bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical efficacy of Luohua Anshen oral liquid in the treatment of short-term insomnia disorders (syndrome of depressed liver qi transforming into fire): protocol for a single-center, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Jiang Ting , Lee Yuan-Xin , Li Chun-Yan , Wang Yin , Huang Yu-Ling , Wang Guo-Hua , Wang Hui-Ru , Zhao Fei-Yi , Zhang Wen-Jing
Published: April 2024

Background: At present, insufficient attention and unsatisfactory treatment for short-term insomnia disorder are widespread problems. This group of people should receive safe and effective treatment as soon as possible and avoid developing into chronic insomnia disorder. We hope to intervene and treat these patients through Luohua Anshen oral Liquid, which is made of peanut branches and leaves and has been used to effectively treat insomnia disorder, this method can be conducive to preventing short-term insomnia disorder chronicity and reducing the burden of health economics.
Methods: This double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial will be conducted at Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. After the one-week baseline, 96 short-term insomnia patients will be allocated 1:1:1 to intervention group A (treatment with Luohua Anshen oral liquid placebo 30 min after breakfast, and Luohua Anshen oral liquid 30 min before retiring for sleep),intervention group B (treatment with Luohua Anshen oral Liquid 30 min after breakfast, and Luohua Anshen oral liquid placebo 30 min before retiring for sleep) or the control group (treatment with oral placebo twice a day), with 4 weeks of treatment and 12 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome will be evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The secondary outcomes included the incidence of chronic insomnia, the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Scale (TCMSS) and Morning and Evening Questionnaire-5 (MEQ-5) scores; the sleep parameters recorded in the GENEActiv and Sleep Diary;and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) scores. The mechanistic evidence will be full-spectrum detection via serum and fecal sample metabolomics.
Discussion: This study provides more subjective and objective evidence of the efficacy and safety of Luohua Anshen oral liquid for improving sleep quality and exploreing the metabolic pathway of Serum and feces in patients with short-term insomnia.
Trial registration: This trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) (Identifier: ChiCTR2300071930) on 30 May 2023.
The Inverse-Power Burr–Hatke-G Family: Properties and Inference with Real-Life Applications
Authors: Abdelaziz Mohamed A. , Nofal Zohdy M. , Afify Ahmed Z.
Published: April 2024

This paper introduces a new generator called the inverse-power Burr–Hatke-G (IPBH-G) family. The special models of the IPBH-G family accommodate different monotone and nonmonotone failure rates, so it turns out to be quite flexible family for analyzing non-negative real-life data. We provide three special sub-models of the family, and derive its key mathematical properties. The parameters of the special IPBH-exponential model are explored using some frequentist approaches of estimation. Numerical simulations are performed to compare and rank the proposed methods based on partial and overall ranks. The superiority of the IPBH-exponential model over other distributions is illustrated empirically by means of three real-life data sets from applied sciences including industry, medicine, and agriculture.
A Preliminar Study of the Avifauna Composition of Four Parks in Salto, São
Authors: Maia Bárbara , Constantino Daniel Josué , Lima Vinícius Emanuel Brito
Published: April 2024

Birds play several ecological roles, such as plant pollination, seed dispersion, pest control, maintenance of gene flow, also attracting tourists to birdwatching. Therefore, knowledge regarding this biota is relevant for ecology and is important for understanding ecosystem dynamics and how human intervention affects them. The municipality of Salto, located in the southeast of São Paulo/Brazil, is a mutualistic transition zone between three brazilians biomes, predominantly riparian forest present along the banks of Tietê river, supporting ecological tourism among other 70 touristic resorts, gathering landscapes of great scenic beauty. In order to characterize avian community of Salto, we carried surveys in four different preserved parks, from March/2021 to March/2023. Data collection was based on field observations and photographic records on the WikiAves platform, using qualitative criteria, in which 340 native species were acknowledged for the area. The present work stands for the first birdlife characterization attempt for the municipality of Salto, generating relevant data regarding ecological dynamics between remnants, to quantify seasonal migrations in the city and provide subsidies for environmental enrichment in the parks. This work contributes to future conservation initiatives, as well as environmental education and support sustainable local ecotourism.
Size differences between the maxillary halves in CBCT datasets of subjects with unilateral palatal canine impactions
Authors: Baqer Ahmed , Gyasudeen Kabir Syed , Eljabour Rana , Chaudhry Jahanzeb , Prasad Sabarinath , Tawfik Abdulrahman
Published: April 2024

Objective
To investigate asymmetry in the maxillary volume of subjects with unilateral palatal canine impactions using a novel artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) segmentation method.
Methods
Craniofacial CBCT datasets of eleven subjects with unilateral palatal canine impactions were processed with a combination of AI-assisted automatic and investigator-guided segmentation techniques. Post-segmentation, three investigators independently measured the voxel-based volumes of specific maxillary structures, including the impaction and non-impaction maxillary sides, and the maxillary canines.
Results
High inter- and intra-investigator reliability in the volumetric measurements was seen. No significant right-left differences in the volumetric measurements of the skeletal maxillary halves (p = 0.3) or maxillary canines (p = 0.87) was observed in subjects with unilateral palatal canine impactions.
Conclusions
Within study limitations, right-left maxillary volumetric symmetry is observed in subjects with unilateral palatal canine impactions. The study establishes a reliable method for future AI-assisted investigations to understand the aetiology of canine impactions using CBCT datasets.
Deciphering the Impact of Nutrient Composition and Tissue Structure on Rumen Microbiome Dynamics in Roughage Degradation
Authors: Ye Xiaoxing , Li Keyao , Li Yafei , Gu Mingming , OMOOR IBRAHIM N.A. , Liu Haoyu , Qiu Shuilin , Jiang Xinhui , Lu Jianing , Ma Zhiyi , Wu Jiyao , Gan Qianfu
Published: April 2024

Background
Ruminant animals, such as goats, depend on rumen microbial communities to degrade fibrous nutrients from roughages, facilitating their growth and development. This research delved into the dynamic shifts in surface-attached rumen microbes found in representative roughages (rice straw, bamboo shoot sheet, and alfalfa) and examined their degradation characteristics. Four 14-month-old Min Dong goats with rumen fistulas were used for the experiment, and the roughages were assessed at seven intervals (4 h, 12 h, 24 h, 36 h, 48 h, and 72 h). Using the 16S rRNA and metagenomics sequencing techniques to reveal the microbiome composition and their functions.
Results
Prevotella and Treponema were pinpointed as pivotal genera in roughage degradation. The nutritional composition and tissue structure of roughages affected microbial attachment, causing variations in nutrient degradation rates and the overall degradation process. Microbes related to dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradation were abundant in the early fermentation stages (4-12h) while decreased as time progressed. In contrast, microbes of fiber degradation increased gradually after 24-hour. Dominant in the goat rumen, Prevotella and Treponema are integral to roughage degradation, attributed to their multifaceted functional traits. Furthermore, the surface-attached microbes in the three roughages produced BG (β-Glucosidase), C1 (Endo-β-1,4-glucanase), Cx (Exo-β-1,4-glucanase), and NEX (Neutral xylanase) enzymes. The activity of these enzymes and their correlation with GHs (Glycoside Hydrolases) functional genes increased with the fiber content of the roughages.
Conclusions
These insights advance our understanding of microbial roles in ruminant nutrition and digestion. The interaction between microbial communities and rumen fermentation is pivotal to understanding the collaborative gene encoding by goat rumen microbiota being critical for fiber degradation.
GLiDe: a web-based genome-scale CRISPRi sgRNA design tool for prokaryotes
Authors: Xiang Tongjun , Feng Huibao , Xing Xin-hui , Zhang Chong
Published: April 2024

Background
CRISPRi screening has become a powerful approach for functional genomic research. However, the off-target effects resulting from the mismatch tolerance between sgRNAs and their intended targets is a primary concern in CRISPRi applications.
Results
We introduce Guide Library Designer (GLiDe), a web-based tool specifically created for the genome-scale design of sgRNA libraries tailored for CRISPRi screening in prokaryotic organisms. GLiDe incorporates a robust quality control framework, rooted in prior experimental knowledge, ensuring the accurate identification of off-target hits. It boasts an extensive built-in database, encompassing 1,397 common prokaryotic species as a comprehensive design resource.
Conclusions
GLiDe provides the capability to design sgRNAs for newly discovered organisms. We further demonstrated that GLiDe exhibits enhanced precision in identifying off-target binding sites for the CRISPRi system.
Determining the link between psoriasis and Crohn's disease using bioinformatics and systems biology approaches
Authors: Xu Shihao , Li Ya , Yang Xin , Xie ChaoZheng , He Kuan , Wei Zhengqiang
Published: April 2024

Psoriasis, like Crohn's Disease is a lasting inflammatory condition with a complex mix of genetic and immune factors. It brings challenges to patients worldwide. This research delves into their connection by using RNA sequencing techniques and gene expression analysis to uncover genetic pathways. It emphasizes the significance of NAMPT as a gene influencing how they regulate responses and disease development. The study sheds light on the interplay among psoriasis and Crohn's disease by merging datasets. It provides perspectives, on targeted treatment approaches. Improved diagnostic accuracy.
A Descriptive Study on the Characteristics of Cardiomyopathy Patients with Acid α-Glucosidase (GAA) Pseudo-deficiency Allele and the Clinical Significance in a Tertiary Heart Centre in Malaysia
Authors: CHOW Han Bing , LIM Caryn Tsujean , HO Yik Hon , LING Hwei Sung , CHAN En Ze , FONG Alan Yean Yip , SAID Asri , ONG Tiong Kiam , OON Yen Yee
Published: April 2024

Background
GAA pseudo-deficiency is a change in the GAA genetic sequence that results in GAA enzyme activity reduction. It generally has no clinical consequence among newborns and children. However, the long-term clinical consequences into adulthood have not been well studied. This study aims to study the characteristics of cardiomyopathy patients who carry GAA pseudo-deficiency alleles.
Methods
All patients who were diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at our centre and went through genetic testing from January 2021 to June 2022 were recruited retrospectively. Data collected include demographics, types of genetic allele mutations, GAA activity level, cardiomyopathy phenotypes, neurological examination, NYHA class, lung function test and creatinine kinase level. The information was then analysed with IBM SPSS Version 27.
Results
6 patients were positive for the GAA pseudodeficiency allele. Among those, 1 (16.7%) exhibited both c.1726G > A and c.2065G > A alleles while the other 5 (83.3%) had only c.2065G > A allele. The median age of our patient population was 46 years old and 66.7% were female. 33.3% of our patients displayed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype, 16.7% had transthyretin amyloid phenotype, 16.7% had hypertensive phenotype and 16.7% had Fabry phenotype. All of the patients had normal CK levels and GAA enzymatic activity. None of them demonstrated respiratory insufficiency or neurological manifestations attributable to Pompe Disease.
Conclusion
The GAA pseudo-deficiency allele in adult cardiomyopathy patients is benign. However, a longer prospective study is desired to ascertain its clinical significance.
The ecological role of Fraxinus for species diversity in floodplain forests
Authors: Floren Andreas , Horchler P. , Sprick P. , Müller Tobias
Published: April 2024

To assess how different tree species contribute to overall diversity and system function, we sampled 99 trees by fogging in Elbe floodplain forests and collected 182,179 arthropods, of which 25,861 (14.2%) were beetles. Ninety percent of all beetle individuals and 65% of the beetle species were associated with the canopy. Beetles of the herb and soil layer contributed 35% to canopy richness, but represented only 8% of all individuals. Beetle communities differed significantly in diversity, structure and functional composition between tree species, suggesting different roles in maintaining diversity. Two types of communities could be distinguished: 1) those with high proportions of specialists that formed a predictable framework, characterised by high alpha diversity and low within-beta diversity such as those on Quercus robur and Ulmus laevis, and 2) those on Fraxinus excelsior with predominantly non-specific beetles, characterised by high alpha and high beta diversity. We found that the distribution of the most abundant zoophagous and second most abundant phytophagous guilds in the beetle- and ordinal communities was similar for all trees but differed significantly between tree species. This suggests strong top-down control of herbivore populations. These results indicate that a comprehensive assessment of tree canopy diversity is necessary and overdue to understand the ecological processes that ensure the functioning of forest ecosystems and the provision of ecological services.
Family Socioeconomic Status, Perceived Stress, and Sleep Quality Among First-Semester Junior middle school Freshmen: A Latent Growth Modeling Approach
Authors: Fu niuniu
Published: April 2024

This study conducted short-term longitudinal tracking of 1352 first-semester junior middle school freshmen to understand how lower family socioeconomic status and higher perceived stress affect sleep quality during this "key transition" in schooling. The study used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale, Chinese Version of the Perceived Stress Scale, and Family Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire, along with a latent variable growth modeling approach, to explore the overall sleep quality development trajectory and its influencing factors for first-semester freshmen. The results showed that junior middle school first-semester freshmen's sleep quality scores in the transition period presented a linear downward trend, and perceived stress hindered the improvement of sleep quality during this period. Moreover, students with low family socioeconomic status experienced greater perceived stress and poorer sleep quality during the transition to junior middle school. These findings are help to understand the processes by which established risk factors, including lower family socioeconomic status and higher perceived stress, impact sleep quality development. Therefore, it is necessary to alleviate the perceived stress of students with lower family socioeconomic status, thereby improving sleep quality in early life and preventing sleep disorders in adulthood.
Analysis of the Current Status and Moderated Mediating Effect of Medication Beliefs, Medication Adherence, and Social Support Among Elderly Individuals with Polypharmacy in Rural Hangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Xinan , Yu Shiqi , Zhou Hongting , Huang Liebin , Zhu Xuejiao , Zhou Liping
Published: April 2024

Objective
This study aims to examine the prevailing level of medication adherence among elderly individuals residing in rural areas of Hangzhou, China, who experience polypharmacy. The objective is to analyze the factors influencing medication compliance and validate the moderated mediation model. Ultimately, the findings will serve as a valuable reference and foundation for enhancing medication adherence among the rural elderly population with polypharmacy.
Methods
A convenience sampling method was employed to survey 220 rural elderly patients with chronic diseases requiring multiple drug use across five administrative districts (counties) of Hangzhou. Data were collected through a general information questionnaire, a medication knowledge and attitude questionnaire, and the Chinese version of the MORISKY Medication Adherence Questionnaire (MMAS-8). A total of 240 questionnaires were distributed, and 220 valid responses were obtained.
Results
Among 220 community elderly patients with polypharmacy, 36 cases (16.4%) had good compliance, 50 cases (22.7%) had strong belief in taking medicine, 2 cases (0.9%) had high knowledge ability of taking medicine, and 91 cases (41.4%) had high social support ability. Results from the univariate analysis revealed statistically significant associations (P < 0.05) with age, education level, medication knowledge, medication belief, and social support. Social support capacity partially mediated the relationship between medication belief and medication adherence, accounting for 14.8% of the total effect (P < 0.001). Furthermore, education level moderated the effects of medication belief and social support capacity (P < 0.05), culminating in a moderated mediation model.
Conclusion
Greater attention should be devoted to polypharmacy among the elderly, particularly in rural areas. By implementing targeted interventions and comprehensive measures, personalized intervention programs should be refined, and policy guidance and implementation should be reinforced. Moreover, efforts to enhance the capabilities of family doctors and community nursing in rural areas are crucial to ensuring the long-term efficacy of health education, promoting optimal utilization of support, and improving medication utilization among the rural elderly population.
Study on effectiveness of systematic cardiotocography use in National Maternal and Child Health Center in Cambodia: A study protocol for an explanatory clinical trial
Authors: Matsui Mitsuaki , Aoki Ai , Unno Nobuya , Eto Hiromi , Kim Rattana , Koum Kanal , Ly Sotha Keth , Takehara Kenji
Published: April 2024

Background and objective:
An estimated 2 million stillbirths and 2.4 million neonatal deaths occur globally every year, and 98% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. The main causes of neonatal death are prematurity and intrapartum-related events, and half of stillbirths occur during labor. Although cardiotocography (CTG) is used to detect fetal hypoxia and acidosis in high-income countries, its effectiveness is not shown in resource-limited settings. This study aims to evaluate whether systematic CTG contributes to reducing fetal acidosis, stillbirths and neonatal deaths in a tertiary-level hospital in Cambodia.
Methods:
Participants will be pregnant women with moderate risk. The study employs pre- and post-comparison design, and consists of three phases: observation (pre), pre-intervention, and intervention (post). Standard care is applied during the observation phase. Training on CTG application using a local guideline is applied in the pre-intervention phase. Systematic CTG use and periodic supervision are key components of the intervention. The observation phase is between January and April 2023, and the intervention phase is between January and April 2024. Primary outcome is fetal acidosis, which manifests as a pH less than 7.20 in the umbilical arterial blood. The results in the observation and intervention phases will be compared using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.
Discussion:
The novel idea of this study is the systematic use of CTG and the monitoring of hypoxic and acidotic states using blood gas analysis. It is expected that this study will contribute to show effectiveness of CTG use on reduction of fetal acidosis, and eventually on reduction of preventable child deaths in resource-limited settings.
Clinical trial registration:
UMIN000052815, UMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR)
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor α positive Cells are Essential for Angiogenesis Coupled with Osteogenesis through Hypoxia Inducible Factor 1α Signaling
Authors: liu liwei , sun pengpeng , ma benxu , wang changyao
Published: April 2024

Backgroud: Bone remodeling is a lifelong process depending on two dynamic and balanced activities, bone resorption and formation. It was hypothesized that a subset of the smallest vessels is essential to promote bone formation. Questions: What are the cellular and molecular mechanisms that are involved in osteogenic vessel formation during bone remodeling༟ Results: We showed that bone marrow progenitor cells (BMPC) gave rise to endothelial cells for vessel formation during bone remodeling. We further found BMPCs were the targets for hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) in vessel formation. Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is the only FDA-approved anabolic agent for osteoporosis. We found that PTH stimulated BMPCs commitment to endothelial cells for vessel formation and bone progenitors for bone formation. Inducible knockout of HIF1α from BMPCs abolished the effect of PTH in mouse models. Conclusion: BMPCs are essential for angiogenesis coupled with osteogenesis via HIF1α pathway. Clinical Relevance: HIF1α is a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis.
Finite element model reveals the involvement of cartilage endplate in quasi-static biomechanics of intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Zhang YuJun , Pan Yanli , Mao Xinning , He Du , Zhang Liangping , Cheng Wei , Zhu Chengyue , Zhu Hang , Zhang Wei , Jin HongTing , Pan Hao , Wang Dong
Published: April 2024

Background and Objective:
The biomechanical functionality of intervertebral discs is intrinsically linked to their compositional and structural attributes. However, the specific influence of cartilage endplate (CEP) degeneration on these discs' biomechanical behavior remains inadequately understood.
Methods
This study developed and quantitatively validated four biphasic swelling-based finite element models. We then applied four quasi-static tests and simulated daily loading scenarios to examine the effects of CEP degradation.
Results
In free-swelling conditions, short-term responses were prevalent, with CEP performance changes not significantly impacting response proportionality. Creep test results showed over 50% of strain attributed to long-term responses. Stress-relaxation testing indicated that all responses intensified with disc degeneration, yet CEP degeneration's impact was minimal. Daily load analyses revealed that disc degeneration significantly reduces nucleus pulposus pressure and disc height, whereas CEP degeneration marginally increases nucleus pressure and slightly decreases disc height.
Conclusions
Glycosaminoglycan content and CEP permeability are critical to the fluid-dependent viscoelastic response of intervertebral discs. Our findings suggest CEP's contributory role in disc degeneration under daily loading conditions.
Differences of patient empowerment between elective and contracted physicians in internal medicine in Austria: a quantitative content analysis
Authors: Simetsberger Bettina , Pferzinger Manfred , Waiguny Martin K. J.
Published: April 2024

Background
Physicians impact and promote patient empowerment at various levels. Specialized ambulatory care is provided by either elective physicians or contracted physicians in Austria, which is unique internationally. The difference between the two groups is due to the contractual relationship with the social health insurance providers. This paper researches whether there are also differences in the promotion of patient empowerment between elective and contracted physicians in internal medicine in Vienna based on four dimensions of patient empowerment.
Methods
A quantitative content analysis analyzes the comments on DocFinder.at to identify the differences between the two groups. A deductive inductive approach based on the literature as the comments on DocFinder.at, led to a codebook with seven categories and forty-eight variables. In total of 1,153 comments collated, 912 have been relevant for further analysis. Differences between elective and contracted physicians became evident through defined dimensions of patient empowerment.
Results
Three out of four dimensions show clear differences between elective and contracted physicians. In health literacy, self-management and communication elective physicians exhibit more conducive conditions for patient empowerment compared to contracted physicians. In particular we observe differences in the communication-relevant factors and in the transfer of information. The time spent by physicians is a decisive factor in this context and is one of the key factors in choosing an elective over a contracted physician.
Conclusions
The findings serve suggest avenues for further research. Our results suggest that elective physicians tend to create more conducive framework conditions for patient empowerment compared to contracted physicians, however our findings are also limited by the method used so future research might address it with different approaches like surveys or experiments.
Determinants of Hand Hygiene Compliance among Healthcare Workers in Intensive Care Units: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Alshagrawi Salah
Published: April 2024

Background
Practicing hand hygiene is a cost-effective method to decrease the occurrence of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs). However, despite their simplicity, adhering to hand hygiene methods among healthcare workers (HCWs) can be highly challenging. We aim to examine the factors influencing hand hygiene compliance as perceived by HCWs working in the intensive care units (ICUs) at several major hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Method
This qualitative study was conducted by adopting a content analysis to examine the interviews of HCWs who are currently working in the ICUs of various major hospitals located in the capital city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Results
We interviewed 49 HCWs working in ICUs, with an average age of 38 and 8 years of experience. The HCWs comprised doctors (n = 12), anesthesiologists (n = 6), and nurses (n = 31). There were 34 females and 15 males among the participants. Our analysis revealed several factors that impact hand hygiene compliance, including individual, work/environment, team, task, patient, organizational, and management concerns. Furthermore, several obstacles and possibilities for enhancement have been identified.
Conclusion
The results of this study would enhance our comprehension of hand hygiene practices and serve as a foundation for creating future strategies and assessment methods to enhance compliance with hand hygiene protocols in ICUs.
Regression with race-modifiers: towards equity and interpretability
Authors: Kowal Daniel
Published: April 2024

The pervasive effects of structural racism and racial discrimination are well-established and offer strong evidence that the effects of many important variables on health and life outcomes vary by race. Alarmingly, standard practices for statistical regression analysis introduce racial biases into the estimation and presentation of these race-modified effects. We introduce abundance-based constraints (ABCs) to eliminate these racial biases. ABCs offer a remarkable invariance property: estimates and inference for main effects are nearly unchanged by the inclusion of race-modifiers. Thus, quantitative researchers can estimate race-specific effects "for free"--without sacrificing parameter interpretability, equitability, or statistical efficiency. The benefits extend to prominent statistical learning techniques, especially regularization and selection. We leverage these tools to estimate the joint effects of environmental, social, and other factors on 4th end-of-grade readings scores for students in North Carolina (n=27,638) and identify race-modified effects for racial (residential) isolation, PM2.5 exposure, and mother's age at birth.
Comparative analysis of Cucurbita pepo genomes shed light in agronomic traits variation
Authors: Perez-Moro Clara , D’Esposito Daniela , Pérez-de-Castro Ana , Ercolano Maria , Capuozzo Claudio , Guadagno Anna
Published: April 2024

Background
Cucurbita pepo L. cultivars display high morphological traits variation. In addition, C. pepo faces numerous threats, such as viral and fungal infections, which significantly influence crop cultivation. Recent genomic advancements improved the understanding of genetic diversity and stress responses in this crop. We investigated genetic variations related to plant morphology and quality traits. Additionally, the inclusion of both powdery mildew (PM) and Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) susceptible and tolerant varieties facilitated the examination of genetic diversity concerning biotic stress.
Results
The sequencing of eight Cucurbita pepo varieties produced an average of 40 million raw reads with a coverage of reference genome ranging from 22 to 40X. More than 4.7 million genomic variants were identified in all genomes. Based on admixture and PCA analysis, the eight C. pepo genotypes resulted organized in two clusters belonging to Cocozelle and Zucchini groups, with “Whitaker” separated from the rest of the accessions. Genes involved in pathways related to gibberellin regulation, leaf development, and pigment accumulation resulted highly affected by variation suggesting that the diversity observed among varieties in plant and fruit morphology could be related to variants identified in such genes. Each variety showed its own set of genetic differences. The genomic comparison of 381e, 968Rb and SPQ allowed the identification of variants in chromosome regions affecting response to Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) and powdery mildew (PM). Variants in key genes associated with resistant traits were identified, suggesting potential pathways and mechanisms involved in biotic stress response and plant immunity.
Conclusions
Genetic variations affecting morphology and fruit quality in C. pepo emphasize their significance for breeding efforts. Furthermore, the genomic comparison of 381e, 968Rb and SPQ highlighted variants in chromosomal regions influencing zucchini's response to PM and ZYMV. These findings could pave the way for more targeted and effective genetic improvement strategies, thereby potentially leading to increased agricultural productivity and quality.
Discharge from Secondary Care Services to Primary Care for Adults with Serious Mental Illness: A Scoping Review
Authors: Davis Aubrey , Hamilton Kennedy , Vozza Jaclin
Published: April 2024

Background: Effective transitions of patients from Secondary Care Services (SCSs) to primary care are necessary for optimization of resources and care. Factors that enable or restrict smooth transitions of individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) to primary care from SCSs have not been comprehensively synthesized.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted to answer the questions 1) “What are the barriers and facilitators to discharge from SCSs to primary care for adults with SMI?” and 2) “What programs have been developed to support these transitions?”.
Results: Barriers and facilitators of discharge included patient-, primary care-, and process/systems-related factors. Patient-related barriers and facilitators were most frequently reported. 11 discharge programs were reported across the evidence sources. The most frequently reported program components were the provision of additional mental health supports for the transition and development of care plans with relapse signatures and intervention plans.
Conclusions: Established discharge programs should be comprehensively evaluated to determine their relative benefits. Furthermore, research should be expanded to evaluate barriers and facilitators to discharge and discharge programs in different national contexts and models of care.
Trial Registration: The protocol for this scoping review is registered with the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NBTMZ).
Establishment of novel SSR markers from transcriptome data of Chimonanthus praecox and application in the variety identification
Authors: Liu Bin , Wu Huafeng , Cao Yinzhu , Yang Ximeng , Zhu Ting , Sui Shunzhao
Published: April 2024

Background Chimonanthus praecox, belongs to the Calycanthaceae, is a unique traditional famous flower and special economic tree species in China. There are numerous varieties but only a few cultivars were named. At present, EST-SSR markers are widely used to identify different species and varieties, as researchers can identify a large number of microsatellites from transcriptome databases.
Result A total of 162,638 unigenes were assembled by using RNA-seq, and 82,778 unigenes was annotated by Nr, Nt, Swiss-Prot, Pfam, GO, KOG and KEGG databases. A total of 13,556 SSR loci were detected from 11,691 unigenes, with trinucleotide repeat motifs being the most abundant among the six types of repeat motifs. In order to develop markers, 64,440 pairs of SSR primers with polymorphism potential were designed, and 75 pairs of primers were randomly selected for amplification. Among them, seven pairs amplified fragments of the expected size with high polymorphism, and twelve C.praecoxvarieties were clustered into two monophyletic clades by the seven EST-SSR markers.
Conclusion The microsatellites in the transcriptome of C.preacox have the advantages of rich types, strong specificity, and great polymorphism potential. These EST-SSR markers can provide molecular technical methods for identifying different varieties of C.preacox, and can also explore a large number of candidate genes associated to traits.
Automatic Non-Invasive Prediction of Hemoglobin Using a Deep Learning-Assisted Smartphone-Based System
Authors: Chen YuWen , Yi Bin , Hu Xiaoyan , Zhu Yiziting , Liu Xiang
Published: April 2024

Background
The context and purpose of this study is to introduce a novel, compact, and efficient system that leverages deep learning and smartphone technology to estimate hemoglobin levels. Accurate measurement of hemoglobin concentration is essential for various medical scenarios, including preoperative evaluations and determining blood loss. Current models, due to their complex parameters, are not well-suited for mobile medical settings, which limits the ability to conduct frequent and rapid testing.
Methods
The study employed a smartphone application to capture images of the eye, which were then analyzed by a deep neural network trained using invasive blood test data. For the task of eyelid segmentation, the EGE-Unet model was used. The performance of this model was evaluated using statistical metrics including mean intersection over union (MIOU), F1 Score, accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. For hemoglobin level prediction, the DHA(C3AE) model was employed. The performance of this model was assessed using mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), root mean square error (RMSE), and R^2.
Results
The EGE-Unet model demonstrated robust performance in eyelid segmentation, achieving a MIOU of 0.78, an F1 Score of 0.87, an accuracy of 0.97, a specificity of 0.98, and a sensitivity of 0.86. The DHA(C3AE) model for hemoglobin level prediction yielded promising outcomes with a MAE of 1.34, a MAPE of 2.85, an RMSE of 1.69, and an R^2 of 0.34. The overall size of the model is modest at 1.08M, with a computational complexity of 0.12 FLOPs (G).
Conclusions
This groundbreaking approach eliminates the necessity for supplementary devices, providing a cost-effective, swift, and accurate method for healthcare professionals to enhance treatment planning and improve patient care in perioperative environments. The proposed system has the potential to enable frequent and rapid testing of hemoglobin levels, which can be particularly beneficial in mobile medical settings.
Trial Registration:
The clinical trial was registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2100044138) on March 11, 2021.
Using some non-thermal techniques as a new processing to produce safe, high-quality orange juice that is very rich in phytochemicals
Authors: Ghanem Sameh M. , Mahmoud Nashaat N. , Kadry Mostafa M. , Salama Mokhtar M. , Foda Ali H. , abd-ElAzim Essam I. , Haggag Muhammed I.
Published: April 2024

Objective: the goal of this study was to compare the effects of novel processing techniques thermal processing, pulsed electric field (PEF), orange peel extract (OPE), and ultraviolet (UV) on the physiochemical, microbiological inactivation, and sensory qualities of orange juice that was produced.
Methods: using standard procedures, a phytochemical analysis was conducted, both quantitative and qualitative. Orange juice samples were subjected to UV light for 20 minutes using a germicidal fluorescent UV lamp, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method was used to measure the antioxidant activity and agar well diffusion technique was modified to assess antimicrobial activity.
Results: The treatments could be applied singly or in combination (TOPE+UV, TOPE+PEF, TPEF+UV, and TOPE+PEF+UV). Orange juice samples underwent the following non-thermal treatments: a pulsed electric field (18.5 kV/cm for 500 µs at 100 Hz) for one-minute, thermal processing (at 90 °C for five minutes), non-thermal processing (UV treated at 25 °C for 20 minutes), and addition of 300 µl phytochemical-rich orange peel extract/100 ml juice. The ascorbic acid degradation for juice that was not thermally processed ranged from 11.11 to 20.5%, but thermal processing produced a higher percentage of degradation (62.8%). Some non-thermally processed juice samples had significantly higher carotenoid extractability (p<0.05) when compared to the control and thermally processed juice samples. Additionally, all non-thermally processed juice samples caused a critical increment (p<0.05) in the all-out phenolic content contrasted with the control and thermally treated juice tests. This resulted in the non-thermally processed juice samples having the highest antioxidant capacity compared to thermally processed juice samples. Compared to the control, thermal and non-thermal processing showed a discernible decrease in the microbial burden. Additionally, the sensory scores of the non-thermally processed samples were greater than those of the thermally processed sample but lower than those of the control sample.
Conclusion: the results obtained are consistent with the preservation of orange juice while maintaining its quality attributes through the use of non-thermally processed juice. To produce fruit and vegetable juices with excellent nutritional value and pleasing flavours, heat treatment can be substituted with UV, PEF, and OPE technologies.
Dynamically documenting archaeological excavations based on 3D modeling: a case study of the excavation of the #3 fossil of hominin cranium from Yunxian, Hubei, China
Authors: Niu Wenyuan , Lu Chengqiu , Zou Qiushi , Luo Yunbing , Wang Xuan , Xiang Hanyu , Zhang Fan , Gao Xing , Xing Song , Wei Xuan , Lou Wentai , Huang Dailong , Wang Cheng , Jiang Dongqing , Wan Xiaofeng , Zhang Zhongyun , Yin Huanghao , Lu Jiayang , Wang Feng , Huang Xianfeng , Li Yinghua
Published: April 2024

Documenting tangible cultural heritage using 3D modeling techniques is gradually becoming an indispensable component of archaeological practice. The 3D modeling techniques based on photogrammetry and LiDAR scanning enable high-accuracy and high-realistic reconstruction of sites and ruins, and have been proven a powerful tool for documenting archaeological excavations. However, dynamically documenting an ongoing excavation using these techniques is still considered tedious, time-consuming, expensive, and dependent on expertise. In these senses, documenting the archaeological excavation at the \emph{Yunxian Man} site (located in Hubei, China) is an invaluable opportunity for exploration and practice. Archaeologists determined to conduct dynamically documenting at the beginning of the 6th excavation project for the site, and established a rotation system to reconcile physical excavation with digital preservation. Through repeated practice and communication, we proposed a workflow and pursued several new methods to enhance the feasibility of dynamically documenting, and obtained multi-temporal 3D models of the ongoing archaeological excavations. In 2022, the \emph{Yunxian Man} site unearthed the most intact fossil of hominin cranium from about one million years ago in the Eurasian continent, preserving important and scarce anatomical features of early humans in Asia. As the original taphonomic context of the fossil corroded away during physical excavations, the digital documentation consisting of multi-temporal 3D models serves as permanent original data source in subsequent archaeological research. Moreover, we obtained cross-scale 3D models from geographical environment to archaeological site, excavation area, and cultural remains, and all of these 3D models are in an actual, unified coordinate framework. Thus, we can contribute to multidisciplinary cross-collaborative research through data sharing. Considering that digital documentations serve a great value in archaeological research, this paper focuses on sharing the workflow and methods to facilitate digital preservation for more archaeological projects.
Analytical Evaluation of Natural Frequencies in Hollow-Core Slabs: A PracticalMethodology for Civil Engineering Applications
Authors: Zenatti Carlos Natã , Silveira Guilherme , Gidrão Gustavo , Novak Paulo Rogério , Bosse Rúbia , Silvestro Laura , Marcos Lara Kawai
Published: April 2024

This study presents an analytical methodology for predicting the natural frequencies ofhollow-core slab panels, addressing a significant research and application need instructural engineering. The study suggests a numerical-experimental calibrationutilizing the Finite Element Method (FEM) via ANSYS software to assess the modalresponse of prestressed hollow core slabs investigated by Marcos (2015). Through thedevelopment of Irvine's equation, this research proposes a simplified methodology fordetermining the natural frequency of slabs. The slabs are modeled as simply supportedbeams, and Irvine's equations are applied to simplify several degrees of freedomstructure (SDOF) and determine the natural frequencies for various spans. Thevalidation of the numerical-experimental model indicates a maximum error of 8.32\% inthe third vibration mode, demonstrating the accuracy and practicality of the proposedanalytical method. This approach could be useful in determining the vibrationserviceability presented in ABNT NBR 6118:2023. It can help engineers andmanufacturers ensure structural compliance and vibration serviceability.
The causal relationship between circulating leukocytes and kidney function: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: LI Xiuzhi , Yang Han
Published: April 2024

Background
Several studies proposed that inflammatory response strongly correlated with kidney function and the progression of the chronic kidney disease (CKD), both in terms of its onset and course as well as any ensuing consequences.
Objectives
To investigate the potential causal relationship of the five subtypes of leukocytes count (monocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils) with CKD and kidney function by employing Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.
Methods
At the genome-wide significance level, single-nucleotide polymorphisms correlated to major white blood cell types were identified. Large-scale genome-wide association studies with sample sizes of 44,266, 86,640, 58,284, and 23,210 provided summary-level data for CKD, eGFR, and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR), respectively. The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was used for primary MR analysis, and additional sensitivity approach were carried out to evaluate the robustness.
Results
We discovered that a higher genetically determined monocyte count was causally associated with an increased genetically predicted eGFR level (beta = 0.0035; 95% CI: 0.0013–0.0057; P = 1.45×10− 3) and uACR level (betaIVW = 0.017; 95%CI: 0.008–0.027, P = 5.5 × 10− 4). Sensitivity analyses employing different approaches revealed comparable associations, while MR-Egger regression revealed no indication of pleiotropy. In addition, we observed that was lymphocyte count (betaIVW = 0.018; 95%CI: 0.004–0.033, P = 1.1 × 10− 2) and neutrophil count (betaIVW = 0.018; 95%CI: 0.001–0.035, P = 3.9 × 10− 2) were positively associated with uACR, while the association remained non-significant after Bonferroni correction.
Conclusion
Our research implicates peripheral white blood cells, specifically monocytes, lymphocytes, and eosinophils, to the kidney function damage, underscoring the necessity for mechanistic investigations to discover these associations.
The Impact of 4% Articaine on ECG: Insights from a Randomised Control Trial
Authors: s sakthi , d durairaj , m james antony bhagat , b nathiya , ar thennarasu , kumar nalin
Published: April 2024

AIM AND BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Articaine can be used as alternative drug of choice for lignocaine because it has rapid onset and longer duration of action so these qualities of articaine can be beneficial for patient travelling from long distance in which patient can be free from pain. The aim of this study is to Compare the efficacy and safety such as blood pressure and pulse rate ,ECG of the both of 4% Articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine and 2% Lignocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in patients operated for mandibular third molar impaction.
METHOD
This is a randomized controlled clinical trial a total 30 subjects were participated in the study with age ranging from 22-45 years and parameters such as Drug volume(ml) ,Duration of surgical procedure, Intra operative pain evaluation, Onset of anesthesia, Duration of anesthesia, Duration of postoperative analgesia, ECG,blood pressure,pulse,spo2,temperature were assessed .
Results:
It was evident that 4% articaine has longer duration of action and great postoperative analgesia in terms of 2% lignocaine and there was no significant difference in ECG,blood pressure,pulse ,spo2,temperature
Conclusion
It was established that 4% articaine is more effective than 2% lignocaine. Hence might be thought of as a lignocaine substitute in clinical settings.A local anaesthetic solution that is efficient enough to produce sufficient anaesthesia while causing minimal problems is essential for minor oral surgical procedures