bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adaptation of the nutrition care process for metabolic diseases in the Mexican population
Authors: Sevilla-González Magdalena , González-Ortiz Ailema , Landa-Anell María Victoria , Melgarejo-Hernández Marco A. , Arias-Marroquín Ana Teresa , Del Razo-Olvera Fabiola Mabel , Román-Calleja Berenice Monserrat , Monreal-Lugo Ana Victoria , Martin-Vences Angélica J. , Haua-Navarro Karime , Espinosa-Cuevas Angeles
Published: January 2025

Background

The Nutrition Care Process (NCP) is a systematic framework designed to enhance the quality of nutrition care. Given the high prevalence of metabolic diseases in Mexican population, there is a critical need for tailored nutrition care strategies.

Objective

We aim to describe the adaptation of the NCP to manage metabolic diseases in Mexican individuals.

Methods

Our adaptation included a comprehensive literature review of clinical nutrition guidelines, by a structured consultation with experts to ensure clinical setting-specific and culturally appropriate modifications. A team of registered dietitians from two tier 3 hospitals, each with over five years of experience in metabolic disease management, customized the NCP’s four core steps—assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and monitoring—to meet the specific needs of the Mexican population.

Results

We adapted the NCP to manage five common metabolic disorders: obesity, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and dyslipidemia. Each step of the NCP was complemented by the development of educational materials designed to (1) enhance awareness of disease risk, (2) broaden their knowledge of nutritional management, and (3) provide tailored strategies for developing personalized action plans. The adapted NCP was implemented in clinical and research settings and the materials were documented as an online publication to facilitate widespread dissemination.

Conclusion

Our adaptation represents a significant advancement in the use of structured tools for nutrition care in Mexican populations, who face disproportionately high rates of metabolic diseases. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of this approach in clinical settings.
Progress in immunotherapy for brain metastatic melanoma
Authors: Zheng Shicheng , Lin Zhongqiao , Zhang Ruibo , Cheng Zihang , Li Kaixin , Gu Chenkai , Chen Yu , Lin Jing
Published: January 2025

Melanoma is highly aggressive, with brain metastasis being a significant contributor to poor outcomes. Immunotherapy has emerged as a crucial treatment modality for melanoma, particularly for addressing brain metastases. This review explores recent developments in immunotherapy for patients with melanoma brain metastasis, with such treatments encompassing immune checkpoint inhibitors and various immunotherapy combination approaches, such as dual immunotherapy, immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy combined with targeted drugs, and immunotherapy combined with radiotherapy. This article also discusses existing treatment obstacles and potential future avenues for research and clinical practice.
Nucleotide variation in Foxp3 gene and prognosis of bladder cancer: a case-control study
Authors: Li Qin , Zhang Yan , Su Min , Song Yaping , Wang Yanyun , Zhou Bin , Zhang Lin
Published: January 2025

Background

Numerous researches have investigated the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the transcription factor forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) gene and the development of various cancers. However, the relationship of Foxp3 polymorphism and bladder cancer (BC) remain unclear.

Method

This hospital-based case-control study enrolled a total of 316 patients diagnosed with BC and 643 healthy controls. Two Foxp3 SNPs (rs3761548 C/A, rs5902434 del/ATT) were selected, and genotyping of the samples was performed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. SPSS and online SNPstats software were used to determine the disparities between groups.

Results

For the rs3761548 C/A polymorphism, patients with the CA/AA genotype showed a notable decrease in the case group (22.1% versus 34.8%, P = 0.003, OR = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.44-0.85), and the heterozygous CA genotype presented a distinctly lower risk for BC (P = 0.0003, OR = 0.43, 95%CI = 0.26-0.70). Notably, individuals who were homozygous for the AA genotype demonstrated a markedly lower overall survival (OS) rate compared to those with the CC/CA genotypes (P = 0.03, OR = 5.89, 95%CI = 1.23-28.15), after adjusting for factors such as age, gender, smoking status, tumor grade, metastasis, and clinical stage. For the rs5902434 del/ATT polymorphism, a decreased risk was observed across the codominant and over-dominant models with statistical significance (codominant model: P = 0.01, OR = 0.61, 95%CI = 0.42-0.89; over-dominant model: P = 0.004, OR = 0.60, 95%CI = 0.42-0.85), and no significant association was observed between the rs5902434 polymorphism and patient’s OS rate.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that Foxp3 polymorphisms may be associated with BC susceptibility, and that rs3761548 could potentially serve as an independent risk factor for the OS rate.
Exploration of treatment strategies for cerebral cavernous malformations: two case reports on non-resection treatment and literature review
Authors: Han Yibo , Liang Dong , Guo Jing , Wang Yibao , Wang Yong
Published: January 2025

Background

Cavernous malformations are common vascular abnormalities of the central nervous system, but cavernous malformations of the cerebral aqueduct are rare. The choice of treatment is influenced by various factors.

Case Description

We report two cases of midbrain cavernous malformations. Both cases involved midbrain lesions obstructing the cerebral aqueduct, leading to obstructive hydrocephalus. The primary symptoms and complaints of the patients were related to hydrocephalus. Prior to surgery, patients underwent comprehensive imaging evaluations and received endoscopic third ventriculostomy rather than tumor resection. Both patients had favorable recoveries. We also reviewed the literature and discussed the choice of treatment strategies.

Conclusion

Cavernous malformations are slow-progressing central nervous system lesions with a relatively benign natural course. When selecting a treatment strategy, clinicians should carefully consider the underlying cause of the patient’s primary symptoms and the specific objectives of the surgery. Avoiding overly aggressive resection that fails to address the main symptoms and potentially causes irreversible damage is crucial.
Direct antiglobulin test for the prediction of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia needing an intervention: a systematic review and diagnostic test accuracy meta-analysis
Authors: Kumar Krishnegowda Vijay , Ramaswamy Viraraghavan Vadakkencherry , Abiramalatha Thangaraj , Bandyopadhyay Tapas , S Abdul Kareem Pullattayil , Kannan Loganathan Prakash
Published: January 2025

Importance

The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is commonly used as a screening test for predicting significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring intervention. However, evidence for this approach is limited.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic utility of DAT in predicting the need for phototherapy and double volume exchange transfusion (DVET) in neonates with ABO and Rhesus (Rh) incompatibility conditions.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from inception until 1 February 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers screened the titles and abstracts blinded to each other. A Bayesian bivariate random-effects model was employed for the diagnostic test accuracy meta-analyses. Risk of bias was assessed using Quality Assessment for Studies of Diagnostic Accuracy 2 and certainty of evidence (CoE) was adjudged according to the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) guidelines.

Results

In total, 53 studies were included in the systematic review and 28 were synthesized in the meta-analysis. For the need for phototherapy outcome, the pooled sensitivity [95% credible interval (CrI)] and specificity (95% CrI) of DAT in ABO incompatibility (18 studies, n = 10,110) were 56.1% (44.5%–67.8%) and 83.6% (71.6%–90.8%). For Rh incompatibility (three studies, n = 491), the sensitivity and specificity were 40.4% (12.2%–81.7%) and 89.9% (72.7%–94.6%). The CoE was predominantly low. For the need for DVET outcome, the pooled sensitivity and specificity of DAT in ABO incompatibility (three studies, n = 2,652) were 83.6% (35.8%–99.6%) and 74.5% (40.3%–92.7%). For Rh incompatibility (two studies, n = 240), the sensitivity and specificity were 80.3% (34.2%–97.3%) and 68.0% (25.3%–92.1%). The CoE was predominantly very low.

Conclusion

In ABO and Rh incompatibility, DAT probably has moderate specificity and low sensitivity for predicting the need for phototherapy. For DVET, though DAT is possibly a better predictor due to its acceptable sensitivity, the predictive interval was wide. Thus, we do not suggest the routine use of DAT screening to predict the need for phototherapy and DVET. However, it may be used as a second-tier investigation for risk stratification of high-risk neonates.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022297785, PROSPERO (CRD42022297785).
Age and estrogen-associated reductions in hypoxic ventilatory response and chemosensitivity in female rats
Authors: Grittner Jessica M. L. , Barok Rebecca , Juarez Lopez Edgar , Shah Misha , Dougherty Brendan J.
Published: January 2025

Respiratory function is modulated by circulating steroid hormones. In female rats, steroid hormones fluctuate across the normal estrous cycle and decline with age, similar to human menopause. To determine the influence of steroid hormones, and mimic aspects of age-related reductions in hormones, the ovariectomy model is often employed. Ovariectomy (OVX) induces an immediate and persistent decrease in steroid hormones. The current study aimed to interrogate whether the OVX model of hormone reduction impacted specific aspects of respiratory function [chemosensitivity and the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR)] in a manner consistent with natural age-related declines in hormones. Using barometric plethysmography, three experimental groups of female rats were assessed for HVR, chemosensitivity, and respiratory neural drive during progressive hypoxic challenges (FIO2: 0.15, 0.12, and 0.09): young (3–5 mos. old; in proestrus; n = 10), young OVX (3–5 mos. old; n = 10), and aged (>20 mos. old; n = 10). Our findings indicted that sex hormone loss did not appear to impact chemosensitivity or neural drive. Natural aging, but not OVX, resulted in decreased HVR as well as reduced magnitude in ventilatory output during stepwise hypoxia. Differences in metabolism were important to the interpretation of these results. Collectively, these data support the concept that aging impacts female respiratory function in complex and unique ways that differ from OVX.
Identification and functional validation of a new gene conferring resistance to Soybean Mosaic Virus strains SC4 and SC20 in soybean
Authors: Raza Muhammad Muzzafar , Jia Huiying , Razzaq Muhammad Khuram , Li Bowen , Li Kai , Gai Junyi
Published: January 2025

Soybean Mosaic Virus (SMV) poses a serious threat to soybean production, often resulting in considerable yield losses or complete crop failure, particularly if infection occurs during early growth stages. While several SMV resistance genes have been identified, the genetic basis of resistance to certain strains remains poorly understood. Among the 22 SMV strains, SC4 and SC20 are considered pathogenic in Central China. Dominant genes resistant to SC4 (Rsc4) on Chr.14 in Dabaima and to SC20 (Rsc20) on Chr.13 in Qihuang-1 have been identified. Kefeng-1 is resistant to SC4 and SC20. This study aimed to determine whether the resistance to SC4 and SC20 in Kefeng-1 was identical and whether Rsc4 and Rsc20 in Dabaima and Qihuang-1 are also present in Kefeng-1 due to translocation. Mendelian experiments using F1, F2, and recombinant inbred lines (RIL3:8) of Kefeng-1 (resistant) and NN1138-2 (susceptible) indicated a single dominant gene inheritance pattern in SC4 and SC20, respectively. Linkage mapping showed two loci for SC4 and SC20 in neighboring single nucleotide polymorphism linkage disequilibrium blocks (SNPLDB) marker regions of 253 kb and 375 kb, respectively, in Kefeng-1. Association between SNPs in possible gene regions of Kefeng-1 and resistance data showed SNP11692903 jointly as the most significant SNP, exhibiting the highest χ2 value. By comparing SNP11692903 to possible gene sequences in the coding region, Glyma02g13380 was identified as a joint candidate gene. The results were validated using qRT-PCR, virus induced gene silencing (VIGS), and gene-sequence. Therefore, the two Mendelian genes on chromosome 2 in Kefeng-1 responsible for SC4 and SC20 resistance are unique genes, different from Rsc4 in Dabaima and Rsc20 in Qihuang-1. Hence, one gene is involved in resistance toward two SMV strains resistance. This result challenged our previous hypothesis of a single dominant gene responsible for resistance against a single strain and underscored the potential for using multiple resistance sources aimed at enhancing SMV resistance in breeding practices.
Nitrogen fixation rates and aerial root production among maize landraces
Authors: Connolly Layne N. , Lorenz Nicola , Maleki Keyvan , Kayafas Noah , Dick Richard P. , Mercer Kristin L.
Published: January 2025

In Mexico, the center of maize origin (Zea mays ssp. mays), there are landraces from the highlands that develop extensive aerial root systems which secrete a carbohydrate-rich mucilage. This mucilage produces a favorable environment for nitrogenase activity by diazotrophs. This plant-microbial interaction enables the fixation of nitrogen (N) from the atmosphere, reducing the required N that otherwise must come from the soil and/or fertilizers. The objective of this research was to investigate the degree to which other landraces of maize and nutrient management affect aerial root growth and the ability of maize to perform and benefit from N2 fixation. In two replicated field experiments in Columbus, Ohio, USA in 2019 and 2020, we planted 21 maize landraces and three improved varieties with and without fertilizer to measure their growth, production of aerial roots, and rate of atmospheric N2 fixation using the 15N natural abundance method. Maize accessions varied in the growth rate and number of nodes with aerial roots. Up to 36% of plant N was derived from the atmosphere, with values varying by accession, the reference plant used, and the fertilizer level. Moreover, there was a positive relationship between early growth parameters and numbers of nodes with aerial roots, which, in turn, predicted the amount of N derived from the atmosphere. Thus, larger seedlings may experience enhanced root growth and thereby benefit more from N fixation. By phenotyping a diverse set of maize accessions with and without fertilizer, this study explores both environmental and quantitative genetic variation in the traits involved in N fixation capacity, clarifying that N fixation found in the Sierra Mixe landrace is more broadly distributed than previously thought. In sum, farmers stewarding genetic diversity in a crop center of origin have preserved traits essential for biological symbioses that contribute to maize's nutrient requirements. These traits may enable maize crops grown by Mexican farmers, and farmers globally, to benefit from N fixation from the atmosphere.
Lipidomics-based association study reveals genomic signatures of anti-cancer qualities of pigmented rice sprouts
Authors: Tiozon Rhowell Navarro , Pasion-Uy Erstelle , Alseekh Saleh , Sartagoda Kristel June D. , Gempesaw Shem , Tolentino Joel H. G. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Sreenivasulu Nese
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The genetic wealth present in pigmented rice varieties offer abundant variation in different sources of antioxidants to meet nutritional security targets among rice-consuming communities. There is limited knowledge of the dynamic changes in the lipidome of rice during germination and the corresponding genes associated with the antioxidant and anti-cancerous properties of lipophilic fractions of pigmented rice sprouts (PRS).

Methods

In this study, we profiled the lipidome of diverse pigmented rice collections of germinated sprouts. Further, we employed Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), gene-set analysis, and targeted association analysis to identify the candidate genes linked to these lipids.

Results

The genetic analyses revealed 72 candidate genes involved in the regulation of these accumulating lipids in PRS. Marker trait associations (MTA) analysis shown that the combination GGTAAC/ACAAGCTGGGCCC was associated with increased levels of unsaturated lipids and carotenoids, which likely underlie these beneficial effects. This superior MTA combination exhibited potent inhibitory activity against HCT116 and A549 cell lines, with average 1/IC50 values of 0.03 and 0.02 (mL/μg), respectively, compared to the inferior MTAs.

Discussion

Collectively, our findings demonstrate that MTAs linked to selected GDSL esterase/lipase (GELP) genes, OsACP1, and lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase significantly enhance antioxidant and anti-cancer properties, potentially through the mobilization of unsaturated lipids and carotenoids during germination. This study offers valuable insights into the health-promoting potential of germinated rice sprouts as a rich dietary source of antioxidants beneficial to human health.
Genome-wide association scan and candidate gene analysis for seed coat color in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)
Authors: Elsafy Mohammed , Badawi Wafa , Ibrahim Ahmed , Hafiz Baillo Elamin , Bajgain Prabin , Abdelhalim Tilal Sayed , Rahmatov Mahbubjon
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Seed coat color in sesame is a crucial trait for breeding programs as it is closely associated with important characteristics such as oil content, protein levels, and disease resistance, which directly influence seed quality and market value.

Methods

This study investigates the genetic basis of seed coat color in 200 Sudanese sesame genotypes grown for two consecutive years through comprehensive phenotyping, genomic diversity analysis, genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and candidate gene discovery.

Results and discussion

Phenotypic analysis across two growing seasons revealed high heritability and significant correlations among color parameters (L*, a*, and b*), indicating strong genetic control over seed coat color. The genomic analysis identified distinct clusters among sesame accessions, with rapid linkage disequilibrium decay suggesting a high level of recombination. GWAS identified significant SNPs associated with seed coat color traits, revealing key genomic regions on chromosomes 3, 6, 9, 12, and 13. Candidate gene analysis highlighted several genes, including DOF zinc finger proteins and WRKY transcription factors, which may play essential roles in pigment biosynthesis pathways. These findings provide valuable insights for breeding programs to enhance desirable seed coat color traits in sesame.
I’ve just seen a face: further search for face pareidolia in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: Tomonaga Masaki
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Seeing faces in random patterns, such as in clouds, is known as pareidolia. Two possible mechanisms can cause pareidolia: a bottom-up mechanism that automatically detects inverted triangle or top-heavy patterns, and a top-down mechanism that actively seeks out faces. Pareidolia has been reported in nonhuman animals as well. In chimpanzees, it has been suggested that the bottom-up mechanism is involved in their pareidolic perception, but the extent of the contribution of the top-down mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the role of topdown control in face detection in chimpanzees.

Methods

After being trained on an oddity task in which they had to select a noise pattern where a face (either human or chimpanzee) or a letter (Kanji characters) was superimposed among three patterns, they were tested with noise patterns that did not contain any target stimuli.

Results

When the average images of the patterns selected by the chimpanzees in these test trials were analyzed and compared with those that were not selected (i.e., difference images), a clear non-random structure was found in the difference images. In contrast, such structures were not evident in the difference images obtained by assuming that one of the three patterns was randomly selected.

Discussion

These results suggest that chimpanzees may have been attempting to find “faces” or “letters”in random patterns possibly through some form of top-down processing.
The double-edged sword effects of leader perfectionism on employees' job performance: the moderating role of self-efficacy
Authors: Zhao Lingjiang , Huang Haishen
Published: January 2025

The pursuit of perfection has become a common job requirement for modern organizations against the backdrop of increasingly fierce market competition. Drawing upon appraisal theory of emotion, we develop and test a model delineating the paradoxical role that leader perfectionism plays in predicting employee's job performance. Specifically, we propose that leader perfectionism improves job performance through increased harmonious work passion and simultaneously hinders it through enhanced performance pressure. We further propose self-efficacy as boundary condition, such that the positive path through harmonious work passion is stronger and the negative path through performance pressure is weaker for individuals with higher (vs. lower) levels of self-efficacy. Finding from a three-wave and multisource field study provides support for our hypothesized predictions. Finally, we discuss theoretical and practical implications of this study.
Latent profile analysis of fatalism and its influencing factors among community-dwelling disabled elderly individuals
Authors: Du Jinlei , Wu Xiaoling , Zhang Qiyu , Wang Yuanxia , Chen Yao , Nie Chencong
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aims to explore the latent profiles of fatalism among community-dwelling disabled elderly individuals and identify the key factors influencing these profiles. The findings will provide valuable insights for formulating tailored care management strategies for this population.

Design

A cross-sectional survey study.

Methods

A random sampling approach was used to survey disabled elderly individuals residing in 109 communities across eight urban districts in Sichuan Province. Data were collected through a general information questionnaire and a Fatalism Scale. Latent profile analysis was performed to identify distinct fatalism profiles, and multivariate unordered regression analysis was conducted to assess their influencing factors.

Results

Three distinct latent profiles of fatalism were identified: high fatalism and pessimism tendency (35.6%), moderate fatalism and low optimism tendency (9.6%), and low fatalism with relative optimism tendency (54.8%). Multivariate analysis revealed that living arrangements, number of children, educational level, duration of disability, and self-reported economic stress were significant factors influencing these fatalism profiles.

Conclusion

There is significant heterogeneity in fatalism among community-dwelling disabled elderly individuals. Caregivers and healthcare managers can develop more precise and personalized management strategies by considering the different latent profiles and their associated influencing factors.
Pharmacist gatekeeper interventions for suicide prevention: how evidence from developed countries support their role in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: Zhou Zixiao , Mohamed Fahim
Published: January 2025

Background

Approximately 70% of self-poisoning suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).The implementation of pesticide bans has significantly reduced the rate of pesticide self-poisoning in these regions; however, this has been accompanied by a shift toward an increased incidence of pharmaceutical poisoning, highlighting the importance of intervention strategies to prevent pharmaceutical self-poisoning in the future. This report summarizes the existing evidence on community pharmacist gatekeeper interventions aimed at reducing pharmaceutical suicide to discuss their complementary role with pesticide bans in LMICs.

Methods

The literature review identified studies published between April 2014 and April 2024 using multiple keywords related to “suicide,” “intervention,” “pharmacist” and “gatekeeper” in various library databases. Data were extracted into a table for analysis.

Results

Only eight relevant studies were found during the search period, and none quantified the impact of pharmacy gate keeper interventions. Community pharmacists became more confident and willing to intervene after pharmacist gatekeeper training. They demonstrated positive attitudes and improved knowledge and skills in responding to suicidal intent. However, the evidence supporting community pharmacy gatekeeper interventions primarily comes from developed countries. Furthermore, the role of pharmacists in preventing suicide relies on frequent contact between suicidal individuals and pharmacies in developed countries.

Conclusion

Pharmacy gatekeeper interventions can be implemented in LMICs as a complement to pesticide bans, provided they are modified and adapted to suit the specific context of these regions. Further research is essential to tailor and implement successful strategies from developed countries to address the unique challenges faced by LMICs.
Investigation and analysis of sleep and mental health status among MEFCs
Authors: Yu Kangying , Song Shaozheng , Wu Liu , Chen Zhe
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the sleep status and mental health of migrants elderly who followed their children (MEFC) and analyze the influencing factors.

Methods

A total of 583 MEFCs were surveyed using a general demographic questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale, and the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL90) scale.

Results

The mean PSQI score for MEFCs was 6.98 ± 0.17, and the average SCL90 score was 64.06 ± 2.03. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that health status and adaptation to the migration destination were associated with PSQI scores (P < 0.05). Health status, adaptation to the migration destination, and family harmony were associated with SCL90 scores (P < 0.05). The association coefficient between the total PSQI and SCL90 scores was r=0.462 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The sleep and mental health of MEFCs were at a normal level. Health status and adaptation influenced sleep status, while health status, adaptation, and family harmony impacted mental health. However, the association between mental health and sleep status was weak.
Estradiol metabolism by gut microbiota in women’s depression pathogenesis: inspiration from nature
Authors: Zhang Wei , Jia Jinghan , Yang Yuhang , Ye Dawei , Li Yan , Li Di , Wang Jinxi
Published: January 2025

The recurrence and treatment resistance of depression remain significant issues, primarily due to an inadequate understanding of its pathogenesis. Recent scientific evidence indicates that gut microbiota influence estradiol metabolism and are associated with the development of depression in nonpremenopausal women. Integrating existing studies on the regulation of estradiol metabolism by microorganisms in nature and the relevance of its degradation products to depression, recent scientific explorations have further elucidated the key mechanisms by which gut microbiota catabolize estradiol through specific metabolic pathways. These emerging scientific findings suggest that the unique metabolic effects of gut microbiota on estradiol may be one of the central drivers in the onset and course of depression in non-menopausal women.
Mental health phenotypes of well-controlled HIV in Uganda
Authors: Rubin Leah H. , Cho Kyu , Bolzenius Jacob , Mannarino Julie , Easter Rebecca E. , Dastgheyb Raha M. , Anok Aggrey , Tomusange Stephen , Saylor Deanna , Wawer Maria J. , Nakasujja Noeline , Nakigozi Gertrude , Paul Robert
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The phenotypic expression of mental health (MH) conditions among people with HIV (PWH) in Uganda and worldwide are heterogeneous. Accordingly, there has been a shift toward identifying MH phenotypes using data-driven methods capable of identifying novel insights into mechanisms of divergent MH phenotypes among PWH. We leverage the analytic strengths of machine learning combined with inferential methods to identify novel MH phenotypes among PWH and the underlying explanatory features.

Methods

A total of 277 PWH (46% female, median age = 44; 93% virally suppressed [<50copies/mL]) were included in the analyses. Participants completed the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the PTSD Checklist-Civilian (PCL-C). A clustering pipeline consisting of dimension reduction with UMAP followed by HBDScan was used to identify MH subtypes using total symptom scores. Inferential statistics compared select demographic (age, sex, education), viral load, and early life adversity between clusters.

Results

We identified four MH phenotypes. Cluster 1 (n = 76; PTSD phenotype) endorsed clinically significant PTSD symptoms (average PCL-C total score > 33). Clusters 2 (n = 32; anxiety phenotype) and 3 (n = 130; mixed anxiety/depression phenotype) reported minimal PTSD symptoms, with modest BAI (Cluster 2) and PHQ-9 (Cluster 3) elevations. Cluster 4 (n = 39; minimal symptom phenotype) reported no clinical MH symptom elevations. Comparisons revealed higher rates of sexual abuse during childhood among the PTSD phenotype vs. the minimal symptom phenotype (p = 0.03).

Discussion

We identified unique MH phenotypes among PWH and confirmed the importance of early life adversity as an early risk determinant for unfavorable MH among PWH in adulthood.
Mobile health interventions on vaccination coverage among children under 5 years of age in Low and Middle-Income countries; a scoping review
Authors: Onigbogi Olanrewaju , Ojo Omobola Yetunde , Kinnunen Ulla-Mari , Saranto Kaija
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Increased mobile phone use in Low- and Middle-Income countries (LMIC) has led to suggestions that health interventions using mobile phones can help solve some health problems. Vaccination has been shown to be an effective means of improving health outcomes. However, vaccination coverage in many LMIC has been generally low. The aim of this study was to synthesize evidence concerning the context, mechanisms, and outcome elements of mobile health interventions in improving vaccination coverage among children under 5 years of age in LMIC.

Methods

A search conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane library led to 27 studies included in the final analysis out of 357 identified articles.

Results

Twenty-one studies were from Africa, four from Asia and two studies were from Latin America and the Caribbean. Short Message Service (SMS) intervention was used exclusively in 21 studies while six studies used a combination of SMS and phone calls, and one intervention was based only on phone calls.

Conclusion

The results from most studies suggest an improved uptake of vaccination with mobile health interventions. However, there is a need for further research to quantify the impact of these interventions and determine the most effective strategies.
Literacy among tobacco users and healthcare professionals about tobacco harm reduction strategies: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Iqbal Sajid , Patwardhan Sudhanshu , Sivarajan Froelicher Erika , Asmat Kainat , Barolia Rubina
Published: January 2025

Objective

The proposed review identifies and describes the extent of Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR) strategies in Pakistan. It also examines the awareness and understanding of these strategies among healthcare professionals and tobacco users in Pakistan.

Introduction

Tobacco consumption poses a significant threat to human health and is a leading cause of non-communicable diseases. Over the last two decades, the prevalence of tobacco use has increased in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), which has considerably contributed to the increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Tobacco is consumed in various forms, including manufactured cigarettes, hookah/shisha, chewing tobacco, and dipping tobacco. Tobacco use can be reduced and prevented through various strategies adopted by many countries worldwide. One prominent strategy is THR. THR involves the use of safer nicotine products in recommended doses to cope with the symptoms of withdrawal and increase tobacco users’ chances of quitting smoking. In Pakistan, the concept of tobacco harm reduction (THR) is not widely recognized by healthcare professionals and tobacco users.

Inclusion and exclusion criteria

Literature available on Pakistani adults and adolescents (aged 13 years and above) will be included. Literature available as free full text will be included regardless of the publication date. Furthermore, literature available in English or Urdu will be considered eligible. Also, literature available in any form of publication, such as research studies, reviews, organizational websites or blogs, will be considered eligible. Literature that includes Pakistani data mixed with data from any other country will be excluded.

Methods

The literature search will use PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest Theses & Dissertations, EBSCO Dentistry and Oral Sciences, and PsycInfo databases for online and gray literature. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram will record the included and excluded literature. Two independent reviewers will screen all the retrieved literature. After confirming the eligibility criteria, data from included records will be extracted on an Excel sheet that will record the important characteristics of the literature source and the main findings. Meta-synthesis of collated data will be performed, and the results will be presented as narrative summaries and frequency tables.

Systematic review registration

https://osf.io/dashboard.
How could fit between polychronicity and multitasking shape employees' self-leadership? The moderating role of AI-empowered task processing
Authors: Zhou Zhirui , Xiang Shuting , Xie Qingxin
Published: January 2025

As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the workplace, understanding how prevailing multitasking practices interact with AI support to foster employee self-leadership is essential for enhancing organizational effectiveness. This study elucidates how the fit between multitasking and polychronicity among employees in organizations can synergistically influence their self-leadership within the context of AI empowerment. This study conducts two time-lagged survey studies using polynomial regression analysis, block variable analysis, and response surface methodology based on the “Fit Between Individuals, Tasks and Technology” (FITT) framework and the JD-R theoretical model. Study 1 examined the polychronicity-multitasking fit based on data collected from 116 employees at two time points in an AI company in China. Study 2 tested the mediating and moderating effect based on data of 188 employees from two other AI companies in China at three time points. The results show that congruence between polychronicity and multitasking predicts greater employee self-leadership compared to incongruence, and the higher the degree of congruence, the stronger the self-leadership. For incongruence, the “high-low” state promotes self-leadership better than the “low-high” state. We also reveal the mediating role of thriving at work and the moderating role of AI-empowered task processing between polychronicity-multitasking fit and self-leadership. For well-matched employees, AI serves as a facilitator of task processing, thereby enhancing employee self-leadership; whereas for mismatched ones, AI acts as an additional task burden or as a catalyst that exacerbates the existing imbalance, which impedes the motivation for self-leadership. These findings advance the understanding of self-leadership in multitasking contexts and provide valuable insights for organizations implementing AI tools. This study underscores the critical importance of aligning employees' work preferences with task demands to fully leverage the potential of AI empowerment.
Capillary microfluidics for diagnostic applications: fundamentals, mechanisms, and capillarics
Authors: Khanjani Elham , Fergola Andrea , López Martínez Joan Antoni , Nazarnezhad Simin , Casals Terre Jasmina , Marasso Simone Luigi , Aghajanloo Behrouz
Published: January 2025

Microfluidic systems, especially those using capillary forces, have recently attracted considerable interest due to their potential to facilitate passive fluid management in portable diagnostic devices and point-of-care settings. These systems utilize capillary forces to autonomously regulate fluid flow, eliminating the requirement for external power and providing a more straightforward and economical option compared to active microfluidic systems. This review examines the fundamental concepts of capillary-driven microfluidics, emphasizing significant progress in the design of capillary pumps and valves, as well as the influence of surface tension, wettability, and the geometrical configurations of microchannels on the enhancement of fluid dynamics. Furthermore, the review explores other configurations, such as porous and solid substrates, to illustrate their potential for healthcare and biochemical applications. Moreover, the challenges related to managing flow rates and enhancing the reproducibility of devices are addressed, alongside recent innovations designed to overcome these challenges. Capillary systems offer an effective and reliable foundation for developing miniaturized diagnostic instruments, which hold significant potential across various domains, including biological research and environmental monitoring.
Socially interactive industrial robots: a PAD model of flow for emotional co-regulation
Authors: Nunnari Fabrizio , Tsovaltzi Dimitra , Lavit Nicora Matteo , Beyrodt Sebastian , Prajod Pooja , Chehayeb Lara , Brdar Ingrid , Delle Fave Antonella , Negri Luca , André Elisabeth , Gebhard Patrick , Malosio Matteo
Published: January 2025

This article presents the development of a socially interactive industrial robot. An Avatar is used to embody a cobot for collaborative industrial assembly tasks. The embodied covatar (cobot plus its avatar) is introduced to support Flow experiences through co-regulation, interactive emotion regulation guidance. A real-time continuous emotional modeling method and an aligned transparent behavioral model, BASSF (Boredom, Anxiety, Self-efficacy, Self-compassion, Flow) is developed. The BASSF model anticipates and co-regulates counterproductive emotional experiences of operators working under stress with cobots on tedious industrial tasks. The targeted Flow experience is represented in the three-dimensional Pleasure, Arousal, and Dominance (PAD) space. We present how, despite their noisy nature, PAD signals can be used to drive the BASSF model with its theory-based interventions. The empirical results and analysis provides empirical support for the theoretically defined model, and clearly points to the need for data pre-filtering and per-user calibration. The proposed post-processing method helps quantify the parameters needed to control the frequency of intervention of the agent; still leaving the experimenter with a run-time adjustable global control of its sensitivity. A controlled empirical study (Study 1, N = 20), tested the model’s main theoretical assumptions about Flow, Dominance, Self-Efficacy, and boredom, to legitimate its implementation in this context. Participants worked on a task for an hour, assembling pieces in collaboration with the covatar. After the task, participants completed questionnaires on Flow, their affective experience, and Self-Efficacy, and they were interviewed to understand their emotions and regulation during the task. The results from Study 1 suggest that the Dominance dimension plays a vital role in task-related settings as it predicts the participants’ Self-Efficacy and Flow. However, the relationship between Flow, pleasure, and arousal requires further investigation. Qualitative interview analysis revealed that participants regulated negative emotions, like boredom, also without support, but some strategies could negatively impact wellbeing and productivity, which aligns with theory. Additional results from a first evaluation of the overall system (Study 2, N = 12) align with these findings and provide support for the use of socially interactive industrial robots to support wellbeing, job satisfaction, and involvement, while reducing unproductive emotional experiences and their regulation.
The impact of policy-oriented agricultural insurance on China’s grain production resilience
Authors: Zheng Tao , Zhao Guiqian
Published: January 2025

Introduction

As an effective tool and public welfare product of the state to support and benefit agriculture, policy-oriented agricultural insurance has unique advantages in dispersing agricultural risks and guaranteeing stable grain production and supply.

Methods

Based on provincial panel data from 2002 to 2021, this paper analyzes the impact of policy-oriented agricultural insurance on grain production resilience. It constructs a comprehensive indicator system to assess grain production resilience and examines the impact of the insurance premium subsidy policy and the insurance development level on grain production resilience.

Results

The study finds that policy-oriented agricultural insurance significantly improves grain production resilience and passes the robustness test. The heterogeneity analysis shows that the policy-oriented agricultural insurance development level in major grain producing areas has a significantly positive impact on grain production resilience, and the impact is higher than that in non major grain producing areas. Additionally, the impact of policy-oriented agricultural insurance on grain production resilience in high risk areas is more pronounced than that in low risk areas. At the same time, the mechanism analysis shows that policy-oriented agricultural insurance can have a positive impact on grain production resilience by improving agricultural technology progress, land transfer, and grain cultivation specialization.

Discussion

This paper reveals that policy-oriented agricultural insurance has a positive impact on grain production resilience and provides relevant policy suggestions for the government. This has a considerable impact on promoting sustainable grain production.
Effects of lactic acid bacterial and chemical additives on the quality and biogenic amine production of oat silage at low temperature
Authors: Huang Yuhan , Jia Tingting
Published: January 2025

Objective

The effects of low-temperature-resistant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and chemical additives on the quality and biogenic amine production of oat (Avena sativa L.) silage stored at low temperature were investigated.

Methods

The Lactobacillus plantarum strain Y28, isolated from oat silage, demonstrated robust growth at low temperature. Fresh and wilted oat forages were treated with no additives (Con), L. plantarum inoculant (Y28), propionic acid (PA), formic acid (FA) and sodium benzoate (SB). Silages were opened after 30 or 60 days of storage, and their quality and biogenic amine production were evaluated.

Results

After fermentation, putrescine, cadaverine and tyramine were present at the highest levels in oat silage stored at low temperature, constituting approximately about 90% of the total biogenic amines measured. Five other amines, tryptamine, phenethylamine, histamine, spermidine and spermine were mostly detected at concentrations below 30 mg/kg. The concentrations of tryptamine, phenethylamine, putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine and total biogenic amines, but not spermine, were higher in fresh oat silages compared to wilted oat silages after 30 or 60 days of fermentation. The Y28 inoculant improved the fermentation quality of oat silage at low temperature by lowering the pH and ammonia nitrogen content while increasing lactate content. Oat silage treated with Y28, PA, FA and SB showed lower concentrations of putrescine, cadaverine, tyramine and total biogenic amines than the control in both fresh and wilted oat silage after 30 or 60 days of fermentation.

Conclusion

Among these treatments, FA was the most effective at suppressing the formation of tyramine, cadaverine and putrescine in oat silage stored at low temperature.
West Nile and Usutu viruses: current spreading and future threats in a warming northern Europe
Authors: Laverdeur Justine , Amory Hélène , Beckers Pablo , Desmecht Daniel , Francis Frédéric , Garigliany Mutien-Marie , Hayette Marie-Pierre , Linden Annick , Darcis Gilles
Published: January 2025

Climate change heavily threatens planetary and human health. Arboviral infections are best studied using the One Health concept, due to their reliance on complex interactions between environmental factors, arthropod vectors and vertebrate hosts. This review focuses on two arboviruses, namely West Nile Virus (WNV) and Usutu Virus (USUV), both causing emerging public health issues in northern Europe. They are both maintained in an enzootic cycle involving birds and Culex spp mosquitoes. WNV has demonstrated its sensitivity to the consequences of climate change and there is already evidence that global warming contributes to its expansion in Europe. Future WNV indigenous transmission in northern Europe is therefore plausible. Usutu is a lesser known arbovirosis, sharing similar vectors and hosts as WNV. USUV has a similar geographic expansion to WNV, exhibiting some level of co-circulation. It is therefore crucial to monitor these viruses in the hitherto relatively spared regions of northern Europe.
Self-Prioritizing Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Conflict Resolution in Air Traffic Control with Limited Instructions
Authors: Nilsson Jens , Unger Jonas , Eilertsen Gabriel
Published: January 2025

Air traffic control (ATC) relies on a series of complex tasks, the most crucial aspect of which is to assure safe separation between aircraft. Due to the increase in air traffic, decision support systems and safe and robust automation of ATC tasks are of high value. Automated conflict resolution has been an active area of research for decades, and in more recent years, reinforcement learning has been suggested as a powerful alternative to traditional algorithms. Reinforcement learning using discrete action spaces often require large action spaces to cover all combinations of actions, which can make them difficult to train. On the other hand, models with continuous action spaces require much lower dimensionality but often learn to solve conflicts by using a large number of exceedingly small actions. This makes them more suitable for decentralized ATC, such as in unmanned or free-flight airspace. In this paper, we present a novel multi-agent reinforcement learning method with a continuous action space that significantly reduces the number of actions by means of a learning-based priority mechanism. We demonstrate how this can keep the number of actions to a minimum while successfully resolving conflicts with little overhead in the distance required for the aircraft to reach their exit points. As such, the proposed solution is well-suited for centralized ATC, where the number of directives that can be transmitted to aircraft is limited.