Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Evaluation of protein intake and protein quality in New Zealand vegans
Dietary protein provides indispensable amino acids (IAAs) that the body cannot synthesise. Past assessments of total protein intake from vegan populations in western, developed countries were found to be low but not necessarily below daily requirements. However, plant-sourced proteins generally have lower quantities of digestible IAAs as compared to animal-sourced proteins. Simply accounting for protein intake without considering AA profile and digestibility could overestimate protein adequacy among vegans. This study quantified protein intake and quality, as compared to reference intake values among 193 NZ vegans using a four-day food diary. Protein and IAA composition of all foods were derived from New Zealand FoodFiles and the United States Department of Agriculture and adjusted for True Ileal Digestibility (TID). Mean protein intakes for males and females were 0.98 and 0.80 g/kg/day, respectively with 78.8% of males and 73.0% of females meeting the Estimated Average Requirement for protein. Plant-sourced proteins provided 52.9 mg of leucine and 35.7 mg of lysine per gram of protein and were below the reference scoring patterns (leucine: 59mg/g, lysine: 45mg/g). When adjusted to individual body weight, average IAA intakes were above daily requirements, but lysine just met requirements at 31.0 mg/kg of body weight/day (reference: 30 mg/kg/day). Upon TID adjustment, the percentage of vegans meeting adequacy for protein and IAA decreased and only approximately 50% of the cohort could meet lysine and leucine requirements. Hence, lysine and leucine were the most limiting IAAs in the vegan cohort’s diet. Legumes and pulses contributed most to overall protein and lysine intake. An increased proportion of legumes and pulses can potentially increase these intakes but must be considered in the context of the whole diet. AA composition and digestibility are important aspects of protein quality when assessing protein adequacy and is of particular importance in restrictive diets.
Wolbachia infection facilitates adaptive increase in male egg size in response to environmental changes
Abstract Under challenging conditions such as maladapted biotic and abiotic conditions, females can plastically adjust their egg size (gamete or zygote size) to counteract fitness declines early in life. Recent evidence suggests that endosymbionts may enhance this egg-size plasticity. Possible endosymbionts’ modification of impact of multiple stressors is not well explored. Therefore, this study aims to test (1) whether Wolbachia infection influences the plasticity of parental investment in egg size under suboptimal environmental conditions and (2) whether the plasticity depends on the sex of eggs. We used three lines of the azuki bean beetle (Callosobruchus chinensis): a line coinfected with the wBruCon and wBruOri Wolbachia strains, a cured line infected solely with the wBruCon, and an uninfected (cured) line. These lines were subjected to either a control environment or a simulated climate change environment (elevated temperature and carbon dioxide levels, eT&CO2) to examine Wolbachia infection effects on parental investment in their offspring (egg size) and its subsequent impact on offspring fitness, including survival, development, and adult lifespan under starvation. After two days of eT&CO2 exposure, coinfected parents increased male egg size only. Larger eggs developed faster in both sexes and exhibited higher survival. However, offspring adult lifespan was not influenced by egg size but by environment, sex, Wolbachia infection, and development time: eT&CO2 reduced male lifespan but not female lifespan, the singly-infected line females lived longer than coinfected and uninfected line females, and shorter development time linked to longer lifespan. The negative correlation between development time and lifespan was higher under eT&CO2 but not sex-specific. This study is the first to demonstrate sex-specific egg size plasticity associated with Wolbachia infection in species with sex determination systems other than haplodiploid.
Transfer learning-based approach to individual Apis cerana segmentation
Honey bees play a crucial role in natural ecosystems, mainly through their pollination services. Within a hive, they exhibit intricate social behaviors and communicate among thousands of individuals. Accurate detection and segmentation of honey bees are crucial for automated behavior analysis, as they significantly enhance object tracking and behavior recognition by yielding high-quality results. This study is specifically centered on the detection and segmentation of individual bees, particularly Apis cerana, within a hive environment, employing the Mask R-CNN deep learning model. We used transfer learning weights from our previously trained Apis mellifera model and explored data preprocessing techniques, such as brightness and contrast enhancement, to enhance model performance. Our proposed approach offers an optimal solution with a minimal dataset size and computational time while maintaining high model performance. Mean average precision (mAP) served as the evaluation metric for both detection and segmentation tasks. Our solution for A. cerana segmentation achieves the highest performance with a mAP of 0.728. Moreover, the number of training and validation sets was reduced by 85% compared to our previous study on the A. mellifera segmentation model.
Discovery of novel HBV core protein inhibitors by high throughput virtual screening
BnLPAT2 gene regulates oil accumulation in Brassica napus by modulating linoleic and linolenic acid levels in seeds
Lysophosphatidate acyltransferase (LPAT) catalyzes the conversion of lysophosphatidic acid to phosphatidic acid, a key step in lipid biosynthesis. This study cloned four LPAT2 genes from Brassica napus: BnLPAT2-A04, A07, A09, and C08. Functional analysis using bioinformatics, qRT-PCR (Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction), CRISPR/Cas9 (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9), overexpression, and transcriptome sequencing revealed that these genes encode proteins containing the conserved PLN02380 domain. BnLPAT2-A07/A09/C08 showed strong conservation with Arabidopsis AtLPAT2. Promoter analysis revealed multiple cis-elements related to stress, light, and phytohormone responses, with the BnLPAT2-A09/C08 promoters containing the most diverse cis-elements. Expression analysis showed that BnLPAT2-A07/C08 was highly expressed in various tissues, with BnLPAT2-A07 peaking during seed development. Overexpression of these genes increased seed oil content and the proportion of C18:2/C18:3 fatty acids, with BnLPAT2-A07 achieving an increase in oil content ranging from 4.46% to 6.44%. Gene knockout reduced oil content by 7.5% and affected fatty acid accumulation. Transcriptome sequencing analysis suggested that the BnLPAT2 genes promote the production of long-chain fatty acids, such as Linoleic acid (C18:2) and Linolenic acid (C18:3), through biological processes, including fatty acid biosynthesis, very long-chain fatty acid biosynthesis, and very long-chain fatty acid metabolism, thereby improving seed oil content. This study provides valuable insights into lipid metabolism and offers a theoretical foundation for improving oil content and fatty acid composition in B. napus.
Human plasma protein bindings of neonicotinoid insecticides and metabolites
An opinion evolution model for online social networks considering higher-order interactions
As the number of users in online social networks increases, the diffusion of information and users’ opinions on events become more complex, making it difficult for traditional complex networks to accurately capture their characteristics and patterns. To address this, this paper proposes an online social network opinion evolution model that accounts for higher-order interactions. The model incorporates the higher-order effects of group interactions and introduces the acceptance, non-commitment, and rejection dimensions from social judgment theory. Different approaches, such as acceptance, neutrality, and contrastive rejection, are adopted when individuals exchange opinions with their neighbors. Through numerical simulations, it is shown that higher-order interactions significantly enhance the speed and coverage of information propagation. When the interaction dimensions are appropriate, increasing the average size of hyperedges significantly contributes to the formation of consensus. In contrast, simply increasing the number of hyperedges that nodes are involved in has a limited impact on consensus formation. This work provides a theoretical and model-based foundation for better understanding the dynamics of opinion evolution in social networks.
Detection of the GH analogue somatrogon in doping control urine samples by means of LC-HRMS/MS
Abstract Somatrogon is a synthetic growth hormone (GH) analog, whose misuse in sports is prohibited at all times. As analytical approaches complementary to existing immunological GH detection methods were considered beneficial for its detection in doping control serum samples, a sensitive and specific qualitative mass spectrometric assay was recently developed, comprehensively characterized, and successfully employed to analyze authentic in vivo study samples. Within this follow-up project, this approach based on affinity purification, tryptic digestion, and LC-HRMS/MS was modified by implementing an additional ultrafiltration step to allow for the extraction of the intact drug and/or its metabolites from urine. Method validation demonstrated its specificity and sensitivity (LOD: 1 ng/mL), and the subsequent analysis of post-administration urine samples showed for the first time that intact (or at least GH receptor binding) somatrogon is excreted into urine and can be detected in most subjects for at least 96 h following injection. Consequently, anti-doping laboratories can also use urine to confirm the presence of somatrogon in athletes, where the GH differential isoform assay yielded atypical results in the corresponding serum specimens. Moreover, the latter assay also proved to be valuable as screening tool for the identification of urine samples potentially containing the GH analog.
The potential function of soy protein hydrolysate to induce myogenic differentiation of C2C12 cells
Muscle satellite cell (MSC) isolation, proliferation, and differentiation are the basis of cultured meat (CM) technology, which emerged as a sustainable and moral substitute for conventional animal agriculture. Notwithstanding the encouraging future of CM, there are still a lot of obstacles to overcome, like the high expense of cell culture media and the need for fetal bovine serum (FBS). The goal of this work is to determine whether plant-based nitrogen source soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) can improve myogenic differentiation and functional development in MSCs cultured for CM by acting as a serum substitute. We concentrated on how Angel Yeast Company’s SPH PU041 affected the C2C12 mouse cell line, a useful model for studying muscle biology and the CM sector. Adding PU041 to cell culture media containing different concentrations of FBS was found to promote C2C12 cell proliferation and elongation, with optimal effects observed at 0.5 g/L. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analyses revealed that PU041 up-regulated the protein levels of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and myogenic differentiation factor 1 (MyoD), key biomarkers in myogenesis. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) confirmed the up-regulation of MyHC, MyoD, and myogenin (MyoG) mRNA expression, indicating that PU041 induces myogenic differentiation. The findings suggest that SPH PU041 can potentially be used to reduce the costs associated with CM production as a viable serum substitute, thereby facilitating a more sustainable and ethical approach to food production. However, the precise mechanisms underlying PU041’s effects on myogenic differentiation warrant further investigation.
Impact of the warm and calm breathing pattern on delivery outcomes in pregnant Chinese women: a retrospective cohort study
The moderating role of gender on the relationship between childhood attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms and functional impairment
This study aimed to examine the link between childhood attention deficit and hyperactivity symptoms (CAS) and functional impairment in university students, while also investigating whether gender moderates this relationship. Six hundred and eighty university students participated in this cross-sectional study. The assessment was conducted using the Wender–Utah Rating Scale-25 (WURS), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale – Self Report (WFIRS-S). The relationship between CAS and general and domain-based functional impairment was evaluated using eight moderation models. Control variables, including age and concomitant psychiatric symptoms (five BSI scores), were added to the models. We observed positive associations between WURS and all WFIRS-S scores. In addition, WURS significantly interacted with gender in explaining WFIRS-S total (t = –2.26, p =.024). Gender also moderated the link between WURS and impairments in social (t = –2.00, p =.046) and risk domains (t = –2.86, p =.004). Accordingly, the associations between CAS and overall functional impairment, as well as impairments in social and risk domains, were stronger in men than in women. These findings highlight the significant role of CAS in functional impairments among university students, with gender emerging as a key moderating factor, particularly in social and risk-related domains.
The influence of polysiloxane functional groups on phototrophic colonization
Research citations building trust in Wikipedia: Results from a survey of published authors
The use of Wikipedia citations in scholarly research has been the topic of much inquiry over the past decade, however little is known regarding perceived Researchers trustworthiness of Wikipedia citations and representation of their work. This cross-publisher study (Taylor & Francis and University of Michigan Press) aimed to investigate author sentiment towards Wikipedia as a source of trusted information. Methods A short survey was distributed to 40,402 authors of papers cited in Wikipedia (n=21,854 surveys sent, n=750 complete responses received). The survey gathered responses from published authors in relation to their views on Wikipedia’s trustworthiness in relation to the citations to their published works. The unique findings of the survey were analysed using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods using Python, Google BigQuery and Looker Studio. Results Overall, authors expressed positive sentiment towards research citation in Wikipedia and researcher engagement practices (mean scores >7/10). Sub-analyses revealed significant differences in sentiment based on publication type (articles vs. books) and discipline (Humanities and Social Sciences vs. Science, Technology, and Medicine), but not access status (open vs. closed access). Conclusions This study provides unique insights into author perceptions of Wikipedia’s trustworthiness. Further research is needed to deepen the understanding of the benefits for researchers and publishers including academic citations in Wikipedia.
Copper catalyzed carbon-selenium bond formation via the coupling reaction of aryl halides, phenylboronic acid and Se
Occupational accident fatalities in Brazil: A time series study from 2011 to 2021
In Brazil, accidents at work generate temporary or permanent disability or death, with 2,556 deaths in 2021. The objective of this work is to evaluate the lethality rate due to formal work accidents in relation to the Brazilian regions, in the historical series of 2011 and 2021. An ecological time series analysis using secondary data from reports of accidents at work available from the National Institute of Social Security. To calculate the lethality rates, we used occupational accidents and mortality by region in Brazil. Brazil presented a rate of 61 deaths for every 100,000 formal work accidents in 2011, the country presents a downward curve to 32 deaths for 100,000 work accidents in 2011, being a decrease of 52% in relation to the beginning. The world panel shows how much Brazil is part of a scenario seen around the planet, with 318,000 deaths due to accidents and 2 million due to work-related diseases. Accidents at work account for 18% of deaths in low- and middle-income countries such as Brazil, compared to only 5% in high-income countries. This study revealed the need to strengthen public policies such as the National Workers’ Health Policy, including the strengthening of Renast or even a more robust intersectoral approach.
Epidemiological and imaging characteristics of impacted maxillary incisors and effect on root development
Hepatitis B virus: Prevalence, vaccination coverage and immune responses to immunization among healthcare workers at Muhimbili National Hospital
Background Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at an increased risk of contracting and transmitting the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Vaccination coverage against HBV a cost- effective prevention, remains low among HCWs in some settings. Objective To determine the prevalence of HBV infection, vaccination coverage, and immune responses to HBV vaccine among HCWs at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam. Methodology This cross-sectional study used a proportional probability systematic sampling to recruit HCWs from MNH in Dar es Salaam. A structured questionnaire was used to collect social demographic characteristics, infection prevention and control practices, HBV vaccination status and reasons for not vaccinating. Five mLs of a peripheral venous sample was obtained from each participant, the sample was used to test for HBV surface antigen, HBV surface antibody and HBV core antibody for assessing for infection, and vaccine immunity respectively. A Robust Poisson Regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with not vaccinating. Results The prevalence of HBV infection was 5 (1.2%) among the 415 recruited HCWs. Only 192 (46.3%) HCWs were vaccinated and 169 (96%) had protective immunity against HBV infection among 176 participants who had received at least two vaccine doses. HCWs who were laboratory scientist aPR = 2.01, 95% CI (1.35–3.00) and had < 10 years of employment aPR = 1.62, 95% CI (1.04–2.50) were unlikely to vaccinate against HBV. Vaccine unavailability 114 (51.1%), hesitancy 42 (18.8%), time constraints 41 (18.4%) and financial constraints 26 (11.7%) were factors associated with not vaccinating. Conclusion Vaccine coverage against HBV among HCWs at MNH is alarmingly low. Vaccine access, subsidizing cost, protecting time for vaccination could improve vaccination uptake. Qualitative studies are needed to assess for reasons for vaccine hesitancy among HCWs.
Deep learning-based multi-criteria recommender system for technology-enhanced learning
Relationship between gamification elements and social and human factors using the simple additive weighting method
Gamification is a strategy to stimulate social and human factors (SHF) that influence software development productivity. However, software development teams must improve their productivity to face the challenges of software development organizations. Traditionally, productivity analysis only includes technical factors. Literature shows the importance of SHFs in productivity. Furthermore, gamification elements can contribute to enhancing such factors to improve performance. Thus, to design strategies to enhance a specific SHF, it is essential to identify how gamification elements are related to these factors. The objective of this research is to determine the relationship between gamification elements and SHF that influence the productivity of software development teams. This research included the design of a scoring template to collect data from the experts. The importance was calculated using the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method as a tool framed in decision theory. Three criteria were considered: cumulative score, matches in inclusion, and values. The relationships of importance serve as a reference value in designing gamification strategies that promote improved productivity. It extends the path toward analyzing the effect of gamification on the productivity of software development. This relationship facilitates designing and implementing gamification strategies to improve productivity.