Multidimensional Scaling Analysis Research Articles

Sustainable rice farming in Indonesia

Rice is the main food in Indonesia, so increase in rice production must be achieved in a sustainable manner to maintain food security. The research case study is rice farming in Pancur Batu sub-district. The research method uses mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) with quantitative dominance. The Objective of this study was to determine the implementation of sustainable rice farming in the Pancur Batu sub-district. The research tools used to evaluate the Sustainability Model in rice farming are Multi-Dimensional Scaling Analysis (MDS) with Rapid Appraisal Technique for Fisheries (RAPFISH) program analysis. indicators and criteria for the sustainability of rice farming are divided into ecological, economic and social dimensions, then input into the Rapid Appraisal Technique for Fisheries (RAPFISH) program. The results of the research showed that the social dimension had the highest sustainability index, namely 75.13 which indicates that the social dimension in the research location is quite sustainable, the ecological dimension with a sustainability index of 54.44 indicates that the ecological dimension is quite sustainable, and the lowest dimension value was the economic dimension with a sustainability index value of 43.58. This sustainability index value indicates that economic dimension of rice farming in the research location is not sustainable. The sustainability status of rice farming in the study area is multidimensional with an index value of 72. This index value indicates that the sustainability of rice farming in the study area is quite sustainable. The conclusion from this study was that the most sensitive and influential attributes for rice farming in the study area were: first, the ecological dimensions: (a) water availability, (b) pest attack rate, (c) land conversion rate; the economic dimension: (a) The price level of production inputs (fertilizers and pesticides), (b) The level of labor wages, (c) The level of availability of production inputs and social dimension which is counseling. Key words: Sustainability, Rice Farming, Social Dimension, Economic Dimension, Ecological Dimensions, RAPFISHS

A perspective on how to improve the quality of life of elderly people living in rural areas

Introduction: We are going to witness the demographic shift with the predictable trends of population ageing and thus need to understand healthy ageing. This study was aimed to understand factors that influence the quality of life (QOL) of the elderly. Methods: This was a qualitative study conducted in 4 selected villages including males and females of age group > 60 years of age. 20 elderly individuals and 10 elderly individuals were chosen for a free listing and pile sorting exercise respectively. Smith's index was calculated for a free listing. Multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis were conducted to do pile sorting of data. Data were analyzed using Flame v1.2 and Anthropac. Result: During free-listing, 54 salient items were identified. Financial stability, healthy living, self-sufficiency, and work engagement were the most frequent responses that came from the study subjects. 25 salient items that were repeated in the free-listing exercise were included for the pile-sorting. The piles generated ranged from 3-12. Later, 25 perceived items (factors) for improving quality of life were clustered into 5 groups (Role of harmonious family, healthy ageing, daily schedule activity, leisure time and external support). Conclusion: The elderly recognized that a harmonious family, healthy ageing, daily schedule with leisure activity, and Government support can all improve their quality of life.

Effect of Application Rates of N and P Fertilizers on Soil Nematode Community Structure in Mollisols

Long-term application of chemical fertilizer poses an environmental threat to belowground ecosystems. However, the impact of nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) fertilizers on soil biodiversity and the conditions of soil food web remains largely unknown. Soil nematodes are the most abundant multicellular soil animals and serve as excellent bioindicators of soil. Here, we investigated soil nematode communities and food web structure in a long-term experiment with different application rates of N and P fertilizers in northeast China. The application of N and P fertilizers increased the abundance of bacterivores but suppressed the abundance of omnivores and predators. The abundance of bacterivores exhibited an increasing trend, while that of omnivores and predators showed a decreasing trend with increasing rates of N and P fertilizers. Plant parasites displayed a decreasing trend in response to N fertilizer, but not to P fertilizer. N and P fertilizers also altered nematode functional guild composition, with N fertilizer increasing the abundance of Ba1, and P fertilizer increasing the abundance of Fu2 and Ba3. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis revealed apparent successions of nematode communities from no fertilizer soils to high rates of N or P fertilizer soils at both the genus and functional guild levels. Furthermore, N and P fertilizers resulted in different nematode communities. In terms of nematode food web indices, N fertilizer increased the enrichment index (EI) but reduced the channel index (CI) and structure index (SI), whereas P fertilizer only reduced the SI value. High rates of N and P fertilizers increased the respired carbon of bacterivores but reduced the respired carbon of predators. Mantel tests revealed significant correlations between soil properties and the community composition of both fungivores and omnivores. Among all soil properties, available phosphorus (AP) had the greatest influence on the community structure of soil nematodes. Our findings indicate that N fertilizer has a powerful effect on nematode food web structure, while P fertilizer exerts a stronger effect on soil nematode community composition.

How do different modalities of land use practices impact the environmental features and macroinvertebrates? An assessment of mountain streams from Patagonia, Argentina

Agricultural intensification is a significant process, transforming the land and modifying stream water quality and biodiversity. Land-use practices are associated with substantial changes in vegetation structure, significant inputs of nutrients, erosion, and increased sedimentation, all of which profoundly impact aquatic biota and ecosystem functioning. The effect of different agricultural practices (horticulture, extensive and intensive livestock) on stream water quality was compared in terms of physicochemical features, bacteria, habitat condition, riparian ecosystem, and macroinvertebrate variables in a temperate rural landscape (Patagonia). The main objective was to identify which variables related to land use were determinants in the configuration of biotic communities. Significantly higher values in water temperature, conductivity, nutrients, and bacteria were found at intensively developed sites than at reference ones. The quality of the habitat and the riparian ecosystem had been profoundly modified. A multidimensional scaling analysis revealed that macroinvertebrate assemblages also differed among land use categories, with the variables: total phosphorous, total nitrogen, bacteria (E. coli, mesophilic and total coliforms), water temperature, and oxygen having the highest predictive power. Macroinvertebrate metrics (richness of EPT (Ephemeroptera+Plecoptera+Trichoptera), Plecoptera, shredders and scrapers, and the percentage of scrapers and collectors) proved appropriate bioindicators for discriminating intensive land use impacts and highlighted a trend of biodiversity loss. Plecoptera richness, a taxa group with a high level of endemism, responded significantly to habitat condition degradation. These results confirm that the intensification of land use leads to increased nutrient levels and suppressed aquatic-terrestrial interactions involved in the provision of allochthonous detrital input, shade, and habitat structure for larval stages and adults. The Habitat Condition Index appears to be a useful tool for rapid stream assessment and providing early warnings. Several ecological services are threatened in these Patagonian agroecosystems. Restoring riverbank heterogeneity and improving management practices that ameliorate nutrient and sediment inputs are crucial to enhance biodiversity.

Assessing the Sustainability and Performance of Local Soybean Production in Indonesia: A Multidimensional Scaling Analysis

Assessing the Sustainability and Performance of Local Soybean Production in Indonesia: A Multidimensional Scaling Analysis

Benthic and Planktonic Microalgae Community in Probolinggo Beach

Microalgae, micro-sized plant organisms, play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems. While many microalgae inhabit substrates or the bottom of water bodies, several types are planktonic. This study aimed to identify the types and abundance of microalgae in both sediment and water column habitats, as well as to analyse the environmental factors influencing their abundance. The research encompasses observations of water quality factors, microalgae abundance, relative abundance, diversity index, evenness index, and dominance index. Statistical analyses were using non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA). The study was conducted in May-June 2022, with bi-weekly sampling at three points within each location for two months. Microalgae identified in the coastal area of Probolinggo belong to the Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae, and Chlorophyceae classes. The highest microalgae abundance in sediment habitat was 58,472 ind/cm2, while in the water column was 4,118 ind/l. Diversity, evenness, and dominance indices in both sediment and water column habitats ranged from 1.93 to 2.61, 0.88 to 0.98, and 0.09 to 0.10, respectively. NMDS and CCA analyses indicate a graphical representation of the Bacillariophyceae class, demonstrating its prevalence across all sites.

Sustainability Assessment of the Upstream Bengawan Solo Watershed in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia

The sustainability of watershed management is a key issue that must be considered to ensure the continuation of watershed services such as agriculture, food, and energy. This concern has also been raised in Presidential Regulation No. 2/2015 and No. 18/2020 regarding the National Medium-Term Development plans for the periods of 2015–2019 and 2020–2024, which mandate the restoration of priority watersheds, one of which is the Upstream Bengawan Solo Watershed. The purpose of this study is to fill this knowledge gap by measuring the sustainability of this watershed from a time dynamics perspective. However, several factors can influence the achievement of sustainable development. This paper assesses the sustainability of the watershed over several periods using MDS (Multidimensional Scaling) analysis with the assistance of modified Rapfish (Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries) software (2013 version). The information used in this case study was collected from 20 districts in relation to social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Our result shows that the average index of the social dimension increases from 2007 to 2019 and 2021, while the economic dimension tends to fluctuate. A decrease occurs from 2007 to 2019, and then increases from 2019 to 2021. This differs significantly from the environmental dimension, which decreases from 2007 to 2019 to 2021. The sustainability scores were then compared across regions. The lessons learned in this study can be incorporated into regional policies and actions to overcome challenges in the implementation phase.

Sustainability Analysis of Domestic Raw Water Supply in Bandung City of Indonesia

The availability and sustainability of good quantities and qualities of water supplies for human needs and support development should be warranted; therefore, existing water resources should be managed sustainably. A multidisciplinary rapid appraisal method called multidimensional scaling (MDS) is an approach for a comprehensive analysis of the sustainability statuses of domestic water supplies. This study aims to analyze the index and sustainability status of raw water management from three dimensions of sustainability. The results that were obtained from a specific multidimensional scaling analysis method called Rapid Appraisal for Air Baku (Rapaku) are expressed in the form of indices and sustainability statuses. Based on different dimensions of the sustainability status review, the analysis results showed that Bandung’s domestic raw water was “less sustainable” (42.34%). Of the 35 attributes that were analyzed, there were 13 sensitive attributes that affected the index and sustainability status with a very small error at a 95% confidence level.

Comparative analysis of Deinagkistrodon acutus venom from Taiwan and China utilizing chromatographic, electrophoretic, and bioinformatic approaches, along with ELISA employing a monospecific antivenom

Deinagkistrodon acutus is a medically important pitviper inhabiting mainly South China and Taiwan. The hemorrhagic effects of its envenoming are compatible to its venom, which is abundant in metalloproteases (svMPs) and C-type lectin-like proteins. In this study, we investigated geographic variations in the venom of D. acutus collected from Taiwan and four Mainland Chinese provinces: Fujian, Jiangxi, Anhui, and Hunan. The variations were assessed through high-performance liquid chromatography, non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis, gel electrophoresis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a monospecific antivenom (DaMAV) generated against the Taiwanese D. acutus venom, and discussed based on venom-protein sequences in databases and literature related to D. acutus venom. Additionally, the cross-reactivity of DaMAV against Crotalus horridus and Calloselasma rhodostoma venoms was investigated. We noted differential abundances of D. acutus venom metalloproteases, C-type lectin-like proteins, and phospholipase A2, along with point mutations and selective expression of serine protease isoforms. The ELISA results revealed that the venom from Taiwan was more reactive toward Taiwanese DaMAV than the four Mainland Chinese venoms, consistent with chromatographic profile differences, whereas C. horridus venom presented moderate cross-reactivity with DaMAV. The observed immunoreactivities of these venom with DaMAV can be attributed to the high prevalence of their PIII-svMPs, which are the dominant antigens, and the conservation of PIII-svMP epitopes.

Comparisons of oxbow lake fish assemblages in relation to bigheaded carp establishment in the lower White River, Arkansas

BackgroundSince the late 1990s, bigheaded carps (largely silver carp [Hypophthalmichthys molitrix] but also bighead carp [H. nobilis]) have established throughout the lower Mississippi River basin. Using previously studied oxbow lakes in the lower White River basin, Arkansas, we compared current (2017, “post-carp” establishment) fish assemblages to historical (2002, “pre-carp” establishment) fish assemblages. Fish assemblages were comprehensively assessed using multiple gears, including boat electrofishing, mini-fyke nets, and experimental small-mesh gill nets.ResultsT-tests suggested that fish assemblage indices of richness, diversity, evenness, and dominance were often greater (P < 0.05) during the post-carp period as reflected by boat electrofishing and experimental gill nets. However, all indices were generally similar (P > 0.05) between the pre-carp and post-carp period with fish assemblages depicted using mini-fyke nets. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling analyses indicated that fish assemblages differed structurally between pre-carp and post-carp periods. Assemblage differences were linked to both small and large abundance changes for more than 20 species. Abundances of gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), emerald shiner (Notropis atherinoides), pugnose minnow (Opsopoeodus emiliae), crappies (Pomoxis spp.), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), orangespotted sunfish (L. humilis), and yellow bass (Morone mississippiensis) declined between the pre-carp and post-carp periods. Conversely, abundances of weed shiner (N. texanus), pallid shiner (Hybopsis amnis), longear sunfish (L. megalotis), buffalofishes (Ictiobus spp.), and gars (Lepisosteus spp.) generally increased during the same period.ConclusionsAlthough not possible to conclude assemblage shifts were entirely related to bigheaded carps due to the absence of an appropriate reference system where carps did not establish, the wide establishment of these carps is one of the most pervasive changes to have occurred in the lower White River ecosystem during the past two decades. Thus, it is probable to conclude that post-carp establishment observations from this study were at least, in part, attributable to bigheaded carp establishment. Impacts of further range expansions by bigheaded carps in the White River and other lower Mississippi River sub-basins are unclear, though this study suggests probable effects on native fish assemblages, underscoring the need for further research and monitoring.

Reactions to a Hypothetical Ban of Open-System Electronic Cigarettes Among People Who Currently Use Electronic Cigarettes.

Policies limiting electronic cigarette (ECIG) device and liquid characteristics have been considered to prevent dependence potential and youth product appeal. "Open-system" ECIGs allow people to adjust device and liquid characteristics, which may undermine these policies. This study examined anticipated reactions to a policy prohibiting the sale of open-system ECIG devices in the United States using concept mapping. In 2020, adults who reported ECIG use in the past 30 days (n = 70; 45.1% women; mean age = 33.0, SD = 10.6) recruited from a research registry of individuals from across the United States provided statements into a shared list that completed a prompt: "If open-system vaping devices were no longer sold in the US and only closed-system vaping devices were available, what is a specific reaction or response you would have?" at a study website. Participants rated statements (1-7) on how true the statements were for them. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analyses were used to identify thematic clusters. Mean ratings of statements were calculated and compared based on the type of ECIG used and current cigarette smoking status. Participants generated 85 unique statements. The analysis identified eight themes that were organized into two broad groups. The first group of five clusters described behavioral responses to the hypothetical policy (Loopholes, Switch to Closed-System ECIGs, Legal Approaches to Use Open-System ECIGs, ECIG Use Cessation, Switch to non-ECIG Products). The second group of three clusters described psychological responses to the hypothetical policy (Closed-System ECIG Cons, Psychological Responses, Policy Outcome Concerns). While a ban on open-system ECIG devices may have positive impacts on public health, policy loopholes, and consumer behaviors may undermine the policy. Efforts to support policy enforcement could increase policy effectiveness. Open-system electronic cigarettes (ECIGs) that allow people who use ECIGs to modify ECIG device and liquid characteristics may limit the effectiveness of policies that establish product standards which attempt to limit nicotine delivery and flavor content in ECIG liquids. This study identified predicted reactions to a hypothetical policy prohibiting the sale of open-system ECIGs in the United States. Results suggest that people who use ECIGs may view a policy prohibiting open-system ECIGs unfavorably, but would be willing to use closed-system ECIGs. However, many ECIG users may attempt to find loopholes in the policy or alternative sources to purchase open-system ECIGs if open-systems were banned. Future research should identify strategies for tobacco regulatory policy enforcement to increase effectiveness.

Seasonal and habitat dependence of plant species, functional and phylogenetic diversity in agricultural landscapes

The biodiversity of agricultural landscapes is under significant threat, while non-agricultural habitats within these landscapes play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation. There has been limited investigation into how plant species, functional and phylogenetic diversity varies across different seasons and habitats in agricultural landscapes. Thus, we carried out a survey of the plant communities in non-agricultural habitats in China's lower Yellow River plain. We investigated the diversity features of plant functionality, phylogeny, and plant species. We compared differences in plant community structure using non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis and tested phylogenetic signal using phylogenetic methods. Our analysis of plant community and diversity characteristics revealed significant differences in plant community structure between seasons and habitats, with the season having a more significant impact. The levels of plant species, functional, and phylogenetic diversity followed a seasonal pattern, with spring seeing the highest values and autumn seeing the lowest. Woodland and hedgerow habitats had the highest levels of diversity, while field roads had the lowest. The community phylogenetic structure of non-agricultural habitats was relatively concentrated and mainly influenced by human interference and environmental filtering. These findings offer scientific support for the preservation of ecosystem services and biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.

Sustainability Analysis of Community Based Agrotourism in Waturaka Village, Kelimutu District, Ende Regency

This study was conducted with the aim of measuring the sustainability status of community based agro tourism management activities in Waturaka Village, Kelimutu District, Ende Regency. The dimensions of sustainability measured in this study are the ecological dimension, the economic dimension, and the socio-cultural dimension. This research was conducted using a quantitative method, and used a questionnaire as the instrument to collect data. The sample in this study were 95 farmers representing the overall population of 126 members of farmer groups who play a direct role in farming activities around the Waturaka agrotourism area. Sample size was determined using the Slovin technique. Research data were analyzed using the Multi Dimensional Scaling (MDS) analysis technique with RAPFISH program. The results of the MDS analysis show that the status of community based agrotourism management activities in Waturaka village is highly sustainable from the ecological and socio-cultural dimensions. While the economic dimensions it obtains quite sustainable status.

Phytochemical profiling of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) honey and investigation of compounds related to its pollen occurrence.

Red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is an important nectar source for honey production in some specific habitats as well as an important crop, so the definition of the features of this kind of honey is noteworthy. However, due to its rarity on the market, red raspberry honey is poorly characterized. The aim of this work was the phytochemical characterization of honey containing red raspberry from different geographical origins, through melissopalynological analyses concurrently with untargeted metabolomics achieved with different chromatographic techniques coupled to mass spectrometry: solid-phase micro-extraction/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography/Orbitrap mass spectrometry (HPLC-Orbitrap). Only 4 out of the 12 samples involved in the study contained raspberry pollen as dominant pollen, although these honeys did not group in the hierarchical cluster analysis nor in the classical multidimensional scaling analyses used for data evaluation. The first result was the detection of mislabelling in two samples, which contained raspberry pollen only as minor or important minor pollen. Of the 188 compounds identified by HPLC-Orbitrap and of the 260 identified by SPME-GC-MS, 87 and 31 compounds were present in all samples, respectively. The structurally related compounds nicotinaldehyde and nicotinamide, nicotinic acid and nicotinyl alcohol were present in 100% of the samples and correlated with R. idaeus pollen count (r > 0.60, Pearson's correlation analysis). This study reveals important aspects about the characterization of red raspberry honey and could give new insights on bee diet and preferences, since niacin compounds resulted interestingly to be related to the presence of red raspberry pollen. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characteristics of successful performance support team members at the Olympic games

Objectives Athletes and coaches rely on their performance support team to optimise training and competition. The specific characteristics of performance support teams that contribute to success in competition from the perspective of athletes and coaches have not been examined. Olympic gold medal winning athletes and coaches were asked about the characteristics they valued in the performance support team members who were with them at the Olympic Games. The insights shared provide important context to the role of the performance support team member, beyond technical skills, in the high-stress environment of elite sporting competition. Methods Concept mapping was completed online to collect, analyse, and visually represent insights from 30 Olympic gold medal winning athletes and coaches. The concept mapping focus prompt used to generate insights from participants was ‘When I reflect on my gold medal winning performance, a characteristic that I really valued within my support team was….’. Athletes then brainstormed, sorted, and rated relevant statements. Results Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis produced an 8-cluster map – Way of Working, Communication Style, Emotional Management in Competition, Teamwork, Commitment to Athlete Preparation, Professionalism, Embracing the Experience, and Equality – as the best visual representation of the way participants sorted the 49 unique brainstormed statements. Conclusions Olympic gold medal winning athletes and coaches prioritised ways of working, communication style, emotional management, and teamwork as the characteristics they valued most in their performance support team. These constructs, when further examined by item, encourage performance support staff to develop emotional management skills to (a) strengthen interpersonal relationships within the team, (b) enhance the working alliance with athletes and coaches, and (c) contribute to team performance overall. Concept mapping provided a structured way of collecting lived experience insights that may compliment other qualitative approaches such as structured interviews.

Sustainable Fishery Value Chain (SFVC): Study Case in Tilapia Industry

This research is built on the concept of sustainable value chains, where a framework for sustainable value chain analysis emerges that covers not only economic aspects but also includes environmental and social impacts in a collaborative model of value chain management. It explores the dimensions on which value chain sustainability should focus. It illustrates how and why it is necessary to take a broader perspective in ensuring the internal economic sustainability of the chain in line with its external socio-environmental consequences. This research aims to analyze the sustainability of the tilapia processing value chain. This research uses the Multi-Dimensional Scaling analysis method supported by Rap-fish software. The Rapfish methodology is a flexible technique that rapidly assesses fisheries status by integrating ecological and human factors according to identified norms. The results of this research show that the sustainability of the tilapia processing value chain is considered entirely sustainable from economic, social, and environmental aspects, with a sufficient sustainability index of 74.40%. The sustainability of the value chain relies on four key actors: tilapia cultivators, collectors, processors, and distributors. The sustainable tilapia processing value chain strategy in North Sumatra can limit floating net cages by considering the environmental carrying capacity and supported by suitable policies and active stakeholder participation in community-based legal institutions. This research found this is a strong sustainability concept if implemented with better governance and policy management in the tilapia industry value chain.

Taking the bait: Environmental factors affecting bait retention and hook disposition in the Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey

Longline fishery surveys are major contributors to groundfish species abundance estimates. Catchability is often assumed constant, but bait is lost or consumed at inconsistent rates during and across gear sets. Accounting for hook availability and gear saturation can improve abundance estimates, but these data are challenging to collect. Our objectives were to determine whether video camera systems can be used to collect these data from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey and to explore the associations between hook disposition percentages and environmental characteristics. Electronic monitoring camera systems were deployed on partner vessels during two fall and two spring seasons to capture video of gear retrieval. During post-survey review, individual hooks were recorded as one of the following hook dispositions: bait, empty hook, fish, and invertebrate. Percentages of these hook dispositions were characterized across categorical (season, day or night, and bottom substrata) and continuous (bottom temperature, bottom depth, and substrate rugosity) survey station variables. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling and logistic regression analyses revealed correlations between retained bait and low bottom temperatures, the spring season, shallow depths, rough bottom substrata, and high terrain rugosity. These characteristics were typical of shallow, inshore, and topographically variable survey strata, suggesting that catchability differs among habitat types. This information will be incorporated into catch rate models to develop standardized indices of abundance for groundfish stock assessments. This study is an example of the utility of electronic technologies to supplement on board data collection during cooperative fishery surveys.

Immunometabolic features of natural killer cells are associated with infection outcomes in critical illness.

Immunosuppression increases the risk of nosocomial infection in patients with chronic critical illness. This exploratory study aimed to determine the immunometabolic signature associated with nosocomial infection during chronic critical illness. We prospectively recruited patients who were admitted to the respiratory care center and who had received mechanical ventilator support for more than 10 days in the intensive care unit. The study subjects were followed for the occurrence of nosocomial infection until 6 weeks after admission, hospital discharge, or death. The cytokine levels in the plasma samples were measured. Single-cell immunometabolic regulome profiling by mass cytometry, which analyzed 16 metabolic regulators in 21 immune subsets, was performed to identify immunometabolic features associated with the risk of nosocomial infection. During the study period, 37 patients were enrolled, and 16 patients (43.2%) developed nosocomial infection. Unsupervised immunologic clustering using multidimensional scaling and logistic regression analyses revealed that expression of nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1a (CPT1a), key regulators of mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid transport, respectively, in natural killer (NK) cells was significantly associated with nosocomial infection. Downregulated NRF1 and upregulated CPT1a were found in all subsets of NK cells from patients who developed a nosocomial infection. The risk of nosocomial infection is significantly correlated with the predictive score developed by selecting NK cell-specific features using an elastic net algorithm. Findings were further examined in an independent cohort of COVID-19-infected patients, and the results confirm that COVID-19-related mortality is significantly associated with mitochondria biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation pathways in NK cells. In conclusion, this study uncovers that NK cell-specific immunometabolic features are significantly associated with the occurrence and fatal outcomes of infection in critically ill population, and provides mechanistic insights into NK cell-specific immunity against microbial invasion in critical illness.

Identification of the DNA methylation signature of Mowat-Wilson syndrome

Mowat-Wilson syndrome (MOWS) is a rare congenital disease caused by haploinsufficiency of ZEB2, encoding a transcription factor required for neurodevelopment. MOWS is characterized by intellectual disability, epilepsy, typical facial phenotype and other anomalies, such as short stature, Hirschsprung disease, brain and heart defects. Despite some recognizable features, MOWS rarity and phenotypic variability may complicate its diagnosis, particularly in the neonatal period. In order to define a novel diagnostic biomarker for MOWS, we determined the genome-wide DNA methylation profile of DNA samples from 29 individuals with confirmed clinical and molecular diagnosis. Through multidimensional scaling and hierarchical clustering analysis, we identified and validated a DNA methylation signature involving 296 differentially methylated probes as part of the broader MOWS DNA methylation profile. The prevalence of hypomethylated CpG sites agrees with the main role of ZEB2 as a transcriptional repressor, while differential methylation within the ZEB2 locus supports the previously proposed autoregulation ability. Correlation studies compared the MOWS cohort with 56 previously described DNA methylation profiles of other neurodevelopmental disorders, further validating the specificity of this biomarker. In conclusion, MOWS DNA methylation signature is highly sensitive and reproducible, providing a useful tool to facilitate diagnosis.

Identifying and developing strategies for implementation of a guided internet- and mobile-based infant sleep intervention in well-baby and community mental health clinics using group concept mapping

BackgroundThis study aimed to identify strategies for the implementation of a guided internet- and mobile-based intervention (IMI) for infant sleep problems (“Sleep Well, Little Sweetheart”) in well-baby and community mental health clinics.Study designWe used group concept mapping, a two-phased mixed methods approach, conducted as a two-day workshop in each clinic. We recruited 20 participants from four clinics and collected sorting and rating data for implementation strategies based on the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change taxonomy and brainstorming sessions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multidimensional scaling, and hierarchical cluster analysis to create cluster maps, laddergrams, and Go-Zone graphs. Participants were presented with the results and discussed and interpreted the findings at each of the clinics in spring 2022.ResultsParticipants identified 10 clusters of strategies, of which Training, Embedding and Coherence, User Involvement and Participation, and Clinician Support and Implementation Counseling were rated as most important and feasible. Economy and Funding and Interactive and Interdisciplinary Collaboration were rated significantly lower on importance and feasibility compared to many of the clusters (all ps < 0.05). There was a correlation between the importance and feasibility ratings (r =.62, p =.004).ConclusionsThe use of group concept mapping made it possible to efficiently examine well-baby and community clinics’ perspectives on complex issues, and to acquire specific knowledge to allow for the planning and prioritization of strategies for implementation. These results suggest areas of priority for the implementation of IMIs related to infant sleep problems.Trial registrationThe study was pre-registered at Open Science Framework (www.osf.io/emct8).