bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Boys and girls differ in their rationale behind eating: a systematic review of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations in dietary habits across countries
Authors: Deslippe Alysha L. , Bergeron Coralie , Cohen Tamara R.
Published: September 2023

Background

Boys' and girls' food habits diverge in adolescence (13–18 years). This contributes to unequal risks of adverse health outcomes based on sex and gender in adulthood (e.g., heart diseases in men vs. disorder eating in women). Though multi-factorial, why these dietary differences occur is unclear.

Purpose

To identify the reasons why adolescents' motivation behind dietary habits differs among genders.

Methods

Four databases were searched following PRISMA guidelines. Eligible studies had to use qualitative methodology and report at least one gender unique theme. Reported themes were thematically analyzed, with a sub-analysis by country where the studies were conducted. Quality appraisals were assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist.

Results

In the 34 eligible articles (n= 1,694 returned) two overarching themes emerged that dictated dietary habits in adolescents: Self-motivators and Uncontrollable factors. Gender differences arose whereby girls highlighted more external motivators (e.g., eat healthier, change dietary habits around boys and be thin to fit traditional norms) over their dietary habits. In contrast, boys focused on more internal motivators (e.g., gain autonomy, eat for enjoyment and pursue gains in physical performance). This suggests that motivation underlying how boys and girls eat differs. These trends were largely consistent across countries.

Conclusion

Boys' and girls' food habits are not motivated by the same factors. To create more effective dietary interventions targeting health promotion, unique motivations behind food habits need to be understood and incorporated.

Systematic review registration

Identifier: CRD42022298077.
Globus pallidus/putamen T1WI signal intensity ratio in grading and predicting prognosis of neonatal acute bilirubin encephalopathy
Authors: Yi Minggang , Lou Jing , Cui Ruodi , Zhao Jianshe
Published: September 2023

Purpose

This study sought to investigate the relationship between the globus pallidus/putamen T1 weighted image (T1WI) signal intensity ratio (G/P ratio) and the acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) in neonates, and to develop a new strategy for the grading and prognosis of ABE based on the G/P ratio.

Methods

A total of 77 full-term neonates with ABE were scored according to bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction and divided into mild, moderate, and severe groups. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging examinations were performed and the G/P ratio was recorded. The follow-up reexaminations were carried out at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after the initial examination. The neonates were then divided into two groups, the good prognosis group and the kernicterus spectrum disorder (KSD) group, according to the evaluation of Gesell Developmental Schedules and Brainstem Audio Electric Potential at 6 months.

Main findings

The differences of G/P ratios were statistically significant, not only among the mild, moderate, and severe ABE groups for the initial examinations but also between the KSD and the good prognosis groups for the follow-up reexaminations. Therefore, the ABE grading model and prognosis predicting model could be established based on the G/P ratio. In the KSD group, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the G/P ratio-based predicting model was 93.5%, the optimal critical point was 1.29, the sensitivity was 88.2%, and the specificity was 93.3%.

Conclusions

The G/P ratio can be used as an indicating parameter for both the clinical grading of neonatal ABE and the assessment of neonatal ABE prognosis. Specifically, the G/P ratio greater than 1.29 indicates a KSD of neonatal ABE.
The perinatal period should be considered in neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome: comparison of the Montreux definition vs. the second pediatric acute lung injury consensus conference definition
Authors: Liu Liting , Zhang Yihan , Wang Yiran , He Yu , Ding Xionghui , Chen Long , Shi Yuan
Published: September 2023

Background

The recently developed Montreux definition for neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) partially differs from the Second Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference (PALICC-2) definition. Here, we compare the Montreux and PALICC-2 definitions regarding morbidity, mortality, and prognosis of neonatal cases of ARDS in order to evaluate which definition is more appropriate for newborns.

Methods

Neonates admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit between 1 January 2018 and 30 September 2019 who met the Montreux or PALICC-2 definition of neonatal ARDS were retrospectively analyzed (n = 472). One comparison was made between application of the Montreux and PALICC-2 definitions to neonates outside the perinatal period (> 7 d after birth). A second comparison was made between a diagnosis of neonatal ARDS within (≤ 7 d of birth) and outside (> 7 d after birth) the perinatal period using the Montreux definition.

Results

No significant differences in morbidity, mortality, severity, therapies, or prognosis were observed between neonates in the extra perinatal group according to the Montreux and PALICC-2 definitions. However, epidemiology, clinical course, and prognosis of neonatal ARDS within the perinatal period did differ from those outside the perinatal period according to the Montreux definition.

Conclusion

Neonates with ARDS within the perinatal period have unique triggers, epidemiology, clinical course, and prognosis, yet a similar pathobiology pattern, to neonates at other ages. Therefore, it may be essential to consider the perinatal period when defining neonatal ARDS.
Pharmacological effects of nicotine salts on dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens
Authors: Li Xiaonan , Lu Lehua , He Ying , Zhang Hui , Zhang Yihui , Sheng Huaquan , Chen Ming , Ru Jiexiong , Gao Yihan
Published: September 2023

With the growing number of individuals regularly using e-cigarettes, it has become increasingly important to understand the psychobiological effects of nicotine salts. Nicotine increases the release of dopamine (DA) into the nucleus accumbens (NAc), causing feelings of satisfaction. However, the differences in the DA-increasing effects of different nicotine salts have not been reported. In this study, we used a G protein-coupled receptor-activated DA fluorescent probe (GRABDA1m) and optical fiber photometric recording equipment to monitor the dynamic changes and kinetics of DA release in the NAc of mice exposed to different e-cigarette aerosols, including nicotine, nicotine benzoate, nicotine tartrate, nicotine lactate, nicotine levulinic acid, nicotine malate, and nicotine citrate. The results of this study were as follows: 1) Different types of nicotine salts could increase the release of DA in the NAc. 2) The slopes and half-effective concentrations of the fitted curves were different, suggesting that each nicotine salt had a difference in the efficiency of increasing DA release with concentration changes. 3) The absorption rates of different nicotine salts containing the same original nicotine concentration were significantly different by measuring the blood nicotine content. The effect of nicotine salts on increasing DA was directly proportional to the blood nicotine level. In conclusion, by observing the effects of nicotine salts on DA release in real time in vivo, differences in the pharmacological effects of nicotine salts are revealed to better understand the mechanism underlying the regulatory effects of nicotine salts on the brain.
Lie triple derivations of dihedron algebra
Authors: Arshad Minahal , Munir Muhammad Mobeen
Published: September 2023

Let K be a 2-torsion free unital ring and D(K) be dihedron algebra over K. In the present article, we prove that every Lie triple derivation of D(K) can be written as the sum of the Lie triple derivation of K, Jordan triple derivation of K, and some inner derivation of D. We also prove that a generalized Lie triple derivation ϱ:D(K)→D(K) associated with the Lie triple derivation h:D(K)→D(K) exists if ϱ can be represented in the form ϱ(τ) = h(τ) + λτ, where λ lies in the center of D(K). We finally conclude that to obtain the complete algebra of the Lie triple derivation and generalized Lie triple of D(K), we first need to find the Lie triple derivation and Jordan triple derivation of K.
Transcriptome analysis reveals salivary gland-specific neuropeptide signaling genes in the predatory stink bug, Picromerus lewisi
Authors: Li Wenhong , Li Zhimo , Yang Xiang , Wang Xinyi , Yang Mingwei , Huang Chunyang , He Yueping
Published: September 2023

Predatory stink bugs derive from phytophagous stink bugs and evolved enhanced predation skills. Neuropeptides are a diverse class of ancient signaling molecules that regulate physiological processes and behavior in animals, including stink bugs. Neuropeptide evolution might be important for the development of predation because neuropeptides can be converted to venoms that impact prey. However, information on neuropeptide signaling genes in predatory stink bugs is lacking. In the present study, neuropeptide signaling genes of Picromerus lewisi, an important predatory stink bug and an effective biological agent, were comprehensively identified by transcriptome analysis, with a total of 59 neuropeptide precursor genes and 58 potential neuropeptide receptor genes found. In addition, several neuropeptides and their receptors enriched in salivary glands of P. lewisi were identified. The present study and subsequent functional research contribute to an in-depth understanding of the biology and behavior of the predatory bugs and can provide basic information for the development of better pest management strategies, possibly including neuropeptide receptors as insecticide targets and salivary gland derived venom toxins as novel killing moleculars.
Impacts of climate change on climatically suitable regions of two invasive Erigeron weeds in China
Authors: Huang Yumeng , Zhang Guoliang , Fu Weidong , Zhang Yue , Zhao Zihua , Li Zhihong , Qin Yujia
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Erigeron philadelphicus and Erigeron annuus are two ecologically destructive invasive plants from the Asteraceae family. Predicting the potential distribution pattern of two invasive alien Erigeron weeds can provide a scientific basis for prevent the further spread of these two weeds in China under climate change.

Methods

Based on historical occurrence datasets and environmental variables, we optimized a MaxEnt model to predict the potential suitable habitats of E. philadelphicus and E. annuus. We also analyzed the shifts of distribution centroids and patterns under climate change scenarios.

Results

The key variables that affect the potential geographical distribution of E. annuus and E. philadelphicus, respectively, are temperature seasonality and precipitation of the driest month. Moreover, topsoil sodicity and topsoil salinity also influence the distribution of E. philadelphicus. Under climate change, the overall suitable habitats for both invasive alien Erigeron weeds are expected to expand. The potential geographical distribution of E. annuus exhibited the highest expansion under the SSP245 climate scenario (medium forcing scenarios), whereas E. philadelphicus had the highest expansion under the SSP126 climate scenario (lower forcing scenarios) globally. The future centroid of E. annuus is projected to shift to higher latitudes specifically from Hubei to Hebei, whereas E. philadelphicus remains concentrated primarily in Hubei Province. The overlapping suitable areas of the two invasive alien Erigeron plants mainly occur in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou, and Chongqing, within China.

Discussion

Climate change will enable E. annuus to expand into northeastern region and invade Yunnan Province whereas E. philadelphicus was historically the only suitable species. E. annuus demonstrates a greater potential for invasion and expansion under climate change, as it exhibits higher environmental tolerance. The predictive results obtained in this study can serve as a valuable reference for early warning systems and management strategies aimed at controlling the spread of these two invasive plants.
TBS-pyrrole as an “universal” reference to quantify artemisinin and structurally-diverse natural products in plants extracts by NMR
Authors: García-García Ana L. , Hernández Dácil , Santana-Mayor Álvaro , Jiménez-Arias David , Boto Alicia
Published: September 2023

The commercial production of artemisinin and other valuable bioactive natural products depends on their plant sources, which may provide variable amounts of the compound depending on plant variety, the period of the year, abiotic stress and other factors. Therefore, it requires a method for large-scale, low-cost natural product quantification. The standard HPLC and UHPLC methods are accurate but the analysis are costly and require different optimization for structurally-diverse products. An alternative method using NMR with TBS-pyrrole as a novel “universal” reference affords a simple, fast method to quantify many different products. The method is shown with antimalarial artemisinin, whose yield using conventional and novel extraction procedures was determined by standard UHPLC-MS procedures and by our NMR protocol, with similar quantification results. The novel reference compound does not interfere with artemisinin or extract signals, only needs a small amount of the extract, is accurate and operationally simple, and a large volume of samples can be processed in little time. Moreover, bioactive terpenes, steroids, alkaloids, aromatic compounds, and quinones, among others, were quantified in a model vegetal extract with this “universal” reference with excellent accuracy.
Genetic amelioration of fruit and vegetable crops to increase biotic and abiotic stress resistance through CRISPR Genome Editing
Authors: Sardar Atish
Published: September 2023

Environmental changes and increasing population are major concerns for crop production and food security as a whole. To address this, researchers had focussed on the improvement of cereals and pulses and have made considerable progress till the beginning of this decade. However, cereals and pulses together, without vegetables and fruits, are inadequate to meet the dietary and nutritional demands of human life. Production of good quality vegetables and fruits is highly challenging owing to their perishable nature and short shelf life as well as abiotic and biotic stresses encountered during pre- and post-harvest. Genetic engineering approaches to produce good quality, to increase shelf life and stress-resistance, and to change the time of flowering and fruit ripening by introducing foreign genes to produce genetically modified crops were quite successful. However, several biosafety concerns, such as the risk of transgene-outcrossing, limited their production, marketing, and consumption. Modern genome editing techniques, like the CRISPR/Cas9 system, provide a perfect solution in this scenario, as it can produce transgene-free genetically edited plants. Hence, these genetically edited plants can easily satisfy the biosafety norms for crop production and consumption. This review highlights the potential of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for the successful generation of abiotic and biotic stress resistance and thereby improving the quality, yield, and overall productivity of vegetables and fruits.
Psychological couple-oriented interventions for patients with heart disease and their partners: a scoping review and guidelines for future interventions
Authors: Rapelli Giada , Giusti Emanuele Maria , Tarquinio Claudia , Varallo Giorgia , Franceschini Christian , Musetti Alessandro , Gorini Alessandra , Castelnuovo Gianluca , Pietrabissa Giada
Published: September 2023

Objective

This scoping review aims to provide an accessible summary of available evidence on the efficacy of psychological couple-based interventions among patients with heart disease and their partners focusing on specific aspects and strategies by assessing different emotional and physical cardiac-related outcome measures.

Methods

A literature search was performed in PubMed, Scopus, Medline, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases using the keywords “heart diseases” and “couple-based intervention.” A literature search using systematic methods was applied. Data were extracted to address the review aims and were presented as a narrative synthesis.

Results

The database search produced 11 studies. Psychological couple-based interventions varied in terms of the type of intervention, personnel, format (group or individual, phone or in person), number of sessions, and duration. Most of the contributions also lacked adequate details on the training of professionals, the contents of the interventions, and the theoretical models on which they were based. Finally, although partners were involved in all the treatment, in most studies, the psychological strategies and outcomes were focused on the patient.

Conclusion

The variability of the psychological couple-based interventions of included studies represents a challenge in summarizing the existing literature. Regarding their impact, psychological interventions for patients with cardiovascular disease and their partners were found to moderately improve patients’ and partners’ outcomes.
Beyond memory: exploring the value of social cognition for older adults with neurocognitive disorders
Authors: Samtani Suraj , Meka Anjani , Siette Joyce
Published: September 2023

Neurocognitive disorders involves progressive decline in cognition, function, behavior and needs. Recent developments have identified the need to characterize social cognition in individuals with neurocognitive impairments to support uncertainty in clinical decision making, treatment plans and monitoring individual change. Routine social cognition assessments have thus been more recently used and adopted in persons with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. This work serves to summarize current assessments and provide a discourse on the practicality of available social cognition tools, its implication in clinical practice and key future directions. We highlight advantages in establishing validated, multicomponent measures of social cognition for people with neurocognitive disorders.
A follow-up and treatment model for pediatric eating disorders: examination of the clinical variables of a child and adolescent psychiatry eating disorder outpatient clinic
Authors: Özbaran N. Burcu , Erbasan Zeynep İrem , Yılancıoğlu Hazal Yağmur , Çek Didem , Taş Begüm Yuluğ , Tokmak Sibel Helin , Bildik Tezan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders are common in children and adolescents and are characterized by symptoms such as food restriction, efforts to lose weight, fear of gaining weight and impaired body image. Anorexia nervosa is a life-threatening psychiatric disorder and its management in the outpatient setting can be challenging for clinicians. The aim of this study was to introduce the subunit service model developed for the multidisciplinary diagnosis and management of eating disorders in the outpatient setting and to evaluate the clinical follow-up of patients.

Methods

The medical records of 37 patients who were followed up by the eating disorders team at our clinic between 2018 and 2022 were reviewed. The study was designed as retrospective case study.

Results

A diagnosis was made according to DSM-5 and a treatment plan was developed for each case. Body mass index (BMI), Clinic Global Impression (CGI) scale scores, duration of follow-up, number of interviews and other scale scores (The Turgay Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Scale and the Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire Scale) of 37 patients aged 12-17 years diagnosed with an eating disorder and followed up in our clinic were statistically compared.

Discussion

The Eating Disorder Follow-up Model developed and applied in our clinic had a positive effect on patients BMI scores, a significant improvement in CGI scores was observed. Conclusion: We believe that this multidisciplinary system will serve as a model for other mental health centers by raising awareness and guiding mental health professionals in the follow-up and treatment of eating disorders.
Decision-making deficits in obsessive-compulsive disorder are associated with abnormality of recency and response consistency parameter in prospect valence learning model
Authors: Murayama Keitaro , Tomiyama Hirofumi , Ohno Aikana , Kato Kenta , Matsuo Akira , Hasuzawa Suguru , Sashikata Kenta , Kang Mingi , Nakao Tomohiro
Published: September 2023

Background

Patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have deficits in decision-making in the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). However, no study has investigated the parameters of the prospect valence learning (PVL) model in the IGT for OCD.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate deficits in decision-making in OCD using the PVL model and identify whether the parameters of the PVL model were associated with obsessive-compulsive severity.

Methods

Forty-seven medication-free patients with OCD were compared with 47 healthy controls (HCs). Decision-making was measured using the total net and block net scores of the IGT. A PVL model with a decay-reinforcement learning rule (PVL-DecayRI) was used to investigate the parameters of the model. Correlation analysis was conducted between each parameter of the PVL-DecayRL and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Results

The total net score of patients with OCD was significantly lower than that of the HCs. The block net scores of the OCD group did not differ across the five blocks, whereas in the HCs, the fifth block net score was significantly higher than the block net scores of the first and second blocks. The values of the recency and response consistency parameters of the PVL-DecayRI in patients with OCD were significantly lower than those in HCs. The recency parameter positively correlated with the Y-BOCS obsessive score. Meanwhile, there was no correlation between consistency parameter values and symptom severity in OCD.

Conclusion

Our detailed analysis of the decision-making deficit in OCD suggests that the most recent outcome has a small influence on the expectancy of prospect valence, as indicated by the lower recency parameter, and is characterized by more impulsive choices, as indicated by the lower consistency parameter.
Musical hallucinations, secondary delusions, and lack of insight: results from a cohort study
Authors: Buijk Milou A. , Lauw René F. , Coebergh Jan Adriaan F. , Bouachmir Ouarda , Linszen Mascha M. J. , Blom Jan Dirk
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Although musical hallucinations do not tend to be accompanied by delusions, occasionally patients persistently accuse others of being responsible for causing the music they perceive, sometimes with severe social consequences such as frequently calling the police or moving house. In this study we seek to broaden our understanding of this rare type of musical hallucination that comes with secondary delusions and lack of insight, and to explore associations, underlying mechanisms, and treatment possibilities.

Methods

The present study is part of a cohort study on musical hallucinations carried out in the Netherlands from 2010 through 2023. Participants underwent testing with the aid of the MuHa Questionnaire, Launay-Slade Hallucinations Scale (LSHS), Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Additionally, they underwent a brain MRI, electroencephalogram, and audiological testing.

Results

Five patients out of a group of N = 81 (6%) lacked insight and presented with secondary delusions regarding the perceived music. They were all female, of advanced age, and hearing-impaired, and were diagnosed with cognitive impairment. In three patients (60%), risperidone was started. This had a positive effect on the hallucinations and secondary delusions.

Conclusion

The pathophysiological process underlying musical hallucinations is multifactorial in nature. We consider cognitive impairment the most likely contributing factor of the secondary delusions and lack of insight encountered in our patients, and antipsychotics the most beneficial treatment. On the basis of these small numbers, no definite conclusions can be drawn, so further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and to develop evidence-based treatment methods for people experiencing this rare and debilitating combination of symptoms. Since the black box warning of risperidone cautions against the use of this drug in elderly persons with dementia, a proper comparison with the efficacy and safety of other antipsychotics for this group is paramount.
Barriers and facilitators to mental health promotion for Mexican immigrants in the U.S. through the Ventanillas de Salud program
Authors: González Casanova Inés , Martínez Rodriguez Delia Lilian , Ortiz Brunel Julissa , Rangel Gómez María Gudelia , de Groot Mary , Fernández Alicia
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Mental health promotion and screenings are recommended as part of standard preventive care. Mexican immigrants in the U.S. are at high risk for mental health illness especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, however access to mental health prevention for this population has been limited, which results in important implementation and equity gaps. The Ventanilla de Salud (VDS) program provides preventive services through Mexican consulates in the U.S.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess capability, opportunity, and motivation for promotores to implement mental health programming through the VDS, leveraging early experiences of ongoing mental health prevention efforts.

Methods

This was a qualitative study using the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation for Behavior Change model (COM-B). We conducted 9 focus groups with 40 VDS promotores and 6 semi-structured interviews with program stakeholders. Data were analyzed using inductive and deductive coding.

Results

We found high levels of interest from the leadership, partners, and promotores to provide mental health services through the VDS. Early implementation of a mental health strategy that included training sessions for promotores and mental health promotion, screenings and referrals for VDS users was ongoing. We identified facilitators and barriers that could affect capability, opportunity, and motivation to provide mental health services. Facilitators included promotores’ extensive knowledge about the importance of mental health, promotores service mindset and commitment to provide services to VDS users, and general support from the VDS network and partners. Barriers included promotores’ turnover, need for additional economic compensation, burnout, competing priorities, and lack of mental health professionals to provide clinical services or supervision. Additional investments are recommended to support promotores’ well-being.

Conclusion

The main lesson learned from this study was that investing in VDS promotores’ training, resources, and well-being is key to their capability, opportunity and motivation to provide mental health services for Mexican immigrants in the US. Results from this study can be applied to improve the ongoing VDS mental health strategy and increase its impact on the mental health of Mexican immigrants.
In the zone: the effects of 2002–2010 upzoning on urban life in New York City
Authors: Lian James A. , Khare Arin , Vernooy Kai
Published: September 2023

As policymakers look for solutions to mitigate the growing housing crisis and sustainable urban development, upzoning is becoming an increasingly popular tool. By altering a community's zoning code to allow for denser development, advocates hope to increase housing capacity and affordability. However, upzoning's effects on urban life, which we define as encompassing housing, greenspace, demographics, and transportation, remains unclear. Existing research primarily consists of isolated studies on each of these aspects' relationship with land use. In this study, we develop a holistic path analysis model by joining 2002–2010 lot-level and aggregating them with 2010–2018 tract-level datasets within NYC, investigating the impacts of upzoning on urban life as a whole. Unlike existing research, this model considers the delayed effects of upzoning by longitudinally separating upzoning from the dependent variables to elucidate the correlation of upzoning with different aspects of urban life. An imagery-based approach was used to more accurately measure greenspace, and a complex path analysis using densification as the main intermediate variable with significance thresholds was applied, enabling satisfactory model fit while preserving only significant connections between land-use and urban life. We find a positive correlation between densification and upzoning, through which upzoning is positively associated with increased home values and urban greening. However, no associations are identified between upzoning with rent prices, racial gentrification and transportation patterns. These results suggest that 2002–2010 upzoning in NYC does not fully realize its goals of increasing housing capacity and affordability. The comprehensive analysis of the impact of upzoning on broader aspects of urban life discussed in this study will be beneficial for future policy making and urban planning.
A treatment within sight: challenges in the development of stem cell-derived photoreceptor therapies for retinal degenerative diseases
Authors: Beaver Davinia , Limnios Ioannis Jason
Published: September 2023

Stem cell therapies can potentially treat various retinal degenerative diseases, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and inherited retinal diseases like retinitis pigmentosa. For these diseases, transplanted cells may include stem cell-derived retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells, photoreceptors, or a combination of both. Although stem cell-derived RPE cells have progressed to human clinical trials, therapies using photoreceptors and other retinal cell types are lagging. In this review, we discuss the potential use of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived photoreceptors for the treatment of retinal degeneration and highlight the progress and challenges for their efficient production and clinical application in regenerative medicine.
Comparing low volume of blood flow restricted to high-intensity resistance training of the finger flexors to maintain climbing-specific strength and endurance: a crossover study
Authors: Javorský Tomáš , Saeterbakken Atle Hole , Andersen Vidar , Baláš Jiří
Published: September 2023

Introduction

It is acknowledged that training during recovery periods after injury involves reducing both volume and intensity, often resulting in losses of sport-specific fitness. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of high-intensity training (HIT) and low-intensity training with blood flow restriction (LIT + BFR) of the finger flexors in order to preserve climbing-specific strength and endurance.

Methods

In a crossover design, thirteen intermediate climbers completed two 5-week periods of isometric finger flexors training on a hangboard. The trainings consisted of ten LIT + BFR (30% of max) or HIT sessions (60% of max without BFR) and were undertaken in a randomized order. The training session consisted of 6 unilateral sets of 1 min intermittent hanging at a 7:3 work relief ratio for both hands. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), force impulse from the 4 min all out test (W), critical force (CF) and force impulse above the critical force (W') of the finger flexors were assessed before, after the first, and after the second training period, using a climbing-specific dynamometer. Forearm muscle oxidative capacity was estimated from an occlusion test using near-infrared spectroscopy at the same time points.

Results

Both training methods led to maintaining strength and endurance indicators, however, no interaction (P > 0.05) was found between the training methods for any strength or endurance variable. A significant increase (P = 0.002) was found for W, primarily driven by the HIT group (pretest—25078 ± 7584 N.s, post-test—27327 ± 8051 N.s, P = 0.012, Cohen's d = 0.29). There were no significant (P > 0.05) pre- post-test changes for MVC (HIT: Cohen's d = 0.13; LIT + BFR: Cohen's d = −0.10), CF (HIT: Cohen's d = 0.36; LIT + BFR = 0.05), W` (HIT: Cohen's d = −0.03, LIT + BFR = 0.12), and forearm muscle oxidative capacity (HIT: Cohen's d = −0.23; LIT + BFR: Cohen's d = −0.07).

Conclusions

Low volume of BFR and HIT led to similar results, maintaining climbing-specific strength and endurance in lower grade and intermediate climbers. It appears that using BFR training may be an alternative approach after finger injury as low mechanical impact occurs during training.
Qualitative Behavioural Assessment as a welfare indicator for farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in response to a stressful challenge
Authors: Wiese Timothy Robert , Rey Planellas Sonia , Betancor Monica , Haskell Marie , Jarvis Susan , Davie Andrew , Wemelsfelder Francoise , Turnbull James F.
Published: September 2023

Animal welfare assessments have struggled to investigate the emotional states of animals while focusing solely on available empirical evidence. Qualitative Behavioural Assessment (QBA) may provide insights into an animal’s subjective experiences without compromising scientific rigor. Rather than assessing explicit, physical behaviours (i.e., what animals are doing, such as swimming or feeding), QBA describes and quantifies the overall expressive manner in which animals execute those behaviours (i.e., how relaxed or agitated they appear). While QBA has been successfully applied to scientific welfare assessments in a variety of species, its application within aquaculture remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to assess QBA’s effectiveness in capturing changes in the emotional behaviour of Atlantic salmon following exposure to a stressful challenge. Nine tanks of juvenile Atlantic salmon were video-recorded every morning for 15 min over a 7-day period, in the middle of which a stressful challenge (intrusive sampling) was conducted on the salmon. The resultant 1-min, 63 video clips were then semi-randomised to avoid predictability and treatment bias for QBA scorers. Twelve salmon-industry professionals generated a list of 16 qualitative descriptors (e.g., relaxed, agitated, stressed) after viewing unrelated video-recordings depicting varying expressive characteristics of salmon in different contexts. A different group of 5 observers, with varied experience of salmon farming, subsequently scored the 16 descriptors for each clip using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Principal Components Analysis (correlation matrix, no rotation) was used to identify perceived patterns of expressive characteristics across the video-clips, which revealed 4 dimensions explaining 74.5% of the variation between clips. PC1, ranging from ‘relaxed/content/positive active’ to ‘unsettled/stressed/spooked/skittish’ explained the highest percentage of variation (37%). QBA scores for video-clips on PC1, PC2, and PC4 achieved good inter- and intra-observer reliability. Linear Mixed Effects Models, controlled for observer variation in PC1 scores, showed a significant difference between PC1 scores before and after sampling (p = 0.03), with salmon being perceived as more stressed afterwards. PC1 scores also correlated positively with darting behaviours (r = 0.42, p < 0.001). These results are the first to report QBA’s sensitivity to changes in expressive characteristics of salmon following a putatively stressful challenge, demonstrating QBA’s potential as a welfare indicator within aquaculture.
Flutter Optimization of Large Swept-Back Tri-Wing Flight Vehicles
Authors: Wang Weiji , Qian Wei , Ai Xinyu , Bai Yuguang
Published: September 2023

The aerodynamic configuration of large swept-back tri-wings is generally adopted for hypersonic vehicles, but the structural stiffness of the ailerons is weak, which may lead to damage due to the flutter behavior. In the initial stage of structural design, studying the flutter characteristics of tri-wing flight vehicles is necessary and can provide the stiffness index of the tri-wing structural design. To assess the flutter characteristics of tri-wing flight vehicles efficiently, a rapid modeling technique of the finite element method was used in this paper. For the structural scheme of large swept-back tri-wing flight vehicles, a structural dynamic model was modeled using the rapid modeling technique, the unsteady aerodynamic was computed using the double-lattice method, and the flutter characteristics were analyzed using the P-K method. Variable parametric studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of the stiffness of the aileron skin, the stiffness of the control mechanism, and the mass distribution of the aileron on the flutter characteristics of large swept-back tri-wing flight vehicles. The results showed that the key flutter coupling modes of such vehicles are symmetric and anti-symmetric combinations of aileron rotation and torsion. Additionally, optimizing the control mechanism stiffness and mass distribution of the aileron could improve the flutter boundary, which can be helpful in the structural design of such vehicles. The flutter optimization technique effectively improved the flutter boundary, significantly enlarged the flight envelope, and accurately provided the stiffness index for the structural design of large swept-back tri-wing flight vehicles.
Research on an Intelligent Agricultural Machinery Unmanned Driving System
Authors: Ren Haoling , Wu Jiangdong , Lin Tianliang , Yao Yu , Liu Chang
Published: September 2023

Intelligent agricultural machinery refers to machinery that can independently complete tasks in the field, which has great significance for the transformation of agricultural modernization. However, most of the existing research on intelligent agricultural machinery is limited to unilateral research on positioning, planning, and control, and has not organically combined the three to form a fully functional intelligent agricultural machinery system. Based on this, this article has developed an intelligent agricultural machinery system that integrates positioning, planning, and control. In response to the problem of large positioning errors in the large range of plane anchoring longitude and latitude, this article integrates geographic factors such as ellipsoid ratio, long and short axis radius, and altitude into coordinate transformation, and combines RTK/INS integrated inertial navigation to achieve precise positioning of the entire vehicle over a large range. In response to the problem that existing full-coverage path planning algorithms only focus on job coverage as the optimization objective and cannot achieve path optimization, this paper proposes a multi-objective function-coupled full-coverage path planning algorithm that integrates three optimization objectives: job coverage, job path length, and job path quantity. This algorithm achieves optimal path planning while ensuring job coverage. As the existing pure pursuit algorithm is not suitable for the motion control of tracked mobile machinery, this paper reconstructs the existing pure pursuit algorithm based on the Kinematics characteristics of tracked mobile machinery, and adds a linear interpolation module, so that the actual tracking path points of motion control are always ideal tracking path points, effectively improving the motion control accuracy and control stability. Finally, the feasibility of the intelligent agricultural machinery system was demonstrated through corresponding simulation and actual vehicle experiments. This intelligent agricultural machinery system can cooperate with various operating tools and independently complete the vast majority of agricultural production activities.
Intercropping—Towards an Understanding of the Productivity and Profitability of Dryland Crop Mixtures in Southern Australia
Authors: Stott Kerry J. , Wallace Ashley J. , Khanal Uttam , Christy Brendan P. , Mitchell Meredith L. , Riffkin Penny A. , McCaskill Malcolm R. , Henry Frank J. , May Matthew D. , Nuttall James G. , O’Leary Garry J.
Published: September 2023

Intercropping using mixtures of dryland crop species for grain or seed production was investigated in southern Australia across a range of rainfall zones over three years. The objective was to understand the productivity and profitability of intercropping in extensive, high-input grain cropping systems. Previous research has shown large productivity benefits of mixtures; however, few farmers practice intercropping in Australia, and an analysis of profitability is needed to support future potential adoption. Experimental results showed strong mixture responses (in terms of yield, value and land equivalence), but not all were profitable compared to an equivalent share of monoculture crops (as measured by gross margins). The most promising mixtures were those containing high-value crops (canola) and legumes (field pea or faba bean) at the wetter sites where the additional gross margin over equivalent monoculture crops ranged from $12/ha to $576/ha. Mixtures containing highly competitive crops (wheat or barley) were generally unprofitable. Mixtures involving cereals were doubly disadvantaged by the aggressiveness of these lower-value crops in the mixtures we examined and the high grain separation costs post-harvest. Cost reduction in mixture systems involving high-value crops that are synergistic (grain legumes) should provide enduring opportunities for intercropping in southern Australia.
The Taxonomic Composition Changes of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Residue Composts Induced by Biochar and Calcium Carbonate Application
Authors: Orlova Nataliya , Shakhnazarova Vlada , Orlova Elena , Bityutskii Nikolai , Smirnova Kseniia , Xu Shaohui , Kichko Arina , Aksenova Tatiana
Published: September 2023

Plant residues are the main source of humus and some nutrients in soils. The composting of organic waste using modifiers is a promising way to obtain high-quality organic fertilizers. Here, the effect of biochar and calcium carbonate on the abundance and taxonomic composition of bacteria and fungi in mature plant compost has been studied using metagenomic analysis. Plant materials with different initial C:N ratios—low (22, clover), medium (38, rye) and high (68, oats)—served as composting materials in the pot experiment. The plant material mixed with sterile sand was modified by the addition of biochar or calcium carbonate. Both ameliorants increased pH values and humic acid content in composts irrespective of plant material composition. Representatives of the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes dominated among bacteria and representatives of the division Ascomycota dominated among fungi in the mature composts, as in the initial plant samples. The abundances of bacteria and fungi in the cereal composts were higher than in the composts with clover. The effect of biochar and calcium carbonate on the number and taxonomic composition of bacteria and fungi in composts from the same plant material was similar, while the effect of reagents in composts from different raw materials was ambiguous. No one dominant group of bacteria was found to develop in response to biochar or calcium carbonate application in any of the types of composts studied. However, the structure of the fungal community both at the phylum and genus levels changed significantly under the influence of these additives. The addition of calcium carbonate and biochar led to an increase in the abundance of the same groups of fungi, but this increase was different for composts made from different plant materials.
In Vitro Susceptibility of Aztreonam-Vaborbactam, Aztreonam-Relebactam and Aztreonam-Avibactam Associations against Metallo-β-Lactamase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Emeraud Cécile , Bernabeu Sandrine , Dortet Laurent
Published: September 2023

Background: Despite the availability of new options (ceftazidime-avibactam, imipenem-relebactam, meropenem-vaborbactam and cefiderocol), it is still very difficult to treat infections caused by metallo-β-lactamase (MBLs)-producers resistant to aztreonam. The in vitro efficacy of aztreonam in association with avibactam, vaborbactam or relebactam was evaluated on a collection of MBL-producing Enterobacterales, MBL-producing P. aeruginosa and highly drug-resistant S. maltophilia. Methods: A total of fifty-two non-duplicate MBL-producing Enterobacterales, five MBL-producing P. aeruginosa and five multidrug-resistant S. maltophila isolates were used in this study. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of aztreonam, meropenem-vaborbactam and imipenem-relebactam were determined by Etest® (bioMérieux, La Balme-les-Grottes) according to EUCAST recommendations. For aztreonam-avibactam, aztreonam-vaborbactam and aztreonam-relebactam associations, the MICs were determined using Etest® on Mueller-Hinton (MH) agar supplemented with 8 mg/L of avibactam, 8 mg/L of vaborbactam and 4 mg/L of relebactam. The MICs were interpreted according to EUCAST guidelines. Results: The susceptibility rates of aztreonam-avibactam, aztreonam-vaborbactam and aztreonam-relebactam with a standard exposure of aztreonam (1g × 3, IV) were 84.6% (44/52), 55.8% and 34.6% for Enterobacterales and 0% for all combinations for P. aeruginosa and S. maltophila. The susceptibility rates of aztreonam-avibactam, aztreonam-vaborbactam and aztreonam-relebactam with a high exposure of aztreonam (2g × 4, IV) were 92.3%, 78.9% and 57.7% for Enterobacterales, 75%, 60% and 60% for P. aeruginosa and 100%, 100% and 40% for S. maltophila. Conclusions: As previously demonstrated for an aztreonam/ceftazidime-avibactam combination, aztreonam plus imipenem-relebactam and aztreonam plus meropenem-vaborbactam might be useful options, but with potentially lower efficiency, to treat infections caused by aztreonam-non-susceptible MBL-producing Gram-negative strains.
Drug-Induced Acute Pancreatitis in Adults: Focus on Antimicrobial and Antiviral Drugs, a Narrative Review
Authors: Del Gaudio Angelo , Covello Carlo , Di Vincenzo Federica , De Lucia Sara Sofia , Mezza Teresa , Nicoletti Alberto , Siciliano Valentina , Candelli Marcello , Gasbarrini Antonio , Nista Enrico Celestino
Published: September 2023

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammation of the pancreas caused by the activation of digestive enzymes in the pancreatic tissue. The main causes of AP are cholelithiasis and alcohol abuse; less commonly, it can be caused by drugs, with a prevalence of up to 5%. Causal associations between drugs and pancreatitis are largely based on case reports or case series with limited evidence. We reviewed the available data on drug-induced AP, focusing on antimicrobial drugs and antivirals, and discussed the current evidence in relation to the classification systems available in the literature. We found 51 suspected associations between antimicrobial and antiviral drugs and AP. The drugs with the most evidence of correlation are didanosine, protease inhibitors, and metronidazole. In addition, other drugs have been described in case reports demonstrating positive rechallenge. However, there are major differences between the various classifications available, where the same drug being assigned to different probability classes. It is likely that the presence in multiple case reports of an association between acute pancreatitis and a drug should serve as a basis for conducting prospective randomized controlled trials to improve the quality of the evidence.