Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 427 in total

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  1. Chen Y, Steeb H, Erfani H, Karadimitriou NK, Walczak MS, Ruf M, et al.
    Sci Adv, 2021 Dec 24;7(52):eabj0960.
    PMID: 34936457 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj0960
    Experimental and field studies reported a significant discrepancy between the cleanup and contamination time scales, while its cause is not yet addressed. Using high-resolution fast synchrotron x-ray computed tomography, we characterized the solute transport in a fully saturated sand packing for both contamination and cleanup processes at similar hydrodynamic conditions. The discrepancy in the time scales has been demonstrated by the nonuniqueness of hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient versus injection rate (Péclet number). Observations show that in the mixed advection-diffusion regime, the hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient of cleanup is significantly larger than that of the contamination process. This nonuniqueness has been attributed to the concentration-dependent diffusion coefficient during the cocurrent and countercurrent advection and diffusion, present in contamination and cleanup processes. The new findings enhance our fundamental understanding of transport processes and improve our capability to estimate the transport time scales of chemicals or pollution in geological and engineering systems.
  2. Chen Y, Wang H, Zhang D, Zhang L, Tao L
    Front Neurosci, 2023;17:1272834.
    PMID: 37822349 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1272834
    INTRODUCTION: Diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) lesions via visual examination of Electroencephalography (EEG) signals poses a considerable challenge. This has prompted the exploration of deep learning techniques, such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Visual Transformers (ViTs), for AD prediction. However, the classification performance of CNN-based methods has often been deemed inadequate. This is primarily attributed to CNNs struggling with extracting meaningful lesion signals from the complex and noisy EEG data.

    METHODS: In contrast, ViTs have demonstrated proficiency in capturing global signal patterns. In light of these observations, we propose a novel approach to enhance AD risk assessment. Our proposition involves a hybrid architecture, merging the strengths of CNNs and ViTs to compensate for their respective feature extraction limitations. Our proposed Dual-Branch Feature Fusion Network (DBN) leverages both CNN and ViT components to acquire texture features and global semantic information from EEG signals. These elements are pivotal in capturing dynamic electrical signal changes in the cerebral cortex. Additionally, we introduce Spatial Attention (SA) and Channel Attention (CA) blocks within the network architecture. These attention mechanisms bolster the model's capacity to discern abnormal EEG signal patterns from the amalgamated features. To make well-informed predictions, we employ a two-factor decision-making mechanism. Specifically, we conduct correlation analysis on predicted EEG signals from the same subject to establish consistency.

    RESULTS: This is then combined with results from the Clinical Neuropsychological Scale (MMSE) assessment to comprehensively evaluate the subject's susceptibility to AD. Our experimental validation on the publicly available OpenNeuro database underscores the efficacy of our approach. Notably, our proposed method attains an impressive 80.23% classification accuracy in distinguishing between AD, Frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and Normal Control (NC) subjects.

    DISCUSSION: This outcome outperforms prevailing state-of-the-art methodologies in EEG-based AD prediction. Furthermore, our methodology enables the visualization of salient regions within pathological images, providing invaluable insights for interpreting and analyzing AD predictions.

  3. Chen Y, Mustafa H, Zhang X, Liu J
    PeerJ Comput Sci, 2023;9:e1231.
    PMID: 37346728 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.1231
    Traditional financial accounting will become limited by new technologies which are unable to meet the market development. In order to make financial big data generate business value and improve the information application level of financial management, aiming at the high error rate of current financial data classification system, this article adopts the fuzzy clustering algorithm to classify financial data automatically, and adopts the local outlier factor algorithm with neighborhood relation (NLOF) to detect abnormal data. In addition, a financial data management platform based on distributed Hadoop architecture is designed, which combines MapReduce framework with the fuzzy clustering algorithm and the local outlier factor (LOF) algorithm, and uses MapReduce to operate in parallel with the two algorithms, thus improving the performance of the algorithm and the accuracy of the algorithm, and helping to improve the operational efficiency of enterprise financial data processing. The comparative experimental results show that the proposed platform can achieve the best the running efficiency and the accuracy of financial data classification compared with other methods, which illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed platform.
  4. Chen Y, McConkey KR, Fan P
    Oecologia, 2023 Aug;202(4):715-727.
    PMID: 37553533 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-023-05430-w
    Mutualistic and antagonistic plant-animal interactions differentially contribute to the maintenance of species diversity in ecological communities. Although both seed dispersal and predation by fruit-eating animals are recognized as important drivers of plant population dynamics, the mechanisms underlying how seed dispersers and predators jointly affect plant diversity remain largely unexplored. Based on mediating roles of seed size and species abundance, we investigated the effects of seed dispersal and predation by two sympatric primates (Nomascus concolor and Trachypithecus crepusculus) on local plant recruitment in a subtropical forest of China. Over a 26 month period, we confirmed that these primates were functionally distinct: gibbons were legitimate seed dispersers who dispersed seeds of 44 plant species, while langurs were primarily seed predators who destroyed seeds of 48 plant species. Gibbons dispersed medium-seeded species more effectively than small- and large-seeded species, and dispersed more seeds of rare species than common and dominant species. Langurs showed a similar predation rate across different sizes of seeds, but destroyed a large number of seeds from common species. Due to gut passage effects, gibbons significantly shortened the duration of seed germination for 58% of the dispersed species; however, for 54% of species, seed germination rates were reduced significantly. Our study underlined the contrasting contributions of two primate species to local plant recruitment processes. By dispersing rare species and destroying the seeds of common species, both primates might jointly maintain plant species diversity. To maintain healthy ecosystems, the conservation of mammals that play critical functional roles needs to receive further attention.
  5. Chen Y, Guo R, Liang Y, Luo L, Han Y, Wang H, et al.
    Virus Res, 2023 Sep;334:199183.
    PMID: 37499764 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2023.199183
    Stutzerimonas stutzeri is an opportunistic pathogen widely distributed in the environment and displays diverse metabolic capabilities. In this study, a novel lytic S. stutzeri phage, named vB_PstM_ZRG1, was isolated from the seawater in the East China Sea (29°09'N, 123°39'E). vB_PstM_ZRG1 was stable at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 65°C and across a wide range of pH values from 3 to 10. The genome of vB_PstM_ZRG1 was determined to be a double-stranded DNA with a genome size of 52,767 bp, containing 78 putative open reading frames (ORFs). Three auxiliary metabolic genes encoded by phage vB_PstM_ZRG1 were predicted, including Toll/interleukin-1 receptor (TIR) domain, proline-alanine-alanine-arginine (PAAR) protein and SGNH (Ser-Gly-Asn-His) family hydrolase, especially TIR domain is not common in isolated phages. Phylogenic and network analysis showed that vB_PstM_ZRG1 has low similarity to other phage genomes in the GenBank and IMG/VR database, and might represent a novel viral genus, named Elithevirus. Additionally, the distribution map results indicated that vB_PstM_ZRG1 could infect both extreme colds- and warm-type hosts in the marine environment. In summary, our finding provided basic information for further research on the relationship between S. stutzeri and their phages, and expanded our understanding of genomic characteristics, phylogenetic diversity and distribution of Elithevirus.
  6. Chen Y, Gong Y, Shan L, Tan CY, Al-Furjan MS, Ramesh S, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2023 Jul 28;16(15).
    PMID: 37570016 DOI: 10.3390/ma16155312
    Cartilage damage is difficult to heal and poses a serious problem to human health as it can lead to osteoarthritis. In this work, we explore the application of biological 3D printing to manufacture new cartilage scaffolds to promote cartilage regeneration. The hydrogel made by mixing sodium alginate (SA) and gelatin (GA) has high biocompatibility, but its mechanical properties are poor. The addition of hydroxyapatite (HA) can enhance its mechanical properties. In this paper, the preparation scheme of the SA-GA-HA composite hydrogel cartilage scaffold was explored, the scaffolds prepared with different concentrations were compared, and better formulations were obtained for printing and testing. Mathematical modeling of the printing process of the bracket, simulation analysis of the printing process based on the mathematical model, and adjustment of actual printing parameters based on the results of the simulation were performed. The cartilage scaffold, which was printed using Bioplotter 3D printer, exhibited useful mechanical properties suitable for practical needs. In addition, ATDC-5 cells were seeded on the cartilage scaffolds and the cell survival rate was found to be higher after one week. The findings demonstrated that the fabricated chondrocyte scaffolds had better mechanical properties and biocompatibility, providing a new scaffold strategy for cartilage tissue regeneration.
  7. Chen Y, Maidin SS, Tsegyu S, Tiamiyu KA, Ogbonne IP, Yare DM, et al.
    PLoS One, 2023;18(11):e0292640.
    PMID: 37917609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292640
    The researchers in Study 1 conducted interviews among experts and developed a small group communication programme to be delivered in 24 months. In Study 2, a quasi-experiment was conducted involving 540 smallholder farmers in Nigeria to test the impact of the developed programme. The result showed that smallholder farmers with art skills who received the small group communication programme reported a significant improvement in their entrepreneurial competence and economic self-efficacy compared to smallholder farmers who did not receive the programme. A follow-up assessment after two years revealed the steady effectiveness of the developed programme.
  8. Chen Y, Cheak TZ, Jin TS, Vinitha G, Dimyati K, Harun SW
    Sci Rep, 2024 Jan 25;14(1):2141.
    PMID: 38273021 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52640-0
    We experimentally demonstrated the generation of domain-wall dark pulse in an Erbium-doped fiber laser using the combination of a 10 cm graded index multimode fiber sandwiched by single mode fibers as artificial saturable absorber. The interaction of phase difference in grade index multimode fiber allowed the stable dual-wavelength oscillation in the cavity. The dual-wavelength centered at 1567.2 nm and 1569.4 nm produces the topological defect in temporal domain and achieved a dark pulse formation with repetition rate of 21.5 MHz. The highest average pulse energy is calculated as 769.6 pJ with pulse width of 5 ns. Throughout the operating pump power range, the average pulse energy and output power increase linearly, with R2 of 0.9999 and achieved the laser efficiency of 9.33%. From the measurement in frequency domain, the signal-to-noise ratio is measured as 49 dB. As compared to reported DW dark pulse works, the proposed structure only required a short length of multimode fiber, which allowed the domain-wall dark pulse to achieve higher pulse repetition rate. The venture of domain wall dark pulse is potentially to pave the foundation toward sustainable industrial growth.
  9. Chen Y, Liu Z, Wang Q, Gao F, Xu H, Ke L, et al.
    Crit Care, 2024 Jan 20;28(1):26.
    PMID: 38245768 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-024-04813-6
    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Exclusive enteral nutrition (EN) is often observed during the first week of ICU admission because of the extra costs and safety considerations for early parenteral nutrition. This study aimed to assess the association between nutrition intake and 28-day mortality in critically ill patients receiving exclusive EN.

    METHODS: This is a post hoc analysis of a cluster-randomized clinical trial that assesses the effect of implementing a feeding protocol on mortality in critically ill patients. Patients who stayed in the ICUs for at least 7 days and received exclusive EN were included in this analysis. Multivariable Cox hazard regression models and restricted cubic spline models were used to assess the relationship between the different doses of EN delivery and 28-day mortality. Subgroups with varying lactate levels at enrollment were additionally analyzed to address the potential confounding effect brought in by the presence of shock-related hypoperfusion.

    RESULTS: Overall, 1322 patients were included in the analysis. The median (interquartile range) daily energy and protein delivery during the first week of enrollment were 14.6 (10.3-19.6) kcal/kg and 0.6 (0.4-0.8) g/kg, respectively. An increase of 5 kcal/kg energy delivery was associated with a significant reduction (approximately 14%) in 28-day mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.865, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.768-0.974, P = 0.016). For protein intake, a 0.2 g/kg increase was associated with a similar mortality reduction with an adjusted HR of 0.868 (95% CI 0.770-0.979). However, the benefits associated with enhanced nutrition delivery could be observed in patients with lactate concentration ≤ 2 mmol/L (adjusted HR = 0.804 (95% CI 0.674-0.960) for energy delivery and adjusted HR = 0.804 (95% CI 0.672-0.962) for protein delivery, respectively), but not in those > 2 mmol/L.

    CONCLUSIONS: During the first week of critical illness, enhanced nutrition delivery is associated with reduced mortality in critically ill patients receiving exclusive EN, only for those with lactate concentration ≤ 2 mmol/L.

    TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN12233792, registered on November 24, 2017.

  10. Chen Y, Yin X, Lyu C
    Sci Rep, 2024 Apr 03;14(1):7890.
    PMID: 38570561 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56452-0
    This research aims to elucidate the relationship between circular design strategies (CDS) and the economic sustainability of construction projects (ESCP), examining the mediating role of organizational culture (OC). Motivated by the imperative to develop a sustainable circular economy (CE) model in the building industry, our study focuses on a crucial dimension of CE processes. Specifically, we investigate how construction firms' organizational values shape their pursuit of desired economic outcomes within CE theory. Through a comprehensive analysis of 359 responses from a cross-sectional survey of Chinese construction firms employing Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), our findings reveal a positive albeit weakly impactful association between CDS and ESCP. Simultaneously, OC is identified as a factor detrimental to ESCP. Notably, this study unveils the influential roles of hierarchical culture (HC) and group culture (GC) in shaping the current state of ESCP in China. Emphasizing the significance of CDS, we propose that contract administrators proactively reposition their organizations to adopt strategies conducive to achieving the necessary economic output for construction projects. The originality aspect lies in this research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by offering empirical insights into the theoretical framework, marking the first such empirical study in northern China. We conclude by critically examining research outcomes and limitations while providing insightful recommendations for future research to foster sustainable construction practices in the Chinese context.
  11. Chen YP, Sudderuddin KI
    PMID: 749224
    Toxicity tests carried out on the larvae of A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus showed the former to be more tolerant of all insecticides tested, the order of toxicity being temephos greater than DDT greater than DDVP greater than malathion greater than lindane greater than carbaryl; also the second instar larvae of A. aegypti were more susceptible than fourth instar larvae. Enzyme kinetic studies on the total non-specific esterases and CarEs of adults and larvae of both species showed the Km values for total esterases of adult A. aegypti to be 0.333 mM vs 0.233 mM for C. quinquefasciatus; for adult CarEs it was 0.250 mM vs 0.220 mM. For total larval esterases of A. aegypti it was 0.112 mM vs 0.175 mM for C. quinquefasciatus: and for larval CarES it was 0.159 mM vs 0.213 mM respectively. Although some correlation between in vivo toxicity (LD50 values) and in vitro esterase inhibition (I50 values) between species could be discerned, overall correlation could not be established.
  12. Chen YY, Ting CH
    J Postgrad Med, 2023;69(4):221-223.
    PMID: 37602634 DOI: 10.4103/jpgm.jpgm_341_23
    Depression and anxiety are common psychological issues among university students, yet many of them hesitate to seek professional help due to stigma. Unfortunately, university curricula often lack self-help strategies to manage these challenges and provide timely support to those in need. To address this gap, we introduced the Psychological Skills Lab (PSL) component in the undergraduate medical curriculum, which emphasizes experiential learning to promote self-determination and autonomy in health promotion. The lab allows active interaction among students, lecturers, and peers through activities like presentations, peer reviews, in session practice, gratitude journals, group discussions, and role plays. PSL helps students develop skills, empathy, mindfulness, and self compassion through regular interactions. This innovative teaching approach raises mental health awareness and empowers students to assist others when required. Thus, by incorporating self-help measures into the curriculum, students are better equipped to manage their emotional well-being while supporting those around them.
  13. Chiang TY, Chiang YC, Chen YJ, Chou CH, Havanond S, Hong TN, et al.
    Mol Ecol, 2001 Nov;10(11):2697-710.
    PMID: 11883883
    Vivipary with precocious seedlings in mangrove plants was thought to be a hindrance to long-range dispersal. To examine the extent of seedling dispersal across oceans, we investigated the phylogeny and genetic structure among East Asiatic populations of Kandelia candel based on organelle DNAs. In total, three, 28 and seven haplotypes of the chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) atpB-rbcL spacer, cpDNA trnL-trnF spacer, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) were identified, respectively, from 202 individuals. Three data sets suggested consistent phylogenies recovering two differentiated lineages corresponding to geographical regions, i.e. northern South-China-Sea + East-China-Sea region and southern South-China-Sea region (Sarawak). Phylogenetically, the Sarawak population was closely related to the Ranong population of western Peninsula Malaysia instead of other South-China-Sea populations, indicating its possible origin from the Indian Ocean Rim. No geographical subdivision was detected within the northern geographical region. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed low levels of genetic differentiation between and within mainland and island populations (phiCT = 0.015, phiSC = 0.037), indicating conspicuous long-distance seedling dispersal across oceans. Significant linkage disequilibrium excluded the possibility of recurrent homoplasious mutations as the major force causing phylogenetic discrepancy between mtDNA and the trnL-trnF spacer within the northern region. Instead, relative ages of alleles contributed to non-random chlorotype-mitotype associations and tree inconsistency. Widespread distribution and random associations (chi2 = 0.822, P = 0.189) of eight hypothetical ancestral cytotypes indicated the panmixis of populations of the northern geographical region as a whole. In contrast, rare and recently evolved alleles were restricted to marginal populations, revealing some preferential directional migration.
  14. Chu RX, Lin J, Wu CQ, Zheng J, Chen YL, Zhang J, et al.
    Nanoscale, 2017 Jun 23.
    PMID: 28644506 DOI: 10.1039/c7nr02423a
    Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have attracted great attention owing to their excellent electrochemical properties, such as the high discharge voltage of 2.3 V, specific capacity of 1675 mA h g(-1) and energy density of 2600 Wh kg(-1). The widely used slurry made electrodes of Li-S batteries are plagued by the serious shuttle effect and insulating nature of sulfur. Herein, a reduced graphene oxide coated porous carbon nanofiber flexible paper (rGO@S-PCNP) was fabricated and directly used as an additive-free cathode for Li-S batteries. The results show that the rGO@S-PCNP is certified to be effective at relieving the shuttle effect and improving the conductivity, thus achieving high electrochemical performance. The rGO@S-PCNP composite with a sulfur content of 58.4 wt% delivers a high discharge capacity of 623.7 mA h g(-1) after 200 cycles at 0.1 C (1 C = 1675 mA g(-1)) with the average Coulombic efficiency of 97.1%. The excellent cyclability and high Coulombic efficiency indicate that the as-prepared rGO@S-PCNP composite paper can be a promising cathode for lithium-sulfur batteries, and is envisioned to have great potential in high energy density flexible power devices. This facile strategy brings great significance for large-scale industrial fabrication of flexible lithium-sulfur batteries.
  15. Citartan M, Gopinath SCB, Chen Y, Lakshmipriya T, Tang TH
    Biosens Bioelectron, 2015 Jan 15;63:86-98.
    PMID: 25058943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2014.06.068
    The illegal administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) among athletes is largely preferred over blood doping to enhance stamina. The advent of recombinant DNA technology allowed the expression of EPO-encoding genes in several eukaryotic hosts to produce rHuEPO, and today these performance-enhancing drugs are readily available. As a mimetic of endogenous EPO (eEPO), rHuEPO augments the oxygen carrying capacity of blood. Thus, monitoring the illicit use of rHuEPO among athletes is crucial in ensuring an even playing field and maintaining the welfare of athletes. A number of rHuEPO detection methods currently exist, including measurement of hematologic parameters, gene-based detection methods, glycomics, use of peptide markers, electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing (IEF)-double immunoblotting, aptamer/antibody-based methods, and lateral flow tests. This review gleans these different strategies and highlights the leading molecular recognition elements that have potential roles in rHuEPO doping detection.
  16. Citartan M, Gopinath SC, Tominaga J, Chen Y, Tang TH
    Talanta, 2014 Aug;126:103-9.
    PMID: 24881539 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2014.03.043
    Label-free-based detection is pivotal for real-time monitoring of biomolecular interactions and to eliminate the need for labeling with tags that can occupy important binding sites of biomolecules. One simplest form of label-free-based detection is ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared (UV-vis-NIR) spectroscopy, which measure changes in reflectivity as a means to monitor immobilization and interaction of biomolecules with their corresponding partners. In biosensor development, the platform used for the biomolecular interaction should be suitable for different molecular recognition elements. In this study, gold (Au)-coated polycarbonate was used as a platform and as a proof-of-concept, erythropoietin (EPO), a doping substance widely abused by the athletes was used as the target. The interaction of EPO with its corresponding molecular recognition elements (anti-EPO monoclonal antibody and anti-EPO DNA aptamer) is monitored by UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. Prior to this, to show that UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy is a suitable method for measuring biomolecular interaction, the interaction between biotin and streptavidin was demonstrated via this strategy and reflectivity of this interaction decreased by 25%. Subsequent to this, interaction of the EPO with anti-EPO monoclonal antibody and anti-EPO DNA aptamer resulted in the decrease of reflectivity by 5% and 10%, respectively. The results indicated that Au-coated polycarbonate could be an ideal biosensor platform for monitoring biomolecular interactions using UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. A smaller version of the Au-coated polycarbonate substrates can be derived from the recent set-up, to be applied towards detecting EPO abuse among atheletes.
  17. Cui J, Cui J, Peng Y, Yao D, Chan A, Chen Z, et al.
    Sci Total Environ, 2020 Jun 27;744:140558.
    PMID: 32711301 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140558
    Fluxes and composition dynamics of atmospheric nitrogen deposition play key roles in better balancing economic development and ecological environment. However, there are some knowledge gaps and difficulties in urban ecosystems, especially for small and medium-sized cities. In this study, both flux and composition (ratio of NH4+-N to NO3--N, RN) of wet-deposited dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN, sum of NO3--N and NH4+-N) were estimated and sources were identified at a long-term urban observation station in Tongling, a typical medium-sized city in eastern China during 2010-2016, respectively. Results showed that wet-deposited DIN fluxes were 33.20 and 28.15 kgN ha-1 yr-1 in Tongling city during 2010-2011 and 2015-2016, respectively. Compared to these two periods, both DIN and NO3--N fluxes decreased by 15.2% and 31.8% for a series of NOx abatement measures applied effectively, respectively. At the same time, the NH4+-N flux remained stable and ranged from 19.53 to 20.62 kgN ha-1 yr-1, and the RN increased from 1.7 to 2.2. Seasonally, winds from the southwest and west-southwest with higher frequencies and speeds in spring and summer brought more NH4+-N and DIN wet deposition from an ammonia plant, which could threaten the safety of regional hydrosphere ecosystems. On the whole, the wet-deposited NH4+-N was threatening regional ecosystems of both the hydrosphere and forest. The wet-deposited DIN including NH4+-N in Tongling city stemmed mainly from a combined source of coal combustion and dust from Cu extraction and smelting, ammonia production, and roads. Therefore, production lines should be updated for Cu extraction and smelting industries, thermal power generations and the ammonia plant, old vehicles should be eliminated, and the use of new energy vehicles should be promoted for regional sustainable development and human health in the medium-sized city.
  18. Delavaux CS, LaManna JA, Myers JA, Phillips RP, Aguilar S, Allen D, et al.
    Commun Biol, 2023 Oct 19;6(1):1066.
    PMID: 37857800 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05410-z
    One mechanism proposed to explain high species diversity in tropical systems is strong negative conspecific density dependence (CDD), which reduces recruitment of juveniles in proximity to conspecific adult plants. Although evidence shows that plant-specific soil pathogens can drive negative CDD, trees also form key mutualisms with mycorrhizal fungi, which may counteract these effects. Across 43 large-scale forest plots worldwide, we tested whether ectomycorrhizal tree species exhibit weaker negative CDD than arbuscular mycorrhizal tree species. We further tested for conmycorrhizal density dependence (CMDD) to test for benefit from shared mutualists. We found that the strength of CDD varies systematically with mycorrhizal type, with ectomycorrhizal tree species exhibiting higher sapling densities with increasing adult densities than arbuscular mycorrhizal tree species. Moreover, we found evidence of positive CMDD for tree species of both mycorrhizal types. Collectively, these findings indicate that mycorrhizal interactions likely play a foundational role in global forest diversity patterns and structure.
  19. Drummond MF, Augustovski F, Bhattacharyya D, Campbell J, Chaiyakanapruk N, Chen Y, et al.
    Value Health, 2022 Aug;25(8):1257-1267.
    PMID: 35931428 DOI: 10.1016/j.jval.2022.02.006
    Health technology assessment (HTA) has been growing in use over the past 40 years, especially in its impact on decisions regarding the reimbursement, adoption, and use of new drugs, devices, and procedures. In countries or jurisdictions with "pluralistic" healthcare systems, there are multiple payers or sectors, each of which could potentially benefit from HTA. Nevertheless, a single HTA, conducted centrally, may not meet the needs of these different actors, who may have different budgets, current standards of care, populations to serve, or decision-making processes. This article reports on the research conducted by an ISPOR Health Technology Assessment Council Working Group established to examine the specific challenges of conducting and using HTA in countries with pluralistic healthcare systems. The Group used its own knowledge and expertise, supplemented by a narrative literature review and survey of US payers, to identify existing challenges and any initiatives taken to address them. We recommend that countries with pluralistic healthcare systems establish a national focus for HTA, develop a uniform set of HTA methods guidelines, ensure that HTAs are produced in a timely fashion, facilitate the use of HTA in the local setting, and develop a framework to encourage transparency in HTA. These efforts can be enhanced by the development of good practice guidance from ISPOR or similar groups and increased training to facilitate local use of HTA.
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