Zihua , Chen Hao , Lai Fengxia , Zhang Jingjing , Wang Shihong , Wang Shuang , Chen Yongze , Mai Zhenhua , Luo Ling , Kong Danli , Ding Yuanlin
Published: March 2024

Objective

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the potential link between physical activity (PA) and the heightened susceptibility to diabetes mellitus (DM), by examining whether remnant cholesterol (RC) might act as a mediator in this correlation.

Methods

The research utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, spanning from 2005 to 2018. Various statistical analyses were conducted for continuous and categorical variables, including the t-test, ANOVA, and χ2 test. Logistic regression was employed to analyze the association between PA and DM across three distinct models. Mediation analysis was also conducted to assess the potential mediation effects of RC.

Results

The study encompassed a total of 9,149 participants, and it was observed that individuals with DM exhibited lower levels of PA. Furthermore, PA levels were found to be associated with all participant characteristics except poverty income ratio, fasting blood glucose, and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05). After adjusting for covariates (Model 3), individuals with high PA levels demonstrated a decreased likelihood of developing DM compared to those in the low PA group (OR: 0.73, 95%CI: 0.54–0.99). A significant dose–response relationship was identified (p < 0.05). No interaction between PA and RC in relation to DM risk was detected, and RC was found to serve as a mediator in the connection between PA and DM. After considering covariates, the mediating effect of RC between PA and DM weakens.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that higher levels of PA are linked to a reduced risk of DM in U.S. adults, with RC likely playing a mediating role.
Children’s perception of food parenting practices: adaptation and validation of the comprehensive feeding practices questionnaire in Chilean adolescents
Authors: Del Valle Carola , Miranda Horacio , Orellana Ligia , Grunet Klaus G. , Adasme-Berrios Cristian , Schnettler Berta
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Assessment of the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire in adolescents (CFPQ-Teen) is still limited, with no evaluation of the measurement invariance. The participants comprised 473 Chilean adolescents of both sexes from dual-income nuclear families. The aims of this study were: (1) to adapt to Spanish and validate a model of five-factor version the CFPQ-Teen; (2) to examine the psychometric properties, (3) to evaluate the measurement invariance according to the adolescents’ gender; and (4) to compare the scores of each factor between female and male adolescents.

Methods

The instrument was translated, back-translated, and adapted from the CFPQ-Teen, confirming the equivalence, conceptual, and face validity in a pilot sample of 40 adolescents. An exploratory factor analysis was performed on the five-factor model of the CFPQ-Teen: Monitoring, Adolescent Control, Restriction for weight control, Parental Modeling, and Environment. The Environment factor was eliminated as a result.

Results

The confirmatory factor analysis presented good reliability, convergent, discriminant, and concurrent validity values. In addition, medium to high goodness-of-fit levels were obtained by eliminating an item from the Adolescent Control factor. These results confirm a final 20-item model representing four factors. The multigroup invariance analysis of the measurement model verified configural, metric, scalar, and partial strict invariance. No significant differences were found between females and males in the scores on the four factors.

Discussion

These results enable comparisons by sex on the perceptions of Food Parenting Practices from the analyzed factors, primarily within the context of the Chilean sample.
With a little profitable help from my friends: the relational incongruence of benefiting financially from prosocially motivated favors
Authors: Arnestad Mads Nordmo , Glambek Mats , Selart Marcus
Published: March 2024

Introduction

To improve our understanding of how people engage in altruistic behavior, it is important to investigate the motives provided by help recipients and how these motives influence givers' helping behaviors.

Method

In the present study we conduct three experiments (total N = 606), exploring how the financial motivation of help recipients can affect givers' helping behaviors.

Results and discussion

We find that people like to help others but resent helping those motivated by immediate financial gains. Study 1 shows that the recipient of help influenced the responses of the helpers depending on whether the recipient was making a sales profit from this help or not. An influencing factor was whether the recipient could provide an excuse for making such a profit. Study 2 replicated these findings also in conditions in which other kinds of profits were applied. Study 3 confirmed the results in conditions in which helpers were informed about recipients' financial motives before deciding whether to help.
Seed storage allergens tackled via next-generation research assistant
Authors: Evangelista Adriana Rita , Amoroso Ciro Gianmaria , Nitride Chiara , Andolfo Giuseppe
Published: March 2024

The expanding consumption of plant proteins in the diet to overcome the environmental issues associated with animal proteins is increasing the incidence of food-induced allergic reactions. One of the 21st-century research drivers in agriculture sciences is the development and validation of concrete approaches for modulating the expression of allergenic proteins in crops before harvesting. The increasing incidence of plant food allergies is primarily induced by seed storage proteins that clinicians are experiencing recently because of the more predominant use of plant-derived proteins in the food industry. Increased availability of high-throughput technologies has generated an ever-growing number of omics data, allowing us to have better structural knowledge of SSPs and molecular properties that can inform the allergenicity assessment. The recent systems for targeted genome engineering, without double-strand DNA breaks, allow the introduction of precise modifications directly into commercial plant species. Artificial intelligence is significantly transforming scientific research across every stage, assisting scientists, processing large-scale data, making predictions, automating tasks. During this epochal change, marked by the encounter between artificial intelligence and synthetic biology, a next-generation research assistant (NGA) is coming alive. Here, we propose a new conceptual vision to facilitate and speed up the editing of cross-reactivity sites to obtain hypoallergenic cultivars and avoid pleiotropic effects. Finally, we discuss the potential applications of this new way to conceive the research. NGA may be undoubtedly capable of managing the evolution of SPP allergies through the prediction of novel epitopes, as well as the prediction of immunological response mechanisms.
Health extension workers' level of job satisfaction in western Hararghe Zone, eastern Ethiopia: an institutional-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Aman Kemal , Gobena Tesfaye , Hawulte Behailu , Maruta Melat B. , Debella Adera , Eyeberu Addis , Abrahim Rudwan , Wakjira Olifan , Mussa Ibsa
Published: March 2024

Background

There is a concern that job dissatisfaction among health extension workers (HEWs) reduces the benefit of investment in the execution of health extension programs. Hence, the purpose of this study was to explore the level of job satisfaction and factors affecting it among the HEWs in the West Hararghe Zone, Oromia Regional State, eastern Ethiopia.

Method

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 416 randomly selected health extension workers from 20 September 2020 to 20 October 2020. A pretested, structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. STATA 14.2 was used for data analysis. Bivariable and multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were also performed. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

The overall level of satisfaction of health extension workers was 51.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 46.97%, 56.6%]. Earning more than 5,260 ETB as salary [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.85], working more than 10 km from the district town (AOR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.53), receiving supportive supervision (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.55), and not living with parents (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.24, 3.04) were significantly associated factors with HEW job satisfaction.

Conclusion

Nearly half of the health extension workers were dissatisfied with their jobs. Supportive supervision, compensation, distance, and parental home location were all predictors of job satisfaction. It is critical to establish intervention tactics that may satisfy and motivate HEWs to expand health coverage, strengthen health extension programs, and improve service delivery.
Twins And Telomeres-In Space!
Authors: Bailey Susan M.
Published: March 2024

As part of the NASA Twins Study, our investigations related to telomeres and DNA damage responses (genome stability) during long-duration spaceflight have important implications for the health and performance of astronauts participating in exploration missions, as well as for long-term aging and disease risk outcomes. Together with the other Twins Study investigations, results will guide future studies and development of personalized medicine approaches for evaluating health effects for individual astronauts as we make our way back to the moon and beyond. Particularly as the number and diversity of space travelers and even space tourists increases over the coming years, identifying individual differences in response to the extreme environment, experiences and chronic exposures associated with space travel, exploration, and eventual habitation of other planets, represents a critical next step for ensuring future astronaut performance and health during, and improving disease and aging courses following, such missions. Ad astra!
Farmer differentiation and cultivated use system resilience from a perceptive behavioral perspective: influencing mechanisms and governance strategies
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Ya Nan
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The adaptive management strategy of the cultivated land use system is crucial for achieving sustainable development, particularly when viewed from the perspective of perceptual behavior. This study integrated farmers’ behavior, perceptions, and willingness into the resilience evaluation index system of the cultivated land use system.

Methods

By resilience calculation method of cultivated land use system and linear regression method, it also explored the effect of farmer differentiation on the resilience of cultivated land use systems under the influence of socioeconomic systems, thereby providing a scientific reference for the adaptive management of cultivated land use systems.

Results

The key findings are as follows: First, in general, the production resilience of the peasant household cultivated land use system was low, with significant resilience differentiation of resource elements and stratification of ecological and scale structures. However, the total resilience remained relatively stable. Second, farmers’ cultivated land use systems exhibit uneven resilience, with a lack of production and ecological protection, indicating low efficiency and weak functioning of the cultivated land use system. Third, farmers’ differentiation into non-agricultural employment is high, with low dependence on land. The resilience of the cultivated land use system varies significantly among different types of farmers, with imbalance and production deficiency being the main types of resilience in the farmland use system. Fourth, the economic differentiation of farmers and the differentiation of cultivated land use negatively affected the resilience of the cultivated land use system; the more pronounced the differentiation, the lower the resilience.

Discussion

Based on these findings, the primary management strategies to enhance the resilience and adaptability of the cultivated land use system include improving the production resilience of the system, increasing the enthusiasm of different types of farmers to invest in the resource elements of the cultivated land use system, promoting the transformation of ecological protection consciousness and behavior among various types of farmers, and improving the willingness for cultivated land transfer.
Mateo Tepe or Devils Tower: Native and Tourist Differences in Geosite Interpretations
Authors: Stoffle Richard , Van Vlack Kathleen , Lim Heather H. , Bell Alannah
Published: March 2024

Devils Tower is located in Wyoming, USA. It is composed of volcanic elements from the Tertiary Period of geologic time. Geologists are interested in this geosite because it is a unique, upstanding, steep-sided, high-relief exhumed Tertiary-age volcanic plug. As a Native American cultural geosite, however, it is often called Mateo Tepe, and it is a sacred place to over 20 Native American tribes. It was inscribed as America’s first national monument in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt, because of its special geology. It is visually dramatic due to its columns, which are understood by earth scientists as a wonder of geology but by Native people as the claw scratches of a spiritual bear. These vertical cracks are the focus of rock climbers and Native people, respectively as opportunities for adventure and self-fulfillment and spiritual paths to another dimension and the achievement of religious balance in the world. Mateo Tepe became a national monument due to it being a unique geologic feature. The geopark concept is used in this analysis to talk about this geologically based monument.
Saints and Celebrities
Authors: Self Kathleen M.
Published: March 2024

This article offers a pedagogical approach to introducing undergraduate students to hagiology by comparing medieval sanctity to modern celebrity. The bodies of saints and celebrities are important loci for the transmission of sanctity or celebrity from a person to the public and for the continuity of identity. Examples include St. Faith, St. Cuthbert, Kim Kardashian, and Marilyn Monroe. Using a comparative method allows students who are non-religious to better apprehend the unfamiliar practices and beliefs around the cult of saints and relics.
Trabalho alienado na era das tecnologias digitais no contexto da covid-19
Authors: Bezerra Angélica Luiza Silva , Medeiros Milena Gomes de
Published: March 2024

O artigo versa sobre os aspectos contemporâneos do trabalho alienado na era das tecnologias digitais no contexto da Covid-19. Como procedimentos metodológicos utilizou-se uma revisão bibliográfica, com o auxílio de alguns dados estatísticos para evidenciar a problematização das contradições advindas da desestruturação do trabalho no Brasil. A pandemia da Covid-19 tem demonstrado um processo prolongado das contrarreformas, que desnudou o drama da classe trabalhadora destituída de proteção. Assim, a precariedade que se estende e se universaliza, visivelmente percebido no trabalho alienado, na era das tecnologias digitais não se devam apenas a pandemia, mas ao movimento dos processos de reestruturação do mundo do trabalho desde a década de 1970 com a ativação da crise estrutural do capital. Deste modo, o contexto pandêmico apenas antecipa o que já era uma tendência qual seja, a ampliação do trabalho alienado sob a gestão das tecnologias digitais.
 
Palavras-chaves: trabalho; alienação; tecnologias digitais; covid-19.
Microscopic characteristics, chemical compositions and bioactivities of Alpinia vietnamica
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Quynh Phu , Nguyen Hoai Bao Chau , Doan Quoc Tuan , Nguyen Khanh Thuy Linh , Tran Van Nguyen , Le Thi Khanh Linh
Published: March 2024

Background: The genus Alpinia is one of the diverse genera in Thua Thien Hue province, in which many species have been used as medicine. But until now, studies on A. vietnamica have rarely been reported.

Objectives: The present study was aimed at the determination of microscopic characteristics and chemical compositions as well as evaluating the antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of A. vietnamica. Materials and methods: A. vietnamica was collected in Phong Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province. Anatomic structures and powder properties were determined by the microscopic method. Phytochemical screening was conducted by specific chemical reactions. The Folin-Ciocalteau method and the aluminum chloride-flavonoid assay, respectively, were used to quantify the total polyphenol (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC). Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, while acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity was evaluated using the Ellman method.

Results: The microscopic characteristics of this species have been described. Phytochemical analysis results revealed the presence of flavonoids, coumarins, and tannins in A. vietnamica. The ethanol extract from the aerial part of A. vietnamica had higher polyphenol and flavonoid contents than the underground part extract. Moreover, this extract also displayed a stronger DPPH radical scavenging and exhibited AChE inhibitory activities.

Conclusion: This is the first report on the microscopic characteristics, chemical compositions, and biological activities of A. vietnamica.

Key words: Alpinia vietnamica, microscopic characteristics, chemical constituents, antioxidant activity, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory
Técnica médica método Namihira para el tratamiento del lipedema: presentación de casos clínicos
Authors: Aguilar Namihira Erika Beatriz
Published: March 2024

Introduction. Lipedema, a chronic adipose tissue disorder, poses challenges in its diagnosis and medical treatment. Despite affecting 11 - 20% of women, it often goes unnoticed due to its resemblance to other conditions. Current treatment options range from conservative approaches to surgical interventions, with liposuction the most effective. This article introduces the Namihira method, a minimally invasive medical technique challenging the traditional paradigm of lipedema treatment. Case Presentation. Four successful cases of patients treated with the Namihira method are presented following a lipedema diagnosis. These cases demonstrate the clinical benefits of the method: progressive reduction in pain, volume and improvement in texture, with a minimal recovery time. The average duration of the procedure was 150 minutes, and all patients resumed low - impact physical activities immediately. Results and Conclusions. The Namihira method offers significant medical and aesthetic results while minimizing complications. Results include a notable reduction in pain, decreased fat nodules, and a lower incidence of hematomas. Additionally, an average weight loss of up to 2.500 kg at the end of the protocol was observed. The method stands out for its accessibility, short procedure time, and lower costs, positioning it as a compelling therapeutic option for lipedema and localized adiposity. Nevertheless, more long - term research is required for this procedure.
Gender Perspectives on the Service Quality of Low-Cost Hotels
Authors: Ezeh Precious , Ezeuduji Ikechukwu
Published: March 2024

Service sector has recently become quite important to the global economy. The Nigerian government and numerous public sector investors are developing infrastructure and implementing sound business plans to take advantage of the hospitality industry's enormous potential in the service sector. However, due to the intense competition in the marketplace and the hospitality sector's rapid development, many businesses have felt pressure to distinguish themselves from rivals through superior customer service. Despite the level of competition among the low-cost hotels, most of the low-cost hotels in Nigeria still lack marketing concepts to attract guests. Previous studies on SERVPERF (service performance) model focused on other classes of hotels, neglecting low-cost hotels. Thus, this study analysed the SERVPERF dimensions regarding guests' satisfaction in low-cost hotels, from the demographic perspective (gender). Five undergraduate students received authorization from low-cost hotels to collect research data with the assistance of hotel employees. Each of the five survey teams consisted of a hotel employee who speaks and understands Hausa language (local language) as well as an undergraduate student from Federal University Gusau, Zamfara state, Nigeria. Data were collected from 300 guests at low-cost hotels and analysed through structural equation modelling (SEM). Composite reliability, Cronbach’s alpha and average variance extracted were used to test the reliability and validity of the instrument. It was revealed that assurance positively influenced male guests’ satisfaction, while reliability positively influenced female guests’ satisfaction in low-cost hotels. Furthermore, assurance negatively influenced female guests’ satisfaction. Male guests in low-cost hotels cherish the staff’s expertise and civility, as well as their capacity to instil trust and confidence. They want the hotel employees to make them feel comfortable while the services are being provided. The study’s practical implications are elucidated in this paper.
Aspects of Ecosystem Approach in Governing a Tourism Destination
Authors: Röntynen Rositsa
Published: March 2024

This theoretical study offers an extensive exploration of the ecosystem approach to tourism destination management. Ecosystems have gained prominence in contemporary discourse across various domains, including business and the academic world. The study examines tourism destinations through the lens of a business ecosystem, shedding light on the intricate interplay of elements within such ecosystems. For this purpose, first, the concept of a business ecosystem is defined and delimitated, laying the foundation for its application to the unique context of tourism destinations. Ecosystems, both in biology and in business, are complex and spontaneous structures, which raises profound questions about the feasibility of managing an ecosystem, the responsible entities, and the methods entailed. This paper argues that rather than a traditional management approach, it is plausible to adopt a governance perspective when dealing with the tourism destination ecosystem. By synthesizing existing bibliographical data on the characteristics of the ecosystem, the roles and functions of actors in it, as well as unique attributes of tourism enriching the understanding of the ecosystem approach, the research concludes on the important aspects that could be used for successful governance. This study serves as the initial phase of a broader research endeavor, which overarching goal is to contribute to the socio-economic understanding of tourism management, casting it through the prism of business ecosystems by expanding on these foundational insights and conducting further empirical investigations on particular types of tourism.
Encouraging Intersectoral Collaboration to Promote Medical Tourism in South Africa
Authors: Deonarain Michaelle , Ramoersad Renitha
Published: March 2024

Rebuilding is a prominent theme in a post pandemic era where economies are looking to attract all opportunities to recover. Tourism has always been a key driver to boost economies particularly in countries which are rich in cultural diversity and natural beauty. South Africa, which already has a thriving tourism industry, has seen an increase in medical tourists who are motivated by the desire to avoid high healthcare costs, long wait times for services and specific procedures that are not offered in their own countries. South Africa's private healthcare system is world-class for medical tourism because it is supported by a thriving medical insurance market. The rise of medical tourism in South Africa has stemmed from synergies formed with the private sector healthcare system because of the growth of tourism. Currently, only private sector hospitals are involved in rendering services related to medical tourism. The current rollout of the National Health Insurance (NHI) poses as an opportunity for the public healthcare sector to also benefit from the revenue generated by medical tourism, however there are challenges that exist that must be alleviated. This paper will begin with an overview of the medical tourism and healthcare sectors in South Africa based on secondary research conducted. Thereafter the empirical data highlighting challenges experienced at selected public central hospitals in South Africa will be presented. The paper will then explore the collaboration potential of the tourism and healthcare industries to overcome the challenges presented. Recommendations will be contributory in highlighting the need for revenue to restore trust in the public healthcare sector and boost medical tourism.  The empirical study, through adopting a descriptive exploratory paradigm, emphasises the quantitative method used to gather data from a purposive sample with the use of a questionnaire. Data collected from 322 respondents revealed that the daily challenges, underpinned by a severe lack of funding at the selected public central hospitals in South Africa, inhibit high quality service delivery, making the public healthcare sector an undesirable option for medical tourism.