bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Response and adaptation of the transcriptional heat shock response to pressure
Authors: Coffin Carleton H. , Fisher Luke A. , Crippen Sara , Demers Phoebe , Bartlett Douglas H. , Royer Catherine A.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The molecular mechanisms underlying pressure adaptation remain largely unexplored, despite their significance for understanding biological adaptation and improving sterilization methods in the food and beverage industry. The heat shock response leads to a global stabilization of the proteome. Prior research suggested that the heat shock regulon may exhibit a transcriptional response to high-pressure stress.

Methods

In this study, we investigated the pressure-dependent heat shock response in E. coli strains using plasmid-borne green fluorescent protein (GFP) promoter fusions and fluorescence fluctuation microscopy.

Results

We quantitatively confirm that key heat shock genes-rpoH, rpoE, dnaK, and groEL - are transcriptionally upregulated following pressure shock in both piezosensitive Escherichia coli and a more piezotolerant laboratory-evolved strain, AN62. Our quantitative imaging results provide the first single cell resolution measurements for both the heat shock and pressure shock transcriptional responses, revealing not only the magnitude of the responses, but also the biological variance involved. Moreover, our results demonstrate distinct responses in the pressure-adapted strain. Specifically, PgroEL is upregulated more than PdnaK in AN62, while the reverse is true in the parental strain. Furthermore, unlike in the parental strain, the pressure-induced upregulation of PrpoE is highly stochastic in strain AN62, consistent with a strong feedback mechanism and suggesting that RpoE could act as a pressure sensor.

Discussion

Despite its capacity to grow at pressures up to 62 MPa, the AN62 genome shows minimal mutations, with notable single nucleotide substitutions in genes of the transcriptionally important b subunit of RNA polymerase and the Rho terminator. In particular, the mutation in RNAP is one of a cluster of mutations known to confer rifampicin resistance to E. coli via modification of RNAP pausing and termination efficiency. The observed differences in the pressure and heat shock responses between the parental MG1655 strain and the pressure-adapted strain AN62 could arise in part from functional differences in their RNAP molecules.
Insights into the plant response to nematode invasion and modulation of host defense by plant parasitic nematode
Authors: Chen Xiaolong , Li Fuqiang , Wang Ding , Cai Liqun
Published: November 2024

Plant pathogens cause diseases by suppressing plant immune response and interacting with plant cells. Investigating these interactions assists in decoding the molecular strategies the pathogen uses to overcome plant immunity. Among plant pathogens, the nematodes parasitizing various plants incur a profound impact on food production across the globe. To deal with these parasites, plants have developed a complicated defense system, including performed defenses like rigid cell walls and reinforcements acting as the first line of defense to combat any invader. Plants also have a wide diversity of constitutively released phytochemicals that are toxic to the invading microbes as their defense arsenals. Additionally, a substantial system of host responses is triggered in response to infection based on the abilities of the host plants to sense and recognize the invading pathogen. Nematodes have evolved the strategies to perceive and respond to host defense through their nervous system which help them escape, avoid, or neutralize the host plant defense systems. For developing an effective management strategy, it is crucial to understand the mechanism by which the nematode suppress the host defense. Previous reviews mainly discussed the interaction of plants with the nematodes for their immunity against nematodes. The present review will discuss the strategies employed by the plant parasitic nematodes for suppressing plant defense along with an overall insights into the basic nematode recognition mechanism and basal immunity response of the host plant. The mechanism of modulating host defense by nematodes including the role of their effectors were also discussed. The latest research progress about the release of metabolites by plants, and the mode of action of these defensive chemicals at the molecular level in combating the nematode invasion was also analyzed.
In vitro activities of eravacycline against clinical bacterial isolates: a multicenter study in Guangdong, China
Authors: Liao Xiaoyan , Liang Qianwen , Dai Xinlu , Wu Shigang , Duan Chaohui , Luo Zhaofan , Xie Xiaoying
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Eravacycline (ERV), a novel tetracycline derivative, exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, but data on the bacterial activity against Chinese bacterial isolates are very scarce. This study aims to evaluate the activity of eravacycline against the common Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria isolates in Guangdong, China.

Methods

The clinical isolates were collected from four centers between 1 November 2023 and 31 January 2024, and the susceptibility of eravacycline (MIC50, MIC90, and MIC) was determined using broth microdilution as a reference method and E-TEST strips to evaluate their consistency. A total of 594 strains were collected from the four centers, including Staphylococcus aureus (n = 126), Enterococcus faecalis (n = 58), Enterococcus faecium (n = 29), Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 136), Escherichia coli (n = 187), and Acinetobacter baumannii (n = 58).

Results and discussion

The MIC50 and MIC90 (mg/L) of eravacycline were 0.12 and 1 for S. aureus, 0.06 and 0.12 for E. faecalis, 0.06 and 0.5 for E. faecium, 0.25 and 0.5 for E. coli, 0.5 and 2 for K. pneumoniae, and 0.25 and 2 for A. baumannii. Based on the FDA and EUCAST breakpoints, the susceptibility of eravacycline against S. aureus was 46.03% vs. 83.33%, 56.90% vs. 94.93% against E. faecalis, and 62.07% vs. 79.31% in E. faecium. The susceptibility rates of E. coli and K. pneumoniae were 90.37% and 58.09, respectively. To evaluate the performance between the broth microdilution test (BMD) and ETEST methods, we compared essential agreement (EA), categorical agreement (CA), very major error (VME), and major error (ME). The results demonstrated that compared with BMD, eravacycline measured by ETEST had higher VME and ME referring to FDA breakpoints than EUCAST breakpoints in the Gram-positive isolates. Since there were no intermediate breakpoints for the eravacycline, the MIC values measured by the ETEST method might result in lower CA and higher VME and ME. This study provides MIC values of eravacycline against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens in four hospitals in Guangdong Province, and eravacycline is an effective therapeutic candidate for common bacteria.
Real-time location of acupuncture points based on anatomical landmarks and pose estimation models
Authors: Malekroodi Hadi Sedigh , Seo Seon-Deok , Choi Jinseong , Na Chang-Soo , Lee Byeong-il , Yi Myunggi
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Precise identification of acupuncture points (acupoints) is essential for effective treatment, but manual location by untrained individuals can often lack accuracy and consistency. This study proposes two approaches that use artificial intelligence (AI) specifically computer vision to automatically and accurately identify acupoints on the face and hand in real-time, enhancing both precision and accessibility in acupuncture practices.

Methods

The first approach applies a real-time landmark detection system to locate 38 specific acupoints on the face and hand by translating anatomical landmarks from image data into acupoint coordinates. The second approach uses a convolutional neural network (CNN) specifically optimized for pose estimation to detect five key acupoints on the arm and hand (LI11, LI10, TE5, TE3, LI4), drawing on constrained medical imaging data for training. To validate these methods, we compared the predicted acupoint locations with those annotated by experts.

Results

Both approaches demonstrated high accuracy, with mean localization errors of less than 5 mm when compared to expert annotations. The landmark detection system successfully mapped multiple acupoints across the face and hand even in complex imaging scenarios. The data-driven approach accurately detected five arm and hand acupoints with a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 0.99 at OKS 50%.

Discussion

These AI-driven methods establish a solid foundation for the automated localization of acupoints, enhancing both self-guided and professional acupuncture practices. By enabling precise, real-time localization of acupoints, these technologies could improve the accuracy of treatments, facilitate self-training, and increase the accessibility of acupuncture. Future developments could expand these models to include additional acupoints and incorporate them into intuitive applications for broader use.
Association between family income to poverty ratio and severe headache/migraine in the American adults: data from NHANES 1999–2004
Authors: Sun Lingling , Zhao Rongjian , You Xuemei , Meng Junpeng , Meng Lin , Di Haili
Published: November 2024

Background

The relationship between family income to poverty ratio (PIR) and severe headache/migraine remains unclear.

Methods

Data for this cross-sectional study were obtained from NHANES 1999–2004. PIR was the exposure variable, and severe headache/migraine was the dependent variable. We performed univariate analyses of severe headache/migraine, PIR, and other covariates. The association between PIR and severe headache/migraine was tested using multiple regression models. Furthermore, interaction tests and stratified analyses assessed the relationship between PIR and severe headache/migraine across subgroups.

Results

There were a total of 8,800 participants: 4,833 (54.92%) males and 3,967 (45.08%) females, 1,714 (19.48%) with severe headache/migraine and 7,086 (80.52%) without severe headache/migraine. After adjustment for all variables, PIR negatively correlated with severe headache/migraine OR = 0.86 95% CI (0.83, 0.90) p < 0.0001. The variable PIR was categorized as the low-income (PIR < 1), the middle-income (PIR1-4), and the high-income (PIR > 4). Notably, there was a significant difference in trend for the high-income group (PIR > 4) compared to the control low-income group (PIR < 1) (all P for interaction<0.05). Dose–response correlations were also analyzed using smoothed curve fitting, revealing a negative correlation between PIR and severe headache/migraine (p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis results indicated that the negative association between PIR and severe headache/migraine was more pronounced in the following populations: males (OR = 0.84 95% CI (0.79, 0.90), <60 years old [Age < 45 group OR = 0.81 95% CI (0.76, 0.85)], Age 45–60 group OR = 0.86 95% CI (0.79, 0.93), and those with education levels ≥high school [High School OR = 0.87 95% CI (0.81, 0.95), >High School OR = 0.82 95% CI (0.78, 0.87)].

Conclusion

There is a negative correlation between PIR and the incidence of severe headaches/ migraine in Americans aged 20 years or older. This study has implications for the comprehensive management of patients with severe headache/migraine.
How to grow a self: development of self-representation in the Bayesian brain
Authors: Woźniak Mateusz
Published: November 2024

The last two decades saw multiple attempts to explain how the self is represented in the brain within the framework of the Bayesian brain. However, these attempts largely focused on describing a developed, adult self-representation. The current paper argues that looking at the developmental trajectory is crucial for understanding the structure of self-representation. It argues that emergence of self-representations should be understood as an instance of the process of acquisition of new internal models of hidden causes of sensory input. The paper proposes how such models emerge and develop over the course of life by looking at different stages of development of bodily and extra-bodily self-representations. It argues that the self arises gradually in a series of discrete steps: from first-person multisensory representations of one’s body to third-person multisensory body representation, and from basic forms of the extended and social selves to progressively more complex forms of abstract self-representation. It discusses how each of them might emerge based on domain-general learning mechanisms, while also taking into account the potential role of innate representations. Finally, it discusses how predictions of the proposed model might be experimentally tested.
Effects of chronodisruption and alcohol consumption on gene expression in reward-related brain areas in female rats
Authors: Meyer Christiane , Schoettner Konrad , Amir Shimon
Published: November 2024

Circadian dysfunction caused by exposure to aberrant light–dark conditions is associated with abnormal alcohol consumption in humans and animal models. Changes in drinking behavior have been linked to alterations in clock gene expression in reward-related brain areas, which could be attributed to either the effect of chronodisruption or alcohol. To date, however, the combinatory effect of circadian disruption and alcohol on brain functions is less understood. Moreover, despite known sex differences in alcohol drinking behavior, most research has been carried out on male subjects only, and therefore implications for females remain unclear. To address this gap, adult female rats housed under an 11 h/11 h light–dark cycle (LD22) or standard light conditions (LD24, 12 h/12 h light–dark) were given access to an intermittent alcohol drinking protocol (IA20%) to assess the impact on gene expression in brain areas implicated in alcohol consumption and reward: the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and dorsal striatum (DS). mRNA expression of core clock genes (Bmal1, Clock, Per2), sex hormone receptors (ERβ, PR), glutamate receptors (mGluR5, GluN2B), a calcium-activated channel (Kcnn2), and an inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) were measured at two-time points relative to the locomotor activity cycle. Housing under LD22 did not affect alcohol intake but significantly disrupted circadian activity rhythms and reduced locomotion. Significant changes in the expression of Bmal1, ERβ, and TNF-α were primarily related to the aberrant light conditions, whereas changes in Per2 and PR expression were associated with the effect of alcohol. Collectively, these results indicate that disruption of circadian rhythms and/or intermittent alcohol exposure have distinct effects on gene expression in the female brain, which may have implications for the regulation of alcohol drinking, addiction, and, ultimately, brain health.
Aminotransferase-to-lymphocyte ratio as a valuable prognostic marker for patients with stage I-III colorectal cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Xie Hailun , Wei Lishuang , Tang Shuangyi , Gan Jialiang
Published: November 2024

Background

There are no population-based studies on the prognostic value of the preoperative aminotransferase-to-lymphocyte ratio (AALR) in predicting recurrence and survival in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) who have undergone curative resection.

Aim

This study explored the relationship between AALR and prognosis of CRC patients, specifically stage III CRC.

Methods

Restricted Cubic Splines were used to evaluate the relationship between AALR and outcomes. The survival curve was generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. COX regression analysis was used to identify the independent prognostic factors of CRC patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the independent risk factors affecting sarcopenia and postoperative complications. Concordance index and calibration curves were used to evaluate the discriminative ability of the prognostic nomograms. Finally, according to a ratio of 7:3, the total population was randomized into two cohorts to validate the practicability of the prognostic nomograms.

Results

In total, 1304 stage I-III CRC were enrolled in this study. There was a significant positive correlation between AALR and PFS/OS in CRC patients. The PFS/OS ratio of the high AALR group was significantly lower than that of the low AALR group. In the subgroup analysis, we found that the AALR significantly stratified the prognosis of patients with stage III CRC. A high AALR was still independently associated with poor PFS (HR = 1.335, 95% CI =1.075–1.657, p=0.009) and OS (HR = 1.382, 95% CI =1.139–1.677, p=0.001) in CRC patients. Variables with a value ≤ 0.05 in multivariable analysis were incorporated into the construction of prognostic nomograms for predicting 1-5 years PFS/OS of CRC patients. The results of the concordance index and calibration curves confirmed that these prognostic nomograms had a good prediction accuracy. In addition, we demonstrated the good predictive performance of these nomograms in a randomized internal validation cohort.

Conclusion

AALR is an effective prognostic marker for predicting long-term outcomes and could provide a valuable reference for sarcopenia and postoperative complications in CRC patients. AALR-based nomograms have good predictive accuracy and can help to develop individualized risk stratification, follow-up, and treatment strategies for CRC patients.
Classifying chronic pain using ICD-11 and questionnaires—reported characteristics in Japanese patients with chronic pain
Authors: Igari Hiroki , Aono Shuichi , Bu-Omer Hani M. , Kishimoto Chie , Nakae Aya , Ushida Takahiro
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The new ICD-11 code for chronic pain indicates a direction to divide chronic pain into two categories: chronic secondary pain, which has a clear underlying disease, and chronic primary pain, which is associated with significant emotional distress or functional disability and cannot be explained by another chronic condition. Until now, epidemiological studies have been hampered by the lack of a clear classification, but we believe that this new code system will provide a new perspective on the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain, and we have begun work on this code system.

Methods

We studied 2,360 patients at Aichi Medical University, the largest pain center in Japan, and asked them to answer questionnaires on pain severity (NRS), pain-related functional impairment (PDAS, Locomo25), quality of life (EQ-5D), and psychological state and pain cognition (HADS, PCS, PSEQ, AIS) while their attending physicians were giving diagnoses according to ICD-11 and the results of the study were used to determine the coding of pain severity.

Results and discussion

The ratio of primary to chronic secondary pain was almost 50%, and the group of patients with MG30.01 classification, which included fibromyalgia, had the highest severity among chronic primary pain. The MG30.01 classification of patients was also found to experience more severe pain compared to other classifications of chronic primary pain patients. The classification of patients with a major psychiatric component was not always clear, and some patients in the secondary category also had a clear psychiatric component, suggesting the need to develop complementary tools to support pain diagnosis.
Reconstruction of radial deviation after preaxial polydactyly surgery: use of an ulnar fascial flap
Authors: Chen Hua , Wu Kang , Wang Hongrui , Hu Yong , Wang Yang
Published: November 2024

Background

Radial deviation of the interphalangeal (IP) joint is a common complication of treating Wassel type IV-D preaxial polydactyly. Long-term radial deviation can place excessive tension on the radial skin and cause overabundance of the ulnar skin. To overcome this problem, we aimed to utilize a fascial flap for ulnar reconstruction of a defect in the radial skin.

Methods

We used a fascial flap for ulnar reconstruction of a defect in the radial skin, eight patients (average: 12 years, range: 5–33 years) who underwent reconstructive surgery at our department for radial deviation of the interphalangeal (IP) joint after the initial operation were included between August 2017 and August 2021. An incision was made on the radial side of the thumb. An olive-shaped flap was designed on the ulnar eminence of the IP joint. The skin and fascia in the other three quadrants were incised. While the flap was protected, children with epiphyseal plates underwent wedge osteotomy at the maximum ulnar deviation of the proximal phalanx, and adults underwent direct fusion of the distal IP joint. Absorbable sutures were used to suture the flap. The Tada functional and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded before and after the operation.

Results

All flaps survived without infection or necrosis. The preoperative and postoperative Tada scores were 1 and 5, respectively, and the preoperative and postoperative VAS scores were 3 and 9, respectively. The postoperative scores showed a statistically significant degree of improvement.

Conclusions

An ulnar fascial flap is an effective and feasible option for repair of radial deviation following surgery for preaxial polydactyly.
Investigation on regulation of N-acetyltransferase 2 expression by nuclear receptors in human hepatocytes
Authors: Hong Kyung U. , Aureliano Anthony P. , Walls Kennedy M. , Hein David W.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Arylamine N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) expresses a well-defined genetic polymorphism in humans that modifies drug and xenobiotic metabolism. Recent studies and genome wide association studies have reported that genetic variants of NAT2 are associated with differential risks of developing dyslipidemia and cardiometabolic disorders, suggesting a previously unrecognized role of NAT2 in pathophysiology of metabolic disorders. In support of this notion, we recently showed that human NAT2 expression is differentially regulated by glucose and insulin. Moreover, our in silico analysis showed that NAT2 is co-expressed with nuclear receptors enriched in the liver, e.g., NR1H4 (FXR) and NR1I2 (PXR), that have been previously implicated in regulation of hepatic glucose and lipid homeostasis. Identification of transcriptional regulator(s) of human NAT2 would aid in understanding novel functions that it may play in the liver. Thus, the present study was designed to investigate if NAT2 is transcriptionally regulated by hepatic nuclear receptors.

Methods

To test this, we treated cryopreserved human hepatocytes with agonists towards four different hepatic transcription factors/nuclear hormone receptors, namely FXR (NR1H4), PXR (NR1I2), LXR (NR1H3), and PPARα (PPARA), and measured their effects on the level of NAT2 mRNA.

Results

While the treatment with a FXR, PXR, or LXR agonist (i.e., GW-4064, SR-12813, or GW-3965) significantly induced their respective target genes, treatment with these agonists did not significantly alter the transcript level of NAT2 in human hepatocytes. PPARα agonist, GW-7647, treatment resulted in a statistically significant decrease in the NAT2 transcript level. However, its magnitude was marginal.

Conclusion

In summary, hepatic nuclear receptors we examined in the present study (FXR, PXR, LXR, and PPARα) did not significantly alter NAT2 expression in cryopreserved human hepatocytes. Additional studies are needed to identify transcriptional regulators of hepatic NAT2 expression.
Naturalistic generative narratives reveal effects of social characteristics on decision-making
Authors: Wong Ethan , Williams Ofir , Williams Ziv M. , Báez-Mendoza Raymundo
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The social characteristics of others can powerfully influence our decisions. They can also be broadly impacted by the social context in which these choices are made, making the effects of these characteristics on decision-making especially challenging to understand.

Methods

Here, we developed a Generative Narrative Survey that provided participants with naturalistic scenarios that richly varied in social context and theme but that also systematically varied the characteristics of the social agents involved, followed by a question. An example of this narrative is “You’re a tourist, and you are trying to take a picture of yourself with your phone. A black male comes up to you and offers to take the photo for you. Do you hand them your phone?”

Results

After validating this approach using feeling thermometer measures, we found that the emotional states of others had the strongest and most consistent effect on the participants’ choices. More notably, whereas most characteristics had independent effects on decision-making, social features such as the inferred socioeconomic status of others significantly influenced the effect that race had on the participant’s judgments. Moreover, the social context of the agent’s interactions with other agents had a significant additive effect, especially when the emotional states of the agents in the scenarios contrasted. The influence of these characteristics on the participants’ choices was also markedly affected by their demographics, especially when contrasting with that of the agents involved, and were often driven by the participants’ reported political views.

Discussion

Together, these findings reveal how the mixture of social characteristics, context, and personal views influence decision-making and highlight the use of naturalistic generative narrative surveys in studying human behavior.
Multi-environment prediction of suicidal beliefs
Authors: Goddard Austin V. , Su Audrey Y. , Xiang Yu , Bryan Craig J.
Published: November 2024

Suicide disproportionately affects the military and veteran population, yet the task of identifying those at an increased risk of suicidal behavior remains challenging. In the face of this complex issue, novel machine learning methods have been applied to study the relationship between suicide and potential risk factors, but are often not generalizable to new and unseen samples. Herein, we examine the problem of prediction on unknown environments, commonly known as environment-wise domain adaptation, as it relates to the prediction of suicidal beliefs, measured with items from the Suicide Cognitions Scale (SCS). We adapt several recently invariance-based models trained using a sample consisting of people without any prior suicidal ideation (SI) to the prediction of suicidal beliefs of those with prior SI. In addition, we examine the possible causal relations regarding the SCS. Using a prospective sample of 2744 primary care patients with 17 risk and protective factors, we show that, to some extent, these methods are able to generalize to a new environment, namely, a sample with prior SI. Additionally, our results indicate suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior are likely to be causal children of SCS.
Association of evening chronotype, sleep quality and cognitive impairment in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Wang Li , Huo Yingchao , Yao Lihua , Zhang Nan , Ma Simeng , Nie Zhaowen , Wang Wei , Zhou Enqi , Xu Shunsheng , Weng Shenhong , Xiang Dan , Hu Maolin , Liu Zhongchun
Published: November 2024

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the independent or synergistic effects of evening chronotype and poor sleep quality on cognitive impairment in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 249 individuals diagnosed with MDD, recruited from the Mental Health Center of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University. Chronotype preference was assessed using the reduced Horne and Ostberg Morningness - Eveningness Questionnaire (rMEQ), while sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Cognitive function was evaluated through the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), defining impairment as a DSST score ≤ 56 (the lowest quartile of the cohort). Univariate analysis and logistic regression models were employed to explore the factors associated with cognitive impairment, focusing on the potential interactive effects of evening chronotype and poor sleep quality.

Results

Of the 249 subjects recruited, about 41% were classified as evening chronotype. These individuals exhibited poorer sleep quality and more severe depressive symptoms compared to non-evening chronotype (p < 0.01). Univariate analysis revealed that first episode status, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) scores, evening chronotype, and poor sleep quality were significantly associated with cognitive impairment (p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis further demonstrated that the co-existence of evening chronotype and poor sleep quality significantly increased the likelihood of cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio [AdjOR] = 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09–6.45, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that evening chronotype, poor sleep quality, and their interaction are important contributors to cognitive impairment in patients with MDD, alongside the severity of depression and first episode status. These results emphasize the need for integrated approaches targeting circadian rhythm disruptions and sleep disturbances in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in MDD.
A new environmental public health practice to manage current and future global health challenges through education, training, and capacity building
Authors: Leonardi Giovanni S. , Zeka Ariana , Ashworth Matthew , Bouland Catherine , Crabbe Helen , Duarte-Davidson Raquel , Etzel Ruth Ann , Giuashvili Nia , Gökdemir Özden , Hanke Wojciech , van den Hazel Peter , Jagals Paul , Khan Ejaz Ahmad , Martin-Olmedo Piedad , Pett Joseph , Ruadze Ekaterine , Santamaria Maria Grazia , Semenza Jan C. , Sorensen Cecilia , Vardoulakis Sotiris , Yip Fuyuen , Lauriola Paolo
Published: November 2024

Unsustainable globalisation of economic activities, lifestyles and social structures has contributed to environmental degradation, posing major threats to human health at the local and global levels. All these problems including climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss represent challenges that are unlikely to be met with existing approaches, capabilities and tools. This article acknowledges the need for well-prepared practitioners from many walks of life to contribute to environmental public health (EPH) functions thus strengthening society’s capacity and capability to respond effectively and in a timely manner to such complex situations and multiple challenges. It envisions a new EPH practice addressing questions on: Why do this? What needs to be addressed? Who will do it? How can it be implemented? This article focuses on the main challenging EPH issues worldwide and how they could be addressed using a conceptual framework for training. A companion article shows how they have been tackled in practice, providing ideas and experiences.
Project SCOPE: a National Training Initiative to improve capacity of providers to support children impacted by prenatal opioid exposure using the ECHO model™
Authors: Weber Stephanie , Hardesty Canyon , Witwer Andrea , Dahl Ethan , Bush Elsie , Thomas Jessy , Baker Tai , Dudley Ally , Moody Eric J.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a complex condition resulting from prenatal substance exposure that has become increasingly prevalent as a result of the opioid epidemic. NAS can lead to long-term developmental challenges. Interdisciplinary teams with experience working with children with disabilities that focus on social determinants of health can be effective at supporting families affected by NAS. Unfortunately, interdisciplinary teams often lack sufficient training, ongoing practice support, and public health policies to support these families. The objective of this project was to determine the feasibility and impact of a National Training Initiative, called Project SCOPE, to improve the capacity of providers to address the needs of children with NAS and their families.

Methods

Fourteen (14) sites were trained to fidelity in the ECHO model and SCOPE curriculum, and then each team implemented this model for at least one, eight to 12 session series between 2019–2022. The reach, impact, satisfaction, and intention to implement the model were assessed from administrative records, pre/post surveys, and post-session evaluations.

Results

SCOPE state teams delivered the curriculum to 9,392 individuals across 33 US states. Surveys from 2,197 individuals were used for analysis. Most participants (84%) had previous training in trauma informed care, but only 53% had any training on the NAS or the opioid crisis' impact on children. Satisfaction with SCOPE sessions was high (96.4%), and there was a statistically significant increase of self-reported knowledge change from pre- to post-SCOPE. Over 94% reported their skills increased because of participation. Over 97% of participants indicated their motivation to work with this population increased from SCOPE participation and that they could successfully apply what they learned. Almost 70% reported they were “very” or “extremely” likely to use their new skills.

Discussion

Project SCOPE is a highly effective and impactful model that can radically improve capacity to support children affected by the opioid epidemic, thereby increasing the capacity of our healthcare system to respond to this epidemic. Moreover, this model can be rapidly deployed and reach a wide geographic region, especially areas that are affected by the opioid crisis and underserved rural communities.
The African American Dementia and Aging Project: an Oregon-based longitudinal study
Authors: Lindauer Allison , Croff Raina , Duff Kevin , Mattek Nora , Fuller Patrice , Pierce Aimee , Bonds Johnson Kalisha , Kaye Jeffrey
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The vast majority of studies on aging, cognition, and dementia focus on non-Hispanic white subjects. This paper adds to the extant literature by providing insight into the African American aging experience. Here we describe the study design and baseline characteristics of the African American Dementia and Aging Project (AADAPt) study, which is exploring aging and cognition in African American older adults in Oregon.

Methods

African American older adults (n = 177) participated in AADAPt, a longitudinal study that collected data on cognitive, physical, and social functioning in annual visits since 2000.

Results

AADAPt participants had risk factors for developing dementia in future, such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, but also reported protective factors such as high social engagement.

Discussion

The AADAPt project offers new insights into aging in older African Americans that includes data on cognition, social engagement, and physical health, which are crucial for understanding the experience of under-represented groups and making future studies more inclusive.
Embodied intelligence for drumming; a reinforcement learning approach to drumming robots
Authors: Karbasi Seyed Mojtaba , Jensenius Alexander Refsum , Godøy Rolf Inge , Torresen Jim
Published: November 2024

This paper investigates the potential of the intrinsically motivated reinforcement learning (IMRL) approach for robotic drumming. For this purpose, we implemented an IMRL-based algorithm for a drumming robot called ZRob, an underactuated two-DoF robotic arm with flexible grippers. Two ZRob robots were instructed to play rhythmic patterns derived from MIDI files. The RL algorithm is based on the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) method, but instead of relying solely on extrinsic rewards, the robots are trained using a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic reward signals. The results of the training experiments show that the utilization of intrinsic reward can lead to meaningful novel rhythmic patterns, while using only extrinsic reward would lead to predictable patterns identical to the MIDI inputs. Additionally, the observed drumming patterns are influenced not only by the learning algorithm but also by the robots’ physical dynamics and the drum’s constraints. This work suggests new insights into the potential of embodied intelligence for musical performance.
Promoting equity in adolescent health in Latin America: designing a comprehensive Sex education program using Intervention Mapping. A mixed methods study
Authors: Torres-Cortés Betzabé , Leiva Loreto , Canenguez Katia M. , Greaves Lorraine
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Implementing sex education programs during adolescence is crucial for addressing the risks associated with sexuality. However, some of these interventions lack proper incorporation of a gender perspective and maintain a heteronormative and biologically-focused approach, potentially resulting in inequitable outcomes for adolescents. In response, comprehensive sex education is most effective due to its multidimensional view of sexuality. However, integrating a comprehensive perspective on sexuality and a gender lens that contributes to adolescent health equity presents challenges, especially in low and middle-income countries. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive and gender-transformative sex education program for adolescents in a middle-income country of Latin America, utilizing the Intervention Mapping Approach.

Methods

This exploratory sequential mixed-method study comprised two phases. In the first phase, a literature review, nine focus groups with high school students, and 14 interviews with school professionals were conducted to inform program design. Subsequently, the program underwent validation through expert judgment. In the second phase—as part of program development—a preliminary evaluation was conducted by implementing the program in two high schools with 30 students from public high schools, who were administered a pre-post ad hoc survey.

Results

A comprehensive and gender-transformative sex education program was designed based on literature review findings and input from students and school workers. The ad hoc survey revealed a statistically significant increase in protective skills in sexuality (W = 59, p = .01) among all participants.

Discussion

Designing a sex education intervention through Intervention Mapping allowed for the integration of evidence and the needs of the target population. The results of the preliminary evaluation suggest the potential of the developed program to enhance protective skills in sexuality and promote health equity through gender-equitable outcomes in adolescent sex education.
Remote estimation of leaf nitrogen content, leaf area, and berry yield in wild blueberries
Authors: Anku Kenneth Eteme , Percival David C. , Lada Rajasekaran , Heung Brandon , Vankoughnett Mathew
Published: November 2024

Nitrogen (N) fertilization is a major management requirement for wild blueberry fields. Its presence and estimation can be difficult given the perennial and heterogeneous nature of the plant, low N requirement, and residual N effects, resulting in the frequent over-application of N, excessive canopy growth, and resulting reduction in berry yields. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate nitrogen content and growth parameters using remote sensing approaches. Three trials were established in three commercial fields in Nova Scotia, Canada. An RCBD with 5 replicates and a plot size of 6 × 8 m with a 2 m buffer was used. Treatments consisted of 0, 20, 40, 60, and 100 kg N ha-1 of fertilizer. Using a DJI Matrice 300 UAV mounted with an RGB and a multispectral camera, aerial measurements were collected at 30 m altitude. Several field measurements including leaf nitrogen content (LNC), leaf area, floral bud numbers, stem height, and yield were conducted. Several vegetation indices (VIs) were computed for each plot, and correlation and regression analyses were conducted. Results indicated that treatments with high nitrogen rates had correspondingly high LAI measurements with the 60 kg ha-1 rate achieving the best growth parameters compared to the other treatments. LNC, LAI, and berry yield estimations using VIs [green leaf index (GLI), green red vegetation index (GRVI), and visible atmospheric red index (VARI)] produced significantly positive R2 values of 0.43, 0.48, and 0.30 respectively. Results from this study illustrated the potential of using VIs to estimate LNC, LAI, and berry yield parameters. It was established that the near-infrared VIs are the most effective in estimating differences in nitrogen rates, making them suitable for use in prescription maps for N fertilization applications.
Case report: Cervical arterial dissections in the setting of recent COVID-19 infection
Authors: Lim Sanghee , Rode Matthew M. , Keser Zafer , Flemming Kelly D.
Published: November 2024

Background

COVID-19 infections have been implicated in cerebral ischemia, but their relationship to cervical arterial dissections remains poorly characterized. Descriptions of cervical arterial dissections in patients with COVID-19 infections with details regarding their presenting symptomatology, imaging findings, and responses to treatment with antithrombotic therapy may be helpful to clinicians.

Methods and observations

We present six adult cases of cervical arterial dissections in the setting of recent COVID-19 infections from 2021 to 2022 at our institution. Four cases presented with dissections involving the internal carotid artery, while two cases had dissections of bilateral vertebral arteries. In one patient, we found imaging evidence for a possible inflammatory process. All patients were treated with either antiplatelet agents or direct oral anticoagulants.

Conclusions and relevance

COVID-19 infections may predispose patients to spontaneous cervical arterial dissections. Such patients can have variable neurologic presentations, though headaches and neck pain were common complaints. Most patients responded well to antithrombotic therapy, with improvement in symptoms and radiologic findings at follow-up. Clinicians should maintain a high degree of suspicion for cervical arterial dissections in patients who present acutely with severe headache/neck pain and/or new neurologic deficits in the setting of COVID-19 infections.
Evaluating the Effects of Fertilizer Deep Placement on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Nutrient Use Efficiency in Wet Direct-Seeded Rice During the Wet Season in Assam, India
Authors: Naveen Jami , Kurmi Khagen , Saikia Mrinal , Pathak Kalyan , Kumar Virendar , Borgohain Rupam , Srivastava Ashish K. , Khandai Suryakanta , Peramaiyan Panneerselvam , Kumar Vivek , Sarmah Mintu , Gogoi Bhabesh , Singh Kanwar , Singh Sudhanshu , Kundu Sumanta , Teja Kandapu Sai , Sekhar Guntamukkala
Published: November 2024

Mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHGs), improving nutrient-use efficiency (NUE), and maximizing yield in rainfed lowland rice cultivation poses significant challenges. To address this, a two-year field experiment (2020 and 2021) was conducted in Assam, India, to examine the impact of different fertilizer-management practices on grain yield, NUE, and GHGs in wet direct-seeded rice (Wet-DSR) during the kharif season. The experiment included eight treatments: control; farmer’s practice (30-18.4-36 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha−1); state recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) @ 60-20-40 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha−1 with N applied in three splits @ 30-15-15 kg ha−1 as basal, at active tillering (AT), and panicle initiation (PI); best fertilizer management practices (BMPs): 60-20-40 kg N-P2O5-K2O ha−1 with N applied in three equal splits as basal, at AT, and PI; and fertilizer deep placement (FDP) of 120%, 100%, 80%, and 60% N combined with 100% PK of RDF. The experiment was arranged out in a randomized complete block design with three replications for each treatment. The highest grain yield (4933 kg ha−1) and straw yield (6520 kg ha−1) were achieved with the deep placement of 120% N + 100% PK of RDF. FDP with 80% N + 100% PK reduced 38% N2O emissions compared to AAU’s RDF and BMPs, where fertilizer was broadcasted. This is mainly due to the lower dose of nitrogen fertilizer and the application of fertilizer in a reduced zone of soil. When considering both productivity and environmental impact, applying 80% N with 100% PK through FDP was identified as the most effective practice.
Unveiling the Role of Edaphic Microalgae in Soil Carbon Sequestration: Potential for Agricultural Inoculants in Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: De Silva Agampodi Gihan S. D. , Hashim Z K. , Solomon Wogene , Zhao Jun-Bin , Kovács Györgyi , Kulmány István M. , Molnár Zoltán
Published: November 2024

Agricultural soil has great potential to address climate change issues, particularly the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels. It offers effective remedies, such as increasing soil carbon content while lowering atmospheric carbon levels. The growing interest in inoculating soil with live microorganisms aims to enhance agricultural land carbon storage and sequestration capacity, modify degraded soil ecosystems, and sustain yields with fewer synthetic inputs. Agriculture has the potential to use soil microalgae as inoculants. However, the significance of these microorganisms in soil carbon sequestration and soil carbon stabilization under field conditions has yet to be fully understood. Large-scale commercial agriculture has focused on the development and use of inoculation products that promote plant growth, with a particular emphasis on enhancing yield attributes. Gaining more profound insights into soil microalgae’s role in soil carbon cycling is necessary to develop products that effectively support soil carbon sequestration and retention. This review comprehensively explores the direct and indirect mechanisms through which soil microalgae contribute to soil carbon sequestration, highlighting their potential as microbial inoculants in agricultural settings. This study underlines the need for more research to be conducted on microalgae inoculation into agricultural soil systems aimed at mitigating carbon emissions in the near future.
Small Farmers’ Agricultural Practices and Adaptation Strategies to Perceived Soil Changes in the Lagoon of Venice, Italy
Authors: Floridia Tiziana , Prakofjewa Julia , Conte Luigi , Mattalia Giulia , Kalle Raivo , Sõukand Renata
Published: November 2024

Farmers have a pivotal responsibility in soil conservation: they can either preserve or deplete it through their choices. The responsibility of agriculture increases when practised in delicate ecosystems, such as lagoonal ones. The Venetian Lagoon islands, which are increasingly subjected to natural and anthropic subsidence, occasional flooding events (acqua alta), and eustatic sea level rise, are constantly exposed to erosive processes that challenge farmers to play with their adaptive capability. This research was carried out on the islands of Sant’Erasmo and Vignole, the most representative of island agriculture in the Venetian Lagoon: they almost exclusively rely on agriculture, which is almost nil in the other islands. This empirical research aimed to explore farmers’ agricultural practices, perceptions of soil changes, and how they adapt to them. It was fundamental for this study that the field research involved direct human contact with farmers (through semi-structured interviews) for data collection and using qualitative methods for data analysis, integrating scientific and non-scientific forms of knowledge and actors. The final purpose was to demonstrate the sustainability (valued on the potential depletion or regeneration capability) of agricultural practices and adaptation strategies on a theoretical basis. Despite their polycultural landscape (maintained by low-input farming systems), escaped from the predominant landscape oversimplification, Sant’Erasmo and Vignole are also subjected to unsustainable agricultural practices, including heavy mechanisation and synthetic inputs. Coupled with natural soil salinity that is exacerbated by increasing drought periods, these practices can contribute to soil degradation and increased salinity. The reported adaptation strategies, such as zeroed, reduced, or more conscious use of machines, were guided by the need to reduce the negative impact of soil changes on productivity. Our research revealed some of them as sustainable and others as unsustainable (such as increasing irrigation to contrast soil salinity). Participatory action research is needed to support farmers in designing effective sustainable agricultural practices and adaptation strategies.